All posts by z3u9t.icu

Ryan Mason currently has his West Bromwich Albion troops out at a pre-season camp in Austria ahead of the new Championship campaign getting underway next month.

A behind-closed-doors friendly match will take place between the Baggies and Dynamo Kyiv this coming Friday to officially get the second-tier side’s pre-season up and running, with Mason perhaps selecting brand-new £4.7m buy Aune Heggebo from the get-go to see what he’s made of in attack.

Mikey Johnston will also be linking up with the pre-season camp shortly, although this isn’t the planned-out route the ex-Celtic winger would have envisaged for himself this summer, as a move to Brazilian giants Flamengo, unfortunately, collapsed at the final hour.

The lowdown on Johnston's failed move to Flamengo

It was a deal that suddenly arrived from left field, but it had been reported that Johnston was going to move out to South America for a fee around the £5m region.

It’s stated that a move fell through – according to reports from Brazil – over concerns emerging over the Republic of Ireland international’s long-term availability fitness-wise, with Johnston prone to significant time out of the Baggies side through injury.

This will have come as a devastating blow to Johnston, considering it was rumoured that the 26-year-old was in line to earn a whopping £1.2m a year at his new Rio De Janeiro home, as opposed to banking £650k a year at the Hawthorns.

It remains to be seen whether the 5-foot-9 winger will be content with staying put at the Championship side after such an ordeal, with the potential loss of Johnston obviously hurting Mason and Co. after he fired home a promising three strikes in league action last season, even as West Brom’s promotion push fell to the wayside.

However, not all hope will be lost if Johnston does move on to another suitor down the line, especially if Mason can flex his past Tottenham Hotspur connections to land this rising North London talent to replace the outgoing Irishman.

Mason's dream Johnston replacement

West Brom has been a hotbed for some exciting, young talent from the Premier League in the not-so-distant past, with Romelu Lukaku once calling the Hawthorns his temporary sanctuary on loan away from parent side Chelsea.

Mikey Moore could be the next future star that gets his senior career up and running in style in the West Midlands, with reports last month speculating that the 17-year-old Spurs prodigy is being looked at by the new Baggies boss, having worked with the teenage sensation when coaching at the Premier League side.

He has already made a splash in the senior side at Thomas Frank’s men, with this sublime solo strike in Europa League action kickstarting his men’s career at Spurs, but he will be desperate for more long-standing first-team opportunities if a move to the Hawthorns is finalised.

Moore might well be ready to take over from Johnston down the left wing if given the chance to do so, with the 17-year-old’s main skills resting on his ability to play across a wide array of attacking positions – away from his blistering powers of picking up goals and assists for fun – including down the ex-Celtic man’s trusty left-hand side.

LW

18

4

6

AM

8

6

4

CF

7

11

4

RW

6

1

0

Indeed, when looking at the above table, it’s clear that Moore can shine all across the attacking positions. But, his preferred position does look to be on the left wing, with a stunning four goals and six assists coming his way here from 18 outings in the English capital.

Therefore, any gaping hole left behind by Johnston down the line could be effectively filled in by the “future superstar”, as he’s been referred to by football analyst Ben Mattinson previously.

After all, he has also been donned as “fearless” by Spurs teammate James Maddison recently, meaning he could take to the pressures of being one of West Brom’s main options here in his stride, with the troubling issue of Johnston wanting to move on resolved by this promising loan capture.

The new Brunt: West Brom eyeing EFL star with 119 Championship appearances

West Bromwich Albion could sign their next Chris Brunt by picking up this phenomenal EFL performer.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 7, 2025

Turning their attention towards a third addition after Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol, there have now been claims that Leeds United have a “verbal agreement” in place to sign a £20m+ star.

Jaka Bijol: Leeds move "biggest of my career"

It’s been a busy summer at Elland Road thus far. To kick things off, the Yorkshire club welcomed Nmecha in a bargain deal at the end of his Wolfsburg contract and have since spent big for the first time to sign Bijol from Udinese. The defender was officially unveiled as a Leeds player earlier this week and instantly stated that it is the biggest move of his career.

