All posts by n8rngtd.top

Liverpool’s attack has been sensational throughout 2024/25, playing a huge role in Arne Slot’s success in claiming the Premier League title during his first season at the helm.

The Reds managed to notch a total of 86 goals in their 38 appearances – the most of any side in the division – with Mohamed Salah leading the way with 29 goals.

However, despite their success, there could be a change in the attacking department ahead of next season, with the club needing fresh impetus to maintain their performance levels.

The likes of Diogo Jota, Darwin Núñez and Luis Diaz could all leave Anfield this window, raising some key funds in Slot’s ambitions of landing new signings.

With the transfer window now open, numerous players have already been touted with a switch to Merseyside this summer, which could see the hierarchy massively back the manager during the off-season.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new additions this summer

Since claiming the title, Liverpool have been extremely busy in the market, as seen with right-back Jeremie Frimpong, who’s already joined the club from Bayer Leverkusen.

He could be joined by the likes of Milos Kerkez, Marc Guehi and Alexander Isak, who have all also been strongly touted with a summer switch to Merseyside.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix in the form of Victor Osimhen, with the striker firmly on their radar, according to TBR’s latest update.

Their report claims that discussions have been held over a move for the Nigerian striker, who scored 37 goals in 41 appearances on loan at Galatasaray from Serie A outfit Napoli.

It also states that the Reds’ hierarchy are targeting a new striker this summer, with a big name expected, which could see the 26-year-old move to Anfield – but they would have to meet the £60m price tag on his head.

Why Osimhen would be a better signing than Wirtz

Florian Wirtz is a player who has been the subject of huge interest from Liverpool in recent weeks, with a move progressing in the right direction ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The German, who registered 30 combined goals and assists this season, could cost the Reds a pretty penny, after already having a club-record bid of £110m rejected by Bayer Leverkusen.

It would be a huge investment from the hierarchy, showcasing how much the board have faith in the manager to make the changes he desires after his first season at the helm.

If he can carry his tally of contributions over from the Bundesliga, it would be an addition that could massively bolster their ambitions of becoming back-to-back champions in the Premier League.

However, they could be about to make a better addition than the midfielder this summer in the form of Osimhen, who would solve arguably what’s been Slot’s biggest issue.

When comparing the Nigerian’s stats with those of current strikers Jota and Nunez, he’s massively outperformed the pair, handing the side that focal point they’ve been desperately lacking.

Osimhen, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has massively outscored the duo, whilst registering a higher shot-on-target rate – offering the manager the clinical central option he’s been devoid of as of late.

He’s also managed to win more of the aerial duels he’s entered this campaign, with such a talent aiding the likes of Salah in the attacking areas, which could see him improve his own tallies in the final third.

Whilst a deal for Wirtz is undoubtedly an exciting one, it’s an extra to what’s already an impressive midfield department, offering key depth alongside the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai.

However, Osimhen would undoubtedly be signed as the number one striker, looking to fill the void in a position that has arguably been a disappointing one over the last 12 months – as seen by the records of Jota and Nunez.

If the club are to have any chance of securing another league title next campaign, the signing of the Nigerian international is vital, with his skillset massively improving the goalscoring options at Slot’s disposal.

He's Coutinho 2.0: Liverpool hold talks to sign "Ballon d'Or level talent"

Florian Wirtz isn’t the only midfielder Liverpool have their eye on.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 3, 2025

With rumours continuing to arrive regarding Jobe Bellingham’s future, Sunderland have reportedly set their sights on signing a Manchester City gem who could replace their midfield star this summer.

Borussia Dortmund reach Bellingham agreement

Despite earning promotion to the Premier League, it looks as though Bellingham is set to follow the same path as his older brother Jude by swapping English football for Borussia Dortmund this summer.

Chasing their second Bellingham after their first proved to be a great success, the German giants have reportedly agreed personal terms on a five-year contract with the Sunderland star.

Whilst personal terms are agreed, Dortmund must still match Sunderland’s valuation if they are to sign Bellingham this summer. The Black Cats are reportedly set to demand that Bellingham’s €40m (£34m) release clause is matched this summer if they are to bid farewell to one of their best young players.

Losing such a talent at just 19 years old would be an undeniable blow for all involved at the Stadium of Light, but with £34m to spend, they could build Regis Le Bris a squad capable of securing Premier League survival at the first time of asking.

To that end, rumours have suggested that the Black Cats could also be in for a busy summer. With a permanent deal to sign Enzo Le Fee already sealed, Sunderland may reportedly welcome Chris Mepham back to the club in a similar deal.

