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Chelsea “love” an attacker with a “left foot made of gold” and “will push” to hijack Real Madrid’s move, it has been revealed.

Blues looking to sign new attacking midfielder

In Cole Palmer’s absence, the Blues struggled against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday, succumbing to a 3-1 home defeat, with Andrey Santos failing to create any big chances prior to being replaced by Josh Acheampong after 54 minutes.

Enzo Fernandez, on the other hand, put in a more impressive performance, scoring his side’s only goal, but the Argentina international has been called into question for his creativity in the past.

With Palmer not fully-fit, Enzo Maresca’s side have put in some poor displays recently, succumbing to a 2-1 defeat against Manchester United, following the England international being forced off with a groin injury just after the 20-minute mark.

Cole Palmer facing several weeks out as journalist details "new" Chelsea injury

The England star was hauled off early in to their defeat at Man United.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 23, 2025

As such, there is arguably a lack of depth in attacking midfield, which Maresca has now set out to rectify, with Chelsea joining the race for Real Madrid target Nico Paz, according to transfer journalist Mark Brus, in a report for Caught Offside.

Brus’ source said: “Chelsea love Nico, Chelsea will push for sure. Real Madrid are confident, but Como will try to negotiate a new contract for him to remove the buy-back clause. They believe they could then sell him for as much as €80m (£70m).”

Should Paz sign a new deal with Como, it could pave the way for a move to Stamford Bridge, but Real Madrid remain confident about re-signing the attacking midfielder, and they currently remain in control of his future.

Paz could take career to next level at Stamford Bridge

Real Madrid may be ruing the decision to let the Argentinian leave in the first place, given the impact he’s made at Como, chipping in with six goals and nine assists in his first Serie A campaign, and he has since made a flying start to the new season.

The Spain-born star has amassed six goal contributions in his opening five league games, showcasing that he could soon be ready to take his career to the next level by signing for one of Europe’s top clubs.

Lauded as having a “left foot made of gold” by football scout Jacek Kulig, the starlet also fits the bill age-wise, given that he is just 21-years-old, and the Blues are well-known to have a policy of signing young players.

Paz ticks every box for Chelsea, and with Maresca clearly in need of players to provide competition for Palmer’s starting spot, he could be the ideal addition to the squad.

Following what was eventually an impressive summer transfer window, Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly eyeing a 2026 battle against Real Madrid to sign a Premier League star.

Tottenham's transfer window in review

It was a slow start from those in North London. There was concern that Thomas Frank wouldn’t be backed and then there was concern that Tottenham simply wouldn’t get their targets over the line. In the end, though, they did both.

Xavi Simons, Kevin Danso, Kota Takai, Luka Vuskovic, Joao Palhinha, Randal Kolo Muani, Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel all arrived to commence a new era under Frank and one that has got off to an impressive start.

Late moves for Kolo Muani and Simons particularly stood out. The former rediscovered his best form on loan from Paris Saint-Germain at Juventus last year, but the Italian club’s hesitance to make their deal permanent allowed Spurs to swoop in.

Simons, meanwhile, needs little introduction. The former RB Leipzig star cost Spurs as much as £52m, but is likely to be worth every penny after the North London club hijacked Chelsea’s summer move, even if there have been warnings from some circles about his attitude.

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ByEmilio Galantini Sep 6, 2025

With a trip to the London Stadium to face West Ham United up next, there’s also another chance for Kudus to prove his worth in an important game. The winger has got off to an electric start under Frank and will no doubt be keen to get one over on his former club after the international break.

Spurs aren’t done there, however. They’re reportedly already preparing to race Real Madrid to sign a defensive star this time next year.

Tottenham racing Real Madrid to sign Marc Guehi

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are now eyeing a move to sign Marc Guehi ahead of Real Madrid, Liverpool and Barcelona when his contract expires next summer. The Crystal Palace defender came incredibly close to joining Liverpool on deadline day and even underwent a medical before the Eagles pulled the plug in heartbreaking fashion.

There’s nothing that those at Selhurst Park will be able to do next summer, however. Guehi will be a free agent with his future in his own hands. And whilst all signs still point towards Anfield, ENIC reportedly love the England international and could at least attempt to pull off a major coup.

Since that failed move, Guehi has been called up for England duty and received more praise from manager Thomas Tuchel, who said: “He is the main driver of Crystal Palace’s success.

“He is the captain and the leader. He played very impressively at the end of last season and at the start of this season. He continued exactly like this in camp, so it was very impressive. He handles it with respect and with grace, and with a brilliant attitude.”

Captain Hardik Pandya, meanwhile, backs experienced Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar and Reece Topley to do well at Wankhede

Vishal Dikshit19-Mar-20255:07

Can Hardik-led Mumbai Indians bounce back this season?

