Newcastle United are looking to do all they can to sort out a new deal for a “sensational” player, amid rumours of a move to Manchester City.
Howe makes Isak admission and confirms Newcastle injury
After a two-week international break, the Magpies host Wolves in the Premier League this weekend, taking them on at St James’ Park on Saturday afternoon.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has opened up about his relationship with the departed Alexander Isak, and how his relationship with the Swede changed.
“Alex and I always enjoyed a great relationship. I loved working with him and I hope he loved working with us. We helped him become the player who departed us today and he helped us achieve some important milestones.
“The moment he went on strike our relationship did change and that was a turning point in our relationship. Communication became difficult from that point onwards.”
Meanwhile, Howe has also said that one of Newcastle’s new signings, Yoane Wissa, will miss the Wolves game after picking up an injury on international duty with the DR Congo.
Newcastle will do everything to seal new deal for "sensational" £80m star
Speaking to Football Insider, journalist Pete O’Rourke claimed that Newcastle are pushing hard to agree a new deal for £80m-rated right-back Tino Livramento, amid interest from City who are ready to accelerate a potential transfer.
Tying down Livramento to a new contract has to be seen as key business for Newcastle, especially with City potentially hovering for him in the future.
The 22-year-old has matured into such a consistent player for the Magpies, proving to be adept at both right-back and left-back, pushing hard to start for England at the 2026 World Cup next summer.
Livramento has been hailed as “sensational” by Magpie Media, while Theo Walcott even once claimed that the Englishman possessed an “aura” during his time at Southampton as a younger player.
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He can be a mainstay for Newcastle for many more years to come, possibly making the right-back spot his own after Kieran Trippier, and Howe will surely see him as a massive part of his future plans.
Chelsea’s opening Premier League match is under three weeks away, yet it doesn’t appear as though Enzo Maresca is finished with his transfer business.
Despite adding plenty of talent to his already bloated squad, including the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens, the Italian is still on the hunt for more attacking players.
Over the previous few weeks, Tyler Dibling, Karim Adeyemi and even Real Madrid starlet Goncalo Garcia have all been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescabefore the start of the second half
While initial links have been established, nothing concrete has been made regarding any of these three players as of yet.
All of Maresca’s attention is being taken up by the potential transfer of Dutchman Xavi Simons.
The RB Leipzig starlet is edging close to a move to the Blues, and given his performances in the Bundesliga since the summer of 2023, could he be the final piece of the attacking jigsaw for the club?
RB Leipzig's Lois Openda and Xavi Simons.
Any move could potentially go through at some point this week, but what exactly will the former PSG sensation bring to Chelsea?
Why Chelsea are trying to sign Xavi Simons
On Sunday, journalist Ben Jacobs gave an update on X regarding the club’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder.
“Chelsea advancing talks with Xavi Simons. Terms now broadly in place,” said Jacobs. “Club-to-club talks ongoing. Chelsea expected to place a first formal offer soon after verbal discussions over numbers. Talks described as positive.”
RB Leipzig'sXaviSimonsreacts after the match
If all goes to plan, Maresca could be welcoming Simons to Stamford Bridge sooner rather than later, and it will give him more firepower.
The playmaker could cost Chelsea a reported £70m, but on the surface, this could be money well spent by the London outfit.
The Blues return to the Champions League this season for the first time since 2022/23. As such, signing someone who can make a difference in this competition makes perfect sense.
Step forward, Simons. When compared to his positional peers in the Champions League last season, the Dutch starlet was sublime across a range of performance metrics.
Not only did he rank in the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.88), but the 22-year-old also ranked in the top 2% for shot-creating actions (5.91) and in the top 11% for progressive carries (3.22) in Europe’s premier club competition.
With ambitions heightened ahead of European competition next term due to the club’s success at the Club World Cup this summer, signing Simons would give Maresca a chance of taking his team deep in the tournament.
Given that João Félix seems to be moving on in the next few days, with Chelsea recouping the same fee that they paid for him a year ago, there is space for Simons to come in.
Despite his obvious strengths and his growth potential, do the Blues really need to make him a priority signing?
Indeed, it’s arguable that their defence needs more work ahead of the Premier League campaign.
