All posts by h716a5.icu

Celtic are looking to strengthen their squad before the end of the summer transfer window at the start of September, despite winning two trophies in the 2024/25 campaign.

Brendan Rodgers led his team to the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup trophy in his second season back at Parkhead, although his side did also lose in the final of the SFA Cup.

As shown in the post above from Fabrizio Romano, Celtic are set to complete the signing of Benjamin Nygren to bolster their options on the right flank.

The Hoops have already signed Ross Doohan to fill the role of third-choice goalkeeper and have snapped up Kieran Tierney to be their new first-choice left-back.

Celtic eyeing move for new midfielder

Having made moves in the goalkeeper, full-back, and winger departments, the Scottish Premiership champions are now eyeing up a new midfielder to improve their squad.

Transfer Focus

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

According to 67HailHail, Celtic are interested in a deal to sign Scotland international Andy Irving from Premier League side West Ham United before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Hoops ‘could make a move’ for the left-footed star in the coming weeks, as Rodgers looks to add to his options in the middle of the park.

It states that there are also teams from the Championship in England that are looking at him as a potential signing, but that the Bhoys are currently at the front of the queue to secure his signature.

Why Celtic should sign Andy Irving

The Scottish giants should swoop to sign Irving from the Hammers this summer because he could be an amazing midfield partner for Reo Hatate when called upon.

Whilst captain Callum McGregor is likely to start when fit, given that he started 34 league games this season, Rodgers will be thinking about what life could look like after the 32-year-old’s powers start to wane.

Arne Engels was trialled as a number six at times in his debut campaign in Scotland, and playing the Belgian star there would allow the manager to play Irving and Hatate as the two number eights ahead of him.

Celtic’s Japanese maestro has proven himself to be adept at breaking down opposition defences to chip in with goals and assists, having scored ten goals and provided four assists in 37 league games for the club in the 2024/25 campaign.

Appearances

31

28

Goals

5

9

Big chances missed

0

1

Big chances created

10

7

Key passes per game

1.4

1.2

Assists

6

4

As you can see in the table above, Irving caught the eye at the top end of the pitch whilst playing as a midfielder for Klagenfurt in Austria, in the same division that Nicolas Kuhn was signed from when he was at Rapid Vienna.

The 25-year-old star, who was dubbed a “Premier League-level” talent by former scout Mick Brown, only made ten league appearances for the Hammers this term, which meant that he did not have much of a chance to showcase his attacking qualities for Graham Potter’s side.

However, a move to a dominant Celtic team, that have won the title in each of the last four seasons, could help him to regain his best form as a central midfielder who can provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

That could, therefore, result in Rodgers having two amazing attack-minded number eights in the form of Hatate and Irving, who could cause havoc in the final third, with either Engels or McGregor sat behind them as the number six.

Celtic have hit gold with star who's now worth £8m more than Balikwisha

Celtic have hit the jackpot with this star who is now worth £8m more than reported target Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

ByDan Emery Jun 21, 2025

This is why this move could make a lot of sense for Celtic if they decide to go through with a move for him, as this latest report suggests that they may do.

Tottenham Hotspur are entering a new dawn under Thomas Frank and are in talks to bring one of Europe’s most talked about youngsters to North London, according to a report.

Tottenham's pursuit of attacking talent continues

In a freak turn of events, Tottenham were dealt the hand of having to deal with an injury crisis last term and subsequently had to field a line-up that sometimes lacked an effective balance between defence and attack.

Reacting on the market by looking to bolster their offensive depth, Brentford pair Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa are Spurs targets, even if the Bees may be difficult to deal with in light of already losing their manager to the lure of N17.

Despite interest from Manchester United, The Mirror’s John Cross believes Tottenham would be the best fit for Mbeumo to truly take his talent to the next level under Thomas Frank.

He stated: “Bryan Mbeumo should go to Tottenham. The Brentford forward is a serious player and moving to Tottenham, with his old boss Thomas Frank, would propel him to another level into the Champions League.”

Of course, it remains to be seen how much Spurs’ interest is determined by external parties egging on a transfer pursuit, but their admiration for the Cameroon international is certainly an indication that attacking talent will be prioritised this summer.

