Brighton & Hove Albion are now eyeing a move for a “world-class” goalkeeper to replace Bart Verbruggen this summer, according to a report.
Verbruggen attracting interest after impressive performances
Brighton have enjoyed another solid campaign in the Premier League, with a top-half finish looking increasingly likely, and their goalkeeper has caught the eye with some impressive performances.
Most recently, Verbruggen kept a clean sheet in the Seagulls’ 2-0 triumph at Wolverhampton Wanderers, making two saves from inside the box to keep the Old Gold at bay, which earned him a 7.7 SofaScore match rating, the second-highest of any player.
The Netherlands international has also put in some top displays for his national side, making some impressive saves in his side’s UEFA Nations League clash against Spain back in March.
As such, it is little wonder the Dutchman is now starting to attract attention from some of Europe’s top clubs, with a report from The Sun revealing that Real Madrid are now eyeing a shock deal for the shot-stopper this summer.
In the same report, it is detailed that Brighton are now running the rule over top-class replacements for the 22-year-old, with Liverpool’s Caoimhin Kelleher one of the goalkeepers under consideration, having tracked the Irishman for quite some time.
Reports from elsewhere have revealed the Reds have set an asking price of £40m for Kelleher, so the Seagulls will need to be willing to spend big, should they decide to pursue a move for the goalkeeper.
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ByCharlie Smith Oct 9, 2025 "World-class" Kelleher could be ideal Verbruggen replacement
Of course, Fabian Hurzeler will be hoping to keep hold of Verbruggen beyond the end of the campaign, but it could be difficult to retain the goalkeeper’s services if Real Madrid come calling, and there are signs the Liverpool shot-stopper could be an ideal replacement.
While Alisson has remained Arne Slot’s first-choice option between the sticks, the Irishman has certainly played a role in the Reds’ Premier League title triumph, making 10 appearances while the Brazilian was sidelined due to injury.
During that time, the 26-year-old received very high praise from Andy Robertson, who described his teammate as “world-class”.
Not only that, but the Ireland international ranks highly across some key goalkeeping metrics over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Clean sheet %
50% (99th percentile)
Goals against
1.07 (81st percentile)
Save % (penalty kicks)
100% (98th percentile)
Having proven himself in the Premier League with the champions, Kelleher could be a fantastic replacement for Verbruggen this summer, but Hurzeler will be hoping Madrid cool their interest in his goalkeeper.
Manchester United have contacted the representatives of an “elite” player ahead of a potential move to Old Trafford this summer, according to a new transfer update.
Man Utd must replace under-fire players
Ruben Amorim will be targeting lots of new signings in various areas of the pitch ahead of next season, bringing in players who can perfectly suit his style of play. There are individuals who simply need to be improved upon if United are to make a big jump up the Premier League table, with an upgrade on Andre Onana required in goal. The Cameroonian has enjoyed good moments in a Red Devils shirt, but he makes too many mistakes to be the long-term option between the sticks.
Manchester United'sAndreOnanaduring the warm up before the match
Similarly, changes are needed down the middle of United’s attack, with neither Rasmus Hojlund nor Joshua Zirkzee looking like they will lead the line competently enough for years to come. Both remain relatively young, in fairness, but a world-class striker would make a huge difference.
Napoli ace Victor Osimhen has been mentioned as an option for Amorim, with the Nigerian expected to leave permanently having spent this season on loan at Galatasaray, while Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui has been backed to come in as an alternative choice.
Man Utd make contact with agents of Joan Garcia
According to Cope [via Sport Witness], Manchester United have made contact with Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia’s entourage over a summer move to the club, as they look to nail an upgrade on Onana.
The 23-year-old is described as a standout player for his side this season, and there is hope that the Red Devils could sign him for as little as £21m, triggering his release clause in the process. That figure will rise to £25.5m in the final 15 days of the summer transfer window, though.
