West Ham United have now reached a verbal agreement over a deal to sign a defender, who is set to be available for around £4m this summer, according to journalist Dominik Schneider.
Hammers set out to strengthen defence
West Ham recently secured the signature of Kyle Walker-Peters on a free transfer, but Graham Potter has no plans to stop there, with the manager also keen to bolster his options in the centre of defence.
Speaking to Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown revealed the desire to sign a new centre-back comes amid major doubts over Nayef Aguerd’s future, with Potter looking to sell the Morocco international this summer.
Nayef Aguerd for West Ham United.
Brown said: “West Ham are aiming to sign a top-class centre-half. Potter wants reliable options in that position because he isn’t happy with what he’s got. It’s something West Ham have been lacking for a while, and it’s going to be a priority before the season starts because the manager is pushing for it.
“Potter isn’t happy with Mavropanos, he’s far too mistake prone and is liable to cost you a game, and he’s looking to move on Nayef Aguerd as well.”
That said, it may be difficult to compete for the signature of an established top-level centre-back, off the back of the Hammers’ very disappointing 2024-25 campaign, and they now look set to take a gamble on a defender from the Swiss league.
West Ham now battling Sunderland to sign "aggressive" Bundesliga winner
The Hammers have had a first-hand look at his quality.
ByTom Cunningham Jul 19, 2025
That is according to Schneider on X, who reveals West Ham have now reached a “verbal agreement” over a deal for Lugano defender Albian Hajdari, and a deal could be on the cheap side.
Hajdari has a €5m (£4.3m) release clause included in his Lugano contract, and while the Hammers are yet to trigger it, the centre-back is “keen to join” this summer, indicating it could be very easy to get a deal over the line.
"Dominant" Hajdari could excel at the London Stadium
While the 22-year-old would not be a big-name signing, there are clear indications that he could be a success at the London Stadium, having performed very well for Lugano over the course of the past year.
The Lugano star’s defensive abilities certainly cannot be called into question, given that he is placed in the top 1% for interceptions per 90, and the top 2% for blocks, when compared to his positional peers.
Not only that, but the one-time Switzerland international has also received high praise from scout Ben Mattinson, who described him as “aerially dominant” and “composed on the ball”, with the latter quality potentially making the Binningen-born defender ideal for Potter.
At just over £4m, Hajdari could be a bargain addition to Potter’s squad, and there are clear signs that he could kick on at the London Stadium.
Manchester United fans may be feeling a sense of disappointment after it was confirmed that Viktor Gyokeres would be joining Arsenal over a move to Old Trafford.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed that a deal had been reached between the Gunners and the 27-year-old for a fee in the region of £63.8m including add-ons.
Ruben Amorim will undoubtedly have wanted to secure a reunion between himself and the forward after enjoying a successful stint together at Sporting CP.
However, his loss is Mikel Arteta’s gain, with the Red Devils’ hierarchy needing to identify other targets to help strengthen the club’s frontline ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Numerous players have previously been mentioned as possible targets, potentially needing to re-enter negotiations with multiple talents after missing out on Gyokeres’ signature.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
During the current transfer window, United have been touted with moves for a whole host of attacking stars who could change the club’s fortunes in front of goal.
The likes of Dušan Vlahović, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins have all been discussed as possible targets, but as of yet, no deals have been agreed for any of the aforementioned trio.
Juventus' Dusan Vlahovic
However, moves have been made elsewhere, including a deal for Benjamin Sesko after progress was made for his signature, according to TEAMtalk.
They claim that the Red Devils have already made contact with RB Leipzig over a move for the 22-year-old, who netted 21 goals for the German side across all competitions last season.
It also states that United’s director of recruitment, Christopher Vivell, has pushed a move for the Slovenian international, who’s available for £67m, after missing out on a deal for Gyokeres’ signature.
Why United’s £67m target would be Amorim’s next Gyokeres
Given Gyokeres’ tally of 54 goals in his 52 appearances last season, it’s no surprise to see the Swede being a man in demand this window, having the tools to inject quality into any frontline.