Tottenham preparing bid after Frank tells Levy & co to sign £20m midfielder

There could be a reunion on the cards in N17.

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 16, 2025

Bournemouth’s Justin Kluivert has been lined up by the Lilywhites as an alternative to add flair out wide. However, it remains to be seen if a deal is viable to sign the Netherlands international.

Either way, Frank appears to have big plans on his mind, though he may steer away from the Premier League in his hunt for goals and creativity.

Tottenham hold talks to sign Roony Bardghji

According to TBR, Tottenham have held talks to sign Copenhagen sensation Roony Bardghji as the Sweden international enters the final six months of his deal in the Danish capital.

Newcastle United, Aston Villa, and Manchester United have also been involved in discussions surrounding the future of the youngster, who has been likened to Messi in the past for his agility and close control. However, he suffered an ACL injury in 2024, which has curtailed a move away from the Superliga side until now.

Roony Bardghji’s emergence at Copenhagen

Appearances

84

Goals

15

Assists

1

His burst onto the scene left many mesmerised by his abilities, including former coach Fredrik Akesson after the “extraordinary” development he has made since coming through in his homeland.

Spurs have been courting his services since 2023 and feel that despite his struggles with fitness, the opportunity to land Bardghji at a knockdown fee is simply too good to turn down.

Still only 19 years of age, time is on his side as he prepares for a life-changing move to one of the world’s elite, and Tottenham seem to have put themselves in with a great chance of being the ones to make that dream a reality for the Kuwait-born winger.

Tottenham Hotspur have kickstarted their transfer plans after announcing Thomas Frank as their new manager to replace Ange Postecoglou.

Spurs went public with their decision to appoint the 51-year-old on Thursday evening after days of talks, with Frank swapping the Gtech Community Stadium for north London in what is his most high-profile job to date.

Tottenham may be offered "quick" £26m defender in Radu Dragusin swap deal

Spurs apparently agreed a deal for him in January.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

Frank is tasked with maintaining the momentum garnered from Spurs’ historic night in Bilbao last month, when Postecoglou guided the club to their first major trophy in 17 years with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Man United in the Europa League final.

Now that the Dane is confirmed as Tottenham’s choice to succeed Postecoglou, it is believed the tactician is already starting to have a say in the Lilywhites’ transfer activity ahead of his first full season in charge of a Premier League ‘big six’ side.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank has personally recommended Eberechi Eze to the Spurs hierarchy, according to GiveMeSport, and Sky Sports shared on Friday that they could inflict more misery on United by hijacking their move for Bryan Mbeumo.

The Brentford star was a key member of Frank’s squad last season, racking up 20 goals and nine assists in all competitions, and Sky claim that Mbeumo has suddenly become more intrigued by the prospect of a London move after his manager’s arrival at Tottenham.

Initial talks have also been held with Frank’s former side, so this move could now be one to watch.

The Cameroon international would be a stellar addition for Frank, and Tottenham are rumoured to be targeting a new winger to accompany Mathys Tel.

Frank wants to keep Tel at Spurs, according to TEAMtalk this week, with the Frenchman’s loan deal from Bayern Munich including a £45 million option to buy. Chairman Daniel Levy wants to negotiate a lower price tag after a mixed first six months at the club (Sport Bild), and Bayern’s sporting director, Max Eberl, has now confirmed they’re currently in discussions.

Max Eberl confirms Tottenham talks over Mathys Tel

Speaking publicly, via Abendzeitung München and Sport Witness, Eberl admitted that talks are ongoing with Tottenham over Tel’s transfer.

“Mathys was at Tottenham for six months. He wanted to play in the U21 European championship with France, and we allowed him to,” he said.

“We’re talking to Tottenham, that’s no secret. We’ll see how that pans out.”

The 20-year-old scored three goals and notched one assist during his first 20 games as a Tottenham player, but former Bayern boss Julian Nagelsmann is on record tipping Tel for a very bright future.

“He could become one of the best strikers one day. I have the vision that he can score 40 goals one day. But I would be happy with 10 goals in his first season,” Nagelsmann told reporters in 2022.

