All posts by n8rngtd.top

They have four opening options but barring Gunathilaka to some extent, nobody else has managed to cement a place at the top

Deivarayan Muthu in Pune09-Jan-2020Sri Lanka have issues in the middle order and their bowling combination, but they seem to have a problem of plenty at the top. They have four opening options – Avishka Fernando, Danushka Gunathilaka, Niroshan Dickwella and Kusal Mendis – but barring Gunathilaka to some extent, nobody else has managed to cement a place at the top. ESPNcricinfo runs the rule over Sri Lanka’s opening options as they prepare for the T20 World Cup qualifier later this year.Danushka Gunathilaka
A bruising batsman, Gunathilaka is strong on both sides of the wicket, something that was on bright display during Sri Lanka’s 3-0 T20I series win in Pakistan last year. Pakistan’s teenaged tearaway Mohammad Hasnain bagged a hat-trick (spread across two overs) in the first T20I in Lahore, but that didn’t impact the game as much as Gunathilaka’s 38-ball 57 did. Forty-three of those runs came in the Powerplay itself and while Gunathilaka’s ball-striking wasn’t as brilliant on the larger grounds in Australia, his power at the top has made his top-order case too hard to ignore.He had initially been ignored for the Champions Trophy in 2017 and then ignored altogether for the World Cup, but Gunathilaka might well be the No.1 opener for Sri Lanka in the T20 World Cup qualifier. He can also pitch in with some part-time offspin.Avishka Fernando
“It looks like he has a lot of time to face the quicker bowlers.” Angelo Mathews delivered a glowing appraisal of Avishka after he had become Sri Lanka’s youngest centurion (21 years, 87 days) in the World Cup. Mathews might have well been talking about Avishka’s front-foot pull for six off left-arm fast bowler Sheldon Cottrell.As much as Avishka can thrill you with his style, he can also frustrate you with the lack of substance. He has made 20 at least 12 times in 26 limited-overs innings, but has managed just three fifty-plus scores overall. Avishka is no power-hitter like Gunathilaka, but his T20I strike rate of 98.83 needs some buffing up.In his most recent T20I, in Indore, Avishka played some regal on-the-up drives, but he still wound up playing out nine dots in 16 balls. After Sri Lanka went down by seven wickets at the Holkar stadium, Mickey Arthur, their coach, suggested that rotating the strike is something that their top order needs to work on.Niroshan Dickwella
Dickwella is quite a character in front of the stumps as well as behind it, and even during media conferences. He’s such a freakish talent that he can Dickscoop a 142kph rocket from Kagiso Rababa for six. He made some charming cameos, although in the middle order, in New Zealand, but was rattled by the pace and bounce of Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins in Australia – the scene of the T20 World Cup later this year.With Danushka Gunathilaka providing the attacking enterprise at the top, Sri Lanka are looking for a failsafe at the other end rather than another big-hitter. Dickwella can’t make it to the XI as a frontline keeper either as Sri Lanka’s management believes Kusal Perera is currently a safer option behind the stumps.Kusal Mendis and Oshada Fernando
On the eve of the third T20I against India in Pune, Arthur suggested that Sri Lanka were considering both Mendis and Oshada as middle-order options with a mere outside chance of being bumped up to the top.”I think Oshada and Kusal Mendis are batsmen that can bat for us through the middle,” Arthur said. “So, that’s going to be their roles going forward.”T20 cricket isn’t Mendis’ strongest suit and although he can’t strike big blows, he is adept at manipulating the gaps by chipping the ball over the infield. Mendis’ strike rate has been significantly higher, in the 140s while opening, but there’s no place at the top for him now.Oshada has never opened in limited-overs cricket so far and the highest position he has batted at is No.3, but this strike rate of just a shade under 50 there isn’t encouraging. Nevertheless, these are still early days yet for the 27-year-old.

It’s been evident for a while, but even the most determined of anti-Liverpool observers would have a hard time arguing against Arne Slot’s side being the ones to lift the Premier League title in the coming weeks.

Liverpool have been expected to win the division for several months, such has been their dominance.

Arsenal have wobbled through inconsistencies and injuries while four-in-a-row champions Manchester City finally fell by the wayside and are embroiled in a desperate fight just to reprise their place in the Champions League.

