All posts by z3u9t.icu

For some very young Sunderland supporters, next season could be the first time they’ve ever seen their side compete in the luxuries of the Premier League.

It has been nearly a decade since the Black Cats called the top-flight their footballing home, with the Wearside outfit even falling all the way down to League One at one disastrous stage after their relegation from the big time in 2017.

Now, however, after an unbelievable playoff final success at Wembley against Sheffield United, Regis Le Bris’ men are back on the map.

They won’t want to merely make up the numbers next season, though, and be known as relegation fodder, with a statement move on the table to bring back Jordan Henderson just one early indicator of how ambitious they are willing to be in the chaotic transfer market.

Sunderland's ongoing pursuit of Henderson

Henderson’s potential emotional return to Wearside is the talk of the town at the moment around the Stadium of Light as various rumours filter through about the current Ajax midfielder’s near future.

Football Insider have recently reported that a spectacular reunion deal could soon be on the cards, with the likes of journalist Ben Jacobs also weighing in by revealing on X that the newly promoted side are considering an approach.

Of course, this would be an ideal move for Sunderland as they try to consolidate themselves as a Premier League-ready outfit again, considering the former Liverpool captain has managed to amass 433 top-flight appearances across his esteemed playing days to date.

But, at 34 years of age, it would be unfair for Le Bris and Co. to expect Henderson to come in and not look a little rusty.

Therefore, whilst it would be a stunning coup to pull off with a Sunderland-born star dramatically returning home, landing this attacking menace could well be viewed as an even bigger accomplishment considering he’s still causing Premier League defenders havoc to this day.

One Sunderland return would be a bigger coup than Henderson

Amazingly, this other deal churned out by the rumour mill sees the Black Cats linked with another memorable ex-player.

Much like Henderson’s spell, Amad Diallo’s loan stint at the Stadium of Light was fleeting but hard to forget, with the Ivorian nearly firing Sunderland up to the Premier League during his solitary campaign under Tony Mowbray’s guidance.

He could finally return now – as per a report by African outlet 225 Foot earlier this week – with his expertise of the Premier League on the books of Manchester United making it very likely that he would add to his Black Cats tally of 14 goals and four assists if a statement reunion occurred.

Amad finally being able to nail down a starting spot at Old Trafford could make this deal an unrealistic one to get over the line. That said, a recent report from TEAMTalk did suggest that United could be tempted to part ways with their explosive winger if the price was right, amidst financial concerns at the Theatre of Dreams.

24/25

Man United

43

11

9

23/24

Man United

12

2

1

21/22

Sunderland

42

14

4

It’s clear from the table above why United would be so hesitant to part ways with their attacking “wizard” – as he’s been previously lauded by journalist James Copley – with Amad just fresh off his career best tally at the Red Devils of 20 goal contributions from 43 clashes, even as the ship keeps sinking in Manchester.

Yet, if Sunderland were to offer a tempting bid around Amad’s £40m Football Transfers valuation, the out-of-sorts giants could be more drawn to the idea of selling, with a top-drawer performer at the level then on the Black Cats’ roster.

The story of Henderson’s Sunderland return after so long away would make that a fantastic deal to sign off on, but whilst the 34-year-old’s best days in the challenging league are likely behind him, the tricky 22-year-old could get even better with time.

Sunderland can replace Bellingham with academy "diamond" who's like Watson

Sunderland might not need to splash the cash to win themselves a Jobe Bellingham replacement.

ByKelan Sarson May 27, 2025

Ipswich Town have shown flashes of quality here and there this season in the Premier League, but that unfortunately hasn’t stopped the losses piling up next to their name.

For all the memorable victories against Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, there have also been bleak defeats served up, with the Tractor Boys last tasting the unfamiliar sensation of a win way back at the start of April.

Therefore, relegation straight back down to the Championship hasn’t come as a great shock to Kieran McKenna’s men as they begin to now prepare for life without Liam Delap when readjusting to the second tier.

The latest on Delap's future at Ipswich

A lot of Ipswich’s brighter moments this season have come courtesy of the ex-Manchester City striker.

The Tractor Boys riskily went ahead with the signature of Delap last summer for £20m, which looked to be a steep amount at the time, considering he had never really gone on to make a name for himself in the senior fold at the Etihad.