Espanyol's Joan Garcia makes a save
Meanwhile, Espanyol sporting director Fran Garagarza has admitted that a move away isn’t out of the question, saying: “There’s a lot of noise, but nothing is happening. There’s no firm movement like there was in the previous [summer] window. There may be movements because he’s a top-level goalkeeper, but we’re calm, and most importantly, the kid is very calm.”
Garcia could be just what United are looking for this summer, with the Spaniard an impressive young ‘keeper already proving himself is one of Europe’s top leagues. He has started 32 games in La Liga for Espanyol this season, winning five Man of the Match awards from WhoScored in the process, and analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as “elite”.
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His coach, Manolo Gonzalez, has even compared him to Lionel Messi: “Joan Garcia is going to be a global reference, no doubt about it. I really hope so, because he deserves it, both for his ability and for who he is. It’s like when Barcelona had Messi. There were tough matches, and Messi would resolve them. Well, we have that in goal with Joan Garcia.”
All this points towards Garcia being a fantastic addition for United ahead of the 2025/26 season, and given his age, he could be a regular for the next decade if the move is a successful one.
Celtic clinched their 55th league title and their fourth Scottish Premiership title in the last four seasons with a 5-0 win over Dundee United last weekend.
The Hoops only needed a point at Tannadice Park to rubber stamp their place at the top of the division, but they claimed the trophy in style with a convincing victory.
It was a big afternoon for Brendan Rodgers and his side, as they won the league title, but it was also a big game for Ireland international Adam Idah, who made a big impact off the bench.
The former Norwich City marksman scored two goals after coming on for the injured Jota, and will now be hoping to land a regular spot in the starting XI between now and the end of the season.
He has only started 16 of his 31 appearances in the Premiership so far this term, which shows that the Irish forward has been unable to nail down a place in the side throughout the campaign.
Idah is yet to prove that he has what it takes to be the main man for Celtic in the number nine position, despite Kyogo Furuhashi’s exit in the January transfer window.
Why Kyogo Furuhashi was a success at Celtic
The Japan international joined the club from Vissel Kobe in the summer of 2021, signed by Ange Postecoglou, and hit the ground running at Parkhead with 20 goals and five assists in 33 appearances in all competitions.
Kyogo did not fit the prototypical centre-forward mould, standing at 5 foot 7 and being fairly weak in his physical duels, but he made up for that with lethal finishing and exceptional movement.
The Japanese star, who scored 34 goals in the 2022/23 campaign, did not need to be a 6 foot 3, powerful, number nine who could bully opposition defences week-in-week-out, because he had the technical ability to impact matches without getting involved in physical tussles.
Kyogo ended his Celtic career with a return of 85 goals and 19 assists in 165 matches in all competitions, which illustrates just how effective he was at the top end of the pitch.
Appearances
20
36
38
Goals
12
27
14
Duels won per game
1.7
1.2
1.5
Ground duel success rate
43%
44%
45%
Aerial duel success rate
20%
13%
26%
As you can see in the table above, the former Celtic striker consistently struggled with the physical side of the game throughout his three full Premiership seasons, yet still managed to consistently score goals.
This shows that he was a success at Parkhead because of his movement and his technical quality, and is proof that Celtic do not need a tall, physical, experienced number nine if they opt to recruit one in the summer.
Celtic eyeing Premiership striker
In fact, Celtic may be able to unearth their next version of Kyogo by signing a Premiership player whom they are now, reportedly, showing an interest in.
According to the Chronicle Live, the Hoops are one of a number of clubs eyeing up a swoop for Hearts centre-forward James Wilson ahead of the summer transfer window.
James Wilson in action for Hearts.
The report claims that the Hoops have ‘checked’ the 18-year-old striker out this season, in what has been his breakthrough year at senior level with the Jam Tarts, as Rodgers lines up a move for the youngster.
However, the Scottish giants will face some significant competition for his services because the outlet adds that Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, are also interested in the forward.
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It also reveals that fellow Glasgow club Rangers have also checked out the teenage sensation’s performances for Hearts this term, but Celtic may have the upper hand over their rivals because they have just won the Premiership title and may be a more attractive proposition.
