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.

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.

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.

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ByDan Emery Apr 23, 2025

Will Celtic secure a sixth treble in just nine seasons?

On Easter Sunday, the Celts swatted aside St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, with Callum McGregor breaking the deadlock and Daizen Maeda bagging a brace, while Adam Idah and Jota were also on target.

Thus, the Hoops will now face Aberdeen in the final on 24 May, also looking to secure a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title before then, requiring just a point against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday to become champions again.

While Brendan Rodgers’ team continue to dominate on the park, does he have his eye on a new winger in the transfer market?

Celtic seeking to sign a new winger

As reported by Alan Nixon of the Scottish Sun earlier this month, Celtic are ‘eyeing’ a move to sign Stoke City winger Million Manhoef.

The 22-year-old only joined the Potters as recently as January 2024 from Dutch side Vitesse for a reported fee of £3m, but journalist Graeme Bailey believes he is now valued at £10m by Stoke.

So, would this be a good move, and could Manhoef emulate those among Rodgers’ current attacking options?

Why Celtic could be targeting the next Kuhn

Earlier this season, as outlined by Michael Shearer of Breaking the Lines, Nicolas Kühn was ‘poised to become Celtic’s next great attacking player’, starring in the Champions League and unquestionably the best player in Scotland.

However, in more recent times, the German has not been impressing quite so much, as shown in the table below.

Nicolas Kühn 2024/25 season statistics
Statistics	Kühn in 2024	Kühn in 2025
Appearances	25	20
Minutes	1,713	1,298
Goals	14	4
Minutes per goal	122	325
Assists	11	3
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table outlines, Kühn’s form has fallen off a cliff since New Year’s Day, in fact, he’s scored just two goals in 19 outings since bagging a brace against St Mirren on 4 January.

Rodgers stated that Kühn has appeared in the “most games he’s ever played” in a campaign, attributing his drop in form to fatigue, while Robbie Hanratty of the National adds that Kühn hasn’t looked the same since suffering a ‘suspected broken nose’ against Rangers in early January.

Kühn arrived from Rapid Wien for a reported fee of £3m in January last year, now worth £25m, well, according to his agent anyway, with Celtic hoping Manhoef – who is also a diminutive, left-footed right-winger – would experience a similar leap in valuation should he move to Glasgow, so let’s assess how the duo compare.

Million Manhoef vs Nicolas Kühn 2024/25 comparison
Statistics	Manhoef	Kühn
Appearances	37	46
Minutes	2,524	3,011
Goals	7	18
Assists	4	14
Goals – xG	-2.8	+1.3
Shots on target %	36.8	41.8
Chances created	49	43
Shot-creating actions	103	24
Take-on success %	38%	42.5%
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and Squawka

As the table outlines, Kühn does rank higher than Manhoef for the majority of statistics included, albeit this’ll be largely skewed by his performances during the first half of the season.

Also worth considering that, according to Global Football Rankings, the EFL Championship is the 11th strongest league in the world, with the Scottish Premiership ranked 42nd.

Manhoef, to give him credit, does compare favourably, hence why Jacek Kulig from Football Talent Scout labelled him “quality and versatile”, while Dean Jones told Give Me Sport that the Dutchman is “the sort of player that will get fans off their seats.”

Thus, this would appear to be a good deal for Celtic, and they could open negotiations very soon, considering Stoke City’s season will conclude on 3 May.

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Ben Gray

Apr 19, 2025

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored the winner as Liverpool defeated Leicester City on Sunday afternoon, which now means winning the Premier League title this month has fallen into Arne Slot’s hands.

Should Arsenal lose against Crystal Palace at the Emirates on Wednesday, Liverpool will be crowned. If not, Anfield will be charged with a frenzy next weekend, the Reds knowing victory over Tottenham Hotspur will seal the deal.

There was something poignant about Trent’s winner, the ecstasy of moving within an inch of the trophy tempered by the knowledge that the boyhood hero, the homegrown superstar, probably scored his final goal for Liverpool.

Trent is set to leave Liverpool

Liverpool fans were divided in opinion after Alexander-Arnold scored and celebrated with such undiluted emotion at the King Power Stadium.

The more optimistic among us suggested the vice-captain’s celebration bespoke a passion that will see him renew terms, devote the remainder of his prime years to his boyhood club.

But this doesn’t feel likely. Fabrizio Romano has already corroborated an overload of Spanish reports in recent months that the England international will indeed sign for Real Madrid this summer, and it would take a remarkable turn of events for that to change now.

Premier League

255

18

65

Champions League

60

2

13

FA Cup

13

1

3

Carabao Cup

10

0

6

Europa League

5

0

2

Club World Cup

2

0

1

Community Shield

2

1

0

CL Qualifying

2

0

1

UEFA Super Cup

1

0

0

Sadly, wishing for a thing doesn’t make it so, and all the pointers suggest that Liverpool’s number 66 is poised to leave when his contract expires in a few months.

One of those pointers is that FSG have already mapped out plans to sign a replacement. He’s been one of the Premier League’s standout full-backs this season.

Liverpool already chasing Trent replacement

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool have set Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina in their sights as they prepare for life without Alexander-Arnold.

The Nigerian defender has been in fine fettle for high-flying Forest this season and is months away from the end of his £40k-per-week contract, and may well be tempted by a bumper pay rise with the soon-to-be champions.

With Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur also lurking, Forest are piecing together a long-term offer to keep the 28-year-old at the club for the remainder of his prime years, but Anfield presents an enticing package indeed.

How Ola Aina compares to Alexander-Arnold

Nottingham Forest are sixth in the Premier League with just over one month of the 2024/25 campaign left to play. Nuno Espirito Santo has worked wonders, and Aina has been one of his most vital cogs.

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The one-year deal that Aina was tethered to when he joined Forest in July 2023, after his contract with Italians Torino expired, rather candidly comments on the hesitance behind the signing.

Though he’s currently set for free agency this summer, the City Ground side have been confident that an extension could be secured. The minutiae of the potential transfer is unclear, but Liverpool’s pull is a powerful thing.

Such a rumour might feel somewhat deflating, but Aina really has been among the finest full-backs in Europe this season, so important as the Tricky Trees chase down unexpected Champions League qualification.

His ability is uncontestable. In fact, the experienced ace has been described as “the best right-back in the Premier League” this season by former Nigeria international Julius Aghahowa.

It’s hard to dispute it. Defensively, at the least, Aina has been a force to be reckoned with, keeping 11 clean sheets across 30 top-flight fixtures while recovering 5.3 balls, winning 4.2 duels and making 2.8 tackles and interceptions per game, as per Sofascore.

He’s not averse to attacking play either. Aina has scored twice this term, the first of which carried Trent-esque technique as West Ham United were flattened by the ranged missile.

Moreover, he’s averaging a dribble per game this year, which is working out to a 55% success rate. Not bad going. Alexander-Arnold, for example, succeeds with just 48% of his ball-carrying attempts.

What about Conor Bradley? Here we find the crux of the argument. The reasoning behind FSG launching a bid for a wide defender at the north end of their 20s who simply doesn’t bring more than a mite of playmaking prowess that Alexander-Arnold will take with him as he capers off to Madrid.

Bradley has so much potential, and with Slot pleased with the Northern Irishman’s progress, it would take quite the right-back to oust him over many years.

Instead, by signing Aina, a sort of balance could be struck, keeping the finely-worked equilibrium on Anfield’s pitch at a productive angle.

To clear the fogs, so to speak, let’s have at how Aina compares to Alexander-Arnold, and how they look when their Premier League metrics from the current campaign are collated.

There’s plenty to unpack here, but we’ll try and simplify it.

First and foremost, it might appear like Aina pales in comparison to Liverpool’s star man, but it’s important to remember that Forest operate without possession. In fact, Nuno’s system has bred the least amount of possession in the Premier League this year, remarkable given they currently lie within the Champions League qualification zone.

Alexander-Arnold creates far more than Aina and curiously makes more tackles, but the Forest star’s duel success, athleticism and ability to take on and beat his man shines a light on his skill and how that could be perfect to slot in to compete with Bradley.

The confluence of styles that Bradley and Aina would project down the right flank could give Slot the right blend to tackle the forthcoming campaign.

Aina wouldn’t replace Alexander-Arnold’s supreme creativity; Liverpool must sign a new attacking midfielder to compensate for the loss of his playmaking.

However, this would balance, dynamise, you name it, Liverpool’s defence, giving Slot what he needs to challenge at the top once again while allowing Bradley to jockey for a place with a contrasting, older profile.

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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.

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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.”

