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Last night’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain was a game to forget for Arsenal fans.

While Mikel Arteta’s side are still just about in the tie, they were incredibly disappointing against the French Champions, and failed to show any of the grit and determination that saw them get past Real Madrid earlier this month.

There were lacklustre performances across the pitch from the hosts, but arguably the most underwhelming starter was Martin Odegaard, who picked up a 4/10 match rating from the Independent’s Jamie Braidwood and amassed a combined expected goal plus assists figure of just 0.08, which is unacceptable from the team’s supposed chief creator.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports that have linked the club to one of the most exciting players in Europe, someone who could be a massive Odegaard upgrade.

Arsenal could sign £30m Odegaard upgrade

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfield talents linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window, such as Oihan Sancet.

Transfer Focus

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

The Athletic Bilbao ace was touted for a move to the Emirates earlier this month, and it’s not hard to understand why he’d interest the club, as in just 32 appearances this season, he’s scored 17 goals and provided three assists.

In what would be a summer-defining move, the Gunners have also been linked with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz this month.

The German international has already racked up a sensational haul of 15 goals and 13 assists in just 42 games for the reigning champions of Germany, although, with a reported price tag of at least £111m, this feels like more of a pipe dream than a realistic transfer, unlike stories around Rayan Cherki.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in signing the French phenom, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and more.

While the level of competition is far from ideal, the good news is that this wouldn’t be a particularly expensive transfer to get done, with the report claiming that Lyon value their star at up to €35m, which is about £30m.

It could be a complicated deal to get over the line, but given Cherki’s immense ability and potential, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he could be the perfect Odegaard upgrade.

How Cherki compares to Odegaard

So, the first thing to say is that while Cherki has primarily played off the right this season, his most played position across his whole career is attacking midfield, and with Bukayo Saka currently Arsenal’s best player, the Frenchman would almost certainly join the club to play in the middle of the park.

Therefore, his primary competitor for game time would be Odegaard, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes to their pure output, it’s hardly fair to call it a competition, as the Lyon gem comes out miles ahead.

For example, in just 41 appearances, totalling 2894 minutes, the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.32 games or every 93.35 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ captain has scored five goals and provided ten assists in 40 appearances, totalling 3072 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.66 games, or every 204.8 minutes.

Things don’t get any better for the Norwegian international when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers either.

For example, in practically every metric, the “future Ballon d’Or winner,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, comes out on top.

Delving into the other stats, Cherki also comes out on top in metrics such as progressive carries, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90 minutes.

Progressive Passes

9.31

10.2

Progressive Carries

4.17

3.48

Key Passes

3.33

2.47

Shot-Creating Actions

6.23

4.95

Goal-Creating Actions

0.93

0.57

Ball Recoveries

3.92

3.79

Finally, the Lyon-born dynamo is ambipedal, meaning he can use both feet, so he’d be able to effect play across the entire frontline from the attacking midfield role, which in turn could see Gabriel Martinelli get better service out on the left.

Ultimately, Cherki is younger, has better underlying numbers, is an output machine and has the added benefit of being able to use both feet, so if Arsenal have the opportunity to sign him this summer, they should, as he’d be an incredible Odegaard upgrade.

£21m star who agreed to join Arsenal last year teases potential 2025 move

He’s refused to rule out a summer switch.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

Aston Villa have now joined Bayer Leverkusen and many other suitors in the race to sign a £30 million defender, according to a recent report.

Aston Villa eye in-demand star as summer plans ramp up

The Villans still have a lot to play for in what remains of this season, and Unai Emery will be desperate to secure a place in next season’s Champions League not only for what it means on the pitch but also because it can do wonders for their transfer business this summer.

Aston Villa ready to spend £75m to sign star who has scored at Villa Park

He’s been in stellar form this season.

1 ByBarney Lane Apr 14, 2025

Marco Asensio’s and Marcus Rashford’s futures need to be decided at the end of this campaign; both have done very well since arriving at Villa Park and could have long-term futures at the club if Emery decides he wants to keep them. Villa are also willing to spend £75 million to sign Matheus Cunha from Wolves.

