Despite a rather underwhelming campaign last season, one of the bright sparks to come out for Manchester United was the emergence of highly-rated teenager Mason Greenwood.
The 17-year-old made his debut in the Champions League away win against PSG, and then rounded off the season with a start against Cardiff in the final game of the Premier League.
Now, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has confirmed via the club’s official website that Greenwood will “definitely” be given more first-team opportunities next season and suggested his performance against the Bluebirds was a real indicator of his potential.
Watch Manchester United Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below
After hearing the news Greenwood would be given the chance to shine, United fans took to Twitter to express their thoughts on the matter and many were understandably delighted by Solskjaer’s words.
Supporters of the Manchester side insisted the teenager was the future of the club and urged the side’s boss to start him next season.
Indeed, some even felt that Greenwood was already the best forward at the club and was “better than half of the senior players”.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Check out some of the reaction of United fans below:
Southampton signed Danny Ings on loan from Liverpool last summer.
And according to the club’s official website, the deal will become permanent at the end of the 2019-2020 campaign.
That will upset a number of the Southampton fans, though, with many not wanting the 26-year-old to join the club on a full-time deal this summer.
Ings has found the back of the net on seven occasions in the Premier League this season, which is pretty good for a team struggling towards the bottom of the table.
The striker has had his injury problems, though, playing just three of the club’s last nine Premier League matches due to a hamstring injury.
Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Ings struggled to make his mark against Newcastle United in Saturday’s late kickoff and that led to a number of the Southampton fans revealing their views on the 5 ft 10 in ace.
A selection of the Twitter reaction can be seen below:
Liverpool had another wobble in the Premier League on Monday night as they were held to a 1-1 draw at West Ham United.
The Reds have moved three points clear at the top of the table, but Manchester City will have the chance to reclaim first spot when they travel to Everton on Wednesday, given that they have a better goal difference than their title competitors.
There was another start for Joel Matip at the London Stadium, with fellow central defenders Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren both currently on the sidelines for the Merseyside club.
West Ham’s equaliser on Monday came from a quick free-kick and Matip was one of those at fault for Michail Antonio’s goal.
Matip – a 2016 arrival from Schalke 04 – has largely found it difficult to put together a consistent run of performances for Liverpool.
And the English outfit’s fans have blasted the 27-year-old’s display against the Hammers.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
A selection of the Twitter reaction from the Liverpool supporters can be seen below:
Pl>ymaker FC’s Matchday with Max caught up with Jamaica’s women’s team. See what happened when he met the history makers in the video below…
According to The Express, Leeds defender Pontus Jansson has highlighted what distinguishes this season’s Leeds team from previous ones.
The Sweden international mentioned the work ethic that manager Marcelo Bielsa has installed in the team since taking over in the summer.
Writing on Twitter, the centre-back talked about a break by Wigan forward Josh Windass from a corner in their recent match, whereby a number of players were able to track back and prevent the player getting a shot off, with Jansson putting in the challenge.
The Swede said that previous Leeds teams and players would not have had the will or desire to work their way back, but under Bielsa it is the opposite. The Argentine has created a culture where anyone that doesn’t work back will be questioned by their teammates.
This is a clear indication of the hunger and drive that the players have, which they may have lacked in previous seasons. These are the characteristics that define a league winning side, and have been inculcated into The Whites by Bielsa.
Jansson has been a standout player for Leeds since joining 2016, and has been a favourite under the new manager. This is probably because the defender’s attitude typifies the approach that Bielsa expects from his players, and which, in all fairness, they are showing so far this season.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Leeds returned to the top of the Championship table with Sunday’s win against The Latics, nudging ahead of Norwich on goal difference. With this attitude that Jansson describes, there is no telling how far this team can go.
Celtic announced the signing of new Manchester City winger and Australian international Daniel Arzani on a two-year loan deal on Friday, and Bhoys fans on Twitter were excited by his potential.
City completed the signing of the 19-year-old on August 9 (deadline day for English clubs this year) from their sister side Melbourne City FC and have immediately sent the talented youngster to Glasgow to further his development.
Iranian-born Arzani was the youngest player at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, at just 15 days younger than Kylian Mbappe. The Socceroos star made three substitute appearances as Australia were knocked out in the group stage.
The current Premier League champions have built somewhat of a relationship with Celtic in recent years following the successful loan spells of Patrick Roberts and Jason Denayer north of the border. Check out some of the best tweets from Celtic fans in reaction to the news about Arzani below.
[brid autoplay=”true” video=”279788″ player=”12034″ title=”Emirates Exit For Emery’s Egyptian”]
When a team performs so well as a collective, it’s always difficult to single out an individual for praise. But that’s the task we gave to Tottenham fans earlier today following a 1-0 win over Arsenal in the North London Derby, which could and probably should have ended up being decided by a far greater scoreline.