Chelsea closing in on another signing
The links to attacking players seem to grow day by day, but there haven’t been as many defenders linked with a move to the club.
One player whom the club have shown plenty of interest in, however, is Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues “will be in direct contact” with Hato regarding a potential deal. Romano also went on to state that Hato “only wants Chelsea” which should pave the way for Maresca to wrap up this deal as soon as possible.
David Ornstein of The Athletic has further reported that personal terms have already been agreed with Chelsea closing in on a deal that may be worth around £40m.
The squad is heavily stacked from an attacking perspective, but there is no doubt that Chelsea needs another couple of defenders to freshen things up.
As such, could Hato turn out to be an even better signing than Simons ahead of the 2025/26 campaign?
Why Hato would be a better signing than Simons for Chelsea
One reason why Maresca is keen on adding the teenager to his squad is surely due to his positional flexibility.
Over the course of his embryonic career thus far, Hato has played 88 games at left-back and 70 matches as a centre-back.
Games played
11
33
31
Goals scored
0
1
2
Assists
0
2
6
Touches per game
57.4
94.8
67.2
Accurate passes per game
42.6 (91%)
72.8 (93%)
45.2 (90%)
Total duels won per game
3.1
5.5
4.1
Clean sheets
1
5
11
Last season, however, saw the 19-year-old operate on the left side of the defence and he showcased his talents, both going forward and defensively.
In the Eredivisie. The defender helped Ajax keep 11 clean sheets while he averaged 1.9 tackles, 0.7 interceptions and was dribbled past only 0.3 times per match.
Along with his eight goal contributions, Hato also managed to create six big chances in the top flight, while averaging 0.6 key passes per match, thus displaying plenty of attacking intent for his club.
Furthermore, when compared to his positional peers in leagues similar in reputation to the Dutch top-flight over the previous 365 days, Hato ranked in the top 5% for assists (0.21) per 90, along with ranking in the top 11% for touches in the opposition penalty area (2.33) per 90.
On this evidence, Hato would offer plenty at both ends of the pitch for Chelsea, thus giving Maresca a major boost.
There was no doubt that the 2024/25 season was his major breakout campaign for the Dutch giants, one that was largely praised by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
Netherlands' JorrelHatois shown a red card by referee Glenn Nyberg
“Jorrel Hato is having an excellent season,” said Kulig. A fantastic mix of complete full-back, playmaking full-back, and ball-playing centre-back. Over 100 games for Ajax and 6 caps for Oranje at 19. Immense quality and experience for such a young defender.”
Simons will bring something extra to the Chelsea attacking department; there is no doubt about that. Still only 22, he will only go from strength to strength in the next few years.
Hato, on the other hand, may well turn out to be the better signing for the Stamford Bridge outfit given that the Blues are already stacked in offensive areas.
By signing both players, it would signal yet another statement of intent by Maresca. Chelsea will surely be a force to be reckoned with this season if the squad can gel swiftly.
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Glasgow Rangers kicked off the Russell Martin era with a big result on Tuesday night in the Champions League at Ibrox, as they beat Panathinaikos 2-0.
Goals from Findlay Curtis and Djedi Gassama in the second half of the match, aided by a red card for the away side, secured the victory for the Light Blues, who now take a two-goal advantage over to Greece next week.
Whilst it was not a perfect performance from the Scottish Premiership giants, as they needed goalkeeper Jack Butland to pull off a number of impressive stops, there cannot be too many complaints about a 2-0 win in a European match.
Especially when you consider that the likes of Gassama, Cyriel Dessers, and Hamza Igamane were resigned to the bench and Thelo Aasgaard was missing through injury.
Due to various fitness issues, Martin opted to go with Brazilian centre-forward Danilo through the middle as the starting number nine against Panathinaikos.
He failed to register a goal or an assist in his 74 minutes on the pitch, but did not have a single ‘big chance’ in front of goal, and there could be more to come from the striker this season.
What Danilo needs to be successful at Rangers
Possibly the biggest hurdle the 26-year-old marksman needs to jump over to be successful at Rangers is avoiding injuries, as he has been absent for far too many matches since his move to the club in 2023.
The Light Blues reportedly paid a fee of up to £6m to sign the attacker from Dutch giants Feyenoord two years ago, but the clash with Panathinaikos was only his 49th appearance in all competitions.