Manchester United are believed to be planning an offer to sign an “unplayable” Premier League player in a potential £65m deal this summer, according to a fresh update.

Man Utd defeat highlights need for signings

The Red Devils were beaten 4-3 away to Brentford on Sunday afternoon, as their hugely disappointing league campaign continues, amid their continued search for Europa League glory later this week.

The loss leaves Ruben Amorim’s side still sitting in 15th place in the table, having lost 16 of their matches in the league in 2024/25, highlighting how important it is for new signings in the summer transfer window.

Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo has been linked with a move to United at the end of the season, following an impressive season for the Cherries that has seen him score nine times in the league, also bagging five assists in the competition.

Meanwhile, Lyon youngster Rayan Cherki has been mentioned as a target for the Red Devils, with the 21-year-old thought to be open about the idea of moving to Old Trafford if he is made the leading man in Amorim’s attack.

Man Utd planning offer for £65m Brentford star

According to a new update from Caught Offside, Manchester United are planning to make an offer for Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, looking to snap him up in the summer window. The Bees could be looking for as much as £65m for the Cameroonian, with Tottenham, Arsenal and Newcastle United also interested in him.

Mbeumo has arguably been one of the Premier League’s most dangerous attacking players throughout this season, scoring 18 goals, which is only fewer than Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak, Erling Haaland and Chris Wood.

Meanwhile, his importance isn’t lost on Brentford manager Thomas Frank, who heaped praise on him earlier in the season: “Bryan Mbeumo today was unplayable. The way he holds the ball up and links play, like today to Kevin Schade [for the fourth goal] was very impressive.”

Admittedly, Mbeumo takes up the same right-sided attacking role that Amad Diallo likes to play in, so there is a risk of blocking his path, but strong competition is needed all over the pitch.

The 25-year-old is in the perfect place to come in and be a star man from the off at Old Trafford, having already shown that he can take the Premier League by storm, bagging 68 goal contributions (40 goals and 28 assists) in 133 appearances since joining the Bees.

With the likes of Marcus Rashford, Alejandro Garnacho, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund all arguably feeling like flawed attacking options currently, it is essential that a couple of genuinely top-level players arrive in that area this summer.

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In Mbeumo, United could have a fantastic option who could be a key man for the next five or six years, producing relentless end product and making Amorim’s men a far greater force.

Glasgow Rangers face one of the most important summer transfer windows in their recent history.

After yet another trophyless season combined with Celtic’s domestic dominance, patience is wearing thin among the Ibrox faithful.

The saving grace is that 49ers Enterprises appear to be closing in on their takeover of the Light Blues, which could bring plenty of positive changes at the club heading into next season.

Members of the US consortium were given a tour of Ibrox during the week, and everyone associated with the club will be hoping a deal is signed, sealed and delivered sooner rather than later.

While a permanent manager is top of the to-do list, the first-team squad needs a major overhaul when the transfer window finally opens. No longer can the Gers splurge millions on players who won’t live up to expectations, nor waste wages on those who miss far too many games due to injury.

This could be seen as a change of approach in the summer. Lyall Cameron has already signed a pre-contract with the Gers, while they are also keen on bringing Josh Mulligan to Glasgow.

Signing young talents with a high ceiling appears to be the next strategy, much in a similar mould to the prior capture of Ryan Kent.

Ryan Kent’s Rangers statistics

Kent signed for Rangers on an initial season-long loan deal at the start of the 2018/19 campaign. By the end of that season, he had registered 15 goal contributions – six goals and nine assists – while even punching Scott Brown during an Old Firm clash.

Not a bad way to endear yourself to the supporters, and this led to calls for Steven Gerrard to splash the cash on him permanently in the summer of 2019.

Ryan Kent’s Rangers statistics

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

44

3

10

2021/22

46

3

19

2020/21

52

13

14

2019/20

33

8

4

2018/19

43

6

9

Via Transfermarkt

The next two seasons saw Kent at his very best. A tally of 14 goals were scored, and the winger recorded an impressive 18 assists, underlining how good he had become for the club.

The 2020/21 campaign was particularly impressive. Rangers went the entire league season undefeated, securing their first title in a decade, and Kent was unplayable at times.

Kent recorded 2.3 shots per game in the top flight that term, along with creating nine big chances, averaging 1.9 key passes and succeeding with 1.9 dribbles per match for the Ibrox side.

