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Leeds United may have to brace for the departure of a “fantastic” player, who now wants to leave the club this summer, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Leeds' summer rebuild well underway

Having been promoted from the Championship last season, Leeds have been busy assembling a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League, with centre-back duo Sebastian Bornauw and Jaka Bijol recently sealing moves to Elland Road.

Striker Lukas Nmecha has also secured a move to West Yorkshire, with Daniel Farke looking to bolster his options in attack, despite already having the 2024-25 Championship top scorer at his disposal in the form of Joel Piroe.

Lecce centre-forward Nikola Krstovic also remains of interest to the Championship title-winners, with it being revealed they are now pushing to get a deal over the line, which means one of Farke’s current striker options may need to make way.

"Done deal" as Leeds sell 6 foot 2 player who Farke called "great"

A “full agreement” has been reached.

1

By
Charlie Smith

Jul 3, 2025

In an interview with Leeds United News, Bailey has now revealed that Mateo Joseph could be on the move this summer, with the forward eager to seal an Elland Road exit and return to his home country of Spain, amid interest from La Liga side Real Betis.

The transfer expert said: “From what I’ve most recently been told, he does want to go back to Spain. But Leeds have got to be careful, in my opinion. You can’t just let Mateo Joseph go and do whatever and then be left short. That’s the consideration.

“But I think Joseph will end up back in Spain. Betis have sold a forward in Jesus Rodriguez to Como and that’ll be used to help pay for Joseph.

“From what I’m hearing, he could be accelerated into the first-team squad for Spain very quickly. And I think that’s probably in his consideration as well.”

Krstovic could be excellent replacement for Joseph

Piroe was Leeds’ main man in attack last season, scoring 19 goals in the Championship, but Joseph also featured regularly, picking up seven goal contributions in the second tier, and his departure could be a blow for Farke.

At just 21-years-old, the £13m-rated youngster still has a lot of room to develop, but he has already caught the eye of scout/writer Jacek Kulig, who described the forward as “fantastic” a little over a year ago.

That said, Krstovic could be a solid replacement for Joseph, given that the Montenegro international was regularly amongst the goals for Lecce last season, netting 12 times across 38 appearances in all competitions.

Having already proven himself in a major European league, the Lecce star could be an instant upgrade on Joseph, so if the starlet makes it clear that he wants to leave this summer, Leeds should not stand in his way.

Leeds United have a make-or-break summer transfer window ahead of them, with numerous key additions needed if they are to beat the drop in the Premier League.

Daniel Farke has conducted an excellent job in leading the side back to England’s top flight, but the real challenge starts now as he needs to keep the side in the division for more than one season.

No side in each of the last two years who achieved promotion have managed to maintain their top-flight status, but the Whites have already demonstrated they’re keen to break buck such a trend.

Jaka Bijol looks set to move to Elland Road after travelling to England for his medical, potentially joining Lukas Nmecha in arriving in Yorkshire ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

However, their business has shown no signs of showing down this summer, with Farke needing key investment from the hierarchy in his quest to achieve his goal.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions this summer

A striker has been one of Leeds’ main priorities for the off-season, that’s despite Joel Piroe ending last campaign as the Championship’s top scorer with 19 goals.

Beto, Evann Guessand and Fabio Silva have all been mentioned as potential options for the German, but it appears as though work is currently being conducted elsewhere.

Over the last couple of days, the hierarchy have been keeping an eye on a move to sign Dynamo Kyiv talisman Vladyslav Vanat, that’s according to LeedsUnited.News’ latest report.

They claim that the club’s scouts have been monitoring him at the U21 Euros this summer, with the forward scoring once in his three group games with Ukraine.

It also states that he also has a £17m release clause within his current contract, a deal which could prove to be a potential bargain after his record of 21 goals in 45 club appearances this season.

Why Leeds’ £17m target would be a better signing than Muniz

Alongside a deal for Vanat this summer, Leeds have been closely monitoring a move for Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz as Farke looks to further add depth to his frontline.

The Brazilian scored eight times in the Premier League last campaign, doing so in 31 outings, but only eight of which came from a starting position – showcasing his impressive nature in front of goal.

Such form has seen the Whites make a £32m bid including add-ons, but the offer was swiftly rejected, with Fulham seeing the 24-year-old as a key part of their first-team plans.

