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Everton’s summer has been one of transition and intrigue.

After narrowly avoiding relegation in recent seasons, the Toffees entered the new season determined to rebuild both their squad and their reputation.

Their start has been encouraging: an opening-day 1-0 defeat at Elland Road was quickly forgotten with back-to-back victories, including a 2-0 win over Brighton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium and a thrilling 3-2 triumph away at Molineux.

The summer transfer window also saw several key departures. Veteran Ashley Young, midfield enforcer Abdoulaye Doucouré and striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin all moved on.

In their place came a blend of youth and proven Premier League pedigree.

Thierno Barry arrived from Villarreal, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, and Tyler Dibling from Southampton.

But the headline addition was Jack Grealish – a marquee arrival from Manchester City, brought in to reignite his career after two difficult years.

Jack Grealish's revival on Merseyside

Grealish has experienced the highs and lows of modern football.

Once valued at £100m, his stock has since fallen to €28m (£24m), as per Transfermarkt, after a spell at Manchester City where injuries and competition for places limited his impact.

Across 190 Premier League appearances, the 29-year-old has scored 27 goals – but his last two seasons were disrupted by hip and groin issues, causing him to miss 17 games.

Last term, Grealish managed just 721 league minutes, contributing one goal and one assist.

For a player who was integral to City’s treble-winning 2022/23 season – when he averaged 6.27 progressive carries per 90, 4.39 progressive passes per 90, and 4.55 shot-creating actions per 90 – the drop-off is remarkable.

His ability to progress play, carry the ball into the final third, and dictate tempo in wide areas made him invaluable to Pep Guardiola’s system, yet form and fitness deserted him at a crucial stage.

That backdrop made his switch to Everton this summer all the more intriguing.

Grealish himself admitted that a conversation with David Moyes convinced him instantly that Merseyside was the right move.

And early signs suggest he may be rediscovering his best level.

Four assists in his first three matches – two against Brighton and two against Wolves – have already justified his arrival.

If he maintains that output, Grealish will surely force his way back into Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the World Cup.

The competition is fierce, with Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham both operating centrally, but Grealish’s unique ability to dictate tempo and unlock defences remains valuable.

For Everton, he is a player with experience of winning at the highest level who can inspire those around him. Ring any bells?

James Rodríguez – the original Grealish

For Everton fans, the arrival of Jack Grealish may feel strangely familiar.

Just five years ago, the club unveiled James Rodríguez in a signing that carried similar weight and intrigue.

Once of Real Madrid, Rodríguez arrived on a free transfer in 2020, reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti and bringing global star power to Goodison Park.

The Colombian – in need of a fresh start in his career, just like Grealish – started spectacularly.

Everton won their first four fixtures of the 2020/21 campaign, and Rodríguez contributed goal contributions with the flair that had once lit up the World Cup. Indeed, he scored three goals and registered three assists in his first six Premier League games.

“A creative genius,” Statman Dave labelled him at the time. His vision, passing range, and ability to drift into pockets of space made Everton briefly one of the most exciting sides in the league.

Yet injuries and inconsistency took their toll.

Rodríguez never truly settled in the Premier League after that bright beginning, struggling with the physical demands and Everton’s broader decline.

By 2021 – and with Rafa Benitez now at the helm – he had departed for Al-Rayyan in Qatar, a move that seemed to draw a line under his time in Europe’s top five leagues.

Now 34, Rodríguez plays for Club León in Mexico.

For Everton supporters, the memory of his dazzling early performances serves as a reminder of what might have been, and what could still be for their latest signing.

Comparisons with Grealish are inevitable. Both were marquee signings made to shift perception, both arrived carrying immense expectations, and both offered creativity Everton badly lacked.

Rodríguez’s initial burst of goals and assists mirrors Grealish’s early impact this season.

However, it remains to be seen whether the England international can sustain his form, avoid injury, and provide long-term value is the true test.

Where Rodríguez drifted, Grealish now has a chance to write a different story.

By anchoring himself in a side desperate for a new talisman, he could achieve what Rodríguez could not: lasting influence at Everton.

Everton have a "match-winner" who's Moyes' new Pienaar & it's not Grealish

David Moyes could have this next Steven Pienaar now at Everton in this fantastic £22m star.

