All posts by n8rngtd.top

Manchester City won’t be taking the Club World Cup trophy home with them after all, after a dramatic 4-3 loss to Al-Hilal in the pre-season tournament.

Pep Guardiola and Co.’s defensive frailties were clear for all to see when watching the back-and-forth knockout tie in Orlando, with the Citizens registering a bumper 30 shots in total, only to be undone in extra-time by Simone Inzaghi’s never-say-die side.

With the tournament now out of the way, City can press on with even more signings away from previously landing Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Ait-Nouri in quick succession, as the rumour mill begins to kick back into life.

Man City's transfer latest

It has been somewhat quiet on the transfer front from City’s point of view after landing all those high-profile names in quickfire fashion, with the main hot topic centring on Kevin De Bruyne finding a new club to call his home in Napoli, alongside Oscar Bobb reportedly being looked at by Serie A giants Juventus.

However, a new development seems to suggest City will be busy with another fresh incoming very soon.

Indeed, Football Insider’s Mick Brown has now revealed that City will accelerate a move for Newcastle United star Tino Livramento to join the Etihad ranks, with the Magpies defender now done with his England U21 international duties at the Euros.

Scouts had even been sent on City’s end to watch Livramento in action at the tournament as Guardiola’s men try and hunt down a long-term right-back replacement for Kyle Walker.

After lifting the Euros trophy, the in-the-spotlight 22-year-old’s summer could become even better if he seals a switch to the sky blue half of Manchester shortly, with Livramento’s attacking qualities playing out from defence in the Premier League potentially making him a perfect candidate to be Guardiola’s next João Cancelo.

Why Livramento can be Pep's next Cancelo

Cancelo was once a regular mainstay of the City XI, but in Orlando, he was having the last laugh over his ex-employers when contributing with an assist for Al-Hilal to down the Citizens 4-3.

Irrespective of this memorable contribution souring his relationship with his former side even more, the Portuguese full-back was a firm fan favourite previously, with nine goals and 22 assists coming his way from 154 appearances at the Etihad.

Three Premier League titles would even be lifted by the long-standing City servant before a move to Al-Hilal opened up, with Guardiola never fully recovering from Cancelo’s exit, arguably, having had to now force Matheus Nunes into an uncomfortable position down the right-hand side when he’s far more suited to a central midfield role.

This is where Livramento could well come to the rescue in offering the Spaniard a more reliable, attack-oriented option down the right resembling Cancelo at this peak, with their similarities not just ending there.

Much like the one-time Champions League winner, the promising 22-year-old can also comfortably slot into any side in the left-back spot away from just the right, as seen in his 19 career games lining up on the opposing channel.

The London-born defender is some way off hitting Cancelo’s elite level when you consider the table further, but with Ait-Nouri already making that left channel look his own at the Club World Cup – with two key passes registered from his 119 touches versus Al-Hilal – Guardiola would surely drop Livramento into any upcoming City team selections on the right.

Having also amassed 14 goal contributions further up the pitch in the right midfield position, this could really go down as a golden deal much like when Cancelo first entered the building, with Toon content creator Kendall Rowan once referring to the youngster as a “superstar.”

City clearly requires even more fresh blood after a reality check loss to Al-Hilal, with their next major buy perhaps coming in the form of snapping up Livramento for a substantial £60m.

Man City believe "excellent" £50k-p/w ace wants to join, bid being prepared

The Citizens are feeling confident.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 28, 2025

Manchester United have made ‘first formal contact’ over a move to sign a star who wants to move to Old Trafford rather than Barcelona.

Man Utd looking to upgrade on Hojlund and Onana

It is shaping up to be a frantic few months in the transfer window for the Red Devils, with a major squad overhaul potentially on the cards ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

A plethora of players such as Marcus Rashford, Antony and Jadon Sancho have returned from loan spells and could be moved on permanently, whereas Matheus Cunha became United’s first summer signing.

More attacking additions are on the cards, with a replacement for Rasmus Hojlund being mentioned. The Denmark international has struggled for goals at Old Trafford and has been linked with a return to Serie A.

Huge Hojlund upgrade: Wilcox opens talks to sign "new Mbappe" for Man Utd

Ruben Amorim wants to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 15, 2025

In fact, Amorim has reportedly made it clear that Hojlund doesn’t feature in his long-term Man Utd plans, with the club looking to sell the forward on a permanent basis, although an initial loan offer which includes an obligation to buy may also be considered.

Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are just two strikers who United have spoken about to solve their number nine issues.

Meanwhile, someone who has been heavily linked to replace Andre Onana is World Cup winner Emiliano Martinez.

Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world right now, there have been recent claims that the Aston Villa star wants to make the move to Old Trafford over the coming months. Now, a promising development has emerged regarding Man Utd and Martinez.

Man Utd make first contact for Emiliano Martinez

According to reports abroad, relayed by Sport Witness, Man Utd have now made ‘first formal contact’ to sign Martinez from Aston Villa.

It is reported that the Red Devils have approached Martinez’s agent over a deal as they want to make him first choice at Old Trafford over Onana.

They back up reports that Martinez is keen to stay in England despite interest from Barcelona, Atlético Madrid, and Galatasaray, who have also been in touch. However, with Martinez willing to snub a move to Spain and Turkey, it is added that this ‘further paves the way’ for Martinez to join United.

On £150,000-a-week at Villa Park which works out at £7.8m per season, Martinez’s last trip to Old Trafford was extremely eventful.

The Argentine received a red card on the final day of the 24/25 season as Villa failed to to qualify for the Champions League, and despite no European football being on offer at Old Trafford for now, he seems to be keen on a move to Manchester.

Sunderland have now made an approach to sign an international defender who has 25 Champions League appearances to his name, reporter Ben Jacobs has revealed.

Black Cats set to have money to spend after Bellingham sale

Despite the Black Cats securing promotion to the Premier League in dramatic fashion at Wembley, Jobe Bellingham decided to forge a similar path to his brother by opting to move to Borussia Dortmund, in what was a club-record £32m deal.

The departure will no doubt be disappointing for Regis Le Bris, given that the 19-year-old was a crucial player last season, making 43 appearances in all competitions, but there should now be additional funds to bring in a suitable replacement this summer.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Tommy Doyle is one of the players who has been earmarked as a potential replacement for Bellingham, but central midfield is not the only area in which Le Bris is looking to strengthen, having also set his sights on a new left-back.

Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno was identified as a potential target earlier this week, following the Spaniard’s return from a loan spell with Nottingham Forest, and Sunderland have now made an approach to sign a different left-back, namely Atletico Madrid’s Reinildo.

That is according to Jacobs, who took to X to reveal that a number of clubs have come forward to sign the Atletico defender, with Leeds United and Forest making approaches of their own, while clubs from Saudi Arabia and Turkey also retain an interest.

Sky Sports: Sunderland now in direct contact to sign £17m Ligue 1 forward

The Black Cats are looking to continue their summer business.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 10, 2025

The 31-year-old’s contract is set to expire after the upcoming Club World Cup, potentially opening the door for a move to the Stadium of Light, and given that he currently earns around £13k-a-week, wages shouldn’t be too much of an issue either.

"Talented" Reinildo needs to leave Atletico this summer

The Beira-born defender is still at an age where he should be playing regular first-team football, but that has not been the case at Atletico Madrid for quite some time, having been benched for all of the Spanish side’s La Liga games since the end of March.

As such, the Mozambique international needs to move on this summer, and the Stadium of Light could be an attractive destination, given that the Black Cats have returned to the Premier League.

There are also some indications the left-back could be a savvy signing on a free transfer, considering Le Bris would be bringing in a player with a lot of experience at the top level, having made a total of 25 appearances in the Champions League.

Once described as a “talented” player by Zach Lowy, Reinildo could be a solid addition to the Sunderland squad this summer, but there may be some justified concerns that he is now past his best, given that Atletico were willing to let his contract run down.

Was that the goal that sealed Jadon Sancho’s Chelsea fate? With the Blues having already completed the comeback in Wednesday’s Conference League final, the Englishman extended that lead even further with a stunning strike from the left flank.

Introduced off the bench on the hour mark, the on-loan winger swiftly helped to rubberstamp victory with that delightful curling effort past a helpless Adrian, with that marking his 15th goal involvement of the season on his 41st outing for the west London side.

While there remains lingering doubts over whether Enzo Maresca’s side will sign the £25m man permanently – amid the presence of a £5m cancellation clause – the latest suggestion is that talks are now being held with the player’s representatives over contract terms.