“He’s a young, talented player. He can play in multiple positions: as a centre-forward and on the wings. He’s very quick and strong with his body. He can hold up the ball well with his back to the goal.”

Leeds United are going to be busy in the summer transfer window on their way to, hopefully, building a squad that can avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Whites have already been linked with plenty of players to potentially arrive at Elland Road in the coming months, as Daniel Farke looks to improve his team.

Feyenoord forward Igor Paixao, Tottenham Hotspur central midfielder Yves Bissouma, and Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson are just a few of the stars who have been linked with the club.

The West Yorkshire outfit are also reportedly eyeing a loan deal to sign Emiliano Buendia from Aston Villa, which would see him reunite with Farke, whom he thrived under at Norwich City.

Whilst there could be some high-profile, exciting, additions to the squad, there are also players in the current squad who are proof that players can turn their careers around.

For example, Leeds hit the jackpot when they decided to swoop for central defender Joe Rodon in the summer of 2023, despite his failure to make the grade at Tottenham Hotspur.

Why Leeds have hit the jackpot with Joe Rodon

The Whites initially signed the Wales international on loan from Spurs for the 2023/24 campaign, after he made just 24 appearances in all competitions in four years with the Premier League side.

Rodon went on to play 43 of the club’s 46 regular season matches and all three of their play-off games that term, forming partnerships with both Pascal Struijk and Ethan Ampadu.

His form at the heart of the defence for the West Yorkshire outfit that season convinced the club to splash a reported fee of £10m out to sign him on a permanent basis from Spurs in the summer of 2024.

They were willing to take a gamble on a player who had not played much football after a difficult spell with Tottenham, and it is one that has paid off for the Whites.

Appearances

46

Starts

46

Pass accuracy

92%

Clean sheets

25

Dribbled past per game

0.1x

Ground duel success rate

68%

Aerial duel success rate

60%

As you can see in the table above, Rodon was incredibly important to Farke in the 2024/25 campaign, as he started every single league game in the Championship – the only player in the squad to do so.

The highlights in the post above from his performance against Oxford United in April showcase the kind of quality that he provided in and out of possession for the Whites.

Leeds hit the jackpot because they unearthed a centre-back with the defensive strength to keep out opposition attacks, whilst also having the ability on the ball to start attacks, and they could repeat the masterclass they played with Rodon by signing another former Spurs defender.

Leeds eyeing deal for Championship star

According to GIVEMESPORT, Leeds United are one of the teams eyeing up a potential move to sign Millwall star Japhet Tanganga in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Whites, Burnley and Sunderland are all plotting swoops to sign the English central defender ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, as they look to bolster their defensive options following promotion to the Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

This means that there could be plenty of competition for his services this summer, with a number of teams keen on snapping him up from the Lions, and that suggests that Leeds will have to move quickly if they want to bring him to Elland Road in the coming weeks.

GIVEMESPORT adds that he has a release clause in his Millwall contract that would allow all three of the interested teams to sign him for just under £2m, in what could be a bargain deal.

The report also claims that Leeds have been keeping tabs on Tanganga for a long time and that they view him as a player who could bolster their efforts to avoid relegation from the Premier League next season.

It is now down to the club to beat Sunderland and Burnley in the race for his signature this summer because he could be a Rodon repeat for the Whites.

Why Tanganga could be a Rodon repeat for Leeds

Like Rodon, the former England U21 international played for Spurs in the past but failed to make the grade as a regular starter for the Premier League outfit, playing 50 times in all competitions across four years in the first-team.

Tanganga joined Millwall on loan for the 2023/24 season before joining the club on a free transfer in the summer of 2024, and he has been a terrific performer in the Championship for the Lions.

The 26-year-old titan was provided with an opportunity to revive his career in the second tier with Millwall, as Rodon was with Leeds, and he has taken it with both hands with his displays in the last 18 months or so.

Pundit Carlton Palmer claimed that the defender is “capable of playing in the Premier League” because of his “tremendous recovery pace” and that he “is a cut above” the Championship, which is reflected in the statistics below.

