Chelsea chiefs could have a unique opportunity to open the door for Enzo Maresca to sign a marquee forward, and for-sale striker Nicolas Jackson holds the key.
The Senegalese was once a key member of Maresca’s first team not so long ago, with pundit Joe Cole even branding him one of the club’s “most important” players in May.
However, the arrival of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro has seemingly pushed Jackson down the pecking order.
BlueCo, by orders of UEFA, also need to trim the squad through player sales before sealing any more incomings, with Chelsea in talks to sign both Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho next.
As a result, Jackson is now up for sale at Chelsea, and the 24-year-old appears ready to quit Stamford Bridge to become a star elsewhere.
The former Villarreal star bagged 13 goals and six assists last season, including a strike in the Conference League final against Real Betis, but he has scored just one Premier League goal since the turn of 2025.
A change of scenery could be exactly what Jackson needs to really go to that next level, with both Newcastle United and Aston Villa heavily linked right now.
Villa’s interest comes amid Chelsea’s serious admiration of their star winger, Morgan Rogers, who’s rumoured to command a lofty £100 million price tag after a stellar 24/25 in the Midlands.
Nicolas Jackson could open door for Chelsea to sign Morgan Rogers
Journalist Graeme Bailey, in an interview with the Chelsea Chronicle, now suggests that the Blues could secure first option on a future deal for Rogers by making it easier for Unai Emery to sign Jackson.
Bailey claims that Chelsea are “desperate” to sign the 23-year-old who lit up Villa Park last season, and Jackson could hold the key, even if it may not be in this particular window.
The former Middlesbrough sensation was a pivotal member of Emery’s Champions League quarter-final-reaching side, bagging an incredible 14 goals and 16 assists in all competitions, including a hat-trick against Celtic and a strike against eventual winners PSG.
He also single-handedly dismantled Man City with a goal and assist during Villa’s 2-1 win over Pep Guardiola’s men late last year.
Rogers’ versatility as a playmaker and wide attacker could be yet another reason why Chelsea are so keen, but Villa won’t make it easy for any suitor.
Tottenham have been given some encouragement over the potential signing of a star player after unceremoniously missing out on Morgan Gibbs-White.
Tottenham set to make offer for "sensational" £45m star after holding talks
Spurs have been in contact over a deal for a midfielder, with an opening bid now in the works.
2 ByDominic Lund Jul 28, 2025
Gibbs-White was due at Hotspur Way for a medical nearly three weeks ago (BBC), and chairman Daniel Levy was ready to activate the England international’s £60 million release clause (ESPN), only for Evangelos Marinakis to block the transfer, threaten legal action and somehow convince the player to stay.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Marinakis proudly watched over Gibbs-White from an uncomfortably short distance in his interview confirming the surprise contract extension on Saturday evening, with the player both praising Forest’s owner and exclaiming his delight at remaining.
After what was an unprecedented twist, the 25-year-old will no longer become a Tottenham player despite all signs previously pointing in that direction. Luckily for Spurs supporters, the end of this bizarre saga by no means spells the conclusion of Levy’s search for new attacking options.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Tottenham are actively working on an alternative to Gibbs-White, and there are even other suggestions that Frank’s side have now emerged as shock contenders for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.
The forward, who signed for Real seven years ago from Santos for around £40 million, has gone on to become a notable first-team star for Los Blancos, with midfielder Jude Bellingham calling him their most underrated star.
However, uncertainty surrounds Rodrygo’s future, with Real apparently telling the Brazil international’s agents in a recent meeting that they’re open to letting him go this summer.
“His agents are talking to Real Madrid,” said Romano on his YouTube channel last week.
“They already had a meeting last week [with Madrid] to just present their own position. In that meeting, from what I’ve heard, Real Madrid confirmed that they are open to letting Rodrygo go.
“Now it’s Rodrygo, together with his agents, who has to decide what he wants to do – stay and fight for a spot or leave and explore all the options.”
Now, according to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, his team are also speaking with Tottenham.
Rodrygo hints he's prepared to join Tottenham as Spurs speak with agents
It is believed that Spurs have opened discussions with intermediaries over signing Rodrygo, and the versatile attacker has “indicated that he would be open” to making a move to N17 before deadline day on September 1.
Levy is after a statement signing in the event Son Heung-min formalises a move to Los Angeles, and that is growing distinctly possible amid reports that the South Korean is close to agreeing personal terms.
The Lilywhites have also made it ‘known’ that they’re ready to make Rodrygo their highest-paid player, with a lot of their discussions encouraged by the 24-year-old’s willingness to join Frank’s side.
