Manchester City journalist Alex Brotherton has reacted to Riyad Mahrez’s ‘poor’ penalty against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
The Lowdown: Stalemate in Germany
The Sky Blues were the visitors at the Signal Iduna Park in midweek where the two teams played out a 0-0 draw, with both sides advancing to the last 16 despite it being a stalemate on the night.
The most notable moment though was when the Algerian missed a golden chance to give the Premier League giants the lead from a spot kick just before the hour mark, with Gregor Kobel making a save to deny his opponent from 12 yards.
The Latest: Brotherton’s reaction
Taking to Twitter, Brotherton claimed that Mahrez’s form has hit a stumbling block, and suggested that his penalty miss was uncharacteristic given his previous record. He wrote:
“Riyad Mahrez’s season keeps getting worse. Such a poor penalty from someone who’s been so reliable from the spot in recent years. Now missed his last two.”
The Verdict: No need to panic
Whilst City couldn’t seal a victory on the night, there’s absolutely no need to panic because the start they have made to this season has been outstanding on all fronts.
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The Etihad outfit have won eight, drawn two and lost just one of their opening 11 league games, leaving them just two points shy of leaders Arsenal.
Having now topped their European group also, the chances of them getting their hands on some silverware come the end of the campaign appears highly likely if their current form can be maintained.
Manchester United are eyeing up a move for Red Bull Salzburg striker Benjamin Sesko this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Lowdown: Dire start to the season
Erik ten Hag had a disastrous start to his reign as United manager on Sunday afternoon, as his side lost 2-1 at home to Brighton in their Premier League opener.
The Red Devils never really got going at Old Trafford and there was a lack of firepower on show, as the likes of Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford had quiet days at the office, managing just three shots between them (and none on target).
A new striker appears to be needed before the end of the current transfer window, and Romano has shed some light on one man that the Red Devils hope to bring to Old Trafford before the month is out.
The Latest: Sesko a potential target
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano claimed that Sesko is a possible target in the coming weeks, having been strongly linked with a move to United recently.
The Italian stated:
“He’s one of the targets, one of the names they have on the list. He’s a player really appreciated by Manchester United, they had conversations with these agents.”
The Verdict: Long-term acquisition?
Sesko looks like a hugely exciting prospect, scoring the only goal against United’s rivals Liverpool in a pre-season win for Salzburg, along with registering 20 goal contributions (12 goals, eight assists) in 39 competitive appearances for the Austrian champions overall.
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At just 19, the Slovenian would represent a long-term signing by United if they get him, someone who can come in and be an important figure straight away while growing into an even more formidable player as the years advance.
Ten Hag needs to bring in youth rather than depending on someone like 37-year-old Cristiano Ronaldo, with past managers in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era buying ageing or expensive quick fixes too often who haven’t worked out.
According to a report by The Daily Mail, a major West Ham United transfer update has now come to light involving Man United attacker Jesse Lingard.
The Lowdown: Hammers eye move…
Since the Englishman’s phenomenal spell on loan in east London, manager David Moyes has been eager to bring him back to West Ham on a permanent deal.
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Lingard looks set to leave Old Trafford as a free agent upon the expiry of his contract in June, potentially gifting the Premier League side a chance to re-sign him on a Bosman deal.
Big name players like Lingard and fellow midfielder Paul Pogba are edging closer to the Man United exit door and it is now claimed that Moyes has made an ‘early move’ for his former star.
The Latest: Mokbel shares big Lingard update…
According to The Mail, West Ham’s manager has in fact moved early ahead of the competition to try and seal a summer switch for the 29-year-old.
Indeed, with the Hammers ‘making an offer’ to Lingard, they’re now ‘looking to secure him’ as they seek to get ahead of the competition for his signature.
The Verdict: Promising…
Lauded as a potentially ‘huge’ and ‘massive signing’ at West Ham by pundit Paul Robinson, sealing an agreement for the soon-to-be free agent comes as a no-brainer for the east Londoners.
He is already proven under Moyes and knows the club well having thrived there for the second half of 2020/2021, not to mention the fact Lingard would arrive at zero transfer cost.
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Taking all of this into account, agreeing a move for the Red Devils ace should be one of Moyes’ first items on the to-do list as he prepares for a busy window.
In other news: Talks held: West Ham are also pushing to sign £20m ‘beast’ as club green-light summer sale…find out more here.
Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips is desperate to be offered a new Whites contract, according to a significant update which has emerged.
The Lowdown: Phillips not yet signed deal
The 26-year-old is a strong contender for Leeds’ best player of the last decade or so, making 226 appearances overall and also becoming a key figure for England.
However, it is a worrying time from a Whites perspective, with Phillips constantly linked with a move away from Elland Road and a new contract not yet signed.
A big update has emerged on the matter, though, and it’s one which will likely be music to the ears of Leeds supporters.
[freshpress-quiz id=“383507″]
The Latest: Key update emerges
According to The Daily Mirror print edition (7 February) [via MOT Leeds News], Phillips is ‘keener than ever’ to sign a contract extension at the club he has grown up supporting.
His current deal expires in the summer of 2024.
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The Verdict: Leeds simply must extend his stay
This is hugely positive news for Leeds, with Phillips seemingly happy at the club and not looking for a fresh challenge any time soon, having been hailed as ‘world-class’ by Paul Robinson.
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A new deal would also put the Whites in a strong bargaining position should the midfielder want to exit the club in terms of demanding an enormous fee for his services.
Phillips is at the peak of his powers and looks increasingly likely to spend his best years at Elland Road, as long as the club adheres to his demands.
In other news, Leeds are reportedly showing strong interest in one player. Find out who it is here.
Leeds Live’s Beren Cross has delivered an update on Leeds United’s pursuit of John Swift ahead of the January transfer window.
What’s the story?
According to recent reports in The Sheffield Star, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have their eye on the attacking midfielder, along with the likes of Newcastle United and Brentford.
Cross has now delivered an update on where things currently stand with a potential move for Swift.
He said: “Swift will certainly be a player Orta and Bielsa are aware of. An English talent at 26 with an expiring contract is hard to ignore. After a few injury issues across the past few seasons, he has continued to play well this season and led from the front with Reading. Evidently, he will leave there in January for a smaller fee or wait to go for nothing next summer.
“It is fair to say he has outgrown the Berkshire club. I am not aware Leeds have ever shown strong interest in taking Swift to Elland Road, and that includes the Championship days. Now, in the Premier League, Swift is unproven and could be considered a risk. The finances would not be an issue, but is he that much better than what Leeds already have and does he have that box-to-box profile Leeds need alongside a Rodrigo in the middle?”
Would be an exciting addition for Leeds
Swift has a track record of offering a goal-scoring threat from attacking midfield, managing an impressive 63 goal contributions in 181 games. in fact, his start to the current campaign for Reading has been quite incredible, netting eight goals in 17 matches in the Championship as well as chipping in with seven assists.
Speaking back in August after a 2-1 win over Preston, Royals manager Veljko Paunovic said of the 26-year-old: “Now he’s back, it is important we keep him healthy and motivated as he is now because that will help us a lot.
“He is super talented and he showed an urgency that he wanted to decide the game. The first couple of passes to Azeez and Joao were fantastic vision and execution of the final pass – something we’ve missed in the past. We missed those slick combinations through the middle when we progress forward so that’s something we have to keep up.”
That ability to come from deep and find the back of the net – he has scored 40 senior goals in his professional career thus far – would add a different dimension to Leeds’ side.
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The fact that Bielsa and Orta will be “aware” of Swift and his progress at Reading could be crucial to potentially making a move for him in January when the transfer window opens again.
He’d certainly be an exciting addition for Leeds fans.
Meanwhile, Leeds are facing a transfer battle for this Brazilian ace…
Middlesbrough have made a manager with “an impressive CV” a top target to replace Rob Edwards, and it would be a “significant coup” if they can get a deal done.
Edwards confirmed as Wolves boss as Middlesbrough receive £3m
Wolves confirmed the appointment of Rob Edwards as their new head coach on a three-and-a-half year deal on Wednesday.
The 42-year-old left the Riverside and agreed a contract until 2029 with Wanderers after they sacked Vitor Pereira earlier this month. It is reported Boro will receive around £3million in compensation after Edwards only joined them in June on a three-year contract.
Edwards, who managed Luton in the Premier League, begins a fourth spell at Wolves after making 111 appearances as a player as well as enjoying time as a coach and interim boss. He will be joined by assistant head coach Harry Watling after the pair worked together at Middlesbrough, with the rest of his backroom staff to be confirmed in the near future.
Wolves chairman Jeff Shi said: “I know Rob very well and I have seen his growth in different jobs. He’s a very good person, he knows the club very well, he knows the city, the fans and he is very talented.
“When he was a youth coach here, he showed his tactical awareness, but after he took first-team jobs he started to grow his own identity, character and leadership.
“We need to refresh the whole club with a new coach’s philosophy, bringing his own identity and ideas, and we can build on that. We are at a new chapter for the club and Rob will be a key piece of that.”
For Boro, it is now about finding a swift replacement as they aim to continue their Championship promotion push without Edwards.
Middlesbrough make Steven Gerrard a top manager target
As reported by Rousing the Kop and journalist Graeme Bailey, Steven Gerrard is among the top targets for Middlesbrough to replace Edwards.
Steve Gibson is a long-term admirer of the former Rangers and Aston Villa boss, who is out of work after leaving Al-Ettifaq in January.
Gerrard almost returned to Ibrox last month and is open to a return to the dugout, with a move to the Riverside something that could appeal to him.
Gerrard has never managed in the Championship, with his most successful period as a manager coming in Scotland, winning the league title with Rangers.
Steven Gerrard’s managerial career
Club
Games
Points per game
Rangers
192
2.15
Aston Villa
40
1.18
Al-Ettifaq
55
1.33
The 45-year-old primarily plays an attacking 4-3-3 system and is closing in on 300 games as a manager. Could that benchmark come at the Riverside?
Arsenal have emerged as the dream destination for one player this summer, according to Fabrizio Romano, with sporting director Andrea Berta continuing to carry out his extensive transfer window shopping ahead of 2025/2026.
£70m star wants to join Arsenal after Norgaard and Mosquera, talks ongoing
The north Londoners mean business this summer.
2 ByEmilio Galantini
Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga are both poised to be announced as new Arsenal players shortly.
Kepa completed his Arsenal medical in the last few days as he closes in on a £5 million switch from Stamford Bridge (Sky Sports), while Zubimendi touched down in London last week to finalise his near-£56 million transfer to the Premier League.
Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)
Money on new signings
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
The Spaniards will be joined by Brentford captain Christian Norgaard, too, with Arsenal widely reported to have agreed a £15 million deal for the Denmark international, including add-ons.
The 31-year-old has been permitted to travel for his Arsenal medical (Fabrizio Romano), and ex-Tottenham director Frank Arnesen says Mikel Arteta may have just snapped up a bargain.
“If he can take a step up and come to Arsenal, it would be fantastic. Every dressing room would be thrilled to have him. He has the right mentality, is a team player and has the attitude,” said Arnsen to Tipsbladet earlier this week.
“Mikel Arteta was fantastic as a player, I think, and as a coach he has done absolutely superbly, both as an assistant at Manchester City and afterwards at Arsenal with the way he plays football.
“He doesn’t just take a player in without knowing exactly what he’s going to use him for. Maybe he won’t play 50 games, you don’t know, maybe it’ll only be 30, but it’s about the whole package. He gets the whole package with Christian.”
Berta has wasted no time in moving on to Arsenal’s next target after Norgaard, either.
Valencia'sCristhianMosquerain action with Atletico Madrid's Samuel Lino
The Gunners have opened talks with Valencia over signing versatile young defender Cristhian Mosquera, and there is real optimism that they’ll reach an agreement for their fourth signing of the summer, even if their opening bid of £16 million was rejected (The Guardian).
Cristhian Mosquera wants "perfect" move to Arsenal
While there’s still some way to go in club-to-club talks, Berta will not run into any trouble on the player’s side.