The Brazilian is expected to leave Molineux at the end of this campaign despite signing a new contract not long ago. Teams such as Manchester United, Newcastle United, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, Nottingham Forest and Villa are all keen on securing a transfer.

The Villans are hoping the fact they are willing to spend £75 million to secure a deal for Cunha will give them an edge over the other teams in the race, and they are now eyeing up a new defender to come in with their marquee target.

Aston Villa in race to sign Facundo Medina

Indeed, it could be an expensive summer for the Midlands side, as according to Caught Offside, Aston Villa are now interested in signing defender Facundo Medina from French side RC Lens.

The report states that Medina is preparing to leave Lens at the end of this season, despite the fact that he is under contract until the summer of 2028. Lens’ financial difficulties mean an exit is very likely this summer, as they want to cash in for between €30-35 million, which is roughly £25-30 million.

Villa, as well as Everton and Newcastle, are the latest teams to join the race to sign Medina this summer, with all three now keeping a close eye on his situation. But they face further competition, as Bayer Leverkusen, Crystal Palace and AS Roma have all expressed their interest in signing the 25-year-old.

Apps

25

Assists

1

Touches per game

77.1

Key passes

0.9

Clean sheets

9

Interceptions per game

1.2

Tackles per game

1.6

Medina is a natural centre-back by trade but can also play at left-back if required. The Argentine has been a key player for Lens this season, playing 25 games in Ligue 1.

The centre-back position is an area that Villa may need to strengthen this summer given Axel Disasi will return to Chelsea after his loan spell and Kortney Hause’s contract expires. Medina also being comfortable at left-back is another key reason why Emery may want to secure a transfer, giving him more depth ahead of likely being in four competitions once again next term.

Tottenham Hotspur and Daniel Levy have splashed the cash on a number of attacking players in recent years after losing Harry Kane to Bayern Munich.

The likes of Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson joined in big-money deals from Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest respectively, but before the duo moved to north London, Richarlison was a marquee signing from Everton.

Costing in the region of £60m, big things were expected from the Brazilian, but it hasn’t worked out for Richarlison at Tottenham. The attacker, who has been used through the middle and on either wing during his time at Spurs, has also suffered various injury problems and is on the treatment table again as the run-in begins.

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2 ByBarney Lane Feb 7, 2025

Richarlison did hit double figures for goals in the Premier League last season, but he failed to hit these heights in his other two campaigns for Spurs and was linked with a move to Saudi Arabia last year and a return to the Toffees in 2025.

And with Tottenham’s forwards drawing another blank in their 1-0 defeat to Chelsea in midweek, another striker will surely be on Levy’s wishlist in the summer.

Here, we’ve looked at a handful of centre-forwards Spurs could target to replace Richarlison.

1 Jonathan David Lille

One centre-forward set to be a man in demand this summer is Jonathan David, who is on course to become a free agent at the end of the 2024/25 season.

The Lille star has scored more than 100 goals for his current employers, taking his overall career tally to over 170 goals. He’s been linked with a move to Tottenham in recent times. The Canada international appears to be keen on a move to Barcelona, though, so Spurs may find it difficult to persuade David to move to north London.

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These players are entering the final months of their contracts, meaning they could be on the move very soon…

ByRoss Kilvington May 27, 2025 2 Liam Delap Ipswich Town

Liam Delap has been a shining light in a struggling Ipswich Town side this season and looks set to be on the move even if the Tractor Boys avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The former Man City youngster is into double figures for top-flight goals this season and starred at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in a 2-1 win for Ipswich in November, grabbing a goal and an assist.

Spurs have since been linked with a move for Delap, who could prove to be a long-term upgrade on Richarlison.

3 Ademola Lookman Atalanta

Ademola Lookman appears to be at the peak of his powers and has starred in Italy for Atalanta in recent years, including scoring a hat-trick in the 2024 Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

The Nigeria international came through the ranks at Charlton Athletic, but struggled to make a telling impact at Everton and RB Leipzig, as well as during loan spells at Fulham and Leicester City.

