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Aston Villa are reportedly in the running to sign Burnley defender James Tarkowski this summer, according to reports.

What’s the word?

As per the Daily Mail, the Midlands side have been named as one of a handful of clubs who are interested in the 29-year-old, with the player set to be available on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract in June.

The Clarets had held firm on their asset in January to thwart any potential interest from Premier League rivals, although now appear set to lose the centre-back for nothing, with the Turf Moor outfit’s drop into the second tier likely to only heighten the £19.8m-rated man’s desire to depart.

Alongside interest from Steven Gerrard’s men, however, newly-promoted Fulham and Everton are also in the running for his signature, as per the report.

Instant upgrade

Not only would his arrival prove something of a coup owing to its bargain nature – particularly as he had been valued at roughly £50m just under two years ago – securing the services of the two-cap England international would also prove an instant fix to try and solve the club’s defensive woes.

Villa’s final day defeat at the Etihad saw the visitors ship three goals in the space of just five minutes to squander a 2-0 lead and hand their hosts the title, with those efforts also ensuring that Gerrard’s charges ended the campaign with 54 goals conceded – the tenth worst record in the division.

That is in fact a marginally worse record than that of Burnley, even though the Lancashire side suffered relegation, with it having largely been problems at the other end of the pitch that had culminated in relegation for Mike Jackson’s men.

Amid that difficult campaign, the £70k-per-week Tarkowski still boasted some impressive statistics, averaging 5.2 clearances per game, as well as 1.4 interceptions and 1.8 tackles, while also winning an impressive 68% of his total duels.

Compared to centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues, he also ranks in the top 1% for blocks and aerial duels won, as well as in the top 3% for clearances made, while also proving himself more than just a defensive asset as he ranked in the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area and in the top 17% for progressive passes received.

A real solid presence at the back – having been labelled a “rock” by journalist Alex James – the former Brentford man is a defender first and foremost, with his arrival at Villa Park likely to allow the creative, attacking talent ahead of him to shine with less concern about having a leaky defence.

Current skipper Tyrone Mings has been the notable source of blame this season, with pundit Danny Mills suggesting that there is “a mistake in his game somewhere”, with the 29-year-old notably ranking in just the top 44% for aerial duels won among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, as well as in just the top 82% for tackles made.

Those statistics make pretty grim reading, with it clear that an upgrade is needed for Gerrard next season, with Tarkowski seemingly the man to do the job.

AND in other news: “Villa would…”: Gregg Evans drops huge transfer claim, supporters will be buzzing

Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou made no bones in making some significant changes to the squad at Parkhead after he was appointed manager back in June.

The previous summer transfer window saw some big names wave goodbye to the club such as Odsonne Edouard, Ryan Christie, Kristoffer Ajer, Olivier Ntcham and Scott Brown among others.

As well as this, the Hoops saw numerous other players sign to the Parkhead side on loan or permanent deals.

One figure that was signed during that period was defender Carl Starfelt, who joined from Rubin Kazan on a four-year deal for a reported fee of £4m.

Throughout his debut campaign with the Bhoys, the £17k-per-week centre-back racked up 49 appearances across all competitions, showing just how much of an important figure he was for Postecoglou.

Not only did he play more minutes in the league than any other outfield player in the squad, but he also showed what a capable and solid defender he is.

With the second-highest number of interceptions (42) and tackles won (30) to his name, Starfelt also had the joint-second highest average of clearances (3.5) and joint-highest average for aerial duels won per game (4.2).

Looking at how Celtic ended the season with the best defensive record with only 22 goals conceded in 38 games, it’s safe to say that their defensive recruit has been a big reason the Hoops have that record under their belt.

This also backs up why the Sweden international was labelled as being a “crucial” player for his manager by journalist Sacha Pisani on Twitter.

Back in April 2020, Transfermarkt rated the 26-year-old’s market value at £473k, whereas it currently stands at £3.6m, highlighting a significant increase of 661%.

This shows the sort of trajectory he’s been on over the past couple of years and based on what he’s done for his new club since his arrival, there’s no reason that progress can’t continue for the foreseeable future.