Type of injury
Broken cheekbone
Knee injury
Knee injury
Date of injury
September 2023
December 2023
September 2024
Return date
October 2023
May 2024
November 2024
Days out
43
171
65
Matches missed
9
32
12
As you can see in the table above, Danilo has missed 53 games through injury since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, with two knee injuries and one broken cheekbone, which led to him having to wear a protective face mask.
The Rangers number 99 has showcased his quality when he has been available, as rare as that has been, though, with a return of 12 goals and nine assists in his 49 appearances.
Last season, Danilo scored five goals, created eight ‘big chances’, and registered four assists in 23 matches in the Premiership, despite only starting eight of those games.
But the Brazilian attacker did not get any service against Panathinaikos, and that is why the Gers need to sign more creative players to provide the striker with the opportunities he needs to score.
Rangers told to pay record fee for creative star
Rangers may have to pay a club-record transfer fee to land one of the creative stars on their wishlist for the summer transfer window, though, as per a fresh report.
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 IbroxNews, the Scottish giants will need to pay a fee of around £15m to sign winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi from Premier League side Crystal Palace.
The report claims that the Eagles would prefer to sell the 22-year-old forward, rather than send him out on loan, and they will want a fee of at least £15m to part ways with him.
Tore Andre Flo’s £12m move from Chelsea in 2000 remains the club’s current record signing to this day, which means that a £15m splurge on Rak-Sakyi would smash that.
The Athletic’s David Ornstein claimed that Rangers have had an offer of a loan with an obligation to sign the forward for around £10m turned down by Palace, and they may now have to break their transfer record to bring the Englishman to Ibrox this summer.
Why Rangers should sign Rak-Sakyi
Splashing out a club-record fee of £15m would be a huge gamble by Rangers because there would then be immense pressure on Rak-Sakyi to be a superstar in Scotland.
The left-footed winger would have to win the club many trophies and or go on to be sold for a healthy profit for the transfer to be viewed as a success, which may be why the Gers may be hesitant to commit such funds to a deal.
However, Rangers could land an excellent right-wing prospect and reignite Danilo’s career at Ibrox if they decide to sign Rak-Sakyi, or if they are able to negotiate a loan deal with Palace.
The 22-year-old starlet, who was likened to a “slalom skier” by former boss Dean Holden, has shown great promise in his loan spells away from Palace so far, shining in League One with Charlton and in the Championship with Sheffield United.
Appearances
43
34
Starts
40
22
Goals
15
7
Minutes per goal
233
248
Big chances created
5
3
Key passes per game
1.3
0.9
Assists
8
2
As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi has scored 22 goals and provided ten assists in 77 games in the EFL in his career to date, which shows that he has the potential to score and create goals from the right flank.
At the age of 22, he also has the time left ahead of him to continue to grow and develop as a player, which is why he could be an investment that has the potential to grow in value, even if the club smash their club-record to sign him.
The left-footed wizard could also help to reignite Danilo’s Ibrox career by providing the striker with a winger who can score the ‘big chances’ that he creates, whilst also being able to offer creativity from the flank to ensure that the forward has opportunities to score.
Of course, the Brazilian forward also needs to work on his fitness to ensure that he is available for Martin to select week-in-week-out in the 2025/26 campaign, but if he can do that then Rak-Sakyi could be a dream winger for him to play with.
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Whether that means that the Palace youngster is worth £15m is hard to say, as it will depend on how his career at the club ultimately plays out, but he is a quality winger who could thrive alongside Danilo and be a strong addition to the squad, however a deal gets done for him.
They might not have officially announced any signings yet, but Arsenal have finally started making moves this summer.
For example, last week reports claimed that Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga are set to sign for the club.
On top of that, reports from earlier this week claimed that Martin Zubimendi was in London to finally complete his long-awaited move from Real Sociedad.
Finally, there has been an abundance of stories linking Arsenal to the incredible Eberechi Eze in recent days.
However, if recent reports are to be believed, the club could now be nearing an agreement to sign another attacking gem who would be an even more exciting addition to the team than the Englishman.
