All posts by z3u9t.icu

The cogs are whirring away down Anfield Road, and Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes must be pretty pleased with Liverpool’s progress in the transfer market.

But they have more work still to do. In spite of signing Hugo Ekitike for £79m, Liverpool are mooted to remain in the market for Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, who has informed his club that he wishes to explore a move away this summer.

And though the Sweden international has many admirers, it is the Reds who lead the race.

They couldn’t, could they? Unfortunately for those not of a Liverpool persuasion, they could. FSG have run the club expertly in recent years, managing the finances with a deft touch to be in a position for big-money moves across the summer.

And while the Premier League champions have already broken their transfer record by signing through the addition of Florian Wirtz, the £100m figure potentially stretching to a British-record £116m, they are primed to break it once more here.

However, a few outgoings may be needed.

The players who might be leaving Liverpool

With Trent Alexander-Arnold having already left Liverpool for Real Madrid, there’s a chance that Ibrahima Konate might follow. The French defender has entered the final year of his contract, and negotiations over a renewal have yielded little fruit thus far.

From an attacking standpoint, the signing of Ekitike and the potential arrival of Isak would surely see Darwin Nunez leave. The 25-year-old has fallen down the pecking order in Arne Slot’s system and is being chased by Saudi Arabian suitors.

Liverpool seem happy to let him leave, but are less inclined to accept Bayern Munich’s advances for Luis Diaz, having rejected a £58.5m offer. The Bundesliga champions are expected to return for the versatile forward, who was so important for Slot’s title-winning side.

While Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon has been touted as a possible replacement for the Colombian, he’s been priced at £100m.

And when a cheaper and exciting alternative is available, the track to head down becomes clear.

Liverpool lining up Diaz replacement

According to Fabrizio Romano, Lyon’s Malick Fofana is one of the names on FSG’s list as they consider replacements for Diaz, who may indeed have played his last competitive game for the Reds.

The 20-year-old has put his name on the map over the past 18 months in France, and is also courted by Bayern, though their curiosity will fade away in the case they do sign Diaz.

Fofana might be young, but his talent is clear. Lyon recognise this, and as such have priced him at €60m (£51m).

Why Liverpool want Malick Fofana

Hailed for his “explosive” athleticism by analyst Ben Mattinson, Fofana has established himself over the past few years, leaving his Belgian homeland in January 2024 when joining Lyon from Genk for a €22m (£19m).

That figure made an interesting comment from the off regarding Fofana’s skill set, and having now featured 62 times for the Ligue 1 side, scoring 15 goals and supplying eight assists, he’s shaping into quite the interesting winger.

While Isak would be replacing Diaz at centre-forward, the 28-year-old is typically a winger, and someone like Fofana would be a more direct heir.

And given that he might end up costing around half of what has been demanded for the Prem-proven Gordon, FSG may well opt to sign the lesser-known talent, especially since the likes of Wirtz and Cody Gakpo already reside in the Liverpool ranks.

Matches (starts)

29 (16)

34 (28)

Goals

5

6

Assists

4

5

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

1.7 (0.6)

Big chances missed

4

10

Pass completion

84%

81%

Big chances created

6

6

Key passes*

0.9

1.5

Dribbles*

0.8

1.1

Tackles*

1.1

0.9

Duels won*

2.9

4.4

Sure, Gordon rode the crest of a wave after the 2023/24 season, awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Year, having notched 22 goal involvements in the Premier League, but that year was followed by a regression in output and confidence.

His creativity and tenacious style were still clear, but Fofana is showing himself to have the making of a clinical winger beyond the goalscoring level of Gordon.

Does Gordon’s progress warrant the £100m fee? He’s a fine player, to be sure, with a Merseyside connection besides, but there’s little sense in forking out such a sum when there’s a player like Fofana waiting for his breakout move.

While Gordon has forged a slick partnership with Isak over the past few years, Fofana is considered by data-driven site FBref to be a statistically similar player to the England international, so he has the athletic, snappy style to thrive alongside the Swede.

It’s chalked down that the Belgian ranked among the top 10% of positional peers last term for non-penalty goals scored and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90.

Isak’s quality is such that he could elevate the level of any winger worth their salt, but Gordon is indeed tactically aligned with the number nine to a higher degree.

By signing Fofana as Diaz’s replacement this summer, Slot could capture that synergy and use it to Liverpool’s gain, fashioning another angle out of his burgeoning superpower.