All this is true, but Reds fans have known heartbreak before and have beeen rightly hesitant to jump ahead of the whistle. However. The shiny Premier League trophy has hove into view, with Sunday’s win over West Ham United putting them potentially within one win of a coronation, should results favour them next weekend.

Virgil van Dijk ensured it would be so, smacking his head against Alexis Mac Allister’s last-gasp corner to make amends and bag three points. The skipper looks set to continue his Anfield journey, but it was Mohamed Salah whose fate has already been sealed, and he repaid his city’s faith with a stunning trivela assist for Luis Diaz to open the scoring.

There’s life in the old dog yet. However, Liverpool are going to need to address their issues at centre-forward this summer, lest Salah be worn down by the chains of responsibility that might be too much to repeat in his twilight.

The 32-year-old has scored 32 goals and laid on 23 assists in all competitions this season, a matchless feat across the continent. That said, Liverpool desperately need a new source of goals up top, and they’ve found their dream signing.

Liverpool ready to sign new centre forward

Darwin Nunez won’t make Slot’s second grade, and neither is Diogo Jota proving himself to be of the highest station at number nine this season. Now that contractual bother has effectively been wrapped up, full attention will turn on signing a focal superstar.

And who better than Alexander Isak? According to Spanish reports, FSG are willing to break the Premier League transfer record to sign the Newcastle United striker, with a mammoth €150m (roughly £130m) offer prepared.

Isak, 25, is Liverpool’s priority, but he’s also Magpies’ property and they will fight in trenches to keep him at St. James’ Park. Much hinges on Champions League qualification, but such a staggering offer might just hold sway at the negotiating table.

Why Liverpool should sign Alexander Isak

Sporting director Richard Hughes will have his work cut out, all right, but he’s shown his skills through securing Van Dijk and Salah’s immediate futures as Slot looks to transition away from Jurgen Klopp’s blueprint and toward his own vision.

Isak would be the perfect poster boy to lead Liverpool through this exciting new era. Hailed by Jamie Carragher as “the best striker in the Premier League,” the Sweden native has been immense, notching 24 goals across 36 season appearances.

Goals are great, but it’s the overall play that has left Isak earning such acclaim. He moves like a cheetah, loping gait and deadly menace that blends with a sharp intelligence, giving rise to darting runs and clever passes to improve Newcastle’s wider attacking fluency.

As per FBref, the 6 foot 3 striker actually ranks among the top 11% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 6% for both of progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.

Quite the player, one whose dynamic ability could certainly elevate Salah’s already considerable numbers over the next couple of terms. In fact, Isak may well find himself eclipsing the Egyptian King’s numbers across the 2024/25 campaign, should he nestle into a talismanic role in Slot’s system.

No team has created more big chances than Liverpool over the past five seasons, something that emphasises the joy Isak would find on Merseyside. Albeit, their creative flair will take a hit when Trent Alexander-Arnold completes his expected free transfer to Real Madrid, but the club will be able to adapt, no problem.

Hailed as “world-class” by Alan Shearer, Isak, for sure, will rival Salah as Liverpool’s chief goal-getter, but his high rate of shot creation and overall playmaking talent suggest that he could shake a fair haul of assists into the mix.

He is, after all, touted as Thierry Henry’s heir apparent, thus capable of the Arsenal legend’s incredible campaign of 2004/05 reaping 24 goals and 20 assists, the latter of which still stands (for now).

Salah will have his eye on beating that long-standing record before the season’s up, but in Isak, Liverpool might just get their hands on a versatile and potent striker capable of emulating the all-time great.

FSG will have to break the bank, but if two of Nunez, Jota or Diaz are cashed in, it might not be the most ridiculous idea in the world.

He was better than Van Dijk: Liverpool star is now as undroppable as Salah

Liverpool overcame West Ham United 2-1 on Sunday afternoon.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 13, 2025

Manchester City find themselves on a decent run of form, which has seen them remain unbeaten in their previous six games in the Premier League and FA Cup.

With an FA Cup semi-final against Nottingham Forest to look forward to this weekend, especially as the competition represents the only chance they have of silverware this season, Pep Guardiola will be desperate for a win.

