Nottingham Forest are actively aiming to bolster their squad this window and their pursuit of a talented star has now taken a fresh turn, according to Pete O’Rourke.

Nottingham Forest seek Morgan Gibbs-White clarity

Anthony Elanga’s departure to Newcastle United and the current deadlock surrounding Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White’s future in the Midlands had led to an increased appetite from supporters to see incomings at the City Ground.

Reports indicate that the Tricky Trees are exploring a move to bring Douglas Luiz back to the Premier League after a disappointing season at Juventus for the Brazil international.

Meanwhile, Manchester City midfielder James McAtee is another Nottingham Forest target, even if Everton, West Ham United and Fulham have also submitted enquiries regarding his availability.

Trying their best to control the situation, Gibbs-White is set to be offered a bumper new contract amid Tottenham Hotspur’s attempts to lure him to North London, which has led to the threat of legal action from his current employers over the way Thomas Frank’s men have approached a potential transfer.

Adding his own thoughts to the saga, BBC Radio Nottingham’s Colin Fray doesn’t think Nottingham Forest are in a rush to find out an outcome: “It’s going to be interesting to see how it plays out from here. Most thought it would be ironed out and the transfer go through.

Nottingham Forest’s first five fixtures in the Premier League

Brentford (H)

City Ground

Crystal Palace (A)

Selhurst Park

West Ham United (H)

City Ground

Arsenal (A)

Emirates Stadium

Burnley (A)

Turf Moor

“Not many were expecting him back at training and here he is. That is another twist in the story. Forest have set their stall out that they aren’t looking for a quick resolution. They want to keep him.”

With that all yet to be settled, Nottingham Forest could now have received a pivotal update in the hunt for a replacement if Gibbs-White does leave the club.

Nottingham Forest learn Jacob Ramsey price tag

According to sources from Football Insider senior correspondent O’Rourke, Nottingham Forest know £50 million would be enough to sign Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey, and the Reds are in a position both stump up that cash and tempt the attacker with European football.

Adding some context earlier in the month, he stated: “I think Forest would be able to get to the £40-50million mark. That would be enough to convince Villa to sell him. Obviously, having European football next year at the City Ground might just give them the edge over other Premier League clubs interested in Ramsey as well.”

Related Nottingham Forest in talks to sign £6.9m star as both parties seek agreement

The Tricky Trees want to push a deal over the line…

Posts BySean Markus Clifford Jul 17, 2025

Giving themselves a genuine chance of landing the man in question, Ramsey would definitely be a shrewd addition after a return of seven goals and six assists in 47 appearances across all competitions last season.

Capable of featuring out wide or centrally, the ex-England Under-21 international is someone who could force Aston Villa’s hand if a sizeable offer were to come in, though it remains to be seen whether that will be the case.

As Newcastle United continue to close in on a deal to sign Anthony Elanga, manager Eddie Howe is reportedly setting his sights on the next “smart” signing that the Magpies could make.

Newcastle closing in on Elanga

Whilst Newcastle are yet to reach an agreement with Nottingham Forest, their second bid worth around £55m has reportedly been submitted and negotiations are underway. Pushing to get the deal done, a deal to sign the Swede could be on the horizon to finally hand those at St James’ Park one of their top targets this summer.

The Nottingham Forest star enjoyed an excellent campaign last time out and may well get the chance to form one of the quickest frontlines that the Premier League has to offer next to Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon. On paper, it is an attack that most defences should be wary of as Newcastle aim to retain their Champions League place next season.

With Champions League football part of a packed calendar in the coming campaign, however, Newcastle will need more than just Elanga through the door this summer. Having learned the hard way the last time they were among Europe’s elite, the Magpies must add a depth of quality to Howe’s side this time around.

Could be better than Elanga: Newcastle exploring move for "insane" winger

Newcastle have identified a winger who could be even better than Anthony Elanga.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 5, 2025

Unlike last time too, PIF should be in a position to spend and finally free from PSR concerns. Just who arrives as a result of that spending power is the big question. Whilst names such as Giorgio Scalvini have threatened to steal the headlines, Howe has reportedly set his sights on yet another attacking addition for his side this summer.

