All posts by z3u9t.icu

It wouldn’t be a summer transfer window if Chelsea were not extremely busy, would it?

This summer, the Blues splashed over £300m on nine new senior recruits, six of whom are attackers.

Well, the recent 5-1 demolition of West Ham emphasised the attacking potential that Enzo Maresca’s side possesses, but do they have a slight issue at centre-forward, one that a Cobham graduate sold for £34m could’ve fixed had he stayed?

Chelsea's striker conundrum

During Chelsea’s controversial 2-0 West London derby victory over Fulham last weekend, Liam Delap hobbled off in the 14th minute due to a hamstring injury, and this had quite the ripple effect.

At the same time, Nicolas Jackson was in Bavaria finalising a move to Bayern Munich, only for Chelsea to pull the plug on the move, despite having frozen out the Senegalese international since the Club World Cup, saying that they could not let him go.

Jackson’s agent, Ali Barat, released an angry statement and, in the end, he did complete his move to Bayern, with the Bundesliga champions paying an extortionate £14m loan fee, with a £56.2m obligation to buy having been agreed.

Instead, the Blues decided to recall Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland, the Spaniard having seen just 103 minutes of action for the Black Cats, scoring against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup, with Chelsea having to pay a penalty fee, cutting short one of the shortest loan spells in Premier League history.

It remains to be seen how long Delap will actually be sidelined for, while the returning Guiu is far from guaranteed minutes, given that Maresca has João Pedro, Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Estêvão Willian, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, Tyrique George and others from which to choose.

Nevertheless, this whole chaotic and messy situation could’ve been avoided had Chelsea kept hold of a Cobham academy graduate once compared to the club’s greatest-ever centre-forward.

Chelsea's ideal Liam Delap back-up was sold in 2021

Tammy Abraham joined Chelsea at the age of seven, but certainly had to work hard for his place in the first team at Stamford Bridge.

Following loan spells at Bristol City, Swansea City and Aston Villa, scoring 48 goals in 78 EFL Championship appearances, his breakthrough came once Frank Lampard was appointed manager in 2019.

Abraham was Chelsea’s top scorer in 2019/20 with 18 goals, including 15 in the Premier League, before bagging 12 the following campaign, part of Thomas Tuchel’s team that won the Champions League against Manchester City at Estádio do Dragão.

That summer though, the England international was sold to Roma for £42m which makes him the fourth most expensive Chelsea academy sale of modern times, behind Mason Mount, Ian Maatsen and Conor Gallagher.

He then netted 27 goals during his first season with the Giallorossi, winning the inaugural Conference League, before suffering an anterior cruciate ligament rupture on the final day of the season against Torino, which rather hampered his progress.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

Now 27, he spent last season on loan at AC Milan, scoring ten times for the Rossoneri, two of which came against Roma in the Coppa Italia, before joining Beşiktaş on loan back in July.

Well, Abraham has made a bright start to life in İstanbul, scoring six goals in eight appearances for the Black Eagles, averaging a goal every 108 minutes, including a hat-trick against St Patrick’s Athletic in a Conference League qualifier in Dublin.

At his best, speaking after a Champions League victory over Lille, Rio Ferdinand compared Abraham to Chelsea’s greatest-ever striker, asserting that much of what he produced was “Didier Drogba-esque”, praising his “hold-up play” while highlighting his “magnificent touch” and beautiful finish for his goal at Stade Pierre Mauroy.

But how do his statistics compare to those of Delap? Let’s find out.

2025/26

6

0

2024/25

10

13

2023/24

1

8

2022/23

9

4

2021/22

27

0

2020/21

12

0

2019/20

18

N/A

2018/19

26

N/A

As the table documents, given that Delap is only 22 years old, he has only ever scored 25 senior goals, yet to prove himself as a regular goalscorer, even if bagging 12 in the Premier League for a very poor Ipswich side is a noteworthy achievement.

Abraham on the other hand, aside from campaigns massively blighted by injury, has been consistent in front of goal, reaching double figures in five of the last seven full seasons, including surpassing 25 goals for both Aston Villa and Roma, making a blistering start to his Beşiktaş career last month too.

So, while Delap, who is five years younger, clearly has greater potential, Abraham would certainly have proved to be a capable deputy, given their stylistic similarities too, both physical penalty box presences who like to stay within the width of the area.

Thus, for however long Delap is on the sidelines, Abraham would’ve offered the perfect cover.

Not Palmer: Chelsea hit gold on sensation who's worth way more than Simons

The international ace has been brilliant for Chelsea and Enzo Maresca.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 5, 2025

Following a humbling defeat to bring them crashing back down to reality against Burnley, Sunderland have reportedly made contact to sign a La Liga midfielder for Regis Le Bris.

Le Bris: Sunderland must "learn" from Burnley defeat

Just one week ago, Sunderland were in dreamland when they swept past West Ham United to win 3-0 on the opening day. Since then, however, that bubble has been burst courtesy of fellow newly-promoted side Burnley. The Clarets handed Sunderland a disappointing defeat in an early relegation six-pointer, with Le Bris admitting it’s one that his side must “learn” from.