With just five league games left between now and the end of the campaign, City are yet to guarantee a top-five finish, which will see them secure qualification for the Champions League for the 15th year in a row.

It promises to be an exciting end to the season for the club. If FA Cup glory is achieved, plus a solid finish in the top flight, Guardiola could enter the summer with some renewed hope of starting a fresh era at the Etihad.

After several signings made during the winter transfer window, the Spaniard is already thinking ahead to the summer equivalent as one of Europe’s top young talents is being earmarked for a move to City.

Man City's summer transfer plans

With Kevin De Bruyne set to depart the Etihad Stadium this summer, City will be in the market for a new attacking midfielder.

Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest’s mercurial playmaker, has already been earmarked for a possible summer switch but the Citizens may have to pay upwards of £100m.

The England international isn’t the only player on City’s radar in the attacking midfield positions, however.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, according to Football Insider, Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz remains the number one target for City to replace De Bruyne this summer.

German publication Bild reported last week that City could be set to pay the £129m fee that the German side has set for the player, although Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also showing plenty of interest in the German international.

This high fee could give City a major advantage over the other teams, as detailed by former City financial advisor Stefan Borson who told Football Insider: “The impression I get is that they see Wirtz as that kind of headline signing to replace Kevin De Bruyne, and they recognise that to do that deal is going to cost what it costs.

“I think in some ways City might quite like the fact that that is the price because it pretty much rules out Real Madrid from the situation, and it possibly also rules out Bayern Munich as well.”

Replacing the ageing Belgian with someone who has the world at their feet could boost their confidence heading into next season, no doubt about that.

He is also comparable to another young maestro who is making waves on the continent – Lamine Yamal.

Why Wirtz could be Man City's very own Yamal

Yamal has been breaking records since he made his Barcelona debut at the age of just 15 years, nine months and 16 days in April 2023, becoming the youngest-ever debutant for the club in La Liga.

He hasn’t stopped there. A few months later, the winger made his debut for the Spanish national side aged just 16 and even scored, becoming both the youngest player and scorer for his country after the win over Georgia in September 2023.

At the 2024 European Championships, Spain won the title with Yamal playing a key role. His stunning goal in the semi-final against France set the nation on their way to an eventual 2-1 win, which powered them into the final.

He is on a fast track to greatness, and this season has been his most productive yet. Indeed, the 17-year-old has scored 14 times while grabbing 22 assists as Barcelona edges towards the La Liga title.

Although he plays in a different position to Wirtz, operating as a natural winger rather than an attacking midfielder, the two share some similar statistics this season.

Yamal is even the seventh-most comparable player to the Leverkusen star as per FBref.

The pair have registered similar statistics across a range of metrics in their respective domestic leagues, including goals and assists (19 vs 18), shots on target per 90 (1.26 vs 1.15), shot-creating actions per 90 (5.76 vs 5.53), touches in the attacking penalty area (122 vs 187) and successful take-on percentage (50.3% vs 49.6%) this season.

Should Guardiola get a deal for Wirtz over the line in the coming months, he could be signing his very own version of the Spanish superstar, that’s for sure.

Despite being only 21 years of age, it feels as though Wirtz has been around for a lifetime. He made his debut for Leverkusen during the 2019/20 season, even scoring in the Bundesliga.

The next two seasons saw him go from strength to strength, registering 18 goals and 22 assists for the club across just 69 matches. His emergence from raw talent into a potential world-class star was evident, but then disaster struck.

In March 2022, he suffered a cruciate ligament tear that saw him miss 43 games for club and country, ruling him out of the 2022 World Cup in the process.

This type of injury may have kept plenty of players down on their luck. Not Wirtz, who has arguably returned even stronger.

Football talent scout Jacek Kulig has previously hailed the 21-year-old as a “superstar”, and that is exactly what he was last season for Leverkusen. The club won the domestic double.

Throughout the 2023/24 Bundesliga season, Wirtz created 12 big chances, averaged 2.3 key passes per game and succeeded with 2.5 dribbles each match – a success rate of 51% – which helped the club claim their first ever league title.

Although Leverkusen won’t win any silverware this term, Wirtz has still contributed superbly, netting 15 goals along with recording 13 assists in all competitions.

