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The mood around West Ham United isn’t great at the moment.

Graham Potter’s side look just as dysfunctional as they did last season, and as things stand, the club have not done enough business in the market.

For example, while the additions of Mads Hermansen, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters are great in isolation, they’re enough to ensure the team aren’t dragged into a relegation battle.

Fortunately, reports have now linked the Hammers to another exciting talent, although the player in question is another full-back, one who’d already be an upgrade on Walker-Peters.

West Ham target Walker-Peters upgrade

With the transfer window still open for another week or so, West Ham simply have to bring in some more bodies, and, based on reports, it looks like they’re trying.

Transfer Focus

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

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Mateus Fernandes has been the most heavily touted for a move to the club, with some stories claiming the Hammers have already gone in with a second offer, while AS Roma striker Artem Dovbyk has recently been touted for a potential loan move that would see Niclas Füllkrug go the other way.

However, it now looks like another deal is close to being completed, one that would see the Hammers land an exciting talent who’d already be an upgrade on Walker-Peters.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spanish publication Sport, which has claimed that West Ham are very interested in Hector Fort.

In fact, the report has revealed that the Hammers are already in talks with Barcelona over a potential loan move, and that it could be finalised as soon as next week.

The young Spaniard might not be a particularly well-known player to Premier League fans, but he looks like he could be a future star, and would be an instant upgrade on Walker-Peters.

How Fort compares to Walker-Peters

Now, it should be said that Fort would be joining the team with significantly less experience than Walker-Peters.

However, at just 19 years old, that seems like an unfair stick to beat him with, and it could be argued that the experience he has is valuable in a different way.

For example, while he has played far fewer games, he’s already played at a much higher level than the Englishman, making 30 appearances for one of the biggest teams in the world in Barcelona.

Moreover, he’s already made three appearances in the Champions League and played 17 La Liga games during the club’s league-winning campaign last year.

With that said, the best way to see how the pair really stack up against one another is by taking a look under the hood, at their underlying numbers from last season.

Unfortunately for the former Saints star, he comes out as a distant second-best when we do this.

Fort vs Walker-Peters

Statistics per 90

Fort

Walker-Peters

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.17

0.11

Progressive Carries

2.15

3.52

Progressive Passes

4.00

4.29

Progressive Passes Received

5.08

4.44

Shots

0.92

0.62

Passing Accuracy

90.1%

88.2%

Key Passes

1.54

0.74

Passes into the Final Third

4.15

3.67

Shot-Creating Actions

2.46

1.94

Tackles Won

1.23

0.90

Blocks

1.85

0.83

Interceptions

0.92

0.59

Carries into the Final Third

2.31

2.22

Ball Recoveries

4.92

4.17

Aerial Duels Won

0.46

0.34

Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

For example, the “immense” youngster, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, comes out way ahead in most relevant metrics such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots, key passes, shot-creating chances, tackles won, blocks, interceptions and more, all per 90.

These numbers paint the picture of a full-back who is more than solid in defence, but then also capable of being a real attacking outlet, either through carrying the ball up the pitch, or passing it into dangerous areas.

Moreover, he appears to be the sort of player who’d cope with playing at wing-back as well, which is perfect for Potter.

Ultimately, while Walker-Peters brings plenty of experience to the squad, Fort looks to be the more dynamic and exciting defender, and therefore, West Ham should do what they can to get this deal over the line as soon as possible.

Related Füllkrug upgrade: West Ham to be offered "sensational" CF in swap deal

The dangerous international could be bad news for Füllkrug but excellent for West Ham.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 22, 2025

Simran Shaikh, G Kamalini and Prema Rawat all went for big money

Ashish Pant15-Dec-2024The uncapped Indian players grabbed headlines as they fetched big money at the Women’s Premier League [WPL] 2025 auction held in Bengaluru.Simran Shaikh, the Mumbai allrounder, turned out to be the biggest buy on auction day with Gujarat Giants picking her up for INR 1.9 crore (USD 223,000 approx). Mumbai Indians meanwhile picked up 16-year-old Tamil Nadu batter G Kamalini for INR 1.60 crore (USD 190,000 approx) while Uttarakhand legspinner Prema Rawat went to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for INR 1.2 crore (USD 140,000 approx).Among the overseas players, West Indies allrounder Deandra Dottin raked in the most money. She was the first name out of the bag on auction day and was snapped up for INR 1.7 crore (USD 200,000 approx) by Gujarat Giants, incidentally the same team that had controversially excluded her after the first season.Related

