All posts by h79snht.top

In the wake of Liverpool’s leave-it-late victory over West Ham United to move within touching distance of claiming the Premier League, both Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk have alluded to a big summer of investment.

The runaway leaders have surprised everyone in ending Manchester City’s four-peat and leapfrogging Arsenal, who look set to complete their third second-place finish on the trot.

However, Liverpool definitely haven’t been perfect, with several first-team regulars struggling to prove themselves under new management and seemingly heading toward a summer exit.

From an attacking sense, Darwin Nunez is the most likely name to be drawn to mind, but he’s not the only one, oh no, Diogo Jota has also flattered to deceive for months and could be sold this summer.

Why Liverpool should sell Diogo Jota

Nunez has been consigned to the margins all season – the Uruguayan wasn’t even a part of Liverpool’s matchday squad against West Ham – but Jota has been utilised in a more important manner.

However, injuries have managed to scupper Jota’s hopes of a standout season. The 28-year-old has only started 13 Premier League matches all year, with the goals drying up since overcoming setbacks across winter and before.

Indeed, the Portugal international has only scored twice across his past 13 fixtures in all competitions, with the combination of injuries and goalscoring impotence highlighting the need for a new centre-forward.

Diogo Jota – Liverpool Stats by Season (all comps)

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

24/25

32 (21)

9

4

23/24

32 (19)

15

5

22/23

28 (15)

7

8

21/22

55 (39)

21

6

20/21

30 (19)

13

1

Stats via Transfermarkt

Liverpool need to aim for the stars. Some reports claim that Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is very much the dream target this summer, but at around €150m (£130m), the Reds might need to part ways with more than just Nunez.

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Luckily, Slot knows that he has an up-and-coming star who could take Jota’s place and save Liverpool a whole load of money.

Liverpool already have a perfect Jota heir

Who knows how Liverpool’s transfer window will pan out. In fairness, though, there’s every chance that the Reds could launch a stunning move for a player of Isak’s ilk.

Finances are good at Anfield, but those working away in the offices will always look for a shrewd solution if one presents itself, and promoting Jayden Danns through fire sales of Nunez and Jota could be the perfect, resourceful way to take Liverpool forward next season.

Danns, 19, has suffered with a few unfortunate injuries over the past year, ending his January agreement to move on loan to Championship promotion hopefuls Sunderland before he had even kicked a ball.

But there’s no mistaking the teenage striker is one to watch, with analyst Ben Mattinson already pronouncing him to be “a better finisher than Nunez.”

Based on the evidence of the past three years, this isn’t all that hard, but it does highlight the natural ball-striking prowess that Danns can develop over the coming years, having already scored three times for Liverpool across just nine professional appearances.

Serving as Isak’s understudy, for example, Danns could save Liverpool millions and allow them to stock up the war chest through sales of Liverpool’s existing – and struggling – number nines.

With attention needed across various other areas of the park, this might just be the perfect way to keep Slot’s side firing while strengthening across key areas too.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 14, 2025

Before Thursday’s first-leg Europa League clash with Lyon, many of a Manchester United persuasion would have been more than happy to have secured a draw ahead of next week’s return fixture at Old Trafford, with such a result on the road ensuring that Ruben Amorim’s men remain in control of proceedings.

Having ultimately played out a 2-2 stalemate with the Ligue 1 side, however, the overriding feeling is one of deflation, with the hosts snatching a draw right at the death following last-gasp heroics from Rayan Cherki.

The majestic playmaker pounced on Andre Onana’s mistake – not the Cameroonian’s first of the night – to level things up in the fifth minute of stoppage time, with it having initially looked like Joshua Zirkzee’s late header would be enough to seal the win for the Red Devils.

Frustratingly, there is still work to do next week when the two sides meet again, with Amorim left to ponder his selection decisions for that second-leg, as well as for Sunday’s trip to St James’ Park.

A raft of changes could well be on the cards, and not just due to rotation.

Man Utd's worst performers against Lyon

The obvious place to start is, of course, with that man Onana, with the 28-year-old ending proceedings as he began the night – dominating the headlines.

After his war of words with former United star, Nemanja Matic, the ex-Inter stopper needed to put in a serene display up against the French outfit to back up his pre-match verbals. Sadly for Amorim and for Onana, he did anything but.

At fault for both of the hosts’ goals on the night, the one-time Ajax hero has now made more errors than any another Premier League goalkeeper in all competitions, since the start of last season, having endured a wretched two-year spell at the Theatre of Dreams.

Most errors leading to a goal – PL in 24/25

Player

Errors

Arijanet Muric

5

Robert Sanchez

5

Bart Verbruggen

4

Andre Onana

3

Alphonse Areola

2

Alex McCarthy

2

Nick Pope

2

Ederson

2

via Premier League website

Not that Onana was alone in having another off night on Thursday evening, with Rasmus Hojlund fluffing an effort wide and registering just 11 touches in total, before being hooked on the hour mark.