He has yet to hit his peak and this is what is so enticing about the youngster. Guardiola will be able to push him towards becoming one of the best in the world should he end up at City this summer.

Man City have found their own Declan Rice in "outstanding" homegrown star

Pep Guardiola might well have his own Declan Rice at Manchester City with this terrific talent.

1

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 21, 2025

Leeds United are reportedly weighing up a move for a “sensational” England international this summer as they gear up for a return to the Premier League, according to a new report.

Leeds planning for Premier League after smashing Stoke

Thanks to a crucial Good Friday victory over Oxford United and a complete demolition job of Stoke City, Leeds United are now within touching distance of promotion. With top-flight football now looking extremely likely, speculation is already mounting over summer reinforcements, as manager Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his squad to ensure survival next season.

Several names have already been linked with a potential move to Elland Road, including Norwich City goalkeeper Angus Gunn, Sporting CP and Japan midfielder Hidemasa Morita, and West Ham United’s Tomas Souček.

According to Claret and Hugh, Farke is an admirer of the Czech Republic international and has identified him as a potential addition to his Premier League plans.

“Leeds are planning for next season — Daniel Farke has already started preparations for the summer window. He likes Souček, but there’s already a Premier League offer in for him,” the publication reports, citing an insider.

The same source also claims that Leeds have an interest in Irish striker Evan Ferguson, who is currently on loan at West Ham from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Lilywhites considering swoop for Johnstone

Another name reportedly on Leeds United’s radar is Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. The 32-year-old, who has earned four caps for England, joined Wolves last summer in a deal worth around £10 million.

However, his opportunities have been limited – he’s made just seven Premier League appearances, with his last outing coming back in October. Since then, manager Vítor Pereira has preferred Dan Bentley and José Sá in goal.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds are now showing strong interest in Johnstone and are considering a summer move as they seek a replacement for Illan Meslier, who is expected to depart after recently losing his place in Daniel Farke’s starting XI.

Nixon reports that Wolves would only sanction Johnstone’s departure if they receive an offer matching the £10 million they paid Crystal Palace for him just eight months ago.

Johnstone has previously earned praise from former England international and pundit Gary Lineker for his outstanding reflexes. While playing for West Bromwich Albion, Johnstone pulled off a stunning last-minute save to deny Harry Maguire a potential winner in a match against boyhood club Manchester United – securing a vital point for the Baggies.

Celtic: champions of Scotland again.

On Saturday, the Hoops demolished Dundee United 5-0 at Tannadice, Nicolas Kühn and Adam Idah both bagging braces, as they secured a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title, and a 13th in only 14 seasons.

So now, even with an Old Firm to come on Sunday, Brendan Rodgers’ focus has already, somewhat, turned towards summer plans, so could he snap up a “quality” new wide-forward?

Celtic's winger target

According to a report by Bréhima Diakité of Africa Foot earlier this month, Celtic are ‘monitoring’ Ajaccio winger Moussa Soumano, with Brentford, Leicester City, Leeds United and Atalanta amongst those also interested.

Soumano is just 19-years-old, his 20th birthday is coming up this summer, and he plays for Ajaccio in Ligue 2, scoring four goals and providing two assists for L’ours this season, with the Corsica-based club down in 13th, despite being in France’s top-flight as recently as two seasons ago.

Thus, could Ajaccio be forced to sell their most-prized asset?

How Soumano compares to Celtic's current forwards

Scout Mathieu Duhamel describes Soumano as a “quality” winger, adding that he is “capable of dribbling” with both feet and is a “promising player” who “should leave Ajaccio this summer” in order to “take a step forward” in his development.

Avradeep Mukherjee of Sports Illustrated believes Soumano would be a ‘valuable’ squad member for Rodgers, considering he can play both out wide and as a centre-forward, while the original report notes that he is valued at around €3m (£2.5m).

So how does he compare to Celtic’s current forward options? Well, he’s unlikely to usurp Daizen Maeda in the depth chart, considering the Japanese forward has now scored 33 goals this season.

With four Premiership matches remaining, followed by the Scottish Cup Final against Aberdeen, Maeda is still on course to break a few records, as the table below highlights.