There’s no denying that the hierarchy are showing the ambition needed if the club are to stay up next season, but ultimately, Muniz isn’t worth the price tag touted – leading to other options being considered as a result.

After the rejection, it appears as though Vanat is now one of their main targets for the striker position, with the Ukrainian providing a better and cheaper option than the Brazilian.

The 23-year-old, who’s been labelled “clinical” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has massively outscored the Cottagers talisman, backing up the comment made about his ability in the final third.

He’s also achieved a better conversion rate in front of goal, taking chances that fall his way with both hands, something that will be pivotal if they are to beat the drop.

Vanat’s all-round play is just as impressive, registering more assists and completing more dribbles per 90, handing Farke an extremely impressive talent should they land his signature.

It remains to be seen if the player himself is keen on a move to Elland Road this window, but given the levels he’s produced, the club must take a risk and trigger his current clause.

Muniz has shown he can deliver in England’s top flight, but his subsequent price tag is nothing short of absurd, which could see Leeds land themselves a hugely promising star in the form of Vanat.

He could be Raphinha 2.0: Leeds eyeing "one of the best CMs in the world"

Leeds United are interested in a deal to land a world-class midfielder.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jun 19, 2025

Since taking the job at Arsenal, Mikel Arteta has generally gotten it right when it comes to the transfer market.

For example, while he’s overseen the arrival of his fair share of duds like Willian, Raheem Sterling and Nuno Tavares, he’s also helped sign some special talents like Declan Rice, Gabriel Magahele, David Raya and Jurrien Timber.

However, there is one player who divides opinion perhaps more than any other: Kai Havertz.

To some, the German is an underrated lynchpin without which the attack falters, while others view him as an overpriced makeshift forward who can’t be trusted to finish his chances in the moments that matter.

Yet, it might not matter which side of the aisle you find yourself on next season, as recent reports have heavily linked the club with someone who’d likely be a massive upgrade.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s lacklustre form in front of goal this season, it’s hardly been a surprise to see the club linked with a host of talented strikers in recent weeks, from the well-known Benjamin Sesko to the more under-the-radar Nick Woltemade.

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 has been heavily linked with a £67m move to the Emirates for some time now, and while that is a hefty outlay, there is a lot to like about the 6 foot 5 speedster, like his tally of 27 goal involvements in 45 games this season.

Woltemade, on the other hand, would only cost the club £42m this summer, and while he produced just 20 goal involvements this year, he did so in just 33 games across all competitions.

Yet, while both players would likely help the Gunners’ frontline next season, they both feel like players for the coming years, not someone who’d be an instant and sizable upgrade like Viktor Gyokeres.

Yes, according to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, Arsenal are still very much in the race for the Sporting CP star.

Bailey revealed that not only are the Gunners still interested in the Swedish international, but they also held direct talks with his camp on Wednesday.

A price is not mentioned in the story, but other reports from this week have claimed that the former Coventry City striker could be available for around £67m.

While that is undoubtedly a lot of money, this is a deal Arsenal should be going all out to complete, as Gyokeres would be a monumental upgrade on Havertz.

How Gyokeres compares to Havertz

So, if Arsenal are able to get Gyokeres this summer and, in turn, spend the sort of money it reportedly cost to do so, then it seems incredibly unlikely that he’d be coming in to sit on the bench.

Therefore, the Sporting star would be in competition with Havertz for a starting berth in the team, and based on how they stack up against one another, we think it’s a competition he’d win with ease.

For example, in 52 appearances this season, totalling 4248 minutes, the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored a simply sensational 54 goals and provided 13 assists, which works out to an average of 1.28 goal involvements every game, or every 63.40 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ number 29 scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances, totalling 2809 minutes, which comes out to a decent but far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 140.45 minutes.

Unfortunately for the former Chelsea ace, the comparison is just as one-sided when we take a look under the hood at their respective underlying numbers.

For example, the 27-year-old comes out way ahead in the vast majority of relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Havertz is a great player and someone who’ll be an incredibly useful asset to the squad next season, but from every angle, it’s clear that Gyokeres is the vastly superior goalscoring number nine.

Therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

A hybrid between Gabriel & Saliba: Arsenal join the race to sign £68m star

Arsenal could sign a defender who’s like Gabriel and William Saliba.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 12, 2025

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.

The last time a Manchester United player scored 20 Premier League goals in a single season was Robin van Persie back in 2012/13, with the Red Devils having long waited to find a prolific presence again to lead the line.

While not a centre-forward by trade, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo could well be the man to end that search, with the Cameroon international reportedly deciding to join Ruben Amorim’s ranks this summer, fresh off the back of netting 20 league goals for the Bees.

That remarkable individual campaign isn’t exactly a breakthrough one for the 25-year-old, however, with his talent having been evident ever since he arrived in west London back in 2019. Indeed, a return of 121 goals and assists in 242 games in all competitions says it all.

Perhaps more importantly, the £60m-rated star has provided 70 goal involvements in 136 top-flight games to date, including the fourth goal as Thomas Frank’s men ravaged United at the Gtech in August 2022.

The speed and power with which the winger tore away from Luke Shaw on the counter, before slotting home, was truly breathtaking, with Amorim in desperate need of more of the same should that deal be wrapped up as expected.

With Matheus Cunha on one side and Mbeumo on the other, United could be a force to be reckoned with once again. How about throwing a new striker into the mix too?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a striker

“The most unlucky number nine Manchester United have ever had”. Those were the words directed toward Rasmus Hojlund by TNT’s Darren Fletcher during United’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa, with the struggling Dane seeing a header ruled out for offside as he once again fired a blank.

A measly return of four league goals in 2024/25 has ensured the 22-year-old could well be nudged toward the exit door this summer, with the former Atalanta man perhaps in line for a return to Serie A, amid interest from Champions League finalists, Inter.

With one number nine potentially departing, another could well be set to replace him, with Football Insider claiming that INEOS are accelerating their pursuit of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, with Amorim believed to be keen on a reunion with his former talisman.

Transfer Focus

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

The report suggests that the 26-year-old is the “dream” centre-forward target, following United’s failure to convince Liam Delap to make a move, with Amorim having signed the Swede from Coventry City in 2023.

As the piece does outline, however, the stumbling block is likely to be the financial package required to be able to sign the 6 foot 2 marksman, not least if his reported £83m release clause is accurate.

That said, reports elsewhere have claimed that he could depart the Lisbon side for a much more reasonable fee of £59m, with that surely worth the outlay for a player who has been in red-hot form of late.

Why Man Utd need to fork out for Gyokeres

Managing to land a player like Mbeumo – considering his Premier League-proven quality – would no doubt represent a real coup, with analyst Ben Mattinson lauding the former Troyes star as “one of the most deadly players on transition” in the top-flight.

Just as exciting, however, would be the prospect of signing the “hottest striker in Europe”, as hailed by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, with Gyokeres having set the world alight following his prolific form in Portugal.

Formerly the scourge of Championship defences, after scoring 46 goals in 117 games for Coventry, the in-demand star has gone to a whole new level at Sporting, having registered 97 goals in just 102 games over the last two years.

It is that rampant form which has led outspoken pundit Rafael van der Vaart to hail Gyokeres as perhaps a “better version of [Erling] Haaland”, with his fellow Scandinavian memorably scoring 86 goals in 89 games for Borussia Dortmund, before joining Manchester City in 2022.

Both men did shine during the inaugural league phase of the Champions League last season, with Gyokeres netting six times in eight appearances, while Haaland scored eight goals in nine games for Pep Guardiola’s side.

The Norwegian machine may have outscored the Sporting sensation, although – as Van der Vaart alluded to – it was Gyokeres who showcased more to his game, as evidenced with regard to his superior record in progressive carries, pass completion and shot-creating actions.

The scorer of 39 league goals to boot – ahead of Haaland’s return of 22 Premier League goals – the one-time Brighton man appears to be the prolific presence that United are crying out for, with the club only netting 44 times as a whole in England’s top-flight last time out.

Partnering two players who have been there and done it in the Premier League – in the form of Cunha and Mbeumo – with a figure who just can’t stop scoring right now could prove the perfect combination, with United still longing for the days of Carlos Tevez, Cristiano Ronaldo and Wayne Rooney leading the line.

Of course, these three potential summer arrivals would have to go some way to match the levels of those 2008 Champions League heroes, although it’s hard to think of a more exciting triumvirate since.

The new Cavani: Man Utd in talks to sign "outrageous" £50m Mbeumo partner

Manchester United could land a player who could star at Old Trafford alongside Bryan Mbeumo.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 3, 2025

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.