Sporting Club's Viktor Gyokeres.
Having previously featured under Amorim before, a move to Old Trafford would’ve made sense for all parties, but ultimately, the club’s lack of Champions League football has cost them in their pursuit.
The prospect of facing the 27-year-old in the Premier League is certainly a frightening one for the Red Devils, undoubtedly highlighting the talisman they missed out on this summer.
However, the hierarchy shouldn’t be disheartened, desperately needing to back Amorim in his quest for success and pushing for other alternatives before the end of the window.
Sesko could prove to be the perfect alternative, being a younger option than Gyokeres, but also a just as effective striker given the stats produced by both last campaign.
When comparing their respective figures, the Leipzig talent managed to outperform him in various departments, handing the manager his next version of the impressive talisman.
Sesko, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by analyst Antonio Mango, may have been outscored, but did post the same goal per shot on target rate – highlighting he’s just as clinical with the opportunities that fall his way.
Games played
33
33
Goals & assists
18
46
Goals per shot on target
0.4
0.4
Key passes made
1.1
0.5
Take-ons completed
52%
45%
Carries into final third
1.4
1.3
Aerials won
2.7
1.2
Aerial success rate
59%
50%
He also registered more key passes per 90 and completed more of the take-ons he attempted, subsequently able to get the ball into attacking areas and finish chances himself or provide others with the opportunities to improve their own tallies.
The Slovenian’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerials and more of the battles he contested – handing Amorim the focal point he craves at Old Trafford.
£67m may appear to be a steep fee for a player who’s never played in England, but it would be a shrewd investment given the stats produced and the potential he holds.
Missing out on Gyokeres would’ve been a bitter blow, but ultimately it could be a blessing in disguise if Sesko can build on his impressive form from the 2024/25 campaign.
Better deal than Mbeumo: Man Utd preparing bid for "superstar" £39m CF
Manchester United appear to be making another huge move within the transfer market.
Russell Martin is now leading Glasgow Rangers’ pursuit to bring a “class” £18 million midfielder to Ibrox with Joe Rothwell, according to a recent report.
Rangers chasing multiple Ibrox targets as they close in on Rothwell
The Gers have already added Max Aarons to their squad since the appointment of Martin, but as the Scottish side don’t have long to wait until they return to competitive action, the club are working on multiple transfers to try and get their business done as early as possible.
Sakala 2.0 at Ibrox: Rangers in talks to sign a star with "silky dribbling"
Rangers are reportedly in talks to sign a star who could be their next Fashion Sakala at Ibrox.
ByDan Emery Jul 1, 2025
The next arrival at Ibrox is Joe Rothwell, who has joined Rangers on a permanent basis after both the Scottish side and AFC Bournemouth agreed a transfer fee. The 30-year-old has worked with Martin before at Southampton in the 2023/24 season, and his relationship with the now Rangers boss seems to have swung him to favour a move to Scotland, as he also had offers from teams in La Liga.
As well as moving for Rothwell, the Gers are also looking to sign not one but two more new midfielders. Current Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin is being linked with a move away, as several Premier League teams are interested in a potential deal.
Therefore, Rangers are looking at players who could replace him, and according to The Scottish Sun, the Gers are chasing a permanent deal for Metinho and are ready to ramp up their efforts to get a deal completed.
Martin leading Rangers move to sign £18m midfielder with Rothwell
As well as Metinho, according to TEAMtalk, Rangers are in talks with Southampton over a deal to sign Flynn Downes.
The report states that Martin is keen to reunite with the player once again after signing him in the summer of 2023 from West Ham United in a deal that was worth £18 million for Southampton, and before that, Martin worked with Downes during his time as Swansea City manager. It doesn’t state what type of deal Rangers are looking to do, as the midfielder is still under contract at St Mary’s until the summer of 2028.
The 26-year-old, who has been dubbed “class” by Dan Woffenden, has been a regular in the Southampton team in the two seasons at the club. In their promotion-winning campaign, Downes played 33 times in the regular season, as well as a further three games in the play-offs. Last season, Downes started 25 of the 27 Premier League games he featured in.
