All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton felt the excitement as they waved goodbye to Goodison Park and geared up for a new chapter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, led once again by David Moyes.

But that excitement has been tempered by a frustrating summer transfer window, with the Premier League season now up and running and Everton still in need of a few more faces.

The Toffees were defeated at Leeds United in their season opener, and while the likes of off-the-bench debutants Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry illustrated the start of a new-look Everton, there’s no question that the performance was flat, and that it’s imperative that something is done before the closure of the transfer window.

Everton hunting more signings

Everton’s one-goal defeat at Elland Road left a lot to be desired, and it’s clear that the club need more sparkle going forward.

Grealish will be billed as one of the principal providers in that regard, but the Blues could do with a few more signings to assist the England international.

Though Everton need right-siders and perhaps another forward too, Moyes is considering a move that would bolster his central ranks, and he’s peering over the edge of the Premier League and into the Championship.

Well, according to Football Insider, Everton are now working on a deal for Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney, though they face stiff competition from Crystal Palace in the race for the 23-year-old.

A move to Ipswich Town has already fallen through for the English talent, with a £20m fee agreed between the clubs, but personal terms proving insurmountable at the negotiating table.

What Hayden Hackney would bring to Everton

Hackney has completed 116 appearances for Middlesbrough since graduating from the club’s youth academy, establishing himself as one of the maestros of England’s second tier.

An all-action player, Hackney is calm and composed when against the ball and sharp and intelligent when in possession, with his natural-born creativity allowing him to influence from the deeper fathoms of the midfield.

Last season, he started 43 times in the Championship, completing 85% of his passes and averaging 1.5 key passes and 6.5 ball recoveries per game, via Sofascore.

Such vast ground-covering performances would add much to Moyes’ Everton side, and the Boro star might even prove the perfect midfield partner to restore Grealish to his one-time level, having been untouchable during that final year at Aston Villa in 2020/21.

Matches (starts)

26 (24)

Goals

6

Assists

10

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.7)

Big chances missed

4

Pass completion

83%

Big chances created

14

Key passes*

3.2

Dribbles*

2.5

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

Total duels (won)*

8.9 (61%)

It was a truly remarkable year from the Three Lions star, one that saw him earn his record-breaking move to Pep Guardiola’s brood. However, Grealish has lost his sparkle over the past few years in Manchester and could rekindle that flame on Merseyside.

Everton aren’t blessed with the same depth of technical quality as Man City, but the Birmingham-born forward should have greater freedom to roam and make things happen, and with Hackney playing in balls from behind, the chances of a fluent system are only increased.

As per data from FBref, Hackney ranked among the top 5% of midfielders in the Championship last season for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes, the top 8% for shot-creating actions and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90.

There’s no question that he bears the range of passing and the athleticism to add a dimension to Everton’s midfield, thus providing the fleet-footed Grealish with a constant supply line from which he can work his magic in and around the penalty area.

Hailed by former Boro boss Michael Carrick for his “immense” performance against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup during the 2023/24 season, Hackney has spent plenty of time developing his skills in the Championship and is surely now ready to take the leap forward into the Premier League.

His long, calculated passing puts him in a different category from Everton’s current midfield crop, and he would be the perfect kind of deep-lying playmaker to restore Grealish’s X-factor and ensure the Toffees make it a successful and exciting season.

Their new Stones: TFG begin talks to sign "special" £26m star for Everton

Everton still hope to make a few signings before the end of the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 18, 2025

Nottingham Forest have now submitted a formal £25m+ offer for an “elite” midfielder, who has already struck an agreement on personal terms, according to a report.

Forest stepping up midfielder pursuit after Europa League verdict

The Tricky Trees have controversially been admitted to next season’s Europa League, as a result of issues surrounding multi-club ownership at Crystal Palace, with Eagles chairman Steve Parish putting out a strong statement after the verdict.

Parish said: “The decision by Uefa and followed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport shows that sporting merit is rendered meaningless. It appears that certain clubs, organisations and individuals have a unique privilege and power.”