Arsenal close to signing goalscoring monster
With Arsenal creating the best defence in the Premier League for the second campaign running this season and still finishing second, it’s hardly a surprise to see them linked with an exhaustive list of incredible attacking talents in recent weeks.
The likes of Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Crystal Palace’s Eze have all been touted for moves to the Emirates, and while all feel like realistic targets, it’s the latter who has been the subject of more reports in recent days.
The England international has a release clause worth around £68m in his current contract, and according to Fabrizio Romano, he was involved in talks with the Gunners over the weekend.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The Eagles’ gem would undoubtedly be a seriously exciting addition to Arteta’s squad, but it now looks like the club might be closing in on another attacker and someone who’d be that bit more exciting a signing: Benjamin Sesko.
At least that’s according to a recent report from Caught Offside, which claims Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Slovenian international and that they are now ‘edging closer to an agreement with RB Leipzig’ for his transfer.
The report goes on to reveal that even though the German outfit want a fee in excess of €80m for the striker, which is about £69m, the two sides may be ‘nearing a compromise’ worth around €75m, which converts to about £64m.
Despite that news, the Gunners are still intent on signing Viktor Gyokeres too, with advanced talks also in place for the Swede.
Why Sesko would be a more exciting signing than Eze
Now, while Arsenal should try to sign both players this summer, there are two intertwined reasons why we think Sesko would have a greater impact than Eze, and therefore be the more exciting addition: his goal-scoring instincts and where he plays.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
We say this because the Gunners’ biggest problem last season was not creating chances, but finishing them.
According to Understat, the Premier League runners-up produced an expected goals figure of 73.57, but scored just 69 goals.
Now, while one way to address this problem is to create more goal-scoring opportunities, bringing in a more clinical number nine seems far more straightforward than changing how the team approaches games, which is where the Leipzig star comes into play.
For example, in 33 league appearances this season, he scored 13 goals from an expected goals figure of 10.84, whereas Kai Havertz scored nine from a figure of 11.83, and Gabriel Jesus managed three from a figure of 3.38.
In short, the “monumental” Slovenian poacher, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is far more effective in front of goal than the Gunners’ current crop of forwards, and even more clinical than Eze, as he scored his eight league goals from an expected goals figure of 1.88.
Finally, if we simply compare the Leipzig star’s overall output from this season to the Palace star’s, we once again see that he’s a better source of goals and assists, which is what the North Londoners need next year.
Appearances
45
43
Minutes
3258′
3303′
Goals
21
14
Assists
6
11
Goal Involvements per Match
0.6
0.58
Minutes per Goal Involvement
120.66′
132.12′
For example, the former RB Salzburg monster scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or every 120.66 minutes.
In contrast, the Greenwich-born dynamo scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 appearances, totalling 3303 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal or assist every 1.72 games, or every 132.12 minutes.
Ultimately, Sesko is far more clinical than Arsenal’s current centre-forward options and a better source of goal involvements than Eze, and therefore, would be the more exciting signing this summer.
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Insofar as anything is conclusive during the first few weeks of the summer transfer window, Liverpool have been issued a rather unequivocal no in regard to Alexander Isak.
Arne Slot would love nothing more than to front his project with Newcastle United’s “world-class assassin”, as Isak has been referred by pundit Alan Shearer, but PIF want a package in the region of £200m to free him from his £120k-per-week contract.
It’s not going to happen, in all likelihood. However, that doesn’t mean Liverpool will shelve their interest in a new number nine. There are alternative options on the market.
Liverpool are spending liberally this summer, no doubt, but this is hardly a scattergun approach from Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes; more so, the execution of meticulous planning.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
The expeditious nature of their activity highlights FSG’s thought-out strategy, with the club-record signing od Florian Wirtz the perfect representation of that fact.
Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz
Wirtz is now officially a Liverpool player. Last week, the Merseysiders agreed a £100m fixed fee – which could rise to a British-record £116m – for Bayer Leverkusen’s star man; now, the Premier League champions have officially announced their marquee move.
After some protracted negotiations, Wirtz is finally Liverpool’s and will bring his “truly generational talent” – as has been said by sports media professional Cristian Nyari – to Slot’s side, a daunting thought for the club’s rivals both domestically and abroad.
But not for Liverpool. While Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave for Real Madrid upset more than a few, here we have a surpassing playmaker of a different breed, one who could spearhead years of sustained success.