In between the two, Manuel Ugarte once again failed to last the full 90 minutes following a largely frustrating performance, with the Uruguayan – who can at least claim the assist for Leny Yoro’s equaliser – winning just two of his six duels, while being the recipient of a needless yellow card.

There will likely be calls for that trio to be replaced with the likes of Altay Bayindir, Mason Mount and the aforementioned Zirkzee moving forward, while young Alejandro Garnacho is another who could be in the firing line.

The Man Utd man who was outclassed by Cherki

Despite slipping to a draw at the death, United may feel as if they are still well-placed to progress – that is unless Cherki has something to say about it.

Indeed, the 21-year-old Frenchman was a real shining light on the night for the home side, having deservedly stolen the acclaim with his late dink over Onana, after smartly pouncing on the goalkeeper’s errant parry.

Widely touted as the heir to Karim Benzema for both club and country, the fleet-footed forward almost strolled through the game with consummate ease, having notably racked up four key passes in total – more than any other player on the pitch.

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The local hero also successfully completed four of his attempted dribbles amid his desire to provide that attacking spark for his side, with such a performance looking completely at odds with United’s own rising star, Garnacho.

While the Argentine did end the night with a 100% pass accuracy, his showing was summed up by his poor decision-making on the counter late on, having failed to pick out the advancing Zirkzee, before firing in a wayward pass to the stretching Bruno Fernandes.

Cherki vs Garnacho – key stats

Stat

Cherki

Garnacho

Minutes played

90

83

Touches

72

32

Pass accuracy

88%

100%

Key passes

4

1

Big chances created

0

0

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

0

Successful dribbles

4/7

0/0

Total duels won

6/12

3/8

Possession lost

17x

8x

Stats via Sofascore

Operating on the right of the front three, the 20-year-old – who actually had fewer touches than Onana recorded in the sticks (35) – had little joy in an attacking sense, albeit while picking out Fernandes in the first half with a clever pull-back.

The Spain-born speedster did also have the chance to net himself at the backpost in the second half, following a fine cross from Patrick Dorgu, yet – as has been the norm of late – he simply couldn’t convert the chance.

Still with just two goals to his name under Amorim, Garnacho’s suitability to this 3-4-3 system remains up for debate, with MEN journalist Samuel Luckhurst handing him just a 5/10 match rating, while writing that his ‘end product was often lacking’.

Despite just a slight age difference between the pair, there appeared to be a real gulf in quality and class between Garnacho and Cherki, with the latter man looking like the type of figure who would relish the role in one of the two number ten berths.

It is for no reason that teammate and ex-Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles has lauded Cherki as the “best natural talent [he’s] ever seen”, with Garnacho, by contrast, looking as if he’s not even fit to lace the Lyon man’s boots.

Can that all change at Old Trafford next week?

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Posts ByRobbie Walls Apr 10, 2025

Liverpool need to make some signings in the transfer market this summer. Luckily, Arne Slot’s side are on the cusp of winning the Premier League after nominal investment in recent windows, and FSG are ready to reward them.

Now that Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk’s deals have been extended – well ahead of the summer transfer window – sporting director Richard Hughes can focus his attention on drafting plans and convincing agents that Anfield is the place for their first-class client.

Ah, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s new contract may sit unsigned, but if you read between the lines, it sadly becomes quite clear that the boyhood Red will close this chapter of his career and sign for Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 campaign.

However, Liverpool are indeed ready to strengthen across the park, which will ease the pain sure to come when Trent goes. One such signing has been identified as one of the prized players on the south coast.

Liverpool have enjoyed plenty of success in plucking from England’s southerly beaches over the years, with Van Dijk joined by Sadio Mane in joining from Southampton, charging an illustrious era under Jurgen Klopp’s wing.

Now, FSG’s attention has been turned toward Bournemouth.

Liverpoool pushing to sign PL star

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are working on a deal for Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, who has a £50m release clause in his contract and is expected to leave the Vitality Stadium this summer.

Plettenberg implies that talks have already taken place, with the Reds making a “strong push”, while “projects and figures have all been presented”.

Recent reports have circulated purporting Chelsea to be in the lead for the Spain international, but this has since been quashed by top sources such as Fabrizio Romano – with the transfer guru corroborating claims regarding talks being held.

The race is on, but Liverpool are pulling out all the stops and are working toward moving to the front, having indeed presented their package.

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Contrastingly to the Chelsea-led rumours, talkSPORT claim Huijsen favours a move to Liverpool over that of Stamford Bridge.