Apps
66
Goals
3
Assists
3
During his time at Swansea, Martin labelled Downes “incredible” and a player who does the “dirty work perfectly well”. Martin said: “Flynn was incredible; it’s difficult to single people out, but he does the dirty work perfectly well. He enables other people to do their roles brilliantly; he knows exactly what his role in the team is.”
Liverpool have adopted the mantra that the best form of defence is attack. Certainly, this is true of their summer transfer window so far, having made sweeping changes after winning the Premier League.
Some expected Arne Slot to be relieved of his duties as helmsman before the end of the 2024/25 campaign, let alone win the title with such dispatch.
Always ahead of the rabble, the Reds will now look to defend their title and challenge for more silverware across tournament fronts, well-equipped to do so after signing Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili.
Though Liverpool are definitely interested in bringing in a centre-back – having attempted to sign Dean Huijsen before he joined Real Madrid and now setting their sights on Marc Guehi – many fans would agree that a centre-forward is more desperately needed.
Wirtz’s world-class playmaking would raise the level of any striker, but it won’t be enough to salvage Darwin Nunez’s Anfield career.
Why Liverpool are selling Darwin Nunez
When Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica three years ago, they thought they had secured a superstar in the making. Jurgen Klopp led the bid.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez.
However, the Uruguay international, 25, has only scored 25 goals across his three terms in the Premier League, routinely criticised for his wayward finishing.
The pace and pressure that English football applies has foiled many a talented up-and-comer, and though Nunez has had his moments – that winner at the City Ground, that match-winning brace against Brentford – personal triumphs have been few and far between.
Under Slot’s guidance, he has scored seven times in 47 matches. Presenting that data differently, Nunez failed to score across 42 fixtures in 2024/25.
The marriage is over, but it’s an amiable divorce. Serie A champions Napoli are currently pushing to sign the striker, and it’s a move that will benefit all parties involved.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
Nunez will enjoy the slower pace of the Italian division. Napoli, then, have the chance to rekindle this maverick, turn him into a chaotic weapon.
And Liverpool? Well, Liverpool will sign someone better.
Liverpool set sights on Nunez upgrade
According to German reporter Christian Falk, Liverpool are still interested in Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike. The sought-after star has been expected to leave Germany this summer, but his club are playing hardball.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Indeed, Liverpool have been joined by Chelsea and Manchester United in considering a deal, but Frankfurt seem set on sticking to their €100m (£85m) valuation, a figure no one will pay.
Falk believes Liverpool will not open contacts with Frankfurt until Nunez’s future has been sorted, and a resolution on that front appears to be imminent.
Why Liverpool should sign Hugo Ekitike
Time was when the ballpark of £85m would get you record-breaking players, those of the top brass. Now, such figures make for just another day for clubs looking to stay competitive at the highest level.
That’s not to discredit Ekitike’s skill set; the Frenchman has been called “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson, after all.
And he could reach some staggering standard, of course. Ekitike is tall and powerful and dynamic, endowed with pace and awareness to combine with a hunger to rattle shots off at goal.
You can only imagine the levels he could reach at Liverpool, combining with someone like Wirtz, whom Xabi Alonso had no qualms about labelling a “genius” of a playmaker for his vision and creative passing.
24/25
31 (25)
10
13
23/24
32 (26)
11
12
22/23
17 (11)
1
6
21/22
24 (22)
7
10
20/21
29 (25)
5
6
Wirtz’s ability to score and to assist with regularity would suit a modern-tailored striker like Ekitike to a tee, for he scored 22 goals and assisted 12 more across all competitions in 2024/25, going from strength to strength after arriving in Germany as a loanee in January 2024, scoring four times across the latter half of that Bundesliga season before wrapping the deal up by the end for €35m (£30m).
A lofty figure for a relatively unproven prospect at the time, but who can argue that Frankfurt haven’t got bang for their buck now? Ekitike will be sold for a mammoth figure, even if it doesn’t quite reach the ballpark that Die Adler are hoping for.