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With most of the squads already set, a total of 19 players were sold among the 124 that went under the hammer, of which five were overseas names. Each of Mumbai, Delhi Capitals, Giants, and RCB picked four players, while UP Warriorz made just three buys.Shaikh has played in the tournament before while this will be Kamalini and Rawat’s first WPL rodeo. Shaikh was part of the Warriorz side in 2023 where she returned just 29 runs in seven innings. She entered the auction at a base price of INR 10 lakh which swelled thanks to the bidding war between Giants and Capitals.”We’ve been watching the local competitions closely, the T20s and the Challengers. She stands out in terms of her hitting power and strike rate, and complements the other local Indian players [we’ve got in the squad],” Giants head coach Klinger said. “To have someone like her, potentially in our top six-seven, who can hit sixes straightaway, completes us. We were targeting her.”Shaikh scored 176 runs in nine innings at the 2024 senior women’s T20 trophy at a strike rate of 100.57.Kamalini also entered the auction at a base price of INR 10 lakh. She had earlier in the day scored an unbeaten 29-ball 44 to guide India to a nine-wicket win in their opening game of the Under-19 women’s Asia Cup against Pakistan. Rawat, 23, is a promising legspinner for Uttarakhand. She put in impressive performances for Mussoorie Thunders during the inaugural Uttarakhand Premier League and is also known to be an outstanding fielder.The World Boss Deandra Dottin was in huge demand•Getty ImagesAmong the unsold bunch, the most surprising names were of India spinner and former Giants captain Sneh Rana, England seamer Lauren Bell, England captain Heather Knight and former South Africa opener Lizelle Lee. No Indian capped player was sold at the auction with only the uncapped and overseas players getting bids.RCB made four bids – all on uncapped players – while Mumbai got Nadine de Klerk for INR 30 lakh (USD 40,000 approx). Capitals’ most expensive pick of the day was the uncapped bowler Shree Charani, who they picked for INR 55 lakh (USD 70,000 approx), while they also bought wicketkeeper-batters Nandini Kashyap and Sarah Bryce.”Very good auction for us to be honest,” Sourav Ganguly, Capitals’ director of cricket, said after the auction. “I’ve been with this WPL team for two seasons now, watching them closely, involved in the auction and everything. And we are far stronger squad than we were last year, with Nandini and Sarah in the squad now, we are looking very good.”Warriorz meanwhile got Australia legspinner Alana King late in the accelerated round of the auction while Giants also signed England allrounder Danielle Gibson.Players bought at the WPL 2025 auctionDelhi Capitals: Shree Charani, Nandini Kashyap, Sarah Bryce (Scotland), Niki Prasad
Gujarat Giants: Simran Shaikh, Deandra Dottin (WI), Danielle Gibson (Eng), Prakashika Naik
Mumbai Indians: G Kamalini, Nadine de Klerk (SA), Akshita Maheshwari, Sanskriti Gupta
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Prema Rawat, Joshitha JV, Raghvi Bist, Jagravi Pawar
UP Warriorz: Alana King (Aus), Arushi Goel, Kranti Goud

Manchester United failed to deliver last season, but INEOS and Ruben Amorim are doing all the right things this summer as they disassemble and rebuild a struggling squad.

The anticipated exodus has not been so much a flow of exits as a trickle, however. But Marcus Rashford is set to sign for Barcelona and Antony, Jadon Sancho and Alejandro Garnacho are all anticipated to complete moves away in the coming weeks too.

With Bryan Mbeumo finally set to sign for the Old Trafford side in a £71m total package, fans can start to get excited by a new-look frontline that already contains Matheus Cunha, who left Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign for the Red Devils earlier this summer.

However, there’s something missing, and no mistake. It’s the front of the ship: Man United need a striker.

Man Utd's search for a striker

Man United wanted Liam Delap and Viktor Gyokeres earlier in the transfer window, but the pursuit of both came to nought. Such is the market, especially when you have no European football to offer.

