Wolverhampton Wanderers have agreed terms with a new “number 10” who could become Matheus Cunha’s replacement at Molineux.
Wolves aiming to replace Cunha after Man Utd transfer
The Old Gold are in need of a summer rebuild following a disappointing 24/25 Premier League season coupled with the fact they have already lost two of their star players in the transfer market.
The first to leave was Cunha, with Manchester United triggering the Brazilian’s £62.5m release clause in the opening days of the window.
Matheus Cunha
Then, just before the first transfer window was set to shut, Manchester City announced a deal for Rayan Ait-Nouri, with the left-back being named in Pep Guardiola’s squad for the Club World Cup.
As a result, Vitor Pereira should have some money to spend, and they have been linked with numerous players in June. In attack, Wolves are thought to be showing an interest in FC St Gallen striker Willem Geubbels, who is valued at just £8.5m.
Meanwhile, when it comes to full-back signings, Wolves are keen on Vladimir Coufal, who has left West Ham United after five seasons and is available on a free transfer.
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Pereira will be hoping the club can get some players through the door before the end of the month ahead of pre-season in July, and it looks as if Wolves have made a breakthrough in regards to an attacking addition.
Wolves agree terms with Celta Vigo’s Fer Lopez
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Wolves have agreed terms with Celta Vigo attacker Fer Lopez. A long-term deal has been agreed between the Old Gold and Lopez, and Wolves now just need to shake hands on a fee with Celta Vigo.
Interestingly, Lopez, who shares the same Gestifute agency as Jose Sa and other Wolves players, was spotted away on holiday with Wolves striker Jorgen Strand-Larsen, with the pair knowing each other from their time with the La Liga side.
Should Lopez join Larsen in the Midlands, Wolves would be getting a versatile left footed attacker. Capable of playing on the wing or as an attacking midfielder, ESPN editor David Cartlidge even described Lopez as a “unicorn”.
After coming through the Celta Vigo academy, Lopez, still just 21 years of age, has only made 20 senior appearances for his current employers, scoring four goals. However, a move to England with Wolves looks like it could be on the cards following the breakthrough on personal terms.
Manchester United’s business in the transfer market has left a lot to be desired over recent years, with many of their additions failing to make the grade in the Premier League.
Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example in the current squad, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023, but has struggled to make the desired impact.
The Dane has only scored four times in the league throughout 2024/25, leading to rumours over his long-term future at Old Trafford, with a return to Serie A on the cards this summer.
Rasmus Hojlund for Man Utd.
It’s crucial that the hierarchy back Ruben Amorim in the market over the coming months, but more importantly is that they hand him the right players to operate in his 3-4-2-1 system.
Matheus Cunha has been the first addition, but if the club are to have any chance of rising up the table next campaign, added reinforcements are needed to help the Brazilian within the final third.
The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
A striker has been the priority of United so far this summer, especially after missing out on number one target Liam Delap to fellow Premier League outfit Chelsea.
Since his move to Stamford Bridge, the likes of Victor Osimhen, Dušan Vlahović and Jean-Philippe Mateta have all been touted with a move to join the Red Devils.
Crystal Palace's Jean-PhilippeMatetacelebrates after the match
However, other forwards have also been on their radar, with Lyon winger Malick Fofana the latest player linked with a move to Old Trafford, according to French outlet L’Equipe.
Their report states that Jason Wilcox is considering making a bid for the Belgian youngster, who registered 16 combined goals and assists across all competitions – costing in the region of £38m.
It also claims that Chelsea are firmly in the race for his signature, with Amorim’s side once again facing the prospect of a transfer battle with Enzo Maresca’s side for a player’s signature.
Why United’s £38m target could be Amorim’s next Amad
Despite Hojlund’s failures within the final third this campaign, other players around him have managed to star, including Ivorian forward Amad Diallo.
The 22-year-old was seen as an outcast under former boss Erik ten Hag, but was handed the platform to impress after Amorim’s arrival in late November last year.
