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Manchester United could trigger the £45m release fee in the contract of a “phenomenal” striker on Tuesday evening as the clause runs out within a matter of hours.

Man Utd eyeing Gyokeres alternatives

With widespread reports suggesting that Viktor Gyokeres is closing in on a move to Arsenal, Man United have been forced to move on to alternative options, and contact has recently been made over both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson.

Despite a deal for Gyokeres now looking very unlikely, there are several options on the shortlist for Ruben Amorim, many of whom were prolific in front of goal during the 2024-25 campaign.

Target

Current club

League goals in 24/25

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

13

Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa

16

Nicolas Jackson

Chelsea

10

Dusan Vlahovic

Juventus

10

Luis Suarez

Almeria

27

Last week, it was also revealed that United had made an offer for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, off the back of an impressive campaign for the former Everton man in the Serie A, but it was seemingly not high enough to tempt the Italian club into a sale.

However, Fiorentina would be powerless to prevent Kean’s departure if the Red Devils were to trigger his release clause, and a report from Italy (via Sport Witness) has revealed they could do exactly that before it expires within the next 12 hours.

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The report states: “At this point, the situation is tightening. Kean never accepted Al-Qadsiah’s offer, nor did he comment on Al-Hilal’s interest, which had contacted his entourage in recent days. Manchester United’s prospect should not be underestimated, as the Red Devils could make a move for the 2000-born player during the final hours of his release clause.”

The centre-forward’s release clause amounts to €52m (£45m), but it expires on Tuesday at midnight, meaning United will need to move swiftly if they are keen on a deal for the Fiorentina star.

"Phenomenal" Kean may deserve another chance in England

The striker’s time at Everton didn’t go exactly to plan, scoring just two goals in 29 Premier League games during the 2019-20 season, but his performances in Italy last season indicate he could deserve another chance in England.

The Italy international bagged 25 goals for Fiorentina in all competitions, while also earning himself high praise from Italy legend Christian Vieri, who said: “We do have Kean and Retegui. They are two very good strikers. If they play together they are very dangerous. Kean is a phenomenal striker, a phenomenal centre forward.”

Perhaps the 25-year-old’s most memorable strike was his opening goal in his side’s 2-1 victory over Genoa in February, beating the goalkeeper with a remarkable effort on the spin.

That said, given that Kean’s last spell in the Premier League was way below par, it would be a surprise if Man United were to trigger his release clause before it expires on Tuesday evening.

Celtic find themselves becoming very busy in the transfer window and could now move to add further solidity to their backline, according to reports.

Celtic begin to turn the screw on defensive reinforcements

Kieran Tierney agreed his emotional return to the Bhoys in January and confirmation of his arrival at Parkhead was hardly a surprise, even if supporters are delighted that he is back in the building.

However, Hayato Inamura’s arrival at Celtic from Albirex Niigata has also created headlines, with some fans expressing concern at his lack of experience in a top-flight environment before moving to Glasgow.

Brendan Rodgers has since confirmed that he is part of a dual strategy to improve the first-team environment and to also invest in long-term assets who can come good in time: “No, he won’t be (part of the first-team). He’s, again, a part of the investment of the club.

“To bring a player in, we’ll assess and see where he’s at as a young player. And then it’s whether he stays with the squad or whether he has to go out on loan”.

With that in mind, Justin de Haas has been identified as a defensive reinforcement for Celtic that could form part of the senior picture after some solid displays for F.C. Famalicão in the Primeira Liga.

Bid made: Celtic submit formal offer less than half of "ridiculous" valuation

This could be a strong piece of business by the Hoops.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 7, 2025

The Dutchman coming in could throw the cat among the pigeons regarding Auston Trusty and Liam Scales’ future at the heart of Rodgers’ backline. Either way, it is a sign the Irishman wants fresh faces to fuel another Scottish Premiership title challenge.

Now, another name has entered the mix as the Bhoys get to work on bolstering the ranks ahead of another exciting campaign for all involved.

