All posts by z3u9t.icu

The summer transfer window has now closed. Well, the first window, in any case, opened to accommodate the needs of the incipient Club World Cup.

For Newcastle United, concrete movements have been withheld at this stage, albeit with the completion of Lloyd Kelly’s permanent move to Juventus banking £20m for the Tynesiders.

Eddie Howe does want improvements as his Magpies swoop back into the Champions League, however. England defender Marc Guehi and Brentford’s right-sided superstar Bryan Mbeumo have been shortlisted, but the latter has since stressed his desire to sign for Manchester United.

With Miguel Almiron having departed in January, right wing remains a priority position, and Newcastle have centred their sights on an interesting Mbeumo alternative.

Newcastle begin talks for new forward

Amid speculation over moves for Premier League wingers Anthony Elanga and Mohammed Kudus, it’s another plying their trade in England that’s of attention right now.

Indeed, according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Newcastle have opened talks with Brighton & Hove Albion forward Joao Pedro, with Howe a huge fan and the Seagulls ready to sell.

Available for a figure below £60m, the 23-year-old would fall into a similar financial ballpark as the £60m-rated Mbeumo, thus confirming United have the means to launch an official bid.

Pedro has even expressed a desire to play for Newcastle in a different role – and as it happens, Howe needs some more firepower on the right flank.

Why Newcastle should sign Joao Pedro

Two years ago, having signed for Brighton from Watford in a deal of roughly £30m, Pedro has established himself as one of the most dynamic forwards in England’s top tier, posting 30 goals and ten assists across 70 appearances.

Not just a goalscorer, Pedro ranked among the top 1% of forwards during the 2024/25 Premier League season for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.

As it happens, such balanced performances have drawn Mbeumo up as one of his most comparable players. The Cameroon international, principally a right winger but more than capable as a focal frontman, scored 20 goals across 38 top-flight fixtures last year.

But he’s not just a marksman: Mbeumo created 17 big chances, and completed 1.4 dribbles and won 4.2 duels on average across the year; Pedro, meanwhile, created 11 big chances, averaging 1.1 dribbles and 4.9 duels per outing, metrics courtesy of Sofascore.

With Brighton’s star forward showcasing such an exciting range of creative and athletic qualities, and with a wealth of experience across various attacking roles, it might just be a deal that works out for the Toon, having profiled Mbeumo extensively.

Centre-forward

119

34

18

Left winger

40

14

0

Attacking midfield

27

11

1

Right winger

5

0

0

Mbeumo might be the talk of the town in the goalscoring department, but Pedro’s not exactly a shoddy shooter himself. In fact, content creator Ryan Adsett has praised the star’s “world-class” finishing, drawing attention to his “magnificent technique.”

Moreover, the Brazilian’s willingness to play ‘out of position’ bespeaks his intelligence and maturity, for he understands Alexander Isak is a moveless monolith at number nine, so staggeringly good at his job that few – if any – strikers playing football today would be able to take his place.

Who knows, Pedro’s ability to thrive across any number of areas could see him become an even better fit in the long term than the Bees man, with Howe known to use such protean profiles, like that of Anthony Gordon, across the frontline.

If Pedro really is willing to play out on the right to best serve the Newcastle project, this has got to be a deal PIF see over the line. His dynamism and desire to play at St. James’ Park suggest he could become the latest superstar created under Howe’s wing.

Better than Elanga: Newcastle holding talks over "generational" £84m star

Newcastle are in the market for a new right-sided forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 10, 2025

Chelsea have reportedly submitted their opening offer for a Serie A star who’s openly admitted that he’ll consider offers to leave his club, with Enzo Maresca’s side expected to move quickly in the transfer market after their Conference League victory.

Chelsea seal Real Betis comeback to win first trophy under Maresca

The Premier League heavyweights were tipped as heavy favourites to lift this year’s Conference League trophy, but Real Betis threatened to give them a major shock.