Parish has previously suggested that Forest are to blame for Palace’s demotion, but Evangelos Marinakis is unlikely to care too much, given that his side are now set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season.

Consequently, Nottingham Forest may now also be better-placed to attract some exciting new players, and a new midfielder is of particular interest, with Manchester City’s James McAtee emerging as a major target.

Not only are Nuno Espirito Santo’s side eager to sign an attacking midfielder, but they are also looking to bring in a player capable of operating in a deeper role, with it recently being revealed they are in active talks over a deal for AC Milan’s Yunus Musah.

There has now been a new update on Forest’s pursuit of Musah, with a report from TEAMtalk revealing they have now tabled an official offer of £25.9m including bonuses, which is close to the Italian club’s asking price.

A dream for McAtee: Nottingham Forest plot swoop for "explosive" £40m star

The promising talent would be an excellent signing for Nottingham Forest.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 12, 2025

Milan are looking to hold out for just over £30m, which means the two clubs aren’t too far apart, and should a fee be agreed, personal terms could be a formality, as an agreement in principle has already been reached on a deal until 2030.

With a move to Napoli now off the cards, the midfielder is open to a move to the Premier League, and the Tricky Trees could even slightly increase their bid to get a deal over the line.

"Elite" Musah could excel at the City Ground

The 47-cap USA star clearly has all the attributes of a top midfielder, having received very high praise from football talent scout Jacek Kulig for his performances at international level.

Still only 22-years-old, the New-York born midfielder already has plenty of experience at the top level, making 80 appearances for AC Milan, while also featuring seven times in the Champions League last season.

With Forest set to embark on a Europa League campaign next season, Nuno could do with bringing in players who have experience in big matches, and Musah certainly fits the bill.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is readying an offer for their potential seventh signing of the summer, which is expected to be placed in the next few days, according to a new report.

Arsenal reach part £30m "agreement" to sign player who Arteta really wants

The Gunners are making progress.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 1, 2025

Following another season of near-misses, the Gunners have committed to backing Mikel Arteta once again, and their business so far reflects a side serious about ending their two-decade-long wait for a Premier League title.

The blockbuster, headline-grabbing signing has been that of Viktor Gyökeres, who’s widely seen as the final missing piece of their jigsaw.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

Arsenal finally secured the Swedish striker from Sporting CP in a deal worth up to £64m, including add-ons, with Gyokeres making his long-awaited debut against Tottenham in the first overseas north London derby ever on Thursday.

Berta has been a long-time admirer and sees him as the clinical, physically dominant number 9 which Arsenal have seriously lacked. The 53-year-old apparently pushed to sign the 27-year-old over fellow top striker target Benjamin Sesko (Simon Phillips), with Berta finally getting his wish last weekend.

Gyökeres arrives off the back of another phenomenal season in Portugal, scoring 54 goals in all competitions, and he could be the difference between success and another ‘close but no cigar’ season for Arsenal.

Despite spending upwards of £200m already on fellow new arrivals Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera in that order, Berta’s business may not be done.

Talks continue with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze and his representatives, as per Fabrizio Romano, with Arteta keen on the England international who could provide more creativity, ball progression and a serious goal return from midfield.

Arsenal missed the deadline to trigger Eze’s £60m release clause, which expired on Friday at 11:59pm, but it was never their idea to activate it anyway, as Berta looks to strike a cheaper deal for him.

Arsenal poised to make "formal" Eberechi Eze bid early next week

Football Transfers have an update on the matter, after the outlet’s previous claim that Arsenal have agreed to pay £30m on a ‘first down payment’ for Eze.

Arsenal are now stepping up their pursuit of Eze, with FT reporting the club are preparing a “formal” £51m bid to tempt Palace, which would be made up of the £30m down payment and a further £22m to be paid over the next two years.

Berta’s offer for Eze will apparently be submitted “early next week”, so in the next few days, with talks intensifying behind the scenes and the Gunners ready to make their move.