Gakpo 2.0: Liverpool now eyeing "one of the best young talents in football"

Liverpool still have a few more transfer targets in their sights this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 24, 2025

Leeds United certainly had no problem in front of goal in the 2024/25 Championship season. It was a fantastic campaign for the Whites, who reached 100 points and won the league title on goal difference, which perhaps hints at just how clinical they were.

According to FBref, the 95 goals which Daniel Farke’s side scored last term was better than any other side in the division, smashing second-place Norwich’s tally of 71. Leeds overachieved when it came to goals scored, too. Their expected goals tally was 89.1xG, highlighting just how deadly they were in front of goal.

Incredibly, it seems like they will add to the firepower of that attack, but looking to sign a striker this summer.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of a striker

It has already been a busy summer at Elland Road when it comes to new signings. Jaka Bijol joined from Udinese as the most costly addition. Fellow centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson, a left-back, have also signed. Lukas Nmecha has joined the club on a free transfer.

Transfer Focus

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

Next up for the Yorkshire outfit could well be someone on a temporary deal, rather than a permanent signing. A report from journalist Graeme Bailey claims the Whites ‘have now registered their interest in signing’ Real Madrid starlet Gonzalo Garcia this summer.

It has been a whirlwind month or so for the striker, who burst onto the scene in the Club World Cup for Los Blancos. However, Leeds, along with Sunderland, Brentford and West Ham United, are plotting an ambitious loan move for the attacker this summer.

The striker ‘is believed to be keen to play regular first-team football’, with Leeds one of the sides who could pounce, although they could reportedly face competition from Chelsea, who were said to be ready to pay €40m (£34m) for his signature.

Why Garcia would be a good signing

It was certainly a breakout tournament in the recent Club World Cup for Garcia. Journalist Zach Lowy was full of praise for the youngster and described his efforts as “world class” during the competition, which Chelsea went on to win.

In total, the 21-year-old, who was born in Madrid, has played 12 times for the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu. He’s managed five goals and two assists in those few appearances, which included one strike in three games during 2023/24.

However, it was the recent Club World Cup where Garcia rose to stardom. He scored four goals in six games, grabbing one assist, too. Despite Madrid getting eliminated by PSG in the semi-final, Garcia took the Golden Boot home with him.

Some of his stats from the competition, courtesy of Sofascore, show just what Leeds see in him, to help add to the masses of goals already in their attack. For example, the Spaniard averaged 1.4 shots on target and 0.8 goals per 90 minutes. He certainly knows where to find the back of the net.

Minutes

450

75

Goals

4

0.8

Shots

11

2.2

Shots on target

7

1.4

Key passes

4

0.8

Aerial duels won

6

1.2

If Farke’s side are successful in bringing Garcia to Elland Road, he could be the biggest talent they’ve had since Archie Gray left the club. The 19-year-old joined Tottenham Hotspur last summer, ending a lifelong association with his boyhood club.

He made 52 appearances in that famous White shirt, at both right-back and his natural position in the centre of midfield. His contributions in 2023/24 helped Leeds reach the Championship playoff final, where they ultimately lost to Southampton.

It certainly feels like Garcia could be the best talent Elland Road has had since their homegrown star departed. Gray has been highly rated across the footballing world for some time. Last year, he was named 43rd on Goal’s NXGN list, which included Lamine Yamal, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro.

It might be too soon for the Los Blancos youngster to be there, given the fact he hasn’t played much football, but just look at how he lit up the Club World Cup. This seems to be a player destined for the top.

He is a player who has already starred on the world stage, so it would be a huge coup for Leeds if they pull it off.

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ByDan Emery Jul 15, 2025

A “natural leader” is now pushing behind-the-scenes to join Rangers this week, ahead of the crucial Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos, according to a report.

Gers gearing up for Panathinaikos clash

The all-important Champions League qualifier against Panathinaikos is now on the horizon, with the first leg due to take place at Ibrox next Tuesday, but UEFA’s squad registration rules could cause the Gers a few problems.

No more than 25 players can be named on list A, with eight spots reserved for locally trained players, but Russell Martin currently only has seven to choose from, which means the manager is at risk of forfeiting one of the places in his squad.

The Light Blues need to try and get as many bodies through the door as possible ahead of the initial deadline of this Thursday at 11pm, and Martin appears to be particularly keen to bring in a new centre-back.