As per Romano, speaking on the ‘Here We Go’ YouTube channel, Mosquera thinks Arsenal are the “perfect” move for him, and the 21-year-old wants to challenge Arteta’s preferred centre-back pairing.
Cristhian Mosquera for Valencia.
“My understanding is that the player wants to go to Arsenal. He sees Arsenal as the perfect opportunity for his career,” said Romano.
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“Of course, you have to compete with Gabriel, with William Saliba, but what I’m hearing is that Mosquera is not scared. Obviously, he knows that these two defenders are probably the best in the world, but he wants to be there. He knows that Arsenal will have many games; with Mikel Arteta, young players develop very well. So Mosquera said yes to Arsenal.”
Able to play at both right-back and centre-back, the “magnificent” Mosquera could plug multiple gaps for Arteta, but his arrival surely spells the end of Jakub Kiwior – who’s been tipped to leave if they do sign the Spain Under-21 international.
After losing multiple key players over the summer, very few Leeds United supporters could’ve predicted the superb season they’ve endured in the Championship so far in 2024/25.
Georginio Rutter, Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara all played key roles in Daniel Farke’s squad last campaign, but all departed Elland Road after their failure to secure promotion.
However, the side have returned with a vengeance under the German this season, sitting top of the table and in pole position to end their two-year stay in England’s second tier.
LeedsUnitedmanagerDaniel Farke celebrates after the match
Whilst many of the first-team players have impressed over the last couple of months, numerous have failed to live up to the expectations many have set for them in Yorkshire.
Others have demonstrated glimpses of their quality, but ultimately, have been far too inconsistent over the last couple of months, putting their long-term future at the club in doubt.
Brenden Aaronson’s stats for Leeds in 2024/25
Midfielder Brenden Aaronson joined Leeds in a £25m deal from RB Salzburg during the summer of 2022, but left on loan last season – joining Bundesliga side Union Berlin after the Whites’ relegation.
However, he would return to Elland Road this campaign, impressing in spells, registering eight goals and two assists in his 34 league outings to date.
Whilst on the face of it, his record may seem impressive, the 24-year-old has only registered one goal contribution in 2025, with the only goal coming in the 7-0 demolition of Cardiff City.
Aaronson also failed to impress against Sheffield United on Monday night, being the first player to make way for the Whites as Farke hunted for an equaliser at Bramall Lane.
It was an example of how quiet and anonymous he can be in certain matches, just simply unable to extract his highest performance levels on a consistent basis since returning to the fold.
As a result, Farke may want to consider alternative options in the number 10 role, including one player who could offer a different option, albeit whilst featuring in an unfamiliar role.
The player who Farke needs to unleash to end Aaronson’s Leeds career
After Ethan Ampadu’s latest injury setback, Leeds now appear to be slightly light in the centre of the park, with the decision not to invest in the side in January now looking like the wrong one.
However, Farke will undoubtedly have faith in Ao Tanaka and Ilia Gruev to continue their partnership after starting together in the victory over their Yorkshire rivals a couple of days ago.
Their partnership could allow for fellow midfielder Joe Rothwell to operate in a slightly more advanced role, with his skill set potentially making him the perfect fit for the role.
The 30-year-old may only be on loan from Bournemouth, but he’s already adhered himself to the supporters with his impressive displays off the bench.
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Rothwell, who’s previously been dubbed “superb” by journalist Rich Sharpe, produced his best display against Sunderland, registering two assists for Pascal Struijk in just 19 minutes of action – showcasing the danger he possesses.
How Rothwell compares to Aaronson in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Rothwell
Aaronson
Games played
31
34
Goals & assists
4
10
Progressive passes
6.6
4.1
Pass accuracy
86%
79%
Passes into final third
7.5
2.3
Shot-creating actions
4.2
3.8
Tackles & interceptions
2
1.6
Take-on success
62%
44%
Stats via FBref
When comparing his underlying stats with those of Aaronson, he has bettered the American international in numerous key areas, showcasing the talent he possesses, with Farke needing to reward him with a start in the number 10 role.
Given Bournemouth’s rise in the Premier League in recent months, a permanent deal could well be on the cards for Rothwell, regardless of whether the Whites secure promotion between now and the end of the season or not.