Le Bris also touched on the fact that this Sunderland side are still very much finding their feet together following a summer overhaul. In total, as many as 12 fresh players have arrived as the Black Cats aim to survive at the first time of asking in the Premier League.

Whilst 13 may be unlucky for some, reports are now suggesting that Sunderland have set their sights on yet another arrival before the end of the month.

Sunderland make approach to sign Christantus Uche

As reported by AS and relayed by Sport Witness, Sunderland have made contact to sign Christantus Uche alongside Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers this month. The Getafe midfielder has emerged onto the radar of Premier League clubs following an excellent rise in Spain and amid Getafe’s financial difficulties.

The Spanish club’s president Jose Bordalas even recently admitted that they need to sell players this month, telling reporters: “We’ll have to release some so we can register all or almost all of them. I wouldn’t like Uche or anyone to leave, but we have to accept the offers we have, and there are several.”

As a result of those financial problems, Sunderland could reportedly have the chance to land Uche’s signature for just €15m (£13m) this month, despite rumours that his release clause is worth as much as €25m (£22m).

Described as a “dominant midfielder” by U23 scout Antonio Mango last year, Uche now looks destined for the Premier League before the deadline arrives.

Celtic may be in the market to add another centre-forward to their squad before the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of next month.

It is fair to say that Adam Idah has not had the best start to the Scottish Premiership season as the main number nine for Brendan Rodgers, particularly given his performance against St Mirren.

The Ireland international, as shown in the graphic above, missed three ‘big chances’ and lost the majority of his duels in the 1-0 win on the opening day.

Idah then failed to deliver a goal or an assist in the 2-0 win over Aberdeen in the second match of the league season, despite starting up front once again.

The Ireland international is still looking to prove that he has what it takes to be starting number nine for Celtic this season, after being in and out of the team at points last term.

With his current struggles in mind, the Scottish giants may view their failed pursuit of Danish forward Mathias Kvistgaarden as a bit of a blunder in hindsight.

Celtic's Mathias Kvistgaarden blunder

Back in the summer of 2023, Celtic were reportedly interested in the then-21-year-old number nine from Brondby to bolster Rodgers’ options at the top end of the pitch in his first window back at the club.

They did not heavily pursue a move for him in that window, though, but were reportedly in talks with the Danish outfit in January 2024 to discuss a deal for him.

Celtic were tentatively linked with Kvistgaarden again in the summer of that year, before they reportedly made contact with Brondby once again to talk about a move for the versatile forward in January of the current year.

Despite all of those links and supposed talks, it was eventually Norwich City that landed the striker this summer for a fee of £6.9m, after they activated a little-known release clause, despite a fee of £12m having been mooted.

The post from talent scout Jacek Kulig, from before the end of last season, shows that Kvistgaarden steadily improved throughout his time with Brondby, developing into a sublime goalscorer.

Appearances

29

Goals

17

Minutes per goal

119

Conversion rate

22%

Big chances created

5

Assists

5

As you can see in the table above, the Denmark international delivered 23 goals and assists in 29 league appearances for his former club in the 2024/25 campaign, which shows that he can make a consistent impact in the final third.

Whilst it remains to be seen how well he will do for Norwich, Idah’s former club, in the Championship, he does seem to be the kind of ruthless and prolific striker that the Hoops are currently lacking.

This is why missing out on a deal for him after three or four transfer windows of reportedly serious interest in him could be viewed as a blunder by the club.

Celtic, though, could avenge their howler with Kvistgaarden by winning the race to sign another reported transfer target from Brondby, Clement Bischoff.

Transfer Focus

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

The Hoops have been touted with an interest in the £6m-rated winger this summer, and they should not allow him to slip through their fingers like they did with the now-Norwich star.

Why Celtic should sign Clement Bischoff

Bischoff is an incredibly exciting young talent whom the Premiership champions should be looking to bring to Parkhead before the end of the window, if the initial report on their interest was accurate.

As explained, Celtic were interested in Kvistgaarden for multiple years and transfer windows and were unable to get a deal over the line before he exploded in the 2024/25 campaign and then went elsewhere, to the Canaries.

Bischoff has not quite had the explosive season that his former teammate had last year, yet, which is why this could be the perfect time for the Hoops to snap him up.

If they wait, as they did with Kvistgaarden after their interest in 2023 and 2024, then the Danish winger could have his breakout year this season and then become unattainable due to interest from Europe’s top leagues, or high-spending teams in the Championship like Norwich.

U23 scout Antonio Mango described him as an “explosive” and “flamboyant” star with pace and technical ability, which suggests that he has the potential to be a fan favourite at Parkhead as a forward who can get supporters off their seats with his direct play.

His form at the start of the current campaign suggests that he is starting to turn his exciting potential into consistently impressive displays, which makes him an even more attractive target for Celtic.