However, the Red Devils attracted both Cunha and Mbeumo despite tempting offers elsewhere, and they have now compiled a new shortlist, with Benjamin Sesko and Nicolas Jackson both mooted.

However, Amorim might be convinced to target instead Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, who, at 29, is older but also more experienced and accomplished in the English game. It’s alleged by reported Ben Jacobs that United are discussing a potential move for the forward.

Arsenal have also shown a vested interest in the Three Lions star over the past year, and he is expected to command a price tag of around £60m, although United technical director Jason Wilcox will be sure to try and whittle this down.

Why Man Utd should sign Ollie Watkins

Watkins is established as one of the most reliable goal scorers in the Premier League. In fact, he’s been described as “one of the best centre-forwards in Europe” by podcaster Rohan Jivan.

Athletic and powerful, Watkins is able to play through the lines and use his sharpness to assist teammates as well as strike on goal himself, creating an overall sense of fluency that could be perfect for a United side welcoming Cunha and Mbeumo to the fold.

But, more to the point, Watkins could be a fantastic deal, one that should be pursued over the likes of Chelsea’s Jackson, who is available this summer but for a lofty price of £70m.

Ollie Watkins’ Premier League Career by Season
Season	Apps (starts)	Goals	Assists
24/25	38 (31)	16	8
23/24	37 (37)	19	13
22/23	37 (36)	15	6
21/22	35 (33)	11	2
20/21	37 (37)	14	5
Data via Sofascore

Jackson, 24, is a talented centre-forward. Like Watkins, he’s mobile, ranking across Europe’s top five leagues among the top 17% of strikers for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

However, he’s still a work in progress, having missed 43 big chances across his two seasons in the Premier League, as per Sofascore, but having only scored 24 goals.

Watkins, across that same period, has missed 49 big chances, although he’s scored 35 goals. It’s clear that Man United need instantaneous results next term, and Watkins could be the man to achieve the desired effect.

Jackson, however, is more of a mixed bag, and given that he would cost more than Watkins, one of the Premier League’s leading strikers, INEOS must show off their savvy approach by picking the shrewder option.

Bigger star than Mbeumo: Man Utd discussing £78m move to sign "new Haaland"

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim wants to sign an upgrade on Rasmus Hojlund.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 21, 2025

Former Aston Villa striker Dean Saunders has told Football FanCast the player Unai Emery must keep hold of this summer amid exit rumours surrounding several of Villa’s top stars.

Villa players who could leave this summer

Emery has done a fantastic job re-establishing Villa on the European stage, reaching the Champions League quarter-final and narrowly missing out on the Premier League top five last season, but the success means rival clubs are now queuing up for their top players.

The likes of Morgan Rogers, Jacob Ramsey, Ollie Watkins and Emiliano Martinez have all been linked with moves away, and with the Villans still treading a fine line PSR-wise, it could be tempting to cash-in on one of their older players this summer.

In fact, Manchester United have now tabled a loan offer for Martinez, which was knocked back, but the Red Devils are now expected to return with a permanent offer, although it remains to be seen whether they are willing to match the £40m asking price.

Watkins is also in Man United’s sights, with Ruben Amorim’s side weighing up a bid for a striker, although it would be a risk to cash in, having already sold Jhon Duran in the January transfer window.

Discussing the players who could be sacrificed either to raise funds for Emery or to comply with PSR, Saunders gave Football FanCast, in partnership with NewBettingSites.uk, an emphatic “no” when asked about Watkins.

Villa must keep Watkins despite PSR concerns

Unfortunately, PSR rules mean clubs are now often forced to cash-in on their best players to avoid punishment, with Villa believed to be hours away from a 10-point deduction before completing the sale of Douglas Luiz last summer.

However, as pointed out by Saunders, the England international is far too important to even consider a sale, netting 16 goals and eight assists in the Premier League last season.

That said, given that the 29-year-old remains contracted until 2028, Villa should be in line to receive a sizeable fee if they do decide to cash in, with reports suggesting they are set to hold out for £60m.