But, the now potent Premier League proven attacker could move on for nearly double that amount – as his release clause stands at £30m if Ipswich were to be relegated – which would still be a bargain pick-up arguably when you take into account he has bagged a promising 12 league strikes in a relegation-doomed side.

Chelsea, Newcastle United, and Manchester United are all reportedly keen on landing the much-talked-about 22-year-old, with the Guardian even recently reporting that a £150k-per-week move has been thrust Delap’s way from Ruben Amorim’s men.

To add insult to injury, this isn’t the only demoralising sale Ipswich might well have to sign off on soon, with one of Delap’s teammates proving he’s ready to cut it in the Premier League long-term away from Portman Road.

Another important Ipswich star could leave

McKenna is a popular figure in and around the Tractor Boys, so he will be hopeful that he can keep his core group around for the tough challenge of immediately returning to the top-flight.

But, Leif Davis could soon join Delap out the exit door at the freshly relegated side, with a new report from TWTD suggesting Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest are keeping tabs on the expansive full-back ahead of the chaotic summer transfer window.

Whilst Davis hasn’t quite been at his consistent rampaging best in the big time for Ipswich, with only three assists mustered up from 31 league outings, this would be a huge hole to fill down the left flank if he were to go, considering his expertise when dropping down to the Championship.

Along the way to Ipswich clinching automatic promotion at the close of the dramatic 2023/24 campaign, the ex-Leeds United man would pick up an astounding 21 assists, with a high 2.9 key passes also averaged per league contest.

Games played

43

43

Goals scored

3

2

Assists

14

18

Touches*

62.0

65.3

Accurate passes*

25.6 (73%)

28.5 (79%)

Key passes*

3.1

2.9

Big chances created*

12

15

Total duels won*

4.5

4.0

Clean sheets

12

10

To lose this from the Tractor Boys’ attacking game back in the EFL would be disastrous, therefore, with the “sensational” full-back – as he’s been lauded in the past by football journalist Stuart Watson – arguably a harder star to replace than the prolific Delap, just for how effective he’s been at the level previously.

After all, Ipswich managed just fine without the clinical number 19 when Davis and Co. last soared into the Premier League, with Conor Chaplin, Nathan Broadhead, and many others chipping in with the strikes instead.

It will be intriguing to see if the Northern Irishman does end up relocating to the City Ground or any other pastures, therefore, with the loss of Davis, on top of Delap moving on, severely depleting Ipswich ahead of playing in the unforgiving Championship again.

Their new Chaplin: Ipswich looking to sign "ruthless" striker on a free

Ipswich Town will hope this new attacker can be as clinical as Conor Chaplin has been in the Championship.

ByKelan Sarson May 22, 2025

Newcastle United have now identified “sensational” £50m+ midfielder as a major summer transfer target by Eddie Howe, according to a report.

Magpies set sights on new midfielder

The players responsible for ending Newcastle’s 70-year trophy drought have etched themselves into folklore forever, but with a Champions League campaign potentially on the horizon, Howe will feel a need to improve his squad in the summer transfer window.

The manager is relatively well-stocked in central midfield, but with doubts over the futures of Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, at least one new addition may be needed, and Girona midfielder Yangel Herrera has recently emerged as a target.

Herrera has often featured in a defensive role throughout his career, but there are signs the Magpies could look at bringing in a midfielder with more of an attacking mindset, having now joined the race for Manchester City’s James McAtee.

Newcastle identify "incredible" £65m Prem forward as ideal summer target

The Magpies have expressed an interest in signing a Premier League attacker this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 6, 2025

Should Howe’s side qualify for the Champions League, it may also be wise to bring in an attacking midfielder with experience in the elite competition, and they have now set their sights on a player who has performed very well in Europe this season.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle are now keen on signing Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott, with Howe clearly a big fan of the Englishman, having personally identified him as a major summer target.

Elliott has found it difficult to break into the Liverpool starting XI this season, which means a summer exit could be on the cards, but he will not come cheap, with Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly planning an offer worth in excess of £50m.

"Sensational" Elliott could ignite career at St. James' Park

The midfielder has impressed for Liverpool in the past, having been lauded as “sensational” by football writer Leanne Prescott, but he has only played a sporadic role in the Reds’ title triumph this season, making 15 Premier League appearances.

Given that the London-born maestro is now 22-years-old and yet to receive an England cap, it could well be time to leave the Reds for the good of his career, and he has proven he has what it takes to perform at the top level with his performances in the Champions League.

