Manchester United are now preparing a £33m offer for a “world-class” star, who is very keen on moving to Old Trafford this summer, according to a report.
Man Utd struggling to get signings through the door
Man United got off to a fast start in the summer transfer window, securing the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, but they have since struggled to get deals for their priority targets over the line.
The Red Devils have been particularly keen to sign Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo, but they are yet to agree a fee with their Premier League rivals, with reporter Laurie Whitwell revealing the asking price may have now increased.
It cannot be understated how important it is to sign a new forward, with Rasmus Hojlund netting just four Premier League goals last season, but Ruben Amorim also has a real desire to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch.
Andre Onana has been subjected to heavy criticism throughout his time at Old Trafford, and Man United have now set their sights on a replacement, with an opening offer of around £33m in the works for Aston Villa goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez.
That is according to a report from La Nacion (via Sport Witness), which states Martinez is very keen on leaving Villa for United, as he believes he would be taking a big step in his career, despite European football not being on offer next season.
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However, the two clubs may be a little way apart in their valuation of the Argentinian as things stand, with Villa setting a £40m asking price.
"World-class" Martinez could be huge Onana upgrade
The 32-year-old has established himself as an elite goalkeeper during his time with Villa, most memorably impressing at the 2022 World Cup with Argentina, and he has been lauded as “world-class” by United legend Gary Neville.
Not only that, but there are clear signs the Villa star could be a massive upgrade on Onana, given that he has outperformed the Cameroonian across a number of key goalkeeping metrics per 90 over the past year.
Statistic
Andre Onana
Emiliano Martinez
Goals against
1.32
1.20
Save percentage
68.9%
72.1%
Clean sheet percentage
23.4%
28.3%
The former Arsenal man also won the Premier League Save of the Season award for a remarkable stop against Nottingham Forest.
Martinez is clearly a top-level goalkeeper, but Man United should be cautious about paying £40m for a player who is set to turn 33 later this year.
From crossing the divide between both Manchester United and Manchester City and starring at Juventus to featuring for Argentina, it’s fair to say that Carlos Tevez’s career isn’t short on moments to remember, or teammates for that matter.
The iconic forward shared a dressing room with some of the best players in football history, but the two that instantly stand out are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Whilst Tevez did become an Olympic Gold Medalist with Lionel Messi for Argentina in 2004, it was with Ronaldo at club level that he enjoyed the most success.
During the two seasons they played together at Old Trafford from 2007 to 2009, the attacking duo won the Premier League twice, the Club World Cup, the League Cup and the Champions League. To say their partnership was a success would be an incredible understatement.
Their best season together came in the 2007/08 campaign as they combined to score a total of 45 Premier League goals and help Manchester United on their way to another title-winning season.
Appearances
34
34
Goals
14
31
Assists
6
6
Of course, it wasn’t long after that when Tevez committed the ultimate sin of swapping Old Trafford for the chance to join arch-rivals Manchester City, whilst Ronaldo also left for Real Madrid at the same time.
The impact Tevez often made when partnering Messi for Argentina and Ronaldo at Manchester United is undeniable and the forward has been full of praise for both over the years, previously telling reporters: “Cristiano had to work and prepare himself to be the best, while for Leo it comes naturally.
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“Those are the greatest differences that I see between the two best players on the planet. Messi plays another sport. For him to score three goals [in any given game] is normal.”
As much as Messi and Ronaldo steal the headlines, however, when asked to pick his best ever teammate, Tevez chose to name an England and United legend instead of the men who dominated the Ballon d’Or podium for over a decade.
Carlos Tevez: Rooney was my best ever teammate
Snubbing both Messi and Ronaldo, Tevez revealed that Wayne Rooney was his best ever teammate during an interview relayed by GiveMeSport.
The impact that the England legend made as part of a deadly front three with Ronaldo and Tevez is clearly something that the latter has not forgotten and will not do so anytime soon.
Whilst some are quick to undervalue Rooney’s influence, Tevez went as far as putting the former United forward above two of football’s greatest-ever players when discussing his best teammates.
The storm that has clouded Newcastle United’s early summer transfer window is perhaps showing signs of abating, even if Eddie Howe’s outfit have seen bids rejected for three top targets.
