All posts by z3u9t.icu

Over the last week, Liverpool have been strongly touted with a summer move to land Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, but would have to pay a fortune to secure his signature.

It’s been reported that the Reds are willing to pay £115m for his services, but the Magpies are demanding a staggering £150m to part ways with their star man.

Their interest in the Swedish international is hardly a surprise given his goalscoring record in 2024/25, notching 20 Premier League goals – sitting third in the top-scoring charts behind Mohamed Salah and Erling Haaland.

However, the fee would make the 25-year-old the Reds’ most expensive player in their history, potentially pushing them closer to sustained success under Arne Slot.

It may be too much to fork out on one player this summer, potentially delving into the market to pursue other targets, with one other talent emerging on their shortlist.

Liverpool targeting move for £70m talent

According to Football Insider, Liverpool are targeting a summer move for West Ham United forward Jarrod Bowen in an attempt to strengthen their forward line.

The 28-year-old has registered eight goals and five assists in his 27 league appearances this campaign, sitting as the Hammers’ top scorer during 2024/25.

It’s not the first time the Reds have been interested in landing the former Hull City star, after previously registering interest in his services in the transfer market over the past few years.

However, the recent report states that Bowen would be open to a move to Anfield this summer, with the prospect of winning trophies possibly taking his career to the next level.

Graham Potter’s side have previously placed a £70m price tag on his head, with a move for the England international potentially a better deal than any transfer for Isak.

Why Bowen would be a better signing than Isak for Liverpool

Whilst there’s no denying the quality of Isak and that he would improve the centre-forward department, other areas may be in need of investment this summer.

Contracts remain up in the air with just a couple of months left on the deals of Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Salah, with none of the stars yet to put pen to paper over a new deal.

The latter is arguably the most important, especially when considering how crucial he’s been to the success endured under Slot during the Dutchman’s first year at Anfield.

The Egyptian international has registered 54 combined goals and assists in his 45 appearances across all competitions, helping the side sit top of the league table.

However, the 32-year-old is currently set to leave at the end of the season upon the expiration of his contract, with no new deal agreed between the club and the forward.

Should he depart this summer, a new winger has to be the priority over a striker, with Bowen undoubtedly a more important signing than Isak should Salah depart on a free transfer.

When comparing the West Ham star’s stats with the Egyptian’s from 2024/25, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of a superb signing he would be.

Bowen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Ian Wright, may have been massively outscored by Salah, but has managed to achieve the same shot-on-target accuracy rate – highlighting his impressive nature in the final third.

Games played

27

31

Goals & assists

13

44

Shot-on-target accuracy

42%

42%

Pass accuracy

71%

71%

Crosses completed

3.5

1.9

Take-ons completed

1.6

1.6

Aerials won

0.3

0.3

He’s also managed to complete the same number of take-ons per 90, whilst also completing more crosses, potentially improving other players’ tallies around him – just as the 32-year-old has done on Merseyside this season.

Whilst keeping hold of Salah would undoubtedly be the preference for the supporters, Bowen has demonstrated that he has the tools to soften the blow should he depart in the coming months.

He may cost a pretty penny to prise him away from the London Stadium, but it would be a worthwhile deal, allowing Slot to kickstart the rebuild should it be needed during the off-season.

Their own KDB: Liverpool now expected to hold talks with "special" £87m ace

The Reds could get one over on Manchester City.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 8, 2025

Manchester United have a huge summer ahead of them under Ruben Amorim, with the manager having the opportunity to make his own mark on the first-team squad.

Since arriving in November last year, he’s only had one window to try and make the additions he wants, to help the side get out of their current slump in the Premier League.

However, it still remains unclear as to how much funds he will be given to spend, with the club’s current cost-cutting operation under Sir Jim Ratcliffe still in place.

One thing is for sure, an overhaul is desperately needed to prevent a repeat of this season, which has seen the Red Devils occupy a place in the bottom half of the table for the vast majority of the campaign.

The hierarchy have wasted no time in identifying targets to help bolster the first-team squad, with a move already being pursued for one of the biggest young talents around.

Man Utd working on deal for £20m wonderkid

According to CaughtOffside, United are already working on a deal to land Sunderland sensation Chris Rigg this summer, but aren’t alone in their pursuit of the teenager.

The 17-year-old also has admirers from the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United, which is no surprise given his rapid rise to stardom at the Stadium of Light.

Despite his tender age, he’s already made 61 senior appearances for the Black Cats’ first-team, becoming the second-youngest player in the Championship to feature in 50 matches.