Why Liverpool want Dean Huijsen

Huijsen is very much the talk of the town right now.

The Dutch-born central defender is only 20 years old, plying his way through his first campaign on English shores, yet he’s thriving, arresting most high-class outfits across the continent and being hailed as a “world-class” player in the making by one analyst.

He’s the real deal, all right, with a ball-playing game that bespeaks his potential as a superstar for a team at the top of the pyramid, ranking among the top 16% of positional peers for progressive passes and the top 7% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

It’s remarkable to think he hasn’t played all that much football yet is performing to such a high level, truly a talent capable of forging a lightning-in-a-bottle type of career.

Premier League 24/25 – Dean Huijsen vs Illya Zabarnyi

Stats (* per game)

Huijsen

Zabarnyi

Matches (starts)

27 (22)

31 (30)

Goals

2

0

Assists

1

0

Clean sheets

7

7

Touches*

60.5

58.1

Key passes*

0.5

0.4

Pass completion

85%

82%

Ball recoveries*

3.4

4.5

Tackles + interceptions*

3.0

2.6

Clearances*

5.9

4.8

Duels (won)*

3.9

4.0

Stats via Sofascore

Alongside another young defender, the 22-year-old Illya Zabarnyi, Huijsen has shone that little bit brighter for Andoni Iraola, with a sharper attacking approach, crisper in possession while influencing forward moves too, and proving to be a bit more robust in his defensive duties.

We touched earlier on the fact that Huijsen could arrive as Slot’s own version of Van Dijk, but we also paid note to Mane, and in a curious way Huijsen may prove to be Liverpool’s next version of the Senegal legend.

Mane left Southampton and signed for Liverpool in 2016 for a £34m fee, having notched 35 goal contributions across just two seasons for Saints.

But he transcended expectations at Liverpool, going from strength to strength and then stronger still as he formed a part of one of the Premier League’s all-time attacking trios, praised as a “machine” by Klopp for his output and athleticism.

Huijsen can replicate the veteran, having already made a name for himself in England’s top flight on the south coast, earning acclaim and attracting attention from a host of Europe’s top outfits.

Moreover, Southampton qualified for the Europa League in 2015/16, right before Mane earned himself a one-way ticket to Anfield.

Bournemouth, of course, are eighth in the Premier League right now. They could grace the European scene next season. However, they won’t have Huijsen in their brood – hopefully, FSG will have pulled no punches in getting a deal done.

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Posts 1 ByEthan Lamb Apr 24, 2025

Liverpool have been blessed with some incredible managers over the years. From Bob Paisley to Bill Shankley, Kenny Dalglish to Rafa Benitez, so many coaches have left their indelible mark on the most successful football club in the history of English football.

Brendan Rodgers came oh-so close to adding his name to the list, nearly sealing Liverpool’s maiden top-flight title in its modern Premier League format, but falling at the final hurdle in 2013/14.

Cue the gloom. Liverpool had struggled in the years before and looked set for more misery after Luis Suarez left for Barcelona and Steven Gerrard trudged solemnly toward retirement from the European scene, but then Jurgen Klopp came along.

He fashioned something incredible from the ashes of Rodgers’ reign, led Anfield to the Champions League, and then the Premier League, and then more. He put the club back on their perch.

Now he’s gone, and fear returned when the uncertainty of a new chapter beckoned. But Arne Slot has proved the perfect appointment, winning the Premier League in his first season after few gave the Reds a shot.

The great shame is that Gerrard left before Klopp came, the two legends agonisingly unaligned in their Merseyside careers. He’d have been perfect for the German’s football, but maybe more so for Slot.

Why Gerrard would have been perfect for Slot

Gerrard was the complete player. Recognised by all the greats as one of the best to do it, he stayed loyal to his boyhood club through a long and distinguished career.

The architect of Istanbul, maybe the greatest night in Liverpool’s history, the Three Lions star featured 710 times for the Reds, scoring 186 goals and supplying 155 assists.

Most Liverpool Appearances in History

Rank

Player

Apps

1.

Ian Callaghan

852

2.

Jamie Carragher

737

3.

Steven Gerrard

710

4.

Emelyn Hughes

664

5.

Ray Clemence

663

Stats via Transfermarkt

He’s irreplaceable, but Liverpool have searched for his successor ever since. Dominik Szoboszlai was billed as the man after joining from RB Leipzig for £60m in 2023, hailed for having “such similarities to Steven Gerrard” by pundit Stephen Warnock.

But the Hungarian, while a talented Premier League champion, hasn’t quite found the deadliness in the final third that Gerrard provided. He has the energy and athleticism, to be sure, but he’s no Gerrard.