That’s according to the Times, whose revelation that offers for Anthony Elanga, Joao Pedro and James Trafford were rebuffed will no doubt have been met by a chorus of frustration over on Tyneside.
At the very least, United are showing ambitious intent, and though slapping a £200m price tag on Alexander Isak to ward off interest from Liverpool might have proved a double-edged sword, for clubs will hardball the Toon in their own dealings henceforth, there’s no doubt breakthroughs will be achieved in the coming months.
However, it might be wise for Howe and co to pin some alternative names to the board. Indeed, in Pedro’s case, an exciting backup has been found, and he might even prove the better pick.
Newcastle open talks for elite forward
As per GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle have opened talks with Xavi Simons’ representatives as they look to welcome some attacking additions this summer.
Expected to depart RB Leipzig after they failed to qualify for Europe, the 22-year-old playmaker has a £60m price tag and has expressed a desire to move to the Premier League.
Arsenal, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have all had discussions with the player’s camp too, so this one’s wide open at the present stage.
Why Newcastle want Xavi Simons
While dynamic, Simons isn’t as out-and-out an attacker as Pedro; instead, the Dutchman merges the creative with the incisive to an emphatic effect.
He’s the real deal, all right, and given the finances involved, would perhaps go on to prove an even better signing than Pedro, if push comes to shove.
Xavi Simons celebrates
Such masterful versatility is hardly something Howe’s going to say no to, and Simons would add a new creative dimension to a side which finished the 2024/25 Premier League season ranked sixth in the division for big chances created (112) after finishing joint-second with Manchester City (97) the term before.
It’s clear Howe needs such a virtuoso to take that next great step, and given that Simons finished the campaign ranked among the top 12% of attacking midfielders and wingers for passes attempted, the top 14% for progressive passes, the top 18% for shot-creating actions and the top 7% for ball recoveries, as per FBref, he clearly knows his stuff.
Athletic and driven, Simons would add a wealth of quality to the Magpies fold, with his haul of ten goals and seven assists across just 25 Bundesliga matches further highlighting his clinical nature.
Left winger
41
10
11
Right winger
17
5
5
Attacking midfield
17
6
7
Centre-forward
1
–
–
Moreover, he missed just two big chances and averaged two key passes and 5.4 successful duels per game. Though Pedro would be a brilliant attacking addition, Simons might just have that little bit more, with his versatility both through positional and prolific value likely to add so much to the United project.
Pedro, sure, is a steady supplier of goal contributions, posting 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches, but he’s not quite so refined, indeed operating in a more advanced berth that you’d have to think will be occupied by Isak.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
Howe makes sure his players know their duties and toe the line, but Simons’ expansiveness is part of what makes him special, a “superstar”, as has even been remarked by analyst Ben Mattinson.
Newcastle need to beat off Premier League opposition to secure this man’s signature, prioritising a deal over the likes of Pedro.
Better than Elanga: Newcastle open talks to sign £43m "game-changer"
Newcastle are beginning to ramp up the gas in the summer transfer market.
It was obvious that Celtic were going to need to sign a new left-back to bolster their squad in the summer transfer window as the 2024/25 campaign came to an end.
Greg Taylor’s contract at Parkhead expires this summer and there is still no update on whether he will be renewing or if the defender has found a new club to join.
Celtic defender Greg Taylor
Jeffrey Schlupp spent the second half of the season on loan from Premier League side Crystal Palace and has since returned to his parent club, where his contract is due to expire at the end of this month.
This is why it was important for the Hoops to add to their squad in that position, and that is exactly what they have done with the signing of Kieran Tierney on a free transfer from Arsenal.
Brendan Rodgers will be looking at the squad and how it could look in the years to come, hence signing Tierney on a five-year deal, and he will also be looking at other positions in the squad.
One current star who does not have a clear successor in place is club captain Callum McGregor, who remains the first-choice holding midfielder for the Hoops.
Why Callum McGregor is so important for Celtic
The former Scotland international is not a classic holding midfielder, in the sense that he is not a midfield destroyer who is dominant defensively, but the Celtic maestro is exceptional when it comes to setting the tempo and controlling a game.
McGregor sits at the base of the midfield for the Scottish giants and uses his ability on the ball to dominate matches in possession, by passing teams into the ground.