Meanwhile, if forced to find a replacement for Bellingham in the coming months, those in Wearside could yet reportedly turn towards a young Manchester City talent.

Sunderland eyeing Charlie Gray

According to Alan Nixon on his Patreon, Sunderland are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Charlie Gray from Manchester City if Bellingham completes a move to Borussia Dortmund.

The 19-year-old midfielder is yet to receive a first-team opportunity from Pep Guardiola, but has certainly left many impressed at youth level.

Although the Manchester City gem is an unproven talent, this Sunderland side has had young players who are vying to prove themselves at the foundation of their success for a couple of years now and Gray could become the latest to do exactly that.

Replacing Bellingham won’t be easy for whoever is tasked with doing so, but there’s every reason why Gray has been at the heart of Manchester City’s impressive academy in recent years.

Sunderland now want to sign £2m star who "surprised" Klopp ahead of Leeds

The three promoted sides are all keen.

By
Charlie Smith

Jun 6, 2025

The Citizens have birthed players such as Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Jamie Gittens and Jadon Sancho over the last decade and the list could go on.

European football is littered with their graduates and one could now be on his way to Sunderland. At 19 years old, Gray could be one to watch.

As their chase to sign Joao Pedro continues, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards an alternative option who already has a hat-trick to his name at St James’ Park.

Newcastle chasing Joao Pedro deal

After sitting out of the last two transfer windows due to PSR concerns, Newcastle are reportedly going full steam ahead with potential incomings this summer – setting their sights on Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and Joao Pedro from Brighton & Hove Albion. Both options would undoubtedly add extra quality to Eddie Howe’s side, who will need all the strength in depth they can get now that they’re back in the Champions League.

Pedro would particularly hand the Magpies a much-needed solution whenever they find themselves without Alexander Isak. When both Callum Wilson and the Swede have struggled on the injury front, it’s been Anthony Gordon who was forced to step up out of position. The arrival of Pedro would quickly end that problem and perhaps even bridge the gap on quality to Isak.

Whilst the Brazilian struggled to keep up with Isak for goals – as did a fair few forwards last season – he was always clinical when given an opportunity in front of goals, having outperformed his expected goals. So the potential is certainly there for those numbers to increase and in a side like Newcastle, Pedro’s opportunities in front of goal would only increase.

He could be better than Mbeumo: Newcastle enter race for £38m "future icon"

Newcastle need a new forward this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 14, 2025

The Brighton man won’t come cheap, however. The Seagulls are reportedly demanding as much as £60m to sell Pedro this summer which could leave Newcastle assessing their options. If that does prove to be the case, it’s then that they could turn their attention towards another Premier League rival.

Newcastle keen to sign Justin Kluivert

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now keen to sign Justin Kluivert from Bournemouth this summer in a transfer battle against Manchester United. Unlike Pedro, the Dutchman’s price tag reportedly sits at around €55m (£47m), handing those in Tyneside the chance to land a cheaper alternative and one who already has a hat-trick to his name at St James’ Park.

If Newcastle wanted to take a look at Kluivert’s quality then they certainly received the closest opportunity to do so. By the time that last season came to an end, the forward had scored two hat-tricks and taken his Premier League total to 12 goals in a fine campaign.

Earning plenty of praise as a result of his hat-trick against Newcastle, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola told reporters when asked about Kluivert: “I think Justin is obviously playing with confidence. For me the first goal is key, it’s a good transition but he had options to play both sides and he decides to take the shot. And it’s a great decision, a great finish.

“He also scores an amazing goal after that is disallowed, but this was a lovely, lovely goal. And the assist to Dango. Apart from the job that he normally does in our press, he’s adding numbers that is always very nice.”

Liverpool have found out their fate for their title defence in 2025/26. The Premier League fixtures were confirmed on Tuesday morning, with Arne Slot hoping to lead his team to the title for the second year in a row.

With Florian Wirtz set to join soon, and the experience of Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk in the squad, they have an exciting side. Indeed, those players and their teammates will begin the title defence on Friday, 15th August, at home to Bournemouth. Their first away trip will see them travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle United.

It has already been a busy summer at Anfield, and things will now only ramp up with the announcement of the fixtures.

Liverpool's latest transfer target

Liverpool’s 2025 summer window has started quickly. They already have Jeremie Frimpong in the door, and seem set to add Wirtz and Milos Kerkez from the Cherries, sooner rather than later. Then, the attention can turn to their next reported target.

Transfer Focus

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

The highly reputable journalist Fabrizio Romano has recently confirmed on YouTube, via Caught Offside, that the Reds hold “concrete interest” in Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. Romano explained that Reds ‘are involved in the story’ for the Frenchman this summer.