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2 ByEmilio Galantini May 28, 2025

Former Real Madrid star Isco gave them a hard time in the first-half, with Moises Caicedo struggling to contain the Spaniard, and it didn’t take long for Betis to secure a surprise early lead through Abde Ezzalzouli on the nine-minute mark.

Chelsea failed to kickstart any sort of momentum until midway through the second period, when Maresca’s side suddenly came to life and sparked a tremendous comeback against Manuel Pellegrini’s underdogs.

Goals from Enzo Fernández, Nicolas Jackson, Jadon Sancho and Caicedo, in the space of just half an hour, put the result beyond all doubt, with Chelsea taking home the Conference League spoils and confirming Maresca’s first piece of silverware since taking over as manager last year.

“We’ve improved a lot since we started,” said Maresca about Chelsea’s evolution in the last few weeks.

“We also started to win games in an ugly way. That is something with a young squad that you struggle to do that, but I think, for instance, in the Nottingham Forest game we won in a little bit of an ugly way. We found the way to win the game, that was very, very important.

“And then the best picture for me for tonight that made me understand that we were in the right direction is when we scored the first two guys to celebrate was Malo Gusto and Benoit Badiashile. The two that we changed. And this, probably sometimes we judge games, but this for me, for a manager, when you change players that they are not playing good and they are the first that they enjoy the celebration, that means a lot.”

Palmer in particular was vital in their comeback against Betis, putting in a genius attacking display, and BlueCo reportedly have every intention of providing the England international with quality new teammates this summer.

Chelsea submit opening bid for Lazio star Mario Gila

One of the key items on their agenda is the signing of a centre-back, according to Simon Phillips and other reliable sources. Chelsea held rounds of talks with Dean Huijsen before his switch to Real Madrid, but they haven’t given up on their chase for a new defender after missing out on the 20-year-old.

According to newspaper Il Messaggero, Lazio centre-back Mario Gila has now found his way onto Chelsea’s shortlist of targets as they seek an alternative to Huijsen.

The 24-year-old was a mainstay of Lazio’s backline throughout 2024/2025, with only midfielder Matteo Guendouzi playing more league minutes for them than Gila. However, he may well have played his final game for Marco Baroni’s side, and admitted midway through the campaign that he’s ready to listen to other offers despite becoming a “special” figure in Rome.

“I am very happy. Since last year, I started playing midway through the season, and everything is going very well. For a player, being a special figure is very important,” said Gila.

“At this moment, I am happy to be here. After that, whatever happens, I am ready to listen to everything. I have ambitions, and if there are options, I will listen to them and evaluate them. But I am very happy here; the team values me.”

Now, it would appear the Blues have taken him up on this.

Il Messagero reports that Chelsea have made an offer of around £29 million for Gila, but Lazio value him somewhere closer to £44 million, given his key player status and the fact Real Madrid possess a 50% sell-on clause – meaning they’d get half of any transfer fee received for the Spanish defender.

Gila is a reliable centre-half, possessing a unique blend of youth and experience at the top level, which leaves little surprise that Maresca’s side are now expressing a serious interest.

Celtic played their final away game of the Scottish Premiership season on Wednesday night and secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers named a much-changed side and got the win thanks to goals from Maik Nawrocki, Hyun-jun Yang, Luke McCowan, Johnny Kenny, and Adam Idah.

It was a night for the rarely-seen Celtic players, including the likes of Viljami Sinisalo and Paulo Bernardo, and Nawrocki is certainly one of those who grasped his chance.

Why Rodgers should be impressed by Nawrocki

The Polish defender made just his third start of the Premiership campaign and caught the eye with an impressive display at the heart of the defence.

Playing on his favoured right side for the first time this term, Nawrocki completed an eye-catching 130 of his 136 attempted passes on the night and only lost possession nine times in total, as well as scoring the opener from a corner.

Defensively, the former Legia Warsaw star made five clearances, two blocks, and two interceptions to keep Aberdeen at bay, including one huge sliding block when facing a one-on-one in the box in the second half.

