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Looking to get contracts done far earlier these days, Liverpool are now reportedly planning talks with two of Arne Slot’s key players in the coming months.

Liverpool confirm Leoni injury blow

It was meant to be a dream come true for Giovanni Leoni when he stepped out at Anfield for the first time on Tuesday evening. And for 80 minutes it was exactly that. The Italian, at just 18 years old, looked as composed as a veteran centre-back and showed off exactly why the Reds were so keen to secure his arrival from Parma in the summer.

A dream start quickly turned into a nightmare in the 81st minute, however, when Leoni suffered a knee injury that is likely to end his campaign before it’s truly got started.

Liverpool confirmed the news and the defender, himself, took to social media to say: “I want to sincerely thank every single who has shown me support in this difficult moment. It wasn’t the debut I had always dreamed of but I will give everything to be back playing in this magical stadium as soon as possible. Thank you so much.”

England star wanted by Real Madrid tempted by Liverpool and Man Utd interest

The Reds could finally get one over on the Spanish giants.

By
Tom Cunningham

Sep 25, 2025

For the teenager, it’s an undeniable blow. For Liverpool, it’s a problem that they must now solve. Without Leoni, the Reds have just three senior centre-backs available, with one of those being the injury-prone Joe Gomez. Suddenly, Slot is just two injuries away from turning towards an auxiliary defender.

That said, one of the options that could play there if the emergency situation occurs is reportedly about to enter contract talks and keeping hold of him is now more important than ever.

Liverpool planning Jones & Gravenberch contract talks

As reported by The Boot Room’s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are now planning contract talks with Ryan Gravenberch and Curtis Jones.

Gravenberch, now one of the most important players at Anfield, is set to be rewarded for his new role well before his current deal runs out in 2028. Jones, meanwhile, has until 2027 and is arguably due a pay rise up from his current £19,000-a-week salary.

Bailey told TBR: “When it comes to Liverpool contracts, I think Curtis Jones will be sorted pretty soon. Ryan Gravenberch will be the next cab off the rank after that. They know they’ve got a potential world-class player on their hands.

“Previously, they’d been linked with the likes of Caicedo and others, but in Gravenberch, they believe they’ve got someone who, for his age, can hold a candle to anyone in world football. He’ll be dealt with very soon, too.”

It’s deals that both have certainly earned as Premier League champions and that is likely to be reflected in any potential wage increase in the near future.

Hold the back page! Hold the front page! While you’re at it, hold all the pages in the middle as well!

Rangers football club have won a match!

On Saturday night, against a backdrop of widespread anti-Russell Martin protests, the Gers beat Hibernian 2-0 at Ibrox in the League Cup quarter-finals.

When Martin Boyle seemingly broke the deadlock for Hibs, the mood turned mutinous but, thankfully for Martin, referee Nick Walsh disallowed the goal for handball.

Then, very much against the run of play, Rangers scored twice on the cusp of half time, with Nicolas Raskin breaking the deadlock, heading home James Tavernier’s inch-perfect corner.

Soon after, in injury time, Raskin was the architect, playing the ball in-behind for Mikey Moore, who squared it to Bojan Miovski to score his first goal in Rangers blue.

So, finally something for Martin to build on ahead of Thursday night’s Europa League opener against Genk in Govan, but which members of his squad have made themselves undroppable?

Nicolas Raskin's return

Raskin was back in the Rangers lineup on Saturday and, as literally every onlooker could’ve predicted, he made the team so much better!

Before this, following a falling out with under-fire manager Martin, the Belgian was left on the bench for Champions League qualifiers against Viktoria Plzeň and Club Brugge, before not even being included in the matchday squad for the Gers’ last two matches, the drab goalless draw with Celtic and then the miserable 2-0 defeat at the hands of Hearts.

Following the latter, presenter Darrell Currie was perplexed as to how Martin thinks it could possibly be a good idea to leave his “best player in the stand”.

Last season, Raskin was named Rangers’ Players’ Player of the Year and Fans’ Player of the Year, underlining that he was unquestionably their stand-out performer.