However, the deal can’t progress yet, because Liverpool ‘are waiting to find a solution for Darwin Nunez’, who will leave the club this summer.

Once that transfer has gone through, a move for Ekitike might speed up. The Mirror recently quoted his price at £60m, so it is safe to assume the Merseysiders will need to pay somewhere in that region.

Why Ekitike could help Salah break more records

At just 22 years of age, Frankfurt superstar Ekitike has garnered himself a fantastic reputation, having shone in the 2025/25 campaign. Football scout Antonio Mango once called him a “gem” of a footballer while journalist Graeme Bailey has outlined how some think he could be “the next Mbappe”. It is easy to see why.

The Frenchman, who came through the Reims academy, where he was born, managed to score 22 goals and grab 12 assists across all competitions last season.

He played 48 games and was a really important part of a Frankfurt side that finished third and qualified for the Champions League.

Indeed, Ekitike comes with a great pedigree in Europe, too. Of his 34 goals and assists last term, seven came in the Europa League, which included a goal away to eventual winners, and Liverpool’s Premier League rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.

If the Reds are able to get this deal over the line, Ekitike could become the perfect player alongside Salah. The Liverpool legend was sensational yet again last season, winning the Golden Boot with his 29 goals and picking up 18 assists, too.

With 87 assists to his name in the Premier League and no signs of slowing down, there is a realistic chance that the man lovingly dubbed the “Egyptian King” by the Anfield faithful could climb higher up the list of all-time most assists in the English top flight.

Ryan Giggs currently tops it with 162 assists, so Salah has some way to go, but matching his assist total from 2024/25 next season will see him climb to fourth and go far ahead of Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard.

Ekitike could be the perfect player to help get him there. His underlying stats on FBref from last season are those of a true goalscorer, with 0.53 goals per 90 minutes ranking him in the top 19% of Bundesliga forwards.

The Frenchman is a complete centre-forward, and wouldn’t just help boost Salah’s assist numbers. He is a chance creator too, averaging 1.55 key passes each game, which places him in the top 12% of Bundesliga forwards. With Salah’s eye for goal, they could form a deadly duo.

There is no doubt that Liverpool’s investment this summer has been huge, but in many ways, it has to be in order to compete for the Premier League title again. Perhaps, for just £60m, Ekitike could be the missing piece in their side.

It will be fascinating to see how this move develops, but one thing is for sure: the Frenchman could form a superb partnership with an all-time legend of the Premier League.

He'd be elite alongside Wirtz: £130m star is now Liverpool's no.1 target

Liverpool may not be done with their big spending yet

By
Joe Nuttall

Jun 18, 2025

Arne Slot gave himself to the cause of putting Liverpool back on their perch after being anointed as Jurgen Klopp’s successor at Anfield, and he has succeeded.

Many doubted him, but Slot proved that very little is known before that opening whistle sings on matchday one, and Liverpool indeed maintained remarkable consistency across the campaign to clinch the Premier League title, their second in its modern format, and their record-equalling 20th overall.

Who’s ready to go again? Slot, certainly, will feel confident that he can follow last term’s success with an even richer adventure in 2025/26, Liverpool stocking up as they are with high-level players, nice and early, ready for pre-season.

Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong have secured the defensive flanks, and a central defender may yet arrive through the Anfield gates.

But who could deny that Florian Wirtz is the cream of this thrilling transfer window?

Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz

When Liverpool lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, they didn’t just swallow the bitter pill of one of their own up and leaving on a free, but one of their leading architects, instrumental through the illustrious sweep of the Jurgen Klopp era.

Alexander-Arnold, now, somehow, a divisive figure on Merseyside, faded into the background until we meet again, has taken with him some pretty peerless playmaking qualities. Pretty peerless, but for a select few creatives who stand at the top of a vast pyramid.

Enter Wirtz. Praised as a “genius” by Xabi Alonso, once his but now Trent’s mentor, the 22-year-old signed for Liverpool in a deal worth £116m last month and will be expected to take the Premier League by storm.

Across 197 senior appearances with Bayer Leverkusen, Wirtz scored 57 goals and supplied 65 assists, bringing an artistic flair that will enrich his teammates. Vision, passing, dribbling, he’s got the lot.

It’s clear why Liverpool signed him, and it will now be exciting to see him build a rapport with Slot’s existing squad.

And indeed the forwards who may yet sign for the Premier League champions this summer.

Liverpool targeting more forwards

Most would point toward the central striker’s position as being Liverpool’s priority area (and they’d be right, especially if Darwin Nunez is sold to Napoli as expected).

However, Luis Diaz and Cody Gakpo have both been linked with moves away, and Federico Chiesa is also expected to leave after a disappointing year.

