Nuno Espirito Santo has held talks with West Ham as head coach Graham Potter could be sacked following a series of poor results. Nuno, who parted ways with Nottingham Forest this month due to a breakdown in his working relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis, could return to the Premier League soon after he was replaced at the City Ground by Ange Postecoglou.
Potter nearing West Ham exit
Potter could be relieved of his duties soon after West Ham suffered their fourth Premier League defeat in five matches against Crystal Palace on Saturday. The Hammers are struggling in the relegation zone and have also exited the Carabao Cup at the second round stage after losing to Wolves.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportNuno in line to become new West Ham boss
Following their home defeat to Palace, the West Ham hierarchy has started to consider their options to replace Potter and have spoken to ex-Forest boss Nuno, according to . The report adds that former Wolves boss Gary O’Neil and Slaven Bilic, who managed the Hammers between 2015 and 2017, are also on their shortlist of potential head coaches.
Mourinho was backed to take charge of the Hammers
Former West Ham scout Mick Brown had earlier recommended Jose Mourinho as Potter's replacement, however, the legendary coach has since taken charge of Portuguese giants Benfica.
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AFPEverton clash could be Potter's final game at West Ham
West Ham next face Everton away in a Premier League fixture on September 29. A loss could see Potter relieved of his duties.
GOAL US unpacks the main weekend storylines from the Premier League, La Liga and other top competitions in The Euro XI
Can we jump to conclusions? Are the pieces just perfectly in place for most of Europe's top leagues?
Liverpool played Everton – the definition of a trap game. But they saw them off, late pressure notwithstanding. Man City and Arsenal then did the Reds an almighty favor by playing out a 1-1 draw in which either manager could have set up a team to win, but neither looked like they really wanted to.
Liverpool are five points clear and not playing well (yet). Further down the table – yes, down – Man United won their game against Chelsea and then tried really hard to lose it. In Germany, Bayern Munich are scoring for fun. And even if PSG-Marseille is postponed until Monday because of heavy rain, there's no doubt that the Parisians will walk it.
Of course, much can change here. Liverpool could start losing. Arsenal could decide they want to win. City could win 20 in a row and no one would bat an eyelid. Until then, though, we're left admiring from afar. But that might not be such a bad thing.
GOAL US presents The Euro XI, with 11 key observations from the weekend.
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1Mikel Arteta never changes
Why, Mikel, would you go out and spend big on Victor Gyokeres, Ebere Eze and Noni Madueke, if you aren't going to make the most of them? Arsenal's summer transfer business, from the outside, seemed a state of attacking intent. Here was a manager who loved his defensive structure, taking the handbrake off a little.
The Gunners could be expansive, maybe even just a little bit fun. But when it came to the big game, Arteta went right back into his shell. The Spaniard deployed seven (!) defensive players against a weakened Man City at home, and relied on a late moment of magic from Gabriel Martinelli to salvage a 1-1 draw.
Was this tragedy? No. But one point could have been three, if Arteta had just been a little more brave.
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2Pep Guardiola bunkers in
Man City are in a precarious spot. They are still rebuilding and tweaking, Pep Guardiola fiddling with a team rather than fine-tuning it. And you could see a side still a little uncertain of itself Sunday afternoon.
City went up 1-0 early thanks to a lovely goal from Erling Haaland. Guardiola's side of old would twist the knife, make it four or five. Instead, Guardiola shrunk and bunkered in. To be fair, it almost worked, but City were frighteningly conservative.
And even if Arsenal weren't exactly full of attacking inspiration, they could have few complaints about the draw. But something weird is happening: Pep is playing scared.
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3Erling Haaland is keeping Man City alive
It is a good thing, then, that Guardiola has a super Norwegian space robot demon to play up front. Haaland wasn't exactly last year, but he was miles off the player that smashed the Premier League goalscoring record in his debut season. Now, it seems, he is determined to restructure his game a little.
Haaland's whole vibe for a long time is that he was very good at one thing: sticking the ball in the net. Everything else was low priority. But this year, he's changed it up. Haaland is carrying Man City not only by scoring – he has six in five games – but also by affecting the game everywhere else.
Haaland passes. Haaland defends. Haaland now does a bit of everything. And without him, City would be in a far worse place.