However, with Atalanta, Lookman has impressed in a new central role as a second striker or as a centre-forward, finding the net regularly in Serie A and the Champions League.

He’s been linked with a Premier League return, and perhaps Spurs should be in the race if they want to replace Richarlison adequately.

4 Mateo Retegui Atalanta

Another attacking star playing for Atalanta is Mateo Retegui, who is the current top scorer in Serie A with 24 goals in 28 games at the time of writing.

The Italy international is averaging a goal every 79 minutes and one of the best goal conversion records in the league, resulting in rumours of a £50m move to Arsenal.

At 25 years of age, he could be an ideal replacement for Richarlison, though Spurs may need to act fast if they want his services.

5 Randal Kolo Muani PSG & Juventus

Before signing Mathys Tel on loan from Bayern Munich, Tottenham were heavily linked with a move to sign Randal Kolo Muani, only for the Frenchman to join Juventus on loan.

There is an option for Juventus to make their move for the forward permanent in the summer, but if they don’t and Spurs decide to send Tel back to Bayern with an upgrade on Richarlison on their shopping list, they could look at returning for Kolo Muani.

He scored five goals in his first three games as a Juventus player, showing his quality in front of goal – something Richarlison has struggled with during his time with Spurs.

6 Evann Guessand Nice

Another forward who was recently on Tottenham’s radar was Evann Guessand of Nice, who, at 23 years of age, could be a smart signing in the long term in north London.

Like Richarlison, the Ivory Coast international has played across the front three and is having his best career to date in terms of both goals and assists. He appears to be a star in the making, so Spurs could be on to a winner with Guessand should they go back in for him this summer.

7 Serhou Guirassy Borussia Dortmund

If experience is what Spurs feel they need in the final third, Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy could be the man to replace Richarlison.

The Guinea international was reportedly open to joining Spurs before his move to Dortmund in 2024 and has continued to score goals on a regular occurrence at the Signal Iduna Park.

Now in his late 20s, Guirassy has already scored more than 10 goals in the Bundesliga and 10 in the Champions League this season, so he could be an excellent addition at the right price.

8 Moise Kean Fiorentina

One forward who already has Premier League experience is Moise Kean, albeit during a period in his career he’d probably want to forget.

While playing alongside Richarlison at Everton, Kean struggled at Goodison Park, but has since found form once again in Italy, firstly with Juventus and now with Fiorentina.

Still only 25 years of age, Kean has already enjoyed the best goalscoring campaign of his career in 2024/25, and he may feel he has unfinished business in the Premier League.

9 Brian Brobbey Ajax

Spurs reportedly made a late enquiry for Ajax forward Brian Brobbey during the January transfer window, with some claiming he could be a dream addition for Dejan Kulusevski.

A powerful striker who has been dubbed as a future star by many, Brobbey now has more than 50 goals for Ajax in over 150 games, hitting double figures in the last two Eredivisie campaigns.

With Tottenham keen, he could be another to keep an eye on heading into the summer.

10 Lois Openda RB Leipzig

Lois Openda was mooted as an “interesting Richarlison replacement” in 2024, but as we know, a move never materialised.

Plying his trade for RB Leipzig, the Belgium international has continued to impress in the Bundesliga, reaching 21 goals and assists combined in 2024/25 heading into April.

Primarily an out-and-out centre-forward, Openda could form an eye-catching partnership with Solanke, with the former’s pace and the latter’s strength possibly causing havoc for defences.

Potentially replacing the struggling Andre Onana, Manchester United are now reportedly eyeing a bargain deal to sign a former Newcastle United shot-stopper for Ruben Amorim this summer.

Man Utd targeting Onana replacements

Whilst there was a brief spell at the start of the season that Onana looked to have put any problems in the past, mistakes have since crept back into his game under Amorim, who must replace his goalkeeper. The former Inter Milan man must be part of a ruthless clear-out at Old Trafford, with several names already linked with a summer switch to Manchester United to act as a replacement.

