Leeds United are believed to be interested in signing a “special” player in the summer transfer window, with Daniel Farke a big admirer of the individual in question.
Leeds preparing for Premier League return
The Whites are edging closer to their first game back in the Premier League, with Farke and his players preparing hard after their return to pre-season training.
Leeds’ first match is a home clash with Everton on August 18th, with Elland Road likely to be in raucous spirits under the lights and in front of the Sky Sports cameras, following a couple of seasons away from the top flight.
It has been a productive summer transfer window for the Whites to date, with the likes of Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sebastiaan Bornauw all brought in, but further fresh faces are required, in order to give Farke’s side the best possible chance of avoiding a swift return to the Championship in 2025/26.
Leeds have reportedly made an offer for Fenerbahce and Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, as they look to find an upgrade on Illan Meslier between the sticks, but it looks as though another player who Farke knows well could be an alternative option in the coming weeks.
Leeds keen on signing "special" free goalkeeper
According to journalist Barry Anderson on X, Leeds are interested in signing goalkeeper Angus Gunn this summer, with the Scot available on a free transfer after leaving Norwich City at the end of last season.
Gunn could be such a shrewd signing by the Whites, not only because he would arrive for free, but also due to the vast experience he now possesses.
The 29-year-old is a 16-cap Scotland international, being hailed as “special” on the international stage by David Marshall, and Farke is a huge fan, saying of him all the way back in 2017:
“Angus is very highly-rated and a really talented goalkeeper. He’s brilliant with his feet as well as his hands and is tall too. We’re happy to have him here for the next season and are thankful to Manchester City for helping us with this deal. I’m looking forward to working with such a great talent.”
Gunn has come up against Leeds so many times in his career, losing on five occasions at Elland Road in total, four of which came as a starter, but he could bring great quality in goal for plenty more years.
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He already has 31 appearances to his name in the Premier League, as well as 166 in the Championship, and he could be a safe pair of hands for the Whites, even as a second or third choice option.
Tottenham Hotspur will have to balance the books soon by making key player sales, especially with the plethora of non-locally trained players in their squad, which could result in them having to submit a weakened Champions League squad.
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Spurs need to sell players due to a key UEFA rule.
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Due to UEFA rules, Spurs require at least eight ‘locally trained’ players to be named in their 25-man list, and if they cannot meet this quota, then their total of A-list players will be reduced to make up the deficit.
While Morgan Gibbs-White’s potential arrival – which has now been delayed due to legal complications – could have a positive impact on this, given he came through the Wolves academy, their recent signing of Mohammed Kudus means that the north Londoners currently boast around 24 non-locally trained players in their current squad, even if this does include the likes of Manor Solomon, Bryan Gil, Yang-min Hyeok, Luka Vuskovic and Kota Takai.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Taking this into account, The Telegraph reports that Tottenham will need to sell at least one player this summer, and there are plenty of candidates.
Gil and Solomon are very likely to be sold after spending 2024/2025 out on loan at Girona and Leeds United respectively, with the former already confirming his intention to leave N17 in the coming weeks.
“That’s something my agent will tell me where things are going, but they [Spurs] told me, and I told them, that the best thing is for us not to continue being linked to Tottenham,” said Gil to Estadio Deportivo in April.
“They bet on me when I was young, and they’ve treated me fairly well, but if I have to go back there, I’ll focus on giving my best as always. I’m calm because no one can have a bad word to say about me not being professional. Without playing, I’ve always trained well, I’ve done what I had to do, so whatever has to happen, will happen. We’ll see where we are next year.”
Son Heung-min has entered the final 12 months of his contract and may be sold by Spurs, according to recent reports, with Yves Bissouma also attracting interest from Turkey.
However, another option could be injury-plagued striker Richarlison.
Richarlison likely to leave Tottenham as Vasco de Gama phone him
They’re very unlikely to make a substantial fee back off the £60 million they paid Everton to sign the Brazil striker in 2022, but Tottenham’s signings of Gibbs-White and Kudus will only push him further down the attacking pecking order.