While some might have reservations over Ekitike’s age, and indeed his rawness, you can only imagine the heights he could reach in front of Liverpool’s new record signing, and that’s without even considering the magic of Mohamed Salah being sprinkled in from the right too.
Of course, Wirtz will certainly be helped by Ekitike’s instinctiveness, the forward’s sharp movements and clever flicks apt to cause mayhem for opposing defences when collecting one of Wirtz’s surgical passes, his angled crosses, his deft layoffs.
And, furthermore, the rangy talent boasts an underlying skill set to behold, bearing all the dynamism and roundedness that Liverpool typically like from their frontmen.
As per FBref, he finished the Bundesliga campaign ranked among the top 8% of strikers for pass completion, the top 16% for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.
No doubt, he’d be a dream for Liverpool’s new German superstar, actually praised for his “incredible” style of play by teammate Rasmus Kristensen.
Eintracht Frankfurt's HugoEkitikecelebrates
Of course, Liverpool would get a more refined and established nine in Alexander Isak, who has demonstrable experience in the Premier League and Champions League, also scoring as Newcastle United beat Slot to the Carabao Cup in March.
However, Ekitike is more affordable and has the potential to grow into a bona fide sensation. Partnered with Wirtz over the coming years, whose elegant and intelligent performances would serve chances to the France talent on gleaming platters, Slot might just hit the jackpot.
Better than Gyokeres: Liverpool in the race for "the new Haaland"
Liverpool are sounding out a series of Alexander Isak alternatives this summer.
Sunderland are on the hunt for Premier League-level reinforcements and have entered the race for a prolific striker from one of Europe’s top five leagues, according to a report.
Sunderland set out stall to consolidate in the Premier League
Beating the drop will be the immediate priority for Regis Le Bris on Wearside, who will have to plan for life without duo Tommy Watson and Jobe Bellingham following their moves to Brighton & Hove Albion and Borussia Dortmund, respectively.
Despite receiving criticism, Kristjaan Speakman has explained that playoff final hero Watson’s departure being public was to promote transparency with supporters following the club’s decision to speak openly about his move to the South Coast.
Why is this relevant? Well, it could be a sign of things to come moving forward, which will hopefully lead to news surrounding incomings sooner rather than later.
Sunderland now want "exceptional" £37k-p/w star who could cost £30 million
The Black Cats are probing on the market.
BySean Markus Clifford Jun 13, 2025
Ishe Samuels-Smith is said to be on the Black Cats’ radar following his rise to prominence in Chelsea’s youth ranks. Meanwhile, Wolverhampton Wanderers star Tommy Doyle could also pitch up in the North East, circumstances permitting.
Millwall defender Japhet Tanganga has a £1.2 million release clause Sunderland are keen to take up. Nevertheless, recent reports suggest Le Bris may be looking to add to his pool of offensive options rather than prioritising a move for a defender.
Sunderland eyeing move for Sassuolo star Armand Lauriente
According to AS Roma Live, Sunderland are in the race to sign Sassuolo striker Armand Lauriente, and it would cost around £17 million to bring the 26-year-old to Tyneside.
Roma, Bologna, Fiorentina and Marseille are also interested in the former France Under-21 international, who will find himself playing Serie A football once again next season after his side claimed the Serie B title.
Armand Lauriente in 2024/25 – Serie B (Fotmob)
Shots
81
Shots on target
43
Successful dribbles
31
Chances created
37
Touches in opposition box
152
Labelled “amazing” by Jacek Kulig, Lauriente registered 19 goals and six assists in 34 appearances across all competitions and is now regarded as a hot property across Europe.
Intriguingly, the versatile forward has previously worked with Le Bris at Lorient, which may explain why the Black Cats have come to the table despite stiff competition from elsewhere.
The Premier League is the toughest in the world to crack, especially as a newly-promoted side, so it is interesting to see Sunderland set the bar high in their search for attacking potency.