Passes made
79.78
Top 1%
Pass accuracy
94.3%
Top 1%
Long pass accuracy
64.1%
Top 5%
Cross accuracy
44.4%
Top 4%
Touches
96.30
Top 1%
As you can see in the table above, the left-footed star ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in a host of possession and passing statistics, which shows that he was one of the best passers, if not the best, in the division.
McGregor also added a big goal threat to his game in the 2024/25 campaign, with a return of eight goals in 35 matches in the Scottish Premiership, after he had only scored two goals in the league in the previous season.
The Scottish star is important to Celtic and Rodgers, though, because of his metronomic passing qualities, and the Hoops are interested in a midfielder who could be their next version of McGregor.
Celtic have long-standing interest in Premier League midfielder
According to The Celtic Star, the Premiership champions have a long-standing interest in West Ham United’s central midfielder Andy Irving.
The report claims that the Hoops were interested in a deal to sign the left-footed star last summer but a change in management at the London Stadium, with Julen Lopetegui replacing David Moyes, put an end to any chance they had of signing him.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that a managerial change once again put a stop to Celtic’s interest in the recent January transfer window, as their attempt to sign the midfielder was turned down because Graham Potter wanted to run the rule over him during the second half of the season.
The Celtic Star does not reveal whether or not the Hoops are expected to go back in with a third attempt to sign the 25-year-old star, but it is clear that the club have an interest in him.
Rodgers must now push for the Hoops to go back in with another offer for the Premier League midfielder, because he could be McGregor 2.0 for the Bhoys.
Why Andy Irving could be the next Callum McGregor
The 25-year-old star could be the perfect signing to be a back-up option and potential successor to the captain due to his age and style of play.
Irving, who described his Scotland debut against Liechtenstein as “perfect”, is six years younger than McGregor and could be the long-term option for Rodgers at the base of the midfield.
Callum McGregor
The Hammers midfielder came on for the last 31 minutes against Liechtenstein and completed 23 of his 25 attempted passes (92%), whilst also creating two chances for his teammates, in what was an impressive cameo off the bench.
Irving, however, did not get too many opportunities to showcase his ability in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign, as he played just 178 minutes across ten appearances in the division for West Ham.
In that limited game time, though, the Celtic target showed why he could be a really good fit for Rodgers at Parkhead next season if the club were to snap him up.
Passes made
60.00
Top 8%
Pass accuracy
90.0%
Top 16%
Long passes made
3.89
Top 5%
Long pass accuracy
87.5%
Top 4%
Cross accuracy
50%
Top 11%
Touches
87.78
Top 6%
As you can see in the table above, Irving excelled in possession when coming off the bench for West Ham, ranking highly among Premier League midfielders in a host of passing and possession-based metrics.
The Scottish whiz also showcased his ability to score goals, as McGregor did in the 2024/25 campaign, with nine goals in 28 matches in the Austrian Bundesliga during the 2023/24 season, whilst playing for Klagenfurt.
These statistics suggest that the potential is there for Irving to be a midfielder who can control and dictate games for Celtic from a number six position, due to his promising cameos in the Premier League as a dominant and reliable passer.
In a Hoops team that dominates possession week-in-week-out and competes for the title every year, the 25-year-old star could thrive as a tempo-setter who can enjoy plenty of touches of the ball.
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Therefore, Celtic should make it third time lucky with another move for Irving before the end of the summer transfer window to add brilliant depth to their midfield, whilst also securing their long-term successor to McGregor.
Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin has plenty of challenges facing him in his new role at Ibrox.
First and foremost, strengthening the squad is a priority. Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence and Leon Balogun all left at the end of last season following the expiration of their contracts.
Elsewhere, the likes of Ben Davies, Rabbi Matondo and Kieran Dowell may also be surplus to requirements ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, after spending time out on loan last year.
Ben Davies
Add in the fact that Vaclav Cerny, Rafael Fernandes and Neraysho Kasinwirjo all returned to their parent clubs. This leaves Martin short in several areas, notably in defence.
At the time of writing, the only senior centre-backs at the club are John Souttar, Leon King, Robin Propper and Clinton Nsiala.
King and Nsiala are only 21 and played just 18 games between them during 2024/25, highlighting the need for another centre-back or two this summer.
Russell Martin watches on whilst in charge of Southampton.