As shown in the table, since Henrik Larsson’s 41-goal haul in 2003/04, only Leigh Griffiths nine years ago has broken the 40-goal mark in a single Celtic season, with Maeda requiring seven goals from the final five fixtures to match this; it’s very possible.

However, Maeda aside, the other two positions in Celtic’s attack are very much up for grabs.

Kyōgo Furuhashi was sold to Stade Rennais for £10m in January, while Jota, who rejoined the club from Rennes in the winter, is set to spend the next few months on the sidelines, after suffering a knee injury against Dundee United on Saturday, joining in the post-match celebrations at Tannadice on crutches.

Meantime, Kühn’s form has fallen off a cliff since the turn of the year, Yang Hyun-jun, who’s currently sidelined, is very hit-and-miss, while Adam Idah is also yet to establish himself as a regular starter.

Thus, these positions in Celtic’s attack are certainly up for grabs, and Soumano certainly appears to have the talent to come in and stake a claim.

Transfer Focus

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

Similar to Maeda, as already alluded to, Soumano is comfortable playing both as a striker and a winger, while his £2.5m valuation would be a bargain, just as the Japanese forward was, arriving from Yokohama F. Marinos for a reported £1.5m back in January 2022.

That deal has proven to be a masterstroke for those at Parkhead – perhaps this could be the next transfer coup?

Celtic set to lose "fantastic" player until 2025/26 after painful injury

The Bhoys will have to do without one of their star men.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Apr 28, 2025

Rangers supporters surely can’t wait for this miserable season to finally end.

On Wednesday night, Barry Ferguson’s side fought back from a goal down win 3-1 at Ibrox, with Cyriel Dessers scoring twice, before Nicolas Raskin made the points secure for Rangers late on.

Having also smashed Aberdeen 4-0 on Sunday, the Gers have secured back-to-back home wins for the first time since 2 February; they were without a win in seven successive matches at Ibrox beforehand.

The Light Blues will conclude the campaign against in-form Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday lunchtime, but most Rangers supporters are more preoccupied with wondering who their next manager will be.

Well, could we find out very soon?

The latest on Davide Ancelotti to Rangers

Earlier this week, a report by Madrid-based outlet AS claimed that Davide Ancelotti is one of the front-runners to become the new Rangers manager.

Anthony Evans of the Daily Record noted that it has ‘taken us all by surprise’ that Ancelotti is the ‘leading contender’, even if Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes he is ‘one of the most sought-after’ coaches in world football.

On Monday, it was confirmed that his father Carlo, will become the new Brazil manager, with Davide now hoping to pursue his own managerial career.

Nevertheless, it would surely be a major risk at this juncture for the new 49ers ownership group to appoint a 35-year-old with no prior experience of being a head coach, so here’s who they should hire, or should we say re-hire, instead.

Who should be the new Rangers manager?

According to a report by Mick Brown of Football Insider, Rangers are ‘set to step up their efforts’ to re-hire Steven Gerrard as manager, adding that the board are eager to appoint a new manager ‘quickly’ ahead of the transfer window opening and then pre-season.

Mike McGrath of the Telegraph has previously documented that Gerrard is on the 49ers ‘longlist’ of candidates, but could he now be at the front of the queue to secure an Ibrox return?

The 44-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Al-Ettifaq in January, with John Duerden of the Guardian describing his time in the Saudi Pro League as ‘mostly underwhelming’, winning just 19 of 55 matches in charge of the Dammam-based outfit.

However, the Liverpool legend was significantly more successful during three and a bit years as Rangers boss, as the table below outlines. His reputation became “amazing” in the words of former England defender Glen Johnson and it’s not hard to see why.

Indeed, Gerrard led Rangers to their only Premiership title since 2011, going the entire league campaign undefeated, winning 32 of 38 matches.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes Gerrard’s tenure as “impressive” considering he took on a “very difficult” job, while Ewan Murray of the Guardian documents how he was ‘adored’ by the Rangers support, despite requiring three attempts to ultimately topple Celtic, historically preventing ten-in-a-row in 2021.

Speaking on talkSPORT, Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes Gerrard “would be welcome back”, adding that a return could be best for all involved.