As reported in recent days, the Blues are hopeful of negotiating fresh terms with the Manchester United outcast, in order to bring him in line with their current wage structure at Stamford Bridge.

If a deal can be agreed, the one-time Borussia Dortmund man could be set to stay put for the long term in the capital. That said, even if a deal is struck, it may not prevent the club from seeking out further attacking reinforcements this summer.

Latest on Chelsea's search for a winger

Liam Delap is all but confirmed as the latest exciting arrival under the Todd Boehly regime, with the £30m acquisition set to join the likes of Estevao Willian and Kendry Paez in bolstering Maresca’s ranks next season. Sporting CP teenager, Geovany Quenda, meanwhile, will make his move next summer.

With the likes of Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer and Noni Madueke already on the books – alongside the suspended Mykhaylo Mudryk – there does appear to be significant depth on the flanks, yet recent reports have indicated that a new winger remains a priority target for the club.

According to one Spanish news outlet, the Blues are said to be turning their attention toward AC Milan sensation, Rafael Leao, with Boehly and co believed to be ‘stepping up their interest’ in the Portugal international.

Transfer Focus

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

As per the report, the Conference League winners are said to be readying a ‘concrete push’ to land the 25-year-old from the San Siro, with the Serie A side’s financial woes – and lack of European football next term – opening up the possibility of a sale occurring this summer.

Leao himself is said to be ready to move on from his current side, with Chelsea viewing this as the opportune time to pounce, having been keeping tabs on the player over an extended period.

With negotiations set to ‘accelerate’ over the coming weeks, the former Lille star could be the new attacking figurehead at Stamford Bridge..

How Rafael Leao compares to Sancho

As noted already, Sancho did end the campaign with five goals and ten assists to his name under Maresca, although there remains that nagging feeling that he is damaged goods, not least amid his dismal spell at Old Trafford that has yielded just 18 goals and assists in 83 games.

Equally, there must also be alarm bells ringing at the fact that Sancho’s best work in 2024/25 arguably came in Europe’s third-tier competition, having actually only scored three goals and provided five assists in the Premier League.

With just 22 goal involvements to his name in 89 games in England’s top-flight to date, the question remains as to whether the Manchester City youth product is entirely suited to the rigours of the Premier League.

Indeed, as pundit Tony Cascarino noted earlier in the campaign, Sancho is lacking that real athleticism to be able to beat his man, as he ‘doesn’t have that burst of acceleration to get at defenders’, while largely playing a ‘conservative game’.

That is not an accusation that can be labelled at Leao, by contrast, with the Milan ace hailed by national team boss, Roberto Martinez as “one of the best players in the world one-on-one and when it comes to exploiting spaces.”

Such dribbling prowess is evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 5% among those in his position across Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref. Sancho, for instance, ranks in just the top 18% in that regard, with both men typically lining up on the left flank.

Leao’s greater threat is also laid bare by the fact that he ranks in the top 14% for touches made in the attacking penalty area, with that again placing him ahead of his Chelsea counterpart, who ranks in the top 18% for that same metric.

Equally, even amid a disappointing season collectively for the Italian giants, Leao was still able to register 23 goals and assists, with that return including 18 goals and assists in Serie A .

As evidenced in the table above, the wantaway star has hit double figures for assists in each of his last four seasons in Italy’s top-flight, while scoring at least eight goals in that time.

For comparison, since moving to England in the summer of 2021 on a £73m deal, Sancho’s best league return came in 2022/23, when he scored six times and provided only three assists for United.

Of course, the caveat is that Leao is yet to try his hand in the Premier League, although he seemingly possesses the pace and power to thrive. As noted by Bologna defender Nicolo Casale, “when he accelerates it’s difficult to hold him and in a moment he runs away and you don’t catch him.”

It’s arguably a long time since anyone said anything similar of Sancho…

Instant Delap upgrade: Chelsea to hold meeting over signing £84m "monster"

Chelsea are not hanging about in their bid to improve the squad

By
Ross Kilvington

May 30, 2025

Aston Villa have now submitted an enquiry over a deal to sign a “highly-talented” midfielder, according to reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter on X.

Villa's summer transfer plans taking shape

Villa’s summer transfer business could be significantly hampered by their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League, following Thomas Bramall’s controversial decision to rule out Morgan Rogers’ opening goal at Old Trafford last Sunday.