Taking all of this into account, it’s hard to deny that Starfelt has been a fantastic signing for not only Celtic but for Postecoglou as well at the start of his tenure in charge of the Bhoys.

In other news: “Postecoglou is planning..”: Insider drops exciting Celtic claim, it’s great news

Leeds United correspondent Phil Hay has dropped a worrying injury claim regarding winger Jack Harrison ahead of Sunday’s crucial clash with Brighton.

The Lowdown: Marsch’s comments

Harrison was withdrawn in the first half of the 3-0 defeat to Chelsea on Wednesday evening. Jesse Marsch admitted after the match he was hoping the injury wasn’t too serious, describing the issue as a ‘contusion’ that ‘limited him from moving’.

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The 25-year-old, described as a ‘big influence’ by Marcelo Bielsa, has missed just three Premier League games all season and none under Marsch but was due to have a scan on Thursday morning.

However, it looks as if he could join a number of senior stars on the sidelines due to injury and suspension for the final home game of the campaign.

The Latest: Hay’s claim

Hay shared a story for The Athletic following another night to forget for Leeds against Thomas Tuchel’s side. When it came to injuries, he stated that Harrison is ‘probably beyond Marsch’s reach for the meeting with Brighton’.

Raphinha was also taken off with a slight hamstring concern in the second half, but that was thought to be simply as a precaution.

The Verdict: What next?

Leeds are running out of time, games and players in their attempts to avoid the drop, so should Harrison miss out on Sunday, Marsch will be left with limited resources in attack on what would be another big blow.

Providing Raphinha makes it, he could be the only senior wide man available at Elland Road. Youngsters Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood, who are suited to more central roles, could be Marsch’s only options.

An even narrower formation could be deployed as a result, and who knows, Patrick Bamford may make a timely return to the squad in a rare injury boost, should he return to team training today as expected.

In other news: Phil Hay says £15k-p/w Leeds man will now leave Elland Road over the coming weeks. 

Antonio Conte could see his transfer budget bolstered by a number of key departures at Tottenham Hotspur this summer…

What’s the word?

According to The Evening Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick, the Italian head coach has hinted that, in order to commit to the club for another season, he needs assurances they can build a squad capable of challenging at the top of the Premier League.

New signings will be crucial but the Lilywhites are by no means a financial heavyweight, at least not in the same bracket as Manchester City or Newcastle United.

As such, as many as ten players could be free to leave the club should a suitable offer come in for them. Of these names, both summer arrival Emerson Royal and one-time club-record signing Davinson Sanchez feature.

Both should be offloaded by the club this summer.

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Get rid!

Emerson’s struggles since his £26m move from Barcelona are perhaps most evident by the fact that Conte tried to sign a new right wing-back during the January transfer window, less than six months after the Brazilian’s arrival. Jose Mourinho flop Matt Doherty had even begun to usurp him in the pecking order prior to his injury.

Over the course of the campaign, many supporters have been left frustrated by Emerson’s displays, with some describing him as a “liability”, whilst former Lilywhites centre-back Jonathan Woodgate once dubbed the 23-year-old “horrendous”.

Indeed, the Irishman has managed a better WhoScored rating and is averaging a better passing accuracy, more shots, more key passes and fewer fouls than the Brazilian this term.

It certainly seems like £26m wasted thus far.

Meanwhile, Sanchez has barely had a look-in under the Italian head coach, despite a change to a three-at-the-back system. The left-footed Ben Davies, a full-back by trade, is often preferred.

The Colombian centre-back has made only three substitute appearances across Tottenham’s last 12 league outings, with Eric Dier and impressive Atalanta loanee Cristian Romero also getting the nod.

Throughout his time at the club, he has often been lambasted for his calamitous ways, just like Emerson.

Former Premier League defender Kenny Cunningham once described him as a “real liability”, whilst ex-Colombia boss Jorge Luis Pinto also claimed that Sanchez “does not have the talent” to succeed.

Valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, he could be a player that garners some sort of worthwhile fee, perhaps in comparison to a Doherty or a Harry Winks.