Now, it remains to be seen whether they can tempt Lauriente with the prospect of starring for a returning force in the top-flight.
Chelsea have already been one of the busiest Premier League sides in terms of transfer activity, and they’re fully expected to carry on this trend in the background of their looming Club World Cup campaign.
Chelsea miss out on Mike Maignan and Jamie Gittens
The west Londoners were attempting to get both AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens finalised before Tuesday’s 7pm mini-window deadline, but neither deal could be done.
Chelsea are in ongoing talks with Neymar-like forward – Sky journalist
The west Londoners are still working beyond the Club World Cup transfer deadline.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 11, 2025
Chelsea had three bids rejected for Gittens in the space of a few days, with Enzo Maresca’s side never coming close to Borussia Dortmund’s valuation. Their highest offer came in at around £47 million, but even that wasn’t enough to convince the Bundesliga, who played hard-ball over their most sellable asset.
Chelsea’s determination to remain steadfast in negotiations and not pay over the odds was also prevalent in their discussions with Milan over a deal for Maignan. After failing to find middle ground on the France international’s price tag, Chelsea pulled out of that deal too, regardless of Maignan’s eagerness to join the Blues.
AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts
“Chelsea were trying to sign Maignan, but they were always insistent they did not think he was worth more than £12.7m,” said Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol.
“The player himself was desperate to move to Chelsea, he is 30 in July, is out of contract next summer and told Milan he will not sign a new deal. However, Milan said we will not let him leave for the figure Chelsea wanted.”
While both Maignan and Gittens are off the table, at least for now, it is believed that Chelsea remain in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike (Florian Plettenberg). It is also worth noting that Chelsea can still register new players during the Club World Cup, thanks to a unique registration period which will become active from June 27 to July 3 – when the group stages conclude.
Chelsea to terminate Axel Disasi contract as Juventus make contact
Given Chelsea’s extensive plans to strengthen throughout the squad, players will need to make way, with BlueCo also rumoured to be targeting a centre-back.
Player sales will be crucial for them this summer, as Chelsea look to trim the wage bill and generate funds for their recruitment strategy both in the coming weeks and later in the window.
According to Italian news site Tutto Juve, as translated by Sport Witness, Chelsea defender Axel Disasi is attracting interest from Serie A heavyweights Juventus.
Disasi
Disasi has been regularly linked with a Stamford Bridge exit, with Tutto Juve even reporting that both the Frenchman and Chelsea are to mutually agree a contract termination to facilitate his move away.
Juve have made contact to enquire about Disasi’s situation, and could be buoyed by the prospect of signing the 27-year-old on a free transfer.
They’re also attracted by his versatility, given he can play both right-back and as a centre-half. Disasi doesn’t appear part of Maresca’s long-term plans, having just spent the second half of 2024/2025 on loan at Aston Villa.
Disasi has been lauded as a “complete” defender by pundits, but the potential signing of another centre-back would only push him further down the pecking order.
Celtic are in the process of making some significant moves this summer and look to have reignited their interest in an exciting attacker, according to a report.
Celtic searching for attackers to offer final third variation
Brendan Rodgers opted to operate with Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah as central options during the second half of last campaign, taking a look at the market before deciding to stick rather than twist in January.
However, Celtic are set to conclude a deal for Fulham youngster Callum Osmand after the Wales international turned down the opportunity to sign professional terms at Craven Cottage, offering an alternative threat through the middle.
Nevertheless, Frank McAvennie believes the Bhoys should offer a shock deal to Jamie Vardy amid their efforts to strengthen across the front four positions, with free agent Danny Ings also recommended by the former Scotland international.
The ex-Celtic explained: “Vardy. I would take Vardy. I know they are talking about him going to Rangers, but I would take Vardy at Celtic.
“They (Vardy and Danny Ings) are goal scorers. Two of them are goal scorers. They are just natural predators. Get them up here. Good names.”
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With Celtic seemingly set to miss out on signing Mathias Kvistgaarden from Brøndby, they should instead go for a “gifted” free agent.