It’s a pointless exercise, but imagining Gerrard in Slot’s squad is quite a thing. He’d lead by example and galvanise the players around him, adding a dimension from the middle.

The powerful star’s style of play is certainly something that others have tried to replicate, and there’s one Liverpool target at present who could actually prove to be the next version, should he sign for Slot’s side this summer.

Liverpool eyeing Szoboszlai rival

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool have been sending scouts to watch Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers in action, though face stern competition from Chelsea. Villa, it’s probably obvious, don’t want to sell.

Rogers, 22, has been one of Unai Emery’s standout performers this season, with recent interest from Manchester United revealing he is valued at a whopping £68m.

However, pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes Rogers is worth £100m, with scouts reporting to Villan chiefs that he is of the mould of Jude Bellingham and Yaya Toure.

What Morgan Rogers would bring to Liverpool

Villa signed Rogers from Middlesbrough for £15m in February 2024 and he has since featured 66 times, scoring 17 goals and laying on 14 further assists.

He made a bright start to life in the Premier League across the second half of 2023/24 but has gone from strength to strength this season, racking up 27 goal involvements from 50 outings.

Not just a source for goals, the three-cap England international has created 13 big chances in the top flight this term, also averaging 1.8 dribbles and winning 4.6 duels per game, as per Sofascore.

A dynamic attacker capable of great things across multiple roles, Rogers is from a similar cloth to a young and rising Gerrard, whose powerful attacking midfield role saw him drift into left midfield at times.

Morgan Rogers – Aston Villa Stats by Position (24/25)

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Attacking midfield

24

7

5

Right winger

11

1

4

Left winger

9

5

2

Centre-forward

2

0

0

Stats via Transfermarkt

Fabio Capello infamously said in 2008: ‘We are killing Gerrard by playing him left midfield,’ as he tried to organise too many pegs into too few holes for the Three Lions, but the Liverpool man had proved himself capable for his club in an unconventional berth.

Rogers, it’s probably safe to say, plays with more natural security in the position, with his electric, barrelling runs proving too much for defenders. The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell has called him a “machine” who has been “made with brick,” such is his ability to brush opponents aside when carrying the ball forward.

Like Gerrard, though, the £75k-per-week talent is playing centrally with the greatest regularity, owing to his robustness and quality when shuttling to and fro, to and fro, all fleet feet and confidence and strength.

Already proving himself to be a more clinical player than Szoboszlai while providing a similar kind of energy, the 6 foot 2 Villa star isn’t likely to be a priority for a Liverpool side searching for a new striker, fresh left-back and maybe a centre-back too, but if the chance presents itself, FSG may well green-light a stunning swoop.

Regardless of whether the Midlands side qualify for the Champions League this season, it’s understood that they are going to need to sell several stars to comply with the Premier League’s PSR rules.

With rumours emerging that the £50m-rated Harvey Elliott could be sold this summer after a frustrating individual campaign that has yet to provide a single start in the top flight, this is certainly one to keep an eye on.

Rogers’ profile seems perfect for Slot-ball, carrying the Gerrard-esque quality that could complete Liverpool’s midfield and take them to the next level.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 30, 2025

Glasgow Rangers will need a new manager in the dugout at Ibrox when the 2025/26 campaign gets underway later this year, having relieved Philippe Clement of his duties in February.

Barry Ferguson came in to replace the Belgian head coach as an interim manager until the end of the season, and his side did beat Aberdeen 4-0 last time out in the league.

However, the former Rangers central midfielder has only won five of his 13 matches in charge of the club in all competitions, losing four of those games.

Ferguson’s most recent managerial experience before his current stint at Ibrox came at Alloa Athletic in the 2021/22 campaign, when he lost 17 of his 33 games at the helm.

These statistics do not suggest that the former Scotland international is the right man to lead the Light Blues back to glory in the Scottish Premiership moving forward, which is why he should not be a contender for the job.

It does appear as though Rangers are set to look externally for their new head coach this summer, as they have been linked with a move for Davide Ancelotti.

Why Davide Ancelotti could be exciting for Rangers

It was recently reported that the son of Carlo Ancelotti, who is currently part of his father’s coaching staff at Real Madrid, is closing in on the Rangers job.

The Light Blues were reported to be pushing to bring him to Ibrox to convince him to take his first role as a senior head coach, rather than going to join his dad when he becomes the Brazil manager later this year.

The Rangers-linked coach has worked with his father at Real Madrid, Everton, and Bayern Munich, and has been described as an influential figure behind the scenes.

Former Bayern midfielder Javi Martinez, as quoted by the BBC, hailed Davide’s influence on Carlo: “The evolution process never stops and it is more difficult to adapt for older coaches. Davide completes Carlo and helps him understand the evolution of football. Davide is incredible: prepared, serious, a great person, like his father.”