The report claims that Rigg is the number one priority for the hierarchy, seeing the youngster as a “must-have”, with Spurs having already placed a £38m bid according to other reports.

Such a deal would be a bargain for the aforementioned fee, having the potential to cement his place in the side for years to come, while also becoming a bigger talent than another youngster already at Old Trafford.

Why Rigg could become a talent bigger than Mainoo for United

Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo caught the eye last year after breaking into the United first-team, with his most notable moment undoubtedly coming in the FA Cup final, scoring the winner against local rivals Manchester City.

His time in the North West since Amorim’s has been nothing but plain sailing, with injuries derailing the progress he made at the Theatre of Dreams last campaign.

However, even when he has been fully fit, the 19-year-old has also struggled, even being utilised as a centre forward in the 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace – often having to rely on substitute appearances to make an impact in his preferred role.

Given his tender age, Mainoo still needs time before he reaches his full potential, with the boss needing to give him valuable minutes in his natural role upon his return from his latest injury setback.

However, should Rigg complete a move to United in the summer window, he could further restrict Mainoo’s minutes in the side, potentially continuing his own impressive form in the professional game despite being just 17.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from the ongoing season, the Sunderland star has managed to match or better the Red Devils academy graduate in numerous key areas, showcasing the talent he possesses.

The Black Cats ace has registered more combined goals and assists in 2024/25, whilst also notching a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing the threat he possesses in the final third.

Games played

34

18

Goals & assists

5

0

Progressive passes

3.9

3.6

Shot-on-target accuracy

30%

10%

Carries into final third

1

0.8

Shots taken

1.6

0.7

Fouls won

1.7

1.3

He’s also completed more progressive passes per 90, whilst winning more fouls per game, having the all-round quality to battle Mainoo for a starting role should he move to Old Trafford.

Given Rigg’s tender age, he has the potential to develop into one of the world’s leading talents, that is if he continues on his current trajectory that has seen him take England’s second division by storm.

He certainly has all of the attributes to be a top talent, with a move needing to be completed, handing Amorim the opportunity to transform the teenager and massively bolster his first-team side.

Man Utd have unearthed the new Bruno Fernandes who's a "10/10 every game"

Man Utd may well have signed their next Bruno Fernandes under the INEOS regime

ByRobbie Walls Mar 27, 2025

Since Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital took over Chelsea in 2022, they’ve had a clear transfer strategy of buying the best young talent from around the world.

Well, during this time, more than 35 first-team players have arrived and over £1bn has been spent, but they’re showing no signs of slowing down.

So, as the Blues brace themselves for another summer in which they continue to splash the cash, should they focus on giving the youngsters they’ve already signed a chance, one in particular who has been labelled the best midfielder in Ligue 1?

Dário Essugo: Chelsea's latest recruit

Just days after a move for Sporting’s Goevany Quenda was reported, Chelsea have now agreed to sign Sporting CP midfielder Dário Essugo for £18.5m, set to make the move to Stamford Bridge in the summer.

Nizaar Kinsella of BBC Sport adds that the 20-year-old has agreed a seven-year contract, and the plan is for him to be Moisés Caicedo’s ‘deputy ball-winning defensive midfielder’ and he could debut as soon as June at the FIFA Club World, at which the Blues will take on Flamengo, Club León and Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the group stages.

Essugo is currently out on loan at Las Palmas, making 17 appearances in La Liga this season for los Amarillos, with his side second-bottom of the division, despite scoring twice in injury time to salvage a draw against Alavés on Friday night, a match the Portugal U21 international sat out suspended, having been sent off at Real Betis a few days earlier.

Mohamed Fathalli of Breaking the Lines labels Essugo an ‘impressive talent’, particularly excited about his ‘off-ball movement’, while Feargal Brennan of Football España notes that the youngster has managed to ‘impress’, despite playing for a struggling side.

So, Essugo is clearly a talented midfielder, but do Chelsea already have a brighter midfield talent on their books?

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Chelsea talent is already better than Essugo

Given the sheer number of players they have signed, it’s easy to forget and overlook many of Chelsea’s recruits, and Andrey Santos certainly fits into this category, arriving from Vasco da Gama for a reported fee of £18m two years ago.

The 20-year-old is still yet to feature for Chelsea’s first team, spending five months on loan at Nottingham Forest upon his arrival in England, albeit he made just two appearances for them, starting an EFL Cup defeat to Burnley, before seeing seven minutes at Anfield.