Jun 10, 2025
While it feels unlikely that either of the duo mentioned would arrive north of the border, there is an appetite for another striker and winger at a minimum to bolster squad depth.
Marco Tilio’s return from Melbourne City could also intrigue Celtic, but it has always felt likely that the Bhoys will dip into the market to acquire new creative threats.
Speaking of which, Rodgers’ men have now reportedly opened talks with a familiar target as they look to push a deal over the line, per recent developments.
Celtic hold discussions to sign Michel-Ange Balikwisha
According to Sacha Tavolieri on X, Celtic have made contact and opened discussions with Michel-Ange Balikwisha’s camp to begin ‘new discussions regarding personal terms’ involving the Royal Antwerp man.
Retaining an interest in the former Belgium Under-21 international since last summer, further updates are expected on his future in the coming days as Rodgers looks to land his man.
Labelled “unpredictable” by Ben Mattinson, Balikwisha is someone the Irishman has personally expressed an interest in signing and his small sample size on the pitch over the campaign has illustrated why.
Despite having injury issues, the 24-year-old registered four goals and three assists in 18 matches across all competitions. Valued at roughly £4.2 million by Transfermarkt, it remains to be seen what the ballpark figure is for Celtic to secure his services.
Though Liverpool have exceeded expectations by winning the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season, FSG chiefs will know that football is a fickle game, and pre-season projections will now rank Liverpool among the favourites for the 2025/26 term.
Well, sporting director Richard Hughes certainly isn’t resting on his laurels, having acted promptly to close on full-backs Jeremie Frimpong, whose transfer has been sealed, and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, the reps of whom are engaged in advancing talks with the Anfield side.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
Trent Alexander-Arnold is officially a Real Madrid player, leaving his boyhood club to join Jude Bellingham as a key part of Xabi Alonso’s Los Blancos revolution.
Thus, reinforcing the wide flanks was necessary, but Alexander-Arnold takes more than just positional value with him to sunny Spain. Indeed, the Three Lions superstar is one of the most creative players of his generation, with Jamie Carragher once remarking, “It’s like having Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back.”
1)
Trent Alexander-Arnold
259
64
2)
Andy Robertson
308
60
3)
Leighton Baines
420
53
4)
Graeme Le Saux
327
44
5)
Kieran Trippier
204
38
Liverpool need a new leading playmaker, and boy, have they picked out a good one.
Why Liverpool are signing Florian Wirtz
Simply: Wirtz is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, posting 122 goal contributions across 197 senior Leverkusen appearances.
His labours in his homeland have even seen him awarded back-to-back Bundesliga Player of the Year awards, having helped his team toward an invincible title triumph in 2023/24.
Having beaten off Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the race to secure the 22-year-old’s services, reputable sources such as Fabrizio Romano have confirmed completion is on the horizon.
Make no mistake, this is a significant coup for the Anfield side, even though Wirtz is expected to cost around £110m, all told. He will dynamise and revolutionise Liverpool’s attack, reorienting the creative hub to a more conventional berth besides.
Below are a series of ways in which Slot could field Liverpool’s frontline next season, with Wirtz in the mix. However, uncertainty reigns over Luis Diaz’s future, with Saudi side Al Nassr making the Colombian a top target ahead of the summer transfer window. Barcelona also have a long-standing interest.
WirtzWhere Wirtz could feature for Liverpool
If the 28-year-old Diaz does leave, Liverpool would want to consider bringing in a replacement, with one rumoured target potentially even superseding Wirtz as FSG’s most exciting signing.
Liverpool could sign a bigger talent than Wirtz
Liverpool’s Premier League success has been an incredible thing, but it doesn’t mean Slot has led a flawless team to the title this term. Indeed, the Reds have been frustrated by forwards Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, both of whom are expendable.
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota converse on the bench
Earlier this month, GIVEMESPORT revealed that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo could be within FSG’s reach amid the Brazilian’s consternation from being overshadowed by teammates like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Bellingham.