In more good news, Levy has apparently set aside funds in Spurs’ transfer budget to allow for another ‘big-name addition’. That being said, Tottenham would still need to break their transfer record for Rodrygo, given Alonso’s side value him north of £70 million.
How many more new signings will Chelsea make before the transfer window closes on 1 September?
So far, the Blues have brought in eight new recruits, including João Pedro and Liam Delap, both of whom featured during their victorious Club World Cup campaign, as well as Estêvão Willian, Jamie Gittens, Kendry Páez, and others.
Chelsea forward Joao Pedro
However, they are far from done yet, with Xavi Simons on course to arrive from RB Leipzig, while they remain interested in Alejandro Garnacho of Manchester United, as the Blues seemingly aim to sign all the attacking midfielders and wingers.
Now, could Enzo Maresca’s side strengthen the other end of the pitch, targeting a repeat of Thiago Silva’s arrival from five years ago?
Chelsea targeting a new goalkeeper
As outlined by Nizaar Kinsella of BBC Sport, many believe Chelsea need a new first-choice goalkeeper if they’re to challenge for the Premier League and Champions League, with a lot of observers remaining unconvinced by Robert Sánchez.
The table below documents why.
Minutes
2,880
10th
Goals conceded per-90
1.06
4th
Saves
92
10th
Save %
76.4%
1st
Clean sheet %
31.3%
6th
Post-shot xG – goal conceded
+1.7
11th
High claims
44
3rd
Crosses not claimed
2
2nd
Punches
12
14th
Errors leading to goals
5
1st
Average SofaScore rating
7.03
24th
As the table outlines, Sánchez’s statistics in the Premier League last season were, at best, mixed, ranked first for save percentage, but also first for errors leading to goals, hence why a team with aspirations of winning the title may want better.
With that in mind, according to a report by Ahad Shaukat of Caught Offside, Chelsea are ‘in the mix’ to sign Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain, with Manchester United and Manchester City also interested.
Les Rouge-et-Bleu are closing in on the signing of Lille goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, so are looking to offload their Italian shot-stopper, valued at around £35m, according to a report by La Repubblica.
So, could Donnarumma become the latest Italian superstar to call Stamford Bridge home, following in the footsteps of Gianfranco Zola, Roberto Di Matteo, Gianluca Vialli, and many others?
How Gianluigi Donnarumma would improve Chelsea
Amazingly, Donnarumma is still only 26 years old, having made his senior debut for AC Milan a decade ago, racking up 251 appearances for the Rossoneri, before featuring 161 times for Paris Saint-Germain, since moving to the French capital in 2021.
On top of this, he has racked up 74 caps for Italy, currently Gli Azzurri’s captain, having been instrumental to their triumph at Euro 2020, named player of the tournament following his exploits in the shootout victory over England.
Then-Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti asserted ahead of Euro 2024 that the goalkeeper is “world-class”, while his agent Vincenzo Raiola, who admittedly isn’t a neutral observer, believes he is the “best goalkeeper in the world” who “deserves [to win] the Ballon d’Or”.
Well, let’s put those assertions to the test.
Goals conceded per 90
0.91
5th
Saves
35
13th
Save %
70.8%
20th
Clean sheet %
40%
9th
Post-shot xG – goals conceded
+2.2
13th
Crosses stopped
4th
3rd
Punches
13
1st
High claims
13
4th
Errors leading to a goal
1
13th
Average SofaScore rating
7.1
16th
As the table documents, Donnarumma was a key figure in the Paris Saint-Germain side that won the Champions League last season, posting very impressive statistics across the board, emphasising that he is a top-class goalkeeper, even if he is no longer wanted by the European champions.
Similarly, five years ago, Thiago Silva was deemed surplus to requirements in the French capital, cast aside when his PSG contract expired in 2020, before proving he certainly still had the quality to compete at the highest level after joining Chelsea, making 155 appearances across four seasons in West London, most notably winning the Champions League.
Thiago Silva
Tom Sanderson of the Guardian documents that the Brazilian centre-back was very ‘successful’ during his time at Chelsea, able to perform at a very high level, labelling him a ‘great leader’.
Well, albeit significantly younger, all available evidence suggests that Donnarumma could have a similar impact, should he arrive at Stamford Bridge later this month, given his performances on the pitch and the leadership qualities that he could provide.
Chelsea confirm signing of "sensation" from Crystal Palace after hijacking move
The Blues have officially secured an eye-catching prospect.
Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta’s transfer plans, after manager Mikel Arteta was handed the major boost of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres’ imminent arrival.
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Gyokeres, according to The Independent, will fly out to Singapore for his medical as he looks to play some part in their pre-season tour of Asia, with Arsenal finally reaching a full breakthrough to sign the 27-year-old earlier this week.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£140m
Gyokeres is poised to join Arsenal in a deal worth £64 million, including add-ons, with a full verbal agreement now struck between all parties as Arteta prepares to welcome the prolific number nine to his squad.
Given Arsenal’s struggles to break teams down last season, Gyokeres has the potential to be a title-winning signing, and people who’ve worked with the Sweden international simply cannot find enough superlatives to describe him.
“He really was incredible,” said Adi Viveash, who coached and mentored Gyokeres at Coventry City, to Sky Sports.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
“His power, taking the ball and running with it, bursting through gaps, linking the play, being very good in both boxes set-piece-wise – which wasn’t a strength of his, but he became certainly very good at defensive set-pieces with me through front post defending.”
“If you give Vik half a pitch in behind with a high line and you get the line wrong, you’re never going to catch him. He’s going to keep making the run in behind so you’re wearing down opposition.”
After Gyokeres, who’ll also be joined by defender Cristhian Mosquera in Singapore, the plan for Arsenal is to prioritise a central attacking midfielder (Ben Jacobs).
Arsenal are seriously interested in Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze, as they have been for weeks, but more and more noise is surrounding an alternative to the England international in RB Leipzig sensation Xavi Simons.
Arsenal contact Xavi Simons camp amid Barcelona meeting
According to Romano, Arsenal are guaranteed to have made contact with Simons’ camp, with Chelsea also seriously contending for the 22-year-old’s signature as they plan transfer talks with Leipzig this week.
La Liga champions Barcelona, led by their sporting director Deco, also held a meeting with the Netherlands forward’s representatives recently, but a move to the Camp Nou is seen as unlikely for this window and more one for the future.
Right now, it appears Chelsea are the current favourites for Simons. However, Arsenal remain “attentive” to his situation and a north London switch hasn’t been entirely ruled out yet, meaning he’s still one to watch.
Leipzig only signed the player from PSG permanently in January for an initial £43 million, with Simons now preparing to leave the Bundesliga side after spending some significant time there on loan previously.
Called a “difference maker” by ex-Leipzig boss Marco Rose, Simons has racked up an impressive tally of 21 goals and 23 assists during his time in Germany, but the Premier League could now beckon for him.
Interestingly, journalist Buchi Laba is convinced that Simons would be a “better” Arsenal signing than Eze.
Chelsea are on the verge of finalising an “excellent” player’s exit from Stamford Bridge, according to one media source, and it could be a move which seriously suits all parties.
Enzo Maresca has a seriously bloated squad that needs trimming, especially factoring in their recent fine from UEFA for breaking FFP rules.
£52m Chelsea star could now join Barcelona, he's "no longer" unsellable
The La Liga champions have cast their eyes towards Stamford Bridge.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 10, 2025
The likes of Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are taking home six-figure pay packets each week but are currently nowhere near the first team, with Borussia Dortmund director Sebastian Kehl recently confirming the club’s intention to re-sign the latter.
“We will definitely have some more discussions in the next few days about his situation,” said Kehl.
“We will try to keep him because he’s a very good player.
“It’s always easier to loan a player than to buy one, especially within Carney’s [price] range, but let’s see. We are not that far advanced [in talks] at the moment, but I can tell you that we are pretty close to the player, and he loves Dortmund.
“Everything else will be decided between Chelsea and us. That won’t be tomorrow. That won’t be on Tuesday. I think it will take some more days.”
Sterling’s £325,000-per-week wages are proving a serious drain on Chelsea in particular, with Fulham reportedly considering a move for the 30-year-old if they can navigate the finances involved.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
However, journalist Simon Phillips reports that Sterling’s desire to remain in London is making it difficult for BlueCo to sell him.
Alongside the aforementioned names, Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Christopher Nkunku, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja, Axel Disasi, Noni Madueke, Nicolas Jackson and Djordje Petrovic are other players who could leave Chelsea this summer.
Of course, there are those promising young players who simply need to leave the club on a temporary deal to acquire more game time, with a view to a potential first-team slot in future seasons.
One of them, according to Sky Sports Switzerland reporter Sacha Tavolieri, is goalkeeper Mike Penders.
Chelsea "close" to agreeing Mike Penders loan deal to Strasbourg
Taking to X this lunchtime, Tavolieri reports that Penders’ loan to sister club Strasbourg from Chelsea is now “close” to being finalised.