However, he’s since found a home in Strasbourg, also owned by Chelsea’s ownership group BlueCo, making 37 appearances for les Bleu et Blanc since his Ligue 1 debut in February last year, taking his game to a new level this season.

With Strasbourg flying-high, chasing European qualification, manager Liam Rosenior recently claimed “Andrey is the best midfielder in the league”, with talent scout Jacek Kulig describing him as a “one-man war machine”.

So, let’s assess how he compares to Essugo.

Appearances

26

19

Minutes

2,304

1,342

Goals

9

1

Assists

3

0

Pass completion %

88%

85.8%

Progressive passes

114

62

Shot-creating actions

42

26

% of dribblers tackled

57.8%

62.2%

Interceptions

20

28

Ball recoveries

146

78

% of aerial duels won

60.5%

45.5%

Errors leading to an opponent’s shot

1

7

As the table outlines, Santos comes out on top for pretty much every metric, tackling and interceptions the two exceptions, while noting he has played almost 1,000 more minutes this season.

Nevertheless, of the duo, the Brazilian is clearly more ready to make an impact in Chelsea’s first team next season so, who knows, Essugo could follow a similar path by spending next year out on loan at Stade de la Meinau; actually, thinking about it, that’s by far the most likely outcome isn’t it?

Chelsea already signed a bigger star than Quenda in "world-class talent"

Chelsea have reportedly pounced to sign Sporting CP sensation, Geovany Quenda, ahead of their Premier League rivals

ByRobbie Walls Mar 14, 2025

A report has shared exactly how new Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is planning to tempt Wolves forward Matheus Cunha with a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer.

Andrea Berta tipped to sign Matheus Cunha for Arsenal

The arrival of Berta has brought plenty of speculation linking the Italian with a summer swoop for Cunha.

Arsenal open talks to sign £50m player with Berta expected to launch bid

The new Gunners sporting director already has targets in place.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 12, 2025

Wolves’ versatile star striker, who’s racked up 15 goals in all competitions for Vitor Pereira’s side this term, is set to be available for £62.5 million this summer, after the Brazilian put pen to paper on a new four-year contract in early February.

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Fulham (home)

April 1st

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

That price comes in the form of a new release clause penned into his fresh terms, which allows clubs to trigger the option and bypass negotiations with Wolves if they’re prepared to pay the fee.

This will of course attract elite-level sides considering Cunha’s exceptional 2024/2025 campaign, where he starred for Wolves in a variety of attacking positions, and manager Mikel Arteta is widely rumoured to favour versatility when it comes to signing new players.

Berta also has a connection to Cunha through their time together at Atlético Madrid, with Arsenal’s new transfer chief signing the 25-year-old from Hertha Berlin to back Diego Simeone in 2021.

The forward scored seven goals and eight assists for Atlético in all competitions before departing for Wolves, where he has since gone on to shine at Molineux, and reports have claimed that Berta has told Arsenal he wishes to sign Cunha this summer (The Boot Room).

Former Gunners striker Jeremie Aliadiere also predicted that Berta could help Arsenal to strike a deal for Cunha, almost immediately after reports surfaced that the 53-year-old was closing in on the sporting director’s job.

“Berta knows Cunha from their time at Atlético Madrid, and it could be a deal that goes through,” said Aliadiere.

“He’s having a great season in a team that’s struggling to fight relegation. That shows you how good he is and how quickly he’s adapted to the Premier League. He could be a good signing too.”

How Andrea Berta is planning to sign Matheus Cunha for Arsenal

Now, a report has shared how Berta is plotting to lure the Olympic gold medalist to N5 this summer.

Indeed, a Spanish media source claims that Berta wants to “leverage his bond” with Cunha to sign him for Arsenal, and the official has made it “clear” behind the scenes that Wolves’ attacking sensation should be his first major signing.

Their strong relationship apparently developed at Atlético, where Berta was “instrumental” in his transfer from Hertha, and later his departure to England. Interestingly, previous interim director Jason Ayto and the Arsenal recruitment team also expressed an interest in Cunha during the last transfer window, but a bid ultimately didn’t materialise for the player.

However, Cunha’s new release clause presents a golden opportunity for Arsenal to seal an agreement this summer instead, and Berta could prove to be key.

“He is a special player. He can do things that can make the difference in small details,” said Wolves boss Pereira about Cunha.

“Cunha is a player, in my opinion, who can reach high standards in this league. I hope not [elsewhere] because we need him.”