The defender told the club website: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.

Best signing since Raphinha: Leeds close to landing "exceptional" £21m star

Leeds United are closing in on a deal for a star who would be their best signing since Raphinha.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 23, 2025

“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.

“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”

At £15m, the deal hasn’t come cheap, but it was one that the 49ers were clearly keen to get done ahead of Leeds’ return to the Premier League in the coming months.

Serie A seems to be where it’s at for the American owners too, amid claims that they’ve returned to Italy’s top flight to strike another agreement.

Leeds have "agreement" to sign £20m Krstovic

According to reports relayed by MOT Leeds, Leeds have now got an “agreement in principle” to sign Nikola Krstovic from Serie A side Lecce this summer. In a deal reportedly worth around £20m, the forward could arrive to boost the Whites’ attacking options alongside Nmecha in the coming months.

While a “verbal agreement” is reportedly in place, however, the player himself is reportedly yet to reach a decision regarding an exit away from Lecce this summer, and that decision will ultimately be final.

All involved at Leeds should, of course, be keen to receive the green light from the talented 25-year-old after he scored 12 goals in all competitions for Lecce last summer. If there were any doubts over his ability to perform at the top level then his Serie A record should have helped put those doubts to rest.

After spending big on Bijol, signing Krstovic for an equally impressive fee would send a statement of intent from the 49ers, who will be desperate to help push Leeds away from the dropzone next season.

An “unbelievable” Liverpool player is now reportedly “ready” to complete a move to a major club who have met the Reds in multiple major finals.

Players who could leave Liverpool this summer

For all the current stories linking the Premier League champions with new signings, constant speculation is also rife regarding outgoing moves in the summer transfer window.

Andy Robertson is reportedly keen on a shock move to La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, with some claiming that he is a “top target” for them. The 31-year-old wasn’t at his best last season, and Milos Kerkez is expected to join Liverpool from Bournemouth, but seeing him leave would still be a surprise.

Elsewhere, the likes of Kostas Tsimikas, Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez are far from guaranteed to be at Anfield next season, with Elliott arguably hinting the most about a new challenge: “I’m coming into an age now where I’m 22, I’m gonna be 23 next season, and I don’t really want to be wasting years in my career because it’s a short career, you don’t know what’s gonna happen.

“Injuries and things could shorten it. So I think it’s a situation that, as I’ve said before, I need to reflect, I need to see if I’m content in doing what I’m doing and how can I improve as a player.”

Liverpool attacker "ready" to leave Anfield

Now, according to Gazzetta dello Sport in Italy [via Sport Witness], Liverpool striker Nunez is now “ready” to secure a move to AC Milan this summer, moving to the Reds’ 2005 and 2007 Champions League final opponents.

Milan are dreaming of snapping up a “big No.9” and the £140,000-a-week Uruguayan has emerged as a target, even though his wages could be expensive for both themselves and fellow suitors Napoli.

Nunez moving on from Liverpool this summer is the right decision for everyone concerned, with the 25-year-old ultimately not good enough over the past three years.

Arne Slot has made it clear that he doesn’t see him as a key part of his plans, simply by not picking him often, even though his assist for Elliott’s winner away to Paris Saint-Germain last season was described as “unbelievable” by Ally McCoist during commentary on the game.

Liverpool need to sign a higher calibre of striker before next season gets underway, unless Slot plans to use Florian Wirtz as a false nine, and Nunez can still generate a healthy amount of money for the Reds.

Better than Ekitike: Liverpool make approach to sign "the new Haaland"

Liverpool could be about to forget about Hugo Ekitike with a move for another talisman.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2025

While clearly a popular figure among the fanbase because of his personality and work ethic, the Merseysiders must be ruthless with him, and Milan could be an ideal destination.

Aston Villa are still looking to fill the void left by Jhon Duran as the summer transfer window enters its embryonic stage.

The Colombian was sold for £71m in January after scoring 12 goals for the club during the first half of the season.

While Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford contributed well between January and May, scoring 12 goals between them, both have since returned to their parent clubs.

This means Unai Emery enters the market looking for a forward who can make a difference. Might he turn to Ligue 1 again?

Aston Villa lead the race for Belgian sensation

It appears as though Rashford won’t return to Villa next season. The club have shown interest in Tyler Dibling and Jadon Sancho in a bid to improve their wide options next season.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

Rather than focus on Premier League talent, the manager also has eyes on the continent. According to TEAMtalk, Villa are among the clubs leading the race for talented Lyon winger Malick Fofana.

Liverpool and Arsenal are also in contention for the player and the report states that Lyon’s financial troubles could see Fofana available for just £40m this summer.

A young, left-footed talent ready to make his mark in the Premier League. Can Emery sign his new Duran in a move for Fofana?

Why Villa must sign Malick Fofana

Duran certainly had the potential to become Emery’s main attacking option, but the offer from the Middle East was too good to turn down.

The youngster dazzled with his displays off the bench for the Midlands side, eventually scoring 20 goals in 78 appearances, yet only 17 of those were starts.

Metric

Ligue 1

Europa League

Goals

5

6

Assists

4

1

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes per game

0.9

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.8

0.9

Emery has been craving a talent like Duran ever since he departed, and in Fofana, the Belgian starlet could become his next exciting young forward. Indeed, journalist Antonio Mango has lauded him for his “frightening speed” and “game-changing potential” – remind you of anyone?

The 20-year-old made his debut for Gent during the 2022/23 campaign, impressing sufficiently to secure a move to Lyon in January 2024.

His spell with the French giants has been a major success. Across 62 games, the youngster has registered 22 goal contributions – 15 goals and seven assists – particularly impressing last term.

Indeed, in April, talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed the winger for “showing flashes of his enormous potential” and he was especially dangerous in the Europa League.

When compared to his positional peers in the competition, Fofana ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05), progressive carries (7.88) and touches in the attacking penalty area (8.23) per 90 in the Europa League.

His explosiveness and desire to make things happen in the final third make him an excellent prospect, and he could continue his development under Emery at Villa.

Like his fellow left-footer, Duran, he would be an exciting young signing with potential, and there is no doubt Fofana could have a similar sort of impact as the Colombian forward.

With Villa playing in the Europa League – a competition Fofana excelled in – then bringing the Belgian sensation to the Midlands this summer could turn out to be one shrewd move by the manager.

Better than Watkins: Aston Villa ready offer for £28m "pure goalscorer"

Aston Villa are eyeing up a swoop for a striker

1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 6, 2025

Arsenal transfer chief Andrea Berta is personally keen on a high-earning centre-forward, who’d now reportedly jump at the chance to join Mikel Arteta’s side.

Arsenal two-man striker target list with Andrea Berta holding talks

According to recent reports, two players currently stand out as Arsenal’s most desired striker targets – Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal seal first summer sale as "high level" player completes European move

A few more expected to follow this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 23, 2025

Going by the on-field and off-field numbers, it is clear to see why this is the case.

Gyokeres, who’s racked up a phenomenal 53 goals in all competitions for Sporting this season, could also depart the Primeira Liga side for a fee of up to £60 million, according to Fabrizio Romano, so he’d be an arguable bargain when factoring in the 26-year-old’s record.

Sporting CP

101

96

28

Coventry City

116

43

17

Brommapojkarna

67

25

9

FC St. Pauli

28

7

4

Swansea City

12

1

0

Brighton

8

1

1

Meanwhile, Sesko’s current release clause stands at £67 million, and the Slovenia international actually bettered his goalscoring tally from last season (18) with 21 goals across all competitions.

While some reports in Portugal earlier this week stated that Arsenal have agreed a £59m fee to sign Gyokeres from Sporting (O Jogo), this claim appears to have jumped the gun, as Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg stated on Friday that Berta is holding serious talks over a move for Sesko.