He’s since taken his career to the next level at Old Trafford, registering 19 combined goals and assists across all competitions in 2024/25, with his £36m transfer fee now looking somewhat of a bargain.
Amad even scored a hat-trick in the comeback win over Southampton and bagged the winner in the Manchester Derby at the Etihad, a feat that made him an instant hero among the fanbase.
Such a deal needs to be replicated going forward, with new target Fofana providing just that should he make a move to Manchester in the coming months.
Lyon's Malick Fofana
He possesses a similar skillset, with both being nimble left-footed forwards who can operate off either wing, potentially operating in a wing-back role in Amorim’s system if needed.
When comparing his stats to those of Amad from the recent campaign, he’s managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, highlighting how much of an impressive addition he would be.
How Malick Fofana compares to Amad Diallo in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Fofana
Amad
Games played
29
26
Goals & assists
9
14
Shot-on-target accuracy
48%
36%
Progressive carries
6.3
5.1
Carries into final third
3.2
2.5
Take-on success
47%
46%
Crosses completed
4
1.9
Fouls won
2.1
1.3
Stats via FBref
Fofana, who’s been labelled “special” by journalist Zach Lowy, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, demonstrating his clinical ability in the final third.
He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries and more carries into the final third per 90, handing the side an added threat given his desire to get forward with the ball at his feet.
The Belgian’s trickery has made him a constant nuisance to opposition defenders, completing 47% of his attempted take-ons and winning more fouls per 90.
£38m in today’s market is a solid price for a 20-year-old star who could improve massively in the years ahead under Amorim’s guidance, offering the side a new star in attacking areas.
If he can replicate Amad’s success in the Premier League in the near future, it would be another bargain and an addition that could take the club back towards their former glory.
An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent
Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.
With the season finally coming to a close, Tottenham Hotspur have a monumental summer ahead of them.
For example, alongside potentially replacing Ange Postecoglou, Daniel Levy and Co must go big in the transfer window to ensure the team don’t endure another Premier League campaign like this one.
On top of making sure they keep their own stars like Cristian Romero, the North Londoners need to bring in new ones to help them climb up the table and make a good account of themselves in the Champions League.
Fortunately, reports have recently linked the club to an attacker who could help them do just that, an attacker who’d be a massive upgrade on Son Heung-min.
Tottenham transfer news
Before we get to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other brilliant players who have been linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks, like Leroy Sané and Xavi Simons.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former’s contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of this month and would therefore be a free signing, which could end up being an incredible deal, as in just 2377 minutes of football across 45 appearances this season, the German international scored 13 goals and provided six assists.
Simons, on the other hand, would cost the club around £67m, but even then, it would be hard to argue that’s not a fair fee, as the Flying Dutchman managed to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in 33 appearances this season.
Yet, there is another, even more impressive winger being linked with Tottenham: Bradley Barcola.
Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are among several Premier League clubs who are incredibly interested in the Paris Saint-Germain phenomenon.
In fact, the story has claimed that the Lilywhites, Arsenal and Manchester City have already sent scouts to watch the French international.
However, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, as while PSG do not want to sell the 22-year-old, they do value him at up to €120m, which is about £101m.
Paris St Germain's BradleyBarcolareacts
With that said, given Barcola’s immense ability and potential, this may be a deal worth breaking the bank on, especially as he’d be the perfect Son upgrade.
How Barcola compares to Son
While Barcola can and has played in other positions in the past, it’s abundantly clear that his preferred and best role is leftwing.
Therefore, depending on what else happens in the summer transfer window, one of his main competitors for game time at Spurs next season, were he to sign for them, would be Son Heung-min.
With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them? Well, from a raw output perspective, it’s a rather one-sided affair.
For example, the incredible Lyon-born ace, who’s “one of the best LW’s in Europe,” according to analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3643 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games, or every 91.07 minutes.