Florian Wirtz
And while Liverpool might not be able to secure Isak’s services this summer, there’s every chance that Wirtz could be leading the supply line for another first-rate centre-forward.
Liverpool lining up new striker
Several alternatives are on the line for Liverpool, including Hugo Ekitike, but as per Rousing the Kop, Liverpool have identified Napoli striker Victor Osimhen as the perfect option to sign this summer, should Isak remain out of reach.
Osimhen, who completed a successful loan move with Galatasaray last season, is looking to leave Naples this summer and is believed to have a £60m release clause in his contract.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
The Turkish giants are looking to bring him back for good, while suitors in the Saudi Pro League continue their long-time bid to bring the 26-year-old over to the Gulf.
However, Liverpool could give him a place at the front of one of football’s most exciting projects.
Why Liverpool want Victor Osimhen
With Darwin Nunez set to depart – curiously, Napoli are chasing a deal for the Uruguay star – Liverpool could find they have a bargaining chip in negotiations with the Serie A champions for their profitable number nine.
Napoli star Victor Osimhen
After scoring 37 goals across 41 matches for Galatasaray last year, winning the Turkish Super Lig, the rangy and powerful frontman has kept his instruments sharp as he targets a statement move.
Osimhen has proven himself by now as one of Europe’s most reliable goalscorers, and though the Premier League would ostensibly present him with the highest calibre of opposition, across the span of a season, that he has faced in his career, with Wirtz by his side there will be more than enough support to maintain top levels of scoring.
24/25 – Galatasaray
41
37
8
23/24 – Napoli
32
17
4
22/23 – Napoli
39
31
5
21/22 – Napoli
32
18
6
20/21 – Napoli
30
10
3
Osimhen’s complete attacking skill set and unflappable mentality suggest that not only could be a dream for Wirtz, but he’d ensure even the most ardent of Liverpool-supporting Isak fans are able to forget about Newcastle’s talisman.
Having spearheaded Napoli’s Scudetto-winning season of 2022/23, Osimhen established himself as one of the game’s true elite, even labelled as “the best striker on the market” by Statman Dave back in February.
Isak might be a bit more dynamic in his mobility, but the Nigerian is hardly a sluggish forward, having ranked among the top 4% of positional peers across Europe last season for shot-creating actions, the top 18% for progressive carries, the top 16% for ball recoveries and the top 9% for aerial battles won per 90, as per FBref.
He’s a “transitional monster” described by analyst Ben Mattinson, with incredible off-the-ball awareness and positioning that should see him rake goals in by the dozen at Liverpool, with the likes of Wirtz and Mohamed Salah creating chances for him.
Bayer Leverkusen's FlorianWirtzreacts
As per Sofascore, Wirtz, who is principally a central attacking midfielder but has the capacity to drift across most attacking areas, assisted 12 goals and created 17 big chances across the 2024/25 season.
In fact, deeper examination shows the German maverick to have averaged 2.1 key passes per game across his entire campaign, for club and country, which is a truly remarkable feat and the perfect illustration of how he will enhance the performance of someone like Osimhen.
To put that in perspective: Alexander-Arnold has averaged 1.9 key passes per fixture across the span of his own career – and, frankly, we all know just how peerless his playmaking has been at Liverpool.
Wirtz has proven himself across several seasons in the Bundesliga, winning the division’s Player of the Year award in 2023/24 after playing an instrumental part in Leverkusen’s invincible prize-winning campaign.
He’s only just getting started, and if allowed to forge a relationship with Osimhen, there’s no telling how deadly Liverpool could be next year.
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Liverpool are in the market for a centre-forward this summer.
It is practically indisputable that Arsenal are in the market for a new striker this summer, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now been handed the chance to get one over on arch rivals Tottenham by signing a key target of Thomas Frank’s side.
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New sporting director Andrea Berta is currently busy attempting to negotiate agreeable terms on a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but find themselves some way off the Bundesliga side’s asking price of around £68-85 million, according to Sky Germany’s (Florian Plettenberg).
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
Arsenal negotiations for Sesko have been ongoing since late May, but if a deal cannot be struck for the Slovenia international, Berta does have other reported striker targets on his shortlist.