Real Madrid would rather not part with their dynamic forward, of course, and have set a lofty £84m asking price which FSG will likely need to whittle down, should they lodge an official proposal.
Though Rodrygo isn’t an out-and-out striker, he is a “world-class finisher,” as per reporter Kyle Bonn, with an elite winning mentality forged in the Santiago Bernabeu furnaces.
At face value, it looks like the 24-year-old has endured something of a difficult season for Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid. Indeed, the Brazil star scored just 13 times across 50 matches in all competitions, assisting ten goals too.
However, as you will see below, he’s proven invariably effective when unleashed from his favoured left flank, maximising his goalscoring quality.
Right winger
29
7
4
Left winger
12
6
6
Centre-forward
8
–
–
Though Wirtz tends to drift over to the left side, he’s more of a ten, placed behind the central striker to promote creativity. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 5% of positional peers in the Bundesliga this season for progressive passes and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90.
Rodrygo, fleet-footed and ferocious, would blast up and down the flanks, hopefully utilised from the left to enrich his goalscoring qualities.
His limited action this term, starting only 22 times in La Liga, as per Sofascore, hasn’t withdrawn from Rodrygo a sense of place among the modern greats, having missed only one big chance in Spain’s top flight, scoring six goals.
Furthermore, he averaged 1.6 dribbles per game and won 56% of his ground duels, speaking of a combativeness that could see him dovetail right into the Premier League, known for its rigorous nature, steely members.
Wirtz is a marquee signing for Liverpool, and that’s a fact, but there’s a case to be made that in Rodrygo, Slot would find an even brighter star. Not to the descredit of the German’s giddy talent, but the South American is something special, all right.
His versatility, deadly goalscoring ability and immense physicality all combine to suggest this is a player worth throwing the kitchen sink at. If Diaz goes, it could become a tangible prospect, and just imagine the chaos Wirtz and Rodrygo could inflict side by side.
There would be a certain degree of poetic justice to Liverpool bringing Rodrygo into their fold this summer, especially if Slot allowed him to play off the left flank, something he has yearned for but to little avail in the Spanish capital.
It would require the sale of Diaz, sure, but Liverpool could strike gold with this one, bagging an even bigger talent than Wirtz to aid their quest for unprecedented levels of sustained glory in Slot’s still-building project.
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Liverpool may have to contend with the sales of a few stars this summer.
Ange Postecoglou and his team can make their fans forget about their diabolically poor domestic season by continuing their impressive European run and winning the Europa League Final.
However, with Manchester United having a stellar track record on the continent this season as well, it’s anyone’s guess who’ll get their hand on the trophy come full-time.
To give his team a better chance of coming away victorious, Postecoglou will have to make a number of changes to the starting lineup that lost away to Aston Villa on Friday night, like dropping Mikey Moore.
Why Moore should be dropped
The first thing to say is that while we think Moore should be taken out of the team, that doesn’t mean we don’t think he’ll have a large part to play for the club in the coming seasons.
After all, his youth record of 21 goals and 15 assists in 34 appearances across the various levels is nothing short of spectacular, and according to respected analyst Ben Mattinson, he’s a “future superstar” in the making.
However, he is still just 17 years old, and while he has looked reasonably impressive for the senior team here and there, he’s not had a significant enough impact – three goal involvements in 21 games – to warrant a start in the club’s biggest game since the Champions League Final.
Minutes
87′
Expected Goals
0.00
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.00
Assists
0
Accurate passes
7/9 (78%)
Key passes
0
Crosses (accurate)
1 (0)
Shots on target
0
Ground duels (won)
9 (4)
Possession lost
7
Dribbled past
2
Dribble attempts (successful)
3 (0)
Moreover, his inexperience showed somewhat at Villa Park, as he struggled to assert himself on the game and eventually came off the pitch in the 87th minute, having made just seven passes and failing in 100% of his dribbles.
Moreover, with Brennan Johnson still the team’s top scorer in all competitions this term, with 17 in 49 games, it should go without saying that he should be starting on the right ahead of everyone else.