As such, it’s time for the Lilywhites hierarchy to axe the struggling pair this summer. Conte would surely be buzzing if that happens, as it would bolster his transfer budget in his bid to keep Spurs competitive at the top end of the Premier League table.

AND in other news, Conte could land his own Jorginho in Spurs swoop for “extraordinary” £45m-rated titan…

Having been linked with a move to Leeds United earlier this year, Victor Orta appears to have been given a boost in his potential pursuit of the central midfielder this summer by AFC Wimbledon manager Mark Bowen.

Following the Dons’ relegation to League Two, Bowen admitted that it will be difficult for his side to keep hold of some of their more talented prospects, stating in a recent interview with the South London Press:

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“I am under no illusions that the club have got to do things that they need to do to financially survive – I am aware of that. If it comes to a situation where certain individuals have to leave, then what is most important is that it’s right for the club in terms of the money that we get and if we can replace them to the right level.

“It’s not an exact science, but I am certainly very much aware of where AFC Wimbledon are in terms of being able to keep players who are maybe getting offers from bigger clubs in higher leagues – it’s a difficult situation to try and fight against.”

And, while the 20-year-old is not specifically mentioned by the 58-year-old coach, it is clear from Rudoni’s displays this season that he is very much a player who could be on the move this summer.

Indeed, over his 41 League One appearances this term, the £910-per-week youngster was one of the Dons’ standout performers, scoring 12 goals, registering five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of two shots, making 0.9 key passes and completing 0.8 dribbles per game.

The midfielder also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.9 interceptions, 1.7 tackles, 1.1 clearances and winning five duels per fixture.

These returns saw the Wimbledon academy graduate who Mark Robinson dubbed a “complete” talent and Dan Marsh labelled a “cracking player” average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 6.96, ranking him as Bowen’s fourth-best player in the third-tier of English football – a rather extraordinary feat considering his tender age and his club’s relegation from the division.

As such, it is clear to see that, should Leeds indeed reignite their interest in Rudoni this summer, they could “pick up a real gem” in the shape of the 20-year-old – who undoubtedly looks to have an exciting future in the professional game.

And, with Orta having landed the likes of Lewis Bate from Chelsea, Joe Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic and Sam Greenwood from Arsenal in recent seasons, all of whom have gone on to feature in the Whites’ first team in the current campaign, considering the sheer amount of potential it is clear Rudoni possesses, the Wimbledon youngster could quite easily become the Spaniard’s next diamond in the rough.

AND in other news: Orta must now axe £13.5m-rated Leeds dud on “silly money”, he’s a “problem” for Marsch

Liverpool must swoop for “sensational” RB Leipzig midfielder Konrad Laimer this summer, as he could massively improve their options in the middle.

What’s the word?

According to reports in Spain, Laimer is one of three players that manager Jurgen Klopp is prioritising this summer and has personally requested that he be signed following his impressive performances for German side RB Leipzig this season.

They are currently on a quest for glory in Europe and are currently facing Rangers in the semi-final of the Europa League. He has been a key part of that run and could provide Klopp even more options in the middle enabling him to rotate even more.

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In the longer term, as he’s only 24-years old he could become a successor to captain Jordan Henderson who may soon be phased out for a younger, more energetic player.

He is currently valued at £23.4m by Transfermarkt.

He could be their own N’Golo Kante

One player that has been one of the best midfielders in the Premier League in recent years is N’Golo Kante. The French international’s rise to stardom came at Leicester City in 2016 where he was part of the infamous side that won the Premier League title against all odds.

This earnt him a move to Chelsea where he currently plays, he has gone on to add another League title as well as a Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge. This is alongside lifting the World Cup with his country in 2018.

Laimer has the potential to be as good as Kante which is why he is a player Liverpool need to be fighting for. He has been compared to the 31-year old on the Bundesliga website, it highlighted their similarities in play and how they both like to ‘harry’ the opposition.

The Austrian has also been noted for his ball shielding attributes, recycling of possession and helping to facilitate counter attacks which are traits that Klopp is likely to love.