A last-place finish in IPL 2024. A new captain who was booed by the home crowd at Wankhede a few times. A new season without Jasprit Bumrah for the first few games. And without their captain Hardik Pandya for their first game, against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) no less.Five-time IPL champions Mumbai Indians (MI) have their plate full of challenges that will be thrown at them in IPL 2025 as they try and win their first title since 2020. To turn their fortunes around, they are banking on the core group they retained before the auction in November last year; the return of Trent Boult, who was the Player of the Match in the IPL 2020 final; and the seniors getting back with Mahela Jayawardene, who returns as head coach after having won the title with them three times during his first tenure with them from 2017 to 2022.”Last season threw us some challenges, but it’s been a big auction, and a lot of changes have happened,” Jayawardene said at MI’s pre-season press conference in Mumbai. “With that, we got a fresh canvas to start and paint our destiny. We have the core group with us who’s got the experience, who knows what the culture is, how we need to play, and how we need to win.Related

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“And with the new group of guys includes some of the old faces coming back – like Trent, who was a big part in our success in 2020. So, for us, it’s about the putting this parcel together, making sure that we gel well as a group, understanding our strengths, and have a good start.”Even though the same core was there last year too, there were reports and rumours of rifts inside the dressing room as the team started with three straight losses. Amid that, Hardik faced a lot of backlash from the local fans for taking over from their five-time champion Rohit Sharma, who has since gone on to lead India to the T20 World Cup and Champions Trophy titles. Even though Mark Boucher was MI’s coach last season, Jayawardene was asked what he thought of the “miscommunications” within the team last year.”The communication within the bubble was quite good,” Jayawardene, who was MI’s global head of performance across T20 leagues till 2024, said. “And even though I wasn’t the head coach, I was part of the main set-up. So I knew what was happening. It was important for us to get together. We pride on our core group; that’s been our success for many years, and these guys have done brilliantly, [and] worked hard. It’s not an easy thing to win an IPL trophy. And Mumbai has been successful delivering that, and each year, the challenge is for us to set ourselves up for that.”With the core group, the experience that we have, we have added more experience into that this year. That was something planned that we wanted to achieve. We have seven guys in our main squad who’ve won IPL trophies with different franchises as well. As a coach, I’m trying to get that structure in place, get the best out of them, and then add the other individuals that we need to add to be a bit more different.Hardik Pandya will lead a side that will feature two India captains in Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav•AFP/Getty Images”I realise that the last few years with the rule changes and all that, the dynamics have changed, and that’s something we need to be mindful of, but at the same time, play the brand of cricket that we want to play as a group, and dominate in there.”Hardik himself was a crucial part of the India sides that lifted the two ICC titles since the last IPL, even being the vice-captain during the 2024 T20 World Cup. He will now lead an MI side that features two India captains – Rohit and Suryakumar Yadav – and India’s Test vice-captain Bumrah, whenever he is fit. Hardik said the last 12 months had been “very entertaining” for him, and that he was “lucky” to have three captains in his side who will “always be there” for him.”I am very confident. I was confident back then. I was confident when I was playing the Champions Trophy, and I am confident now,” Hardik said. “So if you ask me about my confidence, it’s always going to be high.”My life has been quite up and down, but I think that has been the learning which I really enjoyed. It has just not taught me about the sport, [but] it has taught me about life as well that how life would be over the years. This year, it’s a fresh year. A lot of things have changed, a lot of things are added. There will be always passion. There will always be grit, there will be always challenges which I love, and for me, the crucial part would be to make sure if the challenges are thrown at my boys, how I can help them fight their way out.”

“See, [for] the bowling group, I will tell you the plans: we are very clear to get a lot of experience in it, because Wankhede can be sometimes very unforgiving to the bowlers. So it was very, very important to bring in experience – from Mitch [Santner] to Trent [Boult].”Hardik Pandya on how MI put their bowling attack together