As you can see in the graphic above, he has learned from one of the best managers around, given the incredible number of trophies his father has won, and that illustrates why him being an influential figure on his coaching staff is a big positive ahead of a possible move to Rangers.

This is why, despite his lack of outright managerial experience, Ancelotti could be an exciting appointment for the Gers and a chance to get behind a new era at Ibrox, which could be kickstarted with an excellent signing.

Rangers make contact to sign English forward

According to The Herald, Rangers have made contact with Blackburn Rovers forward Tyrhys Dolan to remain informed on his situation ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Gers want to keep tabs on the English attacker, who could become a free agent this summer if he does not extend his contract with the Championship side.

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It reveals that Blackburn would value Dolan between £5m and £10m but they could lose him for a nominal compensation fee if he runs down his contract to sign for the Light Blues.

The report, however, adds that Premiership rivals Celtic are also monitoring the winger ahead of a possible swoop for his services in the summer window, which shows that there will be competition for the 23-year-old dynamo’s services.

This means that Rangers may have to act fast once it becomes clear that Dolan will be available to sign when his contract at Ewood Park expires at the end of June, as they will have to beat other teams to his signature.

The board should push to get a deal over the line for the Blackburn star because he could be an excellent signing to kick the Ancelotti era off with a bang, should a move to appoint the Real Madrid coach go through.

Why Rangers should sign Tyrhys Dolan

The Light Blues could kickstart the Ancelotti era in exciting fashion by signing Dolan because he is a promising young talent with the potential to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch in Scottish football.

At the age of 23, the Blackburn star would arrive with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve as a player, which means that he could be a long-term addition to the side as well as having the quality to make an instant impact.

As you can see in the clip above, Dolan is also a player who has showcased his quality in the final third in the Championship for the English side this season.

The incredibly versatile attacker, who can play on the left, on the right, as an attacking midfielder, or as a striker, has shown that he has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis if put in the right environment.

Dolan has only averaged 38.1 touches per game in a Blackburn team that ranked 16th in the league for xG, with 51.6 xG in 46 matches, which shows that he was not getting loads of touches in a well-coached attacking side.

Vaclav Cerny, meanwhile, has delivered 12 goals and three assists with 50.7 touches per game for Rangers on the right flank in the Premiership this season.

24/25 season

Cerny (Premiership)

Dolan (Championship)

Appearances

31

44

Touches per game

50.7

38.1

Shots

90

51

Goals

12

7

Conversion rate

13%

14%

Big chances created

6

7

Assists

3

6

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Dolan enjoyed a better conversion rate of shots to goals than Cerny has managed so far this season in the Premiership, and created more ‘big chances’ for his side with roughly 12 fewer touches per game on average.

These statistics suggest that the English star’s output at the top end of the pitch could soar if he was put in a Rangers team that gives him plenty of touches in the final third, with more chances to take shots and create chances as an exciting wide player.

Dolan, once hailed as “outstanding” by former boss John Eustace, would also provide an exciting celebration for supporters when he scores, as shown in the clip above.

In all seriousness, though, he could be the perfect first signing of the Ancelotti era as a superb young talent who has the quality and the potential to be a star at Ibrox, with the chance to be more influential in the final third as part of a more dominant and attacking team than he has been at Blackburn.

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Posts ByDominic Lund May 13, 2025

What once looked like it could be quite a miserable summer for Tottenham Hotspur is now one full of exciting transfer-related possibilities.

Being one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, the Lilywhites will always be able to attract top talent.

Still, following their Europa League triumph, they now have the added lure of Champions League football and the money that goes with it.

This already seems to be helping their case as well, as, based on recent reports, the North Londoners might soon have a player who’s won comparisons to Bukayo Saka.

Tottenham winger search

Before we get to the star in question, it’s worth looking over some of the other talented wingers linked with Spurs in recent weeks and months, such as Eberechi Eze and Rayan Cherki.

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The former has spent plenty of time in the middle of the park this season but is more than capable of playing out wide, and with 25 goal involvements in 43 games this term, he’d be more than worth his £68m release clause.

Likewise, at a reported £19m, Cherki would be a steal, as in just 44 appearances for Lyon this season, he has scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists.

However, the North Londoners might be able to get an even better deal in the coming weeks.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol and Michael Bridge, Spurs have been offered the chance to sign Bayern Munich star Leroy Sané.

The report has revealed that in light of the club’s place in next season’s UCL, they have become a far more attractive destination for the German international, who’ll be available for free in a month’s time.

It might not be the most exciting transfer possible, but Sané is a proven winger at the highest level and has even won comparisons to a player who’s terrorised Tottenham in recent years: Saka.