Why Celtic should sign James Wilson
The Hoops must, now, swoop to sign Wilson ahead of Rangers and Newcastle, and any other Premier League teams, because he has the potential to be an exciting addition to the squad.
Celtic would be signing a young player with so many years left ahead of him to develop and improve in the future, because the Scotland international only turned 18 in March, which means that there would not be too much emphasis on him needing to be an instant success.
Like Kyogo, Wilson has a lean build and is not your prototypical, physical, Scottish centre-forward who is going to win aerial duels and hold the ball up under pressure constantly.
Instead, the Scotland international is an effective finisher who has clever movement and clean technique in front of goal, which allows him to make an impact at Premiership level.
Starts
15
Goals
5
Big chances missed
4
Duels won per game
2.6
Ground duel success rate
45%
Aerial duel success rate
29%
As you can see in the table above, Wilson does not win many duels per game and he has been dominated by opposition defenders in duels on the ground and in the air throughout this season, which has been his first of regular football in the league.
This shows that he is similar to Kyogo in the sense that they both struggle with the physical side of the game, but his goal return speaks to his ability in possession.
Wilson, whose appearance as Scotland’s youngest ever debutant was described as “incredible” by Neil Critchley, scored five goals from 4.77 xG, which shows that he has been efficient in front of goals in the top-flight.
This suggests that he has the potential to be similar to Kyogo at Celtic as a centre-forward who can provide a clinical touch in the final third, without offering a physical presence, by using his movement and technical qualities to make a big impact.
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Couple that with his age profile and potential to improve, and this is why the Scottish giants should push to bring him to Parkhead in the upcoming summer transfer window.
Crystal Palace have been “watching” a centre-back, who has been a key part of an “incredible” defence this season, according to former scout Mick Brown.
Palace stepping up centre-back pursuit
It will be a tall order for Palace to replace captain Marc Guehi this summer, but it is looking increasingly likely Oliver Glasner will have to bring in a new centre-back, given that the 24-year-old has not agreed terms on a contract extension.
As such, the Eagles have now stepped up their pursuit of a new centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window, and they could make a statement signing by bringing in Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar, having now joined the race for the Slovakian.
Skriniar is one of the more well-known targets, but there could be an addition out of left-field, with Glasner’s side also making contact over a deal for Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco, who may be available for just £5m this summer.
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According to former scout Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, Crystal Palace are also in the race for Burnley defender Maxime Esteve, having sent officials to watch him in action this season.
Brown said: “Everton and Crystal Palace have been watching him, among other teams, and have had scouts at Turf Moor to keep an eye on his performance.
“Burnley want to keep him, especially if they get promoted to the Premier League, but a really good offer for him could get that over the line.”
Burnley's MaximeEstevecelebrates after the match
Esteve was also singled out for praise, given the Clarets’ exceptional defensive record this season, with Brown adding: “This season, he’s really pushed on and he’s been an integral part of an outstanding Burnley defence.
“They’ve conceded just 13 goals in 42 league games this year, it’s incredible.”
"Phenomenon" Esteve ready for Premier League
Burnley’s defensive record in the Championship this season has been nothing short of remarkable, having conceded just 14 goals, and the 22-year-old has played an absolutely crucial role, making 43 appearances.
The Burnley star is particularly impressive in possession of the ball, ranking in the 91st percentile for passes attempted per 90 over the past year, and 89th for his pass completion rate, having previously received high praise for his ball skills from football talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Esteve appears to have the hallmarks of a quality modern-day centre-back, and his performances for Burnley this season indicate he is definitely ready for a Premier League move, but Crystal Palace may have to shell out around £30m for his services.
Only the most unbelievable of relegation escapes would suffice if Ipswich Town are to survive in the Premier League past this season, with the Tractor Boys now looking dead set on an instant return to the Championship.
A mammoth 12 points now separates the Suffolk strugglers from 17th placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, who managed to sneak away from the relegation zone even further when beating Kieran McKenna’s lowly men 2-1 last time out.
