All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Having already welcomed Anthony Elanga, Newcastle United are now reportedly “pushing” to sign Hugo Ekitike in a deal worth over £60m this summer.

Securing their second signing of the summer and their biggest so far following Antonio Cordero’s initial arrival, Newcastle will be glad to have got Elanga over the line. The Swede enjoyed an excellent campaign with Nottingham Forest last time out – scoring six goals as well as assisting a further 12 in all competitions – and will now form one of the Premier League’s deadliest trios alongside Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Speaking for the first time since welcoming Elanga, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe told the club website: “I’m delighted to welcome Anthony to Newcastle United. He has been a key target for us so I’m delighted to secure him at this early part of pre-season.

“He is an exciting talent with attributes that make him a unique attacking threat. His pace, energy and ability to create and score goals will strengthen us and complement the way we want to play. Anthony is hungry to develop even further with us and to achieve success here, and we’re all looking forward to working with him.”

However, after spending around £55m to reinforce Newcastle’s frontline, PIF still reportedly have unfinished business in the summer transfer window. Recent reports have linked the Magpies with moves for the likes of Giorgio Scalvini, who would be an impressive defensive addition, while a move for James Trafford has been on the cards for some time.

What’s more, fresh reports are now claiming that those at St James’ Park are “pushing” to welcome another talented attacking option.

Downie: What Hugo Ekitike bid means for Alexander Isak

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are now “pushing” to sign Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt after submitting a bid worth over €70m (£61m). Jumping ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea in the race to sign the Frenchman, the Magpies could be about to form quite the strike partnership between Ekitike and Isak.

Starts

31

34

Goals

15

23

Assists

8

6

Expected Goals

21.6

20.3

Keith Downie has since added comment on the concerns around Isak’s future, speaking to Sky Sports live from outside St James’ Park on Tuesday morning.

While the reporter does confirm the Magpies want the Sweden superstar to sign a new contract and hope to begin talks soon, he claims the club will be in a “completely different scenario” next summer if a new deal is not signed and may well be getting their ducks in a row for Isak to leave in 2026.

There will be some concerns over how Ekitike underperformed his expected goals total last season, but keeping hold of the clinical Isak – at least for now – would instantly nullify those concerns.

The forward’s rise is one that former Reims manager Oscar Garcia saw coming from the start of his career, having told reporters: “There is something very special about him. He’s young, and he has the quality to become a very good player. He’s a young man with a lot of quality but also a lot to improve on, but he works hard in training.”

A dream for Bruno: Newcastle likely to see £50m bid accepted to sign new CM

As Newcastle United look to bolster their midfield options, the Mapgies are reportedly set to see a £50 million bid accepted to sig a great “leader”.

ByBen Gray Jul 15, 2025

Now, that “special” player could be on his way to Newcastle to stand next to Isak in one of the best attacks that the Premier League has to offer.

Crystal Palace have submitted a bid worth £8.5 million to sign a 21-year-old rising star who wants to move to Selhurst Park, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace chasing two new midfielders for Glasner

While the Eagles continue to wait for clarification on whether they will be playing in the Europa League or not next season, people behind the scenes are working hard on potential transfers, as Oliver Glasner and co. plan to improve many areas of the team regardless of how many fronts they are asked to compete on.

Crystal Palace make approach to bring in £20m midfielder along with Diomande

Crystal Palace already have their eyes on their next transfer target amid talks with Diomande.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 23, 2025

Midfield appears to be the priority for the South Londoners at this moment in time, as they work on not just one but two new midfield signings. Last week, it was reported by Alan Nixon, via TBR Football, that Palace had made an approach to RC Lens over signing Andy Diouf.

Despite potentially having European football, Palace are aware they could lose Adam Wharton in this transfer window and therefore want to have a replacement ready. It would cost the Premier League side just £20 million to get a deal wrapped up.