Rangers star agrees to leave with deal now on the verge of being finalised

He looks to be heading for the exit door.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 15, 2025

Rangers have now joined the race for Volendam defender Xavier Mbuyamba, while they are also well-known to be interested in Leicester City’s Conor Coady, and there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the Englishman.

According to a report from The Daily Record, Coady is now pushing behind-the-scenes to secure a move to Ibrox, with the defender desperate to seal a move prior to Leicester embarking on a ten-day pre-season training camp in Austria on Wednesday.

It appears as though Martin would also be very happy if the deal gets the green light in the near future, considering the manager is described as a huge admirer of the Leicester defender, who has set his heart on being a part of the Gers backline.

The Foxes have delayed the move, while getting the deal for former QPR manager Marti Cifuentes over the line, and Rangers will be hoping the new Leicester boss doesn’t view the 32-year-old as part of his plans for next season.

"Natural leader" Coady could be perfect fit for Rangers

Former Gers striker Jermaine Defoe clearly believes the 32-year-old would be a solid signing, saying: “Conor can lead from the back and he’ll be a massive signing for Rangers. He’s a natural leader and you don’t get many of them. Some players develop that over their career.

“But with someone like Conor, I think he’s been like that from a young kid, it’s natural.”

It is clear to see why Defoe holds the Leicester defender in high regard, given that he is vastly experienced at Premier League level, making 198 appearances in the top flight, while also amassing ten caps for his country.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man was very impressive during his time at Molineux, missing just one Premier League game across four full seasons.

Given that he is in the latter stages of his career, Coady has started to receive less game time since moving to Leicester for £7.5m, but his leadership qualities mean he could still be a fantastic signing for Rangers.

It wouldn’t be hyperbole to say the last few weeks have felt like something of a whirlwind for Arsenal.

After a slow start to the transfer window, the Premier League runners-up have now officially announced the signings of Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga.

Andrea Berta and Co don’t seem to be slowing down anytime soon either, as both Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze continue to be heavily touted for moves to the Emirates.

However, the star that appears set to be announced by the club is Noni Madueke, and while he could be a hit, Mikel Arteta already has someone in his position worth millions more, and no, it’s not Bukayo Saka.

Why Arsenal want Madueke

It would be fair to say that the reaction to Arsenal’s interest and imminent signing of Madueke this week hasn’t exactly gone down well with large swathes of the fanbase.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

The mood from some sections has been so sour that it led to journalist Sam Dean asking if any big money signing had caused such a commotion in the past.

With the final fee reported to be around £52m, it is easy to see where some fans are coming from, as in a summer in which the club needs to bring in some game-changing signings, it seems like a perplexing use of funds.

However, when we take a look at some of his data, some things jump out and point to why Arteta and Co might want to bring him in.

For example, FBref ranked him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for progressive carries and carries into the penalty area and the top 7% for total progressive carrying distance, all per 90.

Progressive Carries

6.82

Top 1%

Carries into Penalty Area

4.12

Top 1%

GCA (Defensive Action)

0.04

Top 4%

Touches (Att Pen)

8.15

Top 4%

Non-Penalty xG

0.43

Top 6%

Shots Total

3.54

Top 7%

Progressive Carrying Distance

154.28

Top 7%

Shots on Target

1.33

Top 8%

In a team that was sometimes critiqued by fans and pundits alike last season for being too slow and predictable in build-up, these attributes could be beneficial in disrupting opposition defences.

Moreover, he would be able to provide cover for the talismanic Saka and, in turn, help prevent him from being overplayed and picking up more injuries.

However, Arteta already has a player fulfilling that role, and he’s worth millions more than Madueke.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Madueke

Arsenal are blessed with an abundance of incredible talents in their squad, but in this instance, we are talking about none other than Ethan Nwaneri.

The tremendously exciting youngster has been someone fans have known about since his debut at just 15 years old in 2022, but it was last season that he really shot to prominence.

In fact, the teenage talent has made such a splash in the last year or so that Football Transfers now value him at around €74.3m, which comes out to about £64m, or £12m more than Madueke is set to cost.

It might seem like an absurd price tag for someone so young, but we really don’t think it is.

For example, despite starting last season as a 17-year-old, the “phenomenal” talent, as dubbed by former professional Stephen Warnock, scored nine goals and provided two assists in just 1378 senior minutes.

That means that in his first proper taste of first-team football, when playing in Europe and the toughest league in the world, he averaged a goal involvement every 125.27 minutes.

In contrast, the soon-to-be Arsenal player scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 2647 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every 165.43 minutes.