The former Fulham man scored three goals in five Champions League outings, most notably bagging a late winner in the first leg of his side’s round of 16 clash against Paris Saint-Germain.

While game time has been hard to come by, the Liverpool ace has certainly made the most of his limited opportunities, ranking incredibly highly across a number of key metrics over the past year, when compared with his positional peers in the ‘big five’ European leagues.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.46 (99th percentile)

Assists

0.46 (99th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.17 (99th percentile)

Elliott is showing signs he could go on to be a top player, but he needs regular game time to make that a reality, so a move to Newcastle could make perfect sense this summer.

Arsenal are expected to sign world football’s “second best” player with the groundwork for a deal already done, according to a very reliable media source.

Andrea Berta holds talks with key Arsenal targets

New sporting director Andrea Berta is set to take the lead in what is anticipated to be a pretty busy summer window for the north Londoners.

Arsenal make offer to £30m star after Berta successfully convinced Arteta

The Italian and Arsenal’s manager are already working on the club’s transfer plans this summer.

9 ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

Nuno Tavares, Albert Sami Lokonga, Fabio Vieira and Oleksandr Zinchenko could all quit Arsenal in the summer, according to Sami Mokbel, with Jorginho also agreeing to join Flamengo and Kieran Tierney set to make a return to Celtic after their contracts expire.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

If Arsenal don’t agree an extension with Thomas Partey, following his arguably best season at the Emirates to date, then the Ghana international will follow them – so it appears there will be plenty of ins and outs.

In terms of incomings, Berta is believed to have reached out to the representatives of a few key summer targets already.

Recently, the Italian has been pushing to sign Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, with extensive discussions held, according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg.

As well as this, Berta reached out for talks with Nico Williams’ representatives in one of his first acts as sporting director, as per The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, with Arsenal exploring a move for one of La Liga’s standout talents.

However, one man who could be arriving before any of them is Real Sociedad star Martin Zubimendi.

The Gunners have been in advanced talks for his signature since January (The Mail), and the reliable David Ornstein says that those within Arsenal are behaving like they’ve already sealed a deal for Zubimendi.

Arsenal expected to sign Martin Zubimendi this summer

Now, a very credible source in the BBC, and their reporter Mokbel, have shared an update of their own.

Arsenal are very much expected to sign Zubimendi, according to their information, and the groundwork for a deal has already been done, largely by ex-sporting director Edu Gaspar and interim chief Jason Ayto.

The Spain international’s £51 million release clause looks likely to be triggered, but Arsenal should be wary that Zubimendi rejected a move to Liverpool last summer.

Arsenal will be eager to get this over the line early doors after months of negotiations, especially considering Zubimendi’s pedigree as a truly elite number six.

“For me, Martín is the second-best player in the world. We are incredibly lucky to have these two, who I consider the best players in the world.” said Spain boss Luis de la Fuente on Zubimendi and Rodri.

“But we also have other fantastic players who’ve been here and are with us now—another fantastic player, Pepelu hasn’t come yet, but he’s been called up with us.”

Everton are in the market for signings this summer, with a raft of first-teamers set to depart when their deals at Goodison Park expire in a few months.

Bramley Moore awaits, and the Toffees appear to be ready to use the change of scenery as more than just a symbolic shift: this is a new era, and hopefully, a new Everton.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin may yet renew his deal, but with Armando Broja set to depart after a disappointing loan spell and Beto attracting plenty of attention from overseas in the recent past, signing a new centre-forward is going to be one of David Moyes’ priorities.

Everton chasing new striker

According to iNews’ Mark Douglas, Moyes is to be handed the powers to enforce a series of changes to his squad this summer, with sights set on rising up the Premier League ladder next year.

The Northern correspondent claims that the Toffees are ‘all in’ for Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, who is one of the hottest commodities in England at the moment, with a £30m release clause now active following his team’s relegation.

Delap bears a throwback kind of attacking profile with a modern, technical twist, with such an approach suggesting that he could be Moyes’ next version of Louis Saha.

Moyes' next Louis Saha

Saha made 134 appearances for Everton, scoring 34 goals across three-and-a-half seasons, signed from Manchester United for an undisclosed fee.

Delap, while his own man, bears a similar kind of profile and could thrive under Moyes as the Scotsman’s next version of the dynamic striker.

Having joined Ipswich from Manchester City’s academy in a £20m deal last summer, the number nine has been the biggest success story from a frustrating campaign for the freshly-promoted side.