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4Liverpool keep playing with fire
It's rather funny that the most likely team to win the Premier League are doing it while looking reasonably poor for long stretches. Liverpool were excellent for 30 minutes in the Merseyside derby. They scored two very nicely crafted goals, and might have had a third if Mo Salah's whipped shot not gone inches wide of the top corner.
After that, though, they closed into their shell, and let Everton play. They were, in the end, outrun, outworked and perhaps slightly fortunate to come away with three points against their rivals. It's an odd situation, all said.
Liverpool probably have too much attacking talent to lose in a shootout. But they do a pretty poor job of controlling games from ahead. At some point someone is going to punish them. The question is, who?
After the appointment of Thomas Frank earlier this summer, it’s become apparent that Tottenham Hotspur are desperately trying to improve one area of the pitch this window.
Mohammed Kudus has already completed his £55m transfer from West Ham United to join the Lilywhites this summer, but their business appears far from done within the final third.
The Ghanaian will add key goals and assists to the side throughout 2025/26, that’s if his Premier League tally from last year is anything to go by, after he notched eight combined goals and assists for the Hammers.
However, despite Spurs’ tally of 64 league goals last year, it’s evident that further improvement is desired by the hierarchy during the off-season in an attempt to rise up the table.
Numerous names have been mentioned with moves, highlighting the ambition shown by Daniel Levy to avoid a repeat of their dismal league finish in 2024/25.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new attackers this summer
Yoane Wissa is a player who has been firmly on their radar this window, potentially following Frank in joining Spurs from Brentford during the off-season.
The DR Congo international has stated his desire to leave the Bees this summer, opening the door to a move across the capital, but they could face competition from Newcastle United and Nottingham Forest for his signature.
Brentford's YoaneWissacelebrates scoring their first goal
However, he’s not the only forward currently in their sights, with Roma star Mathias Soule also on their radar, according to Italian outlet Radio Radio via Tutto Juve.
They claim that the Lilywhites are preparing a £28m bid for the Argentinian winger, but they’re not alone, with Aston Villa also lurking for the 22-year-old’s signature.
The report also states that the Serie A side may have to raise funds this window, opening the door to a potential move to North London, but fails to mention whether the player would want the move.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be their answer to Rodrygo
Rodrygo has emerged as one of Europe’s leading talents over the last couple of years, starring on countless occasions for European giants Real Madrid.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
The Brazilian has registered 270 appearances for the LaLiga outfit, managing to score 68 times, including an infamous double against Manchester City in the Champions League.
However, he looks set to depart this window, seemingly not part of Xabi Alonso’s plans after the Spaniard took the reins from Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Spurs have been named as one of the interested parties in the 24-year-old’s signature this summer, but it appears he’s rejected any move to join the Lilywhites in favour of a bigger move.
Such a decision appears to be a big disappointment given his stature in the professional game, but the supporters shouldn’t be worried if they miss out on his signature.
Fellow target Soule, who’s been dubbed “Messi-esque” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has also been labelled a similar player to the Brazilian by FBref, subsequently showing the talent he possesses.
When delving into their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Roma star managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, offering Frank’s side a cheaper alternative this window.
Games played
27
30
Goals & assists
10
11
Goal per shot on target
0.4
0.3
Key passes made
2.6
2.2
Passes into opposition box
1.7
1.2
Crosses completed
4.4
3.8
Fouls won
1.8
1.7
Aerials won
37%
30%
The Argentine may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but posted a higher goal per shot on target rate, showcasing the added threat he carries in front of goal.
He also managed to complete more key passes and more passes into the opposition’s box per 90, highlighting the creativity he possesses over the Real Madrid star.
Soule’s dominance is further reflected in his higher tally of crosses completed and aerials won, having the tools to provide Frank’s side with a more all-rounded talent within the final third during his quest for success.
£28m for a player of his talents could prove to be a huge bargain, especially given the chance he has to develop further in North London, given his tender age.
If he can continue on his current trajectory, he could surpass the levels achieved by Rodrygo, allowing them to forget about a move for his signature and be the club’s own version of the superstar.
A better deal than Gibbs-White: Spurs open talks to sign £87m superstar
Tottenham still need to make a few more signings in the summer transfer market.
Mohammed Kudus became Thomas Frank’s first major signing since taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, joining in a £55m deal from West Ham United last week.
The Ghanaian will offer key quality and depth in numerous key areas within the Lilywhites squad next season, having the versatility to star in numerous positions.