Spurs are also still interested in signing Brentford star Yoane Wissa, and if they were to sensationally bring in the Bees star too, it would surely draw the curtain on Richarlison’s north London career.
The 28-year-old, barring a fine purple patch under Ange Postecoglou midway through 2023/2024, has found life very difficult at Spurs overall – with journalist Leonardo Lacerda, via Bolavip, sharing that clubs in Brazil could offer him a route back home.
Lacerda is quoted saying that Vasco de Gama president, Pedrinho, has personally phoned Richarlison to gauge the possibility of a transfer, but the ex-Watford man also has admirers in Saudi Arabia.
“It’s happening! President Pedrinho, accompanied by a member of the Vasco leadership, contacted Richarlison directly through a phone call,” said Lacerda.
“The goal was to get a closer look at the striker’s situation, as he’s unlikely to remain at Tottenham next season. In addition to Vasco, the striker is attracting interest from Fluminense, Flamengo, and Palmeiras. Two Saudi Arabian clubs have also entered the fray—Al Ahli and Al Ittihad.”
With Richarlison emerging as a real man in demand, it is now Levy’s task to set a realistic asking price, with reports suggesting Spurs will let him go for around £20 million.
With Habib Diarra and Reinildo already on their way, Sunderland have now reportedly stepped up their pursuit of an 11-goal striker by submitting an opening offer.
Who Sunderland could sign after Diarra and Reinildo
Both Diarra and Reinildo stand out as impressive signings for a promoted side and the former should particularly make his mark in Wearside next season. But the Black Cats still have work to do. Keeping hold of their Premier League place will be an incredibly tough task – just ask the last six sides that attempted to do so – and further investment will be key.
Even after splashing out a club-record fee for Diarra, the Black Cats have reportedly set their sights on signing the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure, although that would be at a bargain price thanks to his current status as a free agent.
The Frenchman left Everton at the end of last season and could now get the chance to stay put in the Premier League courtesy of Sunderland. It’s a deal that would work for both parties too. Doucoure’s experience would be invaluable next to younger talents like Diarra and the player, himself, is still more than good enough for England’s top-flight.
He’s not the only name on Sunderland’s wishlist, though. Those at the Stadium of Light have also reportedly set their sights on Bournemouth’s Hamed Traore. Like Diarra, the attacker set Ligue 1 alight last season and could now earn a permanent move away from the Cherries, be it thanks to Sunderland or another club this summer.
Ligue 1 seems to be where it’s at for Regis Le Bris’ side too, amid further reports that they’ve now submitted an opening offer to sign an impressive striker from France’s top tier.
Sunderland submit opening offer to sign Abline
As reported by Foot Mercato, Sunderland have now submitted an opening offer worth €20m (£17m) to sign Matthis Abline from FC Nantes this summer. The Black Cats already made contact with the French side about the forward earlier this summer and have now made their first move in pursuit of his signature.
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Whether their £17m offer is enough to complete is a question that Sunderland may have an answer to soon enough. Nantes have already told Marseille that they’ll only sell their star striker for €50m (£43m) in the coming months, but whether clubs outside of France will have to pay such a premium fee remains to be seen.
Described as an “instinctive finisher” who’s “quick” and “direct” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Abline scored 11 goals in all competitions at Nantes last season and could now have the chance to repeat that record in the Premier League when August arrives.
Nottingham Forest have now made an offer to sign another striker after securing a move for Botafogo’s Igor Jesus.
Nottingham Forest to sign three Brazilians for £33m
The Reds are yet to officially announce their first summer signings, however, they have reportedly agreed a deal worth £33m for three Brazilians from Botafogo.
Currently at the FIFA Club World Cup, Botafogo are set to lose, Igor Jesus, Jair Cunha and Cuiabano to Forest, with the former of the three arguably the player who Forest need the most.
A centre-forward, Jesus looks set to rival Chris Wood for a starting spot under Nuno Espirito Santo and is actually a senior Brazil international.
Former Brazil manager Dorival Junior heaped praise on Jesus, 24, following his call up to the national squad.
However, with Jesus set to rival Wood at the City Ground, Forest don’t look to be stopping there when it comes to attacking additions.