Missing out on the top five may also be a double whammy for Unai Emery, as the manager could now find it more difficult to hold on to some of his better players, with Emiliano Martinez looking like he could be heading for the exit door this summer.

£25m Aston Villa target set to snub Barcelona to seal Premier League move

Unai Emery has been handed a boost in his pursuit of an “elite” summer transfer target.

By
Dominic Lund

May 27, 2025

As such, signing a new goalkeeper is on the agenda for the Villans in the upcoming window, while they are also clearly keen on bringing in a new central midfielder, having been linked with a range of different targets in both positions.

Fernandes and Gomes could be able to make an instant impact at Villa Park, given that the former has experience in the Premier League, while the Lille star’s performances in Ligue 1 last season earned him a first England call-up from Lee Carsley.

However, there have also been reports that Aston Villa and NSWE could be willing to take a risk on more of an unknown quantity, with Toubache-Ter taking to X to reveal Emery’s side have now made an enquiry about “highly talented” Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui.

A further report goes on to state that Italian giants Juventus have also expressed an interest in El Aynaoui, who is now looking likely to leave Lens this summer, having previously been close to joining AS Monaco before failing a medical.

El Aynaoui impressing in France

Gomes may be the more well-known Ligue 1 central midfielder, but the Lens star was arguably just as impressive last season, putting in some particularly solid performances in an attacking sense, having picked up eight goals and one assist in 24 games.

The Nancy-born midfielder routinely finds the back of the net for Lens, but he is also clearly a well-rounded central midfielder, considering he places in the 95th percentile for interceptions and blocks per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

As such, while El Aynaoui, 23, wouldn’t be the most high-profile of signings for Aston Villa, there are plenty of indications that he could be a shrewd acquisition this summer, and it is promising news that steps are being taken to assess a potential deal.

Liverpool are riding the crest of a towering wave right now. Not only has Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season since replacing Jurgen Klopp in the dugout, but he’s done so without overseeing any meaningful first-team investment.

And while Liverpool have proven themselves in their current iteration, FSG are of the opinion that they should strengthen while they are on top, moving swiftly to secure different signings before the 2024/25 campaign has even concluded.

Anfield will celebrate the top-flight title this weekend after tomorrow’s fixture against Crystal Palace is wrapped up, marking the end of the season, but the fans will have an extra decibel in their cheer, for sure.

Indeed, Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical ahead of his slated transfer, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Milos Kerkez is also in advanced talks with sporting director Richard Hughes, viewed as Andy Robertson’s long-term heir.

However, it’s the staggering signing of Florian Wirtz (not yet finalised) that will prove to be Hughes’ magnum opus, for the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker is truly a “generational talent,” as claimed by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

There was a point, not too long ago, when the fight for Wirtz appeared a two-horse race between Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Now, City have dropped out and the Bundesliga champions’ senior officials have ceded defeat in the race for the sought-after sensation.

Oh, this stems from Liverpool’s success. Many reports, corroborated by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, have revealed over the past day or two that FSG have convinced the 22-year-old Wirtz to make the move to Merseyside this summer, ending his illustrious career beginnings with the Werkself.

Though Leverkusen value their prized possession at around €150m (£126m), FSG will hope to structure the package in an astute fashion, thus leaving room to make another signing this summer – important given the need for a new centre-forward.

Liverpool are moving with the intent and confidence of champions, likely sealing three priority targets before the shops have even been unshuttered, but it’s important that Slot still promotes academy talent.

In a way, both Wirtz and Frimpong have combined to replace Alexander-Arnold, but fans would love nothing more than to see another homegrown prospect break onto the scene and prosper.

Well, they might just have such an up-and-comer in the works, one who could prove a homemade version of the elite playmaker.

Liverpool are brewing a homemade Wirtz

Liverpool don’t always produce superstars, but sometimes, one-in-a-kind talents emerge from the Merseyside floor to send waves across English football.

And while Slot will be keeping a close eye on the likes of Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, perhaps the two creams of the development squad’s crop, another has gone well under the radar in Trent Kone-Doherty.

Still only 18, Kone-Doherty has gone through the gears within Liverpool’s youth system since being signed in 2022, leaving Derry City in his Irish homeland.

He’s described himself as being “fearless” on the pitch, something that is clear when watching his long striding gait, his slick turns and artful skills.