Chalkboard

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

Rodgers should, therefore, have been impressed by his combination of composed play in possession and stoic defensive work, but the manager should have been encouraged by Johnny Kenny’s display in the centre-forward position.

Why Johnny Kenny is now unsellable

The young marksman had not had many opportunities to impress in the second half of the season, with just six substitute appearances in the league, and his lack of game time may have led to question marks over his future heading into the summer transfer window.

However, the 21-year-old striker was finally given a chance to show his quality from the start and showed why he should be unsellable this summer for the Hoops, with a performance that shows that he can be part of the first-team squad next season.

Celtic need another number nine option to compete with Idah and Daizen Maeda, and Kenny’s showing against Aberdeen suggests that he can be that man.

Minutes

70

Shots on target

2

Goals

1

Passes completed

8/11

Duels won

3/4

Aerial duels won

3/3

As you can see in the table above, the Ireland U21 international scored with one of his two shots on target, with a well-placed header from McCowan’s cross, and showcased his physicality by winning all of his aerial duels.

Kenny scored 13 goals in 19 starts in the Irish Premier Division in 2024 on loan at Shamrock Rovers, and has now shown a glimpse of the kind of goalscoring quality he can bring to Celtic.

He is an exciting young striker with the physical qualities, as shown by his statistics against Aberdeen, and the goalscoring record to develop into a fine option for Rodgers, as proven by his performance on Wednesday.

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Therefore, the club should not look to move him on this summer, despite his general lack of game time in the last few months, and the manager should, instead, make him a regular player off the bench and occasionally from the start.

Derby County are now plotting a summer move for a record-breaking defender, whose contract is set to expire next month, according to a report.

Derby looking to kick on after final-day survival

After securing promotion back to the Championship in the 2023-24 campaign, Derby’s main aim last season was always likely to be avoiding the drop, and they just about managed to get the job done.

A goalless draw against Stoke City on the final day ensured the Rams will remain in the second tier for another season, with manager John Eustace taking the time to praise his players’ efforts after avoiding an instant return to League one.

“What a fantastic effort from everyone connected with the football club. The players have been outstanding every day in training they have dedicated themselves to getting to this moment and I couldn’t be any more proud of them.”

After securing their Championship status, however, Eustace’s side will be looking to kick on next season, and plans are being made for the summer, with the manager recently confirming he would like to sign loanee Nat Phillips on a permanent basis.

Alongside the centre-back, Derby could also look to make an addition at left-back, with a report from Football League World revealing they are now plotting a move for Charlton Athletic’s Thierry Small, whose contract is set to expire next month.

As such, Small could be available for a low fee, with compensation required seeing as the defender is just 20-years-old, although his current employers are still hopeful of keeping hold of him, should they secure promotion via the League One play-offs.

There is widespread interest in the youngster, with the Rams joined by Championship rivals Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Millwall and Oxford United in the race for his signature, having caught the eye in the third tier this season.

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ByRoss Kilvington Feb 3, 2025 Small could be "fantastic" long-term signing

Back in 2021, the left-back broke Jose Baxter’s record by becoming Everton’s youngest-ever player, and while he didn’t manage to kick on by becoming a regular starter for the Blues, there are signs he could be capable of reaching the Premier League.

The full-back has been a vital player for promotion-chasing Charlton this season, making 39 appearances in League 1, and he has proven himself to be useful on the front foot, picking up two goals and three assists.

Not only that, but Sky Sports pundit Lee Hendrie believes the starlet has “bags of potential”, while manager Nathan Jones has described him as a “fantastic athlete”, perhaps in part due to his pace.

Small’s performances in the third tier this season indicate he could be more than capable of making the step-up to the Championship soon, so it is promising news that Derby are now plotting a summer move.

Chelsea are prepared to open talks over re-signing a former “leader”, who one source describes as the perfect player for Enzo Maresca’s dressing room.

Enzo Maresca makes "very important" Conference League claim

The west Londoners take a commanding 4-1 lead into their Conference League semi-final second leg against Djurgardens tonight, and all signs point towards Chelsea easing past Jani Honkavaara’s side as they look to confirm a spot in the final on May 28.