By
Kelan Sarson

Sep 5, 2025

Vinicius Junior’s time at Real Madrid has been full of highs and lows. Now, former teammate Lucas Vazquez has lifted the lid on what life was like for the Brazilian inside the dressing room during his struggle last season on and off the field, revealing how he "didn’t always listen" to advice from senior players.

• Vazquez recalls how Vinicius struggled with outside noise

  In an interview with , the former Real Madrid defender spoke about his time at the club and revealed that Vinicius, who has often faced heavy media and fan scrutiny, sometimes struggled to block out the outside noise, even as his teammates urged him to stay calm and focus on football. The Brazilian winger, who came close to winning his first Ballon d’Or in 2024, has faced constant criticism from Spanish media and fans for his on and off-field behaviour ever since joining Los Blancos in 2018.

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  'He didn’t always listen' – Vazquez on Brazilian's struggles

  Vazquez, who left the club this summer after 18 years, spoke about how Vinicius struggled to deal with the hostile treatment he often received from rival fans. "It was tough on away match days because you see your teammate and friend not having a good time,” Vazquez said. "You want him to be at his best, and he can’t be in the spotlight for things that aren’t football-related. We told him not to let it affect him, but he didn’t always listen."

• Vinicius stays under spotlight despite strong start

  After struggling to find his rhythm last season, the Brazilian international looks back to his best. The 25-year-old has kicked off the new campaign in fine form, scoring five goals and providing four assists in eight La Liga games. He is linking well with Kylian Mbappe and has helped Real Madrid win seven of their first eight matches to sit at the top of the table. Still, the noise off the pitch hasn’t gone away. Vinicius recently apologised publicly to Brazilian influencer Virginia Fonseca after it was claimed their brief relationship ended over messages he sent to other women.

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  What's next for Vinicius?

  While he continues to play a key role in Xabi Alonso’s team, Vinicius continues to find himself in a contract standoff with the Spanish giants. The club are reportedly unwilling to improve their current offer, despite the winger’s demand for a pay rise. The Brazilian's current deal runs until June 2027, but unless an agreement is reached soon, his future at the Bernabeu could once again become a major talking point as the season unfolds.

Alejandro Garnacho got inked once again as a new tattoo can be seen on his neck during the latest Chelsea games. Garancho have had a slow start at Stamford Bridge since moving from Manchester United in the last transfer window. He had a fallout with manager Ruben Amorim during the Europa League final last season and was put in Amorim's 'bomb squad' throughout the summer.

• Garnacho's slow start to life at Chelsea

  Since completing his move from United to Chelsea in August, Garnacho has appeared in just four matches across all competitions, starting in only two of them. While he is yet to record a goal or an assist, it was from his cross that Benfica's Richard Rios scored the own goal that handed the Blues their first win in the Champions League this season.    

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  Meaning of Garnacho's new tattoo revealed

  Lately, fans have noticed a new tattoo that Garnacho has been showing off on his neck. The words that are inked just below his Adam's apple read: "Nunca es suerte, siempre es Dios." It translates to: "It's never luck, it's always God."    

• Garnacho's other tattoos

  The neck tattoo is one of many Garnacho has, with the most prominent one being a tribute to the hit TV show 'Prison Break'. He regularly shows off his body art on social media.  

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  Chelsea host Liverpool next

  After a morale-boosting win over Benfica on Tuesday, Enzo Maresca's side will now shift their focus to the Premier League again as they host reigning English champions Liverpool on Saturday.   

It’s incredible how quickly the mood can change in football, and West Ham United are a great example.

Following their third defeat in as many games at the start of the week, it felt like the club were destined for a dreadful season, but now, after a few brilliant signings, there is a sense of renewed optimism in some areas of the fanbase.

Now, there is still a lot of work for Graham Potter and Co to do before fans can get ahead of themselves, but the additions of Mateus Fernandes and Soungoutou Magassa certainly help.

Moreover, if reports are to be believed, the club are in the market for more signings, including an international compared to Jude Bellingham.

West Ham target Bellingham-esque star

Even though the transfer window comes to a close on Monday evening, West Ham continue to be linked with a host of talented players.