Appearances

39

8

Key passes

51

24

Big chances created

10

5

Key passes per 90

2.0

3.8

Assists

5

2

Goals

2

1

Successful dribbles per 90

1.9

2.0

As you can see in the table above, Bischoff is already showing signs of huge progression early on in the current campaign, with already half as many ‘big chances’ created as he managed in the whole of last season.

These statistics, aided by his move from left wing-back to left wing, show that he is on course to deliver far more at the top end of the pitch, in terms of goals, key passes, ‘big chances’ created, and dribbles.

This is why it is so important that the Hoops make a serious move for him in the current transfer window, because if he continues to improve at his current rate, then he may be beyond the club’s reach this time next year.

Therefore, Celtic can avenge their blunder with Brondby’s last superstar, Kvistgaarden, by paying the £6m fee that it may take to snap Bischoff up before September’s deadline to bolster Rodgers’ squad.

Celtic could land big Idah upgrade in swoop for "magnificent" £7m striker

Celtic may find a big upgrade on Adam Idah by swooping to sign this £7m-rated forward.

ByDan Emery Aug 14, 2025

West Ham United have sparked into life on the transfer front.

While he isn’t the flashiest addition, Callum Wilson entering the building on a free transfer from Newcastle United will still have caught the eye as the Premier League outfit adds in strikers in the wake of Michail Antonio’s exit.

On top of that, Mads Hermansen has also finally arrived from Leicester City to boost the Irons in between the sticks, costing a reported £20m in the process.

Graham Potter and Co. could soon make it a hat-trick of exciting buys with a new target reportedly on their agenda, who could follow in Wilson’s footsteps by costing nothing.

West Ham in talks to sign attacking midfielder

With Kyle Walker-Peters also entering Potter’s ranks after his Southampton contract expired, there is a theme popping up.

It would, however, cost West Ham a pretty penny to land Mateus Fernandes from the Saints, with a previous £30m price tag being placed above the up-and-coming 21-year-old’s head amid interest from the likes of the Hammers.

Fernandes isn’t the only target centrally, though, with a report from Roma News indicating that West Ham are now locked in negotiations with AS Roma star Lorenzo Pellegrini over a standout free transfer taking place.

The Serie A side will allow for this to happen so they can free up some wage costs and make a signing or two themselves this summer, but any potential deal rests on Guido Rodriguez also leaving the London Stadium, before anything significant whirs into motion.

Pellegrini could even go on to be Potter’s own iteration of Manuel Lanzini, with the Roma number seven hopeful he can be as impactful as his fellow Argentine compatriot if a move to England does get off the ground.

How Pellegrini can be Potter's own Lanzini

Before heading to his native Argentina to line up for River Plate, Lanzini was a fan favourite figure at the London Stadium.

Across 226 games for the Hammers, it’s fair to say the diminutive playmaker left his lasting impact, culminating in him amassing 32 goals and 26 assists in total, which included that ​​​​​​memorable effort being cannoned home against arch rivals Tottenham Hotspur back in 2020.

His consistent brilliance for the Hammers even saw his then-teammate Declan Rice hail him as a “special” talent to line up alongside, with Pellegrini hopeful he can reach this same level of performance if he calls East London home shortly.

Of course, the 29-year-old isn’t being chucked to one side by Roma for no reason, with Pellegrini just fresh off a below-par offering last season in Serie A that saw him tally up a weak two goals and two assists.

But, much like Lanzini in the Premier League, the Rome-born attacker has shown off his class over the majority of his extensive stay in the Italian top-flight, away from this worrying drop-off in form.

Even the Hammers’ favourite was guilty of going missing in certain contests, with only one league goal coming his way during his final swansong campaign, which ended his love affair with West Ham on a somewhat damp note.

Games played

316

Goals scored

55

Assists

59

Europa League appearances

53

Champions League appearances

14

Trophies

1x

Amazingly, away from that off-season last time out, Pellegrini has managed to collect a sizeable 55 goals and 59 assists for his boyhood club, with his Roma boss in Claudio Ranieri, going as far as to describe the 29-year-old as “exquisite” when he performs at the peak of his powers.

Capable of lighting up a pitch on his day with skilful displays with the goals and assists to match, he does feel as if he’s the next coming of Lanzini for those at the London Stadium, with Pellegrini also adept enough to line up in a more traditional central role if needed, as well as down the left wing, much like the ex-Irons number 10.

On a free transfer, this really could be a steal, with Rome royalty in Francisco Totti even labelling him as a “leader” for his efforts at the Stadio Olimpico.

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Following his release, ending a ten-year association with the club, West Ham have reached an agreement to sign Michail Antonio’s replacement for £13m.

Aug 10, 2025

The 2025/26 Premier League season is just around the corner, with defending champions Liverpool set to kick off the new campaign at home to Bournemouth.