But it appears Spurs supporters have decided on a verdict for the Man of the Match award – and it didn’t go to goalscorer Harry Kane, who had to settle for second place.
Rather, Tottenham fans who took part in our poll gave midfielder Mousa Dembele the highest average rating for his performance vs Arsenal, an incredibly impressive 8.8 out of ten.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
It’s hard to argue with that conclusion. After all, Saturday’s North London Derby was very much won and lost in midfield; while Dembele and Eric Dier controlled the middle of the park, Arsenal’s lightweight trio of Jack Wilshere, Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny struggled to keep up – and when the latter was subbed off for a more attacking player, Dembele really came to the fore.
According to reports in French publication L’Equipe, via Football365, Paris Saint-Germain manager Unai Emery has told Julian Draxler he is surplus to requirements following the arrival of Neymar from Barcelona.
PSG only signed the 23-year-old from Wolfsburg during the January transfer window, but despite scoring an impressive 10 goals in 25 appearances he is no longer part of Emery’s plans, according to L’Equipe, via Football365, and he could leave the French capital before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have brought in the likes of Alexandre Lacazette and Sead Kolasinac to boost their own squad this summer but they are still yet to make progress on a deal for Monaco’s Thomas Lemar, meaning they could turn their attentions to another attacking player like Draxler.
Arsenal supporters were quick to have their say on the developments surrounding the Germany international via social media, and while some believe he would be an upgrade on Lemar, others feel that they could get Draxler if they offer PSG £50m for his services.
Manchester City stormed to victory in the FA Cup at home to a hopeless Exeter City side, as Pep Guardiola’s men ran out as conclusive 10-1 winners.
Antoine Semenyo had an easy debut up top for City, partnering Erling Haaland in attack, with the former AFC Bournemouth forward starting his new career at the Etihad with a blistering goal and an assist.
£64m was dropped on landing the Premier League’s man of the moment, but the lavish spending doesn’t look like stopping there, as Guardiola and Co plan more statement moves, before the frenzied window slams shut.
Man City in talks to hijack £100m move
It’s no great secret at this point that City can splash the cash when required, with the £152m spent on new recruits in the summer, rather modest, by their standards.
Amazingly, they could trump that amount in January, with a move for Marc Guehi looking to still be in the works, as Arsenal and Liverpool continue to chase after the Crystal Palace centre-back’s services, alongside the Citizens.
Alongside Guehi potentially joining, TEAMtalk has now reported that City could pull off an incredible hijack of Elliot Anderson, who is seen as Manchester United’s prime midfield target, as the Red Devils go about re-energising their options in the middle of the park.
They could be beaten to this signature by their fiercest rivals, though, with the report further elaborating that the ten-time Premier League title winners have already held talks about landing the £100m star, at the expense of their foes down the road.
City’s recruitment team, including Hugo Viana, are said to have kept a close eye on Anderson while Guardiola has also been noted as a big admirer of the English midfielder.
City might well end up winning this tussle, even if it costs them an eye-watering £100m, as a new Rodri potentially enters the Etihad ranks.
How Anderson could be Rodri 2.0
Rodri instantly fitted into Guardiola’s set-up when making a £62.6m move a reality from Atletico Madrid in 2019.
This might well have been viewed as a high amount to fork out for a holding midfielder at the time, but he has displayed season after season in Manchester why he is considered a “world-class” star, as he was once labelled by Sky Sports’ Paul Merson.
So impressive has the Spaniard been that he’s won a whole host of team honours and individual honours, most famously picking up the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
As his own manager has labelled him, the Spaniard is a “complete holding midfielder”, with 27 goals and 32 assists coming his way across 277 games under Guardiola’s wing, being constantly backed up by a hunger to fight and battle from the middle of the park.
Indeed, while he did collect a stunning eight goals and nine assists during the 2023/24 season in the Premier League, he also averaged a tenacious 6.9 ball recoveries per match, alongside winning 5.9 duels per game, with Rodri equal parts gritty and skilful, to be seen as a remarkable one-of-a-kind figure.
Anderson will hope to follow in his footsteps in being taken to that next level under Guardiola, with another midfield maestro in Arsenal’s Declan Rice already stating that the Nottingham Forest ace “can play at a higher level” when starring for England.
Unfortunately, it will cost City a substantial amount to land the Tricky Trees’ much-talked-about talent, but with Anderson already being talked up as a “world-class” star for a team loitering near the foot of the Premier League by Statman Dave, it’s frightening to contemplate how much more the 23-year-old could have in his locker, surrounded by better quality teammates.