Arsenal’s pursuit of a top goalscorer remains very much open, as Berta identifies targets who he believes would be best-suited to Arteta.

Interestingly, as per journalist Simon Phillips last week, Arteta would personally prefer Sesko, while Berta is believed to be more of a fan of Gyokeres.

What’s clear, though, is Arsenal’s glaring need for another striker. Arteta has been forced to utilise midfielder Mikel Merino as an emergency striker for most of this calendar year, following injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

While the latter has since returned to action, it is imperative that Arsenal don’t wait any longer to sign a 25-plus-goals-per-season forward, as they look to mount a successful Premier League title challenge.

Dušan Vlahović would "immediately" join Arsenal this summer

According to some reports, there are other centre-forwards on Berta’s shopping list, albeit further down the pecking order when compared to Sesko and Gyokeres.

Journalist Daniele Longo, writing a piece for Calciomercato, shares that Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović is one of them.

The Serbia international is entering the final 12 months of his £359,000-per-week contract at Juve, and with no sign of a renewal, it would appear that the Old Lady must be more inclined to sell him this summer, rather than lose Vlahovic for nothing in 2026.

Longo states that Vlahovic “would immediately pack his bags” and join Arsenal if given the opportunity, and Berta personally wants the ex-Fiorentina star, even if he’s less of a transfer priority.

The “starting” price of any negotiations for Vlahovic comes at around £42 million, which could be seen by some as good value, considering the “machine” has scored at least 14 total goals per season since 2020/21.

If Berta were to seriously pursue him, Arsenal’s major obstacle would undoubtedly be Vlahovic’s extortionate wages.

Reliable journalist David Ornstein expects Arsenal to sign one of a £125 million duo this summer, with sporting director Andrea Berta and manager Mikel Arteta set for a key transfer decision.

Arsenal to have "at least" £100 million to spend this summer

According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, Arsenal are set to have “at least” £100 million to spend on new signings when the window reopens, and this is not factoring in potential funds raised through player sales.

Arsenal "strongest bidder" for £82m ex-Man City star as Berta prioritises deal

The north Londoners have emerged as favourites.

ByEmilio Galantini May 27, 2025

Arsenal are already closing in on the signing of Spain midfielder Martin Zubimendi (Fabrizio Romano), who is poised to end his spell at boyhood club Real Sociedad by sealing a switch to the Premier League, and £51 million of Berta’s transfer kitty looks set to be splashed on the 26-year-old.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The north Londoners also wish to sign a new second-choice keeper, defender, winger and striker over the coming months (GiveMeSport), with Arsenal holding talks over signing Real Madrid star Rodrygo in the last two weeks.

Arsenal could be set for a very busy summer, but one position which supporters are very keen to see addressed is centre-forward.

Arteta’s side struggled to finish teams off throughout 2024/2025, and scored far fewer Premier League goals than usual, ending the campaign with just 69 strikes in the top flight compared to 91 and 88 in the previous two seasons.

Serious injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus undoubtedly contributed, but there is an ongoing argument that a more prolific striker has been the missing piece of Arteta’s jigsaw for quite some time now.

Despite links to other high-profile number nines, like Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez, it is reliably reported that RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are Arsenal’s top two striker targets.

There are even suggestions that Berta and Arteta are in disagreement over who they should seriously pursue (Simon Phillips), with “concrete” Arsenal talks held over a move for Sesko and reports in Portugal claiming a move for Gyokeres is also quite advanced.

David Ornstein expects Arsenal to sign Viktor Gyokeres or Benjamin Sesko

Sesko’s deal includes a £62 million release clause, while Gyokeres will reportedly be allowed to depart Sporting for around £63 million.

Both men have enjoyed prolific campaigns for the respective clubs, with the latter bagging 53 goals in all competitions and the former scoring 21.

Ornstein, speaking on NBC Sports (via GMS), is expecting one of the £125 million duo to make the move to N5 this summer, with Arsenal seemingly set for one of their biggest transfer calls in recent memory.