Earlier this month, the 24-year-old started and scored for Belgium in a World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan at Stade Constant Vanden Stock, alongside Youri Tielemans and Kevin De Bruyne, who aren’t bad are they, suggesting he is pretty decent?

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Thus, going forward, Martin has to set aside his differences and build the team around his talisman, but has someone else made themselves equally as undroppable as Raskin?

Rangers' new star attacker

As already mentioned, Miovski bagged his first goal for Rangers during Saturday evening’s victory, and it’ll likely be the first of many.

During his time at Aberdeen, the North Macedonian international scored four times against Rangers, but could have more than that for the club in just a few weeks’ time.

In total, he netted on 44 occasions for the Dons, so how does that compare to recent Rangers strikers?

As the table outlines, in recent years, Dessers and Morelos are the only Rangers strikers regularly reaching 20 or more goals in a season, with the Colombian, by some distance, the club’s best centre-forward of the recent era.

Well, Miovski has shown that he is capable of reaching those heights himself.

His tally of 26 goals in the 2023/24 season for Aberdeen, thereby earning his £6.8m move to Girona, is made all the more impressive by the fact that the Dons actually finished down in the bottom of the Premiership table, with four of these goals coming in Europe too, on target against BK Häcken, HJK and PAOK.

In, what should be, a more dominant team, Miovski will be capable of scoring even more goals, hoping this weekend simply opens the floodgates.

Upon his arrival, Martin praised the striker’s “movement, intelligence, and ability to score goals”, so could he be the man to keep his boss in situ?

Thus, ahead of the Thursday night European tie with Genk, the North Macedonian is simply undroppable, clearly the Gers’ best striker option, with Danilo having done very little since arriving from Feyenoord, while the jury is still out on new signing Youssef Chermiti, considering he hasn’t scored a senior goal for anyone since May 2023.

Ferguson thinks he knows Rangers stars who are an Ibrox problem for Martin

This weekend feels huge for the manager.

By
Henry Jackson

Sep 20, 2025

Coventry boss Frank Lampard slammed Portsmouth manager John Mousinho for his behaviour after overseeing a 2-1 victory at Fratton Park on Tuesday. The win continues Coventry's unbeaten start to the Championship campaign and, while Lampard was thrilled with the three points, he was not impressed with his counterpart after clashing with Mousinho on the touchline during the match.

• Managers clash in touchline row

  The two managers were spotted exchanging words and having to be separated in a heated touchline row during Coventry's victory over Portsmouth. Mousinho was unhappy at the failure to award a penalty for his side with the score still at 0-0 after Jay Dasilva appeared to block Yang Min-hyeok's cross with his arm. However, referee Gavin Ward did not point to the spot and the game continued. Coventry then went on to win thanks to two goals from Brandon Thomas-Asante, while Makenzie Kirk pulled one back deep into stoppage for the hosts. The penalty call sparked a confrontation between Lampard and Mousinho, which lasted for several minutes and did not go down well with the Coventry boss.

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  Lampard slams Mousinho for behaviour

  Lampard shared his take on the incident after the game, telling reporters: "I haven't seen it again. I didn't think it was one at the time. I think it is a stadium where the crowd can put pressure on the referee and I don't think added pressure on the fourth official was necessary."

  Mousinho also offered up an explanation and said he had no problem with Lampard: It looks a clear penalty to me. The ball strikes his arm way outside of the body. I spoke to the referee and he wasn't looking at the incident – he was looking at the box – but I still expect someone from the officiating team to pick it up. I was trying to speak to the fourth official about it but I couldn't do it. But there is no needle with Lampard. I just spoke to him there and my main problem is with the officiating team for not dealing with it differently. It is a disappointing result, but I think it was a fair result overall. We got ourselves back into the game too little, too late."

• Coventry flying high in the Championship

  Lampard may not have been happy with Mousinho, but was thrilled to see his side pick up a fifth straight win in the Championship. The Sky Blues now lead the way and sit four points clear of Middlesbrough, although Rob Edwards' side do have a game in hand. Thomas-Asante scored both goals for Coventry, to take his tally to eight for the season, but Lampard warned his side after the match they can't afford to relax despite their great start to the new campaign.