He can operate in any of the wide areas, whilst also being able to operate in the number ten role, leaving Frank to determine which role the 24-year-old is best suited to.
However, it’s likely that the new boss will want further additions to help bolster his side to aid any chances of immediate success in the Premier League.
Countless names have been touted with a move to North London in recent days, with multiple players appearing to be subject to more than just interest from the Lilywhites.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Over recent days, reports have emerged linking Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton with a move to join Spurs, but they could be priced out of a move for his signature.
Claims were made that the 21-year-old could be available for a fee in the region of £100m this summer, a figure undoubtedly way beyond what he’s worth after registering just 36 Premier League appearances in his career.
However, another name has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with Club Brugge star Ardon Jashari a key target for the club, according to TBR Football.
Their latest report claims that the Lilywhites have made an enquiry to sign the 22-year-old central midfielder this window, with the Swiss star currently valued at £32m.
It also states that numerous other Premier League sides, such as Nottingham Forest and Everton, remain in the race for his signature after he failed to agree a move to AC Milan earlier this window.
Why Spurs’ £32m target is a better signing than Wharton
Given his rapid rise to stardom over the last couple of months, it’s no surprise to see Eagles star Wharton touted with big-money moves away from Selhurst Park this window.
Despite his tender age, he was named in the Euro 2024 squad 12 months ago, having the ability to be a monster hit in North London should he make any move to join Frank’s squad.
However, the £100m fee that’s been touted for his signature is nothing short of extortionate, with the Lilywhites paying for the potential he holds given his youthful years.
Other players will need to be considered if the side are to improve within the middle of the park, which could see cheaper alternatives put forward by the hierarchy.
It’s safe to say Jashari could be the perfect star in such a department, that’s if his figures in Belgium last season are anything to go by – hopefully transferring such tallies across to England with him.
Club Brugge's ArdonJasharireacts
The midfielder, who’s been labelled “seriously talented” by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to register a 61% take-on success, along with 2.2 carries into the final third – showcasing his ability to get the ball into attacking areas.
He’s managed to add the final product to his mazy runs, completing 7.3 passes into the final third per 90, 1.3 of which were defined as key passes, with both of his tallies higher than those of Wharton during the 2024/25 campaign.
Games played
35
20
Goals & assists
7
2
Pass accuracy
87%
75%
Progressive passes
7.2
6.3
Passes into final third
7.3
5.3
Key passes made
1.3
0.7
Take-on success
61%
20%
Carries into final third
2.4
1.5
Progressive carries
1.4
0.9
Jashari’s excellent numbers don’t stop there, completing 87% of the passes he attempted, helping him post a tally of seven combined goals and assists last year – handing Frank’s side a superb talent that’s arguably a better addition than the Palace star.
£32m may appear to be a hefty sum splashed out on a player who may not be proven in England’s top-flight, but from the aforementioned stats produced, it’s evident he’s a player with huge potential.
If he can carry such form over to the Premier League, it could allow the hierarchy to forget about a move for Wharton, subsequently avoiding the added tax around English players and landing another huge talent for Frank’s side in the Dane’s hunt for success in North London.
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Celtic’s generally positive results in pre-season continue.
On Wednesday night, Brendan Rodgers’ side beat Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP 2-0 at Estádio Algarve, with Reo Hatate breaking the deadlock from the penalty spot, before substitute Luke McCowan came off the bench to secure victory.
That makes it three wins out of four in pre-season, after the Hoops enjoyed victories over both Queen’s Park and then Cork City, the sole blot on their copybook so far a 3-2 defeat to Estrela da Amadora last weekend, albeit that was played behind-closed-doors.
Now, ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Newcastle United at Parkhead, the 10,000 Geordies who are making the 139-mile journey north to Glasgow will ensure there is a great atmosphere at that one, but will Celtic have made an exciting new signing by then?
Celtic seeking to add attacking talent
Following the aforementioned mid-week victory over Sporting, Rodgers confirmed that adding attacking reinforcements to his squad is the priority in this window, stating “we’ve lost a lot of goals, so we need to replace that”.
This comes after Nicolas Kühn joined Como for a reported fee of £16.5m earlier this month, while the Celts are also still searching for a Kyōgo Furuhashi replacement, after he was sold in January.
While the Hoops have already snapped up Swedish talent, Benjamin Nygren, they are now set to complete the signing of striker Shin Yamada for £1.2m, as noted by Graeme Young of the Daily Record,
The 25-year-old, who helped Japan win the EAFF E-1 Football Championship earlier this week, said goodbye to supporters of his current club Kawasaki Frontale, with the Sky Blue and Black confirming he will now finalise a move to a ‘foreign club’.
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So, will he prove to be Celtic’s next Japanese sensation?
How Shin Yamada will improve Celtic
Upon his arrival, following the prior capture of Nygren, Yamada will become the ninth Japanese player in Celtic’s history.
Shunsuke Nakamura
2005-09
159
Kōki Mizuno
2008-09
12
Tomoki Iwata
2022-24
42
Yūki Kobayashi
2023
7
Yosuke Ideguchi
2022
6
Kyōgo Furuhashi
2021-2025
165
Reo Hatate
2022-present
142
Daizen Maeda
2022-present
158
As the table outlines, he will be following in the footsteps of a few modern-day Celtic greats, linking up with new teammates Hatate and Daizen Maeda.
Yamada began his senior football career at college side Toin University of Yokohama, before moving to J League side Kawasaki Frontale three years ago, bagging 32 goals in 121 appearances for the club, most notably helping them reach a first-ever AFC Champions League Final back in April.
Daizen Maeda
Data scientist Ryo Nakagawara labels Yamada a “fantastic” talent, as well as describing him as a ‘natural finisher’, praising his ‘excellent movement’ and ‘quick acceleration’, assertions that are supported by his statistics in the J League last season.
Goals
19
3rd
Goals per 90
0.85
1st
Goals + assists per 90
0.98
1st
Shots
80
12th
Shots on target
37
5th
Shots on target %
46.3%
10th
Big chances missed
14
8th
As outlined, Yamada was prolific in the J League last season, made all the more impressive by the fact that his team finished eighth, closer to relegation than champions Vissel Kōbe.
Meantime, according to Global Football Rankings, the J League is the 23rd strongest division in the world, a whopping 20 places above the Scottish Premiership.
Now though, the question remains, will he be a better starting centre-forward option than the current occupant of this position, Adam Idah?
The Republic of Ireland international’s performance against Sporting on Wednesday night was widely criticised, with Rodgers himself stating that the striker “needs to come alive”, calling for him to “have authority in the box”, intimating he is open to an alternative solution.
Minutes
2,012
2,168
Goals
19
16
Assists
3
0
Shots
80
88
Shots on target %
46.3%
48.9%
Big chances missed
14
19
Big chances created
6
6
Average Sofascore rating
7.06
6.93
As the table outlines, during the timeframes included, Yamada comes out on top for the majority of metrics.
The Japanese striker scored more goals, registered more assists and missed fewer big chances than the Irishman, while doing so for a side who are exponentially less dominant relative to their competition.
Thus, if Idah continues to flatter to deceive, all available evidence suggests the incoming Yamada deserves the opportunity to stake a claim for the starting nine number spot.
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Tom Bailey, Will Williams take two wickets apiece with Kent still well adrift in second innings
ECB Reporters Network25-Jun-2024Lancashire were closing in on a huge victory in their Vitality County Championship with Kent at Canterbury, having reduced the hosts to 143 for 6 at stumps on day three. Kent still trail by 162 with just four second innings wickets remaining, Charlie Stobo and Beyers Swanepoel the not out batters on 25 and 18 respectively.Lancashire declared on 549 for 9, a lead of 305, with Josh Bohannon making 205 and Matty Hurst 50, while George Garrett took 3 for 89.Will Williams and Tom Bailey then both took two wickets apiece to leave Kent six down at stumps. Ben Compton was their highest scorer with just 37 and the chances of them escaping with anything other than a heavy defeat to their relegation rivals are bleak.The only question at the start of day three was how long Lancashire were going to bat for, with a lead of 158 already in the bank, although for a side who’d been pummelled for four straight sessions Kent at least managed to stop Lancashire from scoring too freely.Bohannon reached his double-hundred with a pushed single off Matt Parkinson, before his former team-mate finally got him out lbw with a ball that might have been going down the leg side.Hurst eased to fifty with a single off Joey Evison but he was then stumped by Harry Finch when he tried to charge at Parkinson. It was 499 for 6 at lunch, during which a band called the “Useless Pluckers” performed, prompting one Lancastrian observer to remark: “They’re not Goons’N’Roses.”Garrett took all three of his wickets after the interval, which at least prevented an onslaught. Jack Blatherwick tried to hit him out of the ground and went for 18, caught by sub fielder Jaydn Denly. Garrett then had George Balderson caught behind for 42 and when Bailey skied him to Parkinson, Lancashire declared.They didn’t have to wait long for a wicket: Williams had Marcus O’Riordan caught at first slip by George Bell for 4 in the fourth over.Nathan Lyon came on after 12 overs but it was George Balderson who struck next, pinning Daniel Bell-Drummond lbw for 9 to leave Kent on 59 for 2 at tea.Compton always looked like being the key wicket but he inexplicably tried to slog Bailey and the ball flew in the air off his bottom edge. He spread his arms wide in despair well before Bell took the catch when the ball finally fell to earth.Williams sent Evison’s off stump flying for 10, Bailey had Tawanda Muyeye caught behind for a six-ball duck and Finch lasted for 56 balls for 23 until Lyon had him caught by Bohannon at mid-on.Swanepoel, who’d been unable to bowl, came out with O’Riordan as a runner and caused confusion by running anyway, but he and Stobo at least managed to drop anchor for the final 11.4 overs to take the game to a final day.
