All posts by z3u9t.icu

Russell Martin retains belief that Rangers will come good in the long run after beginning their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 Ibrox defeat to Genk.

Gers midfielder Mohamed Diomande was shown a straight red card in the 41st minute for his challenge on Zakaria El Ouahdi. In added time in the first half, Gers keeper Jack Butland saved a penalty from former Celtic striker Oh Hyeon-gyu, but the South Korean eventually opened the scoring in the 55th minute and it proved to be the winner.

Martin, who had no complaints about the red card, has won four times in 14 games since he took over in the summer and the remaining fans in the crowd of 37,898 – the lowest in a European game at Ibrox since Rangers came back to the top flight – chanted against him at the final whistle.

When asked what gave him continuing confidence, he said: “Well, the way the players train, the way they stick together in the second half, the feeling inside the training ground, so I can’t control anything else apart from that. We will work, learn from tonight.

“Have a bit of perspective on tonight and how difficult it was after the red card. Because whether you like it or not, it changes a lot when you are down to 10 men for so long in a game in a European tie.“So, learn from it, especially the first half, where we hurt ourselves a little bit and got trapped too much.

Fewer touches than Butland: Rangers man was just as bad as Diomande vs Genk

Rangers began their Europa League campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Genk, but the sent off Mohamed Diomandé as not the only man to blame for this defeat.

Sep 26, 2025

“And then get ready to prepare and perform and win on Sunday. I’m disappointed we lose. The red card changed the game a lot. I was looking forward to getting to half-time. We had a few key points across to help the performance.

“We started fine, we had a bit of control and then we had a 10-minute spell where Genk got on top because we just didn’t look after the ball anywhere near well enough, forced it a little bit, and then we defended too deep because we didn’t take care of each other with the ball.

“And then I thought we rode that out and it looked like we were getting a bit of control back. Then Dio gets sent off, so it’s frustrating for us, really frustrating. I asked them to be really aggressive and not just defend for 45 minutes to try and get a draw and get a point, so I thought we looked a threat.

“And they had a couple of moments but they didn’t cut us open. It wasn’t like we were defending relentlessly and we had a couple of moments ourselves. So I’m frustrated. The red card changes a lot but I’m proud of the effort in the second half.

Genk boss heaps praise on "special" Rangers fans

Genk boss Thorsten Fink was pleased to leave Ibrox with a 1-0 win and recalled playing at the Govan stadium for Bayern Munich in 1999, when the two sides drew 1-1 in a Champions League group game.

He said: “I was happy to see the crowd today and the fans in the stadium. I was here in 1999. I didn’t play, but I was on the bench. Rangers drew 1-1 with Bayern Munich.

“They played a very good game against us. I have been a coach for a long time, but it was my first time coming here as a coach so it is a nice victory for me.

“There is always a good atmosphere here. They supported their team from what I saw. When I was here with Bayern Munich there were more fans, 52,000 I think.“They are special, special fans. The atmosphere in 1999 I will never forget. Today the fans were good as well. I was happy to be here.”

Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises have made an enquiry to sign another new midfielder ahead of Premier League rivals Burnley and Everton.

Leeds bolster midfield with Longstaff and Stach signings

The Whites have been busy in recent weeks ahead of their top flight return, with two of their recent signings coming in midfield.

After bolstering Daniel Farke’s defence with Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson, Leeds have since added Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach.

Signed for a combined £29.4m from Newcastle United and Hoffenheim respectively, the duo look set to provide competition for Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev this season.

Talking after signing, Longstaff said: “I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I got a feeling that they really wanted me. It just fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club – similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.”

Meanwhile, Stach added: “I am excited to join such a good team, such a good Premier League team, and I am looking forward to the next season. My style of play, I would say I am an aggressive player. I am good in duels. I am good at anticipating passes from the opponents and it would be good for the Premier League. Now we will see, I will try my best.”

Even better than Muniz: Leeds lining up move to sign "dominant" £30m star

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a striker who is even better than Rodrigo Muniz.

ByDan Emery Jul 31, 2025

The Whites don’t seem to be stopping there when it comes to midfield reinforcements, though, going off a new transfer update.

Leeds make contact to sign Benfica’s Florentino Luis

According to journalist Gianluigi Longari, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds have made an enquiry to sign Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis.

It is claimed that the Portuguese side could be open to selling Luis after bringing in Richard Ríos, with Leeds, Everton and Burnley all making approaches in recent weeks.