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In fact, another centre-forward could be on the cards as the Reds plan for the 2025/26 Premier League season and the Europa Conference League.
Nottingham Forest make bid to sign Yoane Wissa
According to reports from Africa Foot, Nottingham Forest have stepped up their interest in Brentford striker Yoane Wissa.
It has been claimed that Forest have made a bid to sign Wissa after ‘accelerating their transfer efforts’. The Bees want up to €40m (£34m) and it is thought that Forest are ‘ready to meet the financial demands set’.
Dubbed a “goalscorer” and also wanted by Tottenham, the DR Congo international has been a solid performer in London since joining back in 2021.
Games
149
Goals
49
Assists
13
Alongside Bryan Mbeumo, Wissa enjoyed his best season of his career in front of goal in 24/25, netting 19 Premier League goals in 35 games.
Still just 28 years of age, Wissa would arrive with plenty of top flight experience and came in for praise from former manager Thomas Frank back in April.
“He has been very good. How many teams have their number nine that has scored 15 goals? May be Alexander Isak and Erling Halaand? That is exceptional for him. A big credit. He has been very good and having Wissa and Bryan on 15 goals and more I think we are the only club with that.”
Of course, Frank forgot to mention Wood when it came to 15+ goal league strikers, but now, we could see the New Zealand star’s spot in the side under threat, should Forest sign Wissa alongside Jesus, making this one to watch.
With a deal for Florian Wirtz all but wrapped up, the question remains as to just where the exciting German will line up in Arne Slot’s Liverpool side, amid his mega-money arrival from Bayer Leverkusen.
The 22-year-old’s time in the Bundesliga – which yielded 57 goals and 65 assists in 197 games for Leverkusen in all competitions – saw him operate in a number ten berth, or off the left flank, thus handing Slot something to think about heading into next season.
An educated guess would suggest that the youngster is being brought in with the view of replacing Dominik Szoboszlai in a central role, with the workmanlike Hungarian only registering eight goals and nine assists across all fronts last term.
Should that prove to be the case, there is still a headache to be solved on the left flank, not least with both Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo having been linked with exits in recent weeks.
Whether or not the Premier League-winning duo do depart, there is still a need to acquire a nailed-on first-choice in that wide berth – something which could happen if recent speculation is to be believed.
Liverpool targeting move for a new winger
While signing a new centre-forward also remains a priority for Slot and co, it would appear that there is also a focus on strengthening on the flanks, with long-term target Anthony Gordon still seemingly on the agenda.
Further reports have also claimed that Liverpool could be in the mix for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, amid the Brazilian’s uncertain future at the Bernabeu, albeit with it yet to be seen what role the Brazilian will have under new boss, Alonso.
More recently, meanwhile, it has been reported that the Reds are plotting a move for Paris Saint-Germain sensation, Bradley Barcola, with the Premier League champions said to be ready to rival Bayern Munich for the Frenchman’s signature.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The belief is that Liverpool could continue to spend big even after Wirtz’s arrival, with it likely set to require an offer of over £100m to prise Barcola from the Parc des Princes, after just two seasons in Paris.
For a player who cost £38m amid his move from Lyon in the summer of 2023, the Ligue 1 side would be making a sizeable profit on the 22-year-old if that asking price is met.
Paris St Germain's BradleyBarcolareacts
The question now is, would Barcola really be worth £100m?
Why Barcola would be a good signing for Liverpool
After a quiet year or so on the transfer front, with Federico Chiesa the only senior arrival last summer, the Merseysiders have sprung into life this time around, with the marquee move for Wirtz showcasing that they aren’t afraid to splash the cash.
Florian Wirtz
Like Wirtz, Barcola would be a long-term addition who can also make an immediate impact, such is his quality at such a young age, having been hailed as “one of the most exciting talents in Europe” by scout Jacek Kulig.
Yes, he may have been somewhat overshadowed by Champions League final hero, Desire Doue, of late, although the ex-Lyon starlet is a devastating asset in his own right, as evident by his moment of magic in that Munich showpiece.
Picking the ball up just inside the Inter Milan half, the wing wizard delightfully surged his way into the opposition penalty area, before producing an exquisite drag back that left the goal gaping.