Appearances

18

40

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.6

2.3

Clearances per game

3.3

5.4

Ground duel success rate

53%

61%

Aerial duel success rate

55%

63%

Dribbled past per game

0.2

0.3x

Clean sheets

5

14

As you can see in the table above, Tanganga is strong in duels with opposition attackers and rarely gets dribbled past, which speaks to his ‘tremendous recovery pace’.

This suggests that, as Palmer claimed, he has the physical attributes to be a success in the Premier League for Leeds if they decide to snap him up for a bargain fee of less than £2m this summer.

Leeds could land best signing since Raphinha in £35m Premier League star

Leeds United could land their best and biggest signing since Raphinha by bringing this star to Elland Road.

ByDan Emery Jun 4, 2025

Tanganga may not have made the grade at Spurs, just like Rodon, but that does not mean that he is not a quality operator, as shown by his form for Millwall, and that is why the Whites could repeat their Rodon blinder by signing the English star this summer.

Manchester City have now identified a “sensational” Premier League star as a priority target for the summer transfer window, as he would be a perfect fit for Pep Guardiola’s system, according to a report.

Man City need "full reset" this summer

The shock 1-0 FA Cup final defeat against Crystal Palace capped off a disappointing season for Man City, although Guardiola has defended the disappointing campaign by referencing the fact they won the Community Shield against Manchester United back in August.

That said, Gary Neville has long held the belief the City boss will need to overhaul his squad this summer, saying: “This will be painful for Man City but maybe Pep Guardiola needs it, maybe the club needs it. A full reset.

“Pep Guardiola is going to have to build a brand new title-winning team. He knows what one looks like, that’s for sure.”

The rebuild initially got underway during the January transfer window, with Kyle Walker leaving on an initial loan to Serie A giants AC Milan, which has led to Matheus Nunes, a midfielder by trade, filling in at right-back on a number of occasions.

Man City's "exceptional" star is finished at the Etihad if Reijnders signs

Man City could be set to move on a few players this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 20, 2025

According to a report from Spain, however, Man City are now looking to bring in a long-term replacement for Walker, having now identified Newcastle United defender Tino Livramento as their priority target.

One bonus to signing Livramento is that he ‘would fit perfectly’ into Guardiola’s system, and City are willing to make a big bid to get a deal over the line, but his current employers are not willing to let the full-back leave without a fight.

Livramento could be "sensational" signing for Man City

The right-back is still only 22-years-old, but he has already built up a great deal of Premier League experience, establishing himself as a vital player for the Magpies this season, making 44 appearances in all competitions.

The England international, who set Newcastle back £40m in August 2023, has certainly justified his price tag since arriving at St. James’ Park, with club legend Alan Shearer lauding him after a “sensational” display against Manchester United last season.

In the same game, the former Southampton man was lauded for his speed by reporter Henry Winter, indicating he could be a like-for-like heir for Walker, who is also well-known for his recovery pace.

As such, there are clear signs that Livramento could be the perfect addition for Man City at right-back, but Guardiola’s side may have to qualify for the Champions League to stand a chance of prising the defender away from Newcastle this summer.

In a move that could see Patrick Dorgu lose his place just a few months since arriving, Manchester United are reportedly contemplating a quick summer move to sign a new wing-back, who’s worth around £30m.

Amorim proves his worth with Europa League final gesture

It’s a make-or-break week for Manchester United, who enter the Europa League final with everything on the line. Yet, it’s not just been about the action on the pitch so far this week. Instead, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s cost-cutting measures have stolen the headlines once again, with reports revealing that first-team staff won’t receive complimentary tickets to the final and players will be limited to just two tickets each.

With players reportedly left angered by the decision, Ruben Amorim has been forced to step up and pay for 30 of his backroom staff to attend the all-important game against Tottenham Hotspur next week.

When questioned on his classy gesture, the Manchester United boss told reporters: “To start with that [paying for staff], the situation is simple. You know we had a lot of things, people leaving, a lot of changing in the staff.

“In this moment, for our club, sometimes it’s hard to understand when to give, when to take, to respect the people we are taking their jobs in certain moments to survive and to rebuild.

“It’s hard and it’s complicated for the club to start giving to other members of staff, so it’s a really hard position. Then, that situation was explained and in that moment my reaction was to help because it’s not going to change my life.