The 25-year-old appears to be at the top of his game with a career-high €22m Transfermarkt valuation. Luis has been with Benfica since 2019, winning two league titles, and is under contract until 2027.

He caught the eye of football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who dubbed the midfielder the “Portuguese Octopus”, and he also ranks high for a number of areas over the last 12 months.

Tackles

97th percentile

Interceptions

99th percentile

Tackles won

94th percentile

Passes blocked

82nd percentile

Pass completion (long)

94th percentile

A move to England could be one to keep an eye on following the recent transfer update and it’ll be interesting to see if Leeds firm up their interest after making contact.

In a summer full of frustration for Newcastle United, things could be about to get even worse with reports now suggesting that PIF could yet help deal them a major blow.

Howe delivers verdict on "difficult" summer

Those at St James’ Park have had plenty of ambition without reward so far this summer. Whilst they deserve praise for the signing of Anthony Elanga, other targets have come and gone elsewhere in what has become the frustrating trend of their transfer window.

The latest to do so looks set to be Hugo Ekitike. Although reports suggested that Newcastle had already submitted an opening bid for the Frenchman with a second on the way, Liverpool soon swooped in to steal a march on the Magpies. With concerns that the Reds would instead turn towards Alexander Isak if they missed out on the Frankfurt star, Newcastle dropped out of the race for his signature.

Eddie Howe, like all involved at St James’ Park, will be incredibly disappointed by how the summer transfer window has gone so far. He told reporters when asked about Newcastle’s business: “It was a difficult summer (to switch off) with everything going on behind the scenes.

“Obviously losing Paul (Mitchell) and all of the dynamics changing within (the club). The Sporting Director role is such a pivotal role at the club, so there was a lot (of work) to pick up.

“There has been a lot of work, transfer-wise, for very little incoming action, although we are delighted to get Anthony Elanga in, who has done very well in training so far. But a lot more work (is needed) behind the scenes in preparation for the new season.”

More clinical than Ekitike: Howe plotting Newcastle move to sign £75m+ star

Losing out on Ekitike could prove to be a blessing in disguise.

2 ByTom Cunningham Jul 19, 2025

After calling for more work to be done, Howe may not exactly get his wish, however. In fact, reports are now suggesting that PIF could even play a part in dealing Newcastle their biggest blow yet.

Saudi giants plotting shock Isak move

According to Sky’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Al-Hilal are now plotting a shock move to sign Isak from Newcastle this summer in what would see PIF work on a deal between two of their majority owned clubs. Led by Simone Inzaghi, the Saudi market is said to be “heating up” with Al-Hilal “considering a massive offer to convince both the club and the player.”

It’s an unexpected twist, to say the least, but the Magpies could now reportedly lose out to the rich owners that they entrusted with keeping the Swede in the first place.

Despite the fact that PIF own a majority stake in both clubs, there would reportedly be no issue regarding the regulations if Al-Hilal did sign Isak this summer. Having lost out on Ekitike to fend off any interest from Liverpool in Isak, it would now be the summer’s most shocking turn if the forward moved to the Saudi Pro League courtesy of PIF.

There’s no doubt that the Magpies would be losing one of, if not the, best striker in the Premier League or perhaps world football, who earned plenty of praise from Gary Neville last season.

The Manchester United legend and Sky Sports pundit said after Newcastle defeated the Red Devils: “You could really see the quality of his play and his movement tonight.

“He’s absolutely fantastic and he’s improving all the time. We know he can score goals, we know he can run, but also his hold-up play and his link with others has got better and better since he’s been at Newcastle.”

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, finishing ten points ahead of second-place Arsenal. Few gave Arne Slot a chance to establish himself as a title-race outlier, but he took the division by storm.

And he’s been rewarded in the summer transfer market, with FSG green-lighting ambitious moves for Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, with the latter signing from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m.

Navigating the transfer market has become a far more delicate matter for Liverpool after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

But Liverpool’s forward interest dates back to the start of 2025, with Darwin Nunez transfer-listed while the Reds pursued the Premier League title.

Nunez is still set to leave Liverpool, with the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal among the frontrunners, and FSG have worked to sign a replacement.

While nothing’s set in stone, it looks like that replacement is going to be Hugo Ekitike.

The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool

Liverpool appear to have won the race for Ekitike, with the 23-year-old submitting a transfer request as he looks to inch a move to Merseyside closer.

Newcastle United were also in the mix, but have dropped out following the Reds’ concrete advancements.