Sri Lankan pace bowler Vishwa Fernando spearheaded a ruthless Yorkshire bowling performance to skittle Derbyshire for 76 on the opening day of the Vitality County Championship match at Chesterfield.On a challenging Queen’s Park pitch, Fernando took 5 for 30 and Jordan Thompson claimed 4 for 31 as Derbyshire subsided in less than 28 overs.It was the third lowest score against Yorkshire in the championship this century and the visitors turned the screw with James Wharton racing to a maiden first-class hundred from only 101 balls.When bad light ended play, Wharton was 116 not out and Johnny Tattersall unbeaten on 41 with Yorkshire 283 for 5, a commanding lead of 207.Derbyshire’s decision to bat first on a green pitch under cloud cover was questionable and the hosts soon had reason to regret it as Yorkshire’s seamers ran through them.Ben Coad celebrated his return from a back injury by removing Mitch Wagstaff lbw with a full length ball in his first over and there were signs of what was to come as he and Fernando repeatedly beat the bat.Luis Reece and Brooke Guest managed to survive for the best part of 14 overs but once Reece edged Fernando low to first slip, Derbyshire fell apart.Although there was enough in the pitch for Fernando and Thompson to exploit, it was a feeble batting display with only four players making double figures.Thompson beat Guest’s defensive push, Fernando removed Wayme Madsen with an inswinging yorker and then trapped Aneurin Donald on the crease with his next ball.Ross Whiteley survived the hat-trick but when David Lloyd was lbw playing across the line at Thompson, Derbyshire had lost five wickets for 10 runs in 23 balls.Rain provided Derbyshire with some respite but after lunch was taken early, the procession continued.Whiteley was brilliantly caught one handed at gully by Thompson who then had Alex Thomson taken low down at third slip before Fernando plucked out Sam Conners middle stump with another inswinging yorker.Zak Chappell struck some defiant blows, including a straight driven six off Thompson who had the last word by having him caught at second slip.Derbyshire’s total was the lowest at Chesterfield since they were bowled out for 57 by Leicestershire in 1989 and to have any chance of staying in the game, they needed early wickets.Yorkshire’s attack had reaped the benefits of maintaining a consistent,probing line but Derbyshire lacked the same discipline, bowling too short or too full.By the time Reece had Fin Bean lbw, Yorkshire had reached 61 in the 13th over and although Adam Lyth drove back a return catch to Reece, the visitors steadily pressed home their advantage.Shan Masood produced some elegant strokes before he played across the line at Daryn Dupavillon and after George Hill and Matthew Revis went cheaply, Wharton grew in confidence to dominate the bowling.After reaching 50 off 63 balls, he pulled Dupavillon for six and launched Thomson over wide long on for another before driving Reece for his 18th four to reach three figures.With Tattersall, he took the game further away from Derbyshire as the pair shared an unbroken stand of 118 on a day of total Yorkshire dominance.

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

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

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

Season

Player

Goals

2024/25

Bruno Fernandes & Amad

8

2023/24

Bruno Fernandes & Rasmus Hojlund

10

2022/23

Marcus Rashford

17

2021/22

Cristiano Ronaldo

18

2020/21

Bruno Fernandes

18

2019/20

Marcus Rashford & Anthony Martial

17

2018/19

Paul Pogba

13

2017/18

Romelu Lukaku

16

2016/17

Zlatan Ibrahimovic

17

2015/16

Anthony Martial

11

2014/15

Wayne Rooney

12

2013/14

Wayne Rooney

17

2012/13

Robin van Persie

26

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

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

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

Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker

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

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

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

Transfer Focus

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

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

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

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

Why Man Utd need to fork out for Gyokeres

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

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

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

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

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

Non-penalty goals

0.59

0.70

Shots

3.26

4.21

Assists

0.15

0.00

Shot-creating actions

3.85

1.52

Pass completion

80.0%

74.4%

Progressive passes

1.78

1.05

Progressive carries

4.29

0.94

Successful take-ons

1.18

0.35

Touches in opposition box

6.07

6.79

Progressive passes received

9.47

3.75

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

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

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

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

The new Cavani: Man Utd in talks to sign "outrageous" £50m Mbeumo partner

Manchester United could land a player who could star at Old Trafford alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 3, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are in talks with the representatives of a forward once tipped to bag 40 goals per season, as chairman Daniel Levy and the Spurs recruitment team aim to make him their first signing of the summer window.