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Despite all the obvious negativity that’s hanging in the air at Portman Road, there have been some positive performers during Ipswich’s fleeting top-flight voyage, with left-back star Leif Davis managing to stand out.
Davis' Premier League heroics
The ex-Leeds United defender would have entered into the promised land of the Premier League eager to prove himself, having torn the EFL to shreds with sensational attacking displays season after season.
After all, during his side’s automatic promotion heroics up to the top division, Davis would amass a staggering 21 assists and two goals from 43 clashes, meaning he could potentially take the next step-up in his stride.
Whilst his numbers haven’t quite been as jaw-dropping in the elite league, Davis has shown bursts of his sublime quality in his new and tricky surroundings, with this well-executed volley pulled off against Leicester City one of four goal contributions he’s managed to tally up in the league for his relegation-doomed outfit.
There could well be some parties sniffing around for the Newcastle-born full-back’s services come this summer, therefore, with reports even wildly suggesting that Juventus are taking a look at the assist machine as a fresh option down the left.
Sinking back down to the second tier will bring about waves of uncertainty, but McKenna doesn’t need to be overly worried about what happens down the left-flank next campaign, with a new Davis-style defender already emerging at Portman Road.
McKenna's next Davis in the making
Even with a bruising relegation looking likely to take place, Ipswich should be well equipped enough to mount an instant promotion charge based on the talent at McKenna’s disposal.
That should be the case even if Davis does depart, with former West Bromwich Albion man Conor Townsend already proving to Tractor Boys supporters that he can be equally sharp in the attacking areas when assisting Liam Delap for this breakaway strike away at AFC Bournemouth.
Whilst he isn’t a spring chicken anymore at 32 years of age, the reserve full-back has still managed to fill in competently in Davis’ absence over the last couple of top-flight encounters, with six duels also successfully won against the Old Gold despite the crushing final scoreline.
Moving away from his top-flight output, however, and Townsend could be the real deal for McKenna’s men back down in the Championship, with the Ipswich number 22 a consistent top performer for the Baggies when last strutting his stuff at the level.
23/24
46
0
5
22/23
48
3
3
21/22
44
0
2
20/21
27
0
2
19/20
30
1
1
18/19
18
0
2
Always consistently available for selection at the Hawthorns, Townsend would bow out of his time in the West Midlands with 15 assists next to his name from 213 games.
Coming close to promotion last time out in the division with the Baggies too, the 32-year-old will be raring to succeed with the Tractor Boys if selected more regularly down a league, with the potential there for the £15k-per-week defender to pick up even more goals and assists surrounding by some exceptional personnel for the EFL.
Indeed, even Davis himself has admitted that Townsend has been keeping him on his toes of late, after branding the experienced full-back as an “incredible player”, with an “incredible left foot”. That has since been followed by further praise from Dara O’Shea, who highlighted the veteran’s “amazing” recent displays down the left flank.
Already heralded as being an “important” figure by his manager when initially signing in gifting Ipswich more depth, this importance to the cause could shine through even more if he’s handed the first-team reins after Davis ups and leaves.
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Tottenham Hotspur’s winless run at Stamford Bridge stretched to nine matches and Ange Postecoglou watched bitterly on as his side’s Premier League campaign sank further into the dredges.
It has been a frustrating season, a calamitous season, but hope remains. While Spurs are stuck in 14th, ten points behind tenth-place Bournemouth, who have lost four of their past five fixtures and yet are unassailably ahead, hope remains.
Tottenham face German side Eintracht Frankfurt over two legs in the Europa League quarter-finals, the first of which arrives this Thursday, and while the manager will hold on to confidence that his team can get the job done, this was a sour display, lacking the attacking fizz and vigour that ‘Angeball’ once blessed N17 crowds and television screens.
Dominic Solanke and Ange Postecoglou
One player’s decline has been emblematic of his squad’s overall torpor. Heung-min Son has been a stalwart for Tottenham over the years, but he appears to be reaching the end of the road.