Arsenal need a striker. That’s probably the most obvious fact in football right now. Across their last two Premier League games they have failed to score, slumping 13 points behind Liverpool in the race for the title.

So, coming into their last-16 tie with PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League, there was little excitement, expectation, or noise surrounding the Gunners’ hopes of reaching the quarter-finals.

An away trip to the Philips Stadion hasn’t been kind to Mikel Arteta and Arsenal, having failed to win there during the course of their last five visits, dating back to 2002.

Well, a spark was found on Tuesday evening, one that was much needed considering the rut they’ve found themselves in.

This was an Arsenal side with purpose, with swagger, with energy. It was like watching the first few years of Arteta’s reign, just without Bukayo Saka in tow.

In truth, the performance in the Netherlands this week was nothing short of incredible. The Londoners came away from their European exploits with a 7-1 win. It was the biggest away win in the knock-out stages of the competition in its entire history.

The biggest positives from Arsenal's win over PSV

This was a game full of excitement. That’s certainly not a sentence that had been true of Arsenal in February. Yet, a new month brings new hopes and Arteta’s side already have one foot in the door of the quarter-finals where either Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid await.

Nonetheless, let’s stay in the present for now as for once, the coaching staff have a number of positives.

The biggest was perhaps the return to form of Martin Odegaard. Before Tuesday, the Norwegian had just one open play goal all season but found the net twice in the second half to cap off what was probably his best display all term.

Declan Rice didn’t find himself on the scoresheet but he was a monster in the middle of the park. He never stopped running and was key in Arsenal opening the scoring, crossing to the back stick where Jurrien Timber made it 1-0 in his homeland.

Myles Lewis-Skelly did have to be withdrawn before the break in fear he would receive another red card, fortunate not to be shown a second yellow at one stage, but his replacement in Riccardo Calafiori only proved how strong Arsenal’s depth is.

Believe it or not, the Italian left-back found the net having surged down the right-hand channel, latching onto a delicious assist from Odegaard before finding the net on his weaker foot.

Also on the score sheet was Mikel Merino and Leandro Trossard but the biggest positive was undoubtedly Ethan Nwaneri again. We’re running out of superlatives for him…

Ethan Nwaneri's defining night in Eindhoven

It’s hard to believe that this young lad is just 17 years of age. The footballing world has spoken at great length about Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal over the last year but Nwaneri is also on a path to stardom, having capped off a brilliant 2025 to date by scoring Arsenal’s second of the evening.

Since Saka’s hamstring injury, Arteta has needed players to stand up and in the teenage sensation, they have found another superstar.

Nwaneri is the club’s third-top scorer with eight this term, four of which have come since he became a regular starter during Saka’s absence.

Of course, they miss the Englishman’s dynamism in the final third but Hale End has produced another gem who’s proving he could be every bit as influential in the future.

The scorer of a goal in back to back Champions League ties now, it was another dazzling night for Nwaneri who is emulating some of the best young players we’ve seen in Europe.

Indeed, he became the second-youngest Arsenal player (17 years 348 days) to appear in a Champions League knockout stage game after Cesc Fabregas (17 years 309 days) while the talented youngster is the third English teenager to start a game in the knockout phases of Europe’s premier competition before turning 18 after Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.

Minutes played

71

Touches

24

Accurate passes

6/9 (67%)

Shots on target

2

Shots off target

1

Successful dribbles

1/1

Accurate crosses

1/3

Duels won

2/4

Possession lost

7x

Like Bellingham, who starred for Dortmund in this tournament at the same age, he is certainly following in the £150m-rated megastar’s shoes.

In scoring on Tuesday, Nwaneri became the third youngest scorer in Champions League knockout history behind Bojan Krkic and Bellingham. It’s safe to say he’s pretty damn special.

So, what’s next for this audacious teen? Well, England could be calling. Thomas Tuchel soon names his first squad and you’d be hard-pressed to find many who suggest he isn’t deserving of a place.

After another night where the 17-year-old looked a class above everyone else on the pitch, the Three Lions and indeed Arsenal may have the next Bellingham on their hands; a big-money teenage superstar in the making who’s ready to take European and international football by storm.

Forget Nwaneri: Arsenal's insane Hale Ender is coming for Odegaard's place

If you thought Ethan Nwaneri was Arsenal’s most exciting young talent then think again.

1 ByMatt Dawson Mar 3, 2025

Glasgow Rangers may have enjoyed a 4-2 comeback victory over Kilmarnock in what was Barry Ferguson’s first game of his interim spell in charge, but there are more pressing matters on the horizon.