The Reds have been active in the transfer market with moves for attacking stars Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, whereas they also still have last season’s top scorer Mohamed Salah at Anfield. They could be an attacking force to be reckoned with. However, Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland will be looking to win back his Golden Boot crown from Salah.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

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1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

Manchester United and Chelsea have also added to the final third with the Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo heading to Old Trafford, while Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have moved to Stamford Bridge.

With plenty of new attacking stars on show, Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted each club’s top scorer for the 2025/26 Premier League season.

AI predicts each club’s Premier League 2025/26 top scorer

Club

Player

Goals

Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres

18

Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins

16

Bournemouth

Justin Kluivert

12

Brentford

Kevin Schade

12

Brighton

Danny Welbeck

12

Burnley

Lyle Foster

10

Chelsea

Cole Palmer

17

Crystal Palace

Jean-Philippe Mateta

14

Everton

Thierno Barry

12

Fulham

Raul Jimenez

11

Leeds

Joel Piroe

11

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah

25

Manchester City

Erling Haaland

28

Manchester United

Matheus Cunha

18

Newcastle United

Alexander Isak

18

Nottingham Forest

Chris Wood

13

Sunderland

Eliezer Mayenda

8

Tottenham Hotspur

Dominic Solanke

16

West Ham

Jarrod Bowen

14

Wolves

Jorgen Strand Larsen

13

Arsenal Viktor Gyokeres – 18 goals

With Viktor Gyokeres on his way to the Emirates, the Swede has been backed to hit the ground running and step up for Mikel Arteta.

In his first season for the Gunners, Gyokeres’ clinical finishing could see him ‘lead their scoring’ charts with 18 goals.

Aston Villa Ollie Watkins – 16 goals

Aston Villa’s go-to man in attack over recent years has been Ollie Watkins, who has hit double figures in the Premier League in each of his five seasons at Villa Park.

The England international has been backed to do the same again, and although Villa have Europa League football on the cards, Watkins will remain central to their attack and has been predicted to net 16 times in the top flight.

Bournemouth Justin Kluivert – 12 goals

Bournemouth winger Justin Kluivert was arguably one of the surprise packages of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with the Dutchman starring under Andoni Iraola.

Son of former Newcastle striker Patrick Kluivert, Justin ‘is tipped to step up as Bournemouth’s main goal threat’ with 12 goals as ‘his flair and finishing should yield a solid return in a mid-table side’.

Brentford Kevin Schade – 12 goals

With Bryan Mbuemo out the door, Yoane Wissa could be the next star sold at Brentford under new manager Keith Andrews.

Without the free-scoring duo, Kevin Schade may well be the man to step up for the Bees. AI says that ‘Schade is the most likely to be Brentford’s top scorer in 2025/26, given his 11-goal haul last season’, and has been predicted to go one better with 12.

Brighton Danny Welbeck – 12 goals

The Seagulls have just lost Joao Pedro to Chelsea, however, Brighton can still depend on the experienced Danny Welbeck, who has been backed to score 12 league goals.

AI says ‘Welbeck is likely to be Brighton’s primary striker, especially under Fabian Hurzeler’s 3-4-3 system, which suits his versatility and pressing ability’.

Burnley Lyle Foster – 10 goals

As a newly promoted side, Burnley will be hoping that 2023 signing Lyle Foster can reach AI’s predicted goal tally of 10 this season.

‘His Premier League experience points to a modest but leading contribution’, although the South Africa international didn’t feature heavily in the Championship last year.

Chelsea Cole Palmer – 17 goals

After leading Chelsea to Club World Cup glory, Cole Palmer has been backed to be the Blues’ star man once again in 25/26.

Palmer’s 15 league goals in 2024/25 ‘show his star quality’, and ‘Chelsea’s investment in young talent and attacking setup should see him thrive’ under Enzo Maresca, with AI believing he’ll net 17 times.

Crystal Palace Jean-Philippe Mateta – 14 goals

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been going from strength to strength at Selhurst Park, becoming Crystal Palace’s first choice striker.

His ‘clinical form under Oliver Glasner should continue’, according to AI, who have backed the Frenchman to equal his 24/25 tally of 14 league goals.

Everton Thierno Barry – 12 goals

Signed to lead Everton’s attack after Dominic Calvert-Lewin departed, big things could be expected of Thierno Barry in 25/26.

Barry’s ‘aerial power and 1v1 threat suit Moyes’ direct, physical style of play, which emphasises crosses and set-pieces’, and a return of 12 goals in his first season in England would be a success.

Fulham Raul Jimenez – 11 goals

Now a proven Premier League striker, Raul Jimenez scored 12 top flight goals for the Cottagers last season after getting the nod from Marco Silva.

AI says that ‘despite Rodrigo Muniz’s emergence, Jimenez’s experience and goal-scoring nous are predicted to edge him out as Fulham’s top scorer, especially in Silva’s system’.

Leeds Joel Piroe – 11 goals

Championship winners Leeds United are looking to buck the recent trend and remain in the Premier League, and to do that, they will need to be firing in the final third.