Heung-min Son's Spurs struggles
Could anything typify it more than that flash of promise in the closing stage? Brennan Johnson, fresh and off the bench, wooshed a lovely pass across the box, but the skipper could only reach it tamely to force a stretching save from Robert Sanchez.
Were this a younger iteration, he would have covered that extra yard, connected with more emphasis, saw the net bulge.
But Son, 33 this summer, lacks his one-time athleticism and was largely marshalled by Chelsea’s defence, failing to create a single key chance despite losing the ball ten times while also only winning one duel, as per Sofascore.
Heung-min Son for Tottenham
However, he needed his fellow players – the forwards in particular – to pull their weight too, and, frankly, Spurs failed to muster enough in west London, with the man in the middle anonymous through the majority of proceedings.
Son's not the only one fading away
Dominic Solanke has endured a frustrating season in the capital, transferring to Tottenham from Bournemouth in a deal worth £65m last summer.
Tottenham's Dominic Solanke
After a bright start, he’s flaked away, with a knee injury picked up in the new year stifling the 27-year-old’s progress and reducing him to several disappointing recent performances.
However, with 11 goals and eight assists from just 25 starts in all competitions, there’s still hope that he can make the requisite adjustments to play a big part over the coming weeks.
That said, he was a “bystander” at Stamford Bridge, as was noted by Alan Smith on co-commentary.
Minutes played
88′
Goals
0
Assists
0
Touches
21
Shots (on target)
0 (0)
Accurate passes
6/10 (60%)
Key passes
0
Possession lost
11x
Dribbles
1/1
Duels (won)
8 (5)
Completing just six passes, failing to even attempt a shot on Sanchez’s goal, Solanke will be most frustrated, especially since he’s beginning to look like Postecoglou’s next version of James Maddison, whose nightmarish Lilywhites career has involved various setbacks after an electric start last season.
Maddison won the Premier League Player of the Month in August 2023 but has since endured a number of injuries and consequent sappings of form, leaving him scrambling for that one-time reputation as one of European football’s standout playmakers.
Both Englishmen have enough about them to make convincing returns to their apex, but if they aren’t on their A-game against Frankfurt this week, fan tensions might just boil over.
Solanke, at least, worked tirelessly, leaving football.london to award him with a 6/10 match rating, but he was toothless in the final third and needs to emit more of a talismanic aura in the coming weeks.
Son huffed and puffed to little avail too, but at least the aging captain found space to strike on goal, sought to create with one wicked low cross.
This drop, the latest drop, in form has not come at a great time for a Spurs side whose season hinges on triumph in the Europa League.
But hope remains. Son, Solanke, Maddison. All fading. Now, the big one is coming up, and they need to return to colour.
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Chelsea must now be longing for a swift return to Stamford Bridge in Premier League action.
Indeed, the Blues’ push towards the top of the table to challenge Arsenal has stalled after two disappointing performances on the road, with a 3-1 collapse away at Leeds United, followed up by a lacklustre showing on the South Coast to secure a 0-0 draw at AFC Bournemouth.
Not even Cole Palmer’s re-entry into Enzo Maresca’s starting XI could shake Chelsea into life away at the Cherries, as the former Manchester City superstar ended up losing possession a costly 16 times in a drab individual performance.
He was far from being the only underperformer in attack up against Andoni Iraola’s hosts, though, as Chelsea now looks at the January transfer window with hope that they can boost their underwhelming options up top.
Chelsea's attacking woes vs Bournemouth
Liam Delap must have thought that grabbing a much-needed Blues goal against Barcelona at the tail-end of November would kickstart his faltering Stamford Bridge spell.
Unfortunately, though, the former Ipswich Town striker remains without a goal in Premier League action for Maresca’s men, as the £30m summer recruit hobbled off after just 32 minutes to continue on his ongoing Chelsea nightmare.
Neither Marc Guiu nor Joao Pedro could break the deadlock either against a stubborn Cherries defence, with Guiu only managing an unconvincing two shots at the Bournemouth goal from his minimal 25 touches.
Pedro will also have Chelsea punching the panic button at this point, with the bumper £60m signing now goalless across his last four games for Maresca and Co.