He has also previously been scouted by Manchester United so it would be a bit of a coup if the Reds signed him ahead of their arch-rivals. One thing that might aid them is the fact that Laimer reportedly grew up idolising Liverpool and England legend Steven Gerrard.

When you compare him to other midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues over the last year, he ranks in the top 5% for goal-creating actions which proves just how good he is.

Thus, Liverpool need to get the deal done now or they will regret it in the future.

IN other news: Liverpool now eye swoop for £67.5m-rated “full package”, he’s Klopp’s brand new Reus…

There’s a strong case to be made that Arsenal are the best team in Europe right now. Certainly, the win over Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Wednesday evening underlined the credentials of Mikel Arteta’s multi-title challengers.

The Gunners have mastered their game. Some have ridiculed Arteta and his side for finishing second in the Premier League three seasons in a row, but this has only hardened their resolve and will to win, concurrently deepening the tactical layers Arteta has spent so much time developing.

This is the result of everything coming together over multiple campaigns. Hard work and perserverance. Now, Arsenal have the luxury to add elite quality to an already fearsome outfit, and technical director Andrea Berta has found his man.

Arsenal's transfer plans

After such an impressive summer transfer window, table-topping Arsenal aren’t expected to be all that busy in the January transfer window. However, the Londoners will react if the right opportunity presents itself.

Juventus playmaker Kenan Yildiz remains a long-standing target, and attacking midfield is indeed a position the Emirates outfit is likely to target in the coming windows.

However, a recent report from Caught Offside suggests Berta is gearing up to launch a move for Newcastle United full-back Tino Livramento, with the 23-year-old also attracting strong intrigue from Manchester City and Manchester United.

Livramento has been one of the Magpies’ standout players this season, and his club know it, having responded to growing interest in his name by listing him at £80m.

What Tino Livramento would offer Arsenal

Livramento has made 90 appearances for Newcastle since first arriving on Tyneside, having joined the club from Southampton in a deal rising to £40m in 2023.

Last season, he played an instrumental role in securing the Carabao Cup title, something Gunners fans might remember after his tremendous performance at the Emirates in the first leg of the semi-finals.

A modern and dynamic full-back, Livramento’s positional versatility has seen him play ample on his unnatural left flank for United, with his surpassing technical quality leading Newcastle-focused content creator Kendall Rowan to hail him as a “superstar” of a prospect.

Given that Manchester City also have a vested interest, you could say that Livramento would emulate Declan Rice by completing a big-money move from a title-winning Premier League rival like Newcastle, Rice having completed his £105m transfer to north London from West Ham United in 2023, since transcending his role as a superstar.

Right-back

91

1 + 6

Right wing-back

37

3 + 11

Left-back

24

0 + 2

Left wing-back

6

1 + 1

Right wing

1

0 + 0

As Arteta’s troops march their way through the campaign, indomitably, irrevocably, Rice is the most trusted lieutenant, now one of the best central midfielders in the world after several years lauded as an elite talent with room for growth.

In this way, Livramento would mimic him, completing a move to north London and rejecting Pep Guardiola on the way to the Emirates.

Moreover, the likes of Theo Walcott have praised Newcastle’s star full-back for his potential to become something even more, suggesting that his athleticism and ability to play across a range of positions make him someone akin to Gareth Bale.

Bale was a superstar, alright, and this is evidence that Livramento falls into a bracket of world-class players.

Newcastle are bound to play hardball over one of their biggest, most profitable talents, but Arsenal have shaped their stadium into quite the desirable destination, and Livramento would have the chance to emulate Rice in rising the Premier League ladder and becoming a superstar under Arteta’s wing.

He's becoming a Saka & Eze hybrid: Arsenal have signed an "agent of chaos"

The increible international has the ability to be as important as Saka and Eze for Arsenal this season.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 28, 2025

The noise and, from many, joy from Liverpool’s wretched run of form of late is perhaps a marker of just how mighty Anfield has become over the past decade.

It is ten years since Jurgen Klopp took the reins from Brendan Rodgers, the last Reds boss before Arne Slot to succumb to a four-game losing run.