Onana has struggled ever since arriving last season and found himself at the centre of criticism from the likes of Gary Neville following some disappointing displays.

Development: Man Utd hold positive talks with "strong" £68m star over move

He’d be an instant upgrade.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 5, 2025

The Manchester United legend slammed the goalkeeper after he made a mistake against Aston Villa last season, saying: “That was a pathetic passage of play. McGinn’s delivery was awful and then Onana makes a mess of it. Onana is getting on my nerves, slowing the game down and then keeps giving it away. Catch it and stay in your box!”

If recent reports are anything to go by too, Manchester United have seen enough. Recent rumours have even indicated that the Red Devils are interested in bringing David de Gea back to the club in what would be a sensational deal. Of course, it was Onana who initially came in to replace the Spaniard two seasons ago.

Meanwhile, other names such as Mike Maignan have also threatened to steal the headlines. The AC Milan goalkeeper is arguably one of the best in his position and his reported price tag reflects that, sitting at an eye-watering £67m ahead of the summer.

Whether the Red Devils can afford such a deal is the big question. The reality is that they could be forced to turn their focus towards a bargain deal to replace Onana this summer.

Man Utd eyeing Freddie Woodman bargain

According to The Sun, Manchester United are now eyeing a bargain deal to sign Freddie Woodman from Preston North End this summer. The former Newcastle shot-stopper is set to become a free agent at the end of the season, which could allow those at Old Trafford to swoop in and land a free transfer.

The 28-year-old has been in excellent form in the Championship this season and may have done enough to earn a move back to the Premier League for the first time since leaving St James’ Park on a permanent deal in 2022. Having kept as many as 17 clean sheets in the current campaign, Woodman is far from the young goalkeeper who struggled to establish himself at Newcastle.

In recent years, Woodman has instead found himself at the centre of praise at Preston, including from Ryan Lowe. The former manager told reporters after the shot-stopper kept his 16th clean sheet of the 2022/23 campaign: “Freddie made some fantastic saves and that’s 16 clean sheets for him now, which is brilliant.

“He’s got a gashed eye and had three or four stitches at half-time, but there was no way we were going to get him off the pitch.”

They might not have got the win, but Sunday evening’s game against Arsenal was a success for Chelsea.

Enzo Maresca’s side utterly outplayed the Premier League leaders in the first half, and despite losing Moises Caicedo for over half the match, came away with a point.

There were sensational performances across the pitch from the hosts, with the most impressive undoubtedly being Reece James’.

The club captain has been unreal all season for Chelsea, and now it looks like Cobham could already be brewing his heir.

James' performance against Arsenal

Now, James putting in a strong performance for Chelsea is really nothing new; he is the captain after all.

However, against Arsenal, the Englishman truly stepped it up to a whole other level and did so from the middle of the park, not right-back.

In a game that was billed as a midfield showdown between Caicedo and Declan Rice, it was the full-back who came out as comfortably the best player on the whole pitch, let alone the middle of it.

That might sound hyperbolic, but his man-of-the-match award would suggest otherwise.

On top of doing all the defensive work you would expect of him, the “gargantuan” presence, as dubbed by presenter Olivia Buzaglo, was a serious attacking threat and provided the assist for his side’s opener.

Moreover, he completed three of his four crosses, played two key passes, was successful in 100% of his dribbles and generally didn’t let up for the entire encounter.

In all, it was perhaps one of James’ best performances in a Chelsea shirt and a shining example of why so many people rate him so highly.

Therefore, fans should be ecstatic about the fact that Cobham may already be producing another version of the international monster.

Chelsea's next James

When it comes to producing top-quality Premier League talent, few academies can match Chelsea’s Cobham.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

As always seems to be the case, there is another cohort of incredible youngsters coming up at the moment, like Reggie Watson and Shim Mhueka.

However, there is another, perhaps slightly lesser-known prospect fans should start taking more notice of, someone who could be the next James: Lewi Richards.