Sadly for those of a PSG persuasion, they were denied what would have been “one of THE great Champions League goals” – as per TNT’s Darren Fletcher – as Barcola hit the side netting, albeit with the build-up alone illustrating just what a talent he is.
That was no flash in the pan either, with the £100m man having been in stunning form throughout 2024/25, after registering 40 goals and assists in 58 games in all competitions, including seven in the Champions League.
For comparison, the aforementioned Gakpo recorded ‘just’ 25 goals and assists during Liverpool’s title-winning season, with only four of those having come in Europe’s premier competition.
Non-penalty goals
0.47
0.47
Assists
0.39
0.20
Shot-creating actions
4.24
3.83
Pass completion
81.9%
75.1%
Progressive passes
3.33
2.66
Progressive carries
5.45
3.13
Successful take-ons
1.74
1.45
Touches in opposition box
8.95
5.35
Progressive passes received
15.17
12.77
As evidenced above too, when comparing the duo across the last 365 days, it is Barcola who comes out on top across a string of metrics, namely assists, progressive carries and touches in the attacking penalty area – further outlining why he could enhance Slot’s forward line.
To further rubberstamp the point, Barcola already has 54 goals and assists to his name in just 97 games for his current side, while Gakpo is only just ahead on 58 goal involvements, despite playing 128 times for the Reds.
Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch with the Premier League title.
The Dutchman has, of course, proven a hit at Anfield amid his role in Slot’s debut season heroics, but if the club are keen to kick on again and cement their domestic dominance, then a figure like Barcola may be just what is needed.
A bigger mistake than Diaz: Liverpool now in talks to sell £50m star
Liverpool should think twice about parting ways with this talented first-teamer.
Aston Villa have booked a medical for a transfer target after agreeing terms over a four-year deal at Villa Park, and he could be the club’s next Jhon Duran.
How Jhon Duran is doing in Saudi Arabia after Aston Villa sale
It looked as if the 2024/25 season would be Duran’s big breakthrough campaign under Unai Emery, especially after he scored a famous winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League league phase.
Games
78
Goals
20
Assists
1
Minutes played
2,275
However, despite being a regular in the first half of the season, Duran was sold by Villa to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in the January transfer window. Talking after moving to Saudi Arabia, Duran said: “I’m really happy about the move. People in general and the media speculate about a lot of things. I think of only my family, my agent and me. I know why we make the decisions that we make. My family are especially important in these decisions. I don’t think it’s a backwards step for me. I’m moving to a competitive league and there are many stars here.”
Al Nassr's JhonDuranreacts
Villa could go on to receive more than £70m after only signing Duran for £18m from Chicago Fire in January 2023, and the Colombia international has gone on to score on a regular basis for his new employers. In 18 appearances for Al-Nassr, Duran has scored 12 goals, partnering Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
Villa are now on the search for their next attacking gem, and they feel they may have found it in likely first summer signing Zepiqueno Redmond following talks last month.
Aston Villa book medical to sign Zepiqueno Redmond
According to Football Insider and reporter Pete O’Rourke, Aston Villa have planned for Feyenoord forward Redmond to have his Midlands medical early next week.
The teenager has agreed a four-year deal with Villa and a move will be made official when his Feyenoord contract expires at the end of June.
Aged just 18, Redmond can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder alongside his centre-forward role, and according to O’Rourke, ‘Emery and Monchi believe the Netherlands youth international can become as successful as Duran, the last teenage striker they signed.’
It is a big claim, and if Redmond can have the success Duran did in the Midlands, then Aston Villa will definitely be onto a winner and could go on to make big money further down the line.
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Fabrizio Romano has called Redmond “a talent” and “a striker with important potential”, with clubs in Italy also keen on the forward before Villa made their move.
The youngster will arrive at Villa after scoring two senior goals for Feyenoord in just nine appearances, so we may see him in Emery’s match day squads from the off in 25/26.
The transfer window is just around the corner, and it feels set to be an era-defining one for Arsenal.