However, one thing is for sure, Aaronson’s inconsistency could hinder him going forward, with the aforementioned Rothwell arguably a better option in attackign areas given the figures he’s produced in recent months.
Leeds have an incredible star who's their finest EFL talent since Hernandez
Leeds United have found their best EFL player since Pablo Hernandez with the signing of one player.
Manchester United are keeping an eye on a £13 million-rated defender as they eye a possible long-term replacement for Luke Shaw, according to a new report. The Red Devils were very busy during the summer, as INEOS looked to make their mark on the team after their recent takeover. However, a position that fans were hoping would be strengthened wasn’t, as United decided against signing a new left-back.
Man Utd spotted scouting Kvaratskhelia but left wowed by second Napoli star
Man Utd sent officials on a recent scouting mission and were left impressed by one player in particular.
ByBrett Worthington Man Utd news and updates
Earlier this week, United fan/pundit Mark Goldbridge spoke of his surprise that the club didn’t look to sign a left-back in the summer. This is because Shaw has suffered with a lot of injuries in the last 12 to 18 months, missing the majority of last season and again yet to feature in this campaign. Goldbridge believes the decision not to sign a left-back, given Shaw’s injury record and Tyrell Malacia missing all of last season, was “unbelievable.”
United may look to sign a left-back in the near future, but they are also keeping their options open about improving other parts of their squad once again. That is because United officials were spotted scouting Napoli duo Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Alessandro Buongiorno in their game against Empoli last weekend.
Napoli forwardKhvicha Kvaratskhelia.
United staff were there to take in Kvaratskhelia in particular, but are said to have been left impressed by Buongiorno, who is a centre-back for the Italian side. But he is not the only defender United are looking at, as they are also keeping an eye on a promising left-back, which may please Goldbridge.
Man Utd tracking £13m-rated gem to replace Luke Shaw
According to TBR Football, Manchester United are keeping an eye on left-back Julio Soler as they look at different options heading into 2025. The left-back spot has been rather tricky for the Red Devils in the last year or so, as Shaw and Malacia have been unavailable for the majority of the time, meaning they have had to play players there who are unfamiliar with the role.
Diogo Dalot has been United’s main left-back in recent times, and while he has done a decent job, officials at Old Trafford are now looking at left-back options heading into the next transfer window.
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This report states that a host of players are on United’s radar, and one of those is Soler, who is currently playing for Lanus in Argentina. The 19-year-old, who was valued at £13 million in the summer when Liverpool were interested in his services, came through the academy at Lanus, and his performances for them earned him the chance to represent Argentina in the Olympics during the summer.
Julio Soler’s Lanus stats
Apps
49
Goals
0
Assists
2
As well as United, a number of European clubs are said to be keeping an eye on Soler, but the Red Devils have been active in recent months and have made “checks” on the player, who is said to be rated very highly.
Leeds United missed out on promotion to the Premier League in one of the worst ways possible last month as they were beaten in the play-off final at Wembley.
An entire season of effort culminated in a drab 1-0 defeat to Southampton, thanks to a first-half goal from Adam Armstrong, and the Whites must now prepare for a second year in the Championship.
Head coach Daniel Farke will look back on the 2023/24 campaign and identify ways to improve his side to ensure that they do not fall short for a second time.
Leeds' biggest xG underperformers
23/24 Championship
xG
Goals
xG differential
Georginio Rutter
16.05
7
-9.05
Patrick Bamford
11.11
8
-3.11
Joe Rodon
2.51
0
-2.51
Ethan Ampadu
2.31
0
-2.31
Mateo Joseph
2.43
1
-1.43
Stats via WhoScored
As you can see in the table above, three of his strikers underperformed against their xG and two of them, Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter, significantly underperformed – by a combined 12.16 xG.
Therefore, the German boss could dip into the market to bolster his attack during the summer transfer window, which officially opened for business earlier this month.
Work on that front already appears to be underway as the West Yorkshire side have been linked with an interest in a forward from the Bundesliga.
Leeds United battling to sign £12m attacker
According to the printed edition of The Sunday Mirror (23/06/24), as relayed by the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are one of the sides battling to sign Bayer Leverkusen ace Adam Hlozek this summer.