The 17-year-old has been with the Blues since the under-8s level and became a scholar at the start of the season.

However, the youngster has made such an impression this year that he put pen to paper on his first professional paper just a couple of months later, at the end of October.

With that said, what makes him like James?

Well, the first thing is that, like the club captain, he has shown an impressive level of positional versatility, playing at right-back, left-back and centre-back for the u18 and u21 sides.

Right-Back

9

3

0

Centre-Back

5

0

1

Left-Back

2

0

0

Moreover, he even spent time playing in the middle of the park when he was playing for the lower levels of the academy.

On top of this ability to be deployed all over the pitch, the teen phenom has already shown an ability to marry technical quality with physicality.

For example, respected analyst-turned-Como scout Felix Johnston has described him as a “technically strong” prospect who is “monstrous in the tackle” as well as “fearless in the air” and blessed with “bags of pace.”

Ultimately, Richards still has plenty of development to do, but he looks to be an extraordinary academy prospect and one whose versatility, technical ability, and power mean he could be another James in a few years.

Man Utd lining up January move for "powerful" £53m Liverpool & Chelsea target

The Red Devils are looking to sign a 22-year-old, who is being targeted by some of the Premier League’s biggest clubs.

ByDominic Lund Dec 2, 2025

Micky Van de Ven was left blown away by the performance of a Tottenham Hotspur star in the 2-0 victory against Brentford at the weekend.

Tottenham secure first Premier League win since late October

The pressure has been mounting on Thomas Frank in recent weeks, with it even emerging that Tottenham were considering a move for Barcelona manager Xavi as a replacement, but the Dane may have bought himself more time courtesy of a victory against Brentford.

Spurs breezed to a 2-0 win against the Bees, which was their first triumph in the Premier League since winning 3-0 at Everton at the end of October, with Richarlison opening the scoring after 26 minutes, finding the back of the net for the seventh time in all competitions this season.

Xavi Simons was the creator, and the Dutchman then went on to score his first goal since moving to north London just before half-time, sealing all three points for Frank’s side in the process.

Simons has received heavy criticism for making a slow start to life at Tottenham, with Jamie O’Hara left particularly scathing after the defeat against Fulham, but he clearly has the full support of teammate Van de Ven, who singled the attacking midfielder out for high praise after Brentford.

Simons needs to build on his Brentford performance

Frank will no doubt be delighted the Netherlands international appears to be finding his feet, receiving a SofaScore match rating of 9.5 after registering a goal and an assist against Keith Andrews’ side.

Having finally shown what he can produce, the 22-year-old needs to build on that performance, starting on Tuesday against Slavia Prague, with Spurs set to host the Czech side in their sixth Champions League game.

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ByAngus Sinclair 6 days ago

Frank’s side have looked bereft of ideas at times this season, with only a Richarlison wonder goal preventing them from suffering an even heavier loss against Arsenal back in November.

As such, Simons needs to step up, and Tottenham will be hoping the former RB Leipzig man can start recording similar attacking numbers to what he did during his time with the German club, registering 22 goals and 24 assists in 78 games.

From Scott McTominay overhead kicks to Troy Parrott mania and the stuff of dreams for Curaçao and Haiti, the November international break has been one full of drama.

It has also provided a far clearer picture of what the 2026 World Cup may look like. All but six countries have now booked their places in North America, with the remaining spots to be determined by playoffs taking place in March 2026, which will see four additional European teams qualify.

Along with Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, Italy are the biggest name in the European playoffs, with Poland, Denmark, Ukraine, Turkey and the Czech Republic among others being forced to take that route.

England World Cup Squad Tracker England 2026 World Cup Squad Tracker

Who is in line to make Thomas Tuchel’s 26-player squad?

ByCharlie Smith Nov 13, 2025

The remaining two places will come from the inter-confederation playoffs featuring Iraq, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Jamaica, Suriname, Bolivia and New Caledonia.

The draw for the finals will take place in Washington on Friday, December 5 at midday local time (5pm UK time), but AI has jumped the gun and predicted every group including those teams yet to be officially decided.