Celtic enter race to sign Etienne Youte Kinkoue

According to L’Equipe, Celtic are keen to sign Le Havre defender Etienne Youte Kinkoue this summer alongside Besiktas and Anderlecht, while Burnley have also been mentioned as another suitor in the hunt for the 23-year-old.

Formerly of Inter and Olympiacos, the ex-France Under-21 international could be allowed to leave his homeland for a fee in the region of £4.3 million, though his current employers are yet to receive any formal approaches for his services.

Etienne Kinkoue in Ligue 1 – 2024/25 (Fotmob)

Total duels won

53

Aerial duels won

26

Interceptions

29

Recoveries

65

Pass accuracy

89.2%

Sheffield United and FC Köln are among Kinkoue’s other admirers, signalling that he is a highly sought-after option on the market this summer due to his affordable price-tag and robust attributes.

Last campaign, he made 28 appearances across all competitions as Le Havre managed to cling on to their top-flight status, though the fact he is out of contract in 2026 has contributed to his availability at a cut-price fee.

Celtic have allowed Maik Nawrocki and Gustaf Lagerbielke to leave the club, while Stephen Welsh is on the periphery, so it makes sense that Kinkoue is now on their radar amid the need for another right-footed central defender within Rodgers’ squad.

Even though the transfer window has only been open for a matter of weeks, Manchester United have been extremely busy in the market, looking to add quality to the current first-team squad.

Ruben Amorim has evidently made it clear that he wants new additions to bolster his ranks after the club finished in a measly 15th place in the Premier League this season.

He’s already added Matheus Cunha to his ranks this window, but he could soon be joined in such an area by Bryan Mbeumo, with his £60m transfer appearing to be edging ever closer to completion.

It’s apparent that the club are keen to add further depth to the final third, understandably so, given no player within their current side registered double figures for goals in the Premier League during 2024/25.

Numerous strikers have been on their radar during the off-season, but as of yet, no deal has been agreed for a new talisman despite a positive update that’s emerged on one target’s future.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker

Dušan Vlahović has been seen as a surprise option over recent days, after Juventus opened talks over a deal to sign Jadon Sancho, which could see the Serbian forward, who scored 16 goals this season, move in the opposite direction.

Hugo Ekitiké has been another player considered by the Red Devils, but his £84m price tag could prove to be slightly out of reach given the business elsewhere.

However, a positive update has emerged on the potential deal to sign Viktor Gyokeres, with the Swede previously only wanting a move to Arsenal during the current window.

The latest update from TEAMtalk confirms that the 27-year-old is still keen on a move to Old Trafford this window, potentially securing a reunion with former boss Amorim, whom he starred under at Sporting CP.

He’s also stated his desire to leave his current side in the hunt for the next step in his career after scoring 97 times in his 102 appearances, with a £68m price tag constantly being mooted.

Why United’s £68m target would be the best signing since Bruno

Bruno Fernandes has been the shining light in United’s squad throughout the dismal last couple of seasons, often popping up with a moment of magic to get them out of trouble.

The Portuguese international registered 37 combined goals and assists this campaign, by far and away the most of any player within Amorim’s first team ranks.

However, such a situation has been the case over the last couple of years, notching 20 or more contributions in each of his six years that he’s spent at Old Trafford.

The £47m the hierarchy paid for his signature back in 2020 now looks to be a bargain, an astute piece of business and something which needs to be replicated this summer.

A deal for Gyokeres would undoubtedly be the best since the move for the 30-year-old, with the former Coventry City star evidently possessing the clinical edge the side have desperately been lacking.

His stats this season are evidence that he would be a superb option for the Red Devils, subsequently being able to cement his place at the top end under his former boss once again.

Gyokeres, who’s been labelled a “powerhouse” by analyst Pedro Mendonça, has scored the most goals of any player in Europe this campaign, highlighting the clinical threat he would offer to the side.