Kone-Doherty is not just a showman, though, but also provides a clinical edge at the top end of the pitch, from a wide or central berth.

This term, having been promoted to the U21s, his potency has taken a hit, but it’s been a fundamental point in the player’s development, making his senior bow during Liverpool’s bitter FA Cup defeat against Plymouth Argyle in February, only featuring for 14 minutes but making a positive impression as he completed his one attempted dribble and finding the mark with one arcing cross, as per Sofascore.

He’s also earned rave reviews for his performances on the continental stage, with former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor hailing the teenager’s “absolutely magnificent” goal against Girona after the English side had gone a man down, praising his movement, strength, and intelligence.

Though Kone-Doherty typically operates from a wider berth than Wirtz, his unique blend of skill, strength, and sharpness suggests he could become a homegrown version of the German ten, demonstrating a natural goalscoring sense but also an eye for a neat pass which could play into Slot’s creative ambitions.

Slot, furthermore, has already shown a willingness to hand the Republic of Ireland U19 star his chance on the major stage, also placing him on the substitutes’ bench for the Reds’ 3-2 Champions League defeat against PSV Eindhoven in January.

Former U18s coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has also praised Kone-Doherty’s ability to go past bigger and stronger opponents with a breeze, owing to his clever approach to his football.

This, of course, is the bread and butter of Wirtz’s football. As per FBref, the Leverkusen superstar ranks among the top 6% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

All this highlights a technical quality of peerless scope, but also an athletic underbelly that charges his efforts. This is further revealed by his average of 5.2 successful duels per league game this term, as per Sofascore.

Though Kone-Doherty’s attacking quality centres more on his goalscoring than Wirtz, who knows where the back of the net is but is better known for his fountain of creativity that wells up whenever he’s in the danger area, he could enjoy a similar rise to the fore as a sort of hybrid between the left wing and a more central attacking position.

Both players bear a positional fluidity which, in Kone-Doherty’s case, could prove a trump card in standing out above the rest, capable across numerous areas.

And if he can translate his clinical shooting, bagging 19 goals from 29 games for the U18s, into life in Slot’s squad, the Dutch head coach might just find he has another Wirtz breaking through the ranks.

Better than Wirtz: Liverpool believe they can sign "the best ST in Europe"

Liverpool are making staggering moves ahead of the summer transfer market.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

May 24, 2025

Journalist Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on Aston Villa’s summer transfer plans as the reportedly look to pen a “fantastic” player to a long-term deal.

Aston Villa pushing for summer signings regardless of league finish

It remains to be seen if Unai Emery’s side will clinch a top-five finish in the Premier League this season, getting back into the Champions League in the process, but a busy summer transfer window is expected either way. Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan is a rumoured target for Villa, with the highly-rated 18-year-old being watched by club scouts and their recruitment team even holding talks with him.

Another exciting young player, Lyon winger Malick Fofana, has also been backed to move to Villa Park ahead of the 2025/26 season, as Emery looks to bring in more attacking depth. The 20-year-old has enjoyed an excellent season, scoring 11 goals in Ligue 1 and the Europa League combined.

Their moves in the market will of course still be influenced somewhat by their European status, with Ollie Watkins’ winner against Bournremouth this weekend moving the Villans level on points with Chelsea, who were defeated away at Newcastle.

A new striker arguably wouldn’t go amiss for Villa in the summer, with Watkins turning 30 later this year, and Paris Saint-Germain marksman Goncalo Ramos has emerged as a rumoured option. He has found minutes hard to come by for the Champions League finalists, with competition for places incredibly strong, but would surely only join another club in Europe’s elite competition.

Aston Villa keen to sign Rashford to long-term deal

According to Romano for Give Me Sport, Aston Villa like the idea of signing Marcus Rahsford permanently at the end of the season. They are reportedly “very happy” with the Manchester United attacker, adding that Emery considers him an “excellent player and the feeling between coach and player is understood to be very good”.

There is a potential issue surrounding Financial Fair Play, however, which will “now dictate the next steps” of a potential deal, with the England international’s salary “another important point not to be underestimated” in the update.

Rashford’s loan move to Villa felt like a gamble at the time, following a run of poor form for United, but he has been a big success overall, registering 10 goal contributions in 17 appearances, even if four goals isn’t exactly an earth-shattering return.

The Englishman looks to have a spark back in his game, with Emery praising the impact he has made last month, saying of him: “He is feeling better and he played a fantastic match. We are very happy. If he is happy, we are happy.”

The fact that Emery likes the £300,000-a-week Rashford so much suggests that he should be trusted in wanting to sign him on a permanent deal, even though there is an element of risk there, especially if they cannot negotiate those wages down.

There is always the possibility that the 27-year-old has simply upped his game for a short period, in order to earn a move elsewhere, but he will surely be desperate to prove himself in the long-term at another club, considering his time at United looks over.

Everton are planning to buy this summer, but David Moyes is already presented with something of a dilemma. Not only are 15 of his club’s senior stars out of contract in the coming months, but one of his Toffees linchpins is attracting interest from some high-profile suitors.

Jarrad Branthwaite is one of Everton’s most important players, but the 22-year-old is also an attractive option and may well be sold to deepen the transfer purse this summer.

Multiple additions are needed, after all.

The latest on Jarrad Branthwaite's Everton future

Branthwaite is a monstrous defender, still so young yet rocketing up to the top level on English shores.

He’s kept eight clean sheets in the Premier League this term, winning 72% of his ground battles and averaging an incredible 6.6 clearances per game, as per Sofascore.

His efforts haven’t gone unnoticed.

Caught Offside reported last month that Manchester United are looking to reignite their interest in the Three Lions defender and will test Everton’s resolve with a £50m offer. Chelsea are also keen.

He’s important, but Everton seem to be resigned to losing him at some stage, for the right price, of course.

Moyes and his team will hope to retain his services, but he’s not the only one, with a much older Toffees teammate actually proving himself to be indispensable in the fold, with a fresh contract being prepared.

Everton veteran is more important than Branthwaite

While Idrissa Gana Gueye is 35 years old, his tough-tackling, combative style in the middle of the park has been instrumental for Everton across two tenures this season.

Illustrating his influence, Gueye is part of the bloated ranks currently awaiting the end of their contract this summer, but Football Insider have recently reported that TFG have opened talks with the star over a new deal.

Gueye’s age has not detracted from the level of his performance, with such commanding displays vital for the success of Moyes’ system. The level of his displays does suggest that he’s becoming increasingly important, maybe even more so than Branthwaite.

Described as Everton’s “heartbeat” by Sky Sports reporter Ben Grounds, Gueye might be getting on a bit but his performances have been nothing short of exemplary this season.

It’s not as if his athleticism has deserted him, having covered much ground and flown in with so many tackles for his team this season. More tackles, in fact, than any other player in the Premier League, just rubberstamping his importance to the cause.

With so much change mooted to be afoot this summer, it makes a whole lot of sense to renew the £120k-per-week veteran’s deal, having benefited greatly from his presence.

Gueye, indeed, has started every one of Everton’s Premier League matches since Moyes returned to the helm, providing monstrous support for Branthwaite and co while contributing offensively too, completing a dribble and a key pass every two matches, as per Sofascore.

The Senegalese midfielder has racked up three assists this season.

It’s clear that Gueye – who was described as a “monster” by former teammate Presnel Kimpembe – has more left in the tank, and it’s a good thing that efforts are being made to extend his deal for another year.

He earns a pretty penny but his value is too great to part with at this critical juncture.

He could finally replace Onana: Everton lead the race for £10m "machine"

David Moyes is hoping to make a host of impactful signings at Everton this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 29, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are set to miss out on the Scottish Premiership title for the fourth season running, and only an Ianis Hagi equaliser against Aberdeen prevented it from having already happened.

The Gers came back from 2-0 down against the Dons to secure a point away from Ibrox, when a defeat would have seen their city rivals crowned once again.

Rangers know that they have to improve significantly to compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign, and that means that they will have to move on from some players who have failed to show their worth, including Ross McCausland.

Why Rangers should sell Ross McCausland

The academy graduate made his first-team breakthrough last season under Philippe Clement, but he has failed to kick on and establish himself as a key figure for the Gers.

McCausland, who was sent off for two yellow card offences against Aberdeen, has produced three goals and five assists in 42 appearances in the Premiership in the last two seasons.

The Northern Ireland international has as many red cards as goal contributions (one) in 13 outings in the Premiership so far this term, which illustrates his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.