Group A – USA, Denmark, Norway, Japan

According to the supercomputer, hosts USA will meet Denmark, Norway and Japan in the group stage. Having qualified automatically due to their host status, America will hope to advance into the knockouts in what would be an interesting group. A lot, of course, relies on whether Denmark can qualify through the playoffs.

The Danes lost late on against Scotland and were forced to settle for a place in the playoffs rather than automatic qualification. Japan, meanwhile, could be ones to watch after they lost just once in World Cup qualifying, and Norway could yet cause a few upsets thanks to Erling Haaland. In a well-balanced group, though, both USA and Denmark would be favourites to advance.

Group B – Mexico, Ecuador, South Africa, Iraq

Like USA, Mexico have had their 2026 place sealed ever since it was announced that they would host the World Cup and the supercomputer predicts that they’ll be handed a fairly routine group to match. Joined by Ecuador, South Africa and Iraq – who just kept their qualification hopes alive with a late victory over UAE – Mexico would be expected to advance in such a group.

Group C – Canada, Iran, Uzbekistan, Republic of Ireland

Canada, the final hosts of the tournament, will be joined in Group C by Iran, Uzbekistan and Ireland – who will need to qualify through the playoffs – according to the supercomputer.

Canada should feel confident if the AI prediction is right. They could top the group in front of their home crowd.

Group D – Argentina, Switzerland, Ivory Coast, Haiti

Can Argentina retain their crown on Lionel Messi’s likely last appearance on the big stage? That’s the question. They turned on the style at times in qualifying and will be expected to advance in a group with Switzerland, Ivory Coast and Haiti if the supercomputer’s prediction comes true.

That’s not to say it’s the most routine group, though. Ivory Coast have a strong team in their own right, boasting the likes of Amad Diallo, Simon Adingra and Evann Guessand. The same, meanwhile, can be said for Switzerland, who have the likes of Granit Xhaka to call on. Argentina should top the group, but then the fight for second place would be on, especially if Haiti cause any upsets.

Group E – Brazil, Croatia, Tunisia, New Zealand

Out of all the groups that the supercomputer has predicted, Group E stands out as the most routine so far. Both Brazil and Croatia would likely compete for top spot, with Carlo Ancelotti’s side favourites to come out on top, whilst Tunisia and New Zealand battle it out for third place.

There would still be room for some shocks, but the dominance of Brazil and Croatia would likely prove too strong. Ancelotti’s side will especially be one to watch, as they weigh-up whether to bring Neymar to the World Cup and others in pursuit of glory at long last.

Group F – Uruguay, Netherlands, Egypt, Jordan

If anyone was ever keen to see Darwin Nunez up against Virgil van Dijk then Group F will be the one for you, according to the AI prediction. It has predicted that Uruguay will square off against Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, Jordan and the Netherlands at the 2026 World Cup.

On paper, it looks like a routine draw for the two favourites of the group to go through, but seven-time AFCON winners Egypt are not to be taken lightly as long as Salah is fit and firing.

Group G – Belgium, Italy, Senegal, Saudi Arabia

Despite the fact that they’ll need to go through the playoffs, the supercomputer has predicted that Italy will take part in their first World Cup in over 10 years. It would signal a huge sigh of relief around the country if that proved to be the case, but their recent form suggests that it could yet be a playoff to forget once again.

Meanwhile, if they do reach the World Cup, they may still face their demise. The computer has predicted that Italy will meet a brutal group including Belgium and Senegal, one of Africa’s strongest sides, while don’t ignore Saudi Arabia, who beat eventual champions Argentina at Qatar 2022.

Group H – England, Austria, Algeria, Curacao

The supercomputer has predicted that England will be drawn into a group with Austria, Algeria and the smallest-ever country by population to feature at a World Cup, Curacao.

It wouldn’t get much more routine for the Three Lions, who are looking to finally bring football home in the men’s game to follow in the footsteps of the successful Lionesses.