But Liverpool are vastly different to that long-forgotten iteration, and Slot has within his grasp some of the best players in world football. The 5-1 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League served as a reminder that this is a team capable of winning all the biggest prizes – again.

However, some individuals are struggling, and the team as a unit has struggled to find fluent form. One of the biggest culprits would be Alexis Mac Allister, whose grace ability and determination in the engine room is crucial for the performance of the Slot machine.

Mac Allister's form for Liverpool

Mac Allister is undoubtedly one of the best midfielders in the Premier League. Certainly, he is among the most complete, the most spirited, the most inventive.

But he hasn’t been quite right this year, with Sofascore recording he has lost 57% of his ground duels in the league thus far, only making one tackle per match.

Whereas the Argentine has been virtually undroppable across his first two years in a Liverpool shirt, he now looks more vulnerable in the starting line-up, and the midweek win over Frankfurt emphasised this, for he was left on the bench after lasting only an hour against Manchester United.

Mac Allister’s form has been a concern this season, but he is an elite player and crucial to Liverpool’s success. The 26-year-old has, in some ways, given Slot his own version of Thiago Alcantara, whose career was cut short right before the Dutchman’s arrival. But, as with Thiago, Liverpool seem to be finding a way to perform without the star in the mix.

The tempo-setting, line-breaking maestro offered something unique in the Liverpool engine room, and in this, Liverpool evolved in that later Klopp team.

The problem, of course, is that the retired 34-year-old was rarely fit. Across four campaigns on Merseyside, the Spain star managed only 98 appearances across all competitions.

But his technical quality, vision and awareness were faculties unlike anything else Liverpool had. In Mac Allister, the Reds have a midfielder with stylistic similarities, but there’s actually another man in Slot’s first team who could be Liverpool’s new version of their former superstar.

Liverpool's new version of Thiago

Sometimes in football, the timings just don’t work out. Steven Gerrard missed the Klopp era by a whisker, leaving for LA Galaxy only months before the German’s historic appointment.

Likewise, Thiago would retire from football prematurely at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, having made only one appearance that year due to non-stop injury setbacks. He was 33 years old.

Thus, he missed the incipient Slot era and the Premier League title that would arrive at Anfield’s doorstep just one year after he hung up the boots.

The greatest travesty of it all is that the stylish Spaniard boasted a playing style which is tailor-made for the calculated, composed build-up Liverpool have developed since Klopp’s departure. Gone (last season, at least) is the frenetic, out-of-control football that Slot’s predecessor employed – emphatically and to silver-laden success.

Thiago is one of the greatest technicians of his generation. He would have been the linchpin for this version of Liverpool. But Slot may have an heir in Curtis Jones.

Yes, you read that right. No, this argument does not centre around the basis that Jones is on the same level as the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich sensation in his prime.

But the Liverpool-born star shares certain qualities with his one-time teammate, with both among the squad’s most reliable players on the ball and bearing combative sides, emphasised through robustness in the challenge and tough-tackling defensive contributions.

Jones graduated from Liverpool’s academy and has been with his boyhood outfit ever since, and though he played a role under Klopp’s wing, Slot’s tactics have given rise to his skillset and seen him become “one of the most underrated players in England”, as said by one Premier League analyst.

Jones is an effortless passer. He’s intelligent with his decision-making, and he is tactically disciplined. As per FBref, the Three Lions star ranks among the top 11% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for assists, the top 8% for goal-creating actions, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 12% for progressive passes and the top 13% for progressive carries per 90.

He’s also well-seasoned within this Liverpool team, and when the likes of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk depart, both into their penultimate years on Merseyside, he will be among the leading figures at the club.

Mohamed Salah

33

413

Andy Robertson

31

349

Virgil van Dijk

34

331

Alisson

33

307

Joe Gomez

28

245

Curtis Jones

24

190

Thiago joined Liverpool from Bayern Munich for £20m in 2020 and would ebb and flow. Never in doubt was his technical quality, nor the fact that he could have been a divisional great with better luck on the injury front.