Howe now personally eyeing "smart" Bakayoko deal

Even with talks underway to welcome Elanga, another winger could yet arrive at St James’ Park before the end of the window. According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Howe is now personally eyeing a “smart” deal to sign Johan Bakayoko, who is reportedly open to a move from PSV Eindhoven this summer.

O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Bakayoko I’m sure would probably be interested in a move if it was the right offer. He wants to be playing at the highest level, which Newcastle can offer to him with Champions League football.

“With his contract going into the final year, it could be a lot cheaper than potentially some of those other players, so he could be a very smart signing for Eddie Howe.”

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)	Johan Bakayoko	Anthony Elanga
Starts	18	31
Goals	9	6
Assists	1	11
Successful Take-ons	47	25

Based on his output, Bakayoko would be well worth his £40m asking price, which could even turn into an instant bargain. When compared with Elanga, it’s clear that Newcastle would suddenly have two very dangerous wingers at their disposal. If Howe wants quality in depth then signing both would certainly be one way to welcome exactly that.

A 142-run fifth-wicket stand between the century-making Tom Westley and Paul Walter rescued Essex from impending doom and into a commanding position in their weather-interrupted Vitality County Championship match against Nottinghamshire.Westley’s unbeaten 108 from 214 balls, his highest score of the season so far, held together an Essex innings that was in danger of imminent collapse at 86 for 4 when the pair came together. Westley had himself arrived in the sixth over and was still there 68 overs later with Essex 262 for 5 at the close of a day when the players trudged on and off the field at irregular intervals.Walter’s big hitting under the Chelmsford floodlights bought him 10 fours and a six in his 72 from 106 balls, his third half-century in his last six innings and only eclipsed by a century against Durham in June.It became a day of toil for Nottinghamshire, but pace bowler Rob Lord, 23, in only his second Championship game, looked lively and claimed two of the first four Essex wickets to fall. He finished the day with figures of 2 for 53 from 15 overs.On a predominantly overcast and damp day, foreshortened by 22 overs, Nottinghamshire elected to put Essex in as they sought only their second victory of a relegation-threatened season, though they were considerably buoyed by a battling draw against Surrey last week.When play started 70 minutes late because of light drizzle that fell immediately after the 10.30am toss, Essex lost Dean Elgar cheaply when he dragged Lord to mid-on where Haseeb Hameed ran round to take the catch sliding on his knees. Fellow opener Robin Das had just been reprieved by a drop in the slips straight after lunch when he got a thicker edge to one from Lyndon James and was snaffled at second slip for 20.The giant figure of Luke Fletcher bowled unchanged for 13 overs either side of lunch, having Westley in some discomfort – notably with one that smacked into the Essex captain’s box – on a green-tinged wicket initially helping the seamers. He was finally rewarded when Matt Critchley left alone a delivery that jagged back.Debutant Luc Benkenstein’s maiden scoring shot in first-class cricket was a delightful pull for four, but next ball he nicked Lord thinly through to the wicketkeeper.The scoring improved as the conditions eased and the Kookaburra ball softened in the afternoon and Westley and Walter put on the first fifty of their partnership in just six overs. Westley’s own half-century took 79 balls and included five fours, one a particularly satisfying, flowing off-drive against his erstwhile nemesis Fletcher.Walter also played his way in carefully before whipping James off his legs for a first boundary and then twice elegantly lofting Farhan Ahmed to the rope behind the bowler.When Westley pulled Lord to fine leg it marked the pair’s century partnership in 26 overs. Next ball, Walter pulled the bowler through square leg for his eighth boundary to bring up a 65-ball fifty. He then welcomed the introduction of Liam Patterson-White’s spin with a four and a six to long-off.The pair were finally parted after 42 overs when Walter went to sweep Ahmed but got a leading edge as the ball looped up to gully. However, soon afterwards some careless fielding by the visitors handed Westley five runs courtesy of overthrows which took him to three figures from 193 balls.