“They’ve got a decision to make between Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig and Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting Lisbon, both fantastic options and talents,” said Ornstein.

“I do expect one of them to come into the Emirates Stadium this summer.”

Fresh from Europa League final heartbreak, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to make their move for one of the most wanted young talents that Serie A has to offer.

Rubem Amorim reacts to Europa League final defeat

In a game that could have saved their season, Manchester United simply had it summed up in a painful defeat at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur. The Red Devils had their attacking weakness on full show as they handed Spurs their first clean sheet against Premier League opposition since February, which also came against Ruben Amorim’s side, and showed their defensive frailties when Brennan Johnson scrapped home the opening and only goal of the night.

Amorim’s first six months in charge will no longer centre around victory when it mattered most to somehow find a way into the Champions League. Instead, it will centre around ultimate failure. The failure to make his mark on a Manchester United side that have fallen lower than ever in the Premier League.

The former Sporting Club boss still believes that he is the right man for the job, however, having told reporters in his post-match press conference: “I will not quit. I am confident in my job and I will not change anything. If the board or fans feel that I’m not the right guy, I will go the next day without any conversation about compensation… but I will not quit.”

Games

41

Wins

16

Draws

8

Defeats

17

Whilst Amorim’s record speaks for just how poorly his reign has been, he desperately needs the chance to build Manchester United in his own vision this summer.

The big question on that front, of course, will be whether INEOS are in a position to spend enough to do just that following Europa League defeat. But if they are, then United are seemingly set to make their move for a Serie A talent.

Man Utd ready to make Ndoye move

According to Tuttosport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester United are now ready to make their move for Dan Ndoye, who is one of the most sought after young talents in Italy amid further interest from both Juventus and champions-elect Napoli.

Man Utd working to sign Fenerbahce defender who Mourinho likened to Varane

United are now ready to intensify their move after scouts watched him throughout the season.

ByBrett Worthington May 21, 2025

Reportedly available for around €40m (£34m), Ndoye could become an ideal replacement for Alejandro Garnacho, who has been linked with a move away from Old Trafford more than once in the last year. At 24 years old, the Bologna star is just about to enter the peak of his powers and may soon be asked to make the impact that former teammate Joshua Zirkzee has otherwise failed to make at Manchester United.

It should come as no shock that reports are suggesting that Manchester United have been tracking Ndoye since Euro 2024 last summer, when he enjoyed what football talent scout Jacek Kulug dubbed an “excellent tournament” for Switzerland.

As Manchester United battle against Napoli and Juventus for his signature, Ndoye’s potential decision will give those at Old Trafford the first glimpse at their ability to sign such players without Champions League football this summer.

Manchester City’s Premier League title success at the end of the 2023/24 season feels like a lifetime ago now with their reputation as English football’s dominant force taking a bruising this campaign.

Indeed, Arne Slot showed no fear coming up against Pep Guardiola’s assured outfit during his debut season at the Liverpool helm with top spot secured in style by the Dutchman. Moreover, Newcastle United would reign supreme in the EFL Cup, away from City getting their hands on another honour.

There is still the FA Cup up for grabs for the Citizens – alongside a space inside the Premier League top five – but it’s fair to say it’s been a big reality check for Guardiola and Co regardless. To potentially regain their position as the top dog soon, a handful of new signings could well do the trick this summer.

The latest on Man City's transfer plans

Even though their stature isn’t quite what it used to be, City do still have plenty of spending power when it comes to transfers into the Etihad.

After all, in January alone, Guardiola’s men managed to splash out a whopping £180m on new recruits, with faces being linked to the building now in the form of Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz not coming in on the cheap side either.

Gaining the German’s services looks especially tricky, with anything below £127m deemed as unsatisfactory on Bayer Leverkusen’s end, meaning alternate targets in attack are being lined up.

One of those targets is Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo. According to reports from Spain, it’s stated that City are planning to come forward with a bid for the captivating Brazilian.

Transfer Focus

Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.

It’s noted that City’s ‘strategy is clear’ as they go about launching an offer and engaging in talks with Madrid.