That’s why transfer insider Matt Thielen believes the Merseysiders could move for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus this summer, with the Reds informed by the winger’s agent that his client has signalled his intention to join Liverpool, now willing to accept a reduced salary to join Slot’s squad this summer.

And that’s despite interest from Chelsea, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. Kudus is expected to leave the Hammers this summer, and despite his struggles across 2024/25, there are no shortage of suitors.

This follows earlier claims that the Reds had lodged an official enquiry for the Ghanaian star, who has an £85m release clause in his contract but is expected to be available for a more affordable fee.

Why Liverpool should consider Mohammed Kudus

Kudus has endured something of a Jekyll and Hyde Premier League career so far, rip-roaring and rampant under David Moyes’ wing but decidedly out of sorts last season, albeit along with the rest of the West Ham team.

His end product certainly leaves something to be desired, having only posted 19 goals and 13 assists across 80 matches for the Irons. However, Kudus’ athleticism and energy would be a dream for any maestro, and especially so in Wirtz’s case.

Indeed, Wirtz’s ‘genius’ on the ball, his ability to place surgical passes through the lines, practically seems like a purpose-built quality for Kudus to latch onto.

The intensity of his dribbling stretches beyond what, say, Diaz brings to the table. Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku was the only man to exceed his dribble count in the Premier League last season, and he ranked among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues for successful take-ons per 90 (3.20), as per FBref.

And moreover, the 24-year-old’s versatility could see Slot utilise his powers from a range of areas, curving in from the left or pulling defenders away down the right.

Described as a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, Kudus has immense potential that perhaps hasn’t been realised yet.

Look at Ryan Gravenberch, look at Gakpo. These are rising talents who have hit new levels under Slot’s wing at Liverpool, and who is to say that the United winger won’t undergo the same exciting transformation?

He won 6.4 duels and averaged 4.3 ball recoveries per game in the Premier League last year, as per Sofascore, also completing 90% of his passes.

This is a player with staggering potential and a robust physicality to suggest he has what it takes to play an important role at Liverpool.

Given that he’d be playing alongside a one-of-a-kind sensation in Wirtz and Liverpool could snap him up for a cut-price fee, what’s not to like?

Even better than Ekitike: Liverpool open dialogue to sign £85m striker

Liverpool are hoping to sign a new striker ahead of Arne Slot’s second season in charge.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 30, 2025

Celtic’s winning start to pre-season continues.

On Tuesday evening, the Hoops beat Cork City 2-1 at Páirc Uí Chaoimh, with Luke McCowan breaking the deadlock, before young defender Colby Donovan forced home a late winner.

Next up, Brendan Rodgers’ side are in Portugal to face Estrela da Amadora behind-closed-doors on Saturday, before a green-and-white Clásico against Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP at Estádio Algarve next Wednesday.

Back at home, Peter Lawwell and the recruitment team continue to be busy in the transfer market, so could Celtic soon sign a new striker?

Celtic's search for a new striker

Fair to say, Celtic will need to add more attacking firepower in the coming weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

Kyōgo Furuhashi has not been replaced, after being sold in January, while Nicolas Kühn is on his way to Como for a reported fee of £16.3m.

Meantime, Benjamin Nygren has arrived from Nordsjælland for around £1.7m, but supporters are demanding more reinforcements, so could that be about to arrive?

Well, according to a report by Japanese outlet Hochi News, Celtic are ‘close’ to signing striker Shin Yamada from Kawasaki Frontale.

Martin McMillan of the Glasgow Times adds that a fee of £1.5m has been agreed between the two clubs.

The 25-year-old is currently representing Japan at the EAFF E-1 Football Championship, a tournament for East Asian nations, with the Samurai Blue facing China on Saturday and then hosts Korea Republic on Tuesday, after which Yamada will travel to Glasgow to finalise his move.

He will become the tenth Japanese player to represent Celtic, joining fellow new recruit Hayato Inamura, so will he be a massive success like new teammates Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and the aforementioned Kyōgo?

How Shin Yamada will improve Celtic

Yamada began his senior football career at college side Toin University of Yokohama, before joining Kawasaki Frontale in 2022, scoring 32 goals in 121 appearances for the Sky Blue and Blacks.

The club’s biggest achievement during this period came back in April, reaching the AFC Champions League Final for the very first time, dumping out Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al-Nassr in the semis, before a 2-0 defeat to Al-Ahli in Jeddah, with Yamada introduced as a half-time substitute in that final.

Yamada’s own personal breakout campaign was the 2024 J League season, scoring 19 times in the league last year, bagging 21 goals throughout the calendar year across all competitions, so let’s assess his statistics.