In contrast, the North Londoners captain scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 appearances, totalling 3189 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game, or one every 138.65 minutes.
Okay, what about their underlying numbers from this season? Which attacker comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the “devastating” star, as he was described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, who once again emerges victorious here, and by quite some margin at that.
Barcola vs Son
Statistics per 90
Barcola
Son
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.97
0.59
Non-Penalty Goals + Assists
0.99
0.64
Progressive Passes
3.97
4.74
Progressive Carries
5.66
4.10
Shots
3.05
2.35
Shots on Target
1.57
1.02
Passing Accuracy
81.7%
78.9%
Key Passes
2.07
2.14
Shot-Creating Actions
4.17
4.99
Goal-Creating Actions
0.83
0.64
Successful Take-Ons
1.40
1.24
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season
For example, while there are a few metrics in which the South Korean superstar is able to hold his own and actually come out ahead, it’s the UCL winner who does far better in the vast majority of relevant areas.
Ultimately, while Son has been an incredible player for Spurs for so long, Barcola is simply the better winger in practically every way, and therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.
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Birmingham City are currently putting plans in place to attack the Championship after they were promoted as champions of League One with 111 points.
The Blues wrapped up their 111-point league title success with a 2-1 win against Cambridge United away from home on the final day of the season earlier this month.
Chris Davies and his staff, working alongside the owners, will now be working towards the goal of building a squad that can compete for promotion to the Premier League.
Ipswich Town, albeit they have been relegated from the top-flight this term, have already shown that it is possible to do back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.
Davies may have to be incredibly ruthless with who he decides should and should not come along for the ride in the Championship, after his players helped him to an incredible season in League One.
One star whose suitability for the second tier is still in question is experienced centre-forward Alfie May, who has just enjoyed a fantastic year in the third tier.
Why Alfie May could be dropped as a starter
The 31-year-old attacker started 27 matches in League One in the 2024/25 campaign, but the step up to the Championship could see him reduced to a cameo role off the bench, or even in need of looking elsewhere for game time.
May turns 32 this summer and has not played a minute of Championship football in his career, playing in League Two or League One throughout his entire professional career to date.
The English centre-forward joined Birmingham from Charlton on a permanent deal in the summer transfer window last year and enjoyed an impressive debut season at St. Andrew’s.
24/25 League One
Alfie May
Appearances
44
Goals
16
Big chances missed
13
Big chances created
7
Assists
8
Ground duel success rate
43%
Aerial duel success rate
10%
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, May racked up 24 goals and assists combined in 44 appearances in League One, and scored more goals than he missed ‘big chances’, which shows that the forward was an effective finisher at the top end of the pitch.
However, his lack of strength in duels, particularly in the air, may be why Championship teams have not taken a chance on him in the past, and why Birmingham could drop him as a starter heading into next season.
The Blues could swoop to sign an upgrade on him in the upcoming summer transfer window, as they have been linked with an interest in an international forward.
Birmingham eyeing deal for Serie A striker
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Birmingham City are eyeing up a deal to sign Che Adams from Serie A side Torino ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Scotland international signed for the Italian club on a free transfer from Southampton last summer, and the Blues are now hoping to tempt him back to England.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Speaking to EFL Analysis, the journalist said: “I think Che Adams is one who’s on Birmingham’s list. He does tick the boxes. Obviously, he’s been there before. Knows the club. Obviously be very expensive in the Championship. We know that. So let’s see how that one goes. But yeah, they do want another striker.
“I’m not sure how much he wants to drop to Championship. I don’t really think he’s that keen on dropping to the Championship, but there are options there. If it’s a long-term thing for Birmingham, I do think that’s an option for him certainly.”
Torino'sCheAdams
These comments from Bailey suggest that it will be a difficult deal to do for the striker, who is valued at £13m by FootballTransfers, for financial and footballing reasons.