How Sané compares to Saka

So before getting to some of the other reasons why Spurs should be looking to bring Sané in on a free this summer, it’s important to address this comparison to Saka and where it comes from.

In this case, it comes from FBref, which compared players in similar positions at last summer’s European Championships and concluded that the Arsenal star was the third most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Bayern ace in the entire competition.

It’s much easier to see how this conclusion was reached by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which they rank closely, including but not limited to expected assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Sané & Saka

Statistics per 90

Sané

Saka

Expected Assists

0.09

0.11

Progressive Passes

3.04

3.57

Passing Accuracy

83.8%

83.8%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.03

3.30

Goal-Creating Actions

0.43

0.47

Successful Take-Ons

2.17

2.00

All Stats via FBref for EURO 2024

Moreover, aside from the significant statistical overlap between the two, they are also both mainly left-footed right-wingers who have benefited tremendously from the coaching of Mikel Arteta at different points in their careers.

With that said, why else should the North Londoners go out of their way to bring the former Manchester City star to the club this summer?

Well, firstly, even as his minutes have been somewhat reduced at Bayern this season, the “world-class” winger, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has remained a genuine attacking threat, living up to Pep Guardiola’s billing that he is one of “the best in the world playing out wide.”

For example, in 45 appearances, totalling just 2377 minutes, the 29-year-old dynamo has scored 13 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 2.36 games, or more crucially, every 125.10 minutes.

Finally, the Essen-born monster is a natural winner; he lifted two Premier Leagues, two League Cups and one FA Cup at the Eithad, and then in Bavaria, he has won four Bundesliga, the FIFA Club World Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

Ultimately, even if he was going to cost a modest fee, signing Sané would be the smart move to make this summer, so the fact he’s free makes bringing him to Tottenham a no-brainer – especially as he could be the club’s own Saka.

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Spurs could sign their new Dele Alli this summer.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 27, 2025

With Callum Wilson looking likely to leave, Newcastle United have reportedly made their first approach to sign an 18-goal forward and are even willing to pay a big fee to secure his signature this summer.

Callum Wilson could leave Newcastle for free

After spending five years at Newcastle, Wilson could be set to leave the club as a free agent when his current contract comes to an end next month. The experienced striker is yet to put pen to paper and left St James’ Park in tears following what is likely to be his final game for the club against Everton.

Despite his contract situation and his emotions at full-time last weekend though, Eddie Howe remained coy on Wilson’s future. The Newcastle boss told reporters: “Let’s wait and see. We will sit down with his representatives.

“I’m not sure about the thought it’s going to be huge change in the summer. There could be. I’m in a position where I don’t know what’s going to happen. You never know going into any summer with transfer activity, ins or outs you never know the numbers.”

With or without a new contract, however, it must be said that replacing Wilson would be no bad idea for the Magpies. The experienced striker has often struggled on the injury front, forcing Howe to play the likes of Anthony Gordon in the lead role of his frontline when also without Alexander Isak throughout the season.

Given that they’ve got Champions League football to offer now too, Newcastle and PIF could set their sights on some of Europe’s top talents. And whilst names such as Jonathan David have been mentioned, it could yet be another Ligue 1 talent who arrives.

Newcastle make first Kalimuendo approach

According to L’Equipe, as relayed by Sport Witness, Newcastle have now made their first approach to sign Arnaud Kalimuendo and are ready to pay a big substantial fee to secure the Stade Rennais forward.

Related "Spectacular" Real Madrid star now main Newcastle target in £150m+ spree

He would be a statement signing.

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 27, 2025

The Frenchman has enjoyed an excellent season in France, scoring 18 goals in all competitions whilst also setting up another two throughout the campaign. At 23 years old, the forward still has his best years to come and represents the type of player who would be an ideal backup for Isak.

Praised for how “dangerous” he is around the box by U23 scout Antonio Mango back in March, Kalimuendo would be ready to take the Premier League by storm if Newcastle made their move.

The Magpies already suffered in the past when attempting to balance European football with Premier League action, but the arrival of the depth provided by players like Kalimuendo would go a long way towards avoiding that problem this time around.

Liverpool are looking to close their negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen for the transfer of Florian Wirtz, but sporting director Richard Hughes still needs to dot the i’s and cross the t’s.

Still, this is a bank-breaking transfer we’re talking about, one which could seal Liverpool’s place among Europe’s elite for many years to come. After all, former Werkself striker Patrick Helmes has claimed Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world” after his exploits in his homeland over the past few years.

Is £113m (or maybe even a bit more), perhaps a little steep? Maybe it is, but that shouldn’t detract from Liverpool hitting the jackpot with such an influential signing, especially since the wide defensive flanks have already been addressed.