As the table outlines, only two players, namely Brazilian duo Anderson Lopes and Leonardo, scored more J League goals than Yamada last year, with the Japanese forward averaging a goal every 105 minutes, an impressive tally for the team that finished tenth.

This form led to Ryo Nakagawara of Shogun Soccer describing him as “fantastic”, adding that he is a “natural finisher” who possesses “excellent movement” in the box, while also offering a threat in-behind due to his “quick acceleration”.

So, why might the Japanese international prove to be a better signing than Nygren?

Let’s take a look at their respective statistics.

Yamada was absolutely on fire last season, starring in, according to Global Football Rankings, the 23rd best league in the world, which is 20 places higher than the Scottish Premiership.

Japanese players Maeda, Kyōgo and Hatate have all arrived at Celtic and hit the ground running, and Yamada could surely do the same, considering he’s in the middle of his domestic season and currently playing at an international tournament.

Meantime, Nygren hasn’t been in action since Sweden’s 4-3 friendly win over Algeria at Nationalarenan on 10 June, so may require some time to get up to speed, while he also isn’t a guaranteed starter, if other winger targets were to arrive.

Indeed, it is centre-forward where Rodgers is truly in need of depth, amid Kyogo’s prior departure, hence why Yamada could prove to be a better and more important signing than the Swede.

Celtic could sign their new Van Dijk in a star who once silenced Gyokeres

Celtic are interested in signing a defender who could be Virgil van Dijk 2.0 at Parkhead.

By
Dan Emery

Jul 10, 2025

Manchester United are now in talks with Aston Villa over the signing of one of their first-team stars, according to a recent report.

Man Utd chasing midfield reinforcements

Since the arrival of Matheus Cunha, United’s sole focus has been on securing a deal for Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. The Cameroon international is a top target for Ruben Amorim, and the Red Devils are trying to secure a transfer while not paying over the odds.

Man Utd now in talks to sign £90k-p/w "real leader" who's keen on the move

The Red Devils have made an approach for a midfielder…

By
Dominic Lund

Jul 16, 2025

While they continue to try and find an agreement however, the Premier League side have reportedly identified another position they would like to strengthen this summer. Christian Eriksen’s departure has left a place to be filled in the middle of the park, and United have so far earmarked two options.

At the beginning of the week, Football Insider reported United are in a race with Everton to sign Wilfred Ndidi, who can leave Leicester City for a fee of only £9 million following the Foxes’ relegation to the Championship.

Since then, it has now been reported that Man Utd have begun talks with the agent of Corentin Tolisso to get an understanding of whether he would be interested in a move to Old Trafford. The Frenchman is currently a star man for Lyon, but is said to be keen on leaving his home country to join the Red Devils.

Man Utd in talks with Aston Villa to sign "world-class" ace

As well as signing a new midfielder, there has been speculation that the Premier League giants could look to sign a new goalkeeper this summer, amid doubts over the form and fitness of Andre Onana. And, according to journalist Gaston Edul, Man United are now in negotiations with Aston Villa over the signing of Emi Martinez.

Edul, who Sport Witness call ‘perhaps the most prominent football journalist in Argentina’ claims United have advanced their interest but as of yet have not made an official offer to Villa, who are said to be looking to get around £40 million for the Argentine international. United are hoping to agree a deal closer to the £33 million mark.

The Red Devils are well-stocked in the goalkeeper department, as neither Onana nor Altay Bayindir have left the club as of yet, but Onana has picked up a hamstring injury that is expected to see him miss all of pre-season. The Cameroon international also made some costly mistakes last season that resulted in him being dropped in Premier League games under Amorim.

It has already been reported that Martinez, who has been dubbed “world-class” by pundit Gary Neville in the past, is open to a move to Old Trafford even if the club are not in the Champions League this season. The 32-year-old is still under contract until 2029 however, so even with the player’s openess to a move Villa will not budge easily in negotiations.

It’s truly unthinkable where Manchester United would be without Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese international undoubtedly the shining light in the 2024/25 campaign.

The 30-year-old managed to register a total of 37 combined goals and assists throughout the most recent season – by far and away the highest tally of any player in the squad.

The £47m paid for his signature back in 2020 now appears to be a bargain, racking up just shy of 300 appearances for the club and hopefully many more in the club’s quest to return to their former glory.

However, if he is to lead the side to any success during Ruben Amorim’s reign, the hierarchy need to back the 40-year-old in his quest within the transfer market.

Whilst Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo have already arrived at Old Trafford, further additions are also expected to help the side rise up the Premier League table.