Among the biggest challenges coming his way is the absence of Bumrah, who has been out with a back injury since January. He is expected to join the MI squad some time in April, after he recovers at the Centre of Excellence (earlier called NCA) in Bengaluru under the watch of BCCI’s medical team. Bumrah was one of the few bright spots for MI in an otherwise forgettable 2024 season, when he picked 20 wickets – third-most overall – with a stunning economy rate of 6.48 in the most high-scoring IPL that saw eight 250-plus totals.MI will hope their pace attack of Boult, Deepak Chahar, Corbin Bosch and Reece Topley steps up, especially in the death overs, a phase in which Bumrah is all but irreplaceable.Hardik Pandya and Mahela Jayawardene share a laugh at the pre-season press meet•AFP/Getty Images”See, [for] the bowling group, I will tell you the plans: we are very clear to get a lot of experience in it,” Hardik said, “because Wankhede can be sometimes very unforgiving to the bowlers, the kind of track which we play on. So it was very, very important to bring in experience – from Mitch [Santner] to Trent.”Trent was very, very important for us. Deepak, all are experienced individuals. Boom [Bumrah], myself, Mujeeb [Ur Rahman] – even youngsters who have played a lot of cricket. And I think that was very, very important to bring a lot of experience. So when the tough time comes, they have felt the pressure earlier.”Hardik himself will miss MI’s opening game against CSK on March 23 in Chennai, serving a one-match suspension that he is carrying forward from the end of last IPL. To add to their worries, MI also hold a record of not winning their first match of an IPL season since 2012.”There’s a little bit more adrenaline for the boys as well [playing against CSK],” Jayawardene said. “Yeah, we have a big challenge to try and correct something in history where we haven’t won a first match in a tournament for a number of years. So looking forward to that.”

Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin will not be pleased with the way his team have started the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season.

The Light Blues failed to win both of their opening matches in the division, drawing 1-1 with Motherwell on the opening day before drawing 1-1 with Dundee at Ibrox.

There is still plenty of time left in the summer transfer window for the Scottish giants to do more work to ensure that their team is ready to compete for trophies this season, though.

Whilst there will be a focus on incoming additions to excite the supporters and improve the current starting line-up, a new report suggests that Martin could be losing a player from his playing squad.

According to Brazilian journalists Andre Hernan and Bruno Andrade, Palmeiras are in the process of finalising a deal to sign Jefte from the Light Blues this summer, in what will be a permanent move for the defender.

After just one year at Ibrox after moving from Fluminense, the 21-year-old talent appears to be on his way out of Glasgow to return to his home country.

Why selling Jefte will be a blow for Rangers

Losing the left-footed ace will be a blow to Rangers in the short-term because he is the only senior left-footed left-back who has been utilised by Martin so far this season.

Ridvan Yilmaz has not made a single matchday squad in the 2025/26 campaign, and it was recently reported that he has reached an agreement with Besiktas over a return to Turkey. This means that Jefte’s proposed move to Palmeiras would leave Martin without a left-footed left-back in his side, which would result in Max Aarons going back to that position, a role in which he looked incredibly uncomfortable against Panathinaikos and Motherwell.

Whilst Jefte is not the finished article or the perfect left-back for Rangers, the 21-year-old gem does offer balance to the team as a naturally left-footed player in that position, which cannot be said for the right-footed Aarons.

24/25 Premiership	Jefte
Starts	30
Goals	1
Assists	4
Tackles + interceptions per game	3.3
Dribbled past	17x
Ground duel success rate	52%
Aerial duel success rate	57%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Brazilian defender did not have a completely awful first season at Ibrox in the Premiership, starting 30 of their 38 games and winning the majority of his physical duels on the deck and in the air.

However, Jefte had issues that are not easy to track on a stats sheet. Too often, the full-back would not be aware of the player over his shoulder and would get caught sleeping at the back post for goals.

The Palmeiras target also did not have his best game against Dundee in the Premiership last weekend. He only completed one of his five attempted crosses and was tackled in four of his five attempted dribbles, per Sofascore, which shows that the left-back struggled both technically and with his decision-making.

Putting all of this together, it is a blow for the Light Blues to lose their first-choice left-back in the short-term, but it also provides them with an opportunity to improve their team by swooping for a new option in that area of the pitch.

Transfer Focus

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

Rangers and Celtic were both recently linked with an interest in Monaco full-back Kassoum Ouattara, who is currently valued at a fee of around £13m by the French side.

It was claimed that a permanent deal, which would be a club record for both clubs, is unlikely and that the Glasgow giants may look down the loan route for the 20-year-old dynamo, if possible.

Why Rangers should sign Kassoum Ouattara

The Gers should push to beat Celtic to Ouattara’s signature before the end of the summer transfer window with a move for him this month, because he could be a fantastic addition to the squad as a replacement for Jefte.

Should the Brazilian’s move to Palmeiras go through as reported, Rangers will need to find a left-footed left-back who can provide enough quality on the pitch to improve Martin’s team, and the Monaco youngster appears to fit the bill.

The young defender only started five of his 12 appearances in the French top-flight during the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, but showcased his quality in those limited outings for Monaco.

Ouattara also played in Ligue 2 with Amiens in the 2023/24 campaign and caught the eye with 3.3 tackles and interceptions and 6.1 ball recoveries per game, which shows that he can offer a strong defensive presence at left-back when needed.

However, his performances in Ligue 1 for Monaco in the most recent season showed what he is best at: attacking. The £13m-rated full-back was an effective attacking force down the left flank with his ability to create chances for his teammates on a regular basis in the final third.