Arsenal have also worked on a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is currently keen on a move to north London and open to joining other high-profile Premier League suitors like Man United.
“Viktor Gyökeres prefers a move to the Premier League, and would welcome an Arsenal bid,” reported Ben Jacobs on X recently.
“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres. Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.
“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time, with a bid for one of the two targets expected soon.”
Either centre-forward would be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options. Sesko is fresh off a career-best Bundesliga campaign at Leipzig, while Gyokeres has just guided Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years after scoring 54 goals in all competitions.
However, Arsenal now also have a new left-field option.
Arsenal offered Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat
According to website Just Arsenal, Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat has been put forward to Arteta’s side.
Vanat scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, helping Kyiv to lift the Ukranian Premier League title whilst ending the season unbeaten. He also finished 2024/2025 as the division’s top scorer with 17, and this has attracted some attention from England.
It is now believed that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Vanat, who has a reported £17 million release clause in his contract. Arteta doesn’t view the 23-year-old’s signing as an urgent need right now, but is fully aware of Vanat’s quality, so it’s apparently a situation they could revisit later in the window.
However, if they do decide they want him, Arsenal will need to be wary of rival interest. Manchester United, Leeds United, Everton, and Tottenham are all keen on Vanat, with the latter even viewing him as a “priority signing” for new manager Frank.
Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign FC Nordsjælland forward Benjamin Nygren, whose contract expires at the end of this year, on a permanent deal this summer.
The right-sided attacker could become the second official signing for the Hoops in the off-season, after the club confirmed Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal earlier this week.
Celtic's transfer priorities this summer
Following the much-needed signing of Tierney to fill their gaping hole at left-back, with Greg Taylor out of contract this summer, Celtic appear to have turned their attention to the wide areas.
Nygren is ‘expected’ to sign for the Scottish giants to bolster their options on the right flank, but they are also looking for a new forward on the left side of the pitch.
It was recently claimed that the Hoops are in talks with left-winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s representatives over a move from Royal Antwerp, and the Scottish Premiership champions are in negotiations with Sarpsborg over a move for Norwegian flanker Sondre Orjasaeter.
This makes it clear that Celtic are after a right-footed left-winger – Balikwisha or Orjasaeter – to go along with the signing of Nygren, who is a left-footed right-winger.
New wingers are not the only signings on the agenda for Brendan Rodgers this summer, though, as the Northern Irish head coach is also looking to improve the depth of his midfield.
Celtic believe they can land bargain deal for Premier League star
According to West Ham United-focused outlet Claret & Hugh, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Scotland international Andy Irving, who is for sale, in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Hammers are open to offers for the 25-year-old central midfielder, as ‘almost everyone’ is for sale at the Premier League side.
It reveals that the Hoops believe that they can land the left-footed maestro for a ‘bargain’ fee, although no exact price tag is mentioned, because he was rarely used by Graham Potter in the 2024/25 campaign, playing just ten times in the top-flight.
Passes made
60.00
Top 8%
Pass accuracy
90.0%
Top 16%
Long passes made
3.89
Top 5%
Long pass accuracy
87.5%
Top 4%
Cross accuracy
50%
Top 11%
Touches
87.78
Top 6%
Irving showcased his quality in possession, as shown in the table above, by ranking highly among his positional peers in a host of key passing and possession-based metrics in the limited minutes that he had on the pitch.
Claret & Hugh adds that the Scottish midfielder is ‘open’ to a move away from the Premier League club in order to go in search of regular first-team football, which is why a transfer to Parkhead could be one that ‘suits all parties’.
Irving, who made his Scotland debut earlier this month against Liechtenstein, appears to have the on-ball qualities to perfectly suit playing in a Celtic team that averaged 75.1% possession per game in the Premiership in the 2024/25 season.
His desire to constantly get on the ball and make passes, short and long, whilst being efficient in doing so, could make him a good fit for Rodgers’ dominant Hoops midfielder, which is why this is a deal that could make a lot of sense for both clubs and the player.
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Scott Parker might well be known to many in the Premier League as a former goalscoring hero on the books of West Ham United, but his managerial career in the top league to date has been anything but a smooth sailing experience.