Appearances

37

46

Minutes

1378′

2647′

Goals

9

11

Assists

2

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.29

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.27′

165.43′

Moreover, the Enfield-born ace can play in several positions, making him even more useful than the average player.

Finally, the sheer fact that he’s looked at home in the first team at his age is a great indicator that Arsenal have a serious talent on their hands.

Ultimately, signing Madueke might work out in the long run for Arteta and Co., but he’s going to have to hit the ground running to convince the fans and see his valuation get anywhere near Nwaneri’s.

Eze's dream forward: Arsenal plot move for "world-class" £50m goal machine

He would be unreal for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 11, 2025

Already closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now reportedly very keen to sign an upgrade on Casemiro in the form of a £35m midfield star this summer.

Man Utd submit fresh Mbeumo bid

It hasn’t been the easiest deal to negotiate and the winger is yet to sign on the dotted line, but Manchester United’s latest bid to sign Mbeumo could yet prove to be successful at long last. The Red Devils have reportedly offered Brentford over £60m to sign their talented star who looks destined to become the second summer arrival at Old Trafford sooner rather than later.

Mbeumo’s arrival would take United’s spending to over £160m for the summer despite missing out on European football and often watching on as INEOS implemented several money-saving plans.

Success on the pitch has been given the priority no matter what, however, and the pressure will now be on Ruben Amorim to get the best out of his side next season.

What’s more, it seems unlikely at this stage that it will just be Cunha and Mbeumo who arrive. The likes of Emiliano Martinez have threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks as Aston Villa attempt to comply with PSR rules, as has Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

Their own Osimhen: Man Utd start talks to sign one of Europe's "best STs"

Manchester United appear to be making strides in a deal to land a new striker for Ruben Amorim.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

Both arrivals would again offer Amorim much-needed upgrades on Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan in recent weeks.

Before Martinez and Ekitike enter Old Trafford, though, United may turn their focus towards a talented defensive midfielder worth just £34m this summer.

Man Utd very keen to sign Jashari

According to HLN, as relayed by Get Belgian & Dutch Football News, Manchester United are now very keen to sign Ardon Jashari from Club Brugge and, unlike others, are not put off by his €40m (£34m) price tag.

The Red Devils would be signing a player who was just voted the best player in Belgium – winning the Player of the Season award in the Belgium Pro League – and one who would be an instant upgrade on the ageing Casemiro.

Dubbed “impressive” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Jashari certainly isn’t short on suitors this summer but it’s a race that Manchester United could have the financial power to win once again.

If the 22-year-old was the follow Cunha and Mbeumo through the Old Trafford doors then Amorim would instantly have three very impressive signings to work with this summer.

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.

McGregor 2.0: Celtic have interest in star who had “perfect” Scotland debut

Celtic could find their next Callum McGregor amid an interest in a Scotland international.

ByDan Emery Jun 14, 2025

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.

Derby County are interested in signing an “absolute Rolls-Royce” of a footballer this summer, according to a new update from journalist Alan Nixon.

Who will Derby sign this summer?

John Eustace will be looking forward to having a first full summer in charge of the Rams, both in terms of bringing in the right players and also having plenty of time on the training ground with his squad.

Derby have been linked with plenty of potential signings of late, as they look to build on last season’s 19th-place finish, including Blackburn Rovers centre-back Danny Batth, who Eustace already knows well. The 34-year-old averaged 4.2 aerial duel wins per game in the Championship last season, also winning five Man of the Match awards from WhoScored.

Meanwhile, Lincoln City midfielder Ethan Erhahon has also been mentioned as a possible addition for the Rams before next season gets underway, with coach Michael Skubala heaping praise on him last year.

“He played in there as a sort of single six today, so that was really difficult for him in terms of physicality. What I was really impressed with is how he got about the pitch and he showed his quality at times. And yeah, what a great finish. But he’s such a big player for us in there. But what I was really impressed with today, was how he controlled the centre of the pitch for most of the game, which was brilliant.”

Now, another name has been thrown into the hat for Derby, and as is the case with Batth, it is a player who Eustace has worked with before.

Eustace eyeing Derby reunion with "Rolls-Royce"

According to Nixon on Patreon [via Football League World], Derby want to sign £1m-rated Birmingham City central defender Dion Sanderson, sealing a reunion with Eustace in the process.

New target: Derby keen on signing "one of the best" Championship defenders

John Eustace is looking to bolster his backline this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 23, 2025

The pair worked alongside each other during Eustace’s stint at Blackburn last season, with the defender on loan at Ewood Park from the Midlands side.