Joel Piroe was the Championship Golden Boot winner in 24/25, and ‘his finishing should translate to a respectable Premier League tally’ of 11 goals.

Liverpool Mohamed Salah – 25 goals

Despite the arrivals of Wirtz and Ekitike, Mohamed Salah is once again being backed to lead the way at Anfield in regards to goalscoring.

The Egyptian King’s tally of 29 goals in 2024/25 may not be matched this time around, but Reds supporters would happily take a 25-goal haul from out wide.

Manchester City Erling Haaland – 28 goals

Even though there is a Man City rebuild underway at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola will still rely on Erling Haaland for a constant supply of goals.

‘Haaland’s 27 goals in 2023/24 and record-breaking 36 in 2022/23 suggest he’ll dominate again’, winning the Golden Boot ahead of Salah.

Manchester United Matheus Cunha – 18 goals

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are now Man Utd players after brilliant seasons last year with Wolves and Brentford respectively.

It is Cunha who is being backed to be the Red Devils’ top league scorer, though, ‘matching or slightly beating his Wolves output, underpinned by strong support from midfield’.

Newcastle Alexander Isak – 18 goals

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding Alexander Isak’s Newcastle future, which was to be expected following his outstanding tally of 23 Premier League goals in 34 games in 24/25.

The Swedish star is once again expected to top the St James’ Park charts, this time with 18 goals, as ‘his clinical finishing suits Newcastle’s attacking ambition’. Isak and the Magpies also have Champions League football to deal with.

Nottingham Forest Chris Wood – 13 goals

It was a season to remember at the City Ground last time out, with Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood playing a huge role in the Reds’ success.

‘Wood’s resurgence (20 goals in 2024/25) and Forest’s solid campaign suggest he’ll remain their top scorer’.

Sunderland Eliezer Mayenda – 8 goals

The only club AI believes won’t have a player to hit double figures is Sunderland, with Eliezer Mayenda backed to score eight times.

A goalscorer in Sunderland’s playoff final against Sheffield United, Mayenda is labelled as ‘a young forward, and his potential to adapt to the top flight makes him a likely candidate to lead their scoring charts’.

Tottenham Hotspur Dominic Solanke – 16 goals

After a big-money move from Bournemouth in 2024, Dominic Solanke only netted nine Premier League goals for Spurs in his first season.

Now under the leadership of Thomas Frank, Solanke is being backed to improve drastically, reaching 16 times in the top flight.

West Ham Jarrod Bowen – 14 goals

Now West Ham captain, Jarrod Bowen has been a reliable source of goals for the Hammers in recent years and was used more centrally by Graham Potter towards the end of 24/25.

The Englishman’s ‘consistency at West Ham should keep him as their top scorer’, and he’s backed to score one more goal than his 24/25 tally.

Wolves Jorgen Strand Larsen – 13 goals

Finishing off AI’s prediction is Jorgen Strand Larsen, who could now be Wolves’ main man in attack after making his move to Molineux permanent, with Matheus Cunha leaving for Man Utd.

The Norwegian netted 14 times last season and is being predicted to record another respectable tally of 13 goals with ‘increased minutes as the primary striker’.

Liverpool have forked out over £200m on new first-team signings this summer, and there’s more still to come from sporting director Richard Hughes, whose task is a significant one.

Last summer, the former Bournemouth technical director came under fire for his supposed hesitance in the transfer market. Liverpool had clawed their way back into the Champions League and had won the Carabao Cup, but Jurgen Klopp had managed his last and signings were needed, were they not?

But Federico Chiesa was the only man added to the ranks, joining from Juventus for a cut-price £12.5m (aside from Giorgi Mamarashvili, who has now completed his £29m move from Valencia after spending the 2024/25 campaign back on loan with the La Liga side).

But Hughes’ long-term plan was vindicated when Arne Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League in his first season, almost nine years after Klopp replaced a bruised Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds finished ten points ahead of second-place Arsenal, and now they are showing their hand; now they are spending. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have reshaped the squad – and there’s more still to come.

The latest Liverpool transfer news

Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez remain the most likely Liverpool stars to complete high-profile exits, with the former coveted by Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the latter by the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool want to sell Nunez, who hasn’t worked out three years on from his big-money move from Benfica. Diaz, however, is set to stay put unless a mammoth bid comes in.

Should the Merseysiders be roped into selling, however, they want to set themselves up. As such, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been earmarked, one year after a saga emerged concerning the Magpies winger and the Reds.

Rodrygo, otherwise, would be the dream, albeit the Brazilian is worth €100m (£85m) and is fixed in Arsenal’s sights.

Who knows which way the wind will blow with those murmurings? However, Nunez is set to leave, and Liverpool had wanted another Newcastle sensation to replace him: Alexander Isak.

However, the Toon closed that door, and Liverpool have instead moved for another, and he wants to join.