Chelsea hold extensive talks to sign £38m ex-Fulham star who Mourinho wants

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ByEmilio Galantini May 7, 2025

Maresca has a golden chance to win his first piece of silverware as Chelsea manager during his debut season in charge, and a lot of expectation is riding on him, as they’ve been backed as solid favourites to lift the trophy since the beginning of 2024/2025.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

While Chelsea have much grander ambitions in the long-term, being knocked out of the Conference League at this stage would arguably be a disaster, and Maresca says winning the competition is “very important” for many reasons.

“Very important, very important for sure, 100 per cent,” said Maresca on Chelsea’s Conference League ambitions.

“For different reasons but the main reason is because we want this club winning trophies. In this moment we are in the Conference so we have to try to win the trophy in the competition that we are.

“So yeah, it’s important personally, but for me, it’s much more important for the club, for the fans. We said many times that it’s the only trophy that Chelsea didn’t win in the past and Chelsea can become the first club in Europe to win all the European competitions so it’s also good for the club.”

It would also end the campaign on a high, even if Chelsea’s race for Champions League qualification is taking centre stage right now.

The club’s ambitions to compete in Europe’s most prestigious competition will also have a knock-on effect when it comes to summer transfers, and it is believed the signing of a new centre-back is a top priority for Chelsea ahead of next term.

Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen and Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi are among Chelsea’s rumoured central defensive targets, but according to Football Transfers, they now have their eyes on a possible reunion with Antonio Rudiger.

Chelsea ready to open talks over bringing back Real Madrid star Antonio Rudiger

According to their information, the Blues have made contact with their ex-defender’s camp “in recent days” to be informed on his future at the Bernabeu – as they lay some groundwork over a potential deal.

The Germany international, while generally satisfied with life at Real, has apparently become “increasingly difficult” to deal with, and one source describes his situation as “tense” amid clashes with those in his inner circle.

The reasons for Rudiger’s dissatisfaction are kept vague, but this has apparently alerted Chelsea. Indeed, as well as reaching out to the £238,000-per-week defender’s representatives, it is believed Chelsea are “ready to negotiate” re-signing Rudiger if they get the green-light from him or Real.

The 32-year-old, despite some drama behind-closed-doors, has been described by an FT source as “exactly what the dressing room needs”. Rudiger’s experience could also be vital for Maresca’s very young squad, and he’s already a proven Premier League defender.

“He’s a leader, a warrior, exactly what this Chelsea dressing room needs,” said the source.

“There’s no fear about his personality. If anything, that fire is what we’re missing.”

With the summer transfer window approaching, Everton are reportedly among those racing to sign a relegated Premier League star, who is available at a bargain price.

Friedkin need statement Everton summer

So far, it’s been so good from The Friedkin Group. Everton are about to bid an emotional farewell to Goodison Park ahead of moving into their new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season and the appointment of David Moyes has ensured that a new era will commence in the Premier League. The veteran manager returned to a number of doubters but has steered the club to safety with great comfort.

The Everton boss will have his eye on more than just surviving next season, however, as will Friedkin. The new owners have the chance to make their mark for the first time in a summer transfer window in Merseyside and rumours suggest that they’re planning to do exactly that.

Recent links have even suggested that the Toffees are interested in re-signing Richarlison from Tottenham Hotspur. The Brazilian has struggled ever since swapping Merseyside for North London and may yet be heading back in the opposite direction this summer.

It’s a reunion that would see a club hero return to commence a new era and one which could be spent away from the dangers of the dropzone. That said, Richarlison isn’t the only name who reportedly finds himself on Everton’s radar.

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Those in Merseyside have also reportedly set their sights on taking full advantage of the Premier League’s relegated trio and potentially landing one particular bargain deal when the summer arrives.

Everton racing to sign Wilfred Ndidi

According to The Boot Room, Everton are now racing to sign Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer, triggering his £9m relegation release clause in the process. Friedkin are reportedly admirers of the experienced midfielder and are set to do battle with both Sheffield United and Burnley in pursuit of his signature at a bargain price in the coming months.