  "I thought we played well. To come here and look as powerful and dangerous in front of goal, and we could have scored one or two more, was good," he said. "People will get excited, and that ramps up when you win games but our job is to stay on it and stay diligent. We are happy with the start to the season with the performances and results, but we know what this league does if you relax."

  There was also praise for Thomas-Asante after his brace, as Lampard added: "From day one of pre-season, he has been amazing. He's been fit, hungry and fresh. For us as staff to have someone who moves from left side to right side to number 10 to number nine, gives us everything. Then you add his talent and his confidence at the moment and he deserves a lot of credit. All he needs to do now is stay humble and keep doing it. We need the talent he is showing at the moment to continue."

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  Lampard rebuilding reputation at Coventry

  Lampard is currently rebuilding his managerial reputation at Coventry. The Sky Blues were 17th, and just two points above the drop zone, when he took over, but are now flying high in the Championship and look set to challenge for promotion to the Premier League. There is still a long way to go, of course, but Coventry's next three fixtures are against teams in the bottom half of the table, meaning Lampard will be confident his team can maintain their current hot streak.

Morgan Rogers was delighted to make the most of his opportunity to impress for England against Wales, with the Aston Villa playmaker aware that "people will take your role" if the demands of head coach Thomas Tuchel are not met. Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham is among those to have missed out on a place in the latest Three Lions squad, with competition for places now fierce across all areas of the field.

• First England goal: Rogers takes his chance

  Tuchel has made it clear, in an ongoing countdown to the 2026 World Cup, that nobody can take places in his plans for granted. That includes ‘Galactico’ Bellingham and Chelsea talisman Cole Palmer – another of those to miss out this time around through injury. The absence of certain individuals is giving others a chance to stake their claim for a regular role.

  Rogers was handed a starting berth against Wales at Wembley and opened his senior international goal account inside three minutes of a friendly contest that was always going to have an edge as two geographical neighbours locked horns. He also hit the crossbar in the second half before being substituted to a standing ovation.

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  Competition for places: Bellingham & Palmer missing

  Rogers told afterwards when asked where a goal for England ranks in his career: "Right at the top. It's a proud moment to do it at home too in a home nation derby. A dream come true. The quality of players we have with people here and not here, you can never be too comfortable, or else people will take your role."

  He went on to tell : "Not a bad night for sure. It's a different team but it's the same idea. It's the same mindset. It's the same thought and the same way we want to play. The players that come in, the players that don't come in, we all know what we are doing and we are feeding off each other and it's a lovely place to be. It's a lovely environment and it's very nice to play for this team."

• Tuchel impressed: Rogers takes his opportunity

  Rogers endured a tough start to the 2025-26 campaign, being jeered by his own supporters at one stage, but opened his goal contribution account when assisting Emiliano Buendia in a 3-1 victory over Fulham and has since teed up Donyell Malen for an effort against Burnley.

  He completed 19 of his 24 passes against Wales, creating two chances alongside his goal, with Tuchel – who pointed out ahead of the game that he is "building a team" and "not collecting the most talented players" – left suitably impressed. England’s German tactician said: "Morgan is what he is. He is a number 10 and he is competing for his place. He is in a good way. We are ready for any team effort. Serbia was the next example of teamwork. We created a lot of chances. We could use Harry Kane all the time, but we need to play without Harry and Jude – the guys are injured."

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  Selection headache: Nice problem for England

  Tuchel now faces a welcome selection headache, with former England defender Stephen Warnock telling of seeing the likes of Bellingham, Palmer, Reece James, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden miss out: "Tuchel has been vindicated. The players named could start a match for England, but he has got big decisions to make.

  "His job isn't to make players happy. His job is to come in and win a World Cup for England. That is the difficult job he has got to do. The difficult part is you're going to upset people. You're going to get people in the press asking about your decisions. So far, the big decisions he has made have paid off, and it is looking in really good shape for England so far."