How Martin would love to call upon a player who could command the backline with their sheer presence. Someone who would strike fear in opponents due to their sublime defensive abilities and excellent reading of the game.
Someone like David Weir, for example…
Why Weir was one of Walter Smith’s best Rangers signings
Smith made a host of superb signings during his two spells in charge of the Glasgow giants. Paul Gascoigne, Brian Laudrup and Stuart McCall, to name a few, are all legends at the club who were signed by Smith.
Fast-forward to his second stint and Smith landed talents such as Lee McCulloch, Nikica Jelavic and Pedro Mendes, among others. They all played their part as the Gers won three league titles in a row between 2009 and 2011.
Weir, however, must go down as one of Smith’s most important signings. The veteran centre-back arrived at Ibrox in January 2007 after he left Everton.
David Weir
It was only meant to be a six-month deal in order to help Smith steady the ship. What followed is the stuff of legend.
Weir made a total of 226 appearances for the Light Blues between January 2007 and January 2012, scoring five goals in the process.
His leadership traits eventually led the club back to the summit of Scottish football, while he was a key part of the team that reached the UEFA Cup final in 2008, playing 61 matches that campaign.
Season
Games
Goals
Trophies
2011/12
1
0
0
2010/11
53
0
2
2009/10
51
0
2
2008/09
44
2
2
2007/08
61
3
2
2006/07
16
0
0
Never one blessed with pace, Weir was wonderful at reading the game and didn’t have to rely on matching an opponent for speed, especially with his excellent footballing brain.
While Weir is an anomaly, Martin could look to repeat Smith’s transfer masterclass by moving for a veteran defender who has spent the previous few years playing in England.
Rangers search for a new defender
Since Martin was appointed as the new Rangers manager, several defenders have been linked with a move to the club.
Harry Darling – who played under Martin at MK Dons and Swansea City – was one. As to was Ipswich Town centre-back Cameron Burgess.
While both would be solid signings, adding some depth to a problematic area, the Gers are interested in someone who has far more experience than those two.
According to Rangers Review journalist Joshua Barrie, the Gers are keen on a move for English defender Conor Coady, with a deal said to have already been “explored”.
Wolves defender Conor Coady.
While Coady echoes Weir in terms of leadership and a solid ability on the ball, at 32, might Martin perhaps take a deeper look into younger targets.
Weir, however, didn’t do too badly when he signed at the age of 36. Might Coady follow in his footsteps?
Why Rangers must sign Conor Coady
Souttar needs someone next to him who can play to his strengths. Last season, Propper struggled to cope with the physicality of Scottish football, making mistakes and often being rag-dolled by opposition forwards. He himself admitted he had “underestimated” the demands of Scottish football.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Coady shouldn’t have a problem in this regard. The Englishman played 22 times in the Premier League last season for Leicester City.
While the Foxes may have been relegated, Coady finished the season with a 91% pass completion percentage, along with winning 53% of his ground duels and losing possession just 4.7 times per game for the club.
When compared to his positional peers across the top five European leagues, Coady’s pass success rate ranked him in the top 15%, while he also ranked in the top 5% for shots blocked (1.26) per 90.
Considering the fact that he was playing in a poor team, plus his advancing years, there is still plenty to like about Coady and what he could offer Rangers next season.
The defender has plenty of experience at the highest level and even won ten caps for England under the leadership of Gareth Southgate.
Southgate handed Coady the captain’s armband during just his second appearance for England in October 2020. Against Wales, he scored his first-ever England goal and was even dubbed “infectious” by the boss following his display.
The 32-year-old has just one more year left on his contract at the Foxes and, with their relegation to the second tier, will he be willing to drop a division, especially with plenty to offer?
Martin should act accordingly in order to try and secure a deal for the defender this summer, as he could well have competition for his signature.
On a short-term deal, Coady could potentially have the same sort of impact that Weir had upon arriving in Glasgow in 2007.
It sounds like a real no-brainer of a signing and one that could ease Martin’s fears about the state of the defence heading into the Champions League qualifiers.
Watch this space.
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Liverpool won the Premier League this season, pulling themselves back onto their perch.
Number 20 has placed the Reds level with historic rivals Manchester United as the most successful club in English top-flight history, and considering the gulf between the two superpowers, Anfield have a fantastic chance to peel ahead in the coming years.