Starts

25

29

Tackles Won

46

27

Interceptions

24

9

Ball Recoveries

114

139

It becomes clear why Friedkin are admirers of Ndidi when comparing his talent to that of Abdoulaye Doucoure’s, who is on course to depart as a free agent at the end of the season. In comparison, as impressive as Doucoure has been at times, it is Ndidi who stands out for his work off the ball – work which deserves to stay in the Premier League.

Once described as an “incredible player” by former Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, Ndidi will be one to watch this summer, especially amid his reported £9m release clause.

It’s a price that Everton should take full advantage of to not only land a replacement for Doucoure, but arguably an upgrade.

Birmingham City are now ready to offer a £30,000-a-week contract to sign a 23-year-old on a free transfer this summer, according to a recent report.

Birmingham City eye proven Championship defender

The Blues’ stay in League One was short-lived, as expected, as they have been by far the best team in the division. Chris Davies’ side are back in action on Thursday evening, with nothing on the game apart from pride, as Birmingham wrapped up promotion and the League One title a long time ago.

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They have four games left to play in the league, but the focus will likely be turning towards next season and what the club wants to do in the summer transfer window. It’s already been reported by Wales Online that the Blues are interested in a move to sign Harry Darling from Swansea City. The centre-back is out of contract at the end of this campaign, and while he has an offer on the table from the Swans, Birmingham are keen on swooping in and securing a free transfer.

The 25-year-old has performed well for the Welsh side this season, and his experience of Championship football could be the reason why Davies wants to add him to his Birmingham team for the next campaign.

Birmingham plan to offer big contract to Kwame Poku

It is not just Darling that the Blues want to sign on a free transfer; according to Football League World, Birmingham City are preparing to offer £30,000 a week to sign Kwame Poku on a free transfer from Peterborough United.

It was reported earlier this month that the Blues were already in talks with Poku over a move to Birmingham. It was also claimed that, as well as Birmingham, Crystal Palace and Rangers are also interested in the EFL attacker, who has once again had an impressive season.

Football League World now reports that Birmingham are planning to beat Rangers and Palace to the signing of Poku by offering the attacker a £30,000-a-week contract, which is likely a significant increase on his current deal with Peterborough.

Posh did try and secure Poku’s future at the club earlier this season, but the forward turned down what was a record contract offer for Peterborough, and now the League One side expect him to leave for nothing at the end of this campaign.

Apps

146

Goals

30

Assists

30

The 23-year-old has scored 12 goals and recorded eight assists in 26 League One games this season, and that has been achieved in a team that has underperformed and been nowhere near competing for a League One play-off place.

Poku’s potential arrival at Birmingham would see him join the likes of Jay Stansfield, Alfie May, Keshi Anderson, Scott Wright and Lyndon Dykes – there will be a lot of competition in the forward ranks, which is exactly what’s needed to fire upwards instead of looking downwards next term.

Who is the greatest player in Liverpool’s modern history? Certainly, if we’re talking about post-millenial brilliance, Steven Gerrard sits at the top of the tree.

Gerrard might be the greatest player in the Merseysiders’ history anyway, utterly incredible and synonymous with the city’s beating red heart.

However, we’re looking at Liverpool’s resurgence over the past decade, here, when Jurgen Klopp saved a team from drowning and turned it back toward the light.

So many superstars have graced Anfield’s pitch since the former German manager was appointed as Brendan Rodgers’ successor, but it’s hard to argue against Virgil van Dijk being the cream of the crop.

Virgil van Dijk is Liverpool's hero

When Liverpool paid Premier League rivals Southampton a £75m sum to take their prized centre-back in January 2018, many opposing fans chuckled at such an obscene figure for a defender.

But it’s difficult to say that Liverpool and their Dutch skipper haven’t had the last laugh, with Van Dijk transforming the Reds’ shaky backline and leading them to glory, winning all the biggest honours, coming within a whisker of Lionel Messi on the Ballon d’Or podium in his prime and immortalising his name as the leader of Liverpool in their finest period in modern times.

The 33-year-old is no longer a bright new voice in the Premier League but he’s still matchless in defence, so important this season as Arne Slot’s side surprised everyone and assumed a commanding lead at the top of the table – 11 points clear with seven games to go.

Matches (starts)

31 (31)

Goals

1

Assists

1

Clean sheets

13

Pass completion

92%

Key passes*

0.3

Dribble success

60%

Ball recoveries*

3.1

Tackles + interceptions*

2.7

Clearances*

5.1

Total duels (won)*

4.7 (67%)

And he’s not done yet. Van Dijk has completed 313 appearances for Liverpool and won the full gamut, and though his lucrative contract is into its eleventh hour, he’s recently allayed fans’ concerns by confirming that talks are ongoing regarding a renewal.

This will be crucial for the Anfield side as it steers into the second year of Slot’s project, giving the Netherlands icon another year (or two) to drive the stake of his legacy even deeper into the rich Liverpool soil.

To be fair, you’d have to say that Mohamed Salah is Liverpool’s best signing in a long, long time. The Egyptian joined the club from AS Roma for just £34m and has gone on to claim legendary status.

However, his arrival preceded the skipper’s. He was followed from the Serie A by another though, and it is he who stands proud as Liverpool’s standout signing.

Liverpool's best signing after Van Dijk

You’ve probably already guessed who it is. While Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and co have reshaped Liverpool’s midfield and charged the club’s charge toward the Premier League title this season, it’s not them.

While Ibrahima Konate, Luis Diaz and and Cody Gakpo have been instrumental in Liverpool’s success in recent years, it’s Alisson Becker between the sticks who has been the life-juice since arriving in the early knockings of Klopp’s still-standing (even if he’s gone) dynasty.

Liverpool paid a world-record £67m fee – for a goalkeeper – to secure Alisson’s signature, but it still feels like something of a bargain. Quite simply, the Brazil international’s positional rivals all pale in comparison.

Slot has been more than happy to chip in about his keeper’s calibre, hailing his “world-class” saves. He’s the best of the best, with his stunning display at the Parc des Princes in February the perfect illustration of his lofty skills.

Making nine stunning saves and preventing an xG total of 2.26 goals, as per Sofascore, the South American called it “the performance of my life” as Liverpool somehow survived a ceaseless onslaught and emerged victorious – they lost the return leg, of course, but Alisson still put in a good shift.

First-leg match-winner, Harvey Elliott, also called his towering teammate “the best in the world” – and it’s a fair claim indeed.

It’s not just this season that the 32-year-old’s been in fine fettle, as you surely know. Back in May 2023, Klopp declared that his shot-stopping star had been the club’s “most consistent player” through a testing year.

In fact, injuries aside, Alisson is rarely in the firing line for poor performances, with his leadership, command and shot-saving prowess all converging to present a player who is truly the complete package.

The fact that Alisson, who arrived at Liverpool way back when, remains Liverpool’s best signing since Van Dijk was brought into Klopp’s squad six months earlier makes a telling comment on the issues behind recruitment over recent years.

It also details a pretty firm assessment regarding the Reds’ absolutely staggering longevity, not really making the sweeping changes of their divisional rivals over the past eight years or so.

Liverpool have done well to prudently tie Giorgi Mamardashvili down, but whether he’ll reach the same incredible heights as the Brazilian is another question entirely.

The Georgian keeper is set to join from Valencia this summer in a deal worth £29m, but the 24-year-old is sure to spend some time serving as Alisson’s understudy, replacing Caoimhin Kelleher as the able deputy leaves in search of a first-choice spot.

Alisson’s place is at Anfield for the foreseeable, but he’s about to enter the penultimate year of his contract and could leave for a transfer fee in one year’s time or maybe see his £150k-per-week deal out to its end.

In any case, the 6 foot 4 sensation is one of Liverpool’s finest modern players, so important, so influential, over the years. There’s a firm case to be made that all who have walked through the gates since have failed to outstrip him.