Man United close in on midfield agreement

Douglas Luiz has been a player on United’s shortlist for a sustained period, but it appears they could be handed a boost in their pursuit of the Juventus star.

The midfielder’s agent has already travelled to England for talks with various sides, with the Red Devils interested along with Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and Everton.

Transfer Focus

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

However, he’s not the only midfielder in their sights, with Valencia star Javi Guerra another target during the current window, according to El Chiringuito.

They claim that Amorim’s side are “very close to reaching an agreement” this summer, with a £25m fee mooted for the youngster’s signature.

The report also states that his current side have tried to tie the Spaniard down to a new contract, but he wants a move to a bigger club during the off-season.

Why United’s latest target would take Bruno to the next level

Bruno’s impressive tally of combined goals and assists last season certainly saved United from a disastrous Premier League finish, but upon reflection, his efforts were even more remarkable than they originally appeared.

The Portuguese international often featured in a slightly deeper role, forcing him to operate in a somewhat unnatural position which should’ve restricted his efforts within attacking areas.

There’s no denying that the experienced talent is better in a more attacking role, subsequently able to have more of an impact within the final third – which will improve their goalscoring record.

However, any move for Guerra could enable him to do just that, with the Spaniard able to fill the void in the middle of the park and push Fernandes further forward.

Offering depth is one thing, but he has all the tools to make an impact within Amorim’s side, but also has the potential to improve further in the years ahead, given his tender age.

When delving into his stats from LaLiga last season, the Valencia talent showcased his skillset, potentially being a bargain given his £25m asking price.

Guerra, who’s been labelled “special” by analyst Ben Mattinson, managed to register 4.8 progressive passes and 4.2 passes into the final third per 90 – having the ability to provide Bruno with the added chances he needs in the final third.

He also attempted 2.7 take-ons per 90, along with 1.5 carries into the final third – showcasing his ability to get the ball into the opposition’s defensive third.

Out of possession, the youngster had also won 1.7 tackles per 90, winning 46% of the tackles he entered, having the ball-winning capability that could make him the perfect deep-lying option.

If the Spaniard can transfer his skillset over to England with him, it would be one of the bargains of the summer window, massively bolstering the options at Amorim’s disposal.

Such an arrival would hand Bruno the licence to build on his success in 2024/25, with his talents subsequently pushing the side up the table next campaign.

More important than Mbeumo: Man Utd have tabled bid to sign £40m star

Manchester United appear to be continuing their work in the market after landing Bryan Mbeumo.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 23, 2025

Mic'd Up: The former USMNT and MLS star evaluates Pochettino, raves about Alejandro Zendejas' resurgence

As a former U.S. men's national team player, Maurice Edu dislikes talking about the Americans when they fall short of expectations. He’d much rather hype them up and trash-talk to international friends as the world counts down to next year’s World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.

Still, like many former players, pundits and fans, he understands recent frustrations, saying this team and its manager, Mauricio Pochettino, should be further along by now.

"If we didn't think anything of these players or this manager, then it would be quiet," Edu told GOAL. "You could have a poor performance and no one would notice or care… We expect more because we feel like we have a group of players and, hopefully, a manager who we feel can really help us to be where we all dream of being.

"This is a home World Cup. That's the extra 10 percent. If you control everything you can control and you work your a** off… that's the extra five to 10 percent that can take you a step further than you believe you can."

Edu, who made 46 caps for the USMNT and was part of the 2010 World Cup squad, has seen it all in a career that spanned playing for Scottish powerhouse Rangers to starring in MLS with Toronto and Philadelphia. Now an analyst for Apple TV's MLS coverage, Edu says Pochettino should prioritize building momentum with the World Cup coming.

"When the 2026 World Cup is over, we're judging this U.S. team based on how they did in the competition, right?" he said. "But to get there, you need momentum. You need to build confidence." 

Edu discusses the USMNT following their September friendlies, grades Pochettino a year into the job and asks why Weston McKennie hasn't been more involved with the national team in the latest edition of Mic'd Up, a recurring feature in which GOAL taps into the perspective of broadcasters, analysts, and other pundits on the state of soccer in the U.S. and abroad.

• Getty Images
  

  ON THE USMNT'S SEPTEMBER FRIENDLIES

  GOAL: Following the September friendlies against South Korea and Japan, what was your overall assessment of the U.S.? What did you like and what are areas of improvement?

  EDU: It was a mixed bag. Disappointing collective performances and individual performances. The thing that was important for this group was that they finished on a high – a win and a clean sheet against Japan. These camps are about opportunity. So if you're a guy who's been there, it's about how do you continue to reinvent yourself and continue to dry that cement that you're spot is [locked] into that group for the World Cup. If you're a new guy, a guy, like Alejandro Zendejas for example, he's a guy who's had an incredible run with Club America in Liga MX.