24/25 season *per 90	Ouattara (Ligue 1)	Jefte (Premiership)
xA*	0.29	0.11
Chances created*	1.38	1.14
Successful crosses*	1.62	1.00
Cross accuracy	41.2%	28.3%
Assists*	0.23	0.13
Dribbles completed*	1.15	1.17
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Ouattara’s attacking output was even more impressive than Jefte’s was in the Premiership in a Rangers side that ultimately finished second in the division.

These statistics show that the French starlet has outstanding potential as an attack-minded left-back, as he created almost three times as much xA per 90 in comparison to the Brazilian.

Analyst and writer Kai Watson described Ouattara as a “very offensive” full-back and these statistics certainly back up that claim, as he is an exceptional passer and crosser on the evidence of his form in one of Europe’s major leagues last term.

The task for him, though, is to prove that he can do it over the course of an entire season. A move to Ibrox would provide him with a platform to do exactly that, with a vacant spot at left-back if Jefte moves on, and in a team that will be competing for the title this term.

Exciting Gassama repeat: Rangers submit bid to sign "dangerous" £3.5m star

Rangers are reportedly in talks to sign a star who would be an exciting Djeidi Gassama repeat.

By
Dan Emery

Aug 13, 2025

Therefore, the Light Blues should be making a move to sign Ouattara from Monaco this summer because he could come in as a dream replacement for Jefte as an attack-minded full-back for Martin.

After a couple of worrying performances and results, Arsenal brought their pre-season campaign to an end with a brilliant victory over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday afternoon.

It was the sort of performance from Mikel Arteta’s men that should leave fans feeling excited and confident ahead of their Premier League opener against Manchester United on Sunday.

There were impressive displays from across the pitch, with Viktor Gyokeres opening his account, Bukayo Saka scoring again, and Martin Zubimendi controlling things from the middle of the park.

The Spanish international was arguably the best player on the pitch, and yet, if reports are to be believed, Arsenal could be looking to make an even better signing before the window slams shut next month.

Arsenal target better signing than Zubimendi

Away from the mostly impressive performances on the pitch, this summer has been one to remember for Arsenal, as the club have already made six first-team signings.

Transfer Focus

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

The likes of Gyokeres and Zubimendi already look like game-changing additions, while the likes of Noni Madueke, Christian Norgaard and Cristhian Mosquera have made the bench look far stronger than it did last season.

Yet, perhaps as an indication of just how important this season is going to be, the club look set on bringing in even more players, including one who’d be a better signing than Zubimendi.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which has reaffirmed Arsenal’s intense interest in Rodrgo.

The report has revealed that the Gunners want to take the Brazilian superstar on loan for the upcoming campaign and include an option to buy at €90m in the deal, which is around £78m.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s incredible ability and experience, it’s one worth fighting for, and for our money, he would be a better signing than Zubimendi.

Why Rodrygo would be a better signing than Zubimendi

The first reason Rodrygo would be a better signing than Zubimendi comes down to the options Arteta already has in their respective positions.

For example, while the Spaniard is now the team’s first-choice six, the manager could easily call upon Declan Rice to play there, as he did initially, or he could opt to go with Mikel Merino or Norgaard.

If things got bad enough, he could go with Ben White, as the Englishman played the role during his time with Leeds United.

On the other hand, while Arteta has options to play on the left, none of them are particularly exciting or effective.

Gabriel Martinelli, for example, was the starting left-winger for much of last season and was only able to amass a rather paltry tally of 16 goal involvements in 51 appearances.

Likewise, Leandro Trossard wasn’t able to make much of a case for himself either, racking up 20 goal involvements in 56 appearances.

That brings us to the second reason the former Santos gem would be a better signing, which is his own record.

For example, across the last two seasons, the Brazilian “superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, has found the back of the net on 31 occasions and provided 20 assists in 105 appearances, totalling 7159 minutes.

Appearances

51

54

Minutes

3707′

3452′

Goals

17

14

Assists

9

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.50

0.46

Minutes per Goal Involvement

142.57′

138.08′

That means the former 24-year-old “monster,” as dubbed journalist Eduardo Hagn, has been averaging a goal involvement every 2.05 games, or every 140.37 minutes across the last two years.

That brilliant rate of return is only made all the more impressive when you take into account the fact that he had to play out of his preferred position on the left for most of those games.

At the end of the day, goals win games, and when we take into account Rodrygo’s output and Arsenal’s dire need for improvements on the left wing, it becomes hard to deny that the Brazilian would end up being a better signing than Zubimendi this summer.

Arsenal closing in on deal to sign "untouchable" star, £55m fee now agreed

The Gunners are making progress in their pursuit of an attacker, with talks currently ongoing.