He gave opposition defenders no chance when driving towards them at full throttle, and this is what made him arguably the best winger in the country at the time.

His final two seasons saw him score only six goals before he left the club in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract.

Those first three years saw Kent at his very best. Could a certain Bobby Clark offer the same sort of qualities from the heart of the midfield?

Rangers transfer news

During the January transfer window, the Light Blues wanted to bring Clark to the club on a short-term loan deal until the end of the campaign. He made the move to RB Salzburg in the summer of 2024 for a fee believed to be around the £6m mark, but he failed to truly settle in Austria.

Transfer Focus

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No move ever materialised for the youngster, but could he be back on the market this summer?

The £3.5k-per-week starlet could be ready to leave on loan as Salzburg are keen on letting him leave temporarily for the 2025/26 season. This could put the Ibrox side on high alert following their early attempts to secure his signature.

A former Liverpool academy graduate, much like Kent, the youngster could well look to emulate his compatriot at Ibrox…

Why Rangers should sign Bobby Clark

Starting his youth career at Newcastle United – aiming to follow in the footsteps of his father, Lee, who played for the Magpies – Clark ended up at Liverpool in the summer of 2021.

The youngster made his mark on the youth teams at Anfield before finally making his senior debut during the 2022/23 campaign under Jürgen Klopp.

He made 12 appearances for the Reds the following season, scoring once and grabbing two assists. His future looked bright indeed.

Journalist Lee Ryder discussed his potential in the past and compared him to a former Newcastle legend, saying Clark “reminds me a little bit of Gazza at the same age.” Which is high praise indeed.

Clark moved to Salzburg last summer, linking up with former Liverpool assistant Pep Lijnders, although he was sacked just a few months into the role, and Clark failed to settle under new manager Thomas Letsch.

Despite his lack of game time in the Austrian Bundesliga, Clark still managed to record 0.4 shots per game, while also averaging 0.7 key passes and succeeding with 0.4 dribbles per match in the league.

Considering he averages only 41 minutes for the club domestically, these statistics aren’t the worst. If he can move to a club where playing consistently becomes a regular theme, Clark can continue his development.

A loan move to Ibrox would be an excellent chance for him to prove the doubters wrong, especially as he could feature in European competition.

Across six Champions League matches for the Austrian side this season, Clark showcased his abilities, averaging 1.7 tackles, winning 2.8 total duels and succeeding with 89% of his passes.

Playing against teams such as PSG, Atlético Madrid, and Bayer Leverkusen gave Clark the chance to perform at the highest level against some of the finest clubs on the continent.

It may not have gone well for the Englishman since the start of 2025, but all he needs is a fresh start and a chance to impress.

In that regard, Rangers is the perfect place for him – as it was for Kent.

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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.

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“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.”

As it has been for a number of years, Chelsea’s famous Cobham academy is a conveyor belt for elite talent. The 2010s was perhaps the best era to date for their academy.

They produced currency Premier League stars such as Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ola Aina and Mason Mount, whilst Tammy Abraham, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fikayo Tomori are all plying their trade at AC Milan.

Their current crop of academy talent might end up being better. One of the most highly-rated players in the academy is defender Josh Acheampong, who was one of ten academy stars to make his senior debut in 2024.

Another Cobham graduate who is establishing himself in the Chelsea team under Enzo Maresca is Tyrique George, who has made a big impression so far.

George's Chelsea career so far

It has been a real whirlwind few months for 19-year-old George, who has become an established member of Maresca’s squad after making his debut last August in the Conference League qualifiers.

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He has gone from strength to strength in recent weeks in particular. The London-born winger now has 20 games under his belt for the West London giants, scoring two goals and grabbing four assists, an impressive return so far.

His first strike for the Blues was in the Conference League quarter-final against Legia Warsaw, and he bagged his first goal in the Premier League last weekend too against Fulham. It was a superb finish, unleashing a first-time strike into the bottom left corner after Antonee Robinson’s miscued clearance fell at his feet.

Blues boss Maresca was complimentary of the attacker after his goal against the Cottagers last time out.

He described the winger as “a talent” and said he is “doing well” in the first team at Stamford Bridge.

It has been a dream start to life as a professional footballer and he could well become the next great Cobham star. However, there is a player in the Chelsea academy who might end up rivalling him for a place in the first team soon.