Man Utd ready late hijack to sign "insane" 52-goal Arsenal striker target

They could get one over on the Gunners.

ByTom Cunningham May 16, 2025

“To help the staff be there and to be comfortable, to be better staff for the final. Then, they talk to the players and the players had the same reaction. Everybody wants the staff there the families there. But it’s hard to manage things in our club, so it’s a simple thing.”

Man Utd alerted to Vanderson availability

Despite those cost-cutting measures and a tough Premier League campaign, however, INEOS could yet welcome a number of reinforcements this summer. According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United are now contemplating a move to sign Vanderson from AS Monaco, with Amorim alerted to the wing-back’s £30m availability when looking ahead to his first full season in charge.

Minutes

2,019

2,502

Assists

3

1

Tackles Won

48

46

Ball Recoveries

149

126

Described as “rare” and “unique” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Vanderson has outperformed Dorgu in a number of key areas this season and could be the perfect counter-balance on the opposite flank to the former Lecce star.

Meanwhile, Amorim certainly wouldn’t complain about having another wing-back at his disposal in a system which desperately falls back on the role at times.

In what could be their best move yet under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United are now reportedly ready to launch their move to sign a Barcelona star for a discounted price this summer.

Amorim not shying away from Man Utd critics

Whilst some managers may have been quick to defend Manchester United even as they fell closer to the relegation zone than the Premier League title, that is not Amorim’s preferred style. The former Sporting Club boss has been refreshingly, but ruthlessly honest since arriving at Old Trafford and that continued earlier this week in the build-up to the Athletic Bilbao game.

Amorim told reporters when asked about Manchester United’s European ambitions: “For me, in that moment and you look at Premier League, we are the worst team since I arrived in terms of results. That is my idea. In the end of the season, we can be the worst team in Premier League history with a European title.

Hojlund upgrade: Man Utd could see £34m bid accepted for "incredible" star

Man Utd are in desperate need of a new striker this summer, whatever happens in the Europa League

ByRobbie Walls May 8, 2025

“So we will not change anything. We know that this season was disappointing. Nothing is going to change, in that moment, I have to think a bit more but I felt that. I still feel that this season was the worst in the last 50 years.”

Amorim, arguably more than those before him, seems to be well aware of just how great a task he has on his hands at the club. The Red Devils have fallen lower than ever in the Premier League and are struggling to maintain their place as a top six club on the pitch as well as off the pitch when it comes to finances.

There must be wholesale changes in the summer and that could commence with the arrival of a Barcelona star. United’s move, on paper, looks ambitious but reports indicating a major discount in pursuit should hand them plenty of hope.

Man Utd readying Araujo move

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are now readying their move to sign Ronald Araujo following news that he is now available at the discounted price of just €50m (£42m). Alongside Juventus and Bayern Munich as the club in the strongest position to sign the Uruguayan, the Red Devils will be relieved to see his price drop to such a price, considering that previous reports indicated that Araujo could cost as much as €80m (£68m) this summer.

With Barcelona seemingly ready to show their defender the door after his performance in their stunning 7-6 aggregate defeat against Inter Milan in the Champions League semi-final, any deal could also be fairly simple to get over the line for those at Old Trafford. Barcelona’s reported decision is about as ruthless as it gets at the top level, especially given the praise that Araujo has received at the club.

Even Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior has had positives to say about his countryman, telling reporters when asked to choose the most difficult defender that he has faced: “It has to be Araujo, who has defended me best. He is very good and very strong, that’s why he plays for Barca.”

With Graham Potter already thinking ahead to the summer transfer window, West Ham United have reportedly entered pole position to sign a relegated star ahead of Newcastle United.

West Ham's tough start under Potter

When Julen Lopetegui left West Ham following a failed stint at the London Stadium, there would have been plenty of hope that Potter would be the man to turn things around. Throughout the opening months of his reign, however, the former Chelsea manager has struggled to make his mark – only sparking more concerns and making the summer transfer window all the more important.

To that end, the rumours have already been coming thick and fast too. Names such as CJ Egan-Riley and Yann Bisseck have been two names particularly threatening to steal the headlines as the Hammers look to fix a leaky backline. The latter would be especially impressive, given his role in Inter Milan’s Champions League role this season.