On the hunt for a central defender after solving their striker problem with Hugo Ekitike, Liverpool are now reportedly eyeing a shock candidate this summer.

Ekitike undergoes Liverpool medical

After they broke the British transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz earlier this summer, some may have thought Liverpool were done with their big spending. As it happens, however, that couldn’t have been further from the truth. Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes are out to make a statement, and the arrival of Ekitike is only the latest part of an extensive plan.

After agreeing a deal worth an initial £69m, plus £10m in potential add-ons, Liverpool are set to welcome the Frenchman to their pre-season tour of Hong Kong once he completes his medical.

Taking their spending to almost £300m this summer, it would be easy to assume that the Reds are finally done with their spending. Once again, however, that does not seem to be the case.

Anfield chiefs are still reportedly plotting a move to sign Real Madrid’s Rodrygo if luis Diaz swaps Liverpool for Bayern Munich this summer. Meanwhile, they’re also reportedly looking to replace Federico Chiesa with Lyon’s Malick Fofana. And that’s without mentioning their desire to also sign another centre-back this summer.

A better signing than Rodrygo: Liverpool leading race to land £45m star

Liverpool are hoping to make a few more signings in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 23, 2025

To that end, Marc Guehi has been their main target all summer long. The England international has just one year left on his Crystal Palace deal, potentially allowing Liverpool to land a cut-price deal.

Whether Crystal Palace remain stubborn on their £45m stance will be the big question in negotiations, of course, and Liverpool certainly won’t overpay for the central defender. Instead, they could yet turn their attention towards an unexpected alternative.

Liverpool eyeing shock Charlie Cresswell move

As reported by GiveMeSport, Liverpool are now eyeing a move to sign Charlie Cresswell this summer after the Toulouse defender caught the attention of their scouts.

The former Leeds United youngster has thrived in France and deservedly has the interest of the Premier League champions. Standing at 6 foot 3, Cresswell would – like Guehi – tick the homegrown box for those at Anfield and represents one for the future at just 22 years old.

Minutes

2,592

3,059

Progressive Passes

69

134

Tackles Won

23

34

Aerial Duels Won

98

68

Although Cresswell’s work in possession would need fine-tuning, his 6’3 stature would provide Liverpool with an undeniable asset. Winning almost 100 aerial duels last season, the 22-year-old would provide better aerial dominance than Ibrahima Konate, who won 74 duels last time out.

Praised for an “excellent” tournament with England at the U21 Euros by scout Jacek Kulig, Cresswell is now ready to step back into English football and perhaps come back to haunt former club Leeds.

If Liverpool fail in their Guehi pursuit, then the Toulouse man should be among their top alternative options this summer.

افتتح المصري أحمد حسن كوكا، المحترف ضمن صفوف الاتفاق السعودي، أهدافه مع الفريق بعدما أحرز الهدف الأول أمام الباطن، في المباراة المقامة بين الفريقين اليوم الأحد، في منافسات كأس خادم الحرمين.

ويلتقي الاتفاق مع الباطن، ضمن منافسات دور الـ 32 من عمر مواجهات بطولة كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين للموسم الحالي 2025-2026.

وسجل أحمد حسن كوكا، هدف الاتفاق الأول أمام منافسه الباطن، عند الدقيقة 18 من عمر الشوط الأول للمباراة، وجاء الهدف بمتابعة لكرة عرضية وضعها كوكا في المرمى.

طالع | ترتيب الدوري السعودي بعد فوز النصر على الرياض هدف أحمد حسن كوكا في مباراة الاتفاق والباطن بـ كأس خادم الحرمين

🎥 الهدف الأول لـ @Ettifaq ⚽️
⏰ ’18 أحمد كوكا#الباطن_الاتفاق 0 – 1 #عزّنا_بطبعنا 🇸🇦 | #أغلى_الكؤوس
pic.twitter.com/UXVJQTsTkG — كأس خادم الحرمين الشريفين (@KingCupSA) September 21, 2025

وكان أحمد حسن كوكا، انضم إلى صفوف الاتفاق السعودي، في بداية الموسم الحالي، في صفقة مجانية بعد انتهاء عقد اللاعب من الفريق الفرنسي لوهافر.