While a third second-placed finish on the bounce is far from ideal, Mikel Arteta’s side have proven without a shadow of a doubt now that they are one of the very best teams in the country, but they’ve also shown that they lack a cutting-edge up top.
Therefore, it’s hardly been surprising to see the club linked with a host of talented strikers in recent weeks and months, with two of the most significant being Viktor Gyokeres and Benjamin Sesko.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoheads at goal
However, while either would surely improve the Gunners, recent reports have linked them to someone who’d be a better signing than both.
Arsenal's Sesko & Gyokeres alternative
Before getting to the superstar in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other centre-forwards who have been touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Julian Alvarez and Joao Pedro.
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 has been linked with the North Londoners quite heavily over the last week or so, and while it would be hard to pry him away from Atlético Madrid a year after he joined them, it would be worth trying as in just 54 games this season, he has scored 29 goals and provided seven assists.
On the other hand, Pedro could be available for close to £100m, which, for all his undeniable talent, does feel a little steep, as he’s only played 30 games this season, in which he’s scored ten goals and provided seven assists.
Joao Pedro celebrates for Brighton & Hove Albion.
In other words, the Brazilian marksman doesn’t feel like he’d be a better signing than Sesko or Gyokeres, unlike Alexander Isak.
Yes, according to a recent report from the Mail Online, the Newcastle United striker remains in the picture ahead of the summer.
While the report claims that a transfer feels unlikely due to his price tag now being ‘north of £100m,’ it also reveals, crucially, that the Swedish international is ‘Arteta’s preferred choice.’
It would be a complicated and costly deal to get over the line, but given Isak’s unreal ability, it’s one well worth going all out for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Sesko or Gyokeres.
Why Isak would be a better signing than Sesko & Gyokeres
So, let’s start off with the most straightforward and significant reason why Isak would be a far better signing than Sesko: his output.
For example, in just 42 appearances for the Toon this season, totalling 3324 minutes, the 25-year-old “bagsman,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 27 goals and provided six assists.
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.27 games, or every 100.72 minutes, which is undeniably superb.
Appearances
42
45
Minutes
3324′
3258′
Goals
27
21
Assists
6
6
Goal Involvements per Match
0.78
0.6
Minutes per Goal Involvement
100.72′
120.66′
In contrast, the Leipzig star has found the back of the net 21 times and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes this season, which comes out to a good but less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.
Now, that might be a little crude, but when it comes down to a striker, the most important metric is their raw output, and when it comes down to it, that’s something the former Real Sociedad star has over the Slovenian.
However, things get a little more complicated when it comes to Gyokeres because, by that same logic, his absurd haul of 54 goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances suggests he’d be the better poacher to bring to the club this summer.
Yet, that’s not the case, and the crucial reason why is that the former Coventry City gem has no experience of football in a top five league.
There is a genuine risk that the Stockholm-born star could be a repeat of Darwin Núñez, who moved to Liverpool off the back of producing 38 goal involvements in 41 games for Benfica in the 21/22 campaign and just finished this season with a haul of 14 goal involvements in 47 games.
Ultimately, if Arsenal can, they should be doing all they can to sign Isak this summer, as he’s already a far better goalscorer than Sesko and has far more experience playing and thriving in the toughest competitions than Gyokeres.
Better than Sane: Arteta makes £50m winger Arsenal's new priority signing
The international star would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer.
And so, it all comes down to this. A pivotal game that could not only define a season, but also define the future of Manchester United.
Victory in the Europa League final would see United sneak into next year’s Champions League, providing the benefit of additional funds and an extra negotiating tool for upcoming transfer negotiations.
It would also provide a welcome boost for the early Ruben Amorim regime, a moment to kickstart a tenure that has been largely wretched on the Premier League front.
The Portuguese coach has repeatedly stated that winning the competition would not be enough to “save” the club’s season, although the prospect of potentially finishing empty-handed and in 17th in the table is too grim to ponder.
In truth, the Red Devils simply have to win. The problem is, the same will be true of Tottenham Hotspur, amid the need to end their own 17-year barren run with regard to silverware.
With so much riding on a game of immense magnitude, Amorim and co can’t afford any passengers – something which a certain Rasmus Hojlund is looking like right now.