The 19-year-old, who Chelsea signed from KRC Genk last summer, remained in the Jupiler Pro League for another season before officially linking up with Maresca this summer.
Penders was also named in Maresca’s Club World Cup squad, securing a spot on the bench for Chelsea’s games against Esperance, Benfica, Palmeiras and Fluminense, but the towering 6 foot 7 shot-stopper now appears close to sealing a temporary exit to further his development.
Some reports have previously claimed that BlueCo hold high hopes for Penders, who they privately liken to ex-Chelsea star Thibaut Courtois, with Malmo’s head academy goalkeeping coach, Matt Pyzdrowski, sharing his main strengths.
“Commanding his area is what he’s best at,” Pyzdrowski said to The Athletic.
“He’s really, really excellent at taking an aggressive position and very comfortable coming and taking high balls into his penalty area, even right up to the edge of the box. His timing is very good, and he loves to catch the ball rather than punch.
“That’s why I call him a mix between Ederson and Courtois, because Ederson has that aggressiveness commanding his box but Courtois has the hands to catch and hold the ball.”
Sunderland are not messing around with their plans to build a squad that is capable of avoiding an instant relegation from the Premier League next season.
The Black Cats have already signed Enzo Le Fee on a permanent deal from AS Roma, Habib Diarra in a club-record £30m move from Strasbourg, and Noah Sadiki from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise to bolster their ranks.
They are not done there, though, as the club are also reportedly in talks to secure a deal for Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who played with Diarra in Ligue 1 last season.
At the other end of the pitch, Sunderland are also looking to bring in a new number nine to fire them to safety, as they go in search of their next Asamoah Gyan, Steven Fletcher, or Jermaine Defoe.
Sunderland eyeing deal for new striker
According to Foot Mercato, Sunderland are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Lyon centre-forward Georges Mikautadze, following his team’s expulsion from Ligue 1.
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, however, claims that the Georgia international is not the club’s main option in that position, as the Black Cats have made Nantes striker Matthis Abline their priority target.
It states that Mikautadze is their ‘plan B’ option in the event that they fail to get a deal over the line for Abline, who is the player they are currently pursuing to bolster their attacking ranks.
Nantes' Matthis Abline shoots against Brest.
The outlet adds that Sunderland have already made an offer of £17m to sign the 22-year-old forward, but it remains to be seen exactly how much will be needed to snap him up.
If the Black Cats can do land their priority target and bring Abline to the Stadium of Light, Regis Le Bris could have his own version of Asamoah Gyan.
Why Abline could be a Gyan repeat for Sunderland
Back in the summer of 2010, Sunderland smashed their transfer record to sign Gyan from Ligue 1 side Rennes for a reported fee of £13m, after he had plundered 13 goals in 29 matches in the French top-flight the previous season.
The Ghana international scored ten goals in 31 matches in the Premier League in his only full year at the club to fire them to safety, and Abline could enjoy similar success.
If Sunderland can bring the France U21 international to the club, he could provide Le Bris with a big goal threat in the top-flight, having proven his quality in the French top-flight last term.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the 22-year-old is “making waves in Ligue 1”, and that praise is backed up by his impressive statistics in the division for Nantes.
xG
8.10
Top 23%
Goals
9
Top 23%
Non-penalty xG
7.31
Top 23%
Non-penalty goals
8
N/A
Shots on target
27
Top 14%
xA
3.37
Top 9%
Assists
2
Top 33%
As you can see in the table above, Abline ranked highly among forwards in the division with his contributions at the top end of the pitch, as he outperformed his xG and created high-quality chances for his teammates at an impressive rate.
One of his nine Ligue 1 goals was also a sensational solo goal against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain, in which he beat Willian Pacho all ends up.
This shows the kind of quality that the £17m forward can produce against the very best in Europe, which also suggests that he has what it takes to deliver in the Premier League against high-quality teams.
Therefore, Abline has the potential to be Gyan 2.0 for Sunderland as another expensive centre-forward recruit from Ligue 1 who has the potential to be a brilliant goal threat for the Black Cats.
Sunderland concern over "excellent" star has Southampton considering move
The Saints are looking to bounce back after relegation…
Liverpool aren’t messing about this summer, pulling in high-level signings from every which way. However, this is not so much scattergun spending as the product of calculated, expeditious planning.
Florian Wirtz, for example, was brought in from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m, the British record, after Jeremie Frimpong’s £29.5m release clause was activated. Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez has since finalised his move to Merseyside.