  "Fair play to him, in a couple of interviews, he's been asked if he feels like he's been looked over or that he should be in camp – I appreciate that his response has never been "Woe is me." Never a victim mentality… When you walk away from this camp, he's the guy who made the most of this opportunity in this camp. He put himself right back in the conversation and showed that he can carry over the form that he had in Liga MX… I'm glad the results happened in the way that they did. I would I'd much prefer to end on a high note than to have started off with a win and then end the window with a loss.

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  ON POCHETTINO

  GOAL: As a former national team player, if a manager mentioned to the media that you don't necessarily need to win friendlies, how would that be taken in the locker room?

  EDU: When I heard the statement, and of course that's the headline that draws you in, I'm going to assume when they're on their own and in camp, there's more nuance to that statement… I wouldn't have expected him to say that outwardly because of how the public opinion is of the national team – there's been a lot of frustration with recent results… I think the point he was getting at is ultimately this team is going to be defined by how it performs in the World Cup. But that being said, no, I want the emphasis. I want the pressure. I want the stress and the importance to be on every single game.

  I saw a quote from Tyler Adams, who kind of echoed similar sentiments to what I was saying, but then also ended by saying, "But results do matter, right?" And they do matter. You can have a great performance and you can have a series of great performances, but if you're not getting the results, it makes it tricky because you can buy into a theory, buy into a mentality, buy into an approach. But it starts to seep into you when you start getting results. There's something tangible to attach to that. You can say like "Hey this performance, when you put together this kind of performance consistently, this is what you get out of it, you get the result." We live in a result-driven industry, right?… I would probably say 99 percent of us were competitors, and so the result is incredibly important to us.

  GOAL: This week marked the one-year anniversary of Pochettino's hiring by U.S. Soccer. If you had to give him a grade on his performance, what would it be?

  EDU: I'm usually a glass-half-full guy, and this sucks because I'll put my hand up. I was one of the people who was excited when I saw his name was even floating around that circle. To date, I would have to say, and this is going to be generous, probably a C-minus… Just look at the competitions we've been in. Nations League? We finished fourth, which is crazy. Gold Cup? We lose to a better Mexico side, a team that you could see the difference. They have the experience in those big moments. So maybe that's where he draws some of his credit, if that's the right word to use. But like that's where I maybe get the passing grade from. Because he introduced some new faces in that camp.

  That's where Matt Freese won the position that he's in right now. That's where Sebastian Burhalter emerged. Chris Richards took a step forward in terms of leadership. So those kinds of details, I guess, get him to that position. But the jury is still out, right? At the same time, I wanted to see progress. There haven't been a ton of different faces that have been in this group that played in this year's Nations Leagues, compared to the three previous ones where where we won all of them, right? So, I want to see first and foremost some level of consistency. I expected momentum at this point in time and for things to be a bit more encouraging. 

  GOAL: What did you make of Pochettino making a change to a three-man backline against Japan? Does the U.S. have enough defensive depth to facilitate that consistently?

  EDU: I'm not going to sit here and say that's the home run and that's the system we have to go with. But what it does do is gives us a different look. It gives us some flexibility to whether it's in-game adaptations, whether it's starting with that system. But I would say from the outside, it definitely looked like it was more comfortable for the players, and it suited some of their skill sets a little bit better than the first game.

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  ON WESTON MCKENNIE

  GOAL: You mentioned the need for more consistency. One thing that's been a bit surprising is the absence of Weston McKennie. Pochettino said it was due to already knowing of him, but couldn't the same be said for guys such as Christian Pulisic, Tim Ream, Tyler Adams, who were in camp this month?

  EDU: Yeah, it's a strange one because I'm similar in the thought process to you, right? And so trying to just decipher all the different words that have come out around that situation and around the team in totality is weird. You hear one part of it where it's like "Hey, I want to I want to see other guys or I want to see different faces." But if you truly think that Weston's one of the core guys, like you can still see other guys but still have him as part of that group, right? Because you want to see other guys but you want to have those other guys align with who you believe your core is, with whom you believe this team's foundational pieces are for this team. And so if you think Wes is one of those guys, then yeah, to me, it's a no-brainer that he should be there…

  I am surprised. And there's other names that have been left out too, where it's like just going along that same vein of you want to see more players. I'm surprised they haven't got more looks. Tanner Tesmann hasn't been called in since the Nations League. Aidan Morris is having a pretty good season with Middlesbrough in the Championship. There's other guys that have kind of either just not had many looks, very few looks. But, you know what? I'm I'm going to hold my tongue, you know, until October and just really see if that window produces a roster that is in sync with what we expect, but also kind of a reflection of what he really, truly believes is his group.