Viktor Gyokeres

Sporting CP

33

39

Kylian Mbappé

Real Madrid

34

31

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

38

29

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

34

27

Harry Kane

Bayern Munich

31

26

Victor Osimhen

Galatsaray

30

26

Mateo Retegui

Atalanta

36

25

He’s also averaged 2.6 shots on target per 90, managing a record of over a goal per game in the Liga Portugal, further showcasing the skill he possesses in front of goal.

Despite his finishing ability, he is also capable of creating opportunities for himself, completing 1.9 dribbles per 90 along with an impressive tally of 2.1 chances created.

£67m may appear to be a huge fee for a player who’s never consistently proven he can make the step up and thrive in the Premier League, with England’s top flight a whole new challenge for Gyokeres.

However, should he emulate Fernandes’ success at the Theatre of Dreams, he would be a superb signing that could catapult them back up the table in the 2025/26 campaign.

He'd be better than Martinez: Man Utd open talks to sign "unbelievable" GK

Manchester United appear to be making a move to land a new goalkeeper this summer, and it’s not Emi Martínez.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 26, 2025

Amid concerns that Tottenham Hotspur, led by Thomas Frank, could hijack their move to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a deal to sign a £65m alternative if they miss out on their top target.

Tottenham meet Mbeumo asking price

Tottenham’s appointment of Frank has truly thrown a spanner in the works for Manchester United. It looked as though the Red Devils were alone in the race to sign Mbeumo with Newcastle United conceding defeat. Frank’s North London arrival has seemingly changed things, however. The former Brentford boss reportedly wants an instant reunion with his star man and the Lilywhites have already matched his hefty £70m price tag.

The ball could be left in Mbeumo’s court to decide, but Man United must first match Spurs’ reported offer for the impressive forward. It would undoubtedly be a major blow if they lost out on the Brentford star at this stage and it would be adding salt to their wounds if he chose the side that defeated United in the Europa League final not so long ago.

Mbeumo isn’t the only name on United’s radar, however. Ruben Amorim will be desperate to revamp a blunt frontline and a move for Viktor Gyokeres could be more realistic than ever now that he’s publically fallen out with Sporting Club.

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ByEthan Lamb Jun 14, 2025

Whether he, like Mbeumo could do, decides to reject a move to Old Trafford is the big question, however. Without European football to offer, United may need to accept the prospect of missing out on their top targets and instead focus on alternatives.

Man Utd will turn to Antoine Semenyo

According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United will now prioritise a move to sign Antoine Semenyo if Tottenham successfully hijack their deal to sign Mbeumo this summer. The Bournemouth forward won’t come much cheaper, however, with the Cherries set to demand as much as £65m to sell their star man. Whether it’s Mbeumo or Semenyo in the coming months, INEOS must be prepared to spend big.

Minutes

3,203

3,414

Goals

11

20

Assists

5

7

Expected Goals

10

12.3

Whilst the numbers suggest that Semenyo would be a downgrade on Mbeumo, the Bournemouth forward would still be an improvement on Amorim’s current options at Old Trafford.

Having scored 11 Premier League goals, Semenyo earned plenty of praise from those at Bournemouth throughout the last campaign, including from teammate Lewis Cook.

The midfielder told reporters: “As a team, we knew the quality he has and we saw that last year. He’s got to just keep working hard – being aggressive and being clinical. He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully he can continue to show that.”

Manchester United’s attack has carried them to countless trophies in recent history, allowing the club to sit on 20 league trophies – the joint most in English history.

Sir Alex Ferguson won a staggering 13 Premier League titles during his spell at Old Trafford, subsequently cementing himself as one of the best managers to grace England’s top flight.

He utilised players such as Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo during his 26-year tenure at the helm, with the latter winning the Ballon d’Or in such a period.

However, in the modern day, boss Ruben Amorim doesn’t have the luxury of such talents, having to rely on the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Alejandro Garnacho, who netted just 10 league goals between them in 2024/25.