Ekitike’s is an unrefined skill set, but with a few tweaks here and there, he could prove a stunning signing for Slot’s cause. After all, talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked that he “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”.

With 22 goals and 12 assists to his name across the 2024/25 campaign, such a claim certainly seems to have some substance.

On Friday morning, Sport BILD reported that Ekitike had linked back up with Frankfurt for training and, as things stand, is slated to join his teammates on their pre-season tour in the United States.

The Reds are closing in on their quarry, but they have another target in their sights, too. You might even say he’s an upgrade on the French forward.

Liverpool lining up another striker

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still pushing to land Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, in spite of their push for Ekitike’s signature and indeed the rebuffed formal approach for the Sweden striker earlier in the week.

Liverpool were willing to put a £120m offer on the table, but the focus shift to Ekitike in recent days speaks of a roadblock between Anfield and St. James’ Park.

Elsewhere, Foot Mercato have revealed that Isak and Newcastle have given Al-Hilal the initial green light to commence discussions over a deal that would send shockwaves through the footballing world.

While this is peculiar news, it perhaps suggests that the Isak saga is not quite finished for Liverpool this summer.

Why Liverpool should sign Alexander Isak

Time was when Liverpool’s owners were widely regarded as being frugal, if effective with their resources. But who can call FSG misers now? Having forked out a shedload on new signings this summer, there’s still more yet to come.

BBC reporter Sami Mokbel believes that Liverpool’s interest in Isak will remain intact regardless of the outcome of the Ekitike saga. One of the French talent’s underlying qualities to have piqued Slot’s interest is his versatility, with a sharp tactical mind and a nimble athleticism making him, as Kulig alluded to, world-class material.

But Isak’s already there, with pundit Alan Shearer hailing his “world-class” level. Indeed, there’s a case that the Swedish gem’s the finest number nine in the game right now, having scored 27 goals and supplied six assists across all competitions for the Magpies in 2024/25. Certainly, he’s the most complete, with pundit Ally McCoist saying: “In terms of his all-round game, he’s unstoppable.”

Without a doubt, Isak would pack a heavier punch than Ekitike, definitely across the next campaign or two. Sure, the Frankfurt man has the potential to become one of the best, but his Swedish counterpart is already there.

Newcastle signed him from Real Sociedad for what still stands as a club-record £63m deal, and injuries have been his only foible.

Instrumental in securing United as a top-end competitor, scoring as they beat Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and end a 70-year trophy drought, he would revolutionise a Liverpool frontline already packed with high-level quality.

1.

Erling Haaland

97

85 (0.88)

2.

Mohamed Salah

108

66 (0.61)

3.

Alexander Isak

86

54 (0.63)

4.

Ollie Watkins

112

50 (0.45)

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

101

38 (0.38)

And not just a goalscorer, Isak’s completeness can be observed through his FBref data. The stats-led site reveals the 25-year-old ranked among the top 16% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries, and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.

The thing is, Liverpool cannot afford to be so reliant on Mohamed Salah for goals, especially now that the right winger has turned 33. In Isak, Slot would sign a striker with a far superior ball-striking ability than Ekitike; certainly, the Swede is more efficient and economical in his efforts, with a conversion rate to be feared and an impressive rate of creativity besides.

The £120k-per-week forward is just one year away from his penultimate year on Tyneside. Then the alarm bells will be screeching down the St. James’ Park hallways. Perhaps Newcastle will want to cash in for a pretty penny while they still can.

Newcastle, for sure, know that Liverpool are willing to break the British transfer record (again) before summer’s out. And from a Reds perspective, sporting director Richard Hughes will be doing all he can to achieve this, for Isak is the cream of the crop and would certainly arrive as a more accomplished and complete player than Ekitike.

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

Arsenal are now in club-to-club talks with a Premier League side over another transfer, as Mikel Arteta receives new sporting director Andrea Berta’s full support in his attempts to end the Gunners’ long wait for title glory.

Berta holds Wednesday talks to sign £100k-a-week star who wants Arsenal move

The Italian is working behind-closed-doors.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 9, 2025

Having already sealed confirmed deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with the latter set to be announced shortly after completing a medical (David Ornstein), Arteta’s side certainly aren’t slowing down.

Arsenal appear determined to bridge the gap between themselves and English champions Liverpool, who won the league by a seismic 10 points last season, and Berta will be mindful of the excellent business their rivals have already conducted themselves this summer.

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

25/26 – summer

£65m

With Man City and Chelsea also making splashes in the market, competition at the top of the table will be rife, and Arsenal are attempting not to be left behind.

Reports suggest that Arsenal are in advanced talks to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, and the Sweden international could well join them in time for their pre-season tour of Asia later this month.

Alongside the prolific 27-year-old, who netted an outstanding 54 goals in all competitions last season, Arsenal have held positive negotiations for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, who would join in a deal independent of the club’s chase for a new left-winger.

While Real Madrid’s Rodrygo has been mooted as Arsenal’s “dream” target in that area, Berta appears to be moving for Chelsea forward Noni Madueke as an alternative.

The England international has already agreed personal terms to join Arsenal, as widely reported, but there’s been a slight wait for them to make formal contact with Chelsea.

However, it now appears that the wait is now over.

Arsenal open talks with Chelsea over "surprise" Noni Madueke deal

As per talkSPORT and other reliable media sources, Arsenal have opened club-to-club talks with Chelsea over signing Madueke, with the broadcast giant saying he’s “emerged as a surprise candidate” to become their fourth signing of the window.

It is believed that Chelsea value their man at north of £50 million, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano also sharing a key piece of information from his own sources, via X.

An initial bid has apparently gone in for Madueke, which is worth £50m including add-ons, but as things stand, that still won’t be enough.

Chelsea want more than £50m as a fixed fee, not including add-ons, with the west Londoners referencing Anthony Elanga’s £55 million move to Newcastle, among other similar deals, as a yardstick for Madueke’s valuation.

Talks remain ongoing, and it appears there is still some ground to cover in negotiations before we can call this one a ‘done deal’.

In terms of the 23-year-old’s quality, he would be an excellent option, with Enzo Maresca even calling Madueke one of his “best players” from last season. It does plunge the futures of Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard into serious doubt, though, and we wouldn’t be surprised to see at least one of the duo depart before deadline day if Madueke is signed.

It’s been a non-stop summer for those at the Stadium of Light as the reality of the Premier League begins to dawn on Sunderland.

By the time Sunderland’s opener comes around versus West Ham United, the complexion of Regis Le Bris’ starting lineup could look very different from the playoff final success against Sheffield United, with both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson already nowhere to be seen.

Moreover, there will no doubt be a lot of new faces vying for game-time after joining the newly promoted club, with Marcin Bulka perhaps taking over first-team goalkeeper duties from Anthony Patterson if he does join from OGC Nice.

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reported on Wednesday that the Black Cats have opened talks regarding a potential move for the Polish stopper, as they seek to win the race ahead of a long list of other suitors.

He might not be the only defensive addition coming in this summer to bring extra competition, however, as Sunderland now find themselves locked in a race to sign a promising centre-back.

Sunderland in the race to sign £7m defender

As per a report by OnTheMinute, Sunderland remain in the race to land 21-year-old defender Saba Goglichidze.

Transfer Focus

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

The Empoli centre-back is attracting lots of interest despite his current employers’ recent relegation from the Serie A, with the report adding that the Black Cats’ fiercest rivals in Newcastle United are now keen on the Georgian as well, alongside fellow Premier League outfit Nottingham Forest.

It’s even been speculated that the Tricky Trees are now ready to place a £7m bid for the 6-foot-4 colossus, with OnTheMinute stating that a bid around this region could be enough for Empoli to part ways with their main asset.

Sunderland will hope they can gain an advantage in this race somehow, with Goglichidze’s potential arrival – on top of Bulka walking through the door – undoubtedly strengthening Le Bris and Co. at the back ahead of their uphill Premier League climb.

How Goglichidze could shine with Bulka

After all, when assessing Goglichidze’s stay at Empoli up to this point, it’s clear he isn’t fazed by the bright lights of a top division.

Indeed, the up-and-coming 21-year-old has even had suitors from AC Milan and Juventus look at him, with his sparkling form in Italy seeing him pick up a solitary assist from his 33 league encounters last season, on top of also bravely battling away for his basement side with 3.9 duels won on average.

With four clean sheets in league action next to his name, too, it’s clear that Goglichidze is destined for bigger and better things than slumping down to the Italian second division, and with Bulka behind in him the sticks, he could go on to look even more confident and assured knowing he has a top-drawer shot-stopper by his side.

Across his four seasons in between the sticks for Nice, the reliable Pole has managed to collect 30 clean sheets, with a hefty 18 of those coming just last campaign. To add context, Patterson would finish his own individual season with a lesser 14 next to his name, even from 45 games overall.