If previous rumours are anything to go by, a more modest – but still excessive – £85m could be seen as acceptable here.

Amazingly, acquiring the sensational South American could see City still win their own answer to Wirtz, with the 24-year-old similar in play style to the £100m+ man according to FBref, despite not lining up as a primary number ten option like the Leverkusen ace.

Why Rodrygo could be Man City's answer to Wirtz

Of course, Rodrygo hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders for Madrid as of late, with the 33-time Brazil international letting the last 12 La Liga games pass him by with no goals or assists being picked up.

Yet, he still has an encouraging total of 23 combined goals and assists this season from 50 overall clashes, which included one assist even being notched up against Guardiola’s side in Champions League knockout action back in February.

City will be very familiar of his “world-class” ability – as he was once lauded by revered teammate Luka Modric – away from just this assist, with four strikes also tallied up from nine appearances against his potential new employers.

But, away from his explosiveness in-front of goal being similar to Wirtz’s – who has amassed 16 goals himself in both the Bundesliga and Champions League for Xabi Alonso’s giants this season – both stars in question are capable of being flexible to fit their team’s needs, seen in the many different attacking positions they can slot into at a moment’s notice.

AM

Rodrygo

3

0

1

CF

Rodrygo

82

22

8

RW

Rodrygo

145

43

30

LW

Rodrygo

78

23

16

CM

Rodrygo

0

0

0

SS

Rodrygo

1

0

0

CF

Wirtz

11

4

4

RW

Wirtz

11

4

3

LW

Wirtz

9

2

3

CM

Wirtz

5

0

3

SS

Wirtz

4

3

3

As can be seen glancing at the extensive table above, both players can pop up in a wide array of positions, with Rodrygo’s varied game in particular seeing him accumulate 69 goals and assists combined as a winger across his career to date, away from just lining up as a central option up top.

Whilst Wirtz might well be their more desired target, an opportunity to land Rodrygo – who has openly been lauded as “special” in the past by Carlo Ancelotti – would be too good an opening to reject, especially if he’s a slightly more price-savvy alternative to the in-demand 22-year-old.

Man City target who Pep loves not happy with £5m salary offer at PSG

Man City are now ready to sign a big name…

ByBrett Worthington May 7, 2025

Leeds United have a huge summer ahead of them in the coming months, needing to build a side capable of surviving the drop in the Premier League throughout 2025/26.

The Whites will be attempting to do something which no side has managed in the last two seasons, in maintaining their top-flight status after securing promotion from the Championship.

Southampton, Ipswich Town, Leicester City, Luton Town, Burnley, and Sheffield United have all tried and failed, handing Daniel Farke a huge task to prevent the club from being added to such a list.

The German has already had questions asked about his future at Elland Road, with the Whites manager potentially being replaced before the start of the next campaign.

Regardless of the situation, the foundations have already been laid for the summer window, with numerous players already linked with a summer switch to Yorkshire.

An update on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last few weeks, rumours have emerged over Leeds making a potential move for Newcastle United’s midfielder Sean Longstaff, but could face huge competition from other top-flight sides for his signature.

Everton have been named as the latest side to enter the race for his services, with the Magpies only demanding a £10m fee to part ways with the 27-year-old.

His experience in the division could be vital for the Whites’ chances of securing survival next season, potentially being joined by Augsburg goalkeeper Finn Dahmen, if recent reports are to be believed.

It was reported by BILD via Sport Witness that the Whites are keen on a move for the 27-year-old this summer, looking to cement his place as number one under Farke.

It also states that no asking price has yet been set for his services, but that he could be open to a move to the Premier League to further his career at the top level.

Why Leeds’ target could be Farke’s next Tanaka

The 2024/25 season has been a hugely successful one for Leeds, ending their stay in the Championship, but also landing key talents such as Ao Tanaka in the process.

The Japanese international joined from Fortuna Düsseldorf last summer for a reported £3.5m fee, cementing himself as a key player in Farke’s starting eleven throughout the last few months.