Sanderson could be a really shrewd signing for Derby, not least because he was once considered a player with a big future, being lauded by former Sunderland manager Lee Johnson.

“He’s a centre-half and at his age level he is an absolute Rolls-Royce. Obviously he is stepping up to men’s football and when you do that you come up against different challenges, as Dion did yesterday and he came through that.”

Still only 25, Sanderson still has so much to offer, and with Birmingham seemingly not considering him a key part of their plans, a move to Derby could be the perfect outcome for all parties.

Amid rumours that Rayan Ait-Nouri could be on his way to Manchester City, Wolverhampton Wanderers are now reportedly tracking an “interesting name” who could replace the left-back.

Man City advancing in Ait-Nouri deal

Having already lost Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, Manchester’s other club are now aiming to deal Wolves a second transfer blow. According to Fabrizio Romano, City are now advancing their deal to sign Ait-Nouri from the Midlands club with talks already held and the left-back already approving the summer switch.

Given that they spent a large part of the 2024/25 campaign flirting with relegation before Vitor Pereira’s arrival turned things around, there should be major concern around Molineux that Wolves could suffer their worst nightmare without Cunha and Ait-Nouri.

They must get things right in search of replacements this summer. Losing Cunha was always expected after his £63m release clause came to light, but whether Wolves had the same expectation in Ait-Nouri’s case is the big question.

Whether caught by surprise or not, they must commence the difficult task of replacing their influential left-back if he joins Manchester City in this summer’s transfer window.

Starts

37

Assists

7

Key Passes

46

Ball Recoveries

145

If the Algerian’s influence wasn’t clear, then his numbers should highlight just how important he’s been going in both directions for Wolves. Already without Cunha’s goals, Pereira may now have the task of replacing Ait-Nouri’s creativity and could yet turn towards an “interesting name” to do exactly that in the coming months.

Wolves actively tracking Clement Bischoff

According to Molineux News, Wolves chiefs are now actively tracking Clement Bischoff who sources described as an “interesting name” when speaking to the outlet about the Midlands club’s transfer activity.

The Brondby teenager may be one for the future, but his versatile ability to play as both a left-midfielder and a left-back mirrors that of Ait-Nouri’s. That alone should ensure that he’s among the top candidates to replace Wolves’ star defender in the event that he joins Manchester City.

Described as an “excellent” two-way dribbler when one-on-one by analyst Ben Mattinson, Bischoff looks set to be one to watch this summer. For Wolves, a deal to sign the teenager would represent smart business which considers the short-term needs of Pereira’s side as well as the long-term aim that the manager may have in place for his side.

Romano: Wolves make approach to sign "highly rated" gem wanted in Europe

The Old Gold are making moves for the future…

BySean Markus Clifford May 30, 2025

In terms of replacing Ait-Nouri’s output too, the fact that Bischoff has managed 10 assists in all competitions for Brondby this season suggests that he would be more than capable of replicating the Algerian’s influence.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are ending the Premier League season in superb fashion after the dismal early-season reign of Gary O’Neil

Indeed, Vitor Pereira has masterminded six league wins on the spin to propel the club up the table.

If they started the season in this form, the Old Gold would be nowhere near the relegation places and this is something Pereira will hope to change when the 2025/26 season rolls around.

He has already brought in a few players during the winter window, but more activity awaits when the summer one opens in a few weeks.

Wolves searching for a new winger this summer

Wolves will be targeting a new right-winger come the summer as Pablo Sarabia could depart when his contract expires, while Carlos Forbs is due to return to Ajax.

Transfer Focus

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Well, according to Birmingham World, the Old Gold have held internal talks surrounding a possible move for West Bromwich Albion winger Grady Diangana.

The 27-year-old could be a decent signing, especially considering he is going to leave West Brom when his deal expires at the end of June and would available on a free transfer.

He might not be the big-name star that the Molineux supporters expect, but Diangana could be the player who is finally able to replace Pedro Neto on the right flank from next season.

Wolves can finally replace Neto with Grady Diangana signing

It was always inevitable that Neto was going to leave Wolves sooner rather than later. Following a season where he scored three times and registered 13 assists, Chelsea signed him last summer for a fee in the region of £54m.

This money was too good to turn down, but the club haven’t been able to replace him, with both Sarabia and Forbs struggling to offer any sort of consistency on the right flank.