They couldn’t have asked for a better qualification process under Thomas Tuchel, either. England were untouchable going forward and going the other way. They’ve got the players and they’ve got a winning manager. Will this finally be the year?

Group I – France, Scotland, Ghana, Australia

It could be good news for Scotland. The computer believes they’ll be drawn with France, Australia and Ghana. It would be an ideal draw for Steve Clarke’s men, who just defeated Denmark in dramatic fashion to qualify.

The fact they’ve reached the World Cup is an achievement in itself, but they won’t just be there to take part. In a group with France, who are likely to top the group, Australia and Ghana, they should expect to compete for a place in the knockouts.

Group J – Spain, Morocco, Paraguay, Jamaica

Drawn in a group with Morocco, Paraguay and Jamaica, Spain will be expected to dominate and send an early statement at the World Cup. They already have the Euros under their belt and will now be gunning for World Cup glory.

They’re a country full of great footballing history and many are backing them, led by the talent of Lamine Yamal, to create even more.

Group K – Portugal, Colombia, Qatar, Cape Verde

Group K, according to the supercomputer, will be centred around Cristiano Ronaldo and what is likely to be his final chance to win the World Cup. He’s watched as Messi has lifted it in dramatic style and will now be desperate to get his own glory to truly cement his Portugal legacy.

In a group with Luis Diaz’s Colombia and underdogs Qatar and Cape Verde, Ronaldo will be expected to shine.

Group L – Germany, South Korea, Panama, Wales

Whilst Germany likely ease to top spot, South Korea could grab second place in Group L. Up against Panama and playoff contenders Wales, they could have a routine run at second, assuming Germany take control.

The 2014 World Cup winners should be desperate to improve on their recent record and reclaim their throne, although they may have to stifle a Welsh side boosted by scoring seven times in their final qualifying game.

Searching for a much-needed centre-back, Liverpool are now reportedly prepared to take a key step towards their attempt to sign Nico Schlotterbeck from Borussia Dortmund.

Their chase to sign the Bundesliga defender comes as no surprise. Arne Slot was left with little choice but to play Andy Robertson centre-back in an attempt to rest both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate against Crystal Palace. The season-ending injury to Giovanni Leoni left the Reds with just three senior centre-backs and only compiled their current misery.

Things could have been so different had they signed Marc Guehi, of course, but those at Anfield now face a battle to land his signature for free next summer. Missing out on the Crystal Palace star a year on from coming within hours of securing his arrival would be an undeniable blow.

Six defeats in seven games have exposed Liverpool’s defensive problems so soon after missing out on Guehi in the summer and they must find a solution in 2026.

What certainly doesn’t help is the contract situation of Ibrahima Konate. The Frenchman is yet to sign a new deal and is on course to leave Anfield as a free agent in the summer. Meanwhile, Virgil van Dijk will be into the final year of his deal at the same time – sparking a potential crisis for the Reds.

Preparations are seemingly underway for such a scenario, with names such as Dayot Upamecano recently mentioned as reported targets, but replacing both Konate and Van Dijk would almost be an impossible task.

One player who holds similar attributes to Van Dijk, however, is Schlotterbeck. The Dortmund defender has caught Liverpool’s eye and Michael Edwards is now ready to take a key step towards his signature.

Liverpool preparing to match Schlotterbeck demand

As reported by Bild in Germany and relayed by Sport Witness, Liverpool are now prepared to match Schlotterbeck’s wage demands.

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The 25-year-old has reportedly rejected Dortmund’s €8m-a-year (£7m) contract offer and wants to earn in the region of €14m-a-year (£13m) instead, which would be up from his current €5m-a-year (£4m) deal.

That’s something that the German club are yet to match, but something that Liverpool, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are ready to hand the defender.

Money talks on the European stage and Liverpool will hope that proves true in the summer as Schlotterbeck continues to impress.

Minutes

450

810

Progressive Passes

7

6.22

Successful Aerial Duels

1.60

5.11

Ball Recoveries

5.60

2.33

Whilst there will be concerns over Schlotterbeck’s struggles in the air, his passing range more than makes up for that. Completing seven progressive passes per-90 so far this season, the Dortmund star would solve Liverpool’s build-up problem almost instantly.