As Palace weigh where to go next with a deal for Diouf, reports also claim the Eagles have made contact with Brighton & Hove Albion player Igor Julio over a potential move to Selhurst Park. The South Londoners are not the only Premier League team chasing a deal, as Wolverhampton Wanderers are also interested in signing the midfielder, but he is said to be prioritising a move out of England at this moment in time.

Crystal Palace submit £8.5m striker bid

Despite the excellent form of Jean-Philippe Mateta last season, the Eagles are in the market for a new striker as well as new midfielders. According to Africa Foot, Crystal Palace have made a 10 million euros (£8.5m) bid to sign Oumar Diakité from Stade de Reims.

The report states that given Stade de Reims’ relegation to Ligue 2, Diakite is among the players attracting interest across Europe. But Palace are the ones who have made a concrete move to sign the young striker, and the Eagles are in a good position to complete a transfer, as Diakite is keen on the move to Selhurst Park.

As well as making a bid, Palace have also offered the player a five-year contract and are ready to pay him 3.5 million euros a year, which is roughly £2.9 million. The concern Palace do face is that Stade de Reims are not rushing to sell the player and are waiting for more ‘miraculous’ offers to arrive.

Apps

33

Goals

4

Assists

1

Palace’s interest in the 21-year-old is not new, as back in November it was reported that the Premier League side had identified Diakite as a long-term replacement for Mateta. The Ivory Coast international has shown in the last couple of seasons he knows where the back of the net is, but the hope will be for him to learn under the French star, not replace him.

Arsenal have plenty of time on their hands to bring in stars to strengthen their bid for the Premier League title, but may now face a battle to retain one of their key men, according to a report.

Arsenal closing in on Martin Zubimendi deal

In what appears to have become a long-running saga, Arsenal are close to signing Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi after the Spain international was in London over the weekend to try and iron out the finer details of his move.

With Thomas Partey set to leave the Gunners on a free transfer amid interest from Fenerbahce and Galatasaray, there is definite scope for Mikel Arteta to reshape his engine room ahead of another campaign where his side are expected to lead the fight on all fronts.

Nevertheless, there is still no clear direction on whether Arsenal will sign Benjamin Sesko or Viktor Gyokeres to lead the line as the financials involved between the club and either RB Leipzig or Sporting remain to be determined.

Of course, the Gunners have plenty of capital to play with in North London, but they need to factor in the best possible way to use it without being short-changed in their hunt for reinforcements.

Taking a measured approach to signings makes a degree of sense, though there is always a sense of impatience among supporters desperate to see new arrivals.

Arsenal ready move to sign £40m+ Chelsea star with Maresca open to offers

The Gunners are reportedly ready to launch a surprising move.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 23, 2025

Jorrel Hato is another long-term Arsenal target. Still, there may need to be one or two departures to bankroll their summer spending spree.

Looking ahead to potential events that could occur, the Gunners now have a major decision on their hands involving one of their most important contributors.

Arsenal could face battle to retain Gabriel Martinelli

According to TBR, Arsenal could struggle to retain Gabriel Martinelli after Bayern Munich made contact over a potential move for the Brazil international.

Lodging an enquiry, the Bundesliga champions have tempted the 24-year-old to think about his future, and he is said to be ‘exploring his options’ and hasn’t made a conclusive decision over whether to stay in North London or otherwise.

Gabriel Martinelli’s Premier League campaign in numbers – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Chances created

40

Successful dribbles

33

Shots

55

Shots on target

25

Successful crosses

22

Labelled “brilliant” by teammate Gabriel Jesus, Saudi Pro League clubs have also expressed an interest in his services, though it feels unlikely that he would opt to leave Europe’s top-five leagues during a relatively early stage in his career.

Enjoying a productive time of things last term, £180,000 per week earner Martinelli registered ten goals and six assists in 51 appearances across all competitions and wouldn’t be easy to replace at the Emirates Stadium.

Intriguingly, Arsenal have looked at Chelsea’s Noni Madueke after missing out on Nico Williams to Barcelona, so there is a possibility that wingers will form a key part of their transfer strategy regardless of the outcome elsewhere.