Games played

38

Goals scored

26

Goals conceded

69

Goal difference

-40

That is still a respectable tally, but there will be a real worry in the air about the intense jump-up in quality, considering Southampton – who were the reigning playoff champions before Sunderland’s big moment at Wembley – are just fresh off leaking a dire 86 strikes stuck at the bottom of the division, which is 17 more than the Black Cats gave up during their last relegation horror-show in the top-flight.

The Saints looking so porous could be sounding the alarm bells for Le Bris and Co. as we speak, with the Black Cats giving up a high 44 strikes last season themselves. Amazingly, both Leeds United and Burnley only gave up 46 goals combined.

The arrival of fresh blood in the form of Saba Goglichidze and his potential new Polish teammate might be just what the newly promoted side needs, therefore, with football talent scout Jacek Kulig even going as far as to declare the 21-year-old a “wonderful” talent.

It will be a turbulent ride ahead for Sunderland, but if Le Bris can work his magic on this fresh defensive pairing, survival might be reached.

Romano: Sunderland in talks to sign "superb" player loved by Luis Enrique

The Black Cats are in the hunt for a new stopper.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 26, 2025

A £160,000 a-week Liverpool star has now said ‘yes’ to joining a new team this summer, and there is only the fee left to be agreed between the clubs, according to a recent report.

Latest on Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez transfers to Liverpool

This week is expected to be an important time for the Premier League champions, as they are closing in on the signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen. The Germany international is set to join Liverpool in a deal worth roughly £116m inclusive of add-ons, with a medical taking place this week.

Huijsen was better: How Spanish media rated Trent's first game post-Liverpool

Trent Alexander-Arnold made his debut for Real Madrid in the Club World Cup.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

Wirtz is expected to complete the first part of his medical on Thursday, with the plan being he completes the rest on Friday, with a view to then announcing the transfer over the weekend. The attacking midfielder is set to sign a contract until 2030, which will place as him as one of the club’s highest earners.

Meanwhile, Liverpool are also continuing to find an agreement to sign Milos Kerkez from AFC Bournemouth. Journalist Ben Jacobs revealed earlier this week that the Reds are set to finalise the agreement for Kerkez next week in a deal worth £40 million. There are only small details to work on to complete this transfer, and his arrival at Anfield could potentially have a knock-on effect.

Robertson says 'yes' to Atletico Madrid

That is because, according to Spanish outlet AS, Liverpool’s Andrew Robertson has given the go-ahead to join Atletico Madrid this summer.

The report states that the Spanish giants are keen on signing the Scotland international, and Robertson sees the move to Spain as an excellent option to continue playing at the top level. Robertson wants to continue playing regular football and winning titles, which he may not be able to do at Liverpool given Kerkez’s arrival, so he believes Atlético are offering him everything that he wants at this stage of his career.

All that remains is that Atlético need to find an agreement with Liverpool over a transfer, which could be a relatively small fee, given Robertson has only one year remaining on his contract.

Apps

342

Goals

11

Assists

67

Robertson, who earns £160,000 a week at Anfield, played 33 times in the Premier League last season, 10 more than he played in the previous campaign. But Kerkez’s arrival pushes him down the pecking order, and a move to Atlético would see him become their regular left-back, as the Spanish side only have Javi Galan as their recognised player for that position, and he spent last season on loan at Real Sociedad.

His move to Atlético would see him join the likes of Kieran Trippier and Conor Gallagher in moving to the Spanish club in recent years from the Premier League.

For so many years, winning the Premier League was the great white whale for Liverpool, elusive and unattainable, always falling short in the race for England’s biggest prize.

Then Jurgen Klopp came along, and everything changed. The German restored Anfield to its former standing as a global superpower. Now he’s gone, and Liverpool are champions once again.

Arne Slot has proved the perfect successor, and he did it all without any proper first-team investment. That owes largely to Klopp’s midfield rebuild, and indeed his work with Michael Edwards and co over so many years, piecing together lasting stars who will continue to shine through the 2025/26 campaign.

But now, the signings are flowing through in cascades, with a deal wrapped up for Bayer Leverkusen right-sider Jeremie Frimpong and an agreement finally reached for his teammate, Florian Wirtz, who will become the most expensive player in British history.

It’s a lot of money for a 22-year-old playmaker, so how exactly is Wirtz going to improve Liverpool?

Why Liverpool have signed Wirtz

Liverpool have broken the bank to sign Wirtz, but sometimes, securing such a marquee deal is worth it. Having won the Premier League last season, the Reds are now consolidating their position at the top.