Described as “underrated” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Liverpool should go all out for Schlotterbeck in 2025. Not only is he good enough to replace Konate, but he could even become their Van Dijk heir in the coming years.

Why Arne Slot was left stunned in Liverpool press conference before Aston Villa

When Everton wrapped up a season-long loan deal for Jack Grealish ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, it felt like the Three Lions star had entered the last-chance saloon.

It also raised questions as to what David Moyes was to do with his Toffees talisman, Iliman Ndiaye. Both mavericks couldn’t play on the left flank, after all.

But Ndiaye has performed excellently in a new right-sided berth, leading the club’s scoring charts with three goals from nine Premier League matches.

Iliman Ndiaye's importance to Everton

Alongside Grealish, he is the standout star in Moyes’ squad. Ndiaye only arrived in 2024, signing from Marseille for about £15m, but he was a beacon of hope throughout the end of Sean Dyche’s tenure and has scored nine goals under Moyes; no active Everton player has bagged more.

His electric pace and sharp-witted brain makes him a tricky customer for even the sternest Premier League defence. As per Sofascore, the Senegal international has won seven duels per game so far this season, and he has yet to miss a big chance when played in on goal.

Grealish has a unique skillset of his own, but there is really no one else quite like him on the blue half of Merseyside, perhaps the red streets too.

He wears the #10 shirt with pride and purpose, and it’s unlikely anyone in Moyes’ squad has the quality to take it from him right now.

There is an Everton up-and-comer who would fancy his chances, though. He’s currently out on loan, and causing quite the storm as he angles toward an emphatic return to the Premier League next season.

The Everton prospect who could take Ndiaye's shirt

For those of an Everton persuasion, it’s a hard thing to admit, but if Ndiaye isn’t playing European football before long, he may well cast an eye on the continent. Already, the likes of Tottenham Hotspur are weighing up a bumper bid, and the Friedkin Group have responded with a price tag spilling over the £70m mark.

Should he leave, Harrison Armstrong might fancy himself worthy of the summer. Certainly, the teenager has been riding the crest of a wave out on loan in the Championship with Preston North End this season, with his performances leading writer Jonny Nelson to predict that he “will be playing for England in two years”.

The 18-year-old has the grace, technical skill and physicality to become a mainstay in the Premier League, and after a promising spell on loan with Derby County last year, he has taken his game to the next level at Deepdale.

Rangy and ever-more athletic, he’s already featured eight times for Everton’s senior side and has racked up three assists, having played prominently for the development side before being determined to warrant a series of loan moves at a lower level.

Lauded for his “unreal” recent performances by the Second Tier Podcast, Armstrong is going from strength to strength.

We are seeing improvements. We are seeing maturity and growth. Armstrong ranks among the top 10% of Championship midfielders this season for progressive carries and the top 13% for successful take-ons per 90 (data via FBref).

But, more crucially, it is the overall level of his game that has been raised, more confident on the ball, more combative against the run of play. This is a Moyes midfielder, and one who stands a compelling chance of emulating Declan Rice at West Ham United, who was schooled into the superstar he is by the Scotsman.

Matches (starts)

15 (12)

8 (5)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

0

Touches*

33.6

35.0

Accurate passes*

14.8 (68%)

20.1 (82%)

Chances created*

0.3

0.3

Dribbles*

0.6

0.8

Ball recoveries*

3.8

3.0

Tackles + interceptions*

3.2

2.1

Ground duels won*

2.9 (57%)

2.8 (59%)

Aerial duels won*

1.0 (45%)

1.1 (75%)

He is not a winger, and would not replace Ndiaye in terms of tactical role, but the Finch Farm starlet has what it takes to dazzle on Merseyside and provide Everton with a new dimension, much like the silky winger.

Everton might just have a superstar on their hands in Armstrong, one who could hit the heights Ndiaye has reached, and more.

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