However, it could be a fantastic signing for Davies and his staff if the club are able to thrash out a transfer that would bring Adams back for a second spell at Birmingham.
Why Che Adams would be an upgrade on Alfie May
The Blues could secure a big upgrade on the aforementioned Alfie May by signing the experienced centre-forward from Torino in the summer transfer window because of his proven quality at Championship level.
Adams has been there and done it in the second tier, including in a Birmingham City shirt, and has scored goals at an even higher level in the Premier League and in the Serie A.
The 28-year-old star, who manager Paolo Vanoli described as the “perfect player”, has scored nine goals in the Italian top-flight this season, and scored 25 times in the Premier League for Southampton earlier in his career.
These statistics show that Adams has already proven himself at a much higher level than the Championship, whilst May is yet to prove himself above League One.
The Torino striker has also proven his quality in the second tier in England in his last two seasons at that level with Southampton and with Birmingham back in the 2018/19 campaign.
Che Adams (Championship)
18/19
23/24
Appearances
46
40
Starts
43
25
Goals
22
16
Big chances missed
11
11
Big chances created
6
7
Assists
4
4
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Adams proved that he can find the back of the net on a regular basis, without missing many ‘big chances’ in the Championship in those two seasons, scoring as many or more goals than May did in League One this term.
This shows that Adams has the potential to deliver even more quality in the second tier than May did in the third tier of English football, which is why he could come in as a big upgrade on the current Birmingham star.
The Torino ace has also won 36% of his aerial duels in the Serie A this term, and won 38% of them in the Championship for Southampton last season, which suggests that he could provide more physicality in the number nine role than May.
It is now down to the club to wrap up an “expensive” deal for the forward and for Davies and his staff to convince the forward to make the drop back down to the second tier with the hope that he buys into a long-term project.
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This season has felt like one long nightmare for Tottenham Hotspur.
On top of losing a staggering 20 games in the Premier League, Ange Postecoglou will now be without James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski for the club’s Europa League final next week.
Moreover, on top of losing player after player through injury during the campaign this year, they now look like they’re going to lose one of their most important in the transfer window: Cristian Romero.
However, it is not all doom and gloom, as recent reports have linked them with a Premier League star who could be the ideal replacement.
Tottenham transfer news
Unfortunately, in the last few months, a number of reports have emerged touting Romero for a move to La Liga this summer, with Atlético Madrid being his supposed destination last month.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It was even said that the Argentine defender had personally spoken to Diego Simeone about the purported move.
However, in the last few days, the World Cup winner’s supposed destination has changed to Real Madrid, with reports claiming that Xabi Alonso is a big fan of the player, who could be sold for around £60m.
TottenhamHotspur's CristianRomeroreacts
While this situation is far from ideal, the good news is that the North Londoners have been linked with someone who could be an ideal replacement: Marc Guéhi.
Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Spurs have maintained their strong interest in the full England international following their failed £70m bid for him in early February.
Alongside the Lilywhites, the report has revealed that Chelsea and Newcastle United are keen to sign the Crystal Palace star, who could be available for a pretty reasonable fee of around €55m, which is about £46m.
It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Guéhi’s ability and the potential departure of Romero, Spurs should do all they can to get it done.
Why Guéhi would be a great replacemnet
So, if Spurs cannot keep hold of Romero this summer and are forced to shop for a replacement, why would Guéhi be such a great option?
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Well, first of all, not only is he vastly experienced for someone who is still just 24 years old, but he’s also thoroughly Premier League-proven at this point and someone clearly quite sought-after.
For example, across his career to date, the “exceptional” centre-back, as dubbed by The Athletic’s Stuart James, has made 132 top-flight appearances, 52 in the Championship, 15 in the FA Cup and a handful more in several other competitions.