He’s managed to rack up 44 appearances across all competitions, notching six combined goals and assists – even being named in the Championship Team of the Season.

Such a deal has been one of the club’s best in recent years, playing a pivotal role in their success and hopefully taking the Premier League by storm after his debut year in Yorkshire.

However, the manager could be about to land his next version of the star this summer in the form of Dahmen, who could follow in Tanaka’s footsteps by joining the Whites from a German side.

If he manages to get anywhere near the level of the Japanese star, he will be a fan favourite in no time, potentially playing a vital role in their chances of staying up.

The German has excelled in recent months, making 16 appearances, keeping nine clean sheets and conceding just ten goals during such a period – leading to journalist Christian Pohlmann labelling him as “extraordinary”.

Games played

16

Clean sheets

9

Goals conceded

10

Save percentage

85%

Saves made

3.5

Errors leading to goals

0

Pass accuracy

68%

His staggering numbers don’t stop there, saving 85% of the efforts that he’s faced this campaign, averaging 3.5 saves per 90 – handing Farke that added solidity he needs at the back.

Dahmen has also not made a single error leading to a goal, and is more than capable of playing out from the back, 68% of the passes he’s attempted throughout 2024/25.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the club back this summer, the stats he’s produced are incredible, certainly bolstering the ranks at Elland Road.

Their dealings with landing players from Germany in recent months have been successful, as seen with Tanaka, which could lead to Dahmen being the next star to make the switch to England.

Bad news for Byram: Leeds want to sign "outstanding" £34k-per-week star

Leeds are reportedly interested in signing a Premier League defender, and it is bad news for Sam Byram.

ByDan Emery May 1, 2025

Liverpool have reportedly “identified” a “fantastic” replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, with the player in question excelling in the Premier League this season.

Trent's Liverpool future still unknown

With Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk tied down to their respective new two-year deals in recent weeks, Reds supporters have been able to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

That said, there are still huge doubts surrounding the future of Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, with the vice-captain heavily linked with a move from his boyhood club to Real Madrid.

The fact that the 26-year-old has done little to play down the rumours at any point suggests that his head may well have been turned by a high-profile summer switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, in a decision that would have the potential to harm his legacy at Anfield.

If Alexander-Arnold does leave Liverpool this summer, it is vital that a top-quality replacement comes in, with SC Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia mentioned as a target. Bayer Leverkusen ace Jeremie Frimpong has also been backed to join the Reds, having shone under Xabi Alonso for the reigning Bundesliga champions.

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According to an update from Caught Offside on Sunday, Liverpool have “identified” Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina as a new target and option to replace Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season, assuming he leaves.

The 28-year-old has shone for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side throughout the 2024/25 campaign, proving to be a key player in their push for unlikely Champions League qualification.

The £40,000-a-week Aina is a strong option for Liverpool alongside the likes of Sildillia and Frimpong this summer, with his performances for Forest showing what an asset he could be.

The Nigerian has averaged 2.9 clearances and 0.4 aerial duel wins per game in the Premier League across 30 appearances, which is superior to Alexander-Arnold’s tallies in that area, as the table below illustrates.

Appearances

30

28

Starts

30

26

Minutes played

2575

2158

Goals

2

2

Assists

1

6

Clearances per game

2.9

1.6

Aerial duel wins per game

0.4

0.1

Interceptions per game

1.0

1.1

Aina has also been lauded for one attacking moment of quality earlier this season, with Glenn Murray full of praise for his goal against Aston Villa:

“Sometimes when you come on to a shot like that the temptation can be to leather the ball with your laces. But, it’s a side foot, it’s controlled and it’s a fantastic finish, it really is.”

At 28, Aina is two years older than Alexander-Arnold, however, and wouldn’t necessarily represent a long-term option for Liverpool, which is arguably the biggest negative against them signing him.

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The Reds would arguably be wiser to look at younger targets, such as those mentioned above, allowing them to sign someone with more scope to improve as the years pass.