The report claims that the Whites and Premier League outfit West Ham United are just two of the teams keeping tabs on his situation with the Bundesliga champions.
It states that the versatile forward is set to move on from Xabi Alonso's side before the 2024/25 campaign and Farke is seemingly looking to take advantage of that with a swoop for his services over the coming weeks.
The outlet reveals that Leverkusen are prepared to demand a fee within the region of £12m for the Czechia international, who is currently competing for his country at the 2024 European Championship.
It now remains to be seen, however, whether or not Leeds are willing to offer the £12m that is apparently required to secure his services before the end of the transfer window, or if the player is keen on dropping down from the first division in Germany to the second tier in England.
If they can secure a deal to sign him, though, then they could land an exciting partner for Rutter in the final third next season in the Championship.
Georginio Rutter's creative brilliance for Leeds
As illustrated in the xG table earlier, the French youngster endured an incredibly poor campaign in front of goal with his wasteful finishing for the Whites.
There is no hiding away from the fact that Rutter must improve his finishing quality next year as he spurned far too many high-quality opportunities for Farke's side.
However, the 22-year-old magician did do a lot of brilliant work in possession when it came to creating chances for other players to find the back of the net.
The former Hoffenheim starlet ended the season with a staggering 15 assists and 22 'big chances' created in 45 league appearances for Leeds, which shows that he consistently looked to set up his teammates.
That is backed up by fantastic underlying chance creation numbers as the right-footed wizard ranked highly amongst his positional peers in the division.
Georginio Rutter vs forwards
23/24 Championship (per 90)
Percentile rank
Assists (0.39)
Top 2%
xAG (0.29)
Top 2%
Progressive passes (4.46)
Top 3%
Shot-creating actions (4.41)
Top 2%
Successful take-ons (3.06)
Top 1%
Stats via FBRef
As you can see in the table above, he ranked among the best in his position at creating high-quality chances for his fellow attackers in the Championship.
These statistics show that the Leeds magician has the quality to constantly split open opposition defences with his creative and incisive passing from a number ten position.
This could make him an exciting partner for Hlozek at Elland Road as the young Czechia star has the potential to be a lethal finisher as well as an impressive creator in the Championship next season.
Why Leeds should sign Adam Hlozek
Firstly, he only turns 22 next month and this means that the club would be bringing in a talented young starlet with time to develop and improve throughout his time in Yorkshire.
Farke could work with the youngster, who was described as a "diamond" by U23 scout Antonio Mango, to help improve his performances on the pitch and, as a result, increase his value for the Whites to potentially make a profit on him further down the line.
Secondly, Hlozek has the finishing quality to be a reliable option for the German head coach in the final third, unlike Bamford, Joseph, and Rutter.
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In his two seasons in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, the 6 foot 1 marksman, who was dubbed "towering" by Mango, scored seven goals from an xG of 5.72 – an overperformance of 1.28.
The talented dynamo, who scored three goals in four DFB Pokal outings, has shown that he can finish at an impressive rate in a major European league, which suggests that he could be a ruthless finisher who could thrive with Rutter's creativity at Leeds.
Adam Hlozek's last two seasons for Sparta Prague
Fortuna Liga
20/21
21/22
Total
Appearances
19
29
48
Goals
15
8
23
Assists
8
13
21
Stats via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, he arrived at Leverkusen off the back of two fantastic league seasons with Sparta Prague in his home country.
Hlozek racked up a staggering 44 direct goal contributions in 48 matches and Farke could look to unlock his creative quality, with 21 of those contributions being assists, to go along with his superb finishing.
He could, therefore, be an exciting partner for Rutter at the top end of the pitch for the Whites next term as his ability in front of goal could make up for the Frenchman's struggles in that department.
He's like Grealish: Leeds could sign "dangerous" EFL star to replace Piroe
The Whites manager could stop playing the Dutchman as a number ten by signing this target.
ByDan Emery
It is now down to the club to win the battle for his signature and bring him to Elland Road to bolster Farke's attacking options for the 2024/25 campaign.