Indeed, the 44-year-old has only ever collected nine wins from the dug-out when taking control of a top-flight team. Still, after guiding the Clarets to automatic promotion in style with only two defeats from 46 Championship clashes last season, he will fancy his chances at rewriting this negative narrative.
He will certainly be helped in his efforts to keep the Lancashire side afloat if he is given plenty to spend this summer transfer window, with a new target who has previously set the EFL alight now catching the eye at Turf Moor.
Burnley add 20-year-old star to shortlist
Whilst Leeds United explore moves aplenty with Aaron Ramsdale and Emiliano Buendia linked, the Whites’ fellow automatic promotion winners haven’t been overrun with rumours of their own.
Danny Ings has been speculatively linked with a return to the Clarets, alongside Chelsea outcast Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also being tipped to make the move from West London, but one new rumour involving ex-Birmingham City star Jordan James has emerged.
Journalist Alan Nixon has revealed that Burnley are taking a look at the now Rennes midfielder as a possible replacement figure for Josh Brownhill, with the newly promoted outfit prepared to splash £12m to land the 20-year-old’s services.
Whilst James could come in and replace Brownhill, considering the experienced Clarets ace is being linked with a switch to Everton among other established top-flight destinations, Parker will pray that the former St. Andrew’s product could actually bounce off the 29-year-old well, with the youngster perhaps going on to be as influential as Tom Cairney once was in the heart of Parker’s midfield at Fulham.
Games played
63
Goals scored
10
Assists
4
Games missed through injury
47
How James could be Parker's next Brownhill
Despite missing 47 games of Parker’s tenure through serious injury, the much-loved Cottagers servant would still manage to pick up a hefty tally of ten goals and four assists from 63 games under his methods.
Much like Cairney, James has shown for ex-employers Birmingham in the Championship that he has a similar eye for firing home an effort or assisting a teammate, leading to Rennes boldly picking him up for a sturdy £8m fee.
In total, the 20-year-old would pick 12 goal contributions for his boyhood side from 105 clashes, with a hope now on the Wales international’s end that a return to England results in him becoming a Premier League established performer for Parker’s relegation-threatened side.
After all, whilst Cairney did shine in glimpses under the 44-year-old’s guidance, he hadn’t yet made a full name for himself in the top flight. Now, at 34 years of age, the Fulham veteran has added 144 Premier League clashes to his glittering career resume, with James presumably eager to make similar waves if he does relocate back to England.
CM
40
3
2
DM
21
0
0
AM
16
3
1
LM
10
2
0
RM
9
0
0
The table above further reinforces the idea that James could become Parker’s next iteration of Cairney in time, with the Clarets target capable of playing all across the midfield positions much like the Fulham captain, away from simply offering up the same goal-threat as the number ten.
Labelled as a “standout” young player when on the books of the Blues by journalist Josh Bunting, it will be intriguing to see how seamlessly the 20-year-old makes the transition up to the bright lights of the Premier League.
Birmingham midfielder Jordan James.
Yet, if there’s one figure that should be able to get the best out of James, it’s Parker, considering he was once a wide-eyed starlet himself in the middle of the park trying to cut his teeth, away from previously working with Cairney.
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After a terribly disappointing season, Arsenal need a massive summer.
Fortunately, Mikel Arteta has made it pretty clear on multiple occasions now that the club are very much planning for one as they look to make the right additions to get them over the line in the Premier League next year.
For example, one of the most prominent links in recent days has been to Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo, who’d undoubtedly be the calibre of player to help take the Gunners to the next level.
However, that’s not all, as recent reports have now linked the club to another international who’d be a dream teammate for the Brazilian and has even won comparisons to Erling Haaland, of all people.
Arsenal transfer news
Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other needle-moving stars Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, like Nico Williams and Antoine Semenyo.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could cost the club around £50m due to a release clause in his contract, and as he’s managed to rack up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season, that feels like a more than fair price.
Likewise, Semenyo would cost the Gunners around £70m, and with a haul of 11 goals and seven assists in 41 games for Bournemouth, he’d undoubtedly be worth the money.
However, to really get the most out of Rodrygo next season, the North Londoners would probably be better off signing an exciting centre-forward, someone like Benjamin Sesko.
According to a recent report from an Arsenal insider, the club have maintained their intense interest in the RB Leipzig star ahead of the summer transfer window.