It's not Rice: West Ham facing Lampard repeat after losing "serious talent"

West Ham may soon feel the effects of a Frank Lampard repeat…

ByJoe Nuttall May 4, 2025

Whether West Ham are in a position to lure such players to the London Stadium remains to be seen, however. Unlike under David Moyes, they no longer have European football to offer. Now, coming off the back of a season in the bottom half, their ambitions may need to be adjusted slightly.

What hasn’t helped the West Ham boss in recent weeks is Niclas Fullkrug’s outburst following a frustrating draw at relegated Southampton. Potter responded to his forward’s anger, telling reporters: “I think he [Fullkrug] wears his heart on his sleeve. I would disagree with him in some things and agree with him in others.

“But he’s entitled to his opinion. As a senior player, we’ve had lots of honest conversations. And I think for me it’s better to have the conversations in private, not in public.”

West Ham in pole position to sign Ramsdale with £20m bid ready

One way that the Hammers could avoid the frustration of missing out on top targets whilst matching their ambitions is signing relegated stars. According to Caught Offside, West Ham are now leading the race to sign Aaron Ramsdale ahead of Newcastle United and are preparing an offer worth €23m (£20m) this summer.

Whether Southampton deem that offer acceptable is another question, however. Reports suggest that the goalkeeper has a release clause worth £25m, meaning that anything offered below that is likely to be rejected.

It was during his time at Arsenal that the England international was arguably at his best before David Raya ultimately earned his place. Receiving plenty of praise as a result, Gunners legend David Seaman told reporters when asked about Ramsdale in 2023: “People forget he’s only 24. So that is amazing for me because I didn’t join Arsenal until I was 26 – what he’s doing now at 24 is just phenomenal.

“He’s making big saves all the time. There was one on Saturday at 1-0 that was world-class. It wasn’t like a flying save or anything like that but it was a really technical piece of goalkeeping, which he did brilliantly, and he’s been doing that all season.”

Leeds United’s mammoth 6-0 win, coupled with Burnley’s triumph over Sheffield United on Monday, secured a return to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

The Whites have bounced back excellently from their play-off final defeat against Southampton last season, having the chance to secure the league title before the end of the season.

Daniel Farke has secured his third Championship promotion of his career, undoubtedly cementing his place in the club’s history forever after such an achievement.

However, the hard work undoubtedly starts now for the German, needing to make crucial moves in the transfer market if he is to buck the recent trend and keep the side in the top-flight.

Such a feat may not be achieved by the 48-year-old next season, especially if the latest rumours around his future at Elland Road are to be believed.

The latest update on Farke’s future as Leeds boss

In recent days, it was confirmed by the Daily Mail that the Leeds hierarchy could be tempted to part ways with Farke over the summer ahead of their return to the top-flight.

The German has achieved a 58% win rate over his two-year spell in Yorkshire, but it may not be enough to secure his long-term future at Elland Road.

The report claims that no decision has yet been made on his future, but that other candidates have already been lined up in case they decide to pull the trigger.

It remains unclear who the board could turn to should the German receive his matching orders, but that his lack of success in the top-flight could be a deciding factor in their decision.

Any decision to part ways would undoubtedly be a huge call given his achievements this season, but it could be one that would allow a proven top-flight boss to take the reins.

The manager who would be perfect to replace Farke at Leeds

Premier League safety is certainly the aim for Leeds next season, looking to be the side that prevents an unwanted record from happening in 2025/26.

It looks highly likely that all three promoted sides from the Championship have immediately returned back to the second tier – with Ipswich all but confirmed to be returning after just one year in the top-flight.

Investment is certainly needed, but questions will certainly be asked of Farke should he stay, given his previous inability to survive the drop at Norwich City.

As a result, the hierarchy could turn to former Everton boss Sean Dyche to fill the void should the German be sacked, offering the stability the Whites would need if they are to fight off relegation.

He was sacked from his role at Goodison Park back in January, but managed to secure the Toffees’ ever-present Premier League status in the two seasons prior.

The 53-year-old, who’s been labelled “one of the most underrated managers in the PL” by HLTCO, has a superb record in England’s top division, one that is better than Farke – handing the club the best chance of maintaining their status.