The Ibrox side are in the midst of a potential takeover bid by 49ers Enterprises, which could happen within the next few months.

Paraag Marathe – the current chairman of Leeds United – is the head of 49ers Enterprises and a deal has reportedly been agreed in principle.

It will be an anxious wait for the Ibrox faithful, as this won’t be completed until June at the earliest, but if everything goes to plan, the Gers could be in for a major boost ahead of next season.

There have been very few bright sparks throughout the current campaign. With the Light Blues suffering defeat in the League Cup final and in the Scottish Cup to Queen’s Park, while trailing Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, domestic silverware won’t be won this term.

Hamza Igamane has emerged as a key player for the club, just months after signing as a relatively unknown striker from Morocco. 13 goals in 30 games is certainly an impressive record.

Another summer arrival who has played a key part throughout the 2024/25 campaign is Vaclav Cerny. The Czech winger joined on a season-long loan deal from German Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.

While much was expected of him, it is evident that the player has gone above and beyond these expectations during his spell in Glasgow.

Vaclav Cerny’s Rangers statistics

Last season, Philippe Clement had to rely on Scott Wright and Ross McCausland on the right flank. The pair scored just eight goals between them all campaign.

An upgrade was desperately required last summer, and in came Cerny. Fresh off a season where he netted four Bundesliga goals in 22 games for the German side, it was obvious that the winger would be a major improvement on those at Clement’s disposal.

By the end of February, Cerny had found the back of the net 15 times across 40 appearances for the Ibrox side, while helping himself to seven assists.

In the Premiership alone, the Czech international had registered three shots per game, along with creating six big chances, averaging 2.5 key passes and succeeding with 1.5 dribbles per match in the top flight.

He is effective, no doubt about that. Despite this form, it looks likely that the Gers will be priced out of a permanent move by his parent club, who are demanding a fee of around £8m – the same as what they paid for him – in order to secure his services.

Considering his age and the fact his valuation will decrease, it doesn’t make much sense paying this sort of fee.

Metric

Europa League

Premiership

Goals

4

11

Assists

2

2

Big chances created

2

6

Key passes per game

1.3

2.5

Shots per game

3.3

3

Via Sofascore, as of 28th February

However, could 49ers Enterprises perhaps find better value in a player who the club were reportedly previously linked with – sealing a dream first signing in the process this summer?

The £10m Cerny replacement Rangers could sign

Last year, The Boot Room journalist Graeme Bailey reported that Rangers were showing interest in FC Midtjylland winger Dario Osorio, along with Celtic, Aston Villa, Brentford and Newcastle United.

During the summer transfer window, the Danish side had valued their star player at around £10m due to his performances and potential.

The Chilean has been praised by former Arsenal sensation Alexis Sanchez, who dubbed him a player with “a lot of personality”, while comparing him to some big names in Chilean football like Arturo Vidal and Gary Medel.

High praise indeed from one of the very best players Chile has produced. Could Osorio be the high-profile signing the new manager must make this summer to get the supporters onside?

Why Rangers should sign Dario Osorio

In 2022, football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed Osorio a “flamboyant winger” while also stating he was similar in style to Ángel Di María.

Since moving to Denmark from his home country in 2023, Osorio has scored 13 goals in 52 appearances, notching up three assists in the process.

This goalscoring threat from the right flank could be crucial for the new boss, especially with Cerny returning to his parent club at the end of the season.

Osorio can play in a multitude of positions, as he has featured on the left wing, in attacking midfield, and even as a centre-forward during the embryonic stages of his career.

He only turned 21 in January and is exactly the sort of player the Gers must target. Not only could he make a big difference to the squad at present, but his wonderful potential means they may be able to rake in a significant profit if he was to leave for a ‘big 5’ league.

The Chilean youngster has particularly impressed in the Europa League this season. Across eight matches for Midtjylland, he has not only scored three goals, but also averages 0.8 key passes per game and succeeds with 1.8 dribbles per match in Europe’s secondary competition.

These attacking statistics are certainly impressive, but the 21-year-old can also offer plenty of defensive support to his team during games.

Indeed, when compared to his positional peers in the Europa League this season, Osorio ranks in the top 4% for interceptions (1.55) per 90 along with ranking in the top 13% for tackles (2.82) per 90, showing his desire to contribute elsewhere on the pitch.