There’s no question that he would have been a sublime component in Slot’s system, but in Jones, the Netherlands native has found a like-styled player who could now take the next step in his development and play a crucial deep-lying role to promote Liverpool’s ball-playing abilities.

At Frankfurt, Jones took a staggering 139 touches of the ball, linking play together and completing 122 of 127 attempted passes. This is his strength, and Slot must give him free rein from the outset to rise to the next level and take Liverpool with him.

Liverpool have signed a Salah-type player who's got the "pace of Torres"

Liverpool are watching before their eyes the birth of a superstar.

ByAngus Sinclair Oct 24, 2025

Manchester United are looking to kick on under Ruben Amorim after the win against Sunderland and could now look to beat Manchester City to a statement signing in the January window.

Manchester United look to elevate themselves in Premier League

Undoubtedly, the Red Devils have taken time to get going this season, and their start hasn’t been plain sailing as they integrate new signings and try to find their best starting line-up.

Nevertheless, a victory over Sunderland has restored morale at Old Trafford and has relieved some pressure on Amorim’s situation at the club, which will give supporters some cause for optimism as Manchester United head for the international break.

Oliver Glasner has been linked to the Red Devils’ hotseat, and there will be other names mentioned if results begin to take another dip, but Amorim appears safe for now and will hope his side can kick on over the coming weeks.

With international breaks splitting the season into mini-blocks, the January transfer window isn’t actually too far down the line and rumours are already beginning to circulate regarding who could come in to improve Manchester United’s squad.

Reports suggest that the Red Devils are fighting Manchester City to sign Atletico Madrid full-back Nahuel Molina in a deal that could be worth in the region of £26 million.

Forget Casemiro: Man Utd flop is the biggest waste of money since Antony

Manchester United made a huge mistake in spending big money on a talent who has failed to deliver at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

Truthfully, it remains to be seen if spending power is there after a summer window that saw £250 million shelled out at Old Trafford. PSR rules will need to be respected, and January is a notoriously hard month to conclude business.

Still, Manchester United may not be done in their quest to pip Manchester City to signings if recent developments are to evolve.

Man Utd look to pip Man City to sign Aleksandar Pavlovic

According to SportBild’s Tobias Altschäffl, Manchester United have made an approach via intermediaries for Bayern Munich star Aleksandar Pavlovic and he is now firmly on their radar alongside rivals Manchester City, who have been strongly linked with the player for weeks.

He said when asked by Christian Falk about his situation: “Juventus Turin and Paris are not yet so moving. With the English, this is absolutely true. It is known that the Pavlović side was approached via intermediaries. They would like to get Pavlović. At City, he’s even higher on the list.”

Five similar players to Aleksandar Pavlovic (FBRef)

Jordan Ferri

Sampdoria

Benjamin Bouchouari

Trabzonspor

Manu Morlanes

Mallorca

Remo Freuler

Bologna

Valentin Rongier

Rennes

Making his presence felt at the Bundesliga holders, Pavlovic has made seven appearances across all competitions this term, scoring once against Hamburg.

Primarily a holding midfielder, the Germany international could well be a long-term replacement for Casemiro. Still, the Red Devils will need to convince him that their project is worth investing in, amid a run of inconsistent results this term.

Showing ambition hasn’t been a problem so far for INEOS, though this could be their most important capture yet amid strong interest from their rivals.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will be targeting even more success in the 2025/26 campaign after his side failed to clinch the domestic treble this season.

The Hoops won the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup, beating Rangers on penalties in the final, but they lost to Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup last month.

Celtic also reached the play-off round of the Champions League, in which they were knocked out by German outfit Bayern Munich, and they may want to go further in the European competition next term.

The Scottish giants will be in the market to bolster their squad in order to improve their trophy haul next season, and they have already dipped into the market to make one new signing.

Left-back Kieran Tierney will officially sign for the Hoops on a free transfer at the end of the month, when his contract with Premier League side Arsenal expires.

Six years on from his move to The Emirates from Parkhead, the Scotland international is returning to Glasgow to be Brendan Rodgers’ first-choice left-back.