Eze would be an ideal fit for Arsenal as a central playmaker, and a different threat to captain Martin Odegaard.

The “unique” forward racked up eight goals and eight assists in just 34 Premier League appearances last season. That’s a goal involvement every other game, and his creativity went even deeper than that.

Eze also ranked in the 94th percentile for key passes and expected assists, with 2.06 key passes per match (Footy Stats) – dazzling around the box and completing over two successful dribbles per game too.

Arteta’s side often struggle against teams in the low block, as evident by their goalscoring record in 2024/2025, but Eze’s proven creativity could seriously help to solve this glaring issue.

Sunderland don’t want to just make up the numbers next season in the Premier League.

Indeed, the Black Cats’ early summer business indicates that they are going to splash the cash to try and stave off an immediate Championship return, with a club-record £30m spent on acquiring Habib Diarra from Strasbourg.

That’s before you even consider the long-winding list of names being linked to the Stadium of Light, with ex-Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi one standout face on their reported shopping list, alongside names such as Hamed Traore also being tipped to relocate to Wearside for a high £18m.

Of course, Sunderland are no strangers to such a statement deal when trying to achieve something remarkable like survival in the Premier League, with Enzo Le Fee the talk of the town when he moved to England earlier this year.

Le Fee's early impact at Sunderland

When Le Fee initially linked up with the Black Cats in January on loan, his much-talked-about arrival was secured to try and push Le Bris’ side back up to the promised land.

It ended up being a mission success, thankfully, with Le Fee’s stylish presence helping Sunderland in some nervy promotion-deciding moments, as seen in him registering two vital assists in the playoff semi-final first and second legs versus Coventry City.

Lorient

142

8

15

Rennes

35

0

5

AS Roma

10

0

0

Also chipping in with a goal during Sunderland’s intense promotion run-in, Black Cats supporters far and wide must have been scratching their eyes watching such an immense talent strut his stuff in the Championship, considering he was lining up for Italian giants AS Roma just before his switch to Wearside.

On top of that, he also collected a hefty total of 28 goals and assists on the books of both Rennes and Lorient, with Le Bris clearly flexing his ex-Lorient connections to surprisingly pick up Le Fee, who is now a permanent member of his Premier League camp after joining for good for £20m.

Another bold move similar to the Frenchman’s shock switch could soon be signed off on if rumours are correct, with this potential deal perhaps going down as an even bigger signing than the 25-year-old’s entry if the enigmatic star in question can instantly settle.

The "phenomenon" who could be a bigger signing than Le Fee

Le Bris loves hopping into the Ligue 1 market when attempting to unearth potential Sunderland gems, with Diarra the next notable face from the French top division being given a chance to shine in Wearside.

Lyon superstar Georges Mikautadze could be the next to fall off the ambitious Ligue 1 conveyor belt, with French outlet Foot Mercato revealing that Sunderland are one of a number of clubs across Europe keeping a close eye on the entertaining Georgian amidst Lyon’s financial woes.

Mikautadze might end up joining the Sunderland ranks for only £1m more than Le Fee, which would be an almighty steal when you consider the many dazzling performances the 24-year-old forward served up under Paolo Fonseca last season.

In total, the attacking “phenomenon” – as he has been labelled in the past by former boss Emilio Ferrera – would hammer home 17 goals and pick up nine assists in all competitions, even as background noise threatened to unsettle the now Ligue 2 outfit.

24/25

Lyon

47

17

11

23/24

FC Metz

22

14

4

22/23

FC Metz

42

25

9

When digging even deeper and analysing the table above, his numbers overall when playing in France – away from just being Lyon’s main attacking spark – blow Le Fee’s own tally even more out of the water, with a ridiculous 79 combined goals and assists coming his way for both Metz and his current employers.

With all of this on his side, there will be so much hope in the air that Mikautadze can be a rip-roaring success in England, much like Le Fee has managed to be.