Chalkboard

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

This is why Rangers should finally move on from the 21-year-old attacker. However, he is not the only attacker who should be ruthlessly ditched by the Gers, as Oscar Cortes should also be on the chopping block.

Why Rangers should move on from Oscar Cortes

The Colombian winger is currently on loan to the club from Lens, as he has been since January of last year, but the Scottish giants have an obligation to make that deal permanent this summer.

Rangers have to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell, and Football Insider recently reported that those inside the club now see that as a ‘gamble’, due to his lack of success on the pitch to date.

Cortes (£6k-per-week) earns even more than McCausland (£4.7k-per-week), as per Salary Sport, and has offered even less than the Northern Irish forward in the past 18 months.

As you can see in the table above, the Colombian flop – who pundit Michael Stewart claimed has a “heart the size of a pea” due to his lack of desire – has rarely been available to make appearances in the Premiership, playing just 14 times in almost a season-and-a-half.

Cortes, who has dealt with several injury issues this season, was given an opportunity from the start against Aberdeen last weekend and was withdrawn at half-time after losing five of his six duels in the first 45 minutes.

Like McCausland, the 21-year-old attacker has failed to prove that he has the quality, or the availability, to be a key player for a team that wants to compete for the title in the Premiership.

This is why Rangers must immediately, and ruthlessly, move on from Cortes as soon as they officially sign him on a permanent deal, whether that means loaning him out to another team to go and attempt to play regular football, or to another team on a permanent basis.

Rangers want to hire big Ferguson upgrade who could be their own Arteta

Rangers are reportedly interested in a manager who could be their answer to Mikel Arteta.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 16, 2025

Rangers need reliable players who can perform week-in-week-out to put themselves in contention for the biggest trophies, which is why McCausland and Cortes should be axed this summer.

Arsenal have privately refused to rule out signing a former Man City forward for manager Mikel Arteta this summer, with new sporting director Andrea Berta and the Gunners hierarchy set for a key transfer decision.

Arsenal cruise into Champions League semi-finals after Real Madrid win

It’s been a sensational week for Arteta and co, who made history by becoming the first ever side in history to win at the Bernabeu on their first two visits – breaking a record which stood for 77 years.

Arsenal given 50% discount for £280k-per-week forward after opening talks

Andrea Berta could now strike a half-price deal.

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 18, 2025

Goals from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli sealed a stunning 5-1 aggregate win for Arsenal in the Spanish capital, making a serious statement to the rest of Europe that they’re genuine contenders to win this year’s Champions League title.

A tough test in Ligue 1 champions PSG awaits in the semi-finals, but their tails will surely be up after a potentially season-defining quarter-final tie.

“The feeling that we have is our reality, basically,” said Arteta on the mood around Arsenal after their triumph over Real Madrid.

“And in the feeling that I had before the game, when the players were transmitting and how prepared I could feel the team, that we are ready to compete against anybody. Now we have to continue to do that because I think we have some momentum now.

“Where we finished last year and the way we’re doing it this year, the teams with their eyes on us and the competition, it’s incredible. Big credit to [Madrid}, it was my first time as a coach in that dugout, and today I realised after three minutes in this stadium, anything is possible. They are specialists of creating such chaos and belief, and it’s very difficult to really understand what’s going on in the game and have certainty about how we controlled it. I think they showed a lot of maturity.”

Arsenal refuse to rule out signing Raheem Sterling permanently

Privately, Arsenal are making plans to build the squad further and provide Arteta with new wide attackers.

In the last week, Arsenal have repeatedly been linked with a move for Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, not to mention Athletic Bilbao sensation Nico Williams, but there is also the matter of Raheem Sterling and his future at the Emirates.

It hasn’t exactly been a dream loan move from Chelsea for the Englishman, who’s seen precious little game time under his former City assistant coach, with Arsenal paying around £163,000-per-week of his £325,000-per-week salary during his temporary stint.

Berta would need to renegotiate contract terms and a fee with Chelsea to make his move permanent, but according to The Mail, as quoted by TEAMtalk, Arsenal have refused to rule out signing Sterling permanently and are yet to inform him of a final decision.

It would be a bizarre call by the north Londoners at this point, considering the 30-year-old boasts just one goal and five assists all season, but it is believed his stay may not be completely off the table, contrary to reports.