Anderson’s PL numbers for Forest
Stat (* = per 90 mins)
24/25
25/26
Games played
37
21
Goals scored
2
1
Assists
6
2
Touches*
54.2
92.4
Accurate passes*
28.7 (82%)
58.6 (86%)
Big chances created
7
1
Ball recoveries*
5.6
8.4
Total duels won*
6.5
7.8
Stats by Sofascore
Across two Premier League seasons for Forest, Anderson has stuck out as a forceful, yet skilful presence, much like Rodri when he’s fit, with his lively ball recovery numbers and duels won per 90 minutes immediately sticking out.
Subscribe for deeper transfer-market insight and analysis Want expert transfer analysis? Subscribe to the newsletter for in-depth scout reports, tactical context, and clear breakdowns on moves like Manchester City’s interest in Elliot Anderson—ideal for readers focused on transfer coverage.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
He also can change games with his output, with the standout number eight collecting an assist last time out as Forest won a pivotal clash at the bottom of the division versus West Ham United, with Anderson surely itching for a big move now to test himself higher up the league.
Anderson will be aiming to be as decorated as Rodri has become, if a daring £100m move does get over the line, as United’s immense disappointment could be their rivals’ unbelievable joy.
New Walker: Man City readying bid to sign "immense" Premier League star
Manchester City are looking to make another signing after welcoming Antoine Semenyo to the team.
Chelsea are currently undergoing a hectic last 13 days of the summer transfer window, as BlueCo attempt to agree a host of incomings and outgoings.
The west Londoners have balanced out their near-£280 million spend on new signings over the last few months with a major influx of cash.
Chelsea’s triumph at the Club World Cup yielded prize money of around £87.5 million, adding to their estimated £80m revenue from qualifying for the Champions League and £220 million raised through player sales.
Cash isn’t the issue when it comes to adding more new signings to Enzo Maresca’s squad before the deadline on September 1, but their pact with UEFA is.
Chelsea must produce a positive transfer balance by the end of the window, or they won’t be able to register new signings for their Champions League squad. This is part of the settlement Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital reached after Chelsea were found guilty of breaching FFP rules last month.
Simply put, the Blues must sell before they can buy right now. Christopher Nkunku, Nicolas Jackson, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Ben Chilwell, Raheem Sterling, Alfie Gilchrist and potentially Tyrique George are all up for grabs from Chelsea, either on loan or permanently.
All the aforementioned players could join Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli, Mathis Amougou, Djordje Petrovic, João Félix, Ishe Samuels-Smith, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Armando Broja and Lesley Ugochukwu out the door.
Their success when it comes to trimming the squad will have a knock-on effect when it comes to Chelsea’s moves for Man United winger Alejandro Garnacho and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.
Chelsea have been in talks to sign both Simons and Garnacho over the last fortnight, and the attackers have already agreed personal terms on switches to Stamford Bridge.
However, as Chelsea attempt to get the likes of Jackson and Nkunku out to make space, it appears both men are in limbo right now and waiting to seal their desired moves to London.
Chelsea pledge to make official bid for Xavi Simons soon
Sky Germany have an intriguing update on this, and they reassure supporters that Chelsea’s move for Simons remains very much alive despite the delay.
The 22-year-old, who is Leipzig’s highest-ever paid player on a contract worth £192,000-per-week, has indeed already agreed personal terms to join Maresca’s side – and it is believed that Chelsea have promised to make an official offer to Simons’ club soon.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Sky give a timeframe as to when this transfer could start moving, and they estimate that the dominos will start falling into place after Leipzig’s Bundesliga opener against Bayern Munich on Friday.
The former PSG sensation is expected to play for Leipzig against Vincent Kompany’s German champions, and this could well act as a farewell game for Simons before his potentially imminent move to the Premier League.
It is set to be a very entertaining end to the summer for Chelsea, coming amid Maresca’s serious desire to sign a new centre-back as well, which he’s made public to the media in light of Levi Colwill’s ACL injury.
Liverpool will lift the Premier League title this season – maybe even this month.
Arne Slot will lift the trophy in his first season as first-team boss, and Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will get their hands on it for a second time before gearing up to defend their title after signing much-anticipated contract extensions.
Though Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be just one month away from finishing his playing career on Merseyside, FSG will be delighted with their success in tying down the outfit’s two biggest legends ahead of Slot’s second term.
Liverpool will be looking to defend their Premier League title while challenging for the other pieces of silverware, which proved too much to secure this year.
Liverpool managerArneSlotbefore the match
New signings will flow through, for sure, but the importance of extending the skipper’s stay cannot be understated and deserves a closer look.
Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract
Van Dijk’s new deal will see him stay as the leader of Slot’s squad for the next two seasons, earning a rather decent salary too, some £400k per week.