Transfer Focus

For example, Feyenoord’s captain Quintien Timber could be available for just £25m and would add some steel to the middle of the park, and Conor Gallagher is now being touted for a return to the capital.

However, neither one of these brilliant players has been compared to the world-class Bellingham, unlike another international the Hammers are keen to sign.

At least that is according to a recent report from German publication BILD, which claims West Ham are very interested in Patrick Wimmer.

In exciting news, the report has revealed that the East Londoners are now expected to bid for the Wolfsburg player before the window closes.

It would certainly be a surprise move, but the £33k-per-week dynamo would be an excellent addition to Potter’s squad, especially as he’s been compared to Bellingham.

How Wimmer compares to Bellingham

Before exploring some of the other reasons West Ham should sign Wimmer this summer, it’s essential to examine this remarkable comparison to Bellingham and where it comes from.

In this instance, the analysis stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League, and the Europa League.

In this case, FBref has concluded that the Real Madrid star is the second most similar midfielder to the Wolfsburg ace.

The best way to understand how that conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely.

These include metrics such as progressive carries, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-on percentage, key passes and more, all per 90.

These numbers paint the picture of an all-action player who can be a goal threat in his own right, but is also an effective creator for his team.

In addition to this incredibly encouraging comparison to one of the best players in the world, the “wonderful” Austrian international, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is also an entertainer.

This is evident when watching his highlights, and while output is always going to be the most important thing, having a player in the side who can get the stadium on its feet is also hugely important.

Ultimately, it would be a surprise deal, but West Ham should do all they can to sign Wimmer before Monday evening, as he could provide the side with that bit more x-factor.

Fernandes upgrade: West Ham to submit bid for another big-money midfielder

The experienced international would be an excellent signing for Graham Potter and West Ham.

1

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Aug 29, 2025

After failing to secure Champions League football at the end of last season, Aston Villa would have been looking for a strong summer in which they could springboard and start the new campaign strongly. Yet, things have not really worked out like that for Unai Emery’s side.

As well as signing young centre-back Yasin Ozcan from Turkish side Kasimpasa, the only other first-team addition has been Evann Guessand. The Ivorian striker made the move to the West Midlands from French side OGC Nice for a fee in the region of £25.9m, and is the marquee signing of the summer so far.

Now, with the Premier League season a matter of days away, Villa are targeting a new attacker to add to their ranks.

Villa’s potential next signing

After bringing Guessand to the club this summer, it appears Emery wants to strengthen further in attack. They were previously linked with Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho, although new reports have emerged about another target in forward areas.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a report from Simon Jones at The Mail, the Villans ‘have revived talks’ with French giants Paris Saint-Germain over a move for former loanee Marco Asensio.

The Spaniard spent the second half of last season on loan at Villa Park, and given the fact he has ‘snubbed moves’ to other sides, a return is on the cards.

The West Midlands club ‘have asked about loan and permanent deals’ for the former Real Madrid star, who is said to be ‘keen to return’ to the club this summer. Back in May, it was suggested that a fee of around £13m was enough for Villa to seal the permanent signing of Asensio.

Why Asensio would be a good signing

Despite a lack of football in the French capital for Asensio last season, he flourished on loan at Villa Park. His excellent form led former Premier League winger Andros Townsend to describe him as a “special talent”.

Indeed, the 29-year-old forward, who was born in Mallorca, played 21 times for the club last season. In that time, he bagged eight goals, operating most often as a number ten, and also assisted once, too.

Some of his best performances in a Villa shirt surely came in the Champions League. The Spain international scored three goals in four games, but only chalked up 126 minutes, leaving him with a goal every 42 minutes on average.

If Villa are successful in bringing Asensio back to the club for next season, he could form a sensational partnership with new signing Guessand. The Ivorian was excellent for Nice last term, with nine goals and 12 assists in 33 Ligue 1 games.

It is that ability to both score and assist that might make the duo so deadly. Asensio became a goalscorer for Villa last season, and with Guessand so prolific when setting up goals, those two certainly pair well together.

Yet, the former Real Madrid star also grabbed 32 assists for Los Blancos and 11 for PSG. His best season, the 2022/23 campaign for Madrid, saw him score nine La Liga goals and set up a further six.