Chelsea's next exciting academy star

As good as George has been this season, perhaps Jimmy-Jay Morgan will leapfrog him in the first team at some stage.

A centre-forward by trade, the youngster is currently out on loan with League 2 side Gillingham, who are towards the lower end of the table but surely safe from relegation.

It has not been the easiest time of things for Morgan on loan at the Southern outfit. Adapting to senior football for the first time can be a challenge, and he has two goals in 14 appearances for the club so far.

However, despite the lack of goals during his time with the Gills so far, he has some strong underlying numbers, as per Sofascore. For example, Morgan averages 2.3 shots and completes 1.1 dribbles per game.

19-year-old Morgan is clearly a talented forward, as he has shown as a Gillingham player. However, his numbers from his time playing for Chelsea’s U21 side further showcase just how dangerous he can be.

Overall, Morgan’s record for the most senior side of the Cobham academy is impressive. In 34 appearances so far, he has found the back of the net 16 times and has also managed to grab three assists.

George record for Chelsea U21s
Competition (season)	Games	Minutes	Goals	Assists
EFL Trophy (2023/24)	3	233	1	0
Premier League 2 (2023/24)	14	849	6	1
Premier League 2 playoffs (2023/24)	3	135	1	0
EFL Trophy (2024/25)	3	124	0	0
Premier League 2 (2024/25)	11	442	8	2
Stats from Transfermarkt

Football scout Antonio Mango described Morgan as a player who is “too good for his age”, while Gills boss Gareth Ainsworth has suggested he’s “going to be a hell of a player when he’s older”. Although the weight of goals isn’t necessarily there, his experience playing senior football will have surely taught him plenty.

George has shown there is still a pathway from Cobham into the first team at Stamford Bridge, and perhaps next season, with Nicolas Jackson underperforming and Christopher Nkunku likely on his way out, Morgan can be the man to break into the squad.

Chelsea have signed "future Ballon d'Or winner" who's going to stunt George

Tyrique George could find his first team minutes at Chelsea are halted by the emergence of this sensational forward.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 22, 2025

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.”

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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.

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.

Manchester United are enjoying a climactic end to the campaign and may already have made progress in pursuit of one high-profile summer target, according to Florian Plettenberg.

Manchester United put one foot in Europa League final

In what has been a strange campaign for the Red Devils, they have little to play for in the Premier League bar pride as their domestic season slowly peters out under Ruben Amorim. However, United appear nailed on to feature in the Europa League final later this month after a heroic 3-0 victory away to Athletic Club on Thursday evening.

Despite facing the wrath of a raucous home crowd, Casemiro’s header and a double from Bruno Fernandes kept the Red Devils’ hopes of securing a backdoor route to the Champions League alive, which is bound to be advantageous in soliciting summer transfer business.

Reports suggest that Real Madrid winger Rodrygo is a legitimate Manchester United target despite the fact it may cost upwards of £85 million to bring the Brazil international to Old Trafford.

Liam Delap and Matheus Cunha could join the Europa League semi-finalists from Ipswich Town and Wolverhampton Wanderers, respectively. Still, Viktor Gyokeres is another target firmly in the sights of Amorim.

Related Man Utd ahead of Barcelona in race to sign £4.2m sensation alongside Biyik

The club are doing some sensible long-term planning.

Posts ByHenry Jackson May 2, 2025

Truthfully, the outcome of Manchester United’s exploits in Europe will determine their scope of doing business. If they fail to claim silverware on the continent, there will be a scaled-back approach to dealings in light of the financial reality at the global giants.

Nevertheless, not every signing needs to cost millions, which is a philosophy Amorim seems to have taken into account after his side initiated talks with a defender who would strengthen their experienced backline.

Manchester United hold talks over move for Jonathan Tah

According to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Manchester United have held talks over a free transfer move for Jonathan Tah as his contract at Bayer Leverkusen nears expiration.

Discussions with his management have occurred, while Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid remain in pursuit of the 35-cap Germany international.

Enjoying a fine campaign at Bayer Leverkusen, the central defender has registered three goals and a solitary assist in 30 appearances across all competitions.

Dominant at the back, Tah has won 91 duels and made 146 recoveries on Bundesliga duty as his side look to secure a runners-up spot behind league leaders Bayern Munich.

Inexpensive deals that can provide high pedigree could be the way forward for Manchester United, who are still yet to determine whether they will have a sizeable amount to invest in their squad this summer.