The manager has the potential to change such a situation this summer, that’s if the hierarchy are willing to back the 40-year-old in the transfer market in the coming months.

The latest on United’s hunt of new additions this summer

After securing a deal to sign Matheus Cunha over the last couple of weeks, it remains to be seen how much the board are set to hand Amorim to make the changes he desires.

Viktor Gyokeres is one player who’s been on their radar, with the Red Devils battling Arsenal over the 27-year-old’s signature ahead of the reopening of the window on June 16th.

However, the Swede isn’t the only star on their radar ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, with Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo a huge target, according to journalist Ben Jacobs via CaughtOffside.

He confirmed that the Red Devils are leading the race for the 25-year-old’s signature, after Spurs entered the race following Thomas Frank’s agreement to take over in North London.

However, any deal for the attacker could prove to be an expensive one, with the Bees demanding a fee in the region of £70m after rejecting the Red Devils’ opening offer of £55m.

Why Mbeumo could be United’s answer to Wirtz

Florian Wirtz has been a man in demand throughout the summer window, with Manchester City and Bayern Munich two of the sides interested in his signature.

However, the 22-year-old looks set to move to Premier League rivals Liverpool this summer, after Arne Slot’s side agreed a €150m (£127m) transfer with the Bundesliga outfit.

Such a deal looks certain to break the English transfer record currently held by Moises Caicedo, after the Ecuadorian joined the Blues in a £115m deal back in the summer of 2023.

The German has registered 30 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign, massively bolstering the Reds in their ambitions of retaining their title.

However, Amorim’s side could be about to land their own version of the attacking midfielder with Mbeumo matching Wirtz in being the major attacking addition for the Red Devils.

Like the soon-to-be Liverpool signing, he will be tasked with improving the current situation, with the Cameroonian having more of an opportunity given the difference in stats produced this season.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, has registered more combined goals and assists, along with a better goal per shot on target rate – showcasing his clinical nature when finding himself in front of goal.

Games played

38

31

Goals & assists

27

22

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

Take-on success

50%

49%

Aerials won

32%

20%

Crosses completed

5.3

3.8

Carries into final third

2.8

2.7

He’s also been impressive when getting at the opposition, completing more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst also managing more carries into the final third – evidently getting the ball forward at any given opportunity.

The Bees star’s dominance doesn’t stop there, completing more crosses, subsequently being able to hand other players around him the chance to improve their own tallies.

Whilst the fee touted for his services seems slightly inflated, it will be worthwhile, handing Amorim the top-level talent he needs to take the side to the next level.

The battle between him and Wirtz could well prove to be an exciting one, with the pair trying to lead their side to different achievements, but it remains to be seen which will have the most impact in England’s top flight.

Amorim's own Carrick: Wilcox preparing Man Utd move for £20m "monster"

Manchester United appear to be making a move for a player who could emulate Michael Carrick’s achievements.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 11, 2025

Leeds United are going to be playing Premier League football next season and will have to use the summer transfer window to build a squad that can compete at the top level.

Daniel Farke can look at what one of his predecessors, Marcelo Bielsa, did in the 2020/21 campaign, when the Whites stayed up in the top-flight and finished in the top half.

The Argentine head coach helped the club to avoid relegation, and set them on their way to avoiding the drop in the 2021/22 season too, and the players he had at his disposal played a key role in that.

Stars like Kalvin Phillips, Patrick Bamford Rodrigo, and Raphinha may have stolen the headlines, but Mateusz Klich went under the radar with a return of four goals and five assists in the Premier League from a midfield position.

Leeds make first offer for midfield target

Leeds are active in the current summer transfer window to bolster their squad and are reportedly eyeing up a deal for a star who could be Farke’s own version of the Poland international.

Transfer Focus

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

According to L’Equipe, the Championship champions have submitted their first offer, worth around £22m, to Strasbourg in an attempt to sign central midfielder Habib Diarra.