Why Kieran Tierney is a good signing for Celtic

The Scotland international is set to fill a hole for the Scottish giants because Greg Taylor is out of contract and is yet to put pen to paper on an extension at Paradise.

This means that Tierney will walk in as the immediate first-choice left-back to start week-in-week-out when available for the Hoops in the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

The 28-year-old star could be a terrific addition for the club because, as evidenced in the graphic above, he has already proven that he can deliver in the Premiership, winning five titles during his first spell at Paradise.

Tierney knows what it takes to play for Celtic, having come up through the youth system, and could deliver a big threat as a creator down the left flank, given his 37 assists in 170 matches from a left-back position the first time around.

This suggests that the free transfer could be a very good signing for Celtic, because he is a known quantity who could hit the ground running next season, but there are some concerns over his fitness issues.

24/25

1

160

18

23/24

3

103

21

22/23

0

0

0

21/22

2

116

17

20/21

4

87

19

19/20

1

97

19

18/19

5

140

27

17/18

1

23

5

16/17

1

86

16

As you can see in the table above, Tierney has a less-than-assuring injury history throughout his career, spanning across his time at Celtic, Arsenal, and Real Sociedad.

This means that Rodgers may have to worry about whether or not he will be available week-in-week-out, which may take some of the excitement out of his arrival whilst there are still those concerns.

The Hoops are, however, reportedly on track to complete a deal for a player who would be an even more exciting addition than Tierney this summer.

Celtic expected to sign new forward

According to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, FC Nordsjaelland forward Benjamin Nygren is “expected” to complete a move to Celtic in the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that Belgian giants Anderlecht expect the player to sign for the Scottish Premiership champions, after they held talks with the winger’s agents.

Transfer Focus

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

Anderlecht understand that the 23-year-old attacker has decided to turn down a move to the Pro League in order to link up with the Hoops this summer.

This news is backed up by Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph, who claims that Celtic have agreed terms with the Sweden international, beating off competition from across Europe.

If this move now goes through as expected, Nygren could arrive at Parkhead this summer as an even more exciting signing than Tierney for the club.

Why Benjamin Nygren is more exciting than Kieran Tierney

Positionally, a winger is naturally more exciting than a left-back from a fan perspective, as they are the players who get supporters off their feet by taking defenders on and delivering goals and assists on a regular basis.

At the age of 23, Nygren is also a young player with potential who could grow and develop over the years to come, whilst Tierney is heading into the latter years of his peak at the age of 28. This means that the Swedish star is also more exciting in terms of what he could go on to achieve in a Celtic shirt, and his possible resale value in the future.

The Sweden international, who Danish Scout on X claimed is a “no-brainer” signing for the Hoops, also has the quality on the ball to excite supporters with his play at the top end of the pitch from a right wing position.

xG

10.90

Top 4%

xG on target

16.95

Top 1%

Shots on target

40

Top 1%

Goals

15

Top 1%

xA

5.97

Top 8%

Assists

2

Top 50%

As you can see in the table above, Nygren is a lethal finisher who can outperform the quality of chances that are created for him, as evidenced by his 6.95 xG overperformance based on the quality of his shots on target.

This shows that he would provide an efficient presence in front of goal to find the back of the net on a regular basis for Celtic, which could make him an exciting player for the club as a huge attacking threat.

Nygren’s assist tally of two should be taken into context, too, because he had an xA of 5.97, which suggests that his teammates did not provide enough quality with their finishing.

The winger, who scored 15 goals in 28 Superliga starts, has shown the kind of impact that he can have at the top end of the pitch in domestic football, but also scored an eye-catching five goals in five Conference League matches during the 2023/24 campaign, which shows that he can also deliver on the European stage.

Unlike Tierney, the forward also has a promising injury record. The attacker has only missed 14 matches through injury since the start of the 2021/22 campaign, which means that Celtic can realistically expect count on him to be available most weeks.

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Overall, Nygren would be a more exciting signing than Tierney for Celtic due to his style of play, as a winger, his age profile and potential, his injury history, and his impressive statistics in Denmark.