  Warnock added: "At the moment it looks fantastic and they might be able to continue that against the best teams in the world. There will come a point when you need a Jude Bellingham, a Cole Palmer, to perhaps have an influence on the game. The great thing is, we've got the players."

  England will be back in action on Tuesday when travelling to Latvia for their latest World Cup qualifier. If results go their way, that contest could see tickets booked to next summer’s finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Arsenal’s transfer plans continue to evolve with the first mini-transfer window now open for business, and sporting director Andrea Berta has a limited opportunity to register new players before deadline day on June 10.

Andrea Berta in "numerous talks" over signing new winger for Arsenal

The Italian’s arrival has been greeted with much anticipation, and it hasn’t taken long for Berta to commence laying the groundwork on key potential Arsenal signings.

"True" – Fabrizio Romano backs reports as Arsenal target £126m striker

The north Londoners are in fact interested.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 29, 2025

One of his first acts as director was to make contact with Nico Williams’ representatives (The Guardian), and reports ever since claim that a new winger is high on Arsenal’s transfer to-do list after they missed out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by 10 points.

Bukayo Saka’s hamstring injury midway through the season crippled Arsenal’s attacking output. Meanwhile, uncertainty surrounds the long-term futures of both Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal will entertain suitable bids for Martinelli, according to The Athletic, and Trossard is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the Emirates. The north Londoners, as per Sky Germany correspondent Florian Plettenberg, are holding “numerous talks” about wide options.

Since that update from Plettenberg, Arsenal talks for Rodrygo have stalled due to wage demands, and Brighton star Kaoru Mitoma has found his way on to Berta’s shortlist.

Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane has also been offered to Arsenal as his contract in Bavaria ticks down towards expiry, according to Sky Sports in England, so there are many names in Berta’s orbit, and it is highly likely the 53-year-old will bring at least one winger to N5.

Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz emerging as prime Arsenal target

Now, according to website Turkish-Football, another player is now under serious consideration from Berta and co – Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz.

The 20-year-old can play on either flank and even as a second striker, with his versatility appealing to Arteta’s “tactical vision”. Juve view the 19-cap Turkey international as a key star for the future, off the back of a solid campaign for the youngster personally.

Yildiz weighed in with 16 goal contributions (nine goals and seven assists) in 48 total appearances across 2024/2025, and he even finished the season as Juve’s highest-performing regular by average match rating per 90, according to WhoScored.

His star player status has prompted the Old Lady to value him at up to £86 million, as per this report, but that hasn’t stopped Yildiz emerging as a “prime” transfer target for Arsenal as Berta continues his search for forwards.

The former Bayern Munich academy gem appears set to have a bright future, and if Arsenal are willing to invest significantly, it could be in the Premier League.

It’s been a tough campaign to take for Arsenal fans this year.

Instead of going on to lift the Premier League title for the third time of asking, Mikel Arteta’s side are set to finish in a distant second place while also failing to pick up any silverware in the cup competitions.

Now, injuries have undoubtedly played a part in the North Londoners’ lacklustre season, but it has to be said that much of the Gunners’ attack has seriously underwhelmed, including Gabriel Martinelli.

Unfortunately for the Brazilian, the board might be running out of patience with him, as recent reports have linked the club with someone who’d be a massive upgrade.

Arsenal's winger search

Before getting to the superstar in question, it’s worth going over some of the other wide players who have been touted for moves to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Daizen Maeda and Leroy Sané.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could be a real bargain this summer, as in 50 appearances for Celtic this year, he has scored 33 goals and provided 12 assists, and could be available for just £25m.

On the other hand, Sane wouldn’t cost a penny, as his contract expires at the end of the season, and with a pretty impressive haul of 13 goals and six assists in 45 games for Bayern Munich, he’d certainly improve the North Londoners’ attack.

However, to ensure they get a significant upgrade on Martinelli this summer, Arteta and Co might want to sign a genuine superstar near the top of his game, someone like Rodrygo.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are incredibly interested in signing the Real Madrid winger.