It’s not the greatest shock in the world, therefore, to read that the frustrated West Londoners are targeting a move for Borussia Dortmund ace Serhou Guirassy in January, with Sky Sports’ Gary Neville weighing in after the Blues’ disastrous 3-1 loss at Elland Road to say that the attackers Chelsea currently possess are not “of the level” to lift the Premier League title.
However, it’s not just in the sole striker spot where grumbles are beginning to emerge, with other pitiful performances on the South Coast giving Maresca plenty of food for thought over what his consistent starting lineup should be.
Chelsea duo must never start together again
The former Leicester City boss would lament his side’s indecisive nature in the forward areas at the full-time whistle, with Pedro Neto and Alejandro Garnacho very much not helping proceedings as Chelsea’s main options down either flank.
Between them during the 0-0 stalemate, they only completed one of six dribbles, with plenty more unsatisfactory numbers tallied up by the frustrating pairing come the close of the dull affair.
Minutes played
90
77
Goals scored
0
0
Assists
0
0
Touches
35
55
Shots
2
2
Accurate passes
34/41 (83%)
17/20 (85%)
Key passes
4
1
Accurate crosses
3/6
2/3
Accurate dribbles
0/2
1/4
Possession lost
12x
10x
Duels won
4/7
1/5
Looking at the table above in detail, it really doesn’t make for pretty reading for the number seven and the number 49, with possession given up a high 22 times between them, on top of just one of their combined efforts being hit on target at Dorde Petrovic’s goal.
If Chelsea is to instantly respond to this shambolic performance at the Cherries against Atalanta in the Champions League, Maresca will surely have to ditch this duo, with Estevao hopeful of a starting spot in place of Neto on the right, after scoring a stunning effort last time out in Europe’s premier competition versus Barcelona.
His constant determination to burst forward with pace and terrorise defenders would be a clear departure from the out-of-sorts offerings from both Neto and Garnacho, with five goals and one assist already tallied up in Chelsea blue by the Brazilian, seeing pundit Pat Nevin hail him as an “utterly brilliant” asset to have around.
Neto does have credit in his bank, arguably, considering he bagged his side’s only goal of the game in West Yorkshire, but an injection of freshness could still go down a treat.
This might also result in Jamie Gittens getting the nod to start on the left over Garnacho, after successfully completing all 100% of his dribbles versus Leeds as a rare bright spark.
Whatever lineup does end up taking to the field, Maresca will be hoping for an immediate response.
If he wants more energy and excitement from the get-go mid-week, he needs to ensure both Neto and Garnacho don’t start together again, after they passively went about their business at Bournemouth.
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This Chelsea ace struggled in the 0-0 draw away to Bournemouth
They haven’t won every game, but this season is shaping up to be a truly special one for Arsenal.
Mikel Arteta has got his side playing some sensational football at times while simultaneously ensuring they remain the best defensive team in the Premier League.
It seems like every player, new and old, is all pulling in the exact same direction and helping each other reach new levels.
One of the team’s best players in recent weeks has been summer signing Eberechi Eze, and so fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal with someone who could be another version of the Englishman.
Arsenal target another Eze
There was tremendous excitement from the Arsenal fan base when it was announced that the club had signed Eze, and understandably so.
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After all, here was a player who many considered to be one of the most exciting in the Premier League, and had just spearheaded Crystal Palace to FA Cup glory.
Fortunately, while it took him a few games to get up to speed, the 27-year-old has more than delivered so far this season, racking up a tally of nine goal involvements in 19 games for the club and scoring that North London Derby hat-trick.
So, with all that in mind, it’s not all that surprising to hear that the Gunners may be after another player who has the potential to be another Eze in Kenan Yıldız.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Turkish wonderkid.
In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners are going all out to sign him and have been in contact with his representatives.
However, Juventus are understandably keen to keep hold of the incredible youngster and, according to other reports from earlier this month, would need a fee of at least £88m to consider selling him.
Therefore, it could be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Yıldız’s ability and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he could be another Eze.