Rasmus Hojlund's game in numbers vs Chelsea
While Ange Postecoglou took the decision to rest his key men against Aston Villa on Friday – with Micky van de Ven among those left out of the matchday squad at Villa Park – Amorim opted for a different approach at Chelsea, having deployed what could well be his starting lineup for tonight’s clash in Bilbao.
The worry for the former Sporting CP boss will be that despite an encouraging opening, which saw Harry Maguire’s fine finish chalked off for offside, the Red Devils still ended up on the losing side, having again failed to provide that cutting edge in the final third.
Amid what was the eighth league game in succession without a win for the Old Trafford side, chances were few and far between, with Amad Diallo coming closest with an effort from the angle late on.
For Hojlund, meanwhile, it represented yet another game this season in which he failed to even register a shot in the top-flight, having merely been a bystander to proceedings at Stamford Bridge.
Indeed, the struggling Dane lost the ball on 13 occasions from his 26 touches, as per Sofascore, having also failed to complete a single successful dribble, alongside recording a 65% pass accuracy rate.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
A particular issue remains the 22-year-old’s desire to engage in needless battles with opposition centre-backs, as he ultimately won just two of his 11 total duels, getting little change out of Tosin Adarabioyo and Levi Colwill.
Amorim subsequently stated that he is “really happy” with the former Atalanta man, although perhaps the Portuguese is merely attempting to gee up the misfiring marksman, amid the lack of an obvious alternative through the middle.
Games (starts)
14 (10)
Goals
6
Shots*
1.5
Big chances missed
4
Goal frequency
154min
Assists
2
Big chances created
5
Key passes*
1.3
Total duels won*
36%
Possession lost*
5.4
Indeed, it might be time to consider actually replacing Hojlund with a wildcard solution, even if it would be a risk in a game of such importance…
How Man Utd can replace Hojlund
With just ten goals to his name in 2024/25, including just four in the top-flight, Hojlund is approaching the end of a miserable second season in Manchester, having failed to build on a debut campaign that saw him finish as the club’s highest scorer in all competitions.
Those woes have ensured that it would be worth considering a potential centre-forward replacement for Wednesday night’s clash, albeit with options limited due to Joshua Zirkzee’s recent absence through injury.
The Dutchman has been pictured in training, alongside Leny Yoro and Diogo Dalot, although whether he will be rushed back into the action this evening remains to be seen.
One solution may be to trial Kobbie Mainoo in that role once again, following his surprise start as a striker against Crystal Palace in February, albeit with that experiment failing to work out as the youngster ‘faded after the first 15 minutes’, as per journalist Samuel Luckhurst.
Man Utd top scorers
The aforementioned Maguire, meanwhile, should surely only be a last resort in the dying embers of a game, with the Englishman needed to hold the fort defensively, amid concerns over the likes of Matthijs de Ligt.
With that in mind, Amorim may instead need to call upon talismanic skipper, Bruno Fernandes, to slot into a false nine berth, with the 30-year-old yet to be trialled in that role in this 3-4-3 system.
The Portugal star has previously played in that central berth in the past, having notably worked in tandem with Scott McTominay as part of a front two in last year’s FA Cup final win over Manchester City.
A player of invaluable versatility and quality, the playmaking “genius” – as hailed by Erik ten Hag – appears to thrive wherever he is deployed, with such a switch then allowing Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte to offer greater defensive solidity as part of the midfield two.
Bruno Fernandes
Fernandes, meanwhile, could then be flanked by two of Alejandro Garnacho, Amad and Mason Mount in the number ten berths, with that fluid frontline potentially able to cause problems for a Spurs side who have endured their own notable woes this term.
A further benefit of that switch would be Fernandes’ ability to drop deep and drag the likes of Van de Ven and Cristian Romero with him, rather than the alternative of Hojlund attempting to engage in a duel with the stellar duo.
As The Athletic’s Jay Harris has noted, ‘with Van de Ven and Romero in the starting XI, Spurs can play thrilling football and look capable of competing for trophies. Without them, they look mediocre.’