Liverpool on the brink of signing

According to Sport BILD, Liverpool are edging closer toward signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, though the German club are holding out for €100m (£85m).

Transfer Focus

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

However, the French forward wants to sign for the Anfield side and has even submitted an official transfer request to manoeuvre the discussions into the closing stages.

Personal terms are all but finalised, no problem there. However, the outfits need to iron out the details, with an official proposal now imminent.

The 23-year-old should sign as Liverpool’s new number nine, and in doing so, may emulate Virgil van Dijk, in a sense.

Why Liverpool are signing Hugo Ekitike

It’s not over till the fat lady sings. A saying that’s well worth remembering in football. Take Van Dijk. Liverpool signed him for £75m in late December 2017 – some Christmas present, that.

But months earlier, Liverpool had been left hot under the collar after Southampton put paid to their advances, ending the building saga in June 2017 after an alleged illegal approach. FSG apologised for “any misunderstanding” and put their bid on hold.

But Van Dijk had caught a whiff of Klopp’s project and was sold. Well, he was several months on, in any case. The Netherlands international handed in a transfer request later in the 2017 summer window and informed Saints he wanted to sign for Liverpool.

The rest is history, with Van Dijk, now 34, one of the most decorated and accomplished defenders of his generation. Ekitike is no doubt eager to take a leaf from the centre-back’s book, having established himself in the Bundesliga, posting 40 goal contributions from 64 matches in a season-and-a-half with Frankfurt.

Make no mistake, we’re not claiming Ekitike will be utilising his 6 feet and 3 inches to protect the box, rocketing up with steely headers and flying this way and that with tough challenges. This, clearly, isn’t Slot’s Van Dijk heir.

But there’s a pattern to the respective deals which highlights FSG’s method, having identified one of Europe’s most exciting up-and-comers and spent the big bucks on reeling him over to Anfield.

Early into his career, Ekitike – described as “unreal” by analyst Ben Mattinson – has demonstrated growth and ability, which has already led to a €35m (£30m) transfer from Reims to Paris Saint-Germain.

24/25 – Frankfurt

33

15

8

23/24 – Frankfurt*

14

4

2

23/24 – PSG

1

0

0

22/23 – PSG

25

3

4

21/22 – Reims

24

10

4

20/21 – Vejle*

11

3

2

20/21 – Reims

2

0

0

Sure, Isak would have been nice. The 25-year-old is, after all, “the best striker in the world”, as analyst Raj Chohan put it last season, but Hughes’ contacts with Newcastle turned up nought. We’d have been looking at something in the £200m ballpark, which is a nonsensical figure.

But in Ekitike, Liverpool have a rising phenom, the perfect profile. He’s mobile, slippery and intelligent, a fierce and constant pepperer of the goal. His finishing leaves something to be desired, but this can be worked on. FBref record that Isak is one of his most statistically comparable players, after all.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has even called the France talent “the next Mbappe”, with his creativity, pace and dynamism making him more than just a player of French likeness.

Was Van Dijk the finished product when he first alighted in Liverpool? Were the detractors not vocal in their scorn? Liverpool paid over the odds for some half-decent defender, they claimed.

The Reds skipper is now considered one of the finest players of his generation, one of many cases of FSG’s data department coming up trumps.

With Ekitike, they may well strike gold once again.

Better than Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool make £142m "monster" a dream target

Liverpool have two primary candidates to bolster their forward line; Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 17, 2025

Tottenham are battling Internazionale for the signing of a highly-rated player, according to reports, and the man in question has now decided which club he’d rather join this summer with personal terms agreed.

£43m star "clear" he wants to join Tottenham in talks with club chairman

He’s expressed his desire to seal a Spurs switch.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Jul 15, 2025

Spurs boss Thomas Frank has overseen his first training sessions since replacing Ange Postecoglou as manager, with the Dane set to take charge of his first game this Saturday in a pre-season friendly against Reading.

Expectations around N17 are suddenly high after their triumph in the Europa League last season, and Frank is also braced for his debut managerial campaign in the Champions League.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The 51-year-old has never known pressure like this at his previous clubs, but chairman Daniel Levy is moving to back the tactician with an array of key signings to bolster his new squad.

Tottenham sealed a £55 million deal for West Ham winger Mohammed Kudus last week, with the Ghanaian joining both Kota Takai (£5 million) and Mathys Tel (£30 million) to take their summer expenditure up to around £90 million.

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White was meant to be added to this list of major incomings as well. The England international was scheduled to have a medical last Friday, but Forest have since blocked the transfer and are taking legal action against Spurs for an alleged illegal approach.

Reports suggested that Tottenham were still likely to sign Gibbs-White anyway. However, Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett, who originally broke the story, now shares another stunning twist – with Forest standing firm and adamant that he’s “going nowhere”.

Considering Spurs reportedly triggered his £60 million release clause, it remains to be seen if the Premier League will even allow Forest to halt Gibbs-White’s switch to N17, but this is a very bizarre situation.