This all-round ability could see him thrive in Scotland. It is evident he isn’t afraid of getting stuck into challenges on a regular basis. With the physicality of Scottish football ensuring certain players from abroad struggled to cope, Osorio appears to have all the required tools in his locker to shine.

It might cost the Light Blues a pretty penny to bring him in this summer, but if the 49ers want to make an instant impression, signing Osorio could be the right way to go about it.

Now worth way more than Igamane: Rangers must rue selling "explosive" star

Rangers must rue selling a player under Gio who is shining in the Premier League

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 28, 2025

Newcastle United have been immense over the past few months, restoring their winning consistency in the Premier League blitzing through Arsenal over two legs to set up a date with Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.

To his credit, Eddie Howe is professionally pragmatic and will know that tough days lie ahead. However, with Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon supercharging the attack, anything is possible for this slick and stylish Tyneside outfit.

But hang on a moment – what about Jacob Murphy?

Jacob Murphy has been so important

Imagine Newcastle’s campaign, had Murphy failed to hit the heights that no one foresaw. He’s always been an industrious presence and an “unsung hero” – as he has been called by journalist Scott Wilson – of sorts under Howe’s wing, but this is something else.

Aged 29, Murphy has hit the richest vein of form of his career, notching five goals and eight assists from 25 matches (20 starts) in all competitions.

Selfless and dynamic, the English winger is a paragon of hard work and persistence, his easy connection with Isak is a testament to his awareness and intelligence too.

He’s more than just a cult hero: Murphy is an integral part of one of the Premier League’s most dangerous frontlines.

However, Newcastle are still going to push for a new right-winger in the summer, and rightly so, especially with Miguel Almiron sold to MLS side Atlanta United for £8m last month.

It’s a shame that Howe, reluctantly, has already cashed in on the perfect upgrade.

Howe must regret selling Murphy upgrade

Despite a promising loan spell at Arne Slot’s Feyenoord last season, Minteh was sold in the summer as Newcastle fought to circumvent Premier League profit and sustainability breaches.

Everton and Brighton & Hove Albion tussled for the rising winger’s services but it was the Seagulls who flew away with his signature, paying an irresistible £33m fee.

He’s only young but has demonstrated the blend of natural talent and potency in front of goal that would be perfect for Newcastle. Already, you can see that he’s on the way to becoming a better version of Murphy, more clinical and consistent.

Goals

0.48

0.27

Assists

0.19

0.47

Shot-creating actions

3.30

3.36

Progressive passes

2.23

3.56

Progressive carries

4.27

3.15

Successful take-ons

3.01

0.94

Ball recoveries

4.36

3.62

Tackles + interceptions

2.72

1.54

Aerial battles won

0.97

0.13

Murphy has found a way to translate his work-rate into goals, but Minteh outstrips him across almost every metric, presenting him with a golden ticket to the pantheon of modern Premier League widemen, should he continue to ride the current wave of development over the coming years.

FBref actually records that Minteh’s clinical edge, fast athleticism, and combativeness have drawn statistical comparisons to Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo, two of the Premier League’s most exciting right-sided forwards.

More pertinently, they have both understood to be on Howe’s shortlist, making a telling comment on Minteh’s suitability within the Toon system.

Of course, PSR concerns effectively made the Gambian’s situation non-negotiable, for suitors were willing to pay the big bucks for his signature and it prevented the loss of one of the big three: Isak, Gordon or Bruno Guimaraes.

But it must sting all the same. Against Chelsea, the 20-year-old dominated against Marc Cucurella and Levi Colwill, taking them apart and bagging two goals to take his tally to five strikes and three assists across 22 Premier League games, including only nine starts.

While commenting on Brighton’s recent thrashing of Chelsea, pundit Jamie Carragher remarked that Minteh “has got the potential to be a real star.”

Whether he’s going to reach the heights anticipated is open to question, but you wouldn’t bet against it. Murphy is enjoying a wonderful purple patch but in this wild and fleet-footed winger, Howe must surely regret letting him go, even though he had to.

It’s clear that he’s got a straight road toward the very top.

His value has risen by £87m: Newcastle struck gold on "world-class" star

Eddie Howe has turned this Newcastle talent into one of the world’s best.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 14, 2025

Celtic are said to have made an approach for a £2.5m-rated midfielder, as they look to beat a Premier League club to his signature, among others.

Rodgers pushing for "statement" Celtic signing

Brendan Rodgers doesn’t appear to be messing around this summer, during a transfer window in which he knows the importance of nailing his business.