1 ByDominic Lund Aug 10, 2025

Liverpool fans got a taste of their new signings in action across the past week, with pre-season friendlies carried out against Preston North End and Stoke City, the latter in a behind-closed-doors setting.

It was that 5-0 romp, however, that highlighted just how incredible a talent Florian Wirtz is, the playmaker all tricks and flicks and winged feet as he dictated play and showcased his astounding technical ability.

Signed from Bayer Leverkusen for an initial £100m fee which could stretch to a British-record £116m, the German, 22, has added so much talent and dynamism to Arne Slot’s dangerous frontline.

However, with Luis Diaz potentially off to Bayern Munich, Liverpool may need to bring in yet another attacking addition.

The latest on Liverpool's search for forwards

With Hugo Ekitike set to leave Eintracht Frankfurt and sign for Liverpool in a deal worth £79m, sporting director Richard Hughes has solved one of Slot’s biggest problems.

However, Diaz’s suspected sale to Bayern Munich, who are ready to return with a second offer, has opened the gates for a successor to come in.

A host of names have been bandied around, but the most ambitious has got to belong to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, with transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealing that talks have been held between Liverpool and the player’s camp as they weigh up a marquee move.

Rodrygo, 24, is one of the world’s finest forwards, but he’s no longer all-important at Real Madrid, with Xabi Alonso open to his sale this summer.

In any case, the Brazilian forward won’t come cheap, with figures as high as £87m floating about.

What Rodrygo would bring to Liverpool

In 2024/25, Rodrygo didn’t suffer a poor season by any stretch, but there’s no question he left something to be desired, going 12 La Liga matches without a goal or an assist across the second half of the season.

Blame can in large part be apportioned to his consistent placement out on the right wing. The right-footed Rodrygo’s favoured position is on the left, where his goalscoring ability is best served.

Far more clinical on the left, the Los Blancos superstar bas proven himself to be a versatile asset, however, as the table below rubberstamps.

Rodrygo – Real Madrid Stats by Position (24/25)
Position	Apps	Goals	Assists
Right winger	31	8	5
Left winger	12	6	6
Centre-forward	10	0	0
Stats via Transfermarkt

In this way, he could emulate a former Liverpool great in Sadio Mane, who joined the club from Southampton for £34m in 2015 and went on to become one of the deadliest left-sided forwards of his generation.

Mane, now 33 and playing for Al-Nassr, played across the frontline for Saints, scoring nine goals and providing four assists across 21 matches as a right winger in 2015/16, right before his move to Merseyside.

His propensity for goals off the right was further underscored during his early days for Liverpool.

Mane was one of the best wingers in the Premier League, but in Rodrygo, Liverpool could hit the jackpot on a new star, named as a “world-class” player by his former teammate Luka Modric.

Given that the South American would be playing with a new lease of life in a role catered better to his distinct qualities, it might be worth forking out a significant sum once again on FSG’s part.

Better deal than Ekitike: Liverpool preparing £45m bid for "monster" star

Liverpool are still planning to make several more signings in the summer transfer market.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 21, 2025

Leeds United have only just announced the £12m capture of Sean Longstaff, but another midfield deal looks to be nearing to completion to complement the ex-Newcastle United man’s arrival.

Indeed, it is now being reported that Daniel Farke’s Premier League newcomers will welcome Anton Stach to the building imminently, with the versatile Hoffenheim presence going down as their sixth summer buy for around the £17.4m mark.

Longstaff and Stach might just be the start, however, before another wave of new faces joins very shortly, with attacking signings now looking to be a priority.

Leeds chasing deal for Premier League youngster

Away from Stach offering Leeds more options in midfield alongside the 27-year-old giant, the other signings through the door this summer have mostly been defensive, besides Lukas Nmecha.

Therefore, attack is surely the next part of the pitch due for a makeover, with Rodrigo Muniz reportedly still on the Leeds agenda, on top of new, exciting targets such as Igor Paxiao coming to the surface to gift the Whites more options on the left and right flanks.

Whilst Muniz is a buy that will appeal to Whites supporters everywhere, when assessing his weighty 17 goals in the Premier League, Leeds’ other pursuit of Marc Guiu might well raise some eyebrows.

Football journalist Graeme Bailey claims that Leeds could soon chase a loan deal for the Chelsea youngster to boost their options up top, having looked at him previously.

Whilst Guiu does come highly rated from Stamford Bridge, his lack of Premier League experience would worry those at Elland Road as they jump back up to the gruelling division.

Yet, the Spaniard might well go to be an even bigger talent than Mateo Joseph if he does move to West Yorkshire, which would unfortunately push his fellow compatriot down the Whites pecking order even more.