Why Yıldız would be another Eze
Now, there are obviously some key differences between Yıldız and Eze, such as their age, but there are also more than a few similarities between them.
For example, like the Englishman, the young Turkish superstar is an attacker who can and does play in a multitude of positions.
Since making his first team debut for Juventus, the 20-year-old monster has played as a second-striker, on the left and right wings, in attacking midfield and even up top a few times.
The second similarity is that, like the former Palace star, he is a dual threat, someone who is as happy scoring a goal as he is assisting one.
For example, in 52 appearances last season, totalling 3520 minutes, he scored 12 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 2.47 games, or every 167.61 minutes.
Appearances
52
18
Minutes
3520′
1457′
Goals
12
5
Assists
9
5
Then this season, he has become even more dangerous, scoring five goals and providing five assists in 18 appearances, totalling 1457 minutes, which is a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 145.7 minutes.
Finally, and this is related to his output, the 26-capped international is, in the words of content creator Alex Moneypenny, “capable of the spectacular.”
He doesn’t just score tap-ins; he already has quite the impressive catalogue of goals, ranging from long-distance strikes to ones stemming from brilliant close control.
It is also this ability to create magic on the football pitch that likely led European football writer Danny Corcoran to describe the youngster as having “Mbappe-like ability.”
Ultimately, it won’t be an easy transfer to get done, but Arsenal should be going all out to sign Yıldız in 2026, as he could be another Eze.
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Chelsea are beginning to reap the rewards of their ambitious spending since Todd Boehly and his private equity firm Clearlake Capital replaced Roman Abramovich in 2022.
It’s been a twisting road for the Blues over the past several years, but Enzo Maresca has advanced after a promising, trophy-winning 2024/25 campaign to establish his side as budding Premier League title contenders.
Maresca leads a young squad. A hungry group of talented players yet to reach the top of the game.
Chelsea
2nd
24.0
Brentford
13th
24.7
Man City
3rd
25.0
Bournemouth
8th
25.0
Sunderland
7th
25.2
There are ostensible drawbacks to employing such a strategy, but it’s bearing dividends, and the success will only grow over the coming years, with more set to follow in Estevao Willian’s footsteps.
Estevao's start to life at Chelsea
In May 2024, Chelsea finalised a deal for Brazilian youngster Estevao, an initial £29m deal which could eventually rise to £52m with performance-related add-ons.
18 years old, Estevao has enjoyed a dream start to his Chelsea career, having notched five goals from his first 17 senior outings for the Londoners.
With three goals in his past three Champions League outings, the hype is growing around his skilful and dynamic youngster, who outshone Lamine Yamal in the Blues’ romping 3-0 win over Barcelona in midweek.
So intense is the hype around Estevao’s potential that Como scout and analyst Ben Mattinson has labelled the Brazil international a “future Ballon d’Or winner”, and that’s definitely not out of the equation.
Estevao has what it takes to become London’s most talented wide forward, for sure, perhaps taking that crown from Arsenal talisman Bukayo Saka.
But the fact that Chelsea have landed themselves another Estevao-esque talent who could rival these cream-of-crop players is a perfect illustration of Chelsea’s burgeoning strategy.
Chelsea have a talent "just like Estevao"
Arsenal have the lead in the Premier League title race, and there’s no question that Mikel Arteta is deeper into his project than Maresca at Stamford Bridge.
But Chelsea are building something special, and they would welcome another poster boy to further strengthen Maresca’s system. Well, that player could have already been signed in Geovany Quenda, with a £40m deal in principle agreed at the end of last season to welcome the Portugal U21 international in 2026.
Hailed as “one of the most exciting teenage prospects in Europe” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Quenda has “been on fire” for Sporting Lisbon this season, coming into his own on the right wing.
The 18-year-old’s energy, pace and skill on the ball have seen him hailed as having a mentality “just like Estevao” – as per Alex Goldberg – that will see him succeed in the Premier League, endowed with an athletic underbelly to complement his blistering pace and skill on the ball.