وتشير النتيجة، في مباراة الاتفاق والباطن، الآن عند الدقيقة 65 من عمر اللقاء، إلي تقدم الاتفاق على الباطن بهدفين مقابل هدف.

Liverpool have been quite the busy shoppers this summer. But then we knew this would be the case, with Arne Slot having established himself as Jurgen Klopp’s successor with minimal investment last season, only signing Juventus’ Federico Chiesa for a £12.5m fee.

Chiesa’s first Premier League start came against Brighton & Hove Albion in May. It was the penultimate game of the season, and he lasted only an hour.

Now, the Italian forward, wracked by injuries and consequent struggles for form and fluency last year, is set to leave. It’s a sad thing, since he’s talented and popular both in the dressing room and with the fanbase, but the 27-year-old must act wisely, following his career ambitions.

Mohamed Salah, then, will continue to dominate on the right flank, but Jeremie Frimpong adds depth and Ben Doak may too, although the young Scot has been linked with a move away after his loan spell with Middlesbrough last term.

Chiesa can also play centrally, but with Liverpool now on the brink of finalising the signing of Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, there’s cause for optimism, all right.

Liverpool seal deal for Hugo Ekitike

All that remains is the official announcement. Liverpool have got their man. Ekitike is regarded as one of the most talented young strikers in the world and could lead the Anfield line for many years to come.

While Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak was (still is?) the club’s top target at number nine, the Magpies are seeking something significant, in the £130m ballpark, to part ways with their talisman.

Ekitike is undeveloped, but there’s so much to like. With silky and speedy running, combining with an instinctive sharpness, he has been likened by data-driven site FBref as one of Isak’s most comparable players.

It’s a fantastic deal, and no mistake. However, Liverpool aren’t done yet, and they are preparing to make their move for what could prove to be an even better signing.

Liverpool prepare bid for Premier League star

As per Football Insider, Liverpool are preparing to make their move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi.

Transfer Focus

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

Prevailing interest from Real Madrid in Ibrahima Konate, who has entered the final year of his contract, is thought to have raised the urgency for sporting director Richard Hughes.

The report states that the Premier League champions are looking increasingly likely to make a £45m offer for the England international this summer.

Guehi, 25, is also just one year away from free agency, and with no plans to extend his stay at Selhurst Park, Liverpool will be confident that they can get a deal done this summer.

How Marc Guehi could improve Liverpool

Liverpool know that losing Konate would be a blow. It would be a bitter pill to swallow, for the Frenchman is one of the best defenders in the world.

But so is Guehi; many just don’t know it yet. Although saying that, he’s not unaccomplished. Hailed as “England’s best centre-back” by one analyst, the Three Lions star did captain Palace to last year’s FA Cup title, beating Manchester City in the final.

While signing a striker such as Ekitike marks important business for the Reds, it might actually be that Guehi would mark better business, for, regardless of the outcome of Konate’s situation, Liverpool have spent frugally on their central defence in recent years.

With Jarell Quansah having been sold to Bayer Leverkusen for £35m, you might even say that landing a player like Guehi is a necessity, especially when considering the cut-price fee that he is available for.

Considering that Tottenham Hotspur tried to prise him away from south London only in January, offering a £70m fee, this could go down as a blinder.

Did Newcastle United not fail with four offers one year ago, the last of which totalled £65m? Circumstances dictate financial parameters in football, but this would undoubtedly prove a fantastic deal for Liverpool, snapping up a defender approaching the prime of their career for a shrewd figure.