Already closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now reportedly very keen to sign an upgrade on Casemiro in the form of a £35m midfield star this summer.

Man Utd submit fresh Mbeumo bid

It hasn’t been the easiest deal to negotiate and the winger is yet to sign on the dotted line, but Manchester United’s latest bid to sign Mbeumo could yet prove to be successful at long last. The Red Devils have reportedly offered Brentford over £60m to sign their talented star who looks destined to become the second summer arrival at Old Trafford sooner rather than later.

Mbeumo’s arrival would take United’s spending to over £160m for the summer despite missing out on European football and often watching on as INEOS implemented several money-saving plans.

Success on the pitch has been given the priority no matter what, however, and the pressure will now be on Ruben Amorim to get the best out of his side next season.

What’s more, it seems unlikely at this stage that it will just be Cunha and Mbeumo who arrive. The likes of Emiliano Martinez have threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks as Aston Villa attempt to comply with PSR rules, as has Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

Their own Osimhen: Man Utd start talks to sign one of Europe's "best STs"

Manchester United appear to be making strides in a deal to land a new striker for Ruben Amorim.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Both arrivals would again offer Amorim much-needed upgrades on Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan in recent weeks.

Before Martinez and Ekitike enter Old Trafford, though, United may turn their focus towards a talented defensive midfielder worth just £34m this summer.

Man Utd very keen to sign Jashari

According to HLN, as relayed by Get Belgian & Dutch Football News, Manchester United are now very keen to sign Ardon Jashari from Club Brugge and, unlike others, are not put off by his €40m (£34m) price tag.

The Red Devils would be signing a player who was just voted the best player in Belgium – winning the Player of the Season award in the Belgium Pro League – and one who would be an instant upgrade on the ageing Casemiro.

Dubbed “impressive” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Jashari certainly isn’t short on suitors this summer but it’s a race that Manchester United could have the financial power to win once again.

If the 22-year-old was the follow Cunha and Mbeumo through the Old Trafford doors then Amorim would instantly have three very impressive signings to work with this summer.

Manchester United have now made an enquiry over signing a £34 million defender who is also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and once rejected a move to Arsenal.

Man Utd eyeing defensive reinforcements this summer

It could be said that there are multiple positions United need to address this summer, with strengthening their forward line clearly a key agenda, given the arrival of Matheus Cunha and the expected arrival of Bryan Mbeumo. But as well as looking at the front of the team, Ruben Amorim is also mindful about his defence, and they are now looking at potential arrivals there.

Man Utd considering move to sign "incredible" Bayern Munich star for £25m

Amorim has identified a player he believes will transform his midfield and knows the Premier League well.

1 ByBrett Worthington Jun 9, 2025

At the end of last week, it was reported in Spain that INEOS were readying a £25 million bid to sign Vanderson from AS Monaco. The Brazilian is a right-back by trade, so he would likely be a player to compete for a starting spot in Amorim’s wing-back role. The 23-year-old finished last season with one goal and three assists in 29 Ligue 1 games, and that earned him a call-up to the Brazil squad in Carlo Ancelotti’s first games in charge.

As well as preparing a bid to sign Vanderson, reports have emerged that United have opened talks to sign Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr. The Frenchman is expected to leave Saudi Arabia this summer, and that has alerted United, who would be making a bold move given his time at Manchester City. Al-Nassr are looking to get around £23 million for Laporte.

Man Utd make enquiry to sign Evan Ndicka from Roma

Laporte is not the only centre-back on the radar of the Red Devils, as according to RMC Sport, Man United have now made an approach to sign Evan Ndicka from AS Roma, who once rejected a move to Arsenal, saying: “I’m not pretending that I don’t see the rumours. But I have respect in Rome and I respect them. I have three years remaining on my contract, we will see what happens later.”

Amorim is looking to strengthen his options in defence, and Ndicka is now a name that is under consideration by the Red Devils. However, they are not alone, as Tottenham have also made an approach to Roma over a possible deal, and they could hold an advantage over United, as they can offer the defender Champions League football.