Indeed, his stats from that season highlight the creative force Asensio can be at his very best. For example, he averaged 2.5 chances created and 8.2 forward passes per 90 minutes for Los Blancos in that campaign.

For a fee of around £13m, this could be a bargain for Villa. Asensio and Guessand pair well together, with the Spaniard playing in behind the new Villans star. Both players can chip in with goals and assists, which could make for some exciting link-up play with each other.

Villa fans can surely get excited about this partnership, especially since they know what Asensio can bring to the table and just how good of a footballer he is.

Unplayable with Guessand: Aston Villa keen on signing £40m “special talent”

Aston Villa are in the market for another new attacker after signing Guessand

By
Joe Nuttall

Aug 7, 2025

Worryingly, every team that seals promotion up to the Premier League immediately knows they’ll be up against it trying to stay afloat in its choppy waters. That will be the main concern now for Burnley.

Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton are going to fall back down to the Championship after one fleeting campaign in the tough division, with the Clarets hopeful, yet definitely apprehensive that they can buck this dismal trend when they reenter the top league shortly.

Scott Parker’s attempts to solidify the Clarets as a top-flight worthy side once more will be made a lot harder if Josh Brownhill were to depart Turf Moor, with the experienced midfielder’s future still up in the air heading into the hectic summer transfer window.

Brownhill's future at Burnley

Already, the Clarets are having to stomach the prospect of CJ Egan-Riley leaving the club for pastures new with RC Strasbourg.

Unfortunately, Brownhill could be next for the exit door if rumours are to be believed, with Turkish sides Trabzonspor and Besiktas now eyeing up the soon-to-be out-of-contract attacking gem, away from earlier interest from the likes of Everton and West Ham United.

Losing Egan-Riley is already a damaging body blow for Parker’s newly promoted outfit, but adding Brownhill into the mix would be nothing short of disastrous, considering the 29-year-old would hammer 18 goals in league action last season to help seal automatic promotion.

Moreover, the Manchester-born star – who is also reportedly on the radar of Wolverhampton Wanderers – possesses experience of the Premier League to further boost the Clarets, but there’s a worry he could now up and leave before top-flight football officially returns to Turf Moor.

Losing him for nothing would also be very painful for the Lancashire side, considering his estimated worth currently stands at around the £9.5m range according to Football Transfers.

But, there is a midfield teammate of Brownhill’s who actually now boasts a heftier worth than the stand-out 29-year-old after an impressive debut season under Parker’s wing.

The Burnley star who is now worth more than Brownhill

In their bid to immediately return to the promised land of the Premier League, Burnley surprisingly didn’t splash obscene masses of cash.

Indeed, £15.4m was the most spent on a single player in the form of Mike Tresor. Whilst Tresor would unfortunately fade into the background, another of their summer purchases would shine as ex-Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri ended up relocating to the Clarets for a modest £5.4m fee.

He wouldn’t be an immediate success in his new location as he got up to speed, but Hannibal’s importance to the cause would be seen when crucial promotion games came thick and fast.

Indeed, his well-taken strike got the ball rolling for Parker’s nervy Clarets against Norwich City, while he also registered two assists when Burnley flawlessly won their last five league contests to finish inside the top two.

Lauded as an “absolute baller” during his time at Man United by scout Antonio Mango, he’s now finally living up to that immense potential.

The Tunisian hasn’t blown anyone away with constant vibrant displays, but it’s clear the 22-year-old could only get better with time at Turf Moor, with this promise seen in his transfer value already increasing to a high £10m just a season into his Burnley move.

This is a small jump up from 18-goal hero Brownhill’s own valuation, with Parker praying that both Hannibal and the more seasoned head of the 29-year-old can link up with each other in the top-flight.

If that doesn’t happen, however, the ex-Fulham boss will know Hannibal will be raring to prove himself in the elite division, having already picked up the pieces with the Clarets after his Old Trafford departure.

Their best RB since Trippier: Burnley eyeing move for "immense" £10m star

Burnley could be about to land their best right-back since Kieran Trippier with this sensational swoop.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 22, 2025

Chelsea’s transfer policy under owner Todd Boehly has seen them sign plenty of under-21 starlets over the past few years. It has been a real focus of the Blues since Boehly became the majority owner at Stamford Bridge, with one of the best examples being Cole Palmer, who Jamie Carragher said in October is “the best player in the Premier League”.