Trying to get the better of the centre-back pairing will be vital at San Mames, with Fernandes able to give the two men something more to think about, rather than being content in dealing with the hapless Hojlund.
Yes, it would be a bold call to make such a switch for a final, yet with his performance at Stamford Bridge having been so underpar last time out, Hojlund can’t merely be guaranteed of start simply because of the lack of alternatives.
Man Utd flop who should be "fourth choice" has been even worse than Onana
This Manchester United flop has been an even worse signing than Andre Onana.
Can Celtic start to rebuild some momentum ahead of the Scottish Cup Final?
On Sunday, the Hoops fought back from a goal down to draw 1-1 with fierce rivals Rangers at Ibrox, with Adam Idah equalising shortly after half time, before Daizen Maeda squandered a gilt-edged opportunity to snatch victory right at the death.
Brendan Rodgers’ side have therefore won only one of the five Glasgow derbies played this season, excluding penalty shootout victories, but it matters not, given that the Celts were crowned champions a week earlier, still a whopping 17 points clear at the top.
Nevertheless, Rodgers will still want to see his side get back to winning ways when third-placed Hibs visit Parkhead on Saturday, with the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen to come at Hampden a fortnight later.
Off the park, attention has already turned towards plans for the summer transfer window, so do Celtic have a player from within the Premiership in their sights?
Latest on Celtic's summer transfer search
According to a report by Stephen McGowan of the Herald, Celtic are ‘considering’ a move to sign Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan on a free transfer, with his contract at Pittodrie set to expire this summer.
Given that Kasper Schmeichel is currently sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Viljami Sinisalo has started Celtic’s last six matches in goal, earning decent reviews, with Graeme McGarry of the National outlining that the 23-year-old has taken ‘it all in his stride’.
It’s unclear where Doohan would fit into the pecking order, but his potential arrival could see current third-choice Scott Bain depart, having not featured since a two-minute cameo on the final day of last season.
Doohan, for his part, is currently second-choice at Aberdeen, behind Dimitar Mitov, albeit he has made 18 appearances this season, described as “brilliant” by Dons captain Graeme Shinnie, following Celtic’s hard-fought 1-0 win at Pittodrie in December.
So now, could the 27-year-old, who was previously on Celtic’s books between 2013 and 2022 without ever making a senior appearance, be set to return to Glasgow’s East End?
Celtic's best value-for-money signings from within the Premiership
It’s hardly the most inventive or ingenious strategy, but Celtic have often sign the best players from within the Scottish Premiership, not only strengthening themselves, but simultaneously weakening their rivals in the process.
Celtic defender Greg Taylor
Here is a selection of the most recent examples.
Luke McCowan
Dundee
£1m
37*
Benjamin Siegrist
Dundee United
Free
2
David Turnbull
Motherwell
£3.25m
134
Greg Taylor
Kilmarnock
£2.2m
213*
Scott Bain
Dundee
Free
78*
Jonny Hayes
Aberdeen
£1m
68
Lewis Morgan
St Mirren
£300k
31
Jack Hendry
Dundee
£1.5m
27
Nadir Çiftçi
Dundee United
£1.5m
26
Scott Allan
Hibernian
£275k
17
Ryan Christie
Inverness CT
£500k
151
Gary Mackay-Steven
Dundee United
£250k
62
Stuart Armstrong
Dundee United
£2.5m
144
*indicates that the player is still at the club
As the table proves, Celtic’s domestic signings over the last decade have been pretty hit-and-miss; Greg Taylor, Ryan Christie and Stuart Armstrong all made a big impression, while others, looking at you Benjamin Siegrist, contributed very little at all.
The Hoops’ most recent signing from within the Premiership is Luke McCowan, who arrived from Dundee on deadline day last summer for a reported £1m, and has impressed during his first season in Glasgow.
To date, the 27-year-old has scored six goals and registered seven assists in hoops, with Rodgers describing the midfielder as “absolutely brilliant”, adding that he’s probably “been unfortunate not to play more” throughout the season.
Thus, McCowan proves that value can be found within the Premiership, which is certainly something for Celtic to think about ahead of the summer.