The other Spurs star who should be dropped
Given the underwhelming nature of the game, there are a few other players you could bring up who should probably be taken out of the team for the final, like Archie Gray, Kevin Danso, Ben Davies and more.
Yet, in this instance, we are talking about another starter in the attack: Mathys Tel.
The young Frenchman might well be one of the more exciting players in the Lilywhites’ squad, with some at the club reportedly labelling him a “generational talent” before he arrived in February, but against the Villans, he didn’t do enough to convince us he should keep his place in the team for tonight’s monumental clash.
Minutes
96′
Expected Goals
0.00
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.15
Assists
0
Accurate passes
12/14 (86%)
Key passes
1
Crosses (accurate)
1 (0)
Shots on target
0
Big chances created
1
Dribble attempts (successful)
5 (1)
Duels (won)
14 (4)
Possession lost
11
Fouls
4
For example, despite leading the line for 96 minutes, he failed to take a single shot on target, registered just 0.15 expected assists, failed in 80% of his attempted dribbles, completed only 12 passes, failed in 100% of his crosses, missed one big chance, lost ten of 14 duels, lost the ball 11 times and committed four fouls.
Add to that the fact that he’s scored just three goals and provided one assist in 19 appearances for the club this season, and it’s almost impossible to make a convincing argument about why he should lead the line against the Red Devils.
Moreover, Dominic Solanke, the man who should come in to replace him, has been far more effective in front of goal this season, scoring 15 goals and providing eight assists in 43 appearances.
Ultimately, Tel could still be a useful asset for Spurs in tonight’s final, but to get the most out of him, Postecoglou would be better off starting him on the bench and then bringing him on later into the match as things get stretched so that he can exploit the opening spaces with his pace.
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Liverpool are now keen on signing a “lethal” £50m striker, who’s scored the same number of goals as Alexander Isak this season, according to a report.
Liverpool eyeing Nunez replacement
Arne Slot has enjoyed a remarkable first season at Anfield, having secured the Premier League title with a squad effectively built by Jurgen Klopp, but the manager is looking to bring in some new faces this summer, having been left unconvinced by some of his current options.
One such player is Darwin Nunez, with reports stating the Dutch manager doesn’t trust the striker, and with the Uruguayan open to an exit this summer, the manager could well be tasked with bringing in a replacement.
There has recently been a positive update on the Reds’ pursuit of Brentford striker Bryan Mbeumo, with it being revealed that a bid for the 25-year-old is likely to be accepted, should they decide to make a concrete approach.
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Having proven himself at Premier League level, the France-born striker could be an attractive option for Slot, but he is not the only target they have in mind, with Newcastle United’s Isak also on the shortlist.
A deal for Isak could be difficult to pull off, however, which means Liverpool could make a move for an alternative option, and a report from Anfield Watch has now revealed they are now keen on signing Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui.
Atalanta's MateoReteguicelebrates with the man of the match trophy after the match
Retegui has been added to the shortlist, having impressed in front of goal this season, and the report adds that Nunez is now expected to depart this summer, which exacerbates the need to bring in a new striker.
Isak and Hugo Ekitike are also of interest to the Reds, but they could choose to hone in on the Atalanta forward, and previous reports have revealed he could be available for the relatively affordable fee of £50m.
"Lethal" Retegui keeping up with Isak this season
Isak has been one of the Premier League’s stand-out players this season, netting 27 goals for Newcastle in all competitions, but the Atalanta star has been juist as prolific, having found the back of the net 27 times in 45 outings.
Italy manager Luciano Spalletti has been left particularly impressed by the 26-year-old’s performances, saying: “Inside the box, he is lethal. And now he has learned how to connect with the team better. He’s going to become a top player.”
Nunez, on the other hand, has never really managed to make a name for himself at Anfield, scoring just five Premier League goals this season, so it is little wonder that Slot is looking to bring in an upgrade this summer.
There is every indication that Retegui could be a fantastic signing for Liverpool, so it is exciting news they are in the race for his signature, but there could be competition from Manchester United, who have already held talks.