In fact, the Celtic manager is even thought to be personally pushing to sign Brighton striker Evan Ferguson, according to former scout Mick Brown, with the Republic of Ireland striker linked with either a loan or permanent move to Parkhead this summer.

“Celtic can offer attractive opportunities to players like Ferguson. They’re going to be playing in the Champions League and competing for trophies, which would be valuable experience for a player of his age.

“He could go to Celtic as the main man up front, away from the pressure that comes with the Premier League, and prove what he can do. I think Brendan Rodgers will be pushing to get that done, he wants to be ambitious in the market. He expects to be backed and this would be a statement of intent, even if it’s on a loan deal.”

On the flip side, Celtic will be at risk of losing certain key players, with Nicolas Kuhn falling into that category and reportedly wanted by RB Leipzig, having been in their academy earlier in his career.

Celtic make approach for £2.5m midfielder

According to Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Celtic have made an approach for Yverdon Sport midfielder Moussa Baradji, in what looks to be a competitive battle for his signature.

Fiorentina, Parma, Torino, Basel and Galatasaray are all mentioned in the report, but it is Sunderland who are in transfer talks ahead of their return to the Premier League next season, looking to get ahead of others in the race. He is expected to cost £2.5m.

Baradji will be something of an unknown to plenty of Celtic supporters, with all due respect to him, considering he is yet to play for a team in Europe’s top five leagues.

That’s not to say that he wouldn’t be a good signing for the Hoops, however, and the level of interest in him suggests that he could be an effective addition to Rodgers’ squad, with analyst Maxime Schar calling him a player who is “at ease under pressure”.

At 24, Baradji is at a perfect age, possessing enough experience to hit the ground running immediately, but also still having a healthy chunk of his career ahead of him.

While at his best as a box-to-box midfielder, the Frenchman is also adept of playing in a deeper role, too, and even as a right winger, if needed.

Worth more than Kyogo: Celtic have hit the jackpot on "incredible" star

Celtic have hit gold with this star who is now worth even more than Kyogo Furuhashi.

ByDan Emery Jun 24, 2025

It looks as though Sunderland are pushing particularly hard to sign Baradji this summer, but Celtic can offer him Champions League football, which will hopefully prove to be a huge lure for him.

Tottenham Hotspur’s success in Europe this campaign is evidence that they are capable of achieving incredible things, needing to build on their recent trophy lift.

The Europa League triumph ended the club’s generational wait for silverware, handing Thomas Frank the platform to build on ahead of his first season in charge.

He was appointed as the club’s new boss after Ange Postecoglou was given the boot despite beating Manchester United in Bilbao at the end of May.

However, the Premier League needs to be the main focus for the Dane, looking to push the side in the right direction and building towards a title push during his tenure in North London.

Any success he could achieve is hugely dependent on how much business the hierarchy conducts in the summer, needing to back the new boss in his quest after making the leap across the capital.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Over the last couple of days, Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze has emerged as a key target once again for Spurs, which could lead to them triggering his £68m release clause.

He’s not the only attacker on their radar, with West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus also another potential option, with Frank evidently wanting to strengthen his options within the final third.

However, either of the options could be joined by Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, after the Brazilian was labelled as a player on their radar as per GIVEMESPORT’s latest update.

They claim that the Lilywhites are preparing an approach for the 24-year-old this summer, after he registered eight goals in the Premier League throughout 2024/25 – with his current employers demanding £50m for his signature.

It also states that the forward would be keen on a move to North London this summer, after Marco Silva’s side rejected a £32m bid from newly-promoted Leeds United last week.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be a better signing than Semenyo

Antoine Semenyo is another attacker who has appeared on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of weeks, with the Ghanaian seen as a key target this summer.

It’s been reported in recent days that Frank’s side are set to make a £65m bid to land the 25-year-old this window after registering 11 goals and five assists in the league this campaign.

It’s likely that Bournemouth won’t want to lose another star player after Dean Huijsen departed and Milos Kerkez moved one step closer to securing a move to join Liverpool this summer.

However, the Lilywhites remain confident over a deal for the attacker, but as previously mentioned, it would cost the hierarchy a pretty penny during the off-season.

The winger would be a superb addition; however, Frank and Co should be prioritising a move for Muniz as a result, with the striker able to fulfil a key position in the squad.

Within the current squad, the wingers contributed to 27 goals scored in the Premier League this season, but the strikers only registered 13 – highlighting the need for added reinforcements in such an area.