The report claims that the French side have not yet responded to the bid, but they are waiting to see if any other teams come in with counter-offers, amid interest from clubs in Germany and England.

Meanwhile, the Yorkshire Evening Post has confirmed that an offer has been made, but adds that other targets in that position are felt to be more likely at this moment in time.

Why Diarra could be Klich 2.0

If Leeds can get a deal over the line for Diarra, then Farke could have his own version of Klich in the Premier League next season, because he is a well-rounded midfield star who can impact games in and out of possession.

The 21-year-old talent, who talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed will have a “huge future” in the game, played regularly in Ligue 1 for Strasbourg in the 2024/25 campaign and caught the eye with his displays in the middle of the park.

Diarra played 29 Ligue 1 games or more in each of the last three seasons, which shows that he has plenty of top-flight experience in a major European league, and this term was his best so far from a performance point of view.

Appearances

30

35

Goals

4

4

Big chances created

9

3

Assists

5

5

Dribbled past per game

0.4x

1.3x

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.1

1.4

Duels won per game

3.3

2.4

As you can see in the table above, his performances in Ligue 1 this season were incredibly similar to Klich’s in the Premier League when Leeds avoided the drop in the 2020/21 campaign.

These statistics show that Diarra could emulate his impact at the top end of the pitch by delivering a respectable number of goals and assists from a box-to-box midfield position, whilst potentially being even more creative when you look at the ‘big chances’ that he created.

The chart above further illustrates the similarities between the two players, particularly when it comes to scoring and creating goals, which suggests that he could be a very similar player to Klich for Farke.

Diarra’s ability to combine defensive work, as he is rarely dribbled past, with his attacking output suggests that he could be a very valuable player for the German boss in the Premier League, as he could impact games at both ends of the pitch.

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However, the Yorkshire Evening Post did report that other midfield targets are more likely, so it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites will be able to get a deal over the line for this star.

Manchester United are now ready to step up their efforts to sign an “insane” £64 million player once they complete the deal for Matheus Cunha, according to a recent report.

Man Utd chasing new striker despite closing in on Cunha deal

The Red Devils still have one final Premier League game to play out, but already club chiefs are getting things underway ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported on Monday that United are now close to signing Cunha from Wolves. The Brazil forward has accepted the project on offer at Old Trafford and has also agreed personal terms with the Red Devils. Romano claims only the finer details need to be sorted before the deal reaches the “here we go” stage.

Amorim must now bench Hojlund to unleash Man Utd "genius" in new role

Man Utd are preparing for a season-defining game on Wednesday evening…

1 ByRobbie Walls May 21, 2025

But Ruben Amorim and United want more than just Cunha to add to their front line – according to The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell, United have also held face-to-face talks with striker Liam Delap after Ipswich Town granted permission for him to travel to Manchester. The young forward has a £30 million release clause, and he is one of a number of targets the Red Devils are interested in signing to play up front with Cunha.

Man Utd ready to step up efforts to sign Viktor Gyokeres

Along with Delap, Viktor Gyokeres is also another option that is under consideration by the Old Trafford chiefs, and according to L’Equipe, relayed by Get French Football News, Man United are stepping up their efforts to sign Gyokeres from Sporting CP.

The report states that the Sweden international wants to resolve his future as quickly as possible, given he is expected to leave Sporting. However, the lack of concrete moves from PSG has now opened the door to United, who will look to make an approach for Gyokeres in the coming days.

It is claimed that the Red Devils are the only team to make serious efforts to try and sign Gyokeres, despite the fact the forward has also been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal and is said to be on their transfer shortlist. This would be a costly purchase for United, as it’s been widely reported that it could cost any interested team as much as £64 million to sign the prolific number nine.

Apps

101

Goals

96

Assists

28

The 26-year-old, who has been labelled “insane” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has been sensational for Sporting CP since moving to Portugal. Gyokeres has netted 39 goals in 33 league games this season, so while he may be an expensive purchase, his goal-scoring record suggests it would be money well spent.