Guéhi’s senior career
Club
Palace
Swansea
Chelsea
Appearances
154
59
2
Goals
8
0
0
Assists
4
0
0
Goal Involvements per Match
0.07
0.00
0.00
All Stats via Transfermarkt
On top of that, the 6 foot “tank,” as dubbed by former England U21 teammate Joe Bursik, is now a full member of the national team, making 23 appearances since his debut in March 2022, and most crucially, was an ever-present in the country’s backline when they made it all the way to the final of the European Championships last year.
Furthermore, while the Lilywhites’ Argentine warrior has missed a staggering 75 games for club and country across his career, the former Chelsea prospect has missed just 16, and you know what they say: availability is the best ability.
Finally, if that’s still not enough to convince you, then perhaps his rather impressive underlying numbers will.
According to FBref, the Palace ace sits in the top 3% of centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for through ball, the top 4% for passes blocked, the top 5% for goal-creating actions through a defensive action, the top 9% for goals plus assists, key passes and shot-creating actions, the top 11% for expected assists and more, all per 90.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehiin action
Ultimately, replacing a player as talented Romero is always going to be difficult, but Guéhi looks like he could get pretty close, and therefore, Spurs must do what they can to sign him this summer.
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As they did at the start of this season, Arsenal will go into next year as one of the clear favourites to win the Premier League.
While such an expectation now feels entirely normal, it wasn’t just a few years ago, as the 22/23 campaign marked the first season in a long time that the Gunners mounted a serious challenge for the title.
Mikel Arteta’s side failed to even qualify for the Champions League the year prior but came flying out of the gate and came painfully close to becoming champions with the exciting wing play of Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli, two of the club’s stand-out players.
While the former has only improved since then, the latter has struggled to match the 22 goal involvements he produced in 46 games, but the board might be about to sign a centre-forward who could help him get back to his best.
Arsenal's striker search
With Arsenal clearly needing another striker as far back as last summer, the club have been linked with a whole host of free-scoring forwards this year, from Alexander Isak to Benjamin Sesko.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former would probably be most people’s preferred option, as he’s proven in the Premier League and has been in incredible form this season, scoring 27 goals and providing six assists in just 40 appearances for Newcastle United.
However, with reports from earlier this year claiming that he could cost in excess of £150m, it seems incredibly unlikely that this is a deal that gets done.
Sesko, on the other hand, could cost around £58m this summer, and considering he’s managed to rack up a tally of 21 goals and six assists in 43 appearances for RB Leipzig, that might just be a reasonable fee.
Yet, as the Slovenian is still just 21 years old, the North Londoners might want a more senior marksman leading the line next year, which is where Viktor Gyokeres comes in.
According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their strong interest in the Sporting CP superstar ahead of the summer transfer window.
In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners have now made an opening bid of €60m for the Swedish superstar, which is about £51m, and considered likely to be too low.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates after the match
The good news is that the Portuguese giants are willing to sell him for less than his €100m – £85m – release clause, but the bad news is that the likes of Chelsea, Atlético Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also all keen to secure the 26-year-old’s services.
It would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ immense ability in front of goal, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he could get Martinelli back to his best.
Why Gyokeres could get Martinelli back to his best
Let’s say that Arsenal have their bid accepted, or they increase and get their man that way; why would Gyokeres help get Martinelli back to his 22/23 best?
Sporting Club's Francisco Trinaco and Viktor Gyokeres.
Well, while there are a few different reasons, they fundamentally all come back to one thing: his output.
For example, in 50 appearances last season, totalling 4169 minutes, the prolific “monster,” as dubbed by journalist Alex Turk, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists.
Gyokeres’ Sporting Record
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
50
49
Minutes
4169′
3948′
Goals
43
52
Assists
15
12
Goal Involvements per Match
1.16
1.30
Minutes per Goal Involvement
71.87′
61.68′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
That means he averaged 1.16 goal involvements per game for the entire campaign, or, in other words, he produced one every 71.87 minutes.
However, if that wasn’t good enough, he’s doing even better this season, as in 49 appearances, totalling 3948 minutes, the Stockholm-born sensation has scored 52 goals and provided 12 assists.