His commanding displays up top have given Kieran McKenna’s side a focal point, one which, more often than not, will finish the chances provided and indeed gave Ipswich a fighting chance of retaining their top-flight status.

Matches (starts)

33 (30)

Goals

12

Assists

2

Shots (on target)*

1.9 (0.9)

Big chances missed

10

Pass completion

62%

Key passes*

0.6

Dribbles*

1.2

Duels won*

4.5

As per FBref, the Englishman even ranks among the top 15% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries and the top 9% for successful take-ons per 90, highlighting his capacity to drive forward with powerful and confident strides.

This is further backed up by Opta Analyst, who described him as a “one-man battering ram” for the Tractor Boys earlier in the season.

His roundedness certainly carries similarities to Saha.

Regarded as the complete striker, Saha’s link-up play, pace and power allowed him to establish himself as one of the most talented forwards in England, only thwarted by recurrent injury problems throughout his career. Wayne Rooney even stated once that the Frenchman was his favourite strike partner.

Delap is endowed with similar athletic and technical properties, and after flourishing for a side fighting relegation all year, he could take his game to the next level as the talisman of an Everton side that, whisper it quietly, is on the rise.

A massive Beto upgrade: Everton enter talks to sign "phenomenal" star

Everton are making moves to land a new striker for David Moyes ahead of the summer.

ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

Whilst their search for a new manager is one that will steal the biggest headlines this summer, Rangers have also now reportedly set their sights on signing a Premier League contract rebel.

Rangers still searching for Clement replacement

After a disastrous campaign in the Scottish Premiership, the Gers and incoming new owners 49ers Enterprises must get things right this summer. The last thing they need is to be back to square one this time next year if their first managerial appointment goes wrong. It’s not a job which lacks potential suitors though, handing Rangers several opportunities.

Not just McCausland: £3.4m flop must never start for Rangers again

Rangers will need to move a few players on this summer to raise funds.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 14, 2025

Whilst names such as Rafa Benitez and Jose Mourinho have been mentioned as of late, however, it’s Sean Dyche who Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes can turn things around at Ibrox.

In a chat with Football FanCast, the former striker said: “Sean Dyche would be an interesting one for me. His teams have always been very very competitive but particularly his Everton side, it’s always a struggle and a fight. I’d like to see him in a team that are expected to win every week. I think he would enjoy that as much as anything, I really do.

“So, it’s a well-sought after job and there will be no shortage of people going for it. Mourinho was obviously there recently and he is somebody who certainly a lot of Rangers fans would take to and appreciate but I just think the most important thing is they’ve gotta get it right.”

Meanwhile, as that search continues, those at Ibrox have also kept one eye on an all-important summer transfer window. Again, it’s one that the 49ers must get right and, again, several targets are already reportedly emerging – including a young Premier League contract rebel who could arrive at a bargain price.

Rangers chasing Derry deal

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rangers are now chasing a bargain deal to sign Jesse Derry after the 17-year-old rejected the chance to sign a professional contract at Crystal Palace.

Sparking interest from around Europe, Derry is reportedly open to a move abroad and could yet get the chance to complete a move to Ibrox or to their Old Firm rivals Celtic this summer. Whilst clubs will have to pay a compensation fee, the price of that deal should be far cheaper than it would have been had the winger penned a professional deal at Selhurst Park.

Given his goalscoring exploits at youth level this season too, there’s no doubt that the Eagles will be losing a rising star. Derry has scored as many as nine goals in eight U18 Premier League games this season and may only continue that record if he joins Rangers.

Financially speaking, meanwhile, welcoming a player who’s on the rise rather than a more established name would also make perfect sense for Rangers. Developing future stars before selling them on for profit is something that would bring the Gers success on and off the pitch.

The talk around Arsenal and their needs in the transfer window has primarily focussed on signing a striker.

It’s not hard to see why, as while Mikel Arteta’s side look set to have the best defence in the Premier League for the second season running come May, they have scored 11 goals fewer than Liverpool in as many games.

Moreover, in both cup exits earlier this season, the team had numerous chances to put the ball in the back of the net but failed to do so.

However, with Martin Odegaard only producing four assists in the league this season, there is a real argument to be made that the side also need more creativity in the team, an argument the board may well agree with, as recent reports have linked them with an up-and-coming star who’s been compared to Mesut Özil.