How Guiu could be a bigger talent than Joseph

Joseph must already know deep down that his Premier League minutes next season are going to be somewhat sparse, considering only 11 league starts were handed to him last season on the way to Farke and Co. sealing the title.

A promising three goals and three assists would come his way, but the 21-year-old hasn’t quite shown enough in these bursts of quality from the bench to suggest he should be pushing for more consistent first-team minutes. Whereas, Guiu at Chelsea might well fancy his chances at being a second-in-command to Joel Piroe, and even more, based on his blistering cameos in West London last campaign.

Games played

16

73

Goals scored

6

6

Assists

0

4

PL appearances

3

3

Amazingly, despite appearing 57 times less for Enzo Maresca’s outfit overall when weighed up next to the 21-year-old’s haul at Elland Road, Guiu finds himself on the exact same goal tally Joseph has next to his name at Leeds, with all six of those efforts also staggeringly coming about last season as Chelsea ran out convincing champions of the UEFA Conference League.

Of course, the quality of the opposition can be questioned here, but Guiu does look ready for more senior chances, with those six goals coming about from just four starts, meaning he’s a far more lethal and composed finisher from limited chances than his Whites counterpart.

With two goals under his belt in the senior ranks at Barcelona, too, the 19-year-old would surely go on to enhance and elevate his game surrounded by the likes of Piroe as a hungry asset wanting to learn more, as opposed to Joseph, who has made his intentions clear on his desire to move on from West Yorkshire.

Once labelled as a “nightmare for centre-backs” to contain by football talent scout Jacek Kulig off the back of his high-energy game, Guiu might well be the perfect impact bench option for Farke to call upon next season, away from landing a more seasoned head such as Muniz.

With all these thrilling new buys in the offing, there might not be a place for Joseph at Leeds very soon, as fresh blood is potentially preferred over the reserve striker.

Even better than Paixao: Leeds hopeful of sealing signing of £50m striker

Leeds United are hopeful of signing a star who is even better than Igor Paixao.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 18, 2025

كشفت شركة EA Sport عن قائمة اللاعبين الأعلى تقييمًا بين لاعبي كرة قدم في العالم بلعبة FC26 الشهيرة، والتي شهدت تواجدًا للنجم المصري محمد صلاح جناح فريق ليفربول الإنجليزي.

وتواجد محمد صلاح في الصدارة مع الفرنسي كيليان مبابي لاعب ريال مدريد الإسباني، وكلاهما يملك تقييم إجمالي قدره 91.

مبابي سجل 43 هدفًا وقدّم خمس تمريرات حاسمة خلال موسم 2024-2025، مع فريقه ريال مدريد، ونجم ليفربول محمد صلاح، سجل 34 هدفًا وقدّم 23 تمريرة حاسمة وقاد فريقه إلى التتويج بلقب الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وفي تصنيف 90 يتواجد لاعبين مثل جود بيلينجهام، لاعب ريال مدريد، وإيرلينج هالاند لاعب مانشستر سيتي الإنجليزي.

ويتواجد كذلك الفرنسي عثمان ديمبلي لاعب باريس سان جيرمان، والذي قاد فريقه إلى لقب دوري أبطال أوروبا الأول في تاريخ النادي.

وهناك أيضًا قائد ليفربول، فيرجيل فان دايك، ورودري لاعب مانشستر سيتي رغم غيابه عن معظم الموسم بسبب إصابة في الرباط الصليبي.

اقرأ أيضًا | أليسون يتحدث عن علاقته بـ محمد صلاح: أبذل قصاري جهدي لمساعدته

وبتقييم 89 يتواجد نجم برشلونة الشاب لامين يامال، هاري كين مهاجم بايرن ميونخ، إلى جانب فينيسيوس جونيور مهاجم ريال مدريد، وبيدري لاعب برشلونة، وفيديريكو فالفيردي، وتيبو كورتوا لاعبا ريال مدريد.

يتواجد أيضًا أشرف حكيمي لاعب باريس سان جيرمان، ورافينها لاعب برشلونة، وجوشوا كيميش من بايرن ميونخ، بالإضافة إلى دوناروما المنضم حديثًا لمانشستر سيتي، وفيتينها لاعب باريس سان جيرمان، وثنائي ليفربول أليسون بيكر وفلوريان فيرتز.

بتصنيف 88 يتواجد روبرت ليفاندوفسكي مهاجم برشلونة، لاوتارو مارتينيز مهاجم إنتر ميلان، ألكسندر إيزاك المنضم حديثًا لليفربول، جمال موسيالا من بايرن ميونخ، وثنائي آرسنال ساكا وجابرييل.