Current number nine Rasmus Hojlund looks set for a move away from United, and if Cunha is being brought in to play just off the striker like he often has done at Molineux then a more clinial finisher will be required up front.

Aston Villa could well be hitting their stride in the Premier League at the best possible time, with both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest showing recent weaknesses in their game.

Unai Emery’s men are now only outside the lucrative five Champions League spots in the division on goal difference as Enzo Maresca’s Blues nervously try to hold onto that final position, with a mightily impressive five wins from Villa’s last six Premier League games keeping their European dreams alive.

The added quality to the squad in the form of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford in January has certainly boosted their chances of clinching Champions League football again.

This summer’s transfer window will further allow the West Midlands giants opportunities to bring in even more depth, with one rumoured face on the Villa Park shopping list perhaps going down as their next Jhon Duran if he joins.

How Jhon Duran is performing in Saudi

The breathless Colombian would only go on to feature for the Villans 78 times, but he is still remembered in a fond light to this day for how impactful he could be off the bench when his team needed a moment of magic.

Indeed, before an insane £71m move to Al Nassr came to be in January, the sensational South American would fire home a sizeable 12 goals during the first part of 2024/25.

On the surface, this is already an imposing goal total worthy of praise, but staggeringly seven of those strikes would come about in Premier League action despite Duran only making four starts overall.

Since heading to the Middle East, the forward has been on fire, scoring 11 goals in 16 games for his new employers who sit third in the Saudi Pro League.

In truth, losing the young forward hasn’t hit Villa that hard, but NSWE definitely wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to win themselves a new version of the relentless 21-year-old this summer.

Aston Villa could sign their new Duran

Emery will likely be keen to utilise all of his talented squad again next campaign, particularly if Champions League football returns to Villa Park and congests the fixture list.

Therefore, adding in a new winger in Malick Fofana as a further option in attack could be an inspired pick-up, with Caught Offside recently revealing that the Premier League titans could sign the promising 20-year-old from Olympique Lyonnais for around the £42m mark.

Just taking in a few clips of Fofana’s excellence for Lyon this season displays how he’s on the same wavelength as the now departed Duran, with both attackers in question boundless in their drive and energy when galloping forward, before being equally unafraid to unleash a vicious shot at an opposition goalkeeper.

It’s resulted in Fofana – who is also on the radar of Liverpool and Arsenal – picking up a substantial 11 goals and five assists from 40 appearances down the Lyon left flank across 2024/25, despite also being resigned to a regular spot on Paulo Fonseca’s bench much like the 22-year-old striker had to put up with under Emery.

Games played

40

29

Games started

22

7

Minutes played

2199

1043

Goals scored

11

12

Assists

5

0

Looking at the numbers, whilst Fofana does have the advantage of starting 15 more games this season than Duran managed at Villa, the former has still been used rather sparingly in the French top division, with the Belgian only averaging 54 minutes of action per Ligue 1 clash.

But, the “magnificent” left-footed menace – as he has been labelled by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has still left his mark on a considerable number of contests all the same, seen in that growing total of 11 goals and five assists across a wide range of contests for Lyon.

With a potential hole in the squad also needing to be filled down the left if Rashford departs, adding in Fofana does feel like a logical signing to soon make on Villa’s end, with the one-time senior Belgium international also capable of being the club’s next super sub.

Their new Grealish: Aston Villa plotting £50m move for "phenomenal" talent

Aston Villa are chasing a current Premier League midfielder

2 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025

Glasgow Rangers have had their fair share of impressive loan signings over the past few years.

Last season, Abdallah Sima was excellent. After joining on a season-long loan deal from Brighton, he proceeded to score 16 goals across 40 matches for the Ibrox side, winning the League Cup in the process.

The season before that, Malik Tillman was the club’s standout loan performer. The American starlet showed plenty of promise at Bayern Munich, while he registered 17 goal involvements in 43 matches at Rangers.