Arsenal's transfer targets

So, as mentioned above, it would appear as if the primary area that Arsenal are looking to strengthen this summer is the striker position, and perhaps the most significant link has been to Viktor Gyokeres.

Reports from late last week claimed that the Swede’s representatives will be in attendance for the Gunners’ Champions League clash with Real Madrid tonight and that he could be available for a fee of around £58m.

While a lot of money, such a fee could be worth it as the former Coventry City star has already amassed an incredible tally of 44 goals and 11 assists in 44 appearances this season, which could make him the dream partner for another of the club’s supposed targets: Arda Güler.

Transfer Focus

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

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are one of a few teams incredibly interested in signing the Real Madrid gem this summer.

In fact, while Los Blancos are in no rush to sell the youngster, they could be tempted by the right offer, and according to the report, the Gunners are preparing a bid in the region of €30m, which comes out to about £26m.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line for Arsenal, but given Güler’s talent and immense potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their new Ozil.

Why Güler could be Arsenal's new Ozil

So, before going into the other reasons why Arsenal should be looking to sign Güler, it’s worth examining this comparison to Ozil and where it comes from.

Well, the first thing to say is that it’s not just us who have noticed the similarities, as when speaking to the Turkish media, as relayed by GOAL, in 2023, İlkay Gündoğan made the link between the two midfielders.

While it might sound somewhat hyperbolic at the moment, there are some other similarities, such as the fact that both players have played for Fenerbahçe, Real, and, if he makes the move, Arsenal.

Moreover, while the 20-year-old can play off the right, he’s also more than comfortable in attacking midfield, and considering Bukayo Saka is practically undroppable, that’s likely where he would play at the Emirates.

Additionally, while the Ankara-born dynamo is yet to achieve anything close to what the World Cup winner did in his career, the expectation is that by the time he retires, he will have.

For example, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has argued that he “could become Ballon d’Or level” in time, and journalist Dean Jones has previously described him as a “generational talent.”

Appearances

33

Starts

11

Minutes

1170′

Goals

3

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.30

Minutes per Goal Involvement

117′

Furthermore, he’s already scored three goals and provided seven assists in just 1170 minutes of first-team football this term, and he has some seriously impressive underlying numbers to back up that output.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for pass completion, the top 6% for passes attempted, the top 9% for progressive passes, the top 10% for non-penalty goals and shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he’s not on the level of a peak Ozil at the moment, Güler is an undeniably promising player, and given the lack of creativity that can sometimes hinder Arsenal, he is someone they should be going all out to sign in the summer.

Arteta must ruthlessly axe Kiwior & unleash Arsenal's "warrior" instead

The incredible ace has always been a reliable player for Arsenal.

4 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 8, 2025

As Ruben Amorim goes in search of the perfect duo to slot into his two No.10 roles, Manchester United have reportedly set their sights on signing a player who’s been compared to former Arsenal man Santi Cazorla.

Man Utd eyeing 'next Cazorla'

Now in April, Manchester United’s Premier League campaign can be summed up by the fact that they’re yet to win back-to-back games. Defeat against Nottingham Forest was expected, given the contrasting seasons that both are enduring, but Anthony Elanga’s winning goal certainly added salt to the wounds of a United side who will be desperate for matchday 38 to arrive.

It’s become clearer and clearer as Amorim’s reign has progressed that he needs a number of reinforcements if he is to turn things around at Old Trafford and INEOS seem to be well aware of that.

Even as cost-cutting measures continue, the Red Devils have been linked with moves for the likes of Rayan Cherki and now one other attacking midfielder who’d be perfect for Amorim’s system.

Man Utd's £50k-p/w star is in danger of becoming the new Anthony Elanga

Man Utd saw Elanga come back to haunt them on Tuesday evening at the City Ground

ByRobbie Walls Apr 2, 2025

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign Oscar Gloukh from Red Bull Salzburg if they lose Bruno Fernandes this summer. Their star man has recently been linked with a move to Real Madrid in what would be a deserved upgrade, only for Amorim to swiftly slam the exit door shut ahead of the transfer window.

The former Sporting Club boss told reporters: “Bruno Fernandes to Real Madrid? It will NOT happen. He’s going nowhere. One day we want to win the Premier League again. So we want the best players to continue with us… and Bruno won’t leave, I already told him.”