And Wirtz, having conquered his homeland, is ready to make the move to English football, where he could take Kevin De Bruyne’s vacated spot as the country’s foremost number ten.

As per FBref, the playmaker ranked among the top 2% of positional peers in the Bundesliga last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for passes attempted and the top 5% for both progressive passes and progressive carries per 90.

Where Dominik Szoboszlai is industrious, Wirtz is incisive and influential to a different degree. Former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes has even gone as far as to say he’s “probably the best midfielder in the world.”

With Trent Alexander-Arnold gone, Liverpool will need to find new ways to maintain their peerless creativity; sparking chance after chance has been the foundation of their success in the Premier League across these recent successful years.

24/25

Liverpool

112

23/24

Liverpool

102

22/23

Liverpool & Man City

103

21/22

Liverpool

97

20/21

Liverpool

82

Curious that Trent created fewer big chances (15) than across any of Liverpool’s past four top-flight campaigns. Wirtz will fix all that, and if FSG secure a talented new striker, Liverpool may just reach a whole ‘nother level.

Liverpool interested in signing LaLiga striker

As per Diego Simeone, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The renowned manager was responding to a journalist’s comments on Atletico’s striker being one of the hottest commodities on the market, and Simeone said he was flattered, name-checking Arsenal, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain too.

Simeone stated: “Every club wants to sign Julián Álvarez. It’s logical. I can’t imagine it any other way. Of course every top club wants him—Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, Liverpool… all of them. And for us, for Atlético fans, it should be a point of pride that everyone wants him. Why? Because he’s ours. And since he’s ours, we need to protect him. We have to make sure he feels happy. And how will he feel happy? By winning. And to get there, we all need to give 110%.”

The 25-year-old Alvarez has only been in the Spanish capital for a year, but he’s enjoyed a world-class campaign and boasts dynamic attacking properties that suggest he’d be tailor-made for Slot’s system.

However, Los Colchoneros would reportedly be seeking a figure as high as €170m (£142m) to part with their star man.

What Julian Alvarez would bring to Liverpool

Alvarez enjoyed his time at Manchester City, posting 55 goal contributions across 103 matches before earning Simeone’s attention. Atletico would then sign the silky forward for £81.5m.

This sparked derision from some, but Alvarez has since proved the doubters wrong, scoring 29 goals and supplying seven assists across 54 matches in all competitions.

He’s settled into his throne as the free-scoring frontman, but he’s far more than just a goalscorer, ranked among the top 4% of strikers across Europe last season for passes attempted, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90, according to FBref.

You can only imagine how he would perform in Slot’s Liverpool system, with Wirtz pulling the strings behind him. Journalist Roy Nemer actually hailed Alvarez as “the best striker in the world” for his performances across the past year, not just striking true but working hard to outfox defenders and create space for teammates.

Moreover, he’s demonstrated a propensity to do it on the biggest stage, scoring a stunning goal against Real Madrid in Atletico’s controversial Champions League quarter-final defeat in March.

Considering Alvarez has a wealth of trophy-laden Premier League experience in Pep Guardiola’s system, Liverpool might just find themselves hitting even loftier targets next year,

As per Sofascore, the Argentina superstar only missed seven big chances across the 2024/25 La Liga campaign, converting 17 strikes. Given that he created 11 big chances and averaged 34.9 touches per game too (which is high for a centre-forward), Alvarez’s dynamic approach has been underscored.

Truly, he’s one of the deadliest and most multi-faceted forwards on the market, with exceptional off-the-ball movement that Slot could use to an emphatic effect, with Wirtz and Mohamed Salah making things happen around him.

Liverpool’s new playmaker created 17 big chances in the Bundesliga last season after winning the division’s Player of the Season award one year prior. Clearly, he’s got the world at his feet, and Alvarez would be the grateful recipient of his production if signed by Liverpool this summer.

Whether Liverpool have the financial means to bring Alvarez back to England remains to be seen. Certainly, FSG won’t green-light a deal in the ballpark of £142m.

However, if something more agreeable can be found, Liverpool have got to pounce on this one, for he would be the perfect fit for Slot’s set-up.

A right-footed Salah: £80m winger is now Liverpool's top target after Wirtz

Liverpool will need to sign a new left-sided forward should Luis Diaz be sold.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 10, 2025

Florian Wirtz is in the process of signing for Liverpool this summer in what will likely prove a British-record deal, with Bayer Leverkusen demanding £120m to part with their prized possession.