In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the Slovenian international is now the North Londoners’ “first choice” for that striker position.
A price is not mentioned in the report, but stories from earlier this month claimed that due to the 21-year-old’s impressive performances this season, his release clause could now be at £75m.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Sesko’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be an ideal teammate for Rodrygo and has been compared to Haaland.
Why Sesko would be perfect for Rodrygo
So, before getting to why Sekso would be an ideal teammate for Rodrygo, let’s examine this comparison to Haaland and where it has come from.
Manchester City's ErlingHaalandbefore the match
Well, in this instance, it stems from respected talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described the Slovenian international as the “new Erling Haaland” in May 2021, and based on what’s happened in the years since, it’s not hard to see why.
For example, like the Manchester City star, he moved from the domestic league in his own country to RB Salzburg, where he was good enough to earn a move to one of the Bundesliga clubs most known for developing youngsters.
On top of that, he is a physical beast, standing at 6 foot 5 and somehow still being relatively fast, and then there is his attacking ability, which is also what would make him a perfect teammate for Real Madrid’s Brazilian star.
For example, so far this season, the goalscoring “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has put the ball in the back of the net 21 times and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games, or one every 120.66 minutes.
Moreover, according to Understat, his 13 Bundesliga goals have come from an expected goals figure of just 10.84 this season, and as he scored 14 league goals from an expected goals figure of 8.60 last season, it’s fair to say he’s clinical in front of goal.
So, just imagine someone of his stature and goalscoring ability alongside Rodrygo; the Brazilian would see his assist tally soar, while the Slovenian would surely hit that 20-goal-a-season mark.
Ultimately, Arsenal need to sign a new striker this summer, and, from age to ability and potential, Sesko looks to be the perfect candidate.
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As Tottenham prepare to take on Manchester United in Bilbao in a Europa League final that will save one side’s season from disaster, we sat down with former Spurs midfielder and top flight manager Gus Poyet to chat about the two men in the dugouts.
Pressure mounting on Postecoglou
No doubt aware of the importance of the showdown in Spain not just for Tottenham but for his own future, Postecoglou has been in no mood to joke around with reporters in the build-up to the final.
Asked about a comment by Ruben Amorim that the Red Devils couldn’t possibly lose to the Lilywhites a fourth time this season, the former Celtic boss responded: “I’m sure in there, there’s some Portuguese humour. There’s a little irony there. I’m sure Ruben doesn’t think that way. We’ve had some good games against United this year and last year, and we have come out on top, but it’s the final of a major tournament.
“I think the one thing you don’t look at is previous head-to-head comparisons. They become irrelevant, it’s all about who performs on the day.”
There have indeed been widespread reports that the 59 year-old will be sacked if Spurs do not end their wait for a trophy next week, and speaking to Football FanCast in partnership with BetBrain, former White Hart Lane midfielder Poyet insisted the game is bigger for Ange than for his Portuguese counterpart: “I would think Ange (has more pressure), because of his words a few months ago when he said ‘I always win a trophy in my second season.’
“When you commit like that, it’s a big commitment because it’s not easy, especially at Tottenham. Now, the opportunity is massive, so it will be amazing if he wins it.”
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1 ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025 Amorim regretting "dream" Man Utd move
However, with United also toiling domestically, sitting just one point ahead of Tottenham with an abysmal goal difference of -11, the Uruguyan revealed there may be some regrets seeping in for the former Sporting CP boss: “I think for Amorim, it (winning the final) would be a plus to have an OK season. Maybe personally for him it would be important.
“But for the club, Man United, we all dream of managing one of those big clubs, but when you see what is happening he’s probably thinking ‘What did I do?’, and that’s a really bad feeling.”
Matches
25
Wins
6
Draws
6
Losses
13
Points
24
Goals for
30
Goals against
41
Indeed, the 40 year-old’s top flight form has been nothing short of embarassing – by his own admission – having gathered just 0.96 points per game since arriving in November of last year, which would return just over 36 points in a full campaign. Since the switch to a 20-team competition in 1995/1996, the average points needed for Premier League survival has been 37.86, meaning the Red Devils are well and truly in relegation form since Erik Ten Hag was replaced.