"Special" Gloukh would be perfect for Amorim

Compared to former Arsenal midfielder Cazorla by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gloukh would be perfect for Manchester United even if Fernandes stays put. A Cazorla-type is exactly what Amorim needs in his 3-4-2-1 system. By keeping hold of his captain and then adding Gloukh, Amorim could form the ultimate duo in his two advanced midfield roles.

Starts

16

37

Goals

9

12

Assists

2

11

In less than half the games that Cazorla started in the entirety of Arsenal’s 2012/13 campaign, Gloukh has managed just two less goals this season at Red Bull Salzburg. And whilst he has work to do if he wants to reach the Spaniard’s prime on the assists front, the blueprint is certainly there and Manchester United could yet benefit.

Still just 21 years old, Gloukh’s previous campaign was described as “fantastic” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig and he has only improved even more just one season later, with 10 goals in all competitions.

United have already seen rivals Manchester City benefit from a player who rose through the ranks at Salzburg in Erling Haaland. Now, they could enjoy a player of a similar calibre who may yet become the next Cazorla.

Wrexham are one of a host of EFL clubs interested in signing an “excellent” international player in the summer transfer window, according to a new claim.

Wrexham facing huge period in promotion battle

Phil Parkinson’s side find themselves right in the League One promotion mix heading into the final weeks of the season, as they look to make it an incredible three promotions in a row.

Wrexham have six games remaining in the league in 2024/25, and while they currently sit in second place behind runaway leaders Birmingham City, they only have a three-point advantage over third-place Wycombe Wanderers, who have a game in hand.

Next up for Parkinson’s men is the visit of Burton Albion on Saturday lunchtime, with their opponents languishing in 21st place and desperately battling to remain in League One for another season. A home win is a must, with Wycombe facing a trickier trip to Reading.

New signings will be needed for Wrexham this summer regardless of what league they are playing in next term, and a proven top-level player has now been linked with a move to The Racecourse Ground.

Wrexham want "excellent" Wales and Rangers star Tom Lawrence

According to an update from The Daily Mail, Wrexham are interested in signing Rangers midfielder Tom Lawrence on a free transfer this summer, with the 31-year-old born there before moving to Manchester United as an eight-year-old.

The League One outfit are far from alone in expressing a willingness to snap him up, however, with the likes of West Brom, Middlesbrough and Blackburn Rovers all mentioned, among others.

Lawrence would be an ambitious addition for Wrexham this summer, especially if they can get him for free, with his current Rangers deal expiring at the end of this season. At 31, he isn’t getting any younger, but he is still at a good age to come in and make an impact, having been lauded by David McAllum for his influence on young players at Ibrox.

“Tom was excellent around the group, sharing his experience, and we spoke before the game about that. That’s what some of these games are going to be about, when we get the odd occasion where a player, or two, drops down from the first-team squad to get important minutes.”

Derby County

185

37

25

Rangers

66

12

7

Ipswich Town

36

11

11

Blackburn Rovers

23

2

3

Yeovil Town

19

2

2

Cardiff City

14

0

1

Carlisle United

11

3

2

Rotherham United

6

1

1

Leicester City

4

0

0

Manchester United

1

0

0

Lawrence is a 23-cap Wales international, scoring three times for his country, so his pedigree is undeniable, and his versatility allows him to shine in central midfield, out wide and also as a centre forward.

Wrexham in League One: Latest standings, fixtures, results & key dates

FFC has all the latest Wrexham info as they seek promotion from League One, along with a look at the Red Dragons’ journey to where they are today.

ByStephan Georgiou Oct 8, 2024

The Welshman has huge experience in the EFL too, as well as making a total of 66 appearances for one of Britain’s biggest clubs in Rangers, so the idea of Wrexham signing him is hugely exciting.

Celtic are currently ranked 27th out of 36 teams in the league phase of the Europa League after they lost 3-1 to Danish side FC Midtjylland on Thursday night.

The Hoops endured a dismal opening 45 minutes of football, in which they gave up 15 shots against their goal, and went into the break 3-0 down to their hosts.

It was the first loss suffered by Martin O’Neill during his time as the interim head coach of the Scottish giants, after he won his first two games against Falkirk in the Scottish Premiership and Rangers in the League Cup semi-finals.

On top of it being a disappointing performance and result, Celtic will also be frustrated to have lost Callum Osmand to a hamstring injury late on in the second half.

The teenage centre-forward, who won the penalty that Reo Hatate scored from, pulled up when chasing a ball over the top and is now facing a spell on the sidelines.