1)
Man United
20
1=
Liverpool
20
3)
Arsenal
13
4)
Man City
10
5)
Everton
9
In order to achieve this, FSG have recognised the importance of bringing in some fresh faces, especially since vice-captain Trent Alexander-Arnold has left to play for Real Madrid.
Jeremie Frimpong has signed, and his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz should follow. Liverpool are also in advancing talks to sign Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
However, given the woes of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota across the 2024/25 campaign, it’s hardly surprising Arne Slot is seeking to sign a new striker.
Liverpool's striker search
According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool’s Nunez is “planning to leave” Merseyside this summer, having only scored seven times across all competitions in Slot’s system.
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota converse on the bench
Jota’s campaign was blighted by yet more injuries, but it’s more likely he stays put and adds depth and clinical quality to the Reds first team.
But who to bring in? Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is staying put, reports David Ornstein, after Eddie Howe’s side qualified for the Champions League, while Chelsea are frontrunners in the race for Hugo Ekitike, who has been valued at a questionable €100m (£84m) by Eintracht Frankfurt.
Liverpool have also turned down an offer from Barcelona for Luis Diaz, willing to keep the Colombian onboard even if that leads to eventual free agency. The 28-year-old filled in at centre-forward on numerous occasions last year.
Diaz, however, is not an out-and-out forward, and if he stays, his principal role will be to compete with Cody Gakpo for a place on the left wing.
Even if Isak and Ekitike prove out of reach, Liverpool need to sign a new striker.
Liverpool approach new striker
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool may have found a left-field solution in their quest for firepower.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
FSG appear to have done quite the deep dive on the Bundesliga’s standout players this year, and Nick Woltemade could be the man they decide to welcome to number nine, having made an official approach to DFB-Pokal champions Stuttgart.
The 23-year-old, valued at €50m (£43m), has enjoyed a prolific term in his German homeland and is also being courted by Arsenal, Everton and West Ham United, along with a host of further suitors on the continent.
Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade
Given Liverpool are spending the big bucks this summer, a more affordable forward to the aforementioned targets could be appealing.
What Nick Woltemade would bring to Anfield
Woltemade isn’t the highest-profile name on the block, but then Liverpool have often enjoyed travelling the less-trodden path in the transfer market.
VfB Stuttgart's Nick Woltemade in action with Bayern Munich's JoaoPalhinhaand Bayern Munich's Kim Min-jae
Across 33 matches in all competitions this term, Woltemade scored 17 goals and laid on three assists, making startling headway in his first season at Stuttgart, only scoring twice across 30 matches for Werder Bremen in 2023/24.
Moreover, he was instrumental in Stuttgart’s stunning DFB-Pokal triumph, scoring in each of the five rounds he played (the DFB-Pokal is effectively the German version of the FA Cup).
Woltemade is a hulking presence at 6 foot 6, but he’s not just a target man, creating eight big chances in the Bundesliga this year, also averaging 1.1 dribbles and 4.4 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore.
Given he only started 17 times, Liverpool chiefs may be wary of forking out a big sum for someone yet to reach their potential, but the same could be said for Ekitike, who would cost twice as much and scored 22 goals across 48 games since last summer.
It’s curious that he bears such a striking likeness to Isak, who stands at 6 foot 3 and is one of the most silky goalscorers in the Premier League. Pundit Alan Shearer has described him as “the complete striker”.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Woltemade, in fact, ranked among the top 11% of centre-forwards playing in Europe’s top five leagues this season for passes attempted, the top 3% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 4% for successful take-ons and the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area, as per FBref. His performances have drawn Isak and Ekitike as comparable players.
What a unique profile. It’s almost as if you fused together a throwback forward profile with the modern-tailored styles of Isak and Ekitike, creating a Frankenstein-esque striker who would be perfect for Slot’s dynamic tactical set-up.
He’s also got a taste for silverware after leading his team to glory, and of course, is at heart an “exceptional” goalscorer, as has been noted by talent scout Antonio Mango.
It’s unlikely this German talent would arrive on Premier League grass and start performing to the level of Isak, who is out of reach at more than £150m, but his dynamic, variegated approach to the striker’s craft suggests he could be an astute signing, following Wirtz and the like.
Isak created 11 big chances in the Premier League this year, averaging 1.2 dribbles per game. This is a profile Liverpool have been desperate to sign, even shifting their focus to Ekitike, a similar kind of forward.