Doohan, for his part, has gained plenty of experience since departing Celtic after seven years at the club as a youngster, making 80 appearances for Ayr United, 60 for Tranmere Rovers, 20 for Aberdeen and 19 in the colours of Forest Green Rovers.
In this season’s Premiership, Doohan has registered a 54.4% save percentage, saving 33 of the 59 shots on target he has faced, keeping only two clean sheets in 14 starts but, should he move to Celtic, that ratio would surely be significantly higher.
Celtic could sign a perfect £7m Jota replacement this summer
Celtic may be in the market for a new winger after they lost Jota to a long-term injury.
After a frustrating summer transfer window and the agony of losing a place in this season’s European scene when Manchester United won the FA Cup, Newcastle United trundled their way through the opening stage of the 2024/25 campaign.
One week into December, Brentford beat Eddie Howe’s Magpies 4-2 in the Premier League, putting them in 12th place after 15 matches, seemingly set for another year of disappointment.
Now, Newcastle are Carabao Cup champions and third in the league standings after thrashing Crystal Palace 5-0 at St. James’ Park.
Newcastle players celebrate
It’s all come together and United are one of Europe’s deadliest teams. With such exciting levels of success and a Champions League return on the horizon, it looks like Alexander Isak is going to stay put.
Alexander Isak's going nowhere
Isak scored against Palace, rounded up the rout, in fact, before the hour mark to take his haul to 25 across the campaign. Sweden boss and ex-Newcastle man Jon Dahl Tomasson said last month: “Obviously I’m biased, but Isak is the best striker in the Premier League.”
Alexander Isak
Biased or not, it’s hardly an outlandish claim. According to data-driven site FBref, Isak ranks among the top 12% of forwards across Europe for assists, the top 11% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90.
It’s not surprising the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool have a vested interest in him, but it’s no shock either that United have responded to intrigue by placing a £150m price tag on his signature.
That’ll ward them off. Given that Newcastle have tasted silverware this season and are in a commanding position to return to Europe’s elite competition, Isak, contracted to Tyneside until 2028, will be staying put.
He’s been quite the signing. Joining from Real Sociedad for £63m in August 2022, Isak is probably Newcastle’s greatest signing of the Howe era.
However, there’s one man since who looks like he’s coming close to that level.
Newcastle's best signing since Isak
Newcastle have enjoyed a financial boost in recent years, but there’s no denying Howe and his transfer committee have made sterling use of the funds provided.
Signing AC Milan’s Sandro Tonali for £55m in July 2023 is a glowing representation of that.
After a lengthy ban for suspension ruined Tonali’s debut campaign at Newcastle, he has come back stronger and is now the fulcrum of a fearsome midfield, pulling strings and raising levels of his Brazilian peers Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton, who flank him in the engine room.
The 24-year-old completed 90 minutes across just one of his first 13 Premier League matches of the season, but has risen in responsbility since, playing every second of 15 of United’s last 17 fixtures in the top flight.
Matches (starts)
30 (22)
Goals
3
Assists
2
Touches*
49.8
Pass completion
85%
Dribble success
64%
Ball recoveries*
5.1
Tackles + interceptions*
2.4
Duels (won)*
3.7 (53%)
To the uninitiated, Tonali’s metrics might not look like much, but he’s a centre-midfielder whose genius lies outside statistical parameters.
He was regarded as a “world-class” talent by reporter Carlo Garganese during his Milano days, and the £120k-per-week talent has since made good on such praise through his influential performances in black and white, now a trophy winner and heading back into the Champions League.
Sandro Tonali celebrates for Newcastle
Jacob Murphy hailed his Italian teammate for covering “every blade of grass” when he performs, working across various numerical assignments to become something matchless. Not a six, not an eight, but a truly complete midfielder.
He needed time to settle in and has faced adversity since first arriving in Newcastle, but Tonali is a one-of-a-kind player, and perhaps Newcastle’s best and most impactful acquisition since Isak was brought in.
Forget Isak & Murphy: Newcastle ace is now playing like an £86m superstar
Newcastle consolidated their position in the top four with a commanding win over Crystal Palace.