While Wirtz is the cream of the crop, heralded as a “generational talent” by Bundesliga commentator Dan O’Hagan, Liverpool still need a striker, especially as uncertainty around Luis Diaz’s future continues to rumble on.
Why Liverpool need a striker
Arne Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League title last season without a focal frontman. Well, without an in-form central striker, at least. Such were Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez’s woes that Diaz was redefined as a false nine, almost exclusively used on the left wing by Jurgen Klopp.
Mohamed Salah
38
29
18
Luis Diaz
36
13
7
Cody Gakpo
35
10
5
Diogo Jota
26
6
4
Darwin Nunez
30
5
3
Federico Chiesa
6
–
1
So then, it seems pretty justified that Slot wants a new centre-forward, especially as Nunez is currently in the process of signing for Napoli, a move that’s definitely not done yet.
And with Diaz also facing rumours of a summer exit, FSG are perhaps going to need to dip into the coffers once again. Slot’s Colombian star, who is 28, is frustrated that Liverpool are prepared to run his contract down, expiring in two years, instead of cashing in or discussing a renewal, and would consider leaving as Barcelona and Saudi Arabian suitors circle.
Liverpool forward Luis Diaz
We all know Alexander Isak is the glinting jewel in the eyes of Liverpool’s overlords, but Newcastle United aren’t really willing to part with their star man, pricing him at an exorbitant £200m.
Luckily, Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, knows his stuff and has already earmarked an exciting alternative.
Liverpool eyeing Isak alternative
As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are interested in signing Benjamin Sesko this summer, having done their due diligence on the RB Leipzig striker.
Newcastle are ready to make Isak the highest-paid player in their history, so it makes sense that Hughes has turned toward Sesko.
The Slovenian star is only 22 but has made waves in the Bundesliga over the past couple of years. It must be said that Arsenal are leading the race, with Sesko valued between £68-85m, but Liverpool may yet shift the odds by tabling an official offer.
Why Liverpool want Benjamin Sesko
Sesko isn’t the only striker on Liverpool’s radar. In fact, Bailey’s above-mentioned report reveals an interest in Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres too, but the 27-year-old Sweden international would be the wrong choice for FSG to make.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates
Now, Sesko is still loading on the striking scene, but he’s already revealed himself to be a sensation in the making in Germany, hailed as a ball-striking “monster” by analyst Ben Mattinson after scoring 39 goals and adding eight assists across 81 Leipzig appearances.
Athletic, powerful and rangy, Sesko has all the properties to become a superstar on Premier League shores, even dubbed “the new Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig.
RB Leipzig
24/25
45
21
RB Leipzig
23/24
42
18
RB Salzburg
22/23
41
18
RB Salzburg
20/21
37
11
RB Salzburg
20/21
1
0
FC Liefering
20/21
29
21
FC Liefering
19/20
15
1
Manchester City’s goalscoring talisman needs no introduction, and if Liverpool could get their hands on their own version, Slot would move one step closer to defending his Premier League title.
It might seem that Gyokeres would be the better pick for the Merseysiders; he’s scored 97 goals across 102 matches for Sporting, after all.
However, this isn’t so. Liverpool, let’s not forget, signed Nunez after his 34-goal campaign with Portuguese giants Benfica in 2021/22, and for a towering £64m fee (the full £85m payment has not been reached).
Nunez’s prolific streak over on Iberian territory hasn’t translated to life in the Premier League, where life is tougher, the opponents stronger, the pace faster. A maverick though he is, Nunez has struggled to bring it all together, not just profligate but prone to drifting through games.
The 6 foot 4 Sesko might not be the finished article, but he’s definitely got more about him from an athletic standpoint, ranked among the top 11% of centre-forwards across Europe last season for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Of course, to discredit Gyokeres’ qualities simply because he walks the same ground as Nunez before him would make a feeble argument, but he’s 27 and has yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s big five leagues, whereas Sesko has demonstrated his qualities in Germany, scoring incredible strikes such as this one against Bayern Munich.
Furthermore, Sesko only failed to convert ten big chances in the Bundesliga last term, as per Sofascore, scoring 13 times. This illustrates a natural-born goalscoring prowess, of course, but also composure and the level-headedness required to hit the ground running in the Premier League. Gyokeres, for comparison, missed 23 big chances over in Portugal.
With a Haaland-esque style of play and several years of invaluable experience cutting his teeth in Germany’s top flight, Sesko is ready to make the leap over to England and start expanding his potential on the European stage.
While Sesko is raw, an uncut gem, he’s a jewel all the same, and one who would arrive at an Anfield side both fronted by an elite coach in Slot and thick with incredible creative players such as Wirtz and Mohamed Salah.
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Liverpool might need to replace the sought-after Luis Diaz in the summer transfer market.
Last season, Liverpool won the Premier League. And they are acting like it. We haven’t even reached July, but FSG have already signed Bayer Leverkusen duo Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong as well as Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez.
It’s a time of great excitement for those of a Reds persuasion. However, Arne Slot’s squad aren’t without their foibles.
Falling in the Champions League’s last 16 against eventual champions Paris Saint-Germain was a bitter pill to swallow, and that frustrating result was followed by defeat against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
PSG deserved their victory and the Magpies did too. It was one stretch too far for the Merseysiders, who had already exceeded expectations to take a commanding lead that was indeed defended in England’s top flight.
Depth proved Liverpool’s issue. Slot was loath to enforce rotation last term, and the trickling-out of some of the side’s fringe players – like Jarell Quansah, with Harvey Elliott and Darwin Nunez soon to follow – illustrated that.
Quansah is signing for Bayer Leverkusen, and with Ibrahima Konate’s future uncertain as Real Madrid lurk (again), Liverpool need a new centre-back.
Liverpool chasing new centre-back
There’s one man who stands above other Liverpool defensive targets right now: Marc Guehi. The Crystal Palace defender is just one year away from free agency, and FSG are starting to circle.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehicelebrates after the match
Though Tottenham Hotspur saw a £70m bid rejected for the England international only last January, Palace chairman Steve Parish will know that time is running out if he wishes to recuperate some funds from his prized defensive asset.
Some reports suggest Liverpool are closing in on Guehi’s signature, but in all likelihood, there will be something of a pause in the Anfield offices now that the bulk of the club’s summer activity has been sealed pronto.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
It would be wise, then, for sporting director Richard Hughes to closely assess the market for potential alternatives. If reports are to be believed, such a player has been identified.
Liverpool identify Guehi alternative
According to Caught Offside, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been earmarked by Richard Hughes and Co as a potential option in central defence, though this would be a contentious move indeed.
Not that Liverpool would care if they got the job done. Branthwaite, 22, is also attracting interest from Chelsea and Manchester United after revealing a desire to move clubs in March after being overlooked by Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.
Everton believe their star defender is one of the most talented in the business, and as such have slapped a £70m price tag on his name.
What Jarrad Branthwaite would bring to Liverpool
While Guehi’s contract situation would likely see him prove a more cost-efficient solution for Liverpool, Branthwaite is an incredibly fearsome protector, and he’s left-footed besides.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Returning from a successful loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2023, Branthwaite has since become a star member at Everton, playing 65 matches in the Premier League, winning the club’s Players’ Player of the Season for 2023/24.
It might seem ludicrous to think that Liverpool and Everton would do business on the transfer front, but the Hill Dickinson Stadium side are interested in Ben Doak, who is valued at £30m.
Tough-tackling and shrewdly talented on the technical front, the 6 foot 5 star is bound to earn himself a move to a club competing in the Champions League sooner or later, and Liverpool could do a lot worse, especially as Slot’s first-class coaching would prove the perfect way to develop Branthwaite’s ball-playing game.
That said, it’s not all that bad as it is. Indeed, looking at Branthwaite’s metrics in the top flight last season when contrasted with Guehi’s, you begin to see that maybe moving for the Everton man wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world.
Matches (starts)
30 (28)
34 (34)
Goals
0
3
Assists
1
2
Clean sheets
8
11
Touches*
51.9
64.9
Pass completion
83%
84%
Key passes*
0.1
0.5
Ball recoveries*
3.1
4.3
Dribbles (success)*
0.1 (60%)
0.4 (86%)
Tackles + interceptions*
2.1
2.6
Clearances*
6.3
4.6
Duels (won)*
3.9 (63%)
4.9 (59%)
As you can see, Branthwaite is more accurate in the duel than his positional peer while also producing a shedload more clearances on average. He’s far less mobile, but a 60% dribble success rate does point toward a latent ball-carrying ability that could be hammered into shape over at Anfield.
It’s important to remember that Branthwaite operates in a system which actively dampens ball-playing expansiveness, and that, even so, he has maintained a decent degree of passing success, almost as accurate on the ball as Guehi, if less progressive with his distribution.
And anyway, the hulking Blues star is just a phenomenal defender, strong as an ox and sturdy as steel. Talent scout Jacek Kulig has even gone as far as to declare him “an absolute monster” for the Toffees.