Goals scored
0.09
0.43
Assists
0.35
0.16
Shots taken
1.72
2.92
Shot-creating actions
4.62
4.69
Touches (att pen)
3.39
6.74
Pass completion (%)
72.9
73.8
Progressive passes
5.11
2.45
Progressive carries
3.30
4.34
Successful take-ons
1.58
1.85
Ball recoveries
4.75
3.90
Tackles + interceptions
1.54
2.05
His sharp-minded approach and combativeness on the ball could indeed see him emulate Saka. Sofascore record that Bissau Guinean-born Quenda has won 52% of his ground duels in Liga Portugal this term, and for one so young, this bodes well for a future in the harsh climate of the Premier League.
Furthermore, he is developing a ball-playing game that suggests he has the natural talent on the ball to emulate someone like Saka, having also followed in the Englishman’s footsteps by shining at both full-back and wing-back, prior to cementing an attacking role on the flanks.
Whether the Portuguese talent would hit the ground running in the same way that Estevao has is uncertain, of course, but there’s no denying he has the potential to rival his soon-to-be teammate.
A big factor in a winger like Saka’s success (and Estevao’s) is that he is able to merge the many elements together, forming something complete.
Quenda is already proving that he has similar qualities in the locker, and it is for this reason that there is such excitement brewing around his signature.
Chelsea, truly, are rebuilding themselves toward superstar status.
Hazard 2.0: Chelsea lead race to sign "best player on the planet" for £100m
Enzo Maresca and Co could deliver Chelsea fans their next Eden Hazard by signing the international superstar.
Newcastle United have been dealt some bad luck recently under Eddie Howe, though that could all be about to change as they eye January reinforcements.
With the international break now here, it is fair to say that the Magpies have endured an underwhelming start to the Premier League campaign despite a £249 million transfer spend.
Compounding matters, Newcastle suffered a frustrating defeat to Brentford last Sunday, seeing Dan Burn sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity before an Igor Thiago double put the seal on back-to-back top-flight defeats.
Now, they sit 14th in the Premier League standings and look to be in a bit of a malaise, something that Howe put down to lapses of concentration in the second-half.
He said: “Really difficult second half for us. Whatever could go wrong did go wrong. We didn’t respond to the first goal well enough and then the second goal and the red card, which cost us the game.
“We showed a good mentality to our defending in the first half and we stood up to that task. Just that one throw-in and it cost us, and it was a big turning point in the match.”
Sven Botman and Kieran Tripper didn’t cover themselves in glory alongside Burn and contributed to a poor defensive display.
Still, once the dust settles, the Geordies will dust themselves down before planning for a busy festive period, starting with a home clash against Manchester City before a trip to face Marseille in the Champions League.
Come January, arrivals will be on their radar, and it appears that Howe is now plotting a solution to his defensive problems that could be cost-efficient.
Newcastle look to beat Premier League competition to Oscar Mingueza
According to AS, Newcastle are eyeing a cut-price deal to sign Celta Vigo defender Oscar Mingueza, who is also being targeted by Premier League pair West Ham United and Aston Villa.
Barcelona hold a 50% sell-on clause on his next move due to his time with their famous La Masia academy, which could prompt the La Liga club to push for a considerable fee to ensure all bases are covered from their end.
Oscar Mingueza in La Liga – 2025/26 (Fotmob)
Chances created
15
Successful passes
356
Duels won
30
Recoveries
30
Successful crosses
8
However, Mingueza is out of contract in the summer of 2026, potentially offering up a scenario where a cut-price deal may be conducted as Celta Vigo seize advantage of their last chance to cash in on the versatile central defender.
Making 14 appearances this season, the Spain star has registered one goal and three assists and would be a useful addition, given he can also operate on the right-hand side either in wing-back or advanced midfield role.
Newcastle have held internal talks to sign a defensive midfielder
Set to become a free agent next summer, he is inclined to pay attention to offers before coming to a final conclusion on his future, and Newcastle are racing against the clock to tempt him away from Celta Vigo.