Such an incredible level of output means the 26-capped international is averaging 1.30 goal involvements per game at the moment, or one every 61.68 minutes.
Just imagine a striker as unbelievably efficient as him starting to the right of the Gunners’ number 11; his goal and assist numbers would explode.
Moreover, the sheer presence of someone so clinical in the frontline will force opposition defences to focus more attention on him, thus opening up more space for Saka and the rapid Brazilian to exploit.
Ultimately, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Gyokeres this summer, as not only would his goals make a significant difference on their own, but he’d also surely help Martinelli get back to his very best.
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Back in January, the Sky Blues spent a reported £180m, that’s more than the other 19 Premier League clubs combined, acquiring five new players, namely Omar Marmoush, Abdukodir Khusanov, Nico González, Juma Bah and Vitor Reis.
Nevertheless, Pep Guardiola does not plan to stop there, so does he have his eyes set on a new winger?
Manchester City's wide-attacker target
Much of the transfer chatter as we approach the summer has surrounded the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White and Florian Wirtz. While Wirtz can play out wide, he’s more of a no.10, and thus, the Citizens may need someone else to take on that berth instead.
Well, according to a report from Spain, Manchester City remain “interested” in signing Rodrygo, who is valued at €100m (around £85m) by Real Madrid.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As noted by Graham Ruthven of Total Soccer Show, Real Madrid lack balance when Rodrygo, Vinícius Júnior and Kylian Mbappé are all deployed as a front three, forecasting that one will ultimately be “sacrificed”, with Rodrygo the most likely candidate.
Nevertheless, this is not to diminish the Brazilian’s talent, with his manager Carlo Ancelotti labeling him a “special striker”, while teammate Luka Modrić described him as a “world-class superstar”.
Nevertheless, with Felipe del Campo of Radio Marca claiming Rodrygo is considering leaving Real Madrid, could he be on his way to Manchester?
What Rodrygo's arrival would mean for Jeremy Doku
Given their positional and stylistic similarities, should Rodrygo swap the Bernabéu for the Etihad, this could be bad news for Jérémy Doku.
The Belgian hadn’t started any of the Citizens’ last five matches, making him a surprise inclusion in Guardiola’s lineup against Wolves on Friday night but he repaid the manager’s faith with an eye-catching performance, teeing-up compatriot Kevin De Bruyne for the night’s only goal.
Nevertheless, more broadly, Doku’s form this season has been mixed, scoring just six goals across all competitions, the most recent of which came during the 6-0 demolition of Ipswich in January.
Rodrygo, on the other hand, has continued to produce impressive numbers, in spite of the fact Real Madrid remain dysfunctional, as the table below highlights.
Doku vs Rodrygo 2024/25 comparison
Statistics
Doku
Rodrygo
Appearances
34
50
Minutes
1,776
3,290
Goals
6
13
Assists
9
10
Goals – xG
+1.7
+4.7
Shots per 90
1.79
2.64
Shots on target %
31%
38.5%
Shot-creating actions
80
142
Attempted take-ons
210
142
Take-on success %
52.9%
47.2%
Progressive carries
215
158
Progressive passes received
311
353
Touches per 90
47
53
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt and FBref.com
As the table outlines, Rodrygo would represent a clear upgrade on Doku, coming out on top when it comes to goals, assists, shooting and chances created, even if the Belgian’s dribbling numbers are admittedly superior.
This shouldn’t be too surprising though, given that, as noted by Adrian Clarke of the Premier League, Doku might just be the ‘best dribbler in the world’, having registered more progressive carries (189) than anyone else across Europe’s top five leagues this season, according to FBref.com.
On the other end, Martina Alcheva of World Soccer Talk praises Rodrygo’s ‘versatility and work rate’, while Sive Vishwa of Breaking the Lines notes he is a ‘vital player for Real Madrid’, in terms of ‘pressing’, goal contributions and ‘unlocking defences’, believing the Brazilian to be ‘one of the hottest prospects in world football’.