So, having proved he can deliver silverware in the past, Gerrard is surely the perfect candidate to be re-appointed.

He'd kickstart Ancelotti era with a bang: Rangers in talks for first signing

Rangers could kickstart the Davide Ancelotti era with a bang by signing this star.

By
Dan Emery

May 14, 2025

Derby County are now keen on signing a 100+ career goal forward this summer, with John Eustace personally driving the move, according to a report.

Derby's summer transfer plans taking shape

It was always going to be tough to avoid relegation from the Championship in Derby’s first season back in the second tier, but having just about got the job done, Eustace will be looking to bring in signings capable of helping his side push up the table next season.

The Rams have set out to raid some of their Championship rivals next summer, having submitted a bid for Hull City right-back Cody Drameh, although they did not receive the response they would’ve been hoping for, with the proposal being knocked back.

Drameh is not the only defender in Eustace’s sights, however, with enquiries also being made over centre-back Ricardo Santos, who is available on a free transfer upon leaving Bolton Wanderers.

Derby now fighting Blackburn for midfielder who won 139 duels this season

John Eustace could have a say in the transfer saga…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 11, 2025

The Championship outfit are clearly keen to bolster their options at the back, despite maintaining a decent defensive record throughout the 2024-25 campaign, given their league position, shipping just 56 goals across the campaign.

However, there is also an eagerness to strengthen their attacking options, with a report from Derbyshire Live revealing Derby are now keen on a move for Andi Weimann, who previously spent three years at Pride Park from 2015 to 2018.

Eustace is personally pushing for the Rams to bring back Weimann, who will be available on a free transfer, should the forward fail to agree a new contract to extend his stay with current employers Blackburn Rovers.

"Incredible" Weimann could be tempted by Derby move

The 33-year-old clearly has a strong relationship with Eustace, with the 45-year-old also signing him for Blackburn last summer, and he received high praise from his manager last season, who said: “It doesn’t matter how old he is (or) how young he is when you have a player of that quality.

“Everyone can see the impact he has had on and off the pitch. We are very fortunate that he decided to sign here.”

Former Bristol City boss Nigel Pearson is also an admirer of the Austrian, describing his desire and work ethic as “incredible”, and he has a plethora of experience at Championship level, which could be very useful for Derby.

The Blackburn forward has spent the majority of his career in the second tier, scoring 74 times in the competition, and after picking up seven goals last term, he now has over 100 career goals to his name.

As such, Weimann could be a fantastic signing for Derby, who will be hoping his existing relationship with Eustace will be helpful in convincing the attacker to move to Pride Park.

Every year, there are thousands of players coming to the end of their current deals – some high-profile, others further down the footballing pyramid.

This opens up the opportunity for these players to move on in the summer, with a number of stars set to be available for free, whether they have been unable to agree on fresh terms or simply come to the end of their time at their current clubs.

Here, we look at some of the best players who could be looking for a new club for 2025/26.

1

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Everton

It looks as though Dominic Calvert-Lewin is heading towards the end of his Everton career, with several high-profile clubs expected to make an offer to secure his signature.

AS Monaco were one of those interested in the English striker back in January, but the Toffees stopped short of claiming a fee for Calvert-Lewin, leaving them open to a free sale.

There is speculation that Newcastle United are an interested club, with Calvert-Lewin set to call time on his stay on Merseyside.

2

Jonathan David

Lille

Many feel that Lille have made a massive mistake by allowing the contract of star striker Jonathan David to run down, meaning they will likely lose out on a significant transfer fee.

There appears to be no shortage of offers for the forward. Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth claimed in January that two Serie A sides had made offers, while four Premier League teams were reportedly keen on striking a pre-contract agreement with David ahead of next season.

However, it feels like Serie A champions Napoli are close to securing an agreement with the Canadian, despite interest from rivals Juventus. Whoever manages to sign him will be securing one of the most coveted strikers in Europe.

3

Ben Davies

Tottenham Hotspur

Fresh from winning the Europa League with Tottenham Hotspur, it appears as though Ben Davies will be leaving N17 in the near future.

The Welshman joined the Lilywhites from Swansea City in 2014, becoming one of the first to join under former manager Mauricio Pochettino.

Leeds United and Burnley were both linked to the full-back recently, so Davies may end up staying in the Premier League.

4

Kevin De Bruyne

Manchester City

Kevin De Bruyne was so often at the heart of the success Manchester City achieved since he joined in the summer of 2015.

With 422 appearances for the Etihad side, De Bruyne has been their talisman, never more so than during the 2022/23 season as they won the treble. Indeed, he registered 41 goal contributions for the club that year.

Napoli are the team most strongly linked with the Belgian, with Antonio Conte’s side intent on building on their Scudetto success.

5

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Everton

Abdoulaye Doucoure revealed he would be leaving Everton at the expiry of his contract in the summer. The midfielder bowed out after helping the Toffees to a final-day win over Newcastle in the Premier League, and will now be looking for a new club ahead of 2025/26.

A £20m signing from Watford in 2020, Doucoure scored one of the most important goals in the club’s history as they survived relegation at the end of the 2022/23 campaign.

It appears that a move to the Middle East is on the cards as it stands, with multiple Saudi Arabian clubs among the interested parties for the Malian’s services.

6

Angel Gomes

Lille

Angel Gomes is another player set to leave Lille in the summer, alongside teammate Jonathan David. The midfielder, who made his England debut in September, joined the French outfit from Manchester United in 2020 on a free transfer and will again be on the move for nothing.

His old club are among the clubs interested in his signature, while Tottenham Hotspur will be hoping the promise of Champions League football will sway things in their favour.

7

Victor Lindelof

Manchester United

With first-team opportunities turning into a premium in recent seasons, it is no surprise that Swedish defender Victor Lindelof allowed his deal at Manchester United to run down.

Lindelof struggled with injuries and started just six times in the league in 2024/25, with his role in the side further diminishing amid a number of centre-back arrivals in recent windows.

There are plenty of clubs lining up to sign him, including four Premier League clubs and former side Benfica.

8

Tyrick Mitchell

Crystal Palace

Despite starring for the Eagles in the FA Cup final, Tyrick Mitchell is yet to publicly commit his future to Crystal Palace. That said, Mitchell may not be about to see his deal at Selhurst Park expire, with conflicting reports over the status of his contract.

Nevertheless, he continues to be linked away, with Milan among his potential suitors, though whether the Rossoneri would have to pay a fee remains to be seen.

9

Thomas Partey

Arsenal

Thomas Partey’s contract at Arsenal is up in the summer, though his time in N5 may not be as close to ending as it may seem.

That’s because Mikel Arteta has previously stated his desire to keep the Ghana international at the club, so a new deal may be in the offing.

Partey has been linked away in previous windows, with interest coming from Italy and Saudi Arabia in the past. This time around, Juventus, Barcelona and former club Atletico Madrid have all been mentioned as potential destinations.

10

Leroy Sane

Bayern Munich

It may have come as a surprise to many when Leroy Sané swapped Manchester City for Bayern Munich, especially with the Pep Guardiola era in full swing, but the German has been a crucial player for the Bavarians.

Indeed, he ended the 2024/25 season with 116 goal contributions – 61 goals and 55 assists – in 220 appearances since joining, a rate of one goal involvement every 1.9 matches, marking a spectacular record.

If a club can secure his signature for nothing in the summer, they would be signing a player still at the peak of his powers.

Aston Villa have now submitted a bid in the region of £40m for a “top” goalkeeper, with Emi Martinez looking likely to be heading for the exit door, according to a report.

Martinez's days could be numbered at Villa Park

Martinez has taken his game to the next level at Villa Park, scooping up the Best FIFA Men’s Goalkeeper award for the second time in three years last December, while also recently winning Premier League Save of the Season for a fantastic stop against Nottingham Forest.

As such, Unai Emery will no doubt be hoping to keep hold of his goalkeeper beyond the summer, but it appears as though the Argentina international could be heading for pastures new, with Manchester United and Atletico Madrid expressing an interest.

According to a report from Spain, Martinez has now ‘confirmed’ that he will leave Villa this summer, which means a replacement will be necessary, and recruitment chiefs haven’t wasted any time identifying a suitable heir.

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It is added that Aston Villa have made a bid of around £40m for Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, who could be the ideal replacement for their current shot-stopper, given his impressive performances in Ligue 1 throughout the 2024-25 season.

There is a belief that Chevalier could be a good fit in Emery’s squad, and negotiations over a deal are now underway, with news of whether the Villans’ move is successful expected to come in the next few weeks.

"Top" goalkeeper Chevalier is "similar" to David Raya

Football scout Ben Mattinson was left impressed by the Lille shot-stopper during the 2024-25 campaign, singling him out for high praise and comparing him to Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.

It is little wonder the Frenchman is held in very high regard by Mattinson, given that he ranks in the 81st percentile for his save percentage per 90 over the past year, while also putting in some top performances for Lille in the Champions League last season.

The 23-year-old made a number of “world-class” saves to keep Borussia Dortmund at bay in March, which will no doubt go into the compilation alongside several fantastic stops in Ligue 1.

Aston Villa will no doubt be looking to bring in a goalkeeper who is proven at the top level to replace Martinez, and Chevalier certainly fits the bill in that regard, so it is exciting news they have now submitted a bid to bring the Lille star to Villa Park.

West Bromwich Albion have boldly put their faith in the unknown ahead of next season as Ryan Mason embarks on his first proper managerial gig at the helm of the Baggies.

Mason has taken charge of Tottenham Hotspur previously on an interim basis, but this is an entirely different kettle of fish for the 33-year-old to get used to, with a hope hanging in the air that his fresh approach can finally guide the West Midlands side back up to the Premier League.

To boost his chances of securing promotion right away, Mason will no doubt be busy in the transfer market when it comes to incomings to stamp his mark on his new side, with experienced signings akin to the success story of Jonny Evans potentially in the offing.

Evans was a regular in the heart of the defence when the Baggies were routinely competing in the Premier League, and for good reason too, with the Northern Irishman very rarely putting a foot wrong at the Hawthorns.

Evans' successful stint at West Brom

The 37-year-old is still amazingly going strong so late into his playing days, with seven Premier League appearances notched up for Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United last season.

He might well have just been released by the Red Devils, but that doesn’t taint his successful stint with the Baggies at all, as Evans ended up tallying up 96 appearances for the then top-flight club over three seasons.

In total, Evans would collect a rock-solid 15 clean sheets across his three Premier League campaigns at the Hawthorns, with the dependable centre-back also chipping in with an impressive five goals and four assists, away from competently completing his defensive duties.

West Brom could be about to win their next Evans-style figure with this defensive target; therefore, with the colossus in question a similar under-the-radar presence to the 37-year-old when also consistently putting in sharp, yet unspectacular, performances at the back.

West Brom could land the new Evans

Mason will hope that adding in gritty battlers to this camp can help make their instant promotion dreams a reality, with the long-term goal that the Baggies end up being a Premier League regular again, like they were during Evans’ stint.

Nathaniel Phillips might well be what Mason and West Brom desire in attempting to land an up-to-date version of the Northern Irishman, with the Liverpool centre-back reportedly on West Brom’s shopping list as per The Athletic.

The £1.7m-rated brute has often had to make do with a background role at Anfield, but he has shown off his brilliance on occasion for the Reds, with this stylish piece of skill away at the San Siro one standout moment from his Liverpool career to date.

Away from that isolated clip, the 6-foot-3 “monster” – as he was once labelled by Jurgen Klopp – has also collected a favourable seven clean sheets from his sparing 19 top-flight appearances on Merseyside, on top of also showing off his strengths as a defender more widely when out on loan in the EFL.

This season just gone, in particular, the 28-year-old would shine bright on loan with Derby County, with an imposing average of six duels won per Championship contest helping the Rams stave off the relegation positions in the division.

He would be expected to come in and be as strong for Mason’s men, but with promotion their main end-goal, over seeking out survival.

This wouldn’t be a jaw-dropping pick-up that gets Hawthorns spectators out of their seats, but Phillips could be just what West Brom need in defence to strengthen ahead of a promotion run-in. With prior experience at an elite Premier League club – like Evans – he could well be a worthy addition.

If he’s steady and slots in well, he could even go on to star for the Baggies in the top-flight, much like Evans did all those years ago.

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