While Sarabia has found the net against Ipswich and Manchester United this month, he has only scored three times in all competitions. As for Forbs, he’s not scored at all in 11 appearances.

2023/24

24

3

13

2022/23

19

0

1

2021/22

13

1

1

2020/21

35

5

6

2019/20

44

5

5

With over 200 appearances for the Baggies, Diangana has plenty of experience in English football. Add 48 goal contributions – 26 goals and 22 assists – during that period, and the winger certainly has an eye for goal.

He spent time on loan at West Ham a few years ago and was even hailed as “unplayable” by former professional Michael Brown.

When compared to his positional peers across leagues most similar to the Championship, he ranks impressively, noting sitting in the top 20% for successful take-ons (1.96), in the top 2% for through balls (0.86), and the best 24% for goal-creating actions.

In the Championship this term, the 27-year-old has also created five big chances, averaging 0.5 key passes and succeeding with 0.9 dribbles per match.

They might not be the most impressive numbers, but his pace offers a viable threat in the opposition third and this could work wonders for Wolves next season.

Crucially, he’s also a particularly hard worker, notably registering some impressive defensive numbers, ranking among the top 11% of wingers for tackles won.

Due to Profit and Sustainability regulations (PSR), the Old Gold wont to be able to spend as much as they want in the summer so bringing in Diangana, who wouldn’t cost anything in the way of a transfer fee, could be a solid signing for the club.

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Everton might have lost against Manchester City at the weekend, but they gave it a good go and continue to look levels above the disjointed mess that prompted Sean Dyche to step down in January after The Friedkin Group assumed ownership.

David Moyes will be delighted with the job he’s done since returning to the helm in January, nearly 12 years after leaving his Goodison Park dynasty to take on the job at Manchester United.

The fans are certainly happy, buoyed by the Scotsman’s impact as he prepares to lead the Toffees into a new chapter at Bramley Moore.

Time was when Everton were devoid of hope, but that’s no longer the case. TFG are set to hand Moyes funding to strengthen the squad this summer, but more than a few stars are set to leave to make room.

Long-serving striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin is among them.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin's Everton future

Calvert-Lewin might have been at Everton for an age, signing from Sheffield United in a £1.5m deal way back in 2016. But all things end, and Moyes is prepared to let him leave in the coming months as he puts his own stamp on his team.

The 28-year-old is indeed out of a deal this summer and Everton have been linked with a range of strikers as they prepare to cut ties.

Beto’s emergent shooting success has tempered the England international’s struggles, but it’s not good for Calvert-Lewin on a personal level, for Moyes is hardly going to be impressed by his three-goal return in 2024/25, having missed a whopping 13 big chances, as per Sofascore.

With 57 Premier League goals to his name, Calvert-Lewin has more than played his part. But injuries, consequent inconsistencies and his high earnings have confirmed that the decision to part ways would be the right one this summer.

He’s not the only one.

Everton veteran has reached the end

Everton are set to replace a range of first-team players in the transfer market this summer, with as many as 15 out of contract.

Seamus Coleman joins Calvert-Lewin on that list, and like the centre-forward he must be allowed to leave as Everton step into a new era.

The most experienced man in the Toffees squad, Everton signed a teenage Coleman from Sligo Rovers in his homeland for a jaw-dropping £60,000 figure, one of the biggest bargains in Everton’s modern history.

Now 36, he’s gone on to make a shedload of appearances, but only four have come this season, with Coleman last featuring on Boxing Day.

Given that he’s yet to even feature during Moyes’ second term, sitting as an unused substitute across five of Everton’s past six top-flight fixtures, it seems nailed on that the two parties will finally part when his £55k-per-week contract expires this summer.

1.

Seamus Coleman

426

2.

Jordan Pickford

314

3.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

269

4.

Michael Keane

227

5.

Idrissa Gueye

206

Coleman has played his part over a decade and a half of service, and he’s not doing too badly in the all-time rankings either, sixth in the all-time charts. There’s no doubt that Coleman’s a ‘club legend,’ even if it’s a moniker he refutes.

Hailed as a “warrior” by former manager Frank Lampard, Coleman is indeed a stalwart at Everton, but it feels fitting in a way that he should close the door on his storied Merseyside journey as Goodison Park prepares to lock the turnstiles for the final time.

Jake O’Brien is now the star man at right-back, and maybe Moyes will target a more conventional wide defender to compete with him this summer.

Whatever happens, it’s time for Coleman to bow out.

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