Liverpool haven’t yet completed a deal for Milos Kerkez, but the Bournemouth left-back is expected to leave the Vitality Stadium and move to Merseyside in the coming weeks, more i’s and t’s with that one.

Kerkez will prove an upgrade on Andy Robertson, 31, but he won’t reunite with Dean Huijsen, who was pursued by Liverpool but ultimately signed for Real Madrid after they activated his £50m release clause.

Still, Liverpool need a centre-back.

Why Liverpool need a centre-back

In May 2021, Liverpool signed Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig for £36m, sealing a much-needed central defensive recruit. Liverpool have not signed another centre-half since.

This is, in large part, because skipper Virgil van Dijk has been such an indomitable force over the years, one of the chief architects behind Jurgen Klopp’s ascent to greatness in the Anfield hot seat.

Van Dijk and Konate should make the chief partnership once again next season, but a player such as Huijsen could have been the perfect understudy to develop his craft over the coming years and become a superstar under Arne Slot’s wing.

Given that Van Dijk turns 34 next month and has just two more seasons at the club, it would be prudent to find and foster a new rising talent now, especially since the £50m-rated Jarell Quansah has been mooted for a summer sale.

And though Huijsen’s out of reach, Liverpool have entered a race for a young defender who might be even better than the Spain international.

Liverpool enter race for new CB

As per Portuguese outlet A Bola – as translated by Sport Witness – Liverpool have joined the race for Ousmane Diomande, with Sporting Lisbon warming to the idea of cashing in on the defender.

Portuguese sources believe an official approach could come from one of the 21-year-old’s suitors in the coming days, with Liverpool joined by Crystal Palace and Manchester United in having the most concrete interest, ahead of Arsenal and Bayern Munich.

Sporting would let their young star leave if their €60m (£50m) price tag is met, meaning Liverpool may have the financial advantage over the Eagles, especially since they were already willing to fork out such a sum for Huijsen.

Why Liverpool want Ousmane Diomande

Diomande is still young, but he’s already built up a wealth of experience in Portugal, featuring 101 times for the Portuguese club after leaving Danish side Midtjylland in January 2023.

Having been singled out for his “incredibly complete” skill set by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Diomande is the real deal, all right, and might actually prove an even better signing for Liverpool than Huijsen would have been.

So slick and stylish on the ball, he’s the archetypal defender, to be sure, but also a powerful and steely defensive force.

League Stats 24/25 – Dean Huijsen vs Ousmane Diomande

Stats (* per game)

Huijsen

Diomande

Matches (starts)

32 (26)

31 (29)

Goals

3

1

Assists

2

0

Touches*

63.9

77.1

Pass completion

84%

94%

Key passes*

0.5

0.3

Ball recoveries*

3.3

4.5

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

2.2

Clearances*

6.1

2.6

Ground duels (won)*

3.6 (56%)

4.3 (60%)

Data via Sofascore

Though advocates of Huijsen’s journey would point toward Diomande playing in a division of lower overall quality, it’s clear he’s a naturally crisper central defender, still retaining a degree of creativity and proving more accurate in his combative ventures, especially in the duel.

He demonstrated he can throw down with the best of them on the biggest stage too. As per FBref, Diomande ranked among the top 15% of centre-backs in the Champions League last season for pass completion and for successful take-ons per 90.

Such performances actually led the data-driven site to draw Arsenal’s William Saliba as his most comparable player, and given analyst Ben Mattinson has cottoned on to the likeness, hailing the Ivorian as “a hybrid between Gabriel [Magalhaes] and Saliba”, the importance of Liverpool putting together an official offer is only underscored.

He’s been performing at a high level for several years now, and consistently at that. With distinguishable physicality, speed and technical skill, the 6 foot 3 star has what it takes to become a superstar in the coming years, having been a regular feature in Sporting’s senior squad as they’ve clinched back-to-back Liga Portugal titles and indeed caught the eye while doing it.

With Arsenal’s central defensive pairing one of the finest on the continent, instrumental in conceding the fewest goals across the past two Premier League campaigns, Liverpool could strike gold in bagging themselves a player carrying similar properties.

Diomande could perhaps offer more from an attacking standpoint, but when you’re picking at offensive flaws when trying to identify the chinks in a young centre-backs game, it’s clear that he’s doing something right.

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Liverpool plan on signing a new centre-forward in the transfer market this summer.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 7, 2025

Arsenal continue working on their summer recruitment plans ahead of an imperative 2025/2026 campaign, with Mikel Arteta looking to swiftly put the disappointments of last season firmly behind him and bring silverware back to the Emirates.

Arsenal attempting to secure key summer signings for Mikel Arteta

New sporting director Andrea Berta’s arrival at N5 was met with plenty of excitement and anticipation for the window ahead.