Maybe both players will perform on other Premier League planes next year, but Woltemade could be Liverpool’s own version, could be fashioned into something special.
How often have we seen a new recruit prove doubters wrong and rise to the very fore?
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Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market as Slot prepares to defend his PL title.
Brendan Rodgers has the chance to win the domestic treble this afternoon when his Celtic team takes to the field to face Aberdeen in the SFA Cup final at Hampden Park.
The Hoops have already won the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup, which they won on penalties against Rangers, and they can clinch a third domestic trophy with a win today.
Rodgers failed to win the treble in his first season back in the dugout at Parkhead, winning the Premiership and the SFA Cup in the 2023/24 campaign, but now has the chance to make it five trophies out of six at domestic level since the summer of 2023.
The Northern Irish head coach’s team were held to a 1-1 draw at home to St. Mirren on the final day of the Premiership campaign, as James Forrest scored a stoppage-time equaliser.
Celtic winger James Forrest.
Rodgers may look to make some changes to the starting XI that took to the field against St. Mirren at Parkhead for this cup final clash, and Adam Idah is one player who could be ruthlessly ditched by the former Liverpool manager.
Why Adam Idah should be dropped
The Ireland international lined up against St. Mirren as the starting centre-forward and was withdrawn from the action after 54 minutes without a single shot on goal.
His underwhelming performance last time out, which included just six successful passes, may cost him a place in the starting XI for the cup final, particularly given his record coming off the bench for the Hoops.
Idah has only started 21 of his 42 domestic appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants so far this season, which shows that he has failed to nail down a place as a regular starter under Rodgers, despite Kyogo Furuhashi’s move to Rennes on a permanent deal in the January transfer window.
The former Norwich City marksman, who signed for Celtic on a permanent deal last summer after an initial loan spell at Parkhead, has had more joy off the bench in the Premiership for the Bhoys this term.
Appearances
19
16
Minutes
1,352
357
Goals
6
7
Minutes per goal
225
51
Assists
0
1
As you can see in the table above, Idah has scored more goals and delivered more assists in just under 1,000 fewer minutes on the pitch in the top-flight off the bench in comparison to as a starter.
These statistics suggest that the Irishman is more effective as a super sub for the Scottish giants, which is also backed up by his role in the SFA Cup last year, as he came off the bench to score the winning goal against Rangers in the 90th minute at the end of his loan spell.
Therefore, the data would suggest that Rodgers could increase his team’s chances of coming away with the win and the treble by ruthlessly dropping Idah to the bench, as it could make him more effective as an option this afternoon.
This would provide Daizen Maeda, who has scored 14 goals in ten matches as a striker this season, with an opportunity to play through the middle as the main striker.
Daizen Maeda
The Japan international starting over Idah in the centre-forward position would open up a spot on the wing for another player to join him and Nicolas Kuhn in the front three. That position should be filled by club legend James Forrest.
Why James Forrest should start against Aberdeen
In order for Idah to fulfill his role as a super substitute, Rodgers will need to bring another winger into the side and his options are currently limited because Jota is missing with a knee injury, which he sustained in the win over Dundee United last month.
Forrest could be the ideal option to come in to start this match because he is coming off the back of a confidence-lifting goal against St. Mirren on the final day of the Premiership season, a goal which means that he has scored in 16 different seasons for the first-team.
As you can see in the clip above, the Scottish forward blew the roof off Parkhead with his last-gasp strike, which was pretty much the last touch he had in the Premiership season to avoid ending his streak of seasons with at least one goal.
Forrest should, now, be rewarded with a start against Aberdeen, whom he scored against in the semi-finals of the SFA Cup last season, on the left flank, with Kuhn on the right and Maeda through the middle as the number nine.
Celtic winger James Forrest.
That would then allow Idah to come on for Forrest in the second half as a super sub option, which would free up Maeda to move out wide, and that gives Rodgers tactical flexibility off the bench in the second half if things are not going Celtic’s way this afternoon.
It would be unfair, though, to suggest that the Scottish veteran would only be starting because of tactical reasons or because of Idah’s impact off the bench, because he is a quality player in his own right who could make a big impact at the top end of the pitch.