If anything, having also been hailed as a “living legend” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Mikautadze might well be even more of an enticing watch, particularly if his enthralling displays ensure immediate Premier League safety.

Sunderland plotting bargain swoop to sign "great" Premier League midfielder

The Black Cats could land an excellent deal.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 30, 2025

Burnley didn’t blow anyone away in attack during their recent promotion-winning feat out of the Championship as their rock-solid defence instead stole all the plaudits.

That is understandable considering the Clarets only leaked a seriously impressive 16 goals all season long, but only 69 goals would actually be scored by Scott Parker’s men on the flip side.

To add context, Leeds United were crowned champions ahead of Burnley purely because of their heftier goal difference, helped by their mammoth 95 strikes.

Therefore, upon their re-entry into the top division, Burnley could be on the hunt for a new, potent attacker to call their own, with Parker praying he can uncover his next Aleksandar Mitrovic in the process, having worked alongside the lethal Serbian at previous employers Fulham.

Mitrovic's potency under Scott Parker

Mitrovic is the very definition of a modern-day legend at the Cottagers, having ended his 206-game association with the West London side by bagging a ridiculous 111 strikes.

30 of those would come under the bumpy reign of Parker, before the now Al-Hilal attacker became an even more ice-cold finisher of chances when Marco Silva took on the managerial reins after the 44-year-old’s dismissal.

Still, the deadly 30-year-old first kicked on donning Fulham white under the guidance of Parker with the Clarets boss arguably also playing a key part in Dominic Solanke’s development at AFC Bournemouth prior to his major switch to Tottenham Hotspur.

Off the back of this, Burnley could be tempted to go after an experienced striker to lead the line next season, knowing he has been as clinical as Mitrovic when previously performing at the peak of his powers.

Parker could sign his new Mitrovic

Most of the chatter involving Burnley this summer has honed in on the alarming amount of potential outgoings as both Maxime Esteve and Josh Brownhill reportedly continue to be eyed up by higher up suitors.

Thankfully, rumours involving who they could add to their promotion-winning squad are also now coming to the surface, with former hero Danny Ings being lined up for a stunning Turf Moor return.

Before the “phenomenal” veteran – as he’s been previously labelled by pundit Noel Whelan – would go on to cement himself as a Premier League distinguished striker for the likes of Aston Villa and Southampton, the 32-year-old first burst onto the scene as a dangerous goal machine in Lancashire.

After ripping up the Championship with Burnley by firing home 21 goals – much like Mitrovic had shown on the books of Fulham – Ings would get his first big break in the Premier League with the Clarets during the 2014/15 season, with a temptation surely on the ageing attacker’s end now to return to his ex-side shortly to try and recapture his frightening best and help Parker’s underdogs beat the drop.

24/25

West Ham

15

1

2

23/24

West Ham

20

1

1

22/23

West Ham

17

2

2

22/23

Aston Villa

18

6

0

21/22

Aston Villa

30

7

6

20/21

Southampton

29

12

4

19/20

Southampton

38

22

2

18/19

Southampton

24

7

3

17/18

Liverpool

8

1

0

15/16

Liverpool

6

2

0

14/15

Burnley

35

11

4

As can be seen looking at the table above, when Ings isn’t in and out of the treatment room with injuries, he is a reliable goalscorer at Premier League level which is what Burnley are crying out for after a mediocre campaign in front of goal in the league below.

It will all just rest on whether Ings can break free of his recurring injury issues, but with Parker’s track record with Mitrovic, he could well be an ideal figure for the 32-year-old to shine under.

The nervous Clarets will also be able to land their ex-number ten on a free transfer, meaning it could go down as a very shrewd deal if he rolls back the years on his return.

Their best ST since Wood: Burnley could now sign "clinical" PL star

Burnley could pick up their best striker purchase since Chris Wood with this summer deal

ByKelan Sarson May 25, 2025

Alexander Isak is a striker who has been a key target for Liverpool over recent months, with the Swede certainly likely to be on their radar once again this summer.