Related Forward pulls U-turn over joining Arsenal with "verbal agreement" reached

He’s made a definitive decision.

Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025

Since replacing Edu Gaspar in the role, Berta has wasted no time in identifying key targets and moving forward with due negotiations.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal’s pursuit of a second-choice goalkeeper to replace Neto and provide David Raya with an astute back-up now looks set to end with the looming arrival of Chelsea’s Arrizabalaga, who’s poised to join the Gunners for just £5 million due to a release clause in his contract.

Meanwhile, Arsenal are also attempting to sign RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko to end their long wait for a prolific frontman, with Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg among the credible media outlets to report that “concrete talks” have been held over a move for the Slovenian.

However, one man who was long thought to be joining Arsenal, before either of these names, comes in the form of Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

The Spain international caused a major stir when denying reports that he’s set for a medical with Arsenal, which even came after renowned transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano gave his famous ‘here we go’ to the deal, indicating that his move to the Emirates was done.

Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay even made a cryptic statement suggesting his transfer to Arsenal was nowhere near as advanced as this, but reliable media sources have since come out to reassure supporters that their signing of Zubimendi remains firmly on track.

David Ornstein shares Martin Zubimendi update out of Arsenal

Firstly, Romano reiterated earlier this week that an Arsenal deal for Zubimendi is definitively agreed, but also refused to rule out the prospect of Real Madrid hijacking this deal in a sensationally late fashion.

However, in an even more positive update, The Athletic correspondent David Ornstein has now poured cold water over the prospect of Real swooping in at all, despite reports to the contrary from Spain.

Ornstein states that Arsenal consider Zubimendi’s transfer as “done and signed”, and Bernabeu sources say Real never actively pursued a move for the “world-class” 26-year-old.

In his detailed piece for The Athletic, Ornstein adds that Sociedad want the deal to be fully ratified in July for accounting purposes, so they can log Zubimendi’s sale as part of the next financial year.

This could seriously explain the delay behind his likely announcement as an Arsenal player, so it appears supporters can breathe an even bigger sigh of relief when it comes to the Sociedad star’s looming arrival.

With Jaka Bijol signed and delivered, the 49ers have now reportedly turned their attention towards a fresh Leeds United move to sign a Bundesliga left-back.

Jaka Bijol "ready for the Premier League"

Welcoming their second signing of the summer for around £19m, Leeds officially unveiled Bijol earlier this week. The defender arrived from Udinese, signing a contract until 2023, and will be hoping to make an instant impact on Daniel Farke’s side as they return to the Premier League in August.

After putting pen to paper, Bijol told the club’s official website: “This is a big day for me, for my family and I’m happy to be here. Maybe the biggest one of my career so far, but I’m ready for it.

“I work for it and that’s why I’m here, because it’s a big challenge for everyone. It’s a big challenge for me, for the club, and we’re getting ready for it together. I think the club and myself are ready for the Premier League.

“I can promise that I will give everything, that I will give everything in every training as well to be ready for the first game of the season and then just go from there.”

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Leeds are reportedly eyeing up a star who would come in as an immediate upgrade on Lukas Nmecha.

Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 25, 2025

Even after Bijol and Lukas Nmecha, the 49ers have still reportedly got plenty of business planned. Names such as Nikola Krstovic have found themselves in the headlines as of late and reports have even gone as far as to suggest that Leeds have now got an agreement in place to sign the Serie A forward.

Meanwhile, those at Elland Road have now reportedly turned their focus towards a Bundesliga left-back who could replace the departing Junior Firpo this summer.

Leeds now targeting Lukas Ullrich

According to Graeme Bailey for The Boot Room, the 49ers and Leeds are now targeting a summer swoop to sign Lukas Ullrich from Borussia Monchengladbach. The left-back has been part of Germany’s side at the U21 Euros this summer and has seemingly impressed enough to find himself on the Whites’ radar.

Whilst those at Elland Road face reported competition for Ullrich’s signature from Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton, the fact that the German is represented by the same agency as Bijol may hand Leeds an advantage in personal negotiations.

Ullrich is certainly a talent worth the battle too following a breakout season in the Bundesliga which earned the praise of Gladbach boss Geraldo Seoane, who told reporters: “You can see that he’s got pace going forward and that he has a very good mentality. He’s confident, he’s active and he makes runs in behind. He brings a lot to the table playing as an attacking left-back”

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Ullrich

Firpo

Minutes

1,903

2,616

Assists

2

10

Tackles Won per 90

0.76

1.17

Ball Recoveries per 90

3.46

3.92

Whilst the numbers show that Ullrich still has a way to go before he reaches Firpo’s level, Leeds would be investing in a 21-year-old whose potential is undeniable.