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ByAngus Sinclair Apr 7, 2025

Manchester City are preparing to travel across the city to face their bitter rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Sunday.

The Cityzens are currently fifth in the table and are fighting to secure a place in the Champions League for next season, to ensure that they do not drop down to the Europa League spots.

This clash with Ruben Amorim’s side is not only important within the context of the Premier League, though, as it will also be the final Manchester derby for Kevin de Bruyne.

The long-serving Belgian superstar announced on Friday that this will be his final season at The Etihad and he will be moving on from the club when his current contract expires in the summer.

De Bruyne will leave Manchester City a couple of months short of ten years since his £55m transfer to the club from Wolfsburg back in the summer of 2015.

The Belgium international’s exit will leave a big hole in Pep Guardiola’s squad because he has been a key player for the Premier League champions for so many years.

Why Kevin de Bruyne is a Manchester City legend

Since joining from Wolfsburg, De Bruyne has cultivated a reputation for being one of the most feared creators in the history of the English top-flight.

At the time of writing, the 33-year-old magician has racked up 118 assists in the Premier League – a tally that comes second only to Ryan Giggs (162) in the history of the league.

The experienced wizard has scored 106 goals and provided 174 assists in 413 appearances in all competitions for Manchester City to date, which shows that he has consistently contributed as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a central midfield position.

De Bruyne will leave the club having won six Premier League titles in ten seasons at The Etihad, heavily contributing to those successes with his immense quality at the top end of the pitch.

24/25

20

2

6

23/24

18

4

10

22/23

32

7

16

21/22

30

15

8

20/21

25

6

12

19/20

35

13

20

18/19

19

2

2

17/18

37

8

16

16/17

36

6

18

15/16

25

7

9

As you can see in the table above, the former Chelsea man has delivered a consistent stream of goals and assists when fit for the majority of his career at the club in the Premier League.

All of this contributes to why de Bruyne is a Manchester City legend, as he has been a top-class performer for a decade, but his powers are waning, as shown by his goal tally this season, and his value has plummeted as a result.

Kevin de Bruyne's current market value

At the time of writing (05/04/2025), the Belgian sensation’s current Transfermarkt valuation stands at just £23m, whilst he is also set to leave the club for £0 when his contract expires this summer.

His market value peaked at a whopping £128m in the summer of 2018 and has steadily declined in recent years, as the Premier League legend heads toward the end of his playing career.

His current market valuation of £23m places him 19th in the current Manchester City squad on value, behind the likes of Rico Lewis, Matheus Nunes, and Vitor Reis.

This illustrates his natural decline, as his performances and value have regressed with age, and that is why it feels like the right time for him to move on when his contract expires at the end of the season.

He is still fairly highly valued, at £23m, though, and there is one former Manchester City starlet – at the other end of his career – whose value has soared past the Belgian’s.

Morgan Rogers came up through the City academy, after being signed from West Brom in 2019, before being sold to Middlesbrough for a reported fee of £1.5m in the summer of 2023.

Morgan Rogers' soaring market value

Since leaving The Etihad on a permanent deal almost two years ago, the England international’s career has skyrocketed and he is now worth even more than de Bruyne.

After just six months at Boro, Aston Villa swooped in to sign the forward in a deal that could be worth up to £16m in the January window at the start of last year.

Rogers has since established himself as a big star for Unai Emery at Villa Park and earned recognition on the international stage, with three caps for England to date.

The 22-year-old talent has racked up 15 goals and 12 assists in 59 appearances in all competitions for the Villans, including three goals and three assists in ten outings in the Champions League.

Rogers, as illustrated above, has achieved a lot in a short time at Aston Villa, which is also backed up by his statistics as he has provided a consistent stream of goals and assists from an attacking midfield position.

The English star, who pundit Jamie Carragher previously described as “unstoppable”, has proven that he can perform in the Premier League and the Champions League, which suggests that he could have developed into a star at Manchester City if he had been given more opportunities to shine.