Ange Postecoglou praises Spurs squad ahead of Bodo/Glimt

The Lilywhites are set to take on Bodo/Glimt in their vital Europa League semi-final second leg this evening.

£8m manager "wants the Tottenham job" with Postecoglou under threat

The Australian faces a very uncertain future as he chases silverware.

ByEmilio Galantini May 7, 2025

Ange Postecoglou and the squad travel to Norway knowing that, if they avoid a humbling defeat, Tottenham will book their place in the Europa final and present themselves with a golden opportunity to win the club’s first piece of major silverware in over 17 years.

Goals from Brennan Johnson, James Maddison and Dominic Solanke handed Spurs a crucial win at home in the first leg, and despite a late consolation goal from Ulrik Salnes, the 3-1 victory means Postecoglou’s side go into tonight with an important two-goal cushion.

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

However, Bodo/Glimt’s very impressive home record is a cause for concern for Postecoglou. The Aspymyra Stadion, located above the Arctic Circle in freezing-cold temperatures, has become an icy fortress for the Scandinavians, with Kjetil Knutsen’s side winning 28 of their last 34 European matches hosted on their artificial turf.

Postecoglou will be wary of this, but the Australian has praised his team’s mentality in Europe so far when it comes to these big knockout games.

“I think all the lads have done well and right through the campaign,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s European form.

“Particularly through the knockout stages in the second legs, whatever we’ve needed to do, they’ve done it, within the confines of our game plan and being organised, whether that was when we had to beat AZ at home and it could have got nervy and the boys handed that really well.

“We had to go to Frankfurt and win and tough venue and imposing atmosphere, and again I think the lads handled it really well, so it’ll be a similar sort of mindset tomorrow.”

Tottenham open talks with Mathys Tel over permanent deal

Bayern Munich loanee Mathys Tel will likely play a role in tonight’s clash, and behind-the-scenes, work has begun on making his stay at Spurs permanent.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, writing in a piece for The Boot Room, Tottenham have opened talks with Tel’s camp and are suggesting they want the 20-year-old to remain in north London.

The club have an option to buy him worth around £45 million inserted into his loan deal, but it is believed they aim to whittle down this price tag and re-negotiate more favourable terms with Bayern.

For their part, Vincent Kompany’s side are open to selling him for good this summer, though it is unclear what their final demands would be for Tel at this point if they agree to make concessions on the initially agreed £45m fee.

Dubbed “very quick” and “strong” by ex-Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann, the tactician also once claimed Tel could become one of the best strikers in world football, all while backing him to eventually score “40 goals a season”.

Tel has taken a while to get going in a Spurs jersey, but immediate adaptation to Europe’s most competitive league can often be challenging. Despite his slow start, there is reason to believe the exciting starlet could go on to become an excellent player.

Liverpool are going to win the Premier League. However, the charged feeling about FSG’s transfer window preparations makes a firm comment on the view toward the wider campaign.

Exiting the Champions League against Paris Saint-Germain in the round-of-16 was a bitter pill to swallow, and the following defeat at Wembley to hand the Carabao Cup over to Newcastle United was more distasteful still.

PSG deserved to win against Arne Slot’s side, and so did the Magpies. However, the Reds will no doubt be frustrated that they failed to get those jobs done.

Liverpool need to reinforce the fringes of their first-team squad this summer, need to pack Slot’s team with more quality and depth across the park.

One of the priorities heading into the off-season is replacing Darwin Nunez at the front of the ship, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold set to leave Anfield and join Real Madrid, more midfield creativity should be targeted too.

Liverpool need more midfield spark

Make no mistake, Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch have been immense across the 2024/25 campaign, combining to lead Liverpool to the brink of a Premier League title, a job they will surely see over the line.

But autumn will arrive with a new footballing season and it’s crucial that tweaks are made to prepare Slot’s side for an expected title defence.

As you can see from the table below, Liverpool players are nowhere to be seen on the most amount of big chances created from Premier League centre-midfielders this season.

1.

Cole Palmer

20

2.

Declan Rice

16

3.

Youri Tielemans

15

4.

Bruno Fernandes

13

5.

Enzo Fernandez

12

5=

Bruno Guimaraes

12

7.

Mikkel Damsgaard

11

8.