Koni de Winter decides whether he's joining Tottenham or Inter Milan

In the meantime, Tottenham do have other transfer targets, and one of them is versatile Genoa defender Koni de Winter.

The former Juventus starlet has been sporadically linked with a move to Frank’s side before deadline day, and reports in Italy claim that Spurs are among the main contenders to sign de Winter.

According to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, via FC Inter News, the Nerazzurri are also competing for his signature, and he’s decided which club he’d rather join.

It is believed that de Winter has expressed his preference to join Inter ahead of Tottenham, and there is already a “practically done” agreement over personal terms. A multi-year contract is “ready” for the 23-year-old to sign, but the Serie A side are yet to find an agreement with Genoa, who are asking for around £22 million.

He’s been praised as an “unreal” up-and-coming defender by U23 scout and content creator Antonio Mango, and while de Winter has his eyes on a move to Inter, you can never say never in the transfer window – given there is still time for Spurs to hijack this move.

Liverpool are the champions of the Premier League once again. And what’s more, Arne Slot has been backed by FSG this summer as they prepare to do it all over again.

While the bulk of transfer activity has been dealt with already on Merseyside, there’s more to come, with Darwin Nunez the centre of ongoing talks between Liverpool and Napoli after an opening €55m (£48m) bid was rejected.

Many would hope that FSG are gearing up to splash out the cash on Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, but the “world-class” goalscorer, as he has been described by pundit Alan Shearer, will likely prove too expensive.

And anyway, Slot has proven his ability to grow exciting talents into superstars. See the 22-year-old Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo.

Now, the Dutch coach is hoping to sign his next version of the former, whose meteoric rise last season led to him being crowned the Premier League Young Player of the Season.

Liverpool's next top transfer targets

After missing out on Dean Huijsen, who swapped Bournemouth for Real Madrid after his £50m release clause was met, it was clear from the early stages of the transfer window that Liverpool are interested in signing a centre-back.

Marc Guehi is the man at the top of the shopping list, and while developments appear to be minimal at the moment, expect FSG to try their luck before the summer window slams shut.

Liverpool need a new central defender, to be sure, but Slot knows that the 33-year-old Mohamed Salah will need greater attacking support than he received last term, practically engineering the incredible Premier League success of 2023/24.

And indeed, Nunez’s forthcoming sale will demand that sporting director Richard Hughes signs a successor, one who is fit to serve as Liverpool’s out-and-out frontman over the coming years.

Well, the Reds have just the player in mind, and their interest is beginning to get stronger and stronger.

Liverpool with growing interest in new striker

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool’s interest in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike is indeed getting more intense as Nunez edges closer to a transfer to Napoli.

The Premier League champions have been among the frontrunners for the 23-year-old in recent months, with Chelsea and Manchester United also keen on bagging his signature.

However, the sticking point is that Frankfurt are happy to play hardball, seemingly unwilling to budge on their €100m (£85m) valuation.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

In 2022, Paris Saint-Germain signed a teenage Ekitike from Ligue 1 rivals Reims for a fee in the region of £30m. Newcastle had come close to a deal but failed to close it.

The Frenchman might not have brought it all together for PSG, only scoring four times across 33 senior matches, but he’s certainly built himself back up in Germany, with analyst Ben Mattinson hailing him as “one of the best strikers out there” after his 2024/25 term with Frankfurt.

Notching 36 goal involvements across all competitions for Frankfurt last season, Ekitike is clearly a “special talent”, as has been noted by journalist Bence Bocsak.

But it’s his dynamism and fluency that makes him such an attractive option for a club like Liverpool, finishing the 2024/25 season ranked among the top 6% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 20% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

The fact that he’s more complete than Gravenberch was when he joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich in August 2023 bodes well for his potential at the highest level of the European game.

As you will see in the table below, Gravenberch bloomed into a midfielder of remarkable quality and confidence last term, sitting deep in the centre of the park in spite of early career criticisms that he lacked the temperament and composure for such a role.

Looking at the Dutchman’s gains under Slot’s wing last season, as opposed to his less defined role when a part of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, it’s very easy to see that Slot’s tactical grasp brought out the best in his young compatriot.

Matches (starts)

26 (12)

37 (37)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

4

Touches*

28.8

66.5

Pass completion

83%

89%

Key passes*

0.6

0.9

Dribbles*

0.9

1.0

Ball recoveries*

2.8

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

3.5

Total duels (won)*

2.8 (47%)

5.0 (57%)

The same could be said for Gakpo, of course, but given that Ekitike is an exciting young player from the Bundesliga who has previously struggled to bring it together after a big-money move to a European superpower, he could emulate the silky holding midfielder.

And without a doubt, Ekitike has the technical ability to become the kind of all-encompassing centre-forward that Slot wants to connect his frontline.

Given the high regard Ekitike is held in already, it’s frightening to consider what Slot might manage to achieve in elevating the weaker points of his game and polishing any blemishes which a rising talent is naturally going to bear.