Unfortunately, the Cityzens decided to cash in on him for just £1.5m before he had the chance to showcase his quality at the top level, and his rise since then proves that they messed up with that call.

At the time of writing, Rogers is valued at a whopping £42.5m by Transfermarkt. This means that his value has soared by a staggering 2,733% from the £1.5m that City raked in for his services from Middlesbrough less than two years ago.

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This proves that Manchester City messed up when they decided to sell him because he is now worth £41m more and worth even more than de Bruyne, whilst delivering quality performances in the Premier League and the Champions League.

Defending champions Liverpool moved up to eighth in the Premier League table after a 2-0 win over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday.

Goals from Alexander Isak, who netted his first league goal for the club, and Cody Gakpo secured all three points for the Reds for the first time since the 1st November against Aston Villa.

Arne Slot will surely be pleased with the win and the clean sheet to end a run of three successive losses in all competitions, whilst the Dutch boss will also be buzzing with the performances of several of his players.

Ranking Liverpool's top performers against West Ham

When ranking the team’s top performers against the Hammers, it is hard to look past Gakpo as the standout star because he was directly involved in both of the goals, with a goal and an assist.

Ibrahima Konate also deserves credit for his colossal display at the heart of the defence, winning 100% (5/5) of his aerial duels and making a team-high ten clearances, per Sofascore.

Both the France international and captain Virgil van Dijk kept Alisson quiet with their dominant performances, but Konate was the standout centre-back with four more clearances and three more aerial duels won than his skipper.

1

Cody Gakpo

2

Florian Wirtz

3

Ibrahima Konate

4

Virgil van Dijk

5

Alexander Isak

As you can see in the table above, Isak also has to be in the top five performers on the pitch for the Premier League champions, as he netted his first league goal for the club with a brilliant first-time finish into the bottom corner.

You will also notice that £115m signing Florian Wirtz ranks in second place, just behind Gakpo, after he caught the eye whilst playing in a central position for the Reds.

The Liverpool star who could be their new Thiago Alcantara

Recruitment analyst Jan Riha stated that the “incredible” Wirtz made him “feel about football the same way Thiago Alcantara” did at Liverpool, after his performance against the Hammers.

It is hard to argue with that assessment because his metronomic display at the London Stadium was incredibly impressive, even if it lacked the punch of a goal or an assist to add some extra flavour to his season.

Thiago ended his playing days with a 90% pass accuracy, per WhoScored, and Reds supporters got to enjoy his midfield majesty for three seasons, with plenty of exceptional raking passes and cultured through balls, as shown in the clips below against Man United in 2022.

Wirtz may not play in a deep-lying midfield role like Thiago did, but his technical ability is comparable to the Spaniard’s, and he showed it off plenty of times in the win over West Ham.

The Germany international has failed to deliver a goal or an assist in the Premier League this season since his big-money move from Bayer Leverkusen, but his display on Sunday was a step in the right direction because it was his best of the campaign.

Sofascore rating

6.51

6.9

Passes completed

25

42

Pass accuracy

82%

93%

Passes completed in oppo half

18

32

Passes accuracy in oppo half

76%

91%

Passes accuracy in own half

86%

100%

As you can see in the statistics above, Wirtz’s use of the ball on Sunday was on another level to what he has previously shown in the top-flight for Liverpool.

Playing centrally, rather than being out wide on the left or the right, allowed him to float around and knit play together with his technical brilliance, much like Thiago used to do further back on the pitch during his time at Anfield.

Slot must continue to play the German star in the middle of the park, rather than out wide, because he could flourish as a metronomic number ten who is able to buzz around the pitch and control the tempo of the match.

The hope, then, would be that the goals and assists naturally follow as he becomes more comfortable and confident on the pitch in the Premier League.

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Whilst there will be understandable disappointment that a £115m attacking midfielder is yet to provide a direct goal contribution in the top-flight, Wirtz’s performance against the Hammers was his best of the season and he appears to be on the right track to become a success at Anfield.