West Ham United have made contact over a summer deal for an “incredible” £20m defender, who has now been identified as a key target, according to a report.
Important summer on the horizion for West Ham
West Ham are set to part ways with a number of long-serving players in the summer, with Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Vladimir Coufal and Danny Ings all confirmed to be leaving upon the expiration of their contracts.
As such, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has insisted the Hammers will need to be busy in the summer transfer window, at which point Graham Potter will have the chance to bring in some players more suited to his style of play.
Potter is well-known for his possession-based style of play, which means it could be wise to bring in a new centre-back who is capable of playing out from the back, and the Irons have now made contact over a deal for a defender.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, West Ham United are now serious about signing Southampton centre-back Taylor Harwood-Bellis, and they have enquired about his potential availability this summer.
Harwood-Bellis has been identified as a key target for the Hammers, and an approach has now been made, with the Saints likely to lose the centre-back, who they originally signed for £20m.
Despite being a part of a struggling side this season, the 23-year-old has impressed West Ham’s scouts this season, and the Englishman’s age means his best years could still be ahead of him.
Harwood-Bellis could be "incredible" signing for West Ham
The 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for the Saints, but there are some signs the centre-back could be a solid signing for the Irons this summer, having received high praise from Pep Guardiola in the past.
The Manchester City manager said: “I’m happy that he’s settling in the Premier League. He’s an incredible threat for Southampton from set pieces and a composer when they have the ball because the manager insists the way they have to play, they have to be close, to move differently.”
The England international’s attacking quality was also on display during his Three Lions debut, scoring on his debut in the 5-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland back in November.
Having impressed for both club and country at times last season, there are signs that Harwood-Bellis could flourish in a better side, so it is promising news that West Ham are stepping up their pursuit of the former Manchester City man.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is set to be backed over what is expected to be another eventful summer transfer window at Stamford Bridge, especially after their now-confirmed qualification for the Champions League next season.
Chelsea handed summer transfer boost with Champions League spot confirmed
While Maresca refused to get drawn into any questions about the summer window in his post-match press conference, there is little denying that Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground on Sunday has seriously boosted the club’s recruitment strategy.
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Chelsea’s finish in the Premier League top five, courtesy of a second-half strike from Cobham academy graduate Levi Colwill against Forest, means BlueCo have been handed a significant potential windfall of around £64 million.
Race for Champions League qualification – Final standings
Rank
Team
Points
GD
3
Man City
71
+28
4
Chelsea
69
+21
5
Newcastle
66
+21
6
Aston Villa
66
+7
7
Nottingham Forest
65
+12
The Blues should earn around £48 million just from finishing fourth in the table, while Chelsea are also guaranteed £15.7 million from qualifying for the Champions League, even if Maresca’s side lose every game and go out in the league phase (Sky Sports).
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescacelebrates after the match
Alongside the financial boost, Chelsea will also have far more player-pull in the market, given they’ll be competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition next term.
In an x-rated celebratory statement, following their Sunday heroics, Maresca sent a message to his critics after Chelsea’s place.
“I didn’t have any doubt about the players. The doubt was from outside. All the ones that have the answers or the ones that have the truth, they were saying that we are too young, we are not good enough, they were waiting for Aston Villa to drop points for us to achieve the Champions League,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s finish to the season.