The 33-year-old always wanted to remain at the club but for whatever reason talks dragged on interminably. It also bears noting that he was approached by a number of hopefuls – including the lucre of the Saudi Pro League’s heavyweights – but made it clear that Liverpool is his home and that FSG had promised him investment and a project apt for silverware over the next few years.
He’ll go down as one of the definitive defenders – if not the – of his era, inspirational and effective at Liverpool’s back.
With Alexander-Arnold expected to move to Madrid and Robertson in danger of being replaced this summer, Van Dijk could consolidate his Liverpool career with a staggering number of appearances, eclipsed only by Salah and Jordan Henderson since the Klopp era began.
Most Liverpool Appearances – Current Squad
#
Player
Appearances
1.
Mohamed Salah
395
2.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
349
3.
Andy Robertson
339
4.
Virgil van Dijk
314
5.
Alisson Becker
292
Data via Transfermarkt
He’s a true legend and will go down as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s long history. Van Dijk certainly isn’t done yet, but FSG would be prudent to replace him this summer, signing a new star who can be willed into shape over the next few years alongside the Dutchman.
Before finally taking his place.
Liverpool chasing Van Dijk heir
Van Dijk might be staying put, but he’s not getting any younger and Liverpool will need to prepare for his eventual departure. Signing Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen this summer would be a pretty good way to go about that.
The young Spain international has been riding the crest of a wave since transferring from Juventus to England’s south coast last summer, and according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, has been placed right at the top of Liverpool’s wish list.
Chelsea have made contact with the 20-year-old’s reps but it’s FSG who lead the race at the moment, having held discussions with the player’s camp for several weeks.
A wide range of suitors are keen, though, for Huijsen has been incredible under Andoni Iraola this year and has a £50m release clause that all parties expect to be activated this summer.
Why Liverpool are desperate for Dean Huijsen
Huijsen is young and his data pool shallow, but from the evidence of the past few years, for Roma (on loan) and now Bournemouth, it’s already clear that he’s got the potential to become a superstar.
AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsenduring the warm up before the match
Dutch-born, Huijsen was reared in Spain before making the move from Malaga’s youth scene to join Juventus’ academy aged 16.
He looked promising, alright, but the Old Lady could do with an extra penny and cashed him in to Bournemouth last summer, claiming £15m for their young prospect.
Huijsen has flourished on English soil, and no mistake. Already labelled a “world-class” player in the making by one analyst, he’s featured prominently for the Cherries this term and indeed attracted the attention of every high-profile club worth their salt as the market beckons.
As per FBref, the rangy star actually ranks among the top 15% of defenders in the Premier League this year for goal involvements, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for interceptions and clearances and the top 20% for aerial battles won per 90.
He’d contrast nicely with Van Dijk over the next couple of years before finally taking the Netherlands captain’s place in the seasons to come.
Premier League 24/25 – Van Dijk vs Huijsen
Stats (* per game)
Van Dijk
Huijsen
Matches (starts)
32 (32)
26 (21)
Goals
2
2
Assists
1
1
Clean sheets
13
6
Touches*
89.4
60.5
Pass completion
92%
84%
Ball recoveries*
3.2
3.4
Tackles + interceptions*
2.7
3.0
Clearances*
5.2
5.8
Duels (won)*
4.7 (67%)
3.9 (56%)
Stats via Sofascore
It’s also worth noting that Huijsen is a two-footed centre-back who has plied his trade on the left side of the pitch this season, further material for the argument that he should be a priority for the Reds this summer.
FootballFanCast General: Subscribe and never miss what matters Stay ahead in the world of football analysis, commentary, and fan insights with FootballFancast.
By subscribing, you agree to receive newsletter and marketing emails, and accept Valnet’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You can unsubscribe anytime.
Huijsen might not be as commanding in the duel but he shares many technical and defensive qualities with the Anfield captain, thus in good hands to maximise his potential if moving to Liverpool instead of, say, Chelsea.
There is also, of course, the elephant in the corner that is Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool contract.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Konate has been a formidable partner alongside Van Dijk this season, but he’s a meagre year away from free agency and negotiations for an extension have become protracted.
Liverpool won’t want to lose the Frenchman on a free, and thus could cash in this summer, something that might strike Huijsen as compelling, for he would be in with a great chance of slotting right in as Van Dijk’s star partner in the rearguard.
Southampton's Kamaldeen Sulemana in action with AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsen
Analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that Huijsen is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” but Liverpool’s current position at the front of the race makes a telling comment on the state of things at Anfield.
It’s a big summer up ahead, and if Huijsen is brought in to shore up an already impressive backline, Liverpool might just be able to reach even higher next year.
Slot's own Saka: Liverpool step up move for "special" £85m key target
Liverpool are set to reward Arne Slot and his squad with a host of exciting signings this summer.