The 25-year-old has been a clinical option in the Premier League this campaign, registering 23 goals in his 33 appearances, offering Eddie Howe’s side a key presence in their quest for Champions League football.

He’s also starred against the Reds throughout 2024/25, scoring what proved to be the winning goal against Arne Slot’s side in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley.

However, if the Merseyside outfit were to make a move and land the talisman during the off-season, they would have to fork out a pretty penny, with the Magpies demanding £150m for his signature.

Such a figure would likely price the club out of a potential deal, leading to potential alternatives in the market, with numerous players already on their list ahead of the upcoming window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has emerged on Liverpool’s shortlist over the last couple of days, with the Slovenian catching the eye with his tally of 21 goals in his 45 outings.

It was reported earlier this week that the club were ready to enter talks to land the 21-year-old, seeing him as an option to improve the players currently at his disposal.

However, he’s not the only Bundesliga attacker in the sights ahead of the upcoming window, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitiké the latest name mentioned for a move to Anfield, according to French outlet RMC Sport.

The report states that the Reds have already made an approach for the 22-year-old, who’s registered 22 goals and 12 assists throughout 2024/25 in all competitions.

It also claims that he’s allowed to leave the German outfit during the upcoming window if anyone matches the €100m (£84m) valuation they’ve placed on his head.

Why Liverpool’s £84m target could be Slot’s own Isak

A striker is evidently a priority for Liverpool this summer, as seen by the recent targets, but it’s pivotal that the hierarchy land the right option for Slot.

In the past, they’ve spent heavily on a talisman, as seen with the signing of Darwin Núñez back in 2022, with the Uruguayan costing a club-record £85m.

However, it’s safe to say the move to Anfield has been a disappointment, registering just 40 goals in his 142 appearances on Merseyside – with just seven of which coming this campaign.

Such form has led to links away from Anfield this summer, which will undoubtedly result in a hefty loss on the fee paid for his signature, but could pave the way for a new centre-forward.

From the recent names mentioned, Ekitike would be a better signing than Sesko, outperforming him in numerous key areas when comparing their respective stats.

The Frenchman would also be the club’s own Isak, being comparable to the Swede by FBref and matching or bettering the figures produced by the Newcastle star in numerous key areas.

Ekitike, who’s been labelled a “monster” by one analyst, has registered more shots and more shots on target per 90 – highlighting the constant threat he poses in attacking areas.

Games played

33

33

33

Goals & assists

23

29

18

Progressive carries

3.3

2.7

1.7

Shots on target

1.5

1.3

1.1

Shots taken

4

3.1

2.5

Pass accuracy

76%

74%

67%

Shot-creating actions

3.5

3

1.9

Take-ons completed

1.8

1.4

1.4

He’s also registered more shot-creating actions and completed more take-ons per 90, handing Slot a complete option in attacking areas, bolstering their chances of retaining their title.

The Frankfurt star has completed more passes and competed more progressive carries, subsequently able to aid other attackers when getting into the final third.

It would be another huge investment from the board, but it’s one that could play a huge part if they are successful once again in the years ahead.

Whilst Isak would be many fans’ main option this summer, Ekitike has proved that he’s capable of being an excellent talisman and possibly the Reds’ own version of the star.

Dream Wirtz alternative: Liverpool plot move for "generational" £34m star

Liverpool can forget about a move for Florian Wirtz, with another name entering the mix this week.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 22, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are first in line for a highly-rated player this summer, thanks to a special agreement struck by chairman Daniel Levy, with the man in question set for the final say on a move to north London.

Tottenham break record for most Premier League losses in a season

On Sunday, a brace from Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze doomed Spurs to a 2-0 defeat at home and subsequently handed Ange Postecoglou an unwanted record.

Manager "would accept" £190k-per-week contract to join Tottenham

Ange Postecoglou’s future remains up in the air.

ByEmilio Galantini May 11, 2025

Following the loss to Oliver Glasner’s side, Tottenham have now broken their all-time record for most defeats in a single Premier League campaign, with the Lilywhites chalking up a miserable 20 top-flight losses on Postecoglou’s watch.