More good news: The report claims that an exit for the Brazilian is a very real possibility and that, as things stand, the Gunners are leading the race for his signature.

The story does not mention a potential price, but reports from earlier this week claimed that an offer of around £85m could be enough to get the deal done.

While that is a lot of money, it’s a transfer Arsenal should be looking to complete, especially as he’d be a massive upgrade on Martinelli.

How Rodrygo compares to Martinelli

So, while Rodrygo has spent much of his time at Real off the right, he is a natural left-winger, and as Bukayo Saka has the right nailed down, it’s almost certain that the Brazilan would play on the opposite flank were he to make a move to the Emirates.

Therefore, one of his primary competitors for game time next season and beyond would be Martinelli, so how do the pair compare to one another?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it is the two-time Champions League winner who comes out ahead, as in 50 appearances, totalling 3290 minutes, he has scored 13 goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games, or every 143.04 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 11 has scored ten goals and provided six assists in as many games, totalling 3493 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.12 games or every 218.31 minutes.

Unfortunately, the one-sided nature of this comparison only continues when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Here, the “terrifyingly good” Real ace, as dubbed by journalist Sam Tighe, comes out ahead in almost all relevant metrics, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, passing accuracy, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Rodrygo is a far superior winger to Martinelli in practically every measurable way, so while the latter could still be a valuable squad player next season, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign the former this summer.

He's like Isak: Arsenal plan talks to sign £105m Gyokeres alternative

The free-scoring forward would be perfect for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 22, 2025

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is personally pushing to bring a Brazil international to the Etihad this summer, according to a new transfer claim.

A big summer ahead at Man City

By their incredible standards, City have been a big disappointment this season, not coming close to defending their Premier League title, as well as failing to reach the Champions League knockout rounds.

This summer is a massive one for the club, with Kevin De Bruyne among those moving on and some elite signings needed, in order to be favourites for the title in 2025/26. Plenty of top-quality players are being linked with switches to the Etihad, ahead of what could be a prolific window.

Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo has been backed to come in as a huge statement signing for City, with the Brazilian potentially eyeing a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. That remains to be seen, but he could be a sensational signing for Guardiola, standing out as one of the best attacking players in Europe.

The Citizens are also rumoured to have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who is one of the most exciting strikers around. The 22-year-old has scored 15 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances this season.

Guardiola wants Man City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley

According to the Flamengo YouTube channel Paparazzo Rubo-Negro [via Sport Witness], Guardiola is pushing for Manchester City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca ahead of next season. The 21-year-old has been scouted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe and City are planning to make a move for him, seeing him as the long-term replacement for club legend Kyle Walker.

Wesley could be a brilliant option for City, solving their right-back issue for many years to come and arriving as a young player with a huge amount of promise.

The Flamengo ace is a two-cap Brazil international, and will hope to be a part of their squad at the 2026 World Cup, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as an “interesting” defender.

Admittedly, Wesley has never tested himself in Europe, so he may take some time to adjust to the pace and power of the Premier League, but his age means that there is no rush in throwing him straight into the team from the off next season.

As many touches as Haaland: 6/10 star proved why Man City need Gibbs-White

Man City struggled to a 0-0 draw against Southampton

By
Ross Kilvington

May 10, 2025

The fact that Guardiola himself is reportedly so keen on getting a deal over the line for the right-back is telling, highlighting what an impressive footballer he is – he has even been compared to Dani Alves – and he has the pace and Brazilian flair to be a big asset for City.

Liverpool have won the Premier League less than one year after Jurgen Klopp bowed out, almost nine years of leadership, leading the larger-than-life German to intimate his decision to call it a day.

He built Anfield back up from the disrepair it had slumped into. Klopp’s Liverpool wasn’t built in a day but it will stand strong for many years to come, with Arne Slot proving that by taking the blueprint and winning the Premier League in his first season at the helm.

The Dutch tactician is a genius, but he’s dovetailed into Klopp’s hothouse and has taken this special team to another level, Liverpool now crowned top-flight champions for a record-equalling 20th time, perching alongside Manchester United.