Could Branthwaite make the leap? The gulf on Merseyside is chasmic, after all.
Well, though it’s difficult to pull meaningful passing data from his Everton efforts last term, for Sean Dyche and David Moyes both employ counter-attacking and somewhat pragmatic styles, he still finished the year ranked among the top 20% of centre-backs for assists and the top 13% for switches, as per FBref, almost indicating a Virgil van Dijk-like approach to passing.
Hailed as an “incredible” part of Everton’s team by reporter Joe Thomas, Liverpool would certainly ruffle a few feathers if they got this one over the line in the coming months.
But if the Eagles play hardball and efforts to sign Guehi prove fruitless, this Englishman might just be the perfect alternative. And who knows, maybe he’d even prove the better signing.
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They might not have won the Premier League, but the Tottenham Hotspur team of the mid to late 2010s was stacked with seriously entertaining players.
Whether it was Harry Kane and Son Heung-min scoring for fun or Christian Eriksen playing sensational pinpoint, accurate passes from the middle of the park, fans were guaranteed a good time when watching the North Londoners.
Yet, there was another starter of that time who was perhaps the best to watch out of the entire team, someone capable of starting an unreal move or thundering the ball into the back of the net himself: Dele Alli.
The midfield maestro was a superb footballer, and if recent reports are to be believed, the club could be about to pull off a transfer reminiscent of his all those years ago and land Thomas Frank his own Dele.
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Spurs have been linked with plenty of midfield talents in recent weeks, most notably Adam Wharton and Quinten Timber.
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 would be a brilliant signing for the club to make, as the young Englishman has more than established himself as a Premier League quality player, but with a reported price tag of up to £60m, he might just be out of reach.
Timber, on the other hand, could be a far smarter acquisition at a reported price of just £25m and with a tally of seven goal involvements in 26 games this season.
Quinten Timber in action for Feyenoord.
However, neither the players nor their potential moves could really be compared to Dele, unlike Hayden Hackney.
Yes, according to a recent report from GIVEMESPORT, Spurs are now interested in the Middlesbrough gem.
The report claims that the North Londoners have entered the race to sign the young talent alongside Manchester United, West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa.
Fortunately, while the competition will be a significant hurdle for the Lilywhites to contend with, the potential price tag shouldn’t be, with the story claiming the gem in question could be available for just £20m.
Hayden Hackney for Middlesbrough.
It would be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Hackney’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Frank’s own Dele.
Why Hackney could be the new Dele
So, we know it’s a fairly bold opinion to suggest that Hackney, who might still be a relative unknown to many fans in the top flight, could be a Dele-esque signing for Spurs and Frank, but there are a few reasons why we think this.
Hayden-Hackney-and-Michael-Carrick
The first is that, even though the former Tottenham star was more of an attacking midfielder than the Boro ace is, the latter is somewhat versatile in the roles he can play, something the former was known for during his time in the capital.
For example, while the Redcar-born gem is at his best at the base of midfield, he is more than capable of playing a more central role, has ventured further up the pitch into attacking midfield, and has even made a few appearances out wide.
Defensive Midfield
113
9
13
Central Midfield
54
6
4
Attacking Midfield
17
3
4
Left Midfield
10
1
2
Right Midfield
3
0
1
The second similarity is in relation to their transfers or potential in the 22-year-old’s case.
When he joined the Lilywhites, the former England international did so from an EFL club, moving from MK Dons for a significant, but not outrageous fee of £5m, and should this deal go through, the 5 foot 10 dynamo would also be moving from an EFL club for a fee that, in today’s game, certainly isn’t too dear.
Finally, and this is an important one, there is an expectation from many that the “immense” gem, as dubbed by manager Michael Carrick, could develop into a truly exceptional player.
For example, respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described him as a “special player” and someone who should be a “high priority” signing; Sheffield United manager Chris Wilder called him a “super” talent, while another analyst proclaimed him a “progression monster.”
Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney.
Ultimately, while he might not be a name everyone is familiar with, Spurs should do what they can to sign Hackney this summer, as with his potential, he could be Frank’s own Dele.
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It may be odd to argue, amid what was a wretched campaign for Manchester United as a whole, although 2024/25 was in many ways a season of redemption in some quarters, with Harry Maguire re-establishing himself as a central figure under the new Ruben Amorim regime.
Thrust into an unorthodox number nine berth during United’s Europa League run, in particular, the England international delivered arguably the greatest Old Trafford moment in recent years, following his last-gasp winner against Lyon.