“They were saying that we were not able to win on this pitch because we are too young, because we are not experienced. Unfortunately for them, they have all been wrong. All the ones that have the truth and have the answer to everything. So in English, how you say? F off to all of them, because the players deserve that. The effort they have been doing is fantastic.”
Chelsea could now sign two strikers with Liam Delap set for imminent decision
According to journalist Simon Phillips, their Champions League status now means that Chelsea could sign not one, but two, strikers this summer.
One of their key targets, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, is set to decide on his next destination “this week”, and Chelsea are firmly in contention for the Englishman after holding talks with his camp (Fabrizio Romano).
However, Maresca’s side are keen on bringing in one of their two potential new centre-forwards before the Club World Cup, so given Delap’s desire to play at the Under-21 Euros with England, this could pose a slight issue.
In terms of other high-profile number nines who could join alongside Delap, it has been reported in the last two days that Chelsea are now “really pushing” for RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has suggested that he would like to extend his Everton contract, which is due to expire this summer, in comments which pertained to the excitement surrounding David Moyes’ budding project. BBC Sport report that a new deal is in the pipeline.
Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Injury-prone and inconsistent this season, some will feel the £100k-per-week star should depart, but keeping him on the books would lessen the urgency for a new number nine.
Thus allowing for signings across other areas, signing one new striker instead of two. It means Everton could move for their next Iliman Ndiaye, a player who has been nothing short of a revelation for the Toffees this term.
Iliman Ndiaye will be the key for Moyes
Ndiaye has proved this season that Everton do have the players to become a high-level attacking force while still being rooted in Moyes’ core defensive principles.
Everton star Iliman Ndiaye
Joining from Marseille in a deal worth £15m last summer, the Senegal international has scored nine goals across 34 Everton appearances, a shining light for Dyche and one of the driving forces behind the Moyes-led resurgence, scoring three in a row before being unfortunately injured in February’s Merseyside derby.
He’s quite the player, this 25-year-old left winger, all electric pace and frightening directness, with Sky Sports’ Jamie Redknapp hailing him for his “dynamite” ability earlier in the campaign.
Matches (starts)
30 (27)
Goals
7
Assists
0
Shots (on target)*
1.1 (0.5)
Big chances missed
3
Pass completion
84%
Key passes*
0.6
Dribbles*
2.1
Tackles + interceptions*
2.2
Duels won*
5.5
It would take some beating to secure a signing capable of topping Ndiaye this summer, but The Friedkin Group are the harbingers of a new era, and they might just have their sights set on a real force.
Everton could seal their best signing since Ndiaye
Earlier this week, Football Insider revealed that Everton will explore the possibility of signing Gustavo Hamer from Sheffield United this summer, though a deal will likely hinge on whether the Blades qualify for the Premier League through the Championship play-offs.
Hamer, who last week was named the Championship’s Player of the Season, joined United from Coventry City in a £15m deal in 2023 and has since made 81 appearances, notching 29 goal contributions, with his technical quality and tireless work rate setting him apart from his positional rivals in England’s second tier.
This season, he’s been a fearsome presence off the left flank of Chris Wilder’s system, with journalist Ryan Dilks even going as far as to call him a “creative genius.”
Shifting beteen the left lane and a more central creative berth for his outfit this season, Hamer ranks among the top 20% of positional peers in the Championship for goal involvements, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref, underscoring his value as a high-class playmaker.
Given that he demonstrated his ability to thrive in England’s highest tier last year – and in an imperilled Blades team at that – by clinching ten goal contributions, creating 11 big chances and averaging 4.4 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, there’s every chance that the 27-year-old could rival Ndiaye for that left-sided berth and potentially even elevate his game to the next level.
Gustavo Hamer for Sheffield United.
His playmaking prowess seems tailor-made for the success of a player like Ndiaye, and Calvert-Lewin, for that matter. It would be a fantastic signing and the perfect way for TFG to show to Moyes and the Blues fanbase that this new chapter could be one to remember.
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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.
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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.
Rangers forward Ross McCausland.
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.
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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.
Oscar Cortes
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.
Oscar Cortes (Premiership)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
6
8
Starts
3
4
Goals
1
0
Key passes per game
1.2
0.5
Big chances created
1
0
Assists
1
0
Stats via Sofascore
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.
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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.