Given how well the pair performed, there was next to no chance of the Gers securing them on permanent deals.

Ryan Kent, Jermain Defoe and Steven Davis did all make the move to Glasgow after shining on temporary deals, with all three contributing towards the club’s 55th title in 2020/21.

This season, Vaclav Cerny has impressed during his loan spell. The Czech winger made the move to Scotland from Wolfsburg and while it took him a few weeks to settle in, he has shown his true qualities in large spells.

Will the Ibrox side before able to afford a permanent deal? That much remains to be seen.

Vaclav Cerny's future at Rangers

At the time of writing, Cerny has played a total of 49 competitive matches for Rangers, scoring 17 goals and recording seven assists.

Among the squad, he trails only Cyriel Dessers with regard to total goal involvements (24) and it is evident that the former Ajax starlet has been one of the better signings made by the club last summer.

It was in the Europa League where the 27-year-old truly demonstrated his talents. Not only did the winger net six goals from 12 matches, but he also created three big chances, averaged 1.2 key passes and succeeded with 2.2 dribbles – a success rate of 57% – per game in the competition.

It was enough to lead Rangers to the quarter-finals, although they succumbed to Athletic Club.

The Light Blues do not have an option to buy clause for the Czech star in their current loan agreement, which could make it difficult to seal a permanent deal.

Wolfsburg paid £8m to sign Cerny in the summer of 2023 and the German side will likely be aiming to recoup the majority of this fee should they sell him.

Goals

11

Assists

2

Big chances created

6

Key passes per game

2.4

Successful dribbles per game

1.4

Shots per game

2.8

Reports in Turkey claim that Besikas are reportedly keen on making a move for the player when the transfer window opens. He is part of a three-man shortlist and the Turkish outfit certainly have the funds to seal a deal for him in the next few weeks.

While he would make for a solid signing, especially given his form for the club throughout 2024/25, Rangers don’t want to be breaking the bank for just one player.

As such, could the Light Blues target another winger who wont cost nearly as much this summer? Forgetting Cerny in the process.

Rangers search for a new winger

Signing a winger or two this summer should be top of the priority list for the new manager. Of course, his budget will be determined by just how much money the 49ers Enterprises will make available.

According to Africa Foot – as reported earlier this month – Rangers are keen on signing Moussa Djenepo and have reportedly approached him regarding a potential move to Glasgow this summer.

The Standard Liege winger has spent the season on loan at Turkish side Antalyaspor, but the report says he doesn’t want to spend another campaign in the country.

This could open the door for the Ibrox side to make their move, especially as he would only cost a fee in the region of €2m (£1.7m), as this is his release clause.

Aged 26, he might not be one of the youngest members of the squad should he join Rangers, but the winger is approaching his peak years.

Why Rangers should sign Moussa Djenepo

Every African forward at one stage or another wanted to follow in the footsteps of Sadio Mané, who won the Premier League and Champions League for Liverpool.

Speaking in 2020, Djenepo said: “Sadio is a big inspiration for me. I like him, he’s a very big player. But I think I can be better if I work hard. Sadio is a very big player and I’m young and I need to learn more.

“In the future we will see. I will do my best to become the next Sadio Mane.”

He might not have reached those heights (yet), but the Mali international has done rather well for himself of late.

Indeed, the 26-year-old did make the move to Southampton, a club where Mane enjoyed plenty of success, going on to make 73 Premier League appearances at the Saints.

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He may have only registered seven goal contributions in the English top flight, but the experience has helped him become a better player.

His dribbling skills have been on display in the Turkish Süper Lig this term. He averages 2.1 successful dribbles per game – a success rate of 55% – and this is the second-best average in the entire league.

Furthermore, in the Belgian Pro League last season, the £1.7m dynamo registered excellent statistics in the final third.