Despite being under contract until 2028, Ndicka, who has been dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig, is allowed to leave Roma this summer, with them reportedly looking to get €40 million, which is roughly £34 million, for his services.

Apps

38

Starts

38

Assists

1

Touches per game

75.3

Balls recovered per game

3.5

Dribbled past per game

0.2

Clearances per game

3.8

Errors leading to goal

0

The 25-year-old, who has been capped six times for the Ivory Coast, joined the Italian team in July 2023 on a free transfer. During his time in Italy, Ndicka has been a consistent performer for Roma, playing in every league game during the 2024/25 campaign.

He started all 38 matches and helped Roma keep 16 clean sheets. United have seen Victor Lindelof depart Old Trafford, and with Lisandro Martínez still recovering from his long-term injury, Amorim may see Ndicka as a player who can provide not only competition but also improve their defensive organisation.

A “sensational” goalkeeper has now been identified as Aston Villa’s top target to replace Emiliano Martinez this summer, according to a report.

Martinez's time at Villa could be coming to an end

After being a peripheral figure during his time with Arsenal, Martinez’s career has gone from strength to strength since making the move to Villa Park, most notably playing a key role in Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph, scooping up the Golden Glove award.

The goalkeeper’s impressive performances for his country go hand in hand with some top displays at club level, recently winning the Premier League Save of the Season award for a remarkable stop against Nottingham Forest.

However, the 32-year-old’s time with the Villans could now be coming to an end, amid growing interest in his signature, with Manchester United currently showing the strongest interest, while Atletico Madrid have also been named as potential suitors.

As such, Unai Emery may be tasked with bringing in a replacement between the sticks this summer, and a new top target has now been identified by recruitment chiefs, namely OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka.

Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, Bulka is now emerging as Aston Villa’s first-choice option to replace Martinez, should the goalkeeper move on this summer, although Marseille and some other unnamed clubs could provide competition for his signature.

Nice had been hoping the shot-stopper would be willing to commit to a new contract, but discussions have not progressed, and if he doesn’t sign a new deal, the French side will look to cash in this summer, potentially opening the door for a move to Villa Park.

"Sensational" Bulka impressing in Ligue 1

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has singled the Pole out for praise in the past, describing him as “sensational” for his performances at club level, most notably putting in a remarkable performance against Paris Saint-Germain back in April.

Aston Villa join battle for "fantastic" midfielder in cut-price £8m deal

He’s a wanted man.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 8, 2025

The 25-year-old achieved a Sofascore match rating of 10, courtesy of a fantastic display against the Champions League winners, making a number of important contributions as his side ran out surprise 3-1 winners at the Parc des Princes.

Statistic

Number completed

Clearances

2

Saves

12

Saves from inside the box

9

Goals prevented

2.53

French journalist Julien Froment was also left impressed by the Poland international’s performance, hailing the £6k-a-week goalkeeper for his “colossal” contribution to his side’s shock victory, which suggests he could now be ready for a big move this summer.

That said, while Bulka could be a fantastic signing for Aston Villa, they will still be hoping that Martinez is willing to remain at the club, having won two Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper awards during his time at Villa Park, most recently scooping up the 2024 award.

The morning after the night before. The dust has begun to settle on what was a grim night for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim, having come up short against a stubborn Tottenham Hotspur side in Bilbao.

A brilliant defence performance from the north Londoners, which included an acrobatic goalline clearance from Micky van de Ven to deny Rasmus Hojlund, was enough to keep United at bay, with the Old Trafford side again failing to fire in the final third.

Indeed, Wednesday’s 1-0 loss marked the 16th time this season that the Red Devils have failed to score in a game in all competitions, 15 of which have come amid the club’s dour Premier League campaign.