Son Heung-min

7.05

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.88

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“Yeah, look, I get it and people are banging the drum about this record with defeats, but if people don’t see there is a correlation between the two, I am not going to sit here and…it’s not exactly Pythagoras’ theorem,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s unwanted record of defeats and their looming European final.

“It’s quite simple to understand we would have had much better results if we didn’t have to navigate this. So, either you understand or you don’t and beat us over the head, I get it.

“I am not happy with the way we performed today, so that’s what I look at.”

While Spurs find themselves in the Europa League final, and could well save their tepid season with a first piece of major silverware in 17 years, not to mention qualification for the Champions League next season, 20 defeats in the league is simply inexcusable for a big six side.

Tottenham’s manager was forced to deal with a historically bad injury crisis midway through the campaign, which undoubtedly crippled his chances of success, but some reports suggest Postecoglou is set to leave Spurs at the end of the season – regardless of their success in the Europa League.

Whoever Levy lands on to succeed the Australian, it is crystal clear that the north Londoners are in dire need of strength in depth, even if the club face a challenging transfer window where they could be forced to adopt a sell-to-buy policy (The Telegraph).

Competition is set to be rife for the continent’s most in-demand targets, with Tottenham among the contenders to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, who is attracting serious interest from all of their elite Premier League rivals and Europe’s top sides.

Johnny Cardoso set for decision over joining Tottenham after £21m agreement

However, one player who Spurs have the upper hand for, over any other side, is Real Betis star Johnny Cardoso.

Last summer, as part of the deal which saw Giovani Lo Celso join Betis, Levy struck a first-option agreement to sign Cardoso this summer for around £21 million – which they can choose to activate or not.

However, while this puts Postecoglou’s side in pole position above their competitors, his potential transfer to N17 isn’t as cut and dry as the clause.

As per El Desmarque, while this first option becomes valid next month, Cardoso is set for the “last word” over joining Tottenham, so he’s set for a crunch decision as the 23-year-old remains uncertain over his future.

Man United and Atlético Madrid could also come in with offers of their own, while Cardoso’s entourage apparently state he’s very happy in his current surroundings.

He would undoubtedly bolster Tottenham’s midfield given his impressive La Liga performances, but they’re dependent on Cardoso’s last say if a move is to materialise.

68 days on from the sacking of Philippe Clement, the search for Rangers’ new permanent manager goes on at Ibrox.

For now, Barry Ferguson remains in interim charge, and he will remain in situ for the rest of the season, most recently overseeing the Gers’ 2-2 draw in Paisley on Saturday.

This means the Light Blues have now won only three of their last eight Premiership outings, conceding at least twice in ten of 12 outings across all competitions since mid-February.

However, with the 49ers takeover seemingly imminent, could the new owners land their dream appointment, one that would reinvigorate the club captain?

James Tavernier's recent form at Rangers

Sunday’s Old Firm at Ibrox will be James Tavernier’s 510th appearance in a Rangers jersey, only ten men have accumulated more for the club, making him an undisputed, bona fide legend in Govan.

During Rangers’ title-winning season of 2020/21, Jordan Campbell of the Athletic exclaimed that Tavernier was ‘the best player in Scotland’, stating that he was ‘playing on a different level to the rest of the league’, adding that the ‘extraordinary’ right-back put in one of the most ‘impressive individual seasons’ in Scottish football history.

However, in more recent times, Tavernier’s place in the Rangers team has come under scrutiny.

The Englishman himself admitted “I started the season off slow”, not reaching his usual high level, with Joshua Barrie of the Rangers Review labelling his performance against Motherwell in November’s League Cup Final as “passive”.

In an attempt to combat his defensive lapses, interim manager Ferguson has shifted Tavernier around, deploying him at centre-back against Athletic Club in the Europa League at San Mamés, before also trialling him as a right-wing-back on occasion, as was the case last weekend.