It’s droning on a bit, the transfer saga, but then engineering a record deal for a world-class superstar was never going to be a walk in the park, and it bears testament to sporting director Richard Hughes and his team that Liverpool have batted off rival interest from Manchester City and Bayern Munich to take the lead in what is now a one-horse race.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold now officially a Real Madrid player, it was always going to be important that Liverpool replace him not just positionally but creatively as well, and Wirtz is “unbelievably intelligent” in his passing, says Leverkusen’s former executive CEO assistant, Devin Ozek.

When (if) the Wirtz deal is wrapped up, Liverpool will want to turn their focus to the front of the ship, with a new centre-forward needed after difficult campaigns for Slot’s natural number nines.

However, the sale of one of Anfield’s biggest stars has led Liverpool to rekindle their interest in Anthony Gordon.

Why Liverpool are interested in Anthony Gordon

Gordon signed for Newcastle United in a £45m deal back in January 2023, and despite a slow start across the latter phase of that campaign, Gordon notched 28 goal contributions during the 2023/24 season and was crowned the club’s Player of the Season.

Newcastle would want £80m to let the England international leave St. James’ Park this summer, but that hasn’t stopped Liverpool from registering their interest in Gordon, who dreams of returning to Merseyside and joining his boyhood club.

Now, why is this? Well, interest is growing in Liverpool’s Luis Diaz, with FSG already rejecting an offer from Barcelona and stating the Colombian is not for sale, report The Athletic.

However, the Premier League side’s stance is likely far more equivocal, with the right offer sure to open the door for the 28-year-old’s sale. Al-Nassr are also intrigued, and maybe their riches would be more fitting for a summer departure.

Should Diaz depart, it would be because a suitor, likely from the Saudi Pro League, has agreed to meet FSG’s €85m (£72m) valuation.

If that happens, Liverpool will move for a new wideman, but it might not actually be Gordon who gets reeled in.

Liverpool lead race for Gordon alternative

The problem with Gordon is he’s worth £80m, and given there’s a similar player who could be signed for half that sum and placed to challenge Cody Gakpo for the number one spot, it seems silly to go down the more expensive route.

Transfer Focus

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

That player is Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who, according to TEAMtalk, has been heavily scouted by Liverpool in recent months as Slot weighs up a move.

Fofana’s £40m release clause makes him an attractive option. Arsenal and Aston Villa are also interested, alongside Liverpool, with the trio all said to be leading the race.

The player’s agent, Bobo Fofana, however, has previously claimed that Anfield would be his “choice of heart.”

What Malick Fofana would bring to Liverpool

Fofana may only be 20 and with 62 Lyon appearances to his name, but he’s already made quite the name for himself in France, joining from Belgian team Gent for a fee rising to €22m (£19m) in January 2024, when he was only 18.

Across 41 matches in all competitions this season, the wideman scored 11 goals and provided six assists for his teammates, and with his principal position being on the left flank, he’d be ideal to replace Diaz.

That is, unless Gordon signs for the club. Liverpool’s interest in the English star is long-standing, but it might be that moving for the Scouser wouldn’t be in the club’s best interests, not when Fofana’s progress suggests he could do the same job.

Given that he’s four years Gordon’s junior, he might even eclipse him in the years to come.

Matches (starts)

34 (28)

29 (16)

Goals

6

5

Assists

5

4

Shots (on target)*

1.7 (0.6)

1.1 (0.4)

Pass completion

81%

84%

Key passes*

1.5

0.9

Big chances created

6

6

Dribbles*

1.1

0.8

Tackles + interceptions*

1.1

1.1

Ground duels (won)*

4.4

2.8 (54%)

As you can see, both wingers enjoyed similar seasons in their respective leagues, but is Gordon performing at a level which proves he should cost double that of his French counterpart?

As per FBref, Fofana ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for non-penalty goals scored, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 16% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

His athleticism and pace have actually led the data-driven site to record Gordon as one of Fofana’s most comparable players, further evidence that he should be signed instead.

So then, the template for something remarkable might just be there. A natural goalscorer, Fofana has also been praised for his “explosive” running by analyst Ben Mattinson. Moreover, the defensive quality you can see ranks well against Gordon is something that would serve him well in the Premier League.

Given the richness of Liverpool’s attacking options, bringing in Fofana as a long-term project might not be the worst idea in the world, with his crisp passing aligning with the way Diaz plays and his fleet-footedness a further string to his bow.

With Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and the rest of them helping unlock Fofana’s high potential, this could be a shrewd move the Reds look back at fondly indeed in the years to come.

Liverpool exploring move for £30m "iron barrel" who's just like Van Dijk

Liverpool are interested in signing a new centre-back this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 6, 2025

And with that, the Premier League is done and dusted for another year. Arsenal, the division’s second place side, ended things with a win but the real work starts now for new sporting director Andrea Berta.

Mikel Arteta declared post-game on Sunday that work for the new season would commence quickly.

Where do they need to strengthen?

It’s pretty obvious unless you have been living under a rock.

For the first time since the 1923/24 season, yes, over 100 years ago, Arsenal failed to find a player who scored double figures in a league season.

Injuries have no doubt led to this but so has the club’s poor recruitment over the last 18 months.

A new striker and potentially also a winger simply has to be sourced this summer.

Arsenal’s transfer plans post-season

It’s set to be out with the old and in with the new this summer for the Gunners.

Kieran Tierney scored on his final outing for the Gunners at Southampton but it may not have been just his final outing.

Indeed, Raheem Sterling will head back to his parent club while Thomas Partey and Jorginho see their contracts expire in a few weeks time.

Leandro Trossard – linked with Saudi last January – could sign a new deal at the Emirates Stadium this summer, but that is unlikely to have an impact on whether or not they sign a new forward.

For that central berth, the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko seem the most likely of candidates but there’s also the potential for a new winger to arrive in the shape of Real Madrid star, Rodrygo.

The Brazilian isn’t the only wide player on their shortlist with reports in recent weeks suggesting that Arsenal have been working on a deal for Rafael Leao.

The Milan star is also wanted by Bayern Munich this summer but there’s has been a new development in Arsenal’s chase.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s according to French publication, Foot Mercato, who suggested over the weekend that while the Portuguese winger is on the club’s ‘shortlist’, Berta actually had a phone call with the player in the last two weeks.

The purpose of that call was to tell Leao that there is definite interest in him from the Gunners.

Arsenal don’t have an endless supply of cash this summer, and with other areas needing to be improved, they will have to spend wisely. Thus, a reported £145m release clause is unlikely to be met too well by the club’s recruitment team.

How Rafael Leao compares to Rodrygo

Speaking last week ahead of the game with Southampton, Arteta was actually asked about the prospect of signing Rodrygo from Real Madrid.

While he didn’t explicitly reveal that Arsenal were interested, he was slightly more open to the prospect of discussing transfers than he was a week or two ago, stating: “If you want to win titles, you have to be the best in the market. The teams that win have the best players.”

Well, speaking of the best players, who would be the better option here?

Rodrygo is an electrifying talent and there is a belief that if he moved away from the Bernabeu and was the main man, he’d be a genuinely scary proposition. After all, this is a player who has scored 50 goals since the beginning of the 2022/23 season.

In comparison, Leao – who’s actually been compared to a young Thierry Henry for his play style on the left flank – has scored 43 times in the same time frame.

So, with fewer goals, why is the Portuguese more exciting?

Goals

0.40

0.34

Assists

0.31

0.24

Shot on target %

36.0%

36.3%

Key passes

2.06

1.91

Progressive passes

4.12

3.76

Shot-creating actions

4.60

4.71

Successful take-ons

2.64

2.56

Progressive carries

5.20

5.63

A genuine speedster, the Milan forward has notably been described by the Athletic’s Alex Barker as “one of the best dribblers in the world”, the numbers certainly showcase that.

He ranks within the top 5% of wingers in Europe’s top five leagues this season for successful take ons per 90 minutes with 2.84. In contrast, Rodrygo only ranks among the best 23% with 2.08 per 90 mins in 2024/25.

Evidently both very capable dribblers, over the last three seasons it’s the Milan superstar who comes out on top in most areas, most importantly producing more end product (goals and assists) every 90 minutes.

Leao isn’t just a dribbler and a goalscorer, but he’s also capable of providing assists, delivering more key passes and progressive passes than Madrid’s wing sensation.

It’s likely the latter would be a cheaper acquisition but based on the numbers it’s the Portugal international who looks like the more exciting talent.

Combine that with comparisons to Henry and you have a genuine world beater here capable of getting Arsenal fans off their seats again.

It’s safe to say they’ve lacked that star quality and X factor on too many occasions this season.

Arsenal struck gold on "unplayable" star worth way more than Nico Williams

The incredible talent is going to be a superstar for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 22, 2025