Described as a “monster in defence” by reporter Bobby Manzi, Guehi is the real deal, having come into his own last year. Certainly, his complete and commanding Premier League performances suggest he has what it takes to thrive at Liverpool as they chase down another title.

Matches (starts)

34 (34)

Goals

3

Assists

2

Clean sheets

11

Touches*

64.9

Pass completion

84%

Key passes*

0.5

Dribbles*

0.4

Ball recoveries*

4.3

Tackles + interceptions*

2.6

Clearances*

4.6

Duels (won)*

4.9 (59%)

Errors made

2

And not just any defender. While Ekitike is a talented and up-and-coming sensation, Guehi is already there, and he’s proven in the Premier League besides, which is a big thing. Long is the list of prospects alighting in England’s top flight with a weight of expectation only to fall flat.

We’re not advocating for Ekitike’s demise; far from it. Talent scout Jacek Kulig claims that the Frenchman “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”, and that’s certainly the vision of FSG and Slot.

However, this hopefully sheds some light on the masterful deal that Hughes and co could pull off by signing Guehi, who, having featured prominently for England and in the Premier League, could play a starring role in Slot’s machinations, looking to dominate for years to come.

And he knows how to pass, too. As per FBref, Guehi ranked among the top 17% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists and the top 13% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Oliver Glasner’s high-intensity, transitional style of football has instilled in Guehi an angle toward the ball-playing side of the central defensive game. Slot, then, would find in the titan a style which matches his own brand at Liverpool.

With other clubs also keen, Liverpool need to get this one over the line pronto.

Their own Zubimendi: Liverpool favourites to sign "generational" £100m CM

Liverpool are reportedly favourites to sign one of the Premier League’s best young midfielders.

1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 21, 2025

Barcelona are reportedly planning a fresh approach for “wonderful” Liverpool star Luis Diaz, but the press in Spain believe he has agreed terms elsewhere.

Players who could leave Liverpool this summer

A busy summer transfer at Anfield has seen Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez join the Reds, but the likes of Caoimhin Kelleher, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jarell Quansah have already departed, and a host of other names have been linked with exits before next season gets underway.

Luis Diaz has continually been mentioned as an option for Barcelona, with his father even admitting that it would be a “dream” move for his son.

Elsewhere, Harvey Elliott’s future looks likely to lie away from Liverpool, and there are also rumours suggesting Andy Robertson and Darwin Nunez could move on.

Luis Diaz has agreed terms with Bayern Munich

According to a new update from Fabrizio Romano on X, Barcelona are now planning to make a “new approach” for Liverpool ace Diaz in the near future, with Spanish journalist Fernando Polo confirming the player is keen on the move.

However, Polo has since added a new twist, revealing sources in Germany believe Diaz has verbally agreed personal terms with Bayern Munich. The Germans lost Jamal Musiala to a serious injury over the weekend, and Polo reports if they bid for Diaz it is with the Colombian’s green light.

Liverpool’s stance on Diaz seemingly remains clear, with the Premier League champions not entertaining any offers.

While the Colombian may not be an absolutely world-class footballer, he is still an elite attacking player, scoring 17 goals for the Reds last season and flourishing as both a winger and a centre forward, being lauded by former midfielder Danny Murphy.

“I’ve picked out Diaz because I think he’s gone under the radar a little bit with all the plaudits a lot of the players are getting. He’s got a wonderful work ethic and attitude to the game wherever he’s asked to play.”

Liverpool in lead to sign £35m star who loves Arne Slot, he's keen on move

The Reds could land themselves a talent this summer.

BySean Markus Clifford Jul 6, 2025

Admittedly, a monstrous bid for the £55,000-a-week Diaz could make Liverpool think again, considering he is 28 now, but only an extortionate amount of money should lead to them accepting an offer this summer.

Tottenham are reportedly now favourites to sign a “remarkable” defender this summer, with Thomas Frank’s side earmarking the addition of a centre-half as one of their key priorities before deadline day on September 1.