SFA Cup
41
11
11
League Cup
33
12
6
Premiership
336
73
74
Champions League
30
1
3
Europa League
31
1
7
As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old forward has a particularly impressive record in the SFA Cup in his career, with 22 goals and assists combined in 41 appearances.
Forrest was once described as a “difference-maker” by Rodgers and that is backed up by his statistics in this competition, as he has delivered goals and assists on a regular basis.
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ByDan Emery May 22, 2025
He should now be given an opportunity to add to that record in the clash at Hampden Park against Aberdeen this afternoon, by being named in the starting XI ahead of Idah.
This could, therefore, win the treble for Rodgers by both giving Forrest a chance to make an impact in the final third, whilst also getting the best out of the Irish striker off the bench.
Crystal Palace are now plotting a move for a £20m midfielder, and they are looking to get a deal over the line quickly, according to reporter Alan Nixon.
Palace eyeing new midfielder after FA Cup triumph
May 17th, 2025 will be a date forever etched into Palace history, having won their first ever major trophy courtesy of a shock 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, which also secures qualification for a maiden Europa League campaign next season.
Midfielder Will Hughes spoke about what it meant to win the first major honour of his career after the game, while admitting it will take some time to sink in.
Hughes has been an important player for Oliver Glasner this season, making 31 appearances in the Premier League, but with a Europa League campaign now on the horizon, the manager may have to bring in some more depth in midfield this summer.
According to a report from Nixon on Patreon (via Football League World), one of the midfielders Crystal Palace have set their sights on is Mateus Fernandes, with a quick deal for the Southampton midfielder now being plotted.
Southampton'sMateusFernandesin action with Manchester City's Bernardo Silva and Mateo Kovacic
With the Saints suffering relegation from the Premier League, they could be at risk of losing some of their key players, and Fernandes is valued at roughly £20m, amid interest from both Palace and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest.
Fernandes deserves another chance in the Premier League
Southampton have endured one of the worst seasons in Premier League history, collecting just 12 points throughout the campaign, but the youngster has shown he deserves a second chance in the top flight with some of his performances.
Despite being just 20-years-old, the attacking midfielder has been a regular starter for the Saints, making 35 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has managed to amass three goals and two assists.
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Crystal Palace are among the Premier League teams chasing a player who is leaving his club this summer.
ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025
Former manager Vasco Seabra has also praised the starlet in the past, describing him as a “very strong and aggressive player with a great ability to cover a lot of ground”, and he has performed extremely well across some key defensive metrics, including tackling, over the past year.
Statistic
Average per 90
Tackles
2.81 (98th percentile)
Interceptions
0.83 (96th percentile)
Blocks
1.31 (89th percentile)
Clearances
1.12 (85th percentile)
Having stood out defensively, when compared to other attacking midfielders, Fernandes is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, who is capable of playing slightly deeper, and he could be a shrewd acquisition for Crystal Palace this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur star Lucas Bergvall will miss at least the rest of the season and the next round of international fixtures, according to reports in Sweden.
Bergvall injured as Spurs hunt Europa League glory
There’s no question the Lilywhites won’t have 100 per cent of their focus on the all-London clash with West Ham this weekend, despite the unquestionable morale boost a win over the Hammers would provide.
Ange Postecoglou’s side travel to Norway next week with a 3-1 aggregate lead over Bodo/Glimt, knowing if the manager can fulfil his second season trophy promise it would not only rescue a diasastrous domestic campaign but also present more opportunities in the transfer market with Champions League football on offer.
They will have to do it without perhaps their player of the season however, with Swedish starlet Bergvall injured in training and since spotted wearing a protective boot.
Explaining the problem in his pre-West Ham press conference, Postecoglou said he expects the 19 year-old, who has just signed a new contract, to miss most or all of the remaining matches: “Just something you see all the time. It wasn’t a tackle, he was on his own, he just went to turn and just his ankle gave away, so it’s just one of those things.
“Sometimes life works in mysterious ways and it’s denied Lucas the opportunity to play in a big game last night (Thursday). He’s been a massive contributor to us, but I’ve got no doubt he’ll come back stronger from that.”
Tottenham may sign £300k-p/w Premier League star if they win Europa League
A lot is on the line.
ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025 Swedish media share Bergvall return date
According to Swedish outlet Fotboll Direkt, translated by Sport Witness, Bergvall is without a doubt set to miss the entire Spurs fixture list, including a potential all-English Europa League final in Bilbao on May 21.
However, Ange may have underplayed the issue, with this update suggesting the teenager’s return is “at least eight weeks” away, meaning he would also miss Sweden’s matches against Hungary on June 6 and Algeria on June 10, as well as the opening stages of Spurs’ pre season, with a return date expected around July 1.
Lucas Bergvall
This would of course be a massive blow for a player who has taken huge strides this season, having featured in 27 top flight matches and 12 more in European competition.
The young midfielder expressed his delight this week after signing a new deal that will keep him at the club until 2031, but will now have to wait until the middle of the summer to continue that journey.
As for Ange, he will have to rely on a combination of Pape Sarr, Rodrigo Bentancur and Bergvall’s compatriot Dejan Kulusevski to fill the gap against West Ham, in Norway on Thursday and beyond.
With promotion to the Premier League confirmed with two games to go, Leeds United can finally turn their attention towards trying to build a side capable of staying in England’s top flight.
Such a feat might be easier said than done, with every promoted side from the Championship in the last two years returning straight back after just one season in the top division.
However, despite the achievements of boss Daniel Farke throughout 2024/25, it emerged yesterday that the hierarchy may consider sacking him to appoint a more proven Premier League manager to aid their ambitions next season.
Daniel Farke
Undoubtedly, such a decision would be extremely harsh after the German secured promotion, but football is a cutthroat industry with bold decisions needing to be made to avoid relegation in 2025/26.
That being said, bold decisions will need to be made in the market to create a side capable of consolidating next campaign, with money needing to be spent by the hierarchy to aid their attempts.
The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of new signings
There’s no denying that the Whites will likely be linked with a whole host of players after their return to the Premier League, but it’s important that quality over quantity arrives at Elland Road.
One name that has been constantly linked with a summer switch to Yorkshire is Borussia Mönchengladbach midfielder Julian Weigl, after previously featuring under Farke during their time together in the Bundesliga.
The 29-year-old, who’s made 29 appearances in the league this campaign, has been firmly on the club’s radar, but no deal is currently on the cards, leading to potential moves for other targets.
The hierarchy could subsequently look to pursue a move for West Ham United midfielder Tomas Soucek this summer, with the Czech international reportedly open to a move to Yorkshire.
According to IDNES, the 30-year-old is unhappy after losing his place under Graham Potter, opening the door for a transfer to join Leeds with just 12 months left on his contract.
They revealed that the newly-promoted side a strongly considering a move this summer.
Why Leeds should prioritise a move for a PL star over Weigl
There’s no denying Weigl would be an excellent addition to the Leeds squad, having the quality and experience to make a real difference at the heart of the side.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkecelebrates after the match
During his professional career, he’s featured for the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Benfica, often being a key member of the respective sides in the Champions League.
Such experience is key, especially heading into a season which could be a challenge for the Whites – that’s if the last couple of campaigns for newly-promoted sides are anything to go by.
However, given the fact he’s never played in England’s top-flight, such a deal could be seen as a risk, with the right additions needing to be made – potentially seeing them prioritise a move for Soucek as a result.
When comparing the duo’s respective stats from the ongoing season, the West Ham star has massively outperformed him, highlighting why the club should opt for his signature instead.
Games played
30
29
Goals & assists
8
2
Shots taken
1.9
0.6
Key passes
0.6
0.3
Tackles won
0.8
0.7
Clearances made
3.1
2.5
Aerials won
3.6
1.2
The Czech star, who’s been labelled “superb” by EXWHUEmployee, has registered more goals and assists this season, whilst also notching a higher tally of shots per 90 – showcasing the attacking threat he possesses from deep-lying positions.
He’s also managed to complete more key passes per 90, whilst also winning more tackles and aerials – offering Farke an all-round presence at the heart of the midfield next season.
Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for Soucek would set the club back in the coming months, it would undoubtedly be a worthwhile investment, having the experience to help them in their Premier League quest.
With just 12 months left on his current deal at the London Stadium, it could be worth getting him on the cheap, possibly becoming their first signing back amongst England’s elite.
A dream first deal after promotion: £15m star wants to sign for Leeds
The player is reportedly keen to secure a permanent move to Leeds United this summer.