However, the England international, who has been sensational in a Chelsea shirt, is not the only under-21 to excel at Stamford Bridge. One example would be Belgian midfielder Romeo Lavia, described as “one of the best midfielders” when at full fitness by manager Enzo Maresca.

Well, Chelsea could be looking to add to the list of talented players to join the club as an under-21, if one transfer rumour is to be believed.

Chelsea’s latest under-21 transfer target

As we know, the Blues have not been afraid to bring highly-rated young players. 2025 will be no exception, with deals for attacking pair Kendry Paez and Estevao Willian, plus young midfielder Dario Essugo, already agreed.

The next player to add to that list could be Dean Huijsen. The 20-year-old Bournemouth centre-back has been linked with the Blues by Fabrizio Romano. The highly-reputable journalist reports the Blues are ‘ready to trigger’ Huijsen’s £50m release clause, and are looking to do the deal in the next month or so.

However, they are not the only side that will try to sign Huijsen. The Spain international is also a target for Spanish giants Real Madrid, and the Blues’ Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool will also look to trigger his release clause.

Why Huijsen would be a good signing

There is no doubt that winning the race to sign Huijsen this summer will be tough for Chelsea, but if they manage it, they will be adding an elite talent to their squad. The Spaniard is a “sensational” player, according to football analyst Ben Mattinson.

He has been a pivotal figure at the back for the Cherries this season, who have been excellent in the top flight. He has featured in 34 games across all competitions, notching up 30 of those in the top flight, managing to score three times, too.

Chelsea will surely be encouraged by the fact that the 20-year-old machine has been part of one of the Premier League’s best defences this season. According to Sofascore, the 43 goals Bournemouth have conceded are bettered by just two sides, and they have kept eight clean sheets.

Signing Huijsen this summer could be ideal for the West Londoners if they miss out on signing Marc Guehi. According to a recent report from TEAMTalk, Newcastle United have ‘leapfrogged’ Chelsea in the race to sign their former academy star from Crystal Palace.

Just like Bournemouth’s Spanish defender, Guehi has been a key man at the heart of the Eagles’ defence, in what has been a fantastic season so far.

He has played 43 games across all competitions, chipping in with three goals and helping lead his side to an FA Cup final showdown with Manchester City on Saturday afternoon.

Cost will surely not be a factor in the Blues’ decision this summer. There is just £4m difference between the pair, given Palace reportedly want £46m for Guehi. Thus, it seems like a decision Chelsea will surely make based on who they think is a better player.

The stats on FBref actually suggest that Huijsen might be a better signing than Guehi for the Blues. For example, in the Premier League this season, the Cherries defender averages 3.33 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes, compared to 2.62 tackles and interceptions each game for Huijsen.

There is certainly plenty of evidence to support the fact that Huijsen would be a better addition to the playing staff at Stamford Bridge. His quality in and out of possession would certainly raise the ceiling in West London.

Although £50m is a sizeable amount of money to invest, there is no doubt about the quality of player Chelsea would be signing.

Big Jackson upgrade: Chelsea to enter talks to sign "world-class" £60m star

Chelsea could be about to land a star who become Enzo Maresca’s new star man in the final third.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 13, 2025

Will Chelsea make a success of this season?

On Thursday, the Blues demolished Djurgårdens in the first leg of their Conference League semi-final, with Jadon Sancho and Noni Madueke both on target in Stockholm, before Nicolas Jackson bagged a quick-fire brace.

Thus, supporters are now pretty certain that their team will be in Wrocław for the final later this month, facing either Real Betis or Fiorentina.

Meantime, in the Premier League, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently fourth, desperate to cling onto the final Champions League spot, ahead of Sunday’s heavyweight meeting with recently crowned champions Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.

Even with the Club World Cup on the horizon this summer, Chelsea are expected to be busy in the transfer market, as has very much been the case since Todd Boehly’s takeover, so could they sign a big-money new striker?

The latest on Chelsea's interest in Viktor Gyökeres

According to a report by Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland, Arsenal are “pushing” to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyökeres, valued at around £60m by the Portuguese giants, with Manchester United, Real Madrid and Chelsea “all in the race”.