One of Klopp’s final and most significant hurrahs was the success in repackaging a flagging midfield and turning it back into a robust machine.

They’ve all played important roles, but who can say that Alexis Mac Allister hasn’t been the pick of the bunch? He was the centrepiece as Tottenham Hotspur were defeated on Sunday evening, for sure.

Alexis Mac Allister's performance vs Spurs

Dominic Solanke powered a header past Alisson after just 12 minutes, silencing Anfield’s raucous atmosphere and threatening to spoil the party.

But Liverpool returned like a tidal wave, scoring three goals before the break and two more after the hour mark. Mac Allister’s was the pick of the bunch, thundering home to restore his team’s lead after Luis Diaz had restored parity eight minutes earlier.

The Argentine put in a performance for the ages, underscored his trophy-winning credentials and status as one of the finest midfielders in the world.

Blending combativeness with a cultured foot, Spurs simply didn’t have the answer and were overwhelmed in the centre, something which proved fatal as Mohamed Salah and co were then able to swarm and pick at the shaky backline.

The former Brighton man has earned his flowers, no doubt about that. However, he wasn’t the only one to produce the goods when Liverpool needed it, with Cody Gakpo’s display confirming, were it not known already, that he is undroppable over on the left flank.

Cody Gakpo is now undroppable after title win

Gakpo has been frustrated by injury over the past few months, but he’s come on leaps and bounds under the wing of Slot this season and effectively sealed the title-winning victory over Tottenham when making it 3-1 before half-time.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

BBC Sport’s Pat Nevin hailed Gakpo for his “twinkle toes,” collecting from the corner and moving into a pocket with fleet feet, capitalising on some shoddy defending before unleashing a pinpoint finish to Guglielmo Vicario’s right.

The 25-year-old’s cool finish was emblematic of his campaign, an icy figure down the left flank whose goalscoring knack and industrious approach to his football suggests he has nailed down the berth and should not be moved.

There’s a case to be made that Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez should both be sold this summer, with Diaz working so seamlessly as a roving focal frontman.

It allows Salah to maximise his output and it has paid dividends for Gakpo, whose positional readjustment this season, almost exclusively playing off the left, having been dotted all about last year, has seen him clinch 17 goals and six assists in all competitions this season.

The Dutchman isn’t just a poacher either. His goals come in various forms, and he gets stuck in defensively too, having won six of his eight duels against Tottenham while chipping in with two tackles and two interceptions apiece, as per Sofascore. As a result, he was awarded with an 8/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo.

Plenty has been made of Liverpool’s projected transfer plans, and while fans would like a new wideman to enrich these formidable ranks, Gakpo, a Premier League champion, has proved that he’s a fixed feature in Slot’s starting line-up.

Klopp sold Liverpool ace for just £9.5m, now he's outperforming Isak

He was once a clutch presence in Jurgen Klopp’s title-winning Liverpool outfit.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 24, 2025

Ipswich Town have agreed a deal to sign a new teenage midfielder ahead of Premier League side AFC Bournemouth.

Ipswich set for relegation as Tractor Boys prepare for summer

Kieran McKenna’s side could officially be relegated from the top flight this weekend as they travel to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. Meanwhile, 17th place West Ham travel to Brighton & Hove Albion.

Anything but five straight wins for Ipswich, coupled with five straight defeats for West Ham and a 20-goal swing in goal difference will relegated the Tractor Boys.

When asked about the lessons he’s learned in the Premier League, McKenna recently said: “There’s a whole list of things. But there’s plenty of time for that in the summer, the season is still strong.

“Of course, we’ve been reflecting and having discussions as we’ve gone along. Most of those reflections will stay in-house, to be honest, because I think it’s the right way, but I think it’s fair to say that most of them are regarding the unique challenge that we came into this year.

“They are not necessarily the finer details of football, they are more about the scale and the challenge of bringing up a football club so quickly from where it was to compete in the best league in the world – in this, a very, very difficult season in that league.