When comparing Muniz’s stats to those of Semenyo, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, offering the side the added threat they need in the final third.

Games played

31

37

Goals & assists

9

16

Minutes per goal

120

291

Shot on target accuracy

49%

32%

Shots on target per 90

1.8

1.1

Aerials won

52%

48%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.2

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “clinical” by one analyst, may have scored fewer goals, but has posted a better minute per goal ratio, demonstrating his finishing ability in attacking areas.

His dominance in such a department is reflected in his shot on target accuracy and his better goal per shot on target rate – taking advantage of more chances that fall his way in front of goal.

Muniz has also won more of the aerials that he’s entered, handing Frank the focal point he needs if he is to be a success during his time in the role in North London.

£50m may appear to be a hefty fee for a player who’s often been an impact option, but he’s showcased that he’s capable of thriving given the stats posted this campaign.

Whilst Semenyo would be a superb signing, the need for a new striker is evident this summer, with the Fulham star potentially the perfect option to fill the void in Frank’s side.

He'd be better than Semenyo: Spurs plotting move to sign £68m "magician"

The incredibly talented attacker would be game-changing for Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 23, 2025

Sunderland were always going to face challenges venturing up to the Premier League, but the Black Cats will find their journey up to the big time to be even more unnerving now that Jobe Bellingham has left the club.

Bellingham has followed in his esteemed brother’s footsteps and joined German behemoth Borussia Dortmund, leaving Regis Le Bris with a lot of work to do this summer to plug his noticeable gap.

The Wearside underdogs could look to bring in an entertaining EFL star as a replacement for the skilful 19-year-old.

Sunderland eyeing up move for EFL star

As per a new report by the Daily Mail, Sunderland are eyeing up a potential swoop for Leeds United outcast Sam Greenwood to enhance their attacking options.

Whilst he has struggled for large patches of his Elland Road career, Greenwood has shone away from West Yorkshire on loan with Preston North End and Middlesbrough in the Championship, with Sunderland now keen on winning his services.

Leicester City are also in the race to land the 23-year-old ahead of the Foxes heading back to the second tier, but the Black Cats’ newly obtained Premier League status – on top of the fact Greenwood actually hails from Sunderland – should surely give them a favourable advantage.

Before heading to Leeds, he was actually on the books of the Sunderland and Arsenal academies.

How Greenwood could replace Bellingham

There would be a lot of pressure on Greenwood’s shoulders to come in and fill the void left behind by Bellingham, but it’s clear from his flashes of excellence in the EFL’s elite league that he’s deserving of some more game time in the top-flight, away from being a reserve face at Daniel Farke’s outfit.

After all, much like Bellingham caught the eye with classy displays galore at the Stadium of Light, Greenwood has consistently entertained fans in the EFL when moved out on loan from Leeds.

Amazingly, the 23-year-old even amassed more goals last season in the Championship than Bellingham, with five goals collected come the end of his stay at Deepdale, compared to his now Dortmund counterpart’s four.

By the end of his loan stint in Lancashire, Greenwood scored seven strikes in total from 45 clashes, with this tally just beating his overall Boro count, which stood at five. Alongside that, he also has six Championship assists next to his name, with a chance for him to shine in the level above perhaps coming soon with Le Bris and Co.

Away from offering the same firepower as Bellingham, the “unbelievable” attacker – as Farke once described him – is also similar to the Bundesliga-bound midfielder in offering lots of versatility, with the ex-Arsenal youth starlet capable of playing in a whole host of positions like Bellingham, away from simply lining up as a number ten.

CF

48

20

3

AM

37

9

9

RW

19

9

3

LM

17

4

2

SS

15

9

4

LW

13

2

2

CM

11

1

1

DM

1

0

0

Greenwood actually boasts more career goals and assists lining up as a centre-forward with the 23-year-old potentially offering Le Bris another striker presence, therefore, away from the Frenchman solely depending on Wilson Isidor.

But, he can also line up as a winger and as a central figure, much like Bellingham, with everything pointing in the direction that this could be a smart move for Sunderland to make to try and patch over their star man’s exit.

Greenwood even has a goal and four assists next to his name when utilised sparingly in the Premier League by the Whites, meaning he could really kick on under Le Bris’ guidance if given plenty of action in the wake of Bellingham’s sad departure.

He'd be better than Tanganga: Sunderland interested in signing £8m defender

Sunderland could now swoop in for this defensive target over solely pursuing a move for Japhet Tanganga.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 16, 2025