What a year this has been so far for Liverpool Football Club. Having wrapped up the Premier League title early, while their divisional rivals continued to work hard on the training pitch, the Reds were partying hard in Ibiza and Dubai. Not a bad life being a footballer, is it?

Since then, they’ve only sought to back up that league crown by strengthening significantly in the summer transfer window.

The market is only a few weeks old, yet Arne Slot and Co have wrapped up two signings in the shape of Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz. There’s more to come too.

Milos Kerkez is now reportedly due to arrive any day now from Bournemouth, while another Premier League defender, Marc Guehi, is earmarked as their next target.

Dare Liverpool fans dream of Alexander Isak too? The Newcastle forward remains a key target this summer.

But, while that happens in the background, there are more targets on Richard Hughes’ shortlist.

Liverpool eyeing one of the best young midfielders

It’s safe to say the Liverpool midfield has undergone something of a revamp over the last year or so.

Transfer Focus

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

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After Fabinho and Jordan Henderson headed to Saudi, the Reds looked to add further bodies to their midfield but it hasn’t all been plain sailing in the transfer market, famously missing out on Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo to Chelsea.

They did sign Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister, however, two players who enjoyed fabulous seasons on their way to winning the title. Gravenberch was nominated for the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award, while Mac Allister is up for the PFA’s Player of the Season.

Despite Wirtz having now joined the fold too, FSG still aren’t content with their options and in the future, could make a move for PSG’s Warren Zaire-Emery.

That’s according to journalist Graeme Bailey who revealed this weekend that Liverpool are eyeing up a move for the 19-year-old midfielder.

Speaking to Rousing the Kop, he said: “It looks like a few clubs are having a sniff around Zaire-Emery. Is he a generational talent Liverpool will try for if he suddenly becomes available? Possibly, they have done work on him before. That was primarily before Ryan Gravenberch’s rise.”

Why Zaire-Emery is so exciting

When Liverpool announced the signing of Wirtz this week, arriving in a move worth a British-record transfer fee of £116m, it wasn’t surprising.

After all, this move has been earmarked for several weeks now. However, it did send a statement to the rest of the Premier League.

Wirtz is no mug. In the words of former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, the German is “probably the best midfielder in the world.”

High praise indeed and to back up those words, he scored 16 and registered 15 assists in 2024/25, phenomenal numbers.

Well, Zaire-Emery is certainly cut from a similar cloth. Wirtz made his Leverkusen debut at the tender age of 17 while PSG’s French sensation made his Ligue 1 bow for the Parisiens at 16. They’ve been around the block for a while and they’ve already impressed plenty.

The teenager’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has already described him as “one of the best midfielders in the world” while scout Jacek Kulig has suggested that he’s “one of the biggest talents of his generation in Europe.”

But, why all the hype? Well, as data analyst Ben Mattinson outlines, the 19-year-old is an “Mbappe at Monaco level of talent”, largely thanks to his blend of skills.

He’s “so secure on the ball,” states Mattinson. “He progresses the ball effectively from deeper zones, has good physicality and excellent body usage in duels” with a “quality passing range”.

You name it, Zaire-Emery has it. Traditionally a deeper-lying midfielder, the PSG star certainly possesses the tools to rival Gravenberch for a place in the midfield, and while less box-crashing than the Dutchman, he’d certainly provide an extra layer of class.

Youngest UCL debutants since 2000

Player

Club

Age

1. Youssoufa Moukoko

Dortmund

16 years, 18 days

2. Lamine Yamal

Barcelona

16 years, 2 months

3. Rayan Cherki

Lyon

16 years, 3 months

4. Alen Halilovic

Zagreb

16 years, 4 months, 6 days

5. Youri Tielemans

Anderlecht

16 years, 4 months, 25 days

6. Francesco Camarda

AC Milan

16 years, 7 months, 12 days

7. Warren Zaire-Emery

PSG

16 years, 7 months, 17 days

8. Charalampos Mavrias

Panathinaikos

16 years, 7 months, 29 days

Data via Transfermarkt.

To underline his complete skillset, he ranks inside the top 3% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year for pass completion percentage, the best 14% for progressive carries and the top 15% for ball recoveries.

Truthfully, there’s very little Zaire-Emery can’t do. Perhaps the only area would be his ability to score goals – finding the net three times in 2024/25 – but as a deep-lying player, he’s not really required to do that.

Either way, this would be a phenomenal capture for Liverpool. Like Wirtz, he’s one of the most exciting young talents in European football right now.

Related He's a dream Isak alternative: Liverpool exploring move for £160m forward

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The last time a Manchester United player scored 20 Premier League goals in a single season was Robin van Persie back in 2012/13, with the Red Devils having long waited to find a prolific presence again to lead the line.