Thus, if Man City get the opportunity to snap up Rodrygo this summer, they should absolutely do so, as he would improve any team he joins, potentially elevating the Sky Blues back to a level where they’re dominating the Premier League once again.
Romano: Man City to "advance" for £100m star; personal terms not an issue
Liverpool are preparing a massive bid for a “brilliant” holding midfielder who is loved by Pep Guardiola and has been compared to Manchester United star and Real Madrid legend Casemiro, according to a new report.
Liverpool expecting big summer
Despite enjoying a superb first season under Dutch head coach Arne Slot, Liverpool and FSG are not planning to rest on their laurels and are expected to be very busy in the upcoming summer transfer window – especially with a number of players set to leave Anfield.
The most high-profile of the imminent departures is, of course, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who looks likely to join Real Madrid as a free agent at the conclusion of the campaign.
His reported move to the Santiago Bernabeu has split opinion among fans – some feeling the Englishman is deserting his boyhood club, others wishing him luck as he embarks on a new chapter after playing a crucial role in Liverpool’s return to Europe’s elite.
Elsewhere, midfielder Wataru Endo could move on, while Portuguese forward Diogo Jota could also leave, having struggled with persistent injuries and been unable to put together a consistent run of games.
On the incoming front, several names are already being floated.
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They include Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, West Ham United’s Mohamed Kudus, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, and Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak – who is believed to be Liverpool’s top target after a stellar season in which he scored over 25 goals, helped the Magpies lift the EFL Cup, and pushed them to the brink of Champions League qualification.
Liverpool preparing £50m+ Adam Wharton bid
Another player reportedly on Liverpool’s radar is Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton.
The Englishman, who has already drawn comparisons to Manchester United star and Real Madrid legend Casemiro, has been superb since joining Palace from Blackburn Rovers in February 2024. His all-action performances in the middle of the park have caught the attention of clubs across Europe, including Real Madrid, and recently earned him a place in the England squad.
According to a new report from The Sun, Liverpool are preparing a £50 million-plus bid for Wharton this summer in an effort to beat out the competition and lure him to Merseyside from Selhurst Park.
The newspaper claims that while Palace have enjoyed an excellent season, reaching the FA Cup final, the lure of Champions League football could prove too strong for Wharton to resist, and that “he may take the chance” to move to Anfield.
Wharton’s performances have earned widespread praise, including from Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola. Speaking ahead of City’s 5-2 win over Palace last month, Pep described the 20-year-old as “an excellent holding midfielder.”
“The impact has been really good, coming from the Championship to the Premier League. Brilliant left foot, a really good player,” Guardiola said.
Glasgow Rangers’ 2024/25 is over following their Europa League defeat in midweek to Athletic Club at the quarter-final stage.
Having been knocked out of the Scottish Cup in February, plus the fact Celtic are runaway leaders of the Premiership, the final five league games will be dead rubbers for the Ibrox side.
Ally McCoist speaking to Barry Ferguson for TNT Sports.
While Philippe Clement was to blame for many reasons, the transfer activity, both in the summer and winter windows, has a lot to answer for regarding the club’s dismal campaign.
Out of all the arrivals to join the club this season, only a few have gained pass marks. Robin Propper could have made that list, yet he has endured a poor season.
Robin Propper's dismal season in numbers
The Dutch defender had played over 100 times for FC Twente, even captaining the side, before making the move to Ibrox last summer.
On the surface, it looked as though he could be a solid signing, especially given his age and the experience gained over his career.
Fast-forward nine months, and it couldn’t have gone any worse. Propper has failed to truly acclimatise to the physical nature of Scottish football, being regularly outpaced and outfought by opposition defenders. As he admitted himself, he “maybe underestimated” the quality of the Premiership.