When compared to his positional peers, the winger ranked in the top 1% for successful take-ons (2.96) and progressive passes received (8.87) and in the top 6% for touches in the opposition penalty area (3.74) per 90 throughout the whole campaign.

He might not have Mane’s eye for goal, but Djenepo is a major threat in the final third, being able to successfully beat his man on a regular basis.

Add in the fact he is capable of making runs into the opposition penalty area, he certainly displays some of Mane’s traits, that’s for sure.

What the Light Blues need is a winger just like him, particularly if Cerny does not stay put permanently. The goals will come, but having a player able to take on their opponent and get into the box is a must for the club next season.

Enter Djenepo.

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Liverpool’s attack has caught the eye throughout 2024/25, leading them to the success they’ve endured in the Premier League throughout Arne Slot’s debut campaign.

Mohamed Salah has undoubtedly been the Reds’ shining light within the final third, registering 33 goals and 23 assists in his 48 appearances across all competitions.

The Egyptian has catapulted the side to the summit of the division, with his contract extension a huge boost to their ambitions of replicating such success next campaign.

However, if they are to reach such levels once again, Slot will undoubtedly want to bolster his ranks to provide key depth in forward areas of the pitch.

With the summer window rapidly approaching, the hierarchy have already wasted no time in laying the foundations for an overhaul, with incomings and outgoings expected.

An update on Liverpool’s attacking department this summer

Darwin Núñez has ultimately failed to deliver in the final third for Liverpool this season, registering just seven goals in his 42 appearances across all competitions.

Such form has led to doubts over his future at Anfield, with the Reds willing to offload him for £35m this summer as Atlético Madrid ponder a move for his signature.

A sale would leave a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, but such a void could be filled by West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen if reports in Spain are to be believed.

The 28-year-old has been made a priority signing this summer, with the report stating that the Reds are readying themselves for an offer amid interest from Tottenham Hotspur.

His record of 10 goals and seven assists in 2024/25 has led to huge interest from the Merseyside outfit, but they would have to fork out £50m should they want to secure his signature.

The report concludes by suggesting the Reds have actually ‘already taken the first step toward securing.’

Why Liverpool’s £50m target is the dream Isak alternative

Given their hunt for a new talisman this summer, it’s no surprise that Newcastle United’s star man, Alexander Isak being linked with a move to Anfield after his own exploits in the final third throughout the ongoing season.

The Swede has notched 22 league goals to date, with only Salah scoring more in the division, but given his goalscoring record, any deal would set the hierarchy back a pretty penny.

It has previously been reported that the Magpies would demand a fee in the region of £150m to part ways with the 25-year-old this summer – a figure that may be out of Slot’s range.

Such a valuation could see other targets considered within the coming months, leading to a potential move for Hammers star Bowen, who could provide the goods on a consistent basis.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from 2024/25, Bowen has managed to match or outperform the Magpies star in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be the perfect alternative should they be priced out of a move for Isak.

The 28-year-old, who’s been labelled “one of the best signings in West Ham’s modern history” by TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate – showcasing his clinical nature in attacking areas.

The former Hull City ace has also managed more progressive carries and progressive passes, offering Slot a much better all-round option in forward areas than Isak.

Games played

30

31

Goals & assists

16

28

Shot-on-target accuracy

43%

42%

Progressive carries

3.3

2.7

Progressive passes

2.9

2.6

Shot-creating actions

3.5

3

Take-ons attempted

3.9

3.1

Fouls won

1.6

0.4

His talents don’t stop there, with the “unplayable” winger – in the words of Thomas Frank – attempting more take-ons along with more fouls won, with his nimble and energetic playstyle a real danger for opposition defenders.

Whilst the Swede will undoubtedly remain the supporters’ number one option, a deal for Bowen would be a sensational one, allowing for other investment throughout the squad.

£50m for a player of his quality in today’s market is a bargain, allowing the side to forget about Nunez and Isak, subsequently allowing them to make another stride for Premier League glory in 2025/26.

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