Gravenberch, certainly, has improved, having been branded a “passenger out of possession” by journalist Danny Corcoran during his maiden term in English football.

He’s now a player of smooth ability, one of the finest in Europe. Slot has earned his flowers, all right, and he’ll receive a whole bouquet if allowed to tinker away at Ekitike’s mechanics, shaping him into a world-beater.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the Die Adler star “could reach world-class striker levels” after his excellent campaign, and if he moves to Liverpool, his chances of this happening will increase tenfold.

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2 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 11, 2025

West Ham United are now in talks over a deal for a “spectacular” midfielder, and they are leading their Premier League rivals in the race for his signature, according to a report.

West Ham set sights on midfielder amid Paqueta uncertainty

Lucas Paqueta has been one of West Ham’s key players over the past three seasons, picking up 18 goals and 14 assists during his time at the London Stadium, but it now appears as though the attacking midfielder could seek pastures new this summer.

Indeed, Paqueta now wants to leave the Hammers, amid interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia and Brazil, and the board are willing to cash-in, should they receive an offer in the region of £30m.

As such, Graham Potter’s side have now set their sights on a new attacking midfielder to replace the 27-year-old, with targets being identified from the Belgian Pro League and within the Premier League.

Target

Current club

League goal contributions in 24/25

Harvey Elliott

Liverpool

3

Mario Stroeykens

Anderlecht

10

Not only are the Irons keen on an attacking option, but they have also made progress in their pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach defensive midfielder Rocco Reitz, according to a report from TEAMtalk.

The report states that talks over a deal for Reitz are now underway, with the Monchengladbach ace expected to leave in this window, given that the £17m release clause in his contract is set to become active next summer.

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The German side don’t want to lose the midfielder for such a low fee, and a transfer battle, which may drive up the price, could be on the cards this summer, with the likes of Brighton, Fulham and Inter Milan also keen.

A number of bids are now expected imminently, and the Hammers should be well-placed to win the race for the 23-year-old’s signature, given that they are thought to be ahead of their Premier League rivals.

Reitz could be "spectacular" signing for West Ham

England were ultimately triumphant in the U21 European Championships, defeating Germany 3-2 in the final, but the Monchengladbach gem impressed throughout the tournament, picking up two assists in five matches.

Not only that, but the German has flourished defensively over the past year, placing very highly across a number of key metrics, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Interceptions

2.61 (99th percentile)

Blocks

1.92 (95th percentile)

Clearances

2.90 (96th percentile)

U23 scout Antonio Mango has also been left impressed by the maestro in the past, singling him out for praise after his Germany U21s debut.

As such, Reitz could be a fantastic signing for West Ham this summer, and it is promising news they are leading the race for his signature.

Burnley have now reached an agreement over the signing of a “talented” player, according to a hugely promising update from Sky Sports.

Burnley busy early in summer window

The Clarets continue to pursue potential new signings ahead of their return to the Premier League in August, as Scott Parker looks to give his side the best chance of avoiding a speedy relegation back into the Championship.

Loum Tchaouna has been a leading target over the past week or so, with Burnley reportedly close to sealing a move for the young Lazio forward ahead of next season, having already added permanent deals for Marcus Edwards, Zian Flemming and Jaidon Anthony to their attacking ranks.

France Under-21 international Tchaouna would be considered an exciting long-term addition for Parker, having already made 37 appearances for Lazio at senior level.

France Under-21s

5

1

France Under-20s

12

4

France Under-19s

17

7

France Under-17s

5

3

France Under-16s

9

2

Meanwhile, in defence, Bashir Humphreys has already signed permanently and Karlsruher SC goalkeeper Max Weiss is among the players to have also been linked with joining Burnley this summer, as well as Liverpool centre-back Joe Gomez.

Burnley reach full agreement to sign Weiss

According to an update from the Sky journalist Florian Plettenberg on X, Weiss’ move to Burnley is now considered a “done deal” after an agreement was reached over a move to Turf Moor, with a medical up next on Monday.

Weiss will be an exciting signing for Burnley, with the German a talented young ‘keeper who has the ability to be a mainstay between the sticks for the Clarets for many years, as Plettenberg alludes to.

At just 21, he has already played 42 times for Karlsruher, keeping 12 clean sheets, and he has been capped for Germany across three different youth age groups, winning a total of six caps.

With huge doubts lingering over the future of James Trafford at Burnley – Newcastle United have continually been strongly linked with signing him – a top-quality ‘keeper needs to arrive this summer.

While the more cautious option could be to bring in an experienced head who has played in the Premier League before, it is refreshing to see the Clarets once again taking a punt on youth again, backing Weiss to be able to do the job.

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The update has been provided by a reliable journalist.

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That’s not to say that an older alternative couldn’t come in as well, should Parker feel the need, but the Karlsruher ace needs to be trusted to come straight in and be an important part of Burnley’s plans, helping play a key role in them remaining in the top flight beyond 2025/26.