When comparing the duo’s respective figures during their time in the league, Dyche has achieved much more than Farke, further highlighting why he would be a superb appointment this summer.

Games managed

333

49

Wins

93

6

Draws

91

8

Losses

149

35

Goals scored

323 (1.03)

31 (0.63)

Goals against

469 (1.4)

101 (2.06)

Win percentage

28%

12%

He’s managed a higher win percentage during his time in the division, whilst also posting more goals scored per game and fewer conceded per game – offering an upgrade on the current manager.

His experience at the top of the English game could prove vital next season, with the club simply not being able to afford an immediate return back to the second tier.

It may not be the glamorous appointment many fans would be hoping for, but Dyche would certainly offer that know how that the side will need if they are to survive in 2025/26.

Not just Meslier: Farke must axe "half-hearted" Leeds flop after promotion

Illan Meslier is not the only Leeds United player who should be sold after promotion to the Premier League.

ByDan Emery Apr 24, 2025

From afar, the intense battle for automatic promotion in the Championship is an enthralling spectacle to watch.

But, for those locked deep in it, there is nothing more nerve-wracking, with one minor misfire squandering your chances of an instant path up to the Premier League.

Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United have found out the hard way how cruel the tense promotion fight can be, with the one-time leaders now out of the top two after two humbling losses on the spin.

Time is still on their side to atone for these missteps, but Wilder will need to be more cutthroat with his team selections and drop underperformers, with Ben Brereton Diaz’s first-team spot on shaky ground.

Why Brereton Diaz needs to be dropped

The Chilean attacker won’t be deemed as a blunder in the transfer market, however, with Brereton Diaz boasting a mildly impressive three goals and three assists from 14 encounters since joining on loan in January.

But, to the dismay of the Blades faithful watching on alongside his manager, the usually potent forward was largely anonymous in the last two defeats against Oxford United and Millwall.

Minutes played

59

45

Goals scored

0

0

Assists

0

0

Shots

0

2

Touches

20

21

Accurate passes

7/10 (70%)

9/14

Possession lost

7x

6x

Looking at the table above, it’s clear that Brereton Diaz has been massively underperforming to the detriment of his promotion-chasing side, with only two shots registered in total across a combined 104 minutes versus the U’s and Alex Neil’s visitors.

Moreover, his wastefulness on the ball as a right winger has killed many an attacking opportunity, with possession given up a high seven times at the Kassam Stadium, despite only mustering up a weak 20 touches of the ball.

Wilder substituting off the Southampton loanee at the half-time interval versus Millwall could mean he’s willing to drop the 25-year-old completely for his side’s mammoth trip to Plymouth Argyle later on, therefore, which might potentially gift this exciting winger the chance to nail down a starting spot on the right subsequently.

How Wilder can replace Brereton Diaz

After all, if the Blades do decide to go all gung-ho on their travels to Devon, they could gain a lot of joy from a leaky, relegation-doomed side in the Pilgrims, considering Plymouth have given up a high 81 goals in league action.

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Jesurun Rak-Sakyi could be licking his lips at the prospect of a start at Home Park, consequently, with the Crystal Palace loanee gifting his side a lot more on the right flank last time out than the out-of-sorts Brereton Diaz.

Across his bright 45-minute stint on the Bramall Lane turf, Rak-Sakyi managed to tally up three more shots than his poor counterpart, on top of also twisting and turn Millwall shirts for fun with three successful dribbles, as per Sofascore.

Winning 100% of his ground duels too, the 22-year-old attacker would have been kicking himself that he didn’t add to his growing goal and assist tally for the club in the unfortunate 1-0 defeat, having picked up six strikes and two assists away from this second successive loss.

Hailed as a “remarkable” player by former Eagles boss Roy Hodgson, Rak-Sakyi would love to close out his memorable stint in South Yorkshire with a promotion on his fledgling CV.

With double the amount of strikes compared next to Brereton Diaz’s league output – on top of his promising cameo against Millwall – the time could be right to hand the entertaining youngster a start, as Wilder attempts to roll the dice subtly to get his team’s stuttering promotion push back on course.

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