While not a centre-forward by trade, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo could well be the man to end that search, with the Cameroon international reportedly deciding to join Ruben Amorim’s ranks this summer, fresh off the back of netting 20 league goals for the Bees.

That remarkable individual campaign isn’t exactly a breakthrough one for the 25-year-old, however, with his talent having been evident ever since he arrived in west London back in 2019. Indeed, a return of 121 goals and assists in 242 games in all competitions says it all.

Season

Player

Goals

2024/25

Bruno Fernandes & Amad

8

2023/24

Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund

10

2022/23

Marcus Rashford

17

2021/22

Cristiano Ronaldo

18

2020/21

Bruno Fernandes

18

2019/20

Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial

17

2018/19

Paul Pogba

13

2017/18

Romelu Lukaku

16

2016/17

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

17

2015/16

Anthony Martial

11

2014/15

Wayne Rooney

12

2013/14

Wayne Rooney

17

2012/13

Robin van Persie

26

Perhaps more importantly, the £60m-rated star has provided 70 goal involvements in 136 top-flight games to date, including the fourth goal as Thomas Frank’s men ravaged United at the Gtech in August 2022.

The speed and power with which the winger tore away from Luke Shaw on the counter, before slotting home, was truly breathtaking, with Amorim in desperate need of more of the same should that deal be wrapped up as expected.

With Matheus Cunha on one side and Mbeumo on the other, United could be a force to be reckoned with once again. How about throwing a new striker into the mix too?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker

“The most unlucky number nine Manchester United have ever had”. Those were the words directed toward Rasmus Hojlund by TNT’s Darren Fletcher during United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, with the struggling Dane seeing a header ruled out for offside as he once again fired a blank.

A measly return of four league goals in 2024/25 has ensured the 22-year-old could well be nudged toward the exit door this summer, with the former Atalanta man perhaps in line for a return to Serie A, amid interest from Champions League finalists, Inter.

With one number nine potentially departing, another could well be set to replace him, with Football Insider claiming that INEOS are accelerating their pursuit of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Amorim believed to be keen on a reunion with his former talisman.

Transfer Focus

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

The report suggests that the 26-year-old is the “dream” centre-forward target, following United’s failure to convince Liam Delap to make a move, with Amorim having signed the Swede from Coventry City in 2023.

As the piece does outline, however, the stumbling block is likely to be the financial package required to be able to sign the 6 foot 2 marksman, not least if his reported £83m release clause is accurate.

That said, reports elsewhere have claimed that he could depart the Lisbon side for a much more reasonable fee of £59m, with that surely worth the outlay for a player who has been in red-hot form of late.

Why Man Utd need to fork out for Gyokeres

Managing to land a player like Mbeumo – considering his Premier League-proven quality – would no doubt represent a real coup, with analyst Ben Mattinson lauding the former Troyes star as “one of the most deadly players on transition” in the top-flight.

Just as exciting, however, would be the prospect of signing the “hottest striker in Europe”, as hailed by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, with Gyokeres having set the world alight following his prolific form in Portugal.

Formerly the scourge of Championship defences, after scoring 46 goals in 117 games for Coventry, the in-demand star has gone to a whole new level at Sporting, having registered 97 goals in just 102 games over the last two years.

It is that rampant form which has led outspoken pundit Rafael van der Vaart to hail Gyokeres as perhaps a “better version of [Erling] Haaland”, with his fellow Scandinavian memorably scoring 86 goals in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund, before joining Manchester City in 2022.

Both men did shine during the inaugural league phase of the Champions League last season, with Gyokeres netting six times in eight appearances, while Haaland scored eight goals in nine games for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Non-penalty goals

0.59

0.70

Shots

3.26

4.21

Assists

0.15

0.00

Shot-creating actions

3.85

1.52

Pass completion

80.0%

74.4%

Progressive passes

1.78

1.05

Progressive carries

4.29

0.94

Successful take-ons

1.18

0.35

Touches in opposition box

6.07

6.79

Progressive passes received

9.47

3.75

The Norwegian machine may have outscored the Sporting sensation, although – as Van der Vaart alluded to – it was Gyokeres who showcased more to his game, as evidenced with regard to his superior record in progressive carries, pass completion and shot-creating actions.

The scorer of 39 league goals to boot – ahead of Haaland’s return of 22 Premier League goals – the one-time Brighton man appears to be the prolific presence that United are crying out for, with the club only netting 44 times as a whole in England’s top-flight last time out.

Partnering two players who have been there and done it in the Premier League – in the form of Cunha and Mbeumo – with a figure who just can’t stop scoring right now could prove the perfect combination, with United still longing for the days of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney leading the line.

Of course, these three potential summer arrivals would have to go some way to match the levels of those 2008 Champions League heroes, although it’s hard to think of a more exciting triumvirate since.

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