Levy told key condition to sign £47m Frank target as Tottenham open talks

Spurs have been informed of the requirements.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jul 22, 2025

After Spurs triggered the obligation to buy clause in Kevin Danso’s deal, Frank currently boasts around six centre-backs in his squad right now – even if that number does include youngsters like Ashley Phillips and Luka Vuskovic.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025	Average match rating
Son Heung-min	7.00
James Maddison	6.98
Pedro Porro	6.95
Dominic Solanke	6.84
Dejan Kulusevski	6.83
via WhoScored

Despite this, The Telegraph and journalist Matt Law confirmed earlier this week that Tottenham are still looking into signing another central defender – with Crystal Palace stalwart Marc Guehi remaining on their agenda after Daniel Levy failed with an audacious £70 million bid for him in January.

While the focus right now appears to be finally concluding a deal for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, amid an ongoing legal dispute with Nuno Espirito Santo’s men over the transfer, it appears a new defender is also in Tottenham’s sights.

“Tottenham remain confident about their chances of signing the player. But, obviously, now this is a legal topic. They need to have discussions directly with Nottingham Forest to find the solution,” said Fabrizio Romano on the GMS Market Madness podcast a few days ago.

“Of course, it changes the timing of the deal. Tottenham’s perfect plan was probably to sign Kudus and Gibbs-White in 24 or 48 hours. It is now going to take a bit longer, but they remain intent on signing the player. That is still their plan, so let’s see how it continues on the legal side. But, for sure, Tottenham still want Morgan Gibbs-White.”

In terms of the defensive addition Levy could make, a lot of noise has surrounded Bournemouth star Illia Zabarnyi, despite PSG’s lengthy talks for the Ukranian which stretch back for weeks (Fabrizio Romano).

He was a mainstay in Andoni Iraola’s backline last season, helping the Cherries to their best-ever Premier League points tally, and Bournemouth will undoubtedly be reluctant to lose another star defender after Dean Huijsen.

While media sources suggest that Zabarnyi has already agreed personal terms with PSG, a new report from journalist Pete O’Rourke states that Spurs are definitely not out of the race just yet.

Tottenham emerge as "the frontrunners" to sign Illia Zabarnyi

According to O’Rourke, in a piece for Football Insider, Tottenham “have now emerged as the frontrunners” to sign Zabarnyi ahead of PSG – with Spurs said to be advancing a move for the 22-year-old.

The Lilywhites could now hijack PSG’s deal for Zabarnyi, it would seem, but Levy will have to fork out north of £60 million, as Bournemouth attempt to make a handsome profit off the £24 million they originally paid for him.

Interestingly, Sky Italia reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claimed last week that Spurs are prepared to do just that, so this could be one to keep an eye on in the coming days.

In terms of Zabarnyi’s obvious quality, there is little doubt he’d upgrade Frank’s current options, with pundit Jamie Redknapp suggesting the Euro 2024 star didn’t quite get the credit he deserved last season.

“He is probably the most underrated player,” said Redknapp.

“I also spoke with Ukrainian legend Andriy Shevchenko, and he mentioned that Illia has everything it takes to reach the next level. Everyone is talking about Dean Huijsen. Yes, he is a fantastic young player, but Zabarnyi plays very aggressively in defense as well. I was genuinely impressed by him. He shows remarkable calmness on the pitch.”

After welcoming Sean Longstaff earlier this week, Leeds United are now reportedly set to sign another midfield star in a deal worth over £17m this summer.

Longstaff: Leeds is the "perfect" move

Becoming the Whites’ fifth signing of the summer, Longstaff will instantly add some much-needed Premier League know-how to Daniel Farke’s side ahead of next season. The former Newcastle midfielder won’t steal the same headlines as the likes of Jaka Bijol, but he could prove to be equally important at Elland Road.

Speaking for the first time since putting pen to paper, Longstaff told the official Leeds website: “I spoke to [Karl] Darlow straight away, but I have got to meet everyone. It seems like a really good group. I have heard great things.