Given the 33-year-old’s attacking output, the latter role certainly suits him, so could the current front-runner to be the next Rangers manager get the best out of the skipper?

The current favourite to be the next Rangers manager

According to a report by The Daily Record, Marco Rose is currently the ‘nailed-on favourite’ to become the next Rangers manager.

The 48-year-old German is out of work, having been sacked by RB Leipzig in March, but boasts a pretty impressive CV.

Lokomotive Leipzig

2012-13

30

30%

0

RB Salzburg

2017-19

114

72%

Austria Bundesliga x2 & ÖFB-Cup

Mönchengladbach

2019-21

88

47%

0

Dortmund

2021-22

55

59%

0

RB Leipzig

2022-25

128

56%

DFB-Pokal & DFL-Supercup

TEAMtalk notes that a move for Rose could be feasible because Rangers’ new prospective owners, 49ers Enterprises, led by Paraag Marathe, already own Leeds United, who have minority investment from Red Bull GmbH, with whom Rose already has a working relationship, having been employed in both Salzburg and then Leipzig for nigh on a decade.

So, would Rose be a good appointment, and what is his style of play? Well, Scottish football expert Kai Watson has already declared that “he’s a level above Gerrard,” another of Rangers’ shortlisted candidates.

Meanwhile, Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout certainly thinks so, labelling him “one of the most promising coaches in world football”.

As further noted by Luis Kircher of Total Football Analysis, Rose likes his teams to ‘press hard and make quick transitions’, with ‘intensity’ and ‘committing players forward’ key aspects of his style.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

When asked about his playing philosophy, Rose himself stated “we want to be very active… when we lose possession, lots of sprinting. We want to win the ball high up the pitch”, believing this “is a style that continues to excite” supporters.

Often favouring a back three, but the principle is the same in a four, as outlined by Marcel Seifeddine of Total Football Analysis, the width in a Rose team often comes from the full-backs, not deploying wingers, instead utilising central number tens, with the full-backs overlapping.

This has allowed attacking full-backs such as Lutsharel Geertruida, Benjamin Henrichs, David Raum, Raphaël Guerreiro, Ramy Bensebaïni, Stefan Lainer and others to thrive under his stewardship.

Thus, not only would the appointment of Rose be a major coup for Rangers, it could be the ideal hire to reinvigorate an out-of-form Tavernier.

Rangers: "Outstanding" 4-4-2 manager explodes into race to replace Ferguson

A high-profile European coach is now among the main contenders to become the new manager of the Gers.

ByDominic Lund May 1, 2025

Daniel Farke had a daunting task before him when picking up the pieces from Leeds United’s promotion near-miss during the 2023/24 season, with the likes of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter all leaving Elland Road behind for good.

Losing all these exceptional talents in quickfire succession hasn’t quite derailed the Whites’ promotion mission this time around thankfully, as the West Yorkshire outfit aim to just keep picking up the wins to see a top two spot be officially clinched come May.

Then, it will all be about tinkering here and there to transform Leeds into a Premier League capable side, with one transfer rumour already giving fans a sneak peek as to what business they might conduct.

Leeds interested in new midfielder

As per Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, the promotion-chasers are already monitoring Borussia Mönchengladbach captain Julian Weigl ahead of a potential summer swoop.

Farke did momentarily manage Weigl when he was Gladbach coach – with that good working relationship highlighted by Plettenberg – but any move getting off the ground rests on Leeds sealing promotion back up to the top-flight.

Initial contact has occurred between the two parties surrounding the £5.1m-rated star, but Leeds might not need to go after another face in the middle of the park after all, considering they already have this past import from Germany on their books who is worth more than Weigl.

The Leeds hero who's worth more than Weigl

Whilst Farke did have to deal with that worrying mass exodus last summer, he did also manage to welcome in a number of stunning buys, with loan sensation Manor Solomon up to a bumper eight goals and nine assists this season in the league action.