The 26-year-old Swede has scored 95 goals in 98 appearances for Sporting, pretty impressive statistics, with a report by David Ornstein and James McNicholas of The Athletic claiming that Gyökeres is expected to be on the move this summer.

Nevertheless, with a high amount of competition for his signature, should Chelsea focus on other targets?

Chelsea's potential new striker

According to a report from Steve Kay of Football Transfers earlier this week, Chelsea ‘have approached’ Aston Villa, enquiring about the possibility of signing Ollie Watkins this summer, adding that the Blues ‘are willing’ to match the Villans’ £60m valuation.

TEAMtalk notes that Watkins has emerged as Chelsea’s number one target, due to concerns about Victor Osimhen’s wage demands, as well as fears that Gyökeres would choose to go elsewhere.

If Villa miss out on Champions League qualification, they may be forced to sell key assets to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules, hence why Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider believes they’d be looking to cash in on 29-year-old Watkins.

Transfer Focus

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

So, would Watkins be a good signing for Chelsea?

Chelsea's best recent attacking signings

Since Clearlake Capital’s takeover of Chelsea in 2022, they have signed over 40 first-team players, spending in excess of £1bn, many of whom made little impact at Stamford Bridge, some of whom have been swiftly moved on.

Pretty much indisputably, the Blues’ best signing of the Boehly era is Cole Palmer, who, since arriving from Manchester City for £42.5m, has scored 39 goals for the club, named Chelsea’s Player of the Season as well as the PFA Young Player of the Year for 2023/24.

However, let’s analyse the impact made by some of the other members of the forward line.

It would be a major understatement to say that Chelsea have signed a lot of attacking players in the last three seasons, and the table above certainly underlines that Cole Palmer has unquestionably had the biggest impact.

So, why would Watkins be any different?

Well, let’s assess his season statistics to find out.

As the table outlines, Watkins is a very well-rounded striker, described by Statman Dave as “clinical”, both a potent goalscorer but also a chance creator too.

The concern about signing him would be the fact he is 29 years old, but the Englishman is showing no signs of slowing down, so could be the striker Chelsea require to go to the next level.

Better than Jackson: Chelsea want £25m "beast" who's outscoring Osimhen

Chelsea have wasted no time in targeting new forwards to strengthen Enzo Maresca’s side this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 3, 2025

Leeds United will be playing Premier League football next season. Daniel Farke, his staff, and the players all celebrated after the full-time whistle of Burnley’s win over Sheffield United.

Sky Sports were on hand to capture the celebrations and took a moment to have a word with the German manager, who was not too interested in looking ahead to the future.

Farke said “don’t scare me with the Premier League” to the reporter, partly in jest, but that is now the big problem that the club have to solve in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The West Yorkshire outfit will be tasked with building a team and a squad that is capable of stepping up to the Premier League without coming straight back down.

This means that Farke and his staff will have to make some incredibly ruthless decisions on players and their futures at Elland Road, as some may not be cut out to make the step up, and one player who could be on the chopping block is Patrick Bamford.

Why Patrick Bamford could leave Leeds this summer

The former England international is still contracted to the club through to the summer of 2026, which means that it is far from a certainty that he will be on his way out ahead of next season.

Bamford has made a return to the team in recent weeks, coming off the bench in the last five matches, but there has been little evidence to suggest that he would be good enough to be an option in the Premier League.

Since the start of last season, the English striker has scored eight goals from 11.63 xG in 48 Championship matches, including zero goals from 2.11 xG in 15 games in the division this term.

There is not much hope of Bamford being an effective player in the Premier League for Leeds next season if he cannot make the most of his chances in the second tier, underperforming his xG by almost four goals.

As you can see in the table above, he has failed to kick on since his return of 17 goals in the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa in the 2020/21 campaign, failing to hit double figures in all competitions in any of the following four seasons.

These statistics suggest that the left-footed dud should be moved on by Leeds in the upcoming summer transfer window, in order to make room for a player who could make the step up.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Bamford was linked with a move to Wrexham during the January transfer window and this suggests that there could be a level of interest in his services heading into the next window, which Leeds could now capitalise on.