Martin Odegaard

10

In fact, you’d have to trawl down to 12th to find Liverpool’s most creative midfielder: Szoboszlai, with nine big chances created. With Trent leaving, Mohamed Salah may well be tasked with upholding his enhanced creative virtues next year.

It’s times like these you wish Liverpool still had an attacking midfielder in the vein of Philippe Coutinho, the little magician, the brightest spark in a pre-Klopp world and the financial architect of Liverpool’s ultimate success of modern times.

However, goalscoring is still the Egyptian’s forte, and FSG would be wise to pack some more flair into their central ranks.

Liverpool make contact with new playmaker

Liverpool are set to spend, alright, and sporting director Richard Hughes seems to be putting out feelers to ascertain whether RB Leipzig would entertain the sale of Xavi Simons this summer.

That’s according to transfer insider Duncan Castles, who has revealed on the Transfers Podcast that Liverpool have enquired over Simons’ availability ahead of the summer market.

Simons, only 21, is one of the most exciting young playmakers around and would command a £60m fee for Leipzig, who are fourth in the Bundesliga, to agree to part with him.

Why Liverpool must sign Xavi Simons

Simons would join a strong Dutch contingent on Merseyside that has demonstrated a knack for winning trophies over the past few seasons.

Adding his own brand of creativity, it could be just what Slot needs to consolidate his new-found elite status and win more silverware during the 2025/26 season and beyond.

Leipzig signed Simons from PSG last year for a €50m (£43m) fee after a productive initial loan spell. So far, he’s doing good, having been involved in 41 goals across 72 games for the German outfit.

As per FBref, Simons ranks among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted, the top 11% for progressive passes and the top 18% for shot-creating actions per 90, emphasising the ball-playing ability that Liverpool would claim.

His data’s great, but watching Simons play should be enough by itself for Liverpool fans to subscribe to the notion of bringing him into the fold.

Silky and artful in his playmaking, the diminutive ace might prove to be Anfield’s next version of Coutinho, whose £142m sale to Barcelona at the start of Klopp’s reign acted as the spark to raise the team to the next level, for Virgil van Dijk and Alisson Becker were then brought in.

In his pomp, Coutinho was one of the best number tens in the world, commanding, influential and inventive. In Simons, Liverpool could finally return to the style of play before the Brazilian made the move to Spain, when he charged the Reds’ deadly frontline.

Looking at Coutinho’s statistics during that final half-campaign with Liverpool, you can see the similarities with Simons, both elite-level creators who aren’t afraid to get stuck in and drive the ball forward themselves.

Matches (starts)

14 (13)

21 (21)

Goals

7

9

Assists

6

5

Shots (on target)*

3.9 (1.2)

1.9 (0.9)

Pass completion

79%

84%

Key passes*

2.9

2.2

Dribbles*

2.8

1.3

Tackles*

1.9

1.5

Duels won*

5.6

5.4

While Slot won’t want to disrupt the harmony of Liverpool’s midfield trio, it’s clear that something different needs to be added to the mix, and there’s no one in the centre of the park currently who’s quite like Coutinho.

Described as a “superstar” in the making by analyst Ben Mattinson, Simons has all the properties needed to serve at an elite level as Liverpool’s new creative force.

With Alexander-Arnold leaving, there’s going to be a vacant spot for such a playmaker, one who could dynamise the midfield and add that bit of depth needed to truly unlock another layer to this wonderful Liverpool team.

Worth more than Huijsen: Slot has hit the jackpot on Liverpool "monster"

Liverpool hope to employ this star for many years to come.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 18, 2025

Rangers are thought to be in talks to sign a new in-demand forward on a free transfer this summer.

10-man Rangers hold Athletic Club to first leg draw

The Gers put in another valiant Europa League display at Ibrox on Thursday evening as they hosted La Liga side Athletic Club in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

Barry Ferguson’s side went down to 10 early on after Robin Propper received a straight red card, however, Rangers battled to a 0-0 draw ahead of the second leg next week.

Liam Kelly even kept out a late penalty from Alex Berenguer, meaning it is all to play for in Bilbao as Rangers look to return there for the final at the end of May.

Talking after the game, Ferguson said: “I thought we defended really well and coped with their threat. It has been a problem conceding goals, that’s one of the areas we’ve tried to work really hard at. What I saw tonight was a team that took the instructions on.