“As a football club, from the manager to every staff member to the board here, we will all have learned an awful lot about that scenario. I still have a lot of pride and belief in how we’ve tried to tackle that challenge.”

Ipswich now pursue new deal for £27,500-a-week star amid Burnley interest

Burnley and Leeds are once again going head-to-head but this time off the pitch.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 24, 2025

Heading into the summer and a likely Championship campaign, Ipswich could lose a number of star players, including striker Liam Delap who will have his release clause lowered to £30m after relegation.

In regards to incomings, Ipswich have been linked with a plethora of players, some of which have been teenagers. Sheffield United forward Ryan One has been identified as a potential replacement for Delap, whereas 17-year-old defender Corbin Mthunzi, formerly of Brighton, has penned professional terms after a successful trial.

Now, another teenager has followed Mthunzi in signing at Portman Road.

Ipswich sign young midfielder on three-year contract

As relayed by TWTD, it has been announced by agency Dominance Sports Group that 17-year-old midfielder Charlie Wood will sign for Ipswich Town on July 1st after a three-year deal was agreed.

Taking to Instagram, Dominance Sports Group: “Charlie Wood has completed his transfer to Premier League side Ipswich Town from National League North side Needham Market, signing a three-year professional contract. Subject to FA & League approval on 1st July 2025.”

Wood is almost 6 foot tall and is a central midfielder who has also been on an extended trial with Bournemouth this season. It was his displays with the Cherries that caught the eye of Ipswich, who have now made their move for his services.

Previously of Needham Market, Wood has played first-team football in non-league and his next challenge will be to break into the first-team picture with the Tractor Boys with a deal until 2028.

A “skilful” Leeds United player’s time at Elland Road could come to an end this summer, with “interested parties” emerging to snap him up.

Farke future in doubt ahead of busy summer at Leeds

The Whites are still basking in the glory of sealing promotion from the Championship to the Premier League earlier this week after their 6-0 win at home to Stoke City, followed by Burnley beating Sheffield United at Turf Moor.

It’s now a case of trying to be crowned champions ahead of the Clarets in the final two matches of the season, amid ongoing doubts over Daniel Farke’s future, despite the excellent job he is doing. In fact, Sean Dyche has already emerged as a possible replacement, should the German be relieved of his duties.

In terms of potential summer signings for Leeds, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has been linked with a move to the club, with the Czech reportedly open to the idea of sealing a switch to Elland Road.

The Whites are also said to be keen on signing Ipswich Town striker George Hirst, who has struggled for playing time in the Premier League this season, starting only three matches in the competition. For that reason, a fresh challenge may appeal, especially as the Tractor Boys are almost certainly heading back to the Championship.

"Skilful" Leeds player wanted by "interested parties"

According to Blick [via Sport Witness], Isaac Schmidt could leave Leeds at the end of the season, potentially not being seen as an important player upon the Whites’ return to the Premier League. The need to strengthen will make it hard for him to earn regular minutes and there are claimed to be “numerous interested parties” in the 25-year-old.

This summer does feel like the right time for Leeds and Schmidt to part ways, even though the two-cap Switzerland international did feature in the aforementioned thumping of Stoke, playing for 13 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

He hasn’t started once in the Championship all season, instead coming on 12 times and playing just 71 minutes in total in the competition, so it’s hard to see his situation changing when the Whites are playing at an even higher level next season.

Schmidt’s move to Leeds simply hasn’t worked out to date, having arrived from St. Gallen later year, even though Siwzrterland manager Murat Yakin has spoken positively about him, saying: “I really liked Isaac! He was skillful, he won all his duels and he was good offensively.”

For Leeds, it’s now a case of the Whites nailing their summer transfer business, hopefully aided by plenty of funds being made available by 49ers Enterprises.

Leeds could axe Farke by hiring "the most underrated manager in the PL"

Leeds United could be set to make a huge decision over the future of Daniel Farke this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 24, 2025

A big decision needs to be made regarding Farke’s future, too, either retaining his services or hiring a replacement who has enough time to bring in the right players.