As well as being frustrated by Osmand’s injury, O’Neill will surely be frustrated by several of the performances that were on display from some of his players on Thursday night.

Celtic's worst performers against Midtjylland

Of the players who started the Europa League clash in Denmark, it is hard to argue against Anthony Ralston being the pick of the bunch when looking at the biggest underperformers.

The Scotland international was caught out for the first two goals as he was given the run-around by 19-year-old winger Mikel Gogorza, who beat him easily to cross for the opener and to score the second goal.

Ralston, as shown in the clip above, allowed the teenage forward to cut inside in the box to get his shot away with ease, as he was barely able to put any pressure on the shot.

The Scottish full-back was not the only player who struggled, though, as Football FanCast published an article explaining why Callum McGregor, who failed to win a single duel or tackle in midfield, was also among the worst performers.

Minutes

45

69

Shots

0

1

Shots on target

0

0

Key passes

0

0

Dribbles completed

0

0

Pass accuracy

73%

83%

Duels won

1/5

2/7

Johnny Kenny and Benjamin Nygren, as shown in the statistics above, also produced underwhelming performances as the starting centre-forward and attacking midfielder on Thursday night.

They were tasked with providing a threat at the top end of the pitch from the start of the match, but neither of them were able to register a single shot on target or key pass.

However, Nygren produced one goal and one assist and Kenny scored three goals in O’Neill’s first two matches in the dugout at Parkhead, which shows that they can offer far more than they did against the Danish side earlier this week.

Meanwhile, a player who came off the bench in the 3-1 loss in the Europa League may be on borrowed time in Glasgow, as he was even worse than both Nygren and Kenny.

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Paulo Bernardo was brought onto the pitch for Arne Engels with 16 minutes left to play and his cameo against Midtjylland did little to suggest that he deserves more minutes on the pitch moving forward.

Why Paulo Bernardo may be on borrowed time at Celtic

The Portugal U21 international only played 74 minutes out of a possible 810 in the nine Scottish Premiership matches that Brendan Rodgers was in charge of at the start of the season, per Sofascore.

This shows that the former Benfica central midfielder did not get too many opportunities to shine under the Northern Irish head coach, which is why his resignation from the club appeared to be a fresh start for Bernardo.

Unfortunately, though, he was an unused substitute in the 4-0 win against Falkirk and was not selected to be part of the matchday squad for the clash with Rangers in the League Cup, before playing 16 minutes off the bench on Thursday night.

Midtjylland

16

Falkirk

0

Hearts

0

Sturm Graz

0

Motherwell

0

Braga

67

Hibernian

16

Red Star Belgrade

0

Partick Thistle

59

Kilmarnock

0

Bernardo has been a bit-part player for the Scottish giants this season, as shown by the statistics above, and has played fewer minutes in all competitions than McGregor, Engels, Hatate, Nygren, and Luke McCowan, who have all been preferred ahead of him in the middle of the park, per Transfermarkt.

The Portuguese whiz needed to make the most of his 16 minutes of action to impress on Thursday night, to prove that he deserves more game time, but his performance was even worse than Kenny and Nygren’s.

Minutes

16

Key passes

0

Passes completed

2/6 (33%)

Touches

7

Possession lost

5x

Ground duels won

0/2

Aerial duels won

0/3

As you can see in the table above, Bernardo lost the ball five times from seven touches of the ball in his time on the pitch, which is a dismal ratio that will not have pleased O’Neill watching on.

The ex-Benfica man also lost 100% of his five duels for the Hoops, whilst Nygren and Kenny at least won a duel each, as he failed to provide any physicality in midfield.

Bernardo, who was awarded a 4/10 player rating by 67HailHail, struggled in and out of possession in his 16 minutes off the bench, which could leave O’Neill wondering whether to reward him with any minutes against Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Sunday.

The 23-year-old flop, who played 28 matches in the Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, may be on borrowed time in Glasgow unless he can turn things around and earn himself a regular place in the XI before January.

0 tackles, 0 duels won: Celtic man was just as bad as Ralston v Midtjylland

Celtic’s season reached a new nadir with defeat in Denmark on Thursday night.

ByRobbie Walls Nov 7, 2025

If it gets to the January transfer window and the midfielder is still a bit-part player who is rarely getting minutes on the pitch, a decision may have to be made on his future at the club.