“The chat we had on Monday really sunk in and they took the information with them. I think anybody watching the game tonight saw a team that would run through brick walls for each other.”

As bad as Propper: Ferguson must axe Rangers dud who made just 4 passes

Having battled to a goalless draw at Ibrox, Rangers manager Barry Ferguson must axe his “frustrating” star at San Mamés in next Thursday’s second leg.

ByBen Gray Apr 11, 2025

Away from the pitch at Ibrox, though, the 49ers Enterprises are currently in the process of finalising a takeover after agreeing a deal in principle.

They already have their eyes on summer signings, though, and one player in particular is of real interest to the Gers.

Rangers in talks to sign "impressive" forward for free

According to Graeme Bailey, Rangers “want” to sign Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku and have “continued” talks.

Talking to EFL Analysis, Bailey gave an update on Poku’s future with his Posh contract set to expire at the end of the season. Rangers aren’t the only club keen, with up to five English sides also in discussions for the 23-year-old.

“His people are in talks with a number of clubs – and yes, one of them is Birmingham. There are others, though – Crystal Palace, Millwall, Luton and Norwich among them.

“However, the big danger is Rangers – they want him and have watched him numerous times. Talks have continued but complicated by their takeover and then new manager.”

Games

27

Goals

12

Assists

11

Minutes played

2,081

The League One star has been a standout player in the third tier this season, with all but three of his 23 goal contributions coming from the right-hand side.

Last month, Sky Sports co-commentator and pundit Don Goodman called Poku ”very impressive” and added: “He’s been on my radar for a couple of seasons now, along with Ephron Mason-Clarke, who is now doing really, really well at Coventry.

“So whether he’s ready for the Premier League just yet is a debate to be had, but certainly if I was a Championship club and I needed an exciting, ball-carrying winger that both scores and creates goals, he would be on my radar.”

Stats highlights from day one of the second Australia-India Test match in Adelaide

Sampath Bandarupalli06-Dec-20243 Instances of India winning the toss, batting first, and getting bowled out for 180 or less in 2024. Only one team has been bowled out for 180 or less more often in a calendar year after electing to bat – five times by India in 1959.6 for 48 Mitchell Starc’s bowling figures in India’s first-innings are his best in Tests. It was also Starc’s maiden five-wicket haul against India in Tests, after 51 wickets in his first 19 matches against them.3 Instances of Starc taking a wicket off the first ball of a Test match. He and Pedro Collins are the only bowlers to strike with the first ball of a Test on three occasions.Starc previously dismissed Dimuth Karunaratne in the 2016 Galle Test and Rory Burns in the 2021 Brisbane Test on the first ball. He became the first bowler to take a wicket off the first ball of a day-night Test match by dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal on Friday.ESPNcricinfo Ltd50 Wickets by Jasprit Bumrah in Tests in 2024. He is only the third India fast bowler to achieve this milestone in a calendar year, after Kapil Dev (74 in 1979 and 75 in 1983) and Zaheer Khan (51 in 2002). Bumrah is also the first fast bowler to take 50-plus wickets in a calendar year since Pat Cummins in 2019.4 Five-wicket hauls for Starc in day-night Test matches. No other bowler has taken more than two. Starc has played 13 day-night Tests so far, the joint-most by any player.53 Test wickets for Starc at the Adelaide Oval. He is the third bowler to reach the milestone of 50 at this ground, after Nathan Lyon (63) and Shane Warne (56). Starc’s bowling strike rate of 34.9 in Tests at the Adelaide Oval is the third best among the bowlers with 50-plus Test wickets at a venue.ESPNcricinfo Ltd8 of the nine dropped catches by wicketkeepers off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling in international cricket have been by Rishabh Pant. Pant has taken 34 catches off Bumrah out of 42 chances, at a percentage of 80.95. That number goes up to 92.42 against other fast bowlers, off whom he has only dropped only ten out of 132 chances.6 Sixes by Nitish Kumar Reddy across his three innings in this series. Five of those have come against fast bowlers, the most by any Indian in Tests in Australia. Zaheer, Rohit Sharma, Ajinkya Rahane and Pant have hit three each.