“I think there is something to be said for a team that wants you and a club that really wants you. I think from the first time I spoke to Leeds, I sort of got a feeling that they really wanted me.

“It just fills you full of confidence and it just makes you want to repay those people. It is a massive, massive football club similar to Newcastle in a lot of ways.

49ers have now "rejected" formal bid for "excellent" 21 y/o Leeds talent

The Whites are holding out for a higher number…

1 ByHenry Jackson Jul 19, 2025

“It was going to take a lot for us to leave Newcastle to be honest and I wasn’t just going to leave to go anywhere so it had to be the right place for me and my family and I think this is a perfect place. I got to watch pretty much all the games and see a team that was really exciting to watch, athletic, really good on the ball.

As pleased as they’ll be to have signed Longstaff, however, the 49ers aren’t stopping there. Reports are now indicating that they’ve instantly agreed another deal to sign their sixth fresh face of the summer and another midfield star.

Leeds agree deal to sign Anton Stach

As reported by Fabrizio Romano, Leeds are now set to sign Anton Stach after agreeing a deal worth more than €20m (£17m) with Bundesliga club Hoffenheim. The 6’4 midfielder is set to put pen to paper on a four-year contract, as those at Elland Road prepare to welcome another signing.

With plenty of Bundesliga experience to his name and even appearances in the Europa League last season, Stach represents another solid signing by all involved at Leeds.

It’s no surprise that the towering midfielder has earned impressive praise during his time in Germany, either. Former coach Florian Kohfeldt recalled Stach’s days as a youth player at Werder Bremen, claiming that he was already a talented player at a young age: “He didn’t have such an easy time here at Werder when he was at boarding school.

“He was a bit behind his peers physically when he was young, but in my opinion he already had a very strategic disposition in his game and was incredibly goal-oriented and ambitious.”

The Athletic’s Beren Cross has also heaped praise on Stach in reaction to the deal, sharing on X on Saturday: “Another giant, another 26-year-old, Leeds are finalising a transfer (in excess of £17.3m) for Anton Stach. A sixth new face and a real unit that played as a defensive midfielder and centre-back with Hoffenheim.”

أكد هاني رمزي، لاعب الأهلي السابق، أن الفريق يعاني من أخطاء كثيرة جدًا على المستوى الدفاعي، مشيرًا إلى أنه لا يصح أن تحدث هذه الأخطاء في الفرق الكبيرة، وذلك بعد مباراة حرس الحدود اليوم الثلاثاء.

وانتصر الأهلي على حرس الحدود، بثلاثة أهداف مقابل هدفين، في اللقاء الذي أقيم بينهما، ضمن مواجهات الجولة الثامنة من عمر منافسات بطولة الدوري المصري الممتاز.

وقال رمزي خلال تصريحات عبر قناة “الأهلي”: “ثلاثة نقاط مهمة جدًا للنادي الأهلي، ولكن لدينا أخطاء كثيرة جدً على المستوى الدفاعي لا يصح أن تحدث في فريق كبير”.

طالع | رجل مباراة الأهلي وحرس الحدود في الدوري المصري

وأضاف: “هذه الأمور يجب أن تحل سريعًا، جماهير الأهلي لا تعتاد على ذلك، الشيء الإيجابي الذي حدث اليوم دخول أحمد عبد القادر فهو لاعب لديه ثقة ومكسب، ويجب أن تستفيد من اللاعب أيا كان طالما عقده ممتدًا، هذا بالإضافة إلى الفوز وتحقيق 3 نقاط”.

وأكمل: “توجد أخطاء على مستوى التكتيك والشكل والتنظيم الهجومي، ولكن توجد علامات استفهام على أداء اللاعبين والمستوى التكتيكي ومستوى الإدارة الفنية لعماد النحاس، يوجد شكل يجب أن يتغير سريعًا”.

وأتم: “نمتلك لاعبين أصحاب كواليتي عالي جدًا لكن ما زال الأداء ليس على المستوى المطلوب الذي نريد أن نرى الأهلي عليه”.