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  ON MLS VS. EUROPE

  GOAL: Pochettino also made headlines by saying MLS can be just as competitive as some leagues in Europe. As a player who starred both in Europe and MLS, do you agree?

  EDU: It's an interesting one, right? Because to me, it's about who performed for the national team, right? Diego Luna is a guy who emerged in January camp, but then in the Nations League, when it was with the European group plus MLS group, he showed his quality. I'd say Sebastian Berhalter showed well for himself during Gold Cup and kind of emerged and put his name in that conversation. Alex Freeman put his name in that conversation. So to me, it's about performing at a high level first and foremost, showing that consistency, and when you get into camp, then it's about, regardless of what club you're coming from, it's about what do you show there?

  It's about what you show in those moments. Do I think that guys, if they're playing in Champions League, is that a different level of competition? For sure. I mean, the quality of play in those kinds of competitions, the pressure in every moment in every touch that you take on the pitch, does it have crucial consequences? Of course, it does. And so, I'm not going to sit here and be naive and say that MLS is the equivalent to the Premier League or the Bundesliga or anything like that. But I'm also not going to sit here and say that guys who play in MLS can't show well for themselves alongside guys who play in Europe, or can't and in some circumstances play better than those guys.

If we just forget about yesterday afternoon’s rather underwhelming North London Derby – it was just a friendly after all – it would be fair to say this has been a largely positive summer for Arsenal.

Aside from yesterday’s minor blip, Mikel Arteta’s side have looked good on the pitch, and the board have been hard at work in the transfer market off of it.

The North Londoners have made six permanent first-team additions thus far, and while the likes of Martin Zubimendi and Noni Madueke are certainly exciting additions, the most significant is undoubtedly Viktor Gyokeres, who finally completed his £63.5m transfer from Sporting CP last week.

However, even then, the club continue to be linked with a host of talented players, including the superb Rodrygo, although they may be wise to opt for another, cheaper international they’ve been linked with, someone who could be described as another Gyokeres.

Arsenal's pursuit of Rodrygo

There is no doubt that one of the most exciting transfer links for Arsenal fans this summer has been to Rodrygo, as the Brazilian international has been at the heart of so much of Real Madrid’s domestic and continental success over the last six years or so.

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However, over the last two and a bit seasons, he has been playing out of his favoured left-wing position, and that, combined with an absurd amount of talent at the Bernabeu, has supposedly seen him become available this summer.

There have been a host of top clubs linked with the 24-year-old so far this summer, and according to reports from earlier in the window, the Gunners are very much interested.

It’s not hard to see why Arteta and Co would be keen to bring him to London, as even when not in his best position, the former Santos gem is still effective.

For example, in 54 appearances last season, totalling 3452 minutes, he was able to score 14 goals and provide 11 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.16 games, or every 138.08 minutes.

However, with a price tag of up to £86m, according to some reports, Arsenal may want to look elsewhere for an attacker they’ve previously linked with, one who could be described as Gyokeres-esque: Ademola Lookman

Arsenal could sign Lookman instead

Now, it is undoubtedly the case that for much of the last couple of weeks it’s looked like Lookman would be heading to Inter Milan, but as things stand, that move appears to have stalled.

So, with Arsenal already being linked with him several times this window, there is no reason they couldn’t hijack the move.

With that said, three reasons make the Nigerian international a Gyokeres-esque signing, with the first reason being his senior journey.

Like the Swedish international, the former Everton ace spent some time in English football but was never really able to establish himself in the Premier League, as in total, he has a record of just 11 goals and six assists in 96 games across spells with the Toffees, Leicester City and Fulham.

Then, instead of accepting a bit-part role in England, the London-born dynamo decided to move to Europe, joined Atalanta in Serie A and has been a lean, mean goalscoring machine ever since.

In fact, in the three seasons he’s spent in Bergamo, the “world-class” star, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has an incredible record of 52 goals and 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

In other words, the 29-capped international has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes since joining the Serie A side, which is probably reason enough for the Gunners to consider him over Rodrygo.

Finally, at 27 years old, the Europa League winner is the same age as Gyokeres and should be ready to have an instant impact at the Emirates in a season in which the North Londoners have to win something.

Ultimately, Rodrygo would be a great signing, but at potentially just £43m and with the incredible record he has, Lookman might just be the better option.

Ian Wright 2.0: Arsenal in talks for PL "magician" who's their "top target"

The international game-changer would be an unreal signing for Arsenal.

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Jack Salveson Holmes

Jul 31, 2025