But, it could be argued that the pick of the bunch from the summer buys looking back now was former Fortuna Dusseldorf ace Ao Tanaka, who has been consistently top-notch for his new employers since an understated £2.9m switch occurred.

Indeed, the Japan international has instantly managed to fit into his new surroundings, with this audacious back-heel effort against Sheffield Wednesday back in January one of four strikes he’s managed to bag under Farke’s wing.

With 72.6 touches amassed on average per league clash too, it could be argued that the “unbelievable” 26-year-old – as he was lauded by his manager after a breakneck start to life in England – has become somewhat of a heartbeat for the title hopefuls since his arrival, culminating in his once humble £2.9m valuation shooting up.

Stat – per 90 mins*

Tanaka

Games played

39

Games started

33

Minutes averaged*

77 mins

Goals scored

4

Assists

2

Touches*

72.6

Accurate passes*

53.8 (90%)

Ball recoveries*

5.0

Total duels won*

4.6

Value when joining

£2.9m

Value now

£6.8m

As per Transfermarkt, Tanaka’s value now stands at a far heftier £6.8m, meaning the 32-time Japan international is worth around £1.7m more than the Gladbach target and deservedly so based on his sparkling Championship numbers above.

With Farke also able to call upon the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev in the holding midfield ranks, there might not be that much of a thirst to land Weigl moving forward, especially if Tanaka – who has further been donned “exceptional” by Opta statman Jonny Cooper – takes to the potential challenge of the Premier League swimmingly.

Whilst the Whites will have to presumably spend big on occasion in the top-flight to secure their safety, Farke and Co will want to stray away from spending for spending’s sake, with a more shrewd approach in the market paying off when Tanaka entered through the door.

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A player who was described as the “best midfielder in the world” earlier this season is now reportedly keen on sealing a move to Manchester City this summer.

Guardiola eyeing Man City summer signings

The Premier League champions have been linked with plenty of potential new signings in recent weeks, with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz said to be in talks over a summer move.

The Germany international may be considered a natural replacement for Kevin De Bruyne at the Etihad, with the legendary midfielder confirming that he is leaving City at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Pep Guardiola is believed to be willing to pay £60m for the signing of Tottenham midfielder James Maddison, as he looks for more creativity in his squad. The Spurs ace has nine goals and six assists to his name in the Premier League this season.

At the other end of the pitch, Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been sounded out as a new option between the sticks, possibly even being seen as an eventual replacement for Ederson.

World-renowned star keen on joining Man City

According to Manchester Evening News‘ Daily Briefly, Wirtz is now interested in joining Manchester City this summer, but Leverkusen will demand £129m for his services.

Real Madrid are also in the mix to sign the 21-year-old, and if Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso ends up replacing Carlo Ancelotti at the Santiago Bernabeu then they could arguably become the favourites to snap him up, but City are “very tempting” to the player.

Wirtz is an outstanding footballer who has already achieved so much in his career, winning the Bundesliga title last season and earning 29 caps for Germany. The attacking midfielder can also thrive out wide, so his versatility could appeal to Guardiola, who loves to have attacking players who are fluent in the final third.

Meanwhile, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes paid him huge praise earlier this season: “I was in the stadium for the Champions League match against Salzburg. What Florian Wirtz can do is absolutely exceptional for me. Probably the best midfielder in the world. I think that Wirtz has something different that Jamal Musiala isn’t quite ready for yet. I think Wirtz will simply move on in the summer. He has left huge shoes to fill in Leverkusen. With the way he plays football, he is an absolute hero there, the best player in the squad.”

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If City managed to sign Wirtz, albeit for huge money, it could be a wonderful piece of business, with the German arguably already a world-class player at the age of just 21.

Appearances

26

Starts

20

Minutes played

1915

Goals

9

Assists

10

Dribbles per game

2.8

Shots per game

2.5

Key passes per game

1.9

Hugely mature both in and out of possession, his end product is highlighted by a tally of 56 goals and 63 assists for Leverkusen, coming in a total of 192 matches, and he could fill the void left by De Bruyne.