As was evident at San Mames, there really is a lack of cutting edge when it matters most, with Amorim – should he remain at the helm as expected – needing to find a way to revive and reinvigorate his floundering frontline next term.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore

How Man Utd's attacking came up short again

The obvious place to start is, of course, with that man Hojlund, with the 22-year-old on the periphery for large spells of the game, aside from that one rare opening following Guglielmo Vicario’s wayward parry.

While the Dane could have done little more to try and convert that chance, there was a sense that it simply wouldn’t be United’s night when Van de Ven heroically sprung into action, having offered little else in the way of creativity or productivity.

Indeed, the usually influential Bruno Fernandes also chose the wrong time to go off the boil, with the 30-year-old notably losing the ball twice in the build-up to Brennan Johnson’s decisive strike, while registering just three key passes in total, as per Sofascore.

There was none of the usual genius from the Portuguese star, while ahead of him, the initially lively Amad Diallo swiftly went off the boil, having at one stage looked like Amorim’s key threat down the right flank.

The Ivorian speedster did produce a fierce effort that fizzed across the box in the first half, although he was unable to conjure much else after the break, notably losing the ball on 19 occasions, while winning just six of his 16 total duels.

In truth, United’s tactic appeared to be to give the ball to Amad and pray, with little other inspiration provided elsewhere, namely from a certain Mason Mount…

The Man Utd star who will be replaced by Cunha

Despite fading late on, Amad showed enough to prove why he will likely be a key figure for Amorim next term, with the 22-year-old no doubt hoping to nail down that right-sided number ten berth for the long term.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

On the opposite side, it would appear that the club are closing in on the capture of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian expected to sign regardless of United’s failure to secure Champions League qualification.

With 15 goals to his name in the top-flight this season, the former Atletico Madrid man has been earmarked to bolster Amorim’s options in those playmaking berths, having already thrived in that role at Molineux.

On the evidence of Wednesday evening, the 25-year-old could well walk into the side next term at Old Trafford, not least with Mount proving unable to warrant the faith placed in him by his manager.

In Amorim’s defence, there was logic in selecting the Englishman for a game of such magnitude, with the 26-year-old having started in that role for both Chelsea and England in the Champions League and European Championship finals in 2021, respectively.

Equally, the £55m playmaker had also scored a stunning brace to “change the game” against Athletic Club in the semi-final, second-leg – as Amorim noted – while the man he had replaced, Alejandro Garnacho, was guilty of missing a “big opportunity” in that last-four clash.

Mount subsequently got the nod at San Mames, although much like his United career as a whole, it was a largely forgettable outing. There were a few nice twists and turns, particularly prior to his withdrawal, although nothing of substance.

2017 vs Ajax

2021 vs Villarreal

2025 vs Spurs

GK – Sergio Romero

GK – David De Gea

GK – Andre Onana

RB – Antonio Valencia

RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

RCB – Leny Yoro

CB – Chris Smalling

CB – Eric Bailly

CB – Harry Maguire

CB – Daley Blind

CB – Victor Lindelof

LCB – Luke Shaw

LB – Matteo Darmian

LB – Luke Shaw

RWB – Noussair Mazraoui

CM – Paul Pogba

CM – Paul Pogba

CM – Casemiro

CM – Ander Herrera

CM – Scott McTominay

CM – Bruno Fernandes (C)

CAM – Marouane Fellaini

CAM – Bruno Fernandes (C)

LWB – Patrick Dorgu

LM – Henrikh Mkhitaryan

LW – Marcus Rashford

RAM – Amad Diallo

RM – Juan Mata

RW – Mason Greenwood

LAM – Mason Mount

ST – Marcus Rashford

ST – Edinson Cavani

ST – Rasmus Hojlund

That is best illustrated by the fact that he recorded just 25 touches in total, three fewer than teammate Andre Onana achieved in the sticks, while also registering just eight passes in total as he remained on the fringes.

In truth, those watching on were merely waiting for the moment that Amorim would throw Garnacho into the fray, with Mount unable to repay the public faith shown to him by the former Sporting CP boss of late.