In Europe, the centre-back has won just 44% of his aerial duels while losing possession 6.7 times per game, and overall, he hasn’t been the best of signings.
Robin Propper’s stats for Rangers this season
Metric (per 90)
Premiership
Europa League
Accurate passes
58.6
30.3
Tackles
1.6
0.8
Total duels won
5.6
2.5
Interceptions
0.9
1
Possession lost
8.7
6.7
Via Sofascore
Despite this, Propper – who was sent off against Athletic in the first-leg stalemate – may not even be the worst defensive signing Clement made this term. That honour could go to Rafael Fernandes, who, with every passing week, looks an extremely strange signing.
How Rafael Fernandes has performed for Rangers
A few winter arrivals were expected by the Ibrox faithful, but only Rafael Fernandes made the move to Rangers, much to the disappointment of the supporters.
The 22-year-old defender signed on an initial six-month loan deal, having the option to make it permanent, but given how little he has featured, this shouldn’t be exercised.
Rafael Fernandes
Indeed, the youngster has played a total of 91 competitive minutes for the Gers spread across four appearances.
His first start for the club came against Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup, and it soon turned into a disaster. He lasted only 60 minutes as the Light Blues suffered a shock defeat.
Since then, Fernandes has started only one more game – against Aberdeen last week – and it doesn’t look like he will feature much in the closing weeks.
Across his three league outings, Fernandes won just 25% of his total duels contested, along with committing one foul per game and making zero tackles each match.
He hasn’t exactly had many chances to make an impact at the club, but even when he has been on the pitch, Fernandes hasn’t done himself many favours, that’s for sure.
It was a weird signing in the first place, and when the season finishes, Rangers should say thanks before allowing him to return to Lille.
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Peter Walton has revealed a former Liverpool player was the hardest player he ever had to referee, in an exclusive interview with Football FanCast.
Walton names Liverpool forward as most difficult player to referee
These days, the Premier League are trying to crack down on dissent towards referees, having reduced the threshold for a yellow card in the case of disrespect towards an official, but it is unclear how much of an impact the rule change is having.
The match between AFC Bournemouth and Chelsea earlier this season set a Premier League record, as 14 players were shown a yellow card in the encounter, with Anthony Taylor clamping down on dissent, while both managers were also booked.
That said, some would argue the move is a step in the right direction, given the abuse referees receive both on the pitch and online, with the social media era amplifying the issue to a much greater extent.
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Sir Alex Ferguson is perhaps the most famous example of a manager who wasn’t afraid to clash with the officials in the pre-social media era, with Graham Poll once admitting he was scared to give decisions against Manchester United.
“When I travelled to Old Trafford, I was well aware of the ‘Fergie factor’. If I gave a ‘soft’ decision against them or did not add enough time on, then I knew he would let me know, in no uncertain times, that I had erred.”
Now, Walton, who refereed in the Premier League from 2003 to 2012, has told Football FanCast the player he found it most difficult to referee, revealing former Liverpool player Craig Bellamy gave him the most issues.
Liverpool'sCraigBellamycelebrates winning the Carling Cup
Walton also revealed John Terry was a bit of a nightmare for a different reason.
Bellamy's off-field antics at Liverpool
It is little surprise Bellamy was tough to referee on the field, given some of his actions off it during his time with the Reds, most famously attacking teammate John Arne Riise with a golf club before a crucial match against Barcelona in the Champions League.
Days later, however, both Riise and Bellamy would go on to score at the Camp Nou to secure a 2-1 away victory, with the incident seemingly having little effect on team morale.
The Welshman maintained a decent record in front of goal across two spells on Merseyside, picking up 18 goals and 13 assists in 79 games, and signing off with a Carling Cup final victory against hometown club Cardiff City in his final season.
These days, the former Liverpool man is the manager of Wales, and they have been faring well since he took the helm in July last year, topping their UEFA Nations League B group and without a defeat under his guidance.