Once written off under Erik ten Hag, having been stripped of the captaincy amid talk over a move to West Ham United, the 32-year-old, to his credit, fought his way back from the brink, having notably been hailed as “perfect” for the 3-4-3 system by Amorim.
Fittingly too, that heroic winner against the Ligue 1 side had been supplied by another man on a mission, in the form of Casemiro, with the Brazilian having also delivered the assist for Kobbie Mainoo just minutes earlier – alongside winning the prior spot-kick.
Central to that comeback, the 33-year-old is in many ways the comeback kid, having shaken off the disappointment of being left out of the starting lineup for last season’s FA Cup final, to then edging out Manuel Ugarte to get the nod for the Europa League showpiece 12 months later.
Casemiro
That resurgence has been a joy to behold, although the fact remains that his £70m addition was perhaps a costly, long-term mistake. Could something similar soon be repeated?
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Speaking of fixing prior mistakes, the Red Devils appear to be searching for a suitable successor to Andre Onana between the sticks, with the 29-year-old facing an uncertain future at the club after just two years in Manchester.
Linked with a move to Saudi Arabia, the £47.2m signing made a catalogue of errors again in 2024/25 – including three leading to a goal in the Premier League – with it no surprise that Amorim is reportedly seeking a replacement.
As noted by journalist Rudy Galetti, United are said to have “renewed interest” in Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen, with the club holding “internal talks” over whether to make a move for the German.
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Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Writing in his attached piece for TEAMtalk, Galetti notes that the 33-year-old has emerged as a ‘leading target’ for the Red Devils, amid their search to replace Onana this summer.
The veteran goalkeeper – who is said to have also been considered by Chelsea – is facing his own uncertainty back in Catalonia, amid the potential arrival of Espanyol’s Joan Garcia.
Why Ter Stegen could be another Casemiro for Man Utd
It is heartwarming that a man who won the lot at Real Madrid – namely five Champions Leagues – appears to simply love life at Manchester United, with Casemiro memorably collapsing to the floor in delight following the wild celebrations after Maguire’s Lyon winner.
The one-time Porto man has looked back to his first season best in recent months, having notably described 2022/23 as the “best” individual campaign of his career, with Erik ten Hag having hailed him as the “cement” in the side at the time.
Frustratingly, however, such performances were not maintained in the following year, with Casemiro described as looking like he’s playing “in Soccer Aid” by pundit Jamie Redknapp, having failed to justify his reported £350k-per-week salary.
Games (starts)
28 (24)
25 (24)
24 (18)
Goals
4
1
1
Assists
3
2
0
Big chances created
7
2
3
Key passes*
1.0
0.6
0.9
Pass accuracy*
79%
83%
80%
Tackles & interceptions*
4.4
4.0
4.1
Balls recovered*
N/A
5.3
4.3
Dribbled past*
1.6
2.2
1.2
Total duels won*
55%
52%
64%
Despite his recent renaissance, the decision to plump for the ageing talent remains a costly one then, with the same potentially set to occur with regard to Ter Stegen – a player who takes home £102k-per-week in Barcelona.
Like his former Madrid rival, the 44-cap Germany international could bring a wealth of experience to United, undoubtedly, having racked up 422 appearances for the club to date, while winning a plethora of major honours.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Much like Casemiro too, Ter Stegen has repeatedly delivered the goods at the elite level over a consistent period, having previously been described as “extraordinary” and “among the three best keepers in the world” by former boss Xavi. Former Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak also stated that it is “is crazy the way he can make some saves”.
The problem is, however, that at 33, the former Borussia Mönchengladbach man would hardly be a long-term solution, not least considering his unfortunate injury woes of late.
Indeed, last season, the long-serving Barca star made just nine appearances in all competitions, having only recently made his return from a lengthy stint on the sidelines due to a tendon issue.
That spell out of action – which saw Ter Stegen miss 51 games for club and country – follows a previous period of absence in 2023/24, in which he missed a further 19 games with a back injury.
For a club like United who have endured frequent injury setbacks in recent times, that must surely have alarm bells ringing, with Amorim unable to afford further disruption in such a key position.
Yes, like Casemiro, the 6 foot 2 ace – who ranked in the top 7% in LaLiga in 2023/24 for save percentage – can be a quality asset on his day, but those days may prove to be few and far between as his career reaches its climax.
As United found with Casemiro – and Raphael Varane before him – Spain’s elite clubs are rather canny at affloading ageing stars at the right time. United simply can’t prove another victim of that this summer.
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