With just four goals to his name in 45 games for United to date, the ex-Blues star is running out of time to turn things around at the Theatre of Dreams.

The problem is, with an in-form figure like Cunha set to enter the building, he seemingly won’t be afforded the time he needs. Football is a ruthless game, if you don’t take your chances – as Mount did not on Wednesday night – there can be few complaints.

Not just Hojlund: 4/10 dud must now never play for Man Utd again

Man Utd’s grim season ended with a whimper in Bilbao on Wednesday evening

1 ByRobbie Walls May 22, 2025

Liverpool typically sought to strengthen with untapped potential when under the wing of Jurgen Klopp. But Klopp has left his long-held manager’s post last year, and things feel different at Anfield.

That’s not to discredit the German’s dynasty, taking the reins on Merseyside when the Reds were a pale shadow, reduced to a colourless, rudderless state. Klopp made Liverpool whole again, winning a fair amount of silverware along the way.

However, FSG have undergone a refurb and are now looking to strengthen Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning squad with some of the finest that Europe has to offer.

One of those targets is Florian Wirtz, 22, whose playmaking quality knows no bounds. Bayer Leverkusen’s talisman will fetch a considerable figure this summer, but Liverpool are very much intent on staying in the race.

Why Liverpool want Florian Wirtz

At the start of the season, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes claimed Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world,” with his vision, awareness, and magic touch proving invaluable for Xabi Alonso’s side over the past few years.

He might not have hit the same stratospheric heights of last year, but Wirtz has retained his world-class level across the 2024/25 campaign, outperforming Liverpool’s positionally similar players.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid when his contract expires, Liverpool are going to need to find a new way to maintain their matchless creative flair in the Premier League.

As you can see below, no English team has created more than Liverpool across the past five campaigns. Trent played a defining role in achieving this.

24/25*

Liverpool

105

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool/Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

Liverpool want to reinforce their successful season by bringing in new signings, and Slot’s aiming for the best. Though it would require another significant outlay, the Reds are also planning to move for a new name at number nine.

With Darwin Nunez set to be sold, this is one to start getting excited about.

Liverpool make contact to sign prolific striker

Liverpool desperately need a more reliable marksman. Nunez is consistently inconsistent, while Diogo Jota’s long injury issues have finally seeped into his game this year.

FSG are ready to move incisively. According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have opened contacts with Sporting Lisbon regarding the potential transfer of Viktor Gyokeres, though Arsenal are favourites in the race.

It’s felt the Gunners are closing on a £9m-a-year agreement with the Sweden striker, but that Liverpool – and Manchester United – have shown strong interest and are ready to pounce on any opportunity, should Mikel Arteta’s side fumble.

Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific players in Europe over the past several years, and Sporting are looking to fetch £60m for his sale.

Why Viktor Gyokeres could be a great signing for Liverpool

When Sporting signed Gyokeres from Coventry City for £20m after a failed promotion push to the Premier League, it was felt that English football had lost an interesting attacking profile capable of playing at the top level.

Two years later, the 25-year-old may return to English soil as “one of the best strikers in Europe,” as he has been described by Fabrizio Romano.

Across 100 matches for Os Leões, the one-time Brighton prospect has scored 95 goals and laid on 28 assists. Powerful and athletic, he’s surely tailor-made for a role at one of the Premier League’s top competitors.

The £62k-per-week star has bagged 52 goals from 50 matches in all competitions this season alone, meaning he’s significantly outscoring Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Isak is an incredible goalscorer and very much on Liverpool’s shopping list, but with a £150m price tag, it’s hrd to argue that he, with 27 goals from 41 games in 2024/25, would be the more prudent signing at an outlay some £90m more than Gyokeres. Liverpool have work to do across a number of positions, after all.

Only a few weeks ago, Gyokeres netted four goals in a single game for the Liga Portugal champions, who are level in first place with Benfica, superior goal difference owing largely to the centre-forward’s clinical shooting.

Given that he’s scored 57 league goals across his two terms in the Iberian division, Gyokeres has proven himself capable of leading the line at Liverpool, for sure. And when you consider he’s missed only 34 big chances in that timeframe, as per Sofascore, the argument only strengthens.

As per FBref, Gyokeres ranks among the top 1% of forwards this season in divisions similar to the Portuguese top flight for goals scored, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 3% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for assists per 90. Not bad at all.

Now think of all this, think of how efficient and deadly and “insane” all this is, as the 6 foot 2 striker has been praised by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Now imagine all that with Wirtz in behind him.

The fusion of skill sets could take a Premier League-winning Liverpool team to a whole ‘nother level entirely. Indeed, with Wirtz’s remarkable supply line finding Gyokeres, whose movements and intelligence get him in perfect positions from which he can let his predatory instinct take over, would allow Slot to challenge for the biggest trophies once again.

There was a decided lack of impetus across tournamental fronts this season: in the FA Cup, a rotated Liverpool fell to Plymouth Argyle, who have just been relegated from the Championship; after a dominant Champions League group phase, PSG got the better over two legs in the last 16; Liverpool did reach the Carabao Cup final, but were turned over by Newcastle.

In the Bundesliga this season, Wirtz might not have succeeded in defending Leverkusen’s title, but he has given a stellar account of himself once again. As per Sofascore, he’s hit 22 goal contributions from only 24 starts, creating 17 big chances and averaging 2.7 dribbles and 5.3 successful duels per game.

Last season’s Bundesliga Player of the Year knows his stuff, all right, and still so young in his career, he’s got the world at his feet.

The prolific performances of Gyokeres alongside Wirtz’s creative mind would surely spark the kind of success Slot is searching for next season, allowing Liverpool to take their fantastic campaign and shape it into a period of sustained, trophy-winning success.

He'd be amazing with Wirtz: Liverpool enter race for "magical" £100m star

Liverpool are looking to make sweeping changes in the transfer market this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair May 15, 2025

Rangers’ chances of hiring Jose Mourinho as their next manager could hinge on one key factor, according to a new update regarding their next boss.

Latest on Rangers' next manager

After bowing out of the Europa League at the hands of Athletic Bilbao last week, Barry Ferguson feels increasingly unlikely to be handed the Gers job on a permanent basis. The former captain has done a good job at times, mopping up after the disappointing reign of Philippe Clement, but he has only won four of his 10 matches in charge in all competitions.

Steven Gerrard has been strongly linked with a return to Ibrox, having led the Gers to Scottish Premiership title glory back in 2020/21, with the Liverpool legend perhaps feeling that he has unfinished business at the club. The 44-year-old was most recently in charge of Saudi Pro League team Al-Ettifaq.

Former Southampton boss Russell Martin has also emerged as an alternative to Gerrard, with the Englishman favouring a ball-playing style, while Sean Dyche has been mentioned as an option, too, and would bring a very different approach. Mourinho’s name has also been mooted, and a now fresh claim has dropped regarding Rangers potentially hiring him this summer.

Mourinho has one key demand for 49ers

According to TEAMtalk, Mourinho “would be open” to becoming Rangers’ next manager, as has been recently reported, but only if he is backed with “new additions” by 49ers Enterprises. The update also claims that the Gers “have not approached his entourage yet”, with Gerrard still looking like the front-runner to replace Ferguson.

Rangers hiring Mourinho would be one of the most high-profile appointments in the club’s history, considering the Portuguese is among the most successful managers of his generation.

The 62-year-old is a two-time Champions League winner, having led both Porto and Inter Milan to European glory, and there is also the small matter of him winning eight league titles in four different countries – the Premier League, La Liga, Serie A and Primeira Liga.

Mourinho possesses the winning mentality to help bridge the gap between Rangers and Celtic, and he has the ability to create a siege mentality and endear himself to his own supporters.

Admittedly, at 62, he may not quite be at his absolute peak as a manager anymore – he would arguably be in a bigger job than Fenerbahce if that was the case – but he remains a born winner who could be an instant hero at Ibrox.

The fact that Rangers haven’t approached Mourinho yet does suggest that he is an outside bet to come in at the end of the season, with Gerrard feeling like the more likely choice.

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For all the former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager’s controversial character, though, there is no doubt that the Gers hiring him would be a huge story and a potentially game-changing appointment.

Well, that probably wasn’t the return from the international break that Tottenham Hotspur fans had been hoping for.

Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to West London to try and get one over Chelsea in the Premier League last night, but instead of coming out swinging as they have so often, and sometimes to their own detriment, this season, they were utterly dismal.

Granted, it looked like Pape Matar Sarr had equalised in the second half, but he fouled Moises Caicedo in the buildup, and it was chalked off, much to the chagrin of the increasingly under-pressure Australian, who made his feelings clear after the game.

There were incredibly disappointing performances across the pitch for the visitors, but there was one player who might as well have stayed in the dressing room and, as such, has to be dropped ahead of the weekend’s game against Southampton.

Spurs' poor performers

Before getting to the player in question, it’s only fair we go over some of the other starters who let the fans down last night, as, unfortunately, there were quite a few, including Cristian Romero.

The fiery World Cup winner can sometimes be exactly the sort of player you want in an intense derby, but instead of marshalling the backline and making life difficult for the Blues’ attack, he seemed off the pace, overly emotional, and was running back towards goal more often than he should have been and picked up a 5/10 match rating from journalist Alasdair Gold.

However, there is an argument that the Argentine’s defensive partner, Micky van de Ven, had an even worse game at Stamford Bridge.

The former Wolfsburg gem was ironically starting his first league game since the reverse fixture against the Pensioners in December, and whether it was rustiness or something else, he looked even more lost than Romero.

For example, it was his clearance that came off Jackson early in the first half and almost opened the scoring, and then in the second half he was pulled out of position by the striker for Enzo Fernández’s goal and was fully deserving of the 5/10 rating he received from Gold.

At the other end of the pitch, it was another night to forget for the club’s record signing, Dominic Solanke.

The former Bournemouth star did make the right runs at times but simply wasn’t a factor for the vast majority of the game, and while he has to rely on the service of his teammates to an extent, the best strikers in the world will often make their own chances.

However, while the Basingstoke-born poacher was certainly ineffective, another starter was even worse and must be dropped.

The Spurs star who has to be dropped

In reality, you could make a serious argument about any of the aforementioned players being dropped for the weekend, but when it comes down to it, James Maddison put in the most frustratingly dismal display for Spurs last night.

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The former Leicester City star, who is a part of the club’s leadership group, started in a midfield three with 19-year-old Lucas Bergvall and Rodrigo Bentancur, so while they can certainly help out with attacks, the onus to get the midfield ticking was on him.

Unfortunately, he did not achieve this in the slightest, and instead of pulling the strings and taking advantage of a Chelsea side who had won just four of their ten league games since the turn of the year, he practically disappeared from the encounter.

It might sound harsh, but it’s an opinion shared by Gold, who also awarded the Englishman a 5/10 on the night, writing that even when he did try to make something happen, ‘nothing came off for him.’

Unsurprisingly, his lacklustre showing is reflected in his statistics.

Minutes

81′

Expected Goals

0.05

Goals

0

Expected Assists

0.06

Assists

0

Touches

41

Key Passes

1

Crosses (Accurate)

2 (0)

Shots on Target

0

Duels (Won)

5 (0)

Dribbles

0

Lost Possession

4

Offsides

2

In 81 minutes of inaction, the 28-year-old amassed a paltry combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.11, failed to score or assist a goal, took 41 touches but played just a single key pass, failed in 100% of his crosses, failed to take a shot on target, didn’t attempt a single dribble, lost the ball four times, lost 100% of his duels and was offside twice.

Ultimately, it was a dreadful performance from the entire Spurs team, but Maddison was particularly disappointing and, therefore, must be dropped from the starting lineup.

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