This also means that he may not be one of the first players out of the door, though, because his contract is not expiring and it may take time for a deal to be finalised for him to move on from Elland Road, particularly as the top earner on £70k-per-week – as per Capology.

Instead, one of the first players who should be axed by the Whites this summer, ahead of a Premier League season next term, is versatile defender Sam Byram, who is out of contract this year.

Why Leeds should release Sam Byram

The 31-year-old defender’s deal runs out at the end of June and this means that Leeds have an instant decision to make on his future in the coming weeks.

Farke loves the English full-back, as evidenced by the reported claim that he had to convince the club to sign him on a free transfer in 2023 despite reluctance from above him, but the manager must be ruthless with his decisions to build a team capable of competing in the Premier League.

The German boss, who also signed him during his time in charge of Norwich City in 2019, must axe Byram from the squad and attempt to recruit competition for Jayden Bogle in the right-back position.

His availability is a slight concern because the defender has not played more than 18 matches in all competitions in six of the last eight seasons, but he has played 73 times for Leeds in the last two campaigns combined.

Signing him to a new deal would require a show of faith that his fitness issues are fully behind him and that he is able to cope with the intensity and the rigours of the Premier League week-in-week-out.

As you can see in the table above, Byram has been a solid, but unspectacular, performer in the Championship for the Whites in the current campaign.

But it remains to be seen how useful the defender would be in the Premier League if his current role is only to be a back-up option in the second tier. His lack of outstanding displays at that level suggests that he would not handle the step up to the top division.

This is why Leeds must be ruthless by axing the £20k-per-week ace from the squad, particularly with his contract situation providing the club with an opportunity to move him on without having to find a buyer.

The Whites need to build a squad that can survive in the Premier League and that is why they should brutally part ways with the out-of-contract defender to make room for another player to come in and take his place in the squad in the summer transfer window.

Better signing than Gunn: Leeds plot bid for "unbelievable" £10m star

Leeds are plotting a bid to sign a Premier League star who would be even better than Angus Gunn.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 20, 2025

This could make Byram the first player to be moved on ahead of promotion to the Premier League this summer, with Bamford possibly following him out of the door later in the window.

Manchester United are now considering a shock move to sign an “exceptional” attacker from one of their bitter rivals this summer, according to a report.

Man Utd pursuing new attacking midfielder

In truth, very few Man United players can hold their heads up high this season, given that they are on course for their worst-ever Premier League finish, but Bruno Fernandes has once again proven himself to be a top player.

The 30-year-old has 17 goals and 18 assists to his name in all competitions, most recently scoring in the 5-4 victory against Lyon to help his side progress to the Europa League semi-final, which is the Red Devils’ last chance to make a success out of this season.

Fernandes has put in some top-drawer performances, but United’s league position underlines the fact they cannot rely solely on the Portugal international, and they have now set their sights on a new attacking midfielder.

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By
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RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons appears to be one of the main targets for the summer, with INEOS reportedly sanctioning a £115m+ offer for the Dutchman, despite the financial difficulties at Old Trafford.

However, there have also been suggestions that Man United could look at bringing in a cheaper alternative, with a report from The Telegraph revealing they are now monitoring developments around Manchester City attacking midfielder James McAtee.

McAtee’s future at the Etihad Stadium is up in the air, as he is set to enter the final year of his contract this summer, and he wants to receive regular game time next season, having only played a sporadic role for City this term.

There is widespread interest in the 22-year-old, with the likes of Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United, AC Milan and Bayer Leverkusen also in the picture, so there could be stiff competition for his signature.

"Exceptional" McAtee needs regular game time

The 22-year-old is now at an age where he needs to receive regular game time, but Pep Guardiola has been unwilling to give the attacking midfielder a consistent run in the side, often limiting him to appearances from the substitutes’ bench.

However, the Englishman has impressed when given the opportunity, scoring seven goals in all competitions this season, while he also caught the eye of reporter Ryan Taylor during his time with Sheffield United.

Back in January, it was reported Man City would be willing to cash-in on the Salford-born midfielder for just £25m, which feels like a fair fee, given his talent.

However, it seems very unlikely that City would be willing to sell McAtee to their bitter rivals, especially considering there is widespread interest from other English and foreign clubs.