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West Ham United have the challenging task of hosting London rivals Chelsea in their second Premier League game of the season this evening.

Graham Potter will be hoping his team put in a far better showing than they did away to Sunderland last week, when it was they who looked like the recently promoted team.

There were disappointing performances across the entire pitch from the Hammers, and once again, try as he might, Niclas Füllkrug just couldn’t make an impact on the game and looked like he was simply out of his depth at this level.

Fortunately, the German might not have to lead the line for much longer, as West Ham have been linked with an international goalscorer who’d be a huge upgrade.

West Ham could sign Füllkrug upgrade

It hasn’t been the summer that fans would’ve been hoping for after the disappointment of last season.

Transfer Focus

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

While West Ham have certainly made some wise additions to the team in the shape of players like El Hadji Malick Diouf, Mads Hermansen and Kyle Walker-Peters, the squad still feels short on quality.

Moreover, while he can be dangerous, Callum Wilson has a nightmarish injury record and scored a single goal last season.

However, the club may not need to rely on the Englishman to lead the line this season, nor Füllkrug, as it now looks like they may get their hands on the perfect upgrade.

At least that is according to a recent report from Italy, which has touted Artem Dovbyk for a move to the London Stadium.

The report has revealed that AS Roma are considering a swap deal with the Hammers that would see the Ukrainian international head to East London and Füllkrug go the other way, both on loan.

It could be an excellent way for the Hammers to bring in someone they’ve previously been interested in without paying a fee, and at the same time upgrade on the German international.

How Dovbyk compares to Füllkrug

So, when it comes to comparing two strikers, it makes sense to start with their output, as that is what they’ll ultimately be judged on.

Unsurprisingly, when doing so, it’s Dovbyk who comes out way ahead, as in 45 appearances last season, totalling 3195 minutes, he scored 17 goals and provided four assists.

That means the Ukrainian international maintained an average of a goal involvement every 2.14 games, or every 152.14 minutes.

Füllkrug, on the other hand, scored just three goals and provided two assists in 20 appearances for the Hammers last season, totalling 877 minutes.

In other words, the German international maintained a less impressive average of a goal involvement every four games, or every 175.4 minutes.

The superiority of the Roma star is not just a one-off, either, as when we compare the underlying numbers for both strikers from the start of 23/24 to the end of 24/25, he once again comes out comfortably on top.

For example, the “sensational” goalscorer, as dubbed by former manager Michel Sanchez, does better in most relevant metrics, such as expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, passing accuracy, shots and shots on target, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.66

0.51

Non-Penalty G+As

0.67

0.62

Progressive Carries

0.76

0.73

Progressive Passes

0.76

2.03

Progressive Passes Received

5.27

4.58

Shots

2.48

2.01

Shots on Target

1.10

0.88

Passing Accuracy

72.5%

66.9%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.96

2.43

Successful Take-Ons

0.43

0.17

Carries into the Penalty Area

0.54

0.37

These numbers help to paint a picture of a shot happy centre-forward who can be trusted to take part in a passing move, but also thrives with the ball at his feet and in situations where he needs to drive into dangerous areas.

Ultimately, it’s clear that Dovbyk would be a significant upgrade on Füllkrug, and therefore, West Ham should absolutely agree to this potential swap deal, and if things go well next season, think about making the loan permanent.

Their new Rice: West Ham submit offer to sign "exceptional" £50m star

The exciting midfield maestro could become Graham Potter’s on Rice at West Ham.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Aug 22, 2025

Arsenal are not just after widely-reported top target Eberechi Eze during this final stretch of the summer, as sporting director Andrea Berta looks to end his debut transfer window at the Emirates Stadium with a bang.

Eze is still a hot topic in north London after weeks of links, and there is very much a possibility he does end up sealing his desired move across the capital before the transfer deadline on September 1.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£208m

Arsenal remain in dialogue with the England international’s camp, as they have done since June (Fabrizio Romano), and Eze is believed to have also spoken with both Berta and Mikel Arteta directly (Ben Jacobs).

The 27-year-old is also very keen on a move to Arsenal, as reliably reported, so this is definitely one to watch in the coming weeks, as Berta considers adding to their already-impressive contingent of new signings totalling £200 million-plus.

Eze, while a top priority, is joined on Arsenal’s list of late-summer targets by Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.

Arsenal made an approach for Jacquet, who only signed a new deal in May, and TEAMtalk report that the 20-year-old is becoming increasingly enthusiastic about the prospect of a move to N5.

Alongside the Frenchman, it is claimed that Blackburn Rovers sensation Igor Tyjon is another one to watch.

The 17-year-old has already made two senior appearances for Blackburn since rising through the ranks, whilst also scoring six goals in 12 appearances for their Under-21s, and he’s seen as a very exciting prospect.

“Igor has been a standout young player since I have been at the football club,” said former Rovers boss John Eustace last year.

“He had a fantastic pre-season. He’s just played for England in the week. I was delighted to give him his debut today. He has worked, very, very hard. He’s a 16-year-old boy and we have to remember that. He is certainly one for the future.”

Arsenal given Blackburn Rovers reply after making second bid for Igor Tyjon

According to The Athletic, Arsenal have already had a bid rejected for the teenager, but Berta has since gone in with another offer.

However, the outcome is the same, with Blackburn snubbing Arsenal’s second bid to sign Tyjon as the Gunners are forced to weigh up a third approach.

The attacking gem is already among Rovers’ youngest ever debutants, and he’s tipped for a very bright future, so it could be worth the effort from Arsenal’s perspective.

“Igor Tyjon became the club’s third-youngest ever player when he came off the bench against Bristol City last month,” said Football League World pundit, Toby Wilding, in late 2024.

“He’s already scoring goals consistently at under-21 level while still only being 16-years-old, and signed a new contract with the club in the summer despite reported interest from Manchester United.

“I think when you look at that progress that he is making and the potential he has, it wouldn’t be a huge surprise to see him more involved with the first team and making an impact in the not too distant future.

“You can understand, with all that in mind, why Blackburn fans are getting rightly excited about him.”

Aston Villa just missed out on a Champions League spot at the final hurdle last season in the Premier League.

In the end, goal difference would be the sickener that separated Newcastle United and Villa in the fifth and sixth spots in the tough division, as Unai Emery and Co. prepare for Europa League football now, instead of sitting around Europe’s more exclusive table.

Emery will hope he can guide his team back into those elusive top five positions this forthcoming campaign, with plenty of new signings presumably needed to make this dream a reality.

Aston Villa contacted over deal for new attacker

First and foremost, however, Villa will be praying a number of their first-team superstars remain in the West Midlands past this summer’s hectic transfer window.

Already, the Villans have managed to tie down Boubacar Kamara to a fresh deal, but it remains to be seen whether Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers will stay put right up to September’s early deadline.

RB Leipzig goal machine Lois Openda looks to already be on the Premier League side’s radar in case Watkins does depart, alongside another prolific attacker reportedly catching Emery and Co’s eye as they look to add in more reinforcements up top.

Indeed, an exclusive report by journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed that Villa have been contacted over striking up a deal for Fulham marksman Rodrigo Muniz, as he weighs up his potential options amid ongoing Cottagers contract talks.

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have also had intermediaries at their door from Muniz, with Leeds United also named in the past as an onlooker keen on snapping up the Brazilian, who already has 17 Premier League goals next to his name at Craven Cottage.

Villa will hope they can get even more out of Muniz if he decides to relocate to Villa Park shortly, hopeful that he could become their next Jhon Duran in the process, having had to wave goodbye to the Colombian rather prematurely.

Why Muniz can become Villa's next Duran

Villa would have been silly to turn down Al-Nassr’s advances last summer, however, as the Saudi Pro League outfit coughed up a whopping £65m for the South American’s services.

That is quite the steep price to pay for an attacker that had only managed to register 16 strikes in the West Midlands from 78 games, but Duran’s unique ability to come off the substitute bench at a moment’s notice and cause havoc, with his teammate in Rogers even describing him as a “handful”, meant Al-Nassr had to cough up some significant bucks to land their desired target.

Games played

78

97

Games started

16

47

Minutes played

2981

4078

Goals scored

20

26

Assists

1

3

Amazingly, despite only amassing 16 starts in England, Duran would still tally up a lethal 20 goals for his side, with Muniz showing a similar cutting edge in front of goal last season for Marco Silva’s men.

The ex-Flamengo striker only started eight Premier League contests in total, yet still managed to show off a similar potency that became an effective weapon for the Cottagers to latch onto, with a whirlwind eight strikes registered.

The in-demand number nine could well become even more of a threat if he is given the reins to become Villa’s leading man very shortly, having also been hailed as “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” on his day by Craven Cottage teammate Willian.

Even if Watkins were to stay, this feels like a deal that would be worth signing off on, especially if Muniz is also content with the idea of being a scorching hot option off the bench in the West Midlands.

His potential role as the new Duran is also enhanced by the fact that the pair produced a statistically similar performance during the 2023/24 Premier League season, as per FBref.

With Rogers also potentially by his side, the “strong” centre-forward – as he’s been labelled by Premier League icon Alan Shearer – should be able to reach even loftier heights, with Villa fans keen to cheer on another goalscoring hero if a deal is secured.

Emery's own Isak: Aston Villa make contact to sign "terrifying" £51m star

Unai Emery might land his very own Alexander Isak if Aston Villa successfully pick up this potent striker.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 31, 2025

Sunderland’s wild ambition in the summer transfer window to date indicates that they’re searching for more than just survival when leaping up to the Premier League.

Instead, the Black Cats are dreaming of taking the top-flight by storm, with signings in through the door such as Habib Diarra for a whopping £30m chomping at the bit to become a star at the top level.

That is easier said than done with no Premier League experience next to your name, but he will hope he can settle in swiftly to his pressurised environment when linking up with potential new teammate Granit Xhaka, who has been done there and done that in the unforgiving league previously.

Why Sunderland are chasing after Xhaka

Indeed, Xhaka looks to be edging ever closer to a return to England, with Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg going as far as to reveal that the Black Cats have agreed personal terms with the Swiss.

There is a sticking point still when it comes to his £17m valuation – and Erik ten Hag’s desire to keep hold of him – but when compared to Sunderland’s other excessive summer spending, this doesn’t feel like an inflated price to pay for a midfield enforcer who is well-versed in what it takes to be a success story in the Premier League.

Whilst he wasn’t always in the Arsenal good books across his lengthy 297-game stay in North London, owing to his full-blooded displays sometimes going overboard, he would be a welcome addition to Le Bris’ camp all the same, especially as they try to gain more top-flight experience in their camp.

After all, Xhaka would impressively notch up 17 goals and 24 assists across 225 league outings for the Gunners before seeking out pastures new with Bayer Leverkusen, on top of launching himself into 1001 duels in total as a combative presence well-suited to a potential relegation tussle.

Yet, even at 32 years of age, Xhaka will hope he can get even more out of his varied game on his reentry to the lively level, with another new signing on Sunderland’s agenda potentially going on to be a dream teammate for the left-footed battler to work alongside.

Sensational Sunderland target could be a dream for Xhaka

Xhaka bowed out of the Emirates in 2023 after arguably experiencing one of his finest seasons in Arsenal red, with his output of seven goals and seven assists very much sticking out.

Across his two previous seasons before bowing out in style, Xhaka would only collect six goals and assists in total, as those at the Stadium of Light now hope this magic in terms of offering goals and assists – away from his known image of being attritional – comes to the forefront on Wearside to help survival be reached at a minimum.

He could well shine even brighter in this regard if Bilal El Khannouss seals a switch to the Black Cats shortly, with the creative Leicester City machine potentially set to make a move to Sunderland for around the £22.5m mark, amid interest also coming from Aston Villa.

Amazingly, despite the Foxes succumbing to relegation last season, the Moroccan would stand out as an entertaining playmaker all campaign long when putting in many a memorable display for his doomed outfit.

Games played

32

Goals scored

2

Assists

3

Touches*

42.5

Accurate passes*

24.0 (80%)

Key passes*

1.3

Big chances created

8

Total duels won*

3.6

An encouraging two goals and three assists would come El Khannouss’ way from 32 league clashes, with Xhaka perhaps ready to score even more of his trademark strikes from outside of the box when being teed up by the £22.5m star, off the back of him creating eight big chances at the foot of the Premier League.

The relationship will, no doubt, be reciprocal, too, as El Khannouss becomes even more clued up about the challenges of the daunting division, knowing he’s partnered next to an individual who knows how to battle and succeed in such a brutal terrain.

Adding Xhaka is a jaw-dropping move for Sunderland to make, but throwing the “sensational” Moroccan – as he’s been labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – into the mix, too, would be yet another sublime move that catches the eye.

In the end, the midfield duo could well become a devastating force together that ultimately helps the Black Cats become a surprise Premier League package.

The new Le Fee: Sunderland "close" to completing a deal to sign £17m star

Regis Le Bris could be about to win his next Enzo Le Fee as Sunderland push on with more statement signings.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 23, 2025

Liverpool are preparing to defend their Premier League title, and while Arne Slot will be emboldened by the ambitious signings made thus far, their divisional rivals are growing in strength, packaging their teams with fresh parts.

But the Merseysiders set the standard with the £100m signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen, a deal which may yet rise to £116m with add-ons.

It’s a fool’s game to name a prediction for the Premier League Player of the Year before the campaign’s even kicked off (but here we go anyway), and Wirtz hasn’t even played competitively in the English game yet, but he’s got to be among the frontrunners, and rightly so.

The attacking midfielder’s peerless creativity established him as a superstar in Germany, and he will hold the key to unlocking defences and charging Slot’s goalscoring endeavours.

In many respects, football is secondary at Anfield after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota, yet before too long, Richard Hughes’ focus will turn back to the transfer market with the 2025/26 campaign only weeks away – and Darwin Nunez expected to leave Liverpool for a new chapter.

The latest on Liverpool's striker search

The Athletic have confirmed that Liverpool are prioritising the acquisition of a new central striker as we head into the next phase of the summer transfer window.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak remains the dreamy top target, but signing him will be no easy feat, rated at £200m by his employers, who have no wish to sell.

However, the Magpies are looking to close a deal for Hugo Ekitike, another high on Liverpool’s list, which could spark a series of variables that might just play to Anfield’s favour. However, this is conjectural right now.

In any case, Liverpool need to replace Nunez, who only scored seven times last term and is heading toward the exit, something both parties are open to. Even with an elite playmaker in Wirtz joining the club, it’s felt the 25-year-old has had ample chances to prove himself.

With Napoli and Al Hilal both keen on the Uruguayan, the former already coming close but to be thwarted by financial differences, it’s only a matter of time before a move progresses for Nunez.

And when that happens, FSG are primed to sign a new out-and-out frontman.

Liverpool make contact for new striker

According to Liverpool reporter Matt Thielen, Liverpool have been in contact with Samu Aghehowa’s agents as they search for a new striker this summer.

The Reds aren’t the only ones scanning the market for a new striker to have centred on Aghehowa, however, with Aston Villa and Newcastle United both having shown an interest in recent weeks.

The 21-year-old could also prove to be cost-efficient. While he has an £82.5m release clause in his contract, Samu could be sold for considerably less at £63m.

Why Liverpool want Samu Aghehowa

In 2024, Aghehowa looked set for a transfer from Atletico Madrid to Chelsea, before the move collapsed and Porto swooped in.

The Blues’ frustrations proved to be the Portuguese outfit’s gain, for they have enjoyed the prolific qualities of a thriving young striker who has been hailed for his “elite potential” by analyst Ben Mattinson after scoring 27 goals and adding three assists across 45 matches in all competitions last term, notably dispatching a cool brace against Manchester United in the Europa League.

The Spanish striker has proved himself to be a deadly marksman, but he’s also a crisp and progressive distributor, ranked among the top 4% of strikers across divisions similar to the Liga Portugal last year for pass completion and the top 6% for through balls per 90, as per FBref.

In this regard, Slot could sign a new centre-forward with the goalscoring instinct and indeed technical awareness to operate within the ranged tactical parameters the Dutch coach likes to enforce.

Transfer Focus

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

And it’s a tactical quirk which could find an ideal partner in Wirtz, whose ball-playing qualities and silky movement would allow the striker to find space with consistency and strike on goal. Or, conversely, ‘Samu’ could use his capacity to drop deep and play surgical balls into the box to keep defenders guessing, letting his 22-year-old teammate sidle into space.

Hailed as a “monster in the making” with a “complete profile” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Aghehowa has the potential to throw down with the finest number nines that the game has to offer, but he’s not there yet.

However, his still-in-development skill set could actually be the perfect thing for Wirtz, with the two attacking players combining and growing in accordance with their partnership, learning all about the idiosyncrasies of each other’s games.

Matches (starts)

30 (23)

Goals

19

Assists

3

Shots (on target)*

2.7 (1.1)

Big chances missed

18

Pass completion

79%

Big chances created

5

Key passes*

0.6

Dribbles*

0.4

Duels won*

3.3

Looking at his clinical edge and ability to maximise a goalscoring opportunity (only hitting the target at an average of 1.1 times per league match last season) the Spanish forward could be elevated to the next level by Wirtz.

The German, after all, has been described as a “genius” of a creator by former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, with his flowing river of chances sure to raise the 6 foot 4 powerhouse’s output.

Given that, were Aghehowa to sign, this could be Liverpool’s definitive offensive duo for an age, it makes sense that Hughes would have a vested interest.

Newcastle appear to be closing in on a deal for Ekitike, and the line over on Tyneside is Isak’s staying put; the 25-year-old will work in tandem with his younger French teammate.

Liverpool will, of course, remain attentive to Isak’s situation. Still, FSG’s ambitions only run so far, and it seems unlikely that a figure in the ballpark of £200m would be green-lit after such steep expenditure already.

With this Porto phenom going from strength to strength, Slot and co could forget about all that and focus on a man who looks perfect for this high-flying project.

Better than Wirtz: Liverpool preparing £113m bid to sign superstar winger

Liverpool could sign another marquee player this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 15, 2025

Leeds United may have to brace for the departure of a “fantastic” player, who now wants to leave the club this summer, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Leeds' summer rebuild well underway

Having been promoted from the Championship last season, Leeds have been busy assembling a squad capable of surviving in the Premier League, with centre-back duo Sebastian Bornauw and Jaka Bijol recently sealing moves to Elland Road.

Striker Lukas Nmecha has also secured a move to West Yorkshire, with Daniel Farke looking to bolster his options in attack, despite already having the 2024-25 Championship top scorer at his disposal in the form of Joel Piroe.

Lecce centre-forward Nikola Krstovic also remains of interest to the Championship title-winners, with it being revealed they are now pushing to get a deal over the line, which means one of Farke’s current striker options may need to make way.

"Done deal" as Leeds sell 6 foot 2 player who Farke called "great"

A “full agreement” has been reached.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jul 3, 2025

In an interview with Leeds United News, Bailey has now revealed that Mateo Joseph could be on the move this summer, with the forward eager to seal an Elland Road exit and return to his home country of Spain, amid interest from La Liga side Real Betis.

The transfer expert said: “From what I’ve most recently been told, he does want to go back to Spain. But Leeds have got to be careful, in my opinion. You can’t just let Mateo Joseph go and do whatever and then be left short. That’s the consideration.

“But I think Joseph will end up back in Spain. Betis have sold a forward in Jesus Rodriguez to Como and that’ll be used to help pay for Joseph.

“From what I’m hearing, he could be accelerated into the first-team squad for Spain very quickly. And I think that’s probably in his consideration as well.”

Krstovic could be excellent replacement for Joseph

Piroe was Leeds’ main man in attack last season, scoring 19 goals in the Championship, but Joseph also featured regularly, picking up seven goal contributions in the second tier, and his departure could be a blow for Farke.

At just 21-years-old, the £13m-rated youngster still has a lot of room to develop, but he has already caught the eye of scout/writer Jacek Kulig, who described the forward as “fantastic” a little over a year ago.

That said, Krstovic could be a solid replacement for Joseph, given that the Montenegro international was regularly amongst the goals for Lecce last season, netting 12 times across 38 appearances in all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

37

11

5

Italian Cup

1

1

0

Having already proven himself in a major European league, the Lecce star could be an instant upgrade on Joseph, so if the starlet makes it clear that he wants to leave this summer, Leeds should not stand in his way.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is aiming to use the 2025 summer transfer window to bolster a squad which secured European qualification last term.

Given how well the club performed throughout 2024/25, Forest have a genuine chance of winning the Conference League.

Santo has shown admiration for plenty of potential targets, including Yunus Musah and Lukas Ullrich, but it appears as though one Serie A star has been linked more than most…

Latest on Nottingham Forest’s interest in Timothy Weah

As was widely reported earlier this month, including via transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio, Forest were believed to be interested in signing Timothy Weah this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Juventus appeared to be demanding just £12m for Weah, should they agree to cash in, which looked to be a solid piece of business by the club.

Last season, the American played 43 times for the Serie A giants, scoring six goals and grabbing five assists in the process.

In the top flight, he recorded an impressive goal conversion percentage of 24%, while also creating four big chances and averaging 0.6 key passes per game.

He played across several positions last year, predominantly on the right flank, a position which the Midlands side are keen to bolster.

After stepping up their pursuit of the one-time Celtic loanee, however, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed on Friday that Forest had actually walked away from any negotiations, despite the deal being “close”, after carrying out “extensive data analysis”.

As such, the City Ground outfit may need to turn their attention elsewhere, with one Brazilian star seemingly on their radar…

Why Nottingham Forest must sign Pepe

As reported by ESPN earlier this week, four Premier League clubs have opened talks to sign Porto winger Pepe this summer.

Forest have been named as one of those clubs, along with Aston Villa, Fulham and Burnley. The fact that Santo led them to Europe indicates that they could potentially be one of the frontrunners.

Goals

3

Assists

2

Big chances created

5

Key passes per game

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.6

Shots per game

1

A fee of £21m has been set, which is more than affordable for the Midlands side, no doubt about that.

While Weah may be the cheaper option, Pepe is certainly the bigger talent. Last season, the Brazilian dynamo registered an impressive total of 11 goal contributions across all competitions.

When comparing the pair via their domestic stats last term, it becomes clear who enjoyed the more productive campaign. Indeed, Pepe not only recorded more shots per 90 (1.36 vs 1.15), but he also registered more shot-creating actions (2.71 vs 1.98), goal-creating actions (0.36 vs 0.16) and more touches in the opposition penalty area (79 vs 35), showcasing his superiority in these metrics.

South American football expert Tim Vickery lauded the winger when he was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur a couple of seasons ago, saying:

“I certainly remember him as a winger with Gremio, little mosquito kind of winger, who can do either flank.”

His ability to play on either wing could also come in handy, giving Santo some added flexibility, especially if injuries start to play their part.

It is clear that the manager wants to bring those to Forest who have proven ability on the biggest stages. Having scored in the Champions League, Copa Libertadores and Europa League, as well as gaining two caps for Brazil, Pepe would be an excellent signing.

Nottingham Forest join race for one of the rising stars of U21 Euros

Anderson already knows all about his quality…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 26, 2025

It may not come as a surprise to learn that Leeds United were the most creative team in the Championship last season.

The 2024/25 winners, who gained promotion back to the Premier League with over 100 points, were a standout side across all areas of the game, particularly when it came to their creative numbers.

According to FBref, they topped the metric for the most key passes overall, with 562, and the most key passes per 90 minutes, averaging an impressive 12.2. Daniel Farke turned his side into a creative force, channelling the innovation of club legends like Pablo Hernandez.

It seems the Elland Road side are about to become even more deadly in the final third, if recent transfer reports are anything to go by.

Leeds enter race to sign attacking midfielder

It has already been a busy transfer window for the Whites. They have signed defender Jakob Bijol from Udinese and striker Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg on a free transfer. Next, it seems, Farke’s side will move onto attacking midfield.

Transfer Focus

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

That is according to a recent report from talkSPORT. Journalist Alex Crook has reported that Leeds are one of two sides who ‘hold an interest’ in signing young Anderlecht midfielder Mario Stroeykens this summer.

It will not be a straightforward deal to do for the Yorkshire outfit. West Ham United are also one of the teams showing a keen interest in the Belgian, as he fits their transfer policy of ‘targeting young up-and-coming players’.

Whichever side manages to sign the 20-year-old, the fee is already made clear; Stroeykens is valued at £17m by the Belgian giants.

Why Stroeykens would be a good signing

If Leeds do manage to sign the young attacking midfielder this summer, he would join an exciting crop of talent in the final third and add to the creativity already at Farke’s disposal. He has made an impressive start to his Anderlecht career.

Despite being just 20 years of age, Stroeykens has already notched up 132 appearances for Anderlecht, whose academy he graduated from. In that time, he’s managed to score 16 goals and register 15 assists, playing mainly as a number 10, but also on both flanks and as a striker.

The attacking midfielder, who was born in Zellik just outside of Brussels, impressed in the 2024/25 campaign. In 39 appearances, he bagged five goals and created seven chances, which included nine goal involvements in 13 league games to start the season. As football scout Antonio Mango said, he has an “elite profile” which is on show with those numbers

How Leeds would love for Stroeykens to have the same impact on the club as Hernandez had. A club legend, the Spaniard donned that famous White shirt for five seasons, helping the club return to the Premier League with promotion in 2019/20.

Altogether, Hernandez made 175 appearances for the Elland Road club, finding the back of the net 36 times and grabbing 41 assists.

In four Championship seasons, he assisted eight goals once, nine goals twice and an incredible 12 goals in 2018/19. As the numbers show, he was a creative genius, described as a “wizard” by Leeds’ official account on X.

Some of the underlying numbers on FBref behind Stroeykens’ good form last season are impressive. Indeed, they certainly suggest he has the talent to replicate what Hernandez did at Elland Road.

For example, compared to midfielders in the 14 leagues most similar to the Belgian top flight, he averaged 1.53 key passes and 0.77 goal-creating actions, which rank him in the top 16% and 1% respectively. Those numbers show just how creative he is, and the fact that he is constantly involved in his side’s goals, even if indirectly.

Key passes

1.53

84th

Progressive passes

6.61

83rd

Expected assists

0.2xA

94th

Shot-creating actions

4.01

92nd

Goal-creating actions

0.77

99th

Take-ons completed

1.12

90th

They are certainly encouraging numbers from the 20-year-old. He would have a lot to do if he wants to become as good as Hernadez was at Leeds, but there is no doubt that the talent and data to back it up are already in place for Stroeykens.

For just £17m, this could be a bargain for Farke, and someone who will further increase the creativity and attacking threat of his side, which is much needed in the Premier League.

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Having put pen to paper to officially become the new Rangers manager, Russell Martin has instantly reportedly shifted his focus towards what would be a bargain swoop for the Gers.

Martin already targeting Rangers incomings

The former Southampton boss has got straight to work with the 49ers and is already looking to build a Rangers squad in his vision and one capable of catching Old Firm rivals Celtic. Together with sporting director Kevin Thelwell, Martin will be desperate to get off to the best possible start at Ibrox in the summer transfer window.

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Speaking to the club’s official media channels, Thelwell reiterated that success won’t come easy but it is a must at Rangers. He said: “This is a new chapter for Rangers, and while we recognise success won’t come easy, our goal is clear: we need to win. My focus is on delivering that, with discipline and ambition. We’ll give everything to move this club forward as quickly and sustainably as we can.”

The start of a new chapter may yet see the introduction of more new characters too. The rumours have been coming thick and fast as to who could become the first arrival of the Martin era, from Dor Turgeman to a player who the manager knows very well in Flynn Downes.

Using Martin’s Premier League links will likely prove key this summer if the Gers are to bridge the gap on Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. And Downes wouldn’t be a bad start. Martin worked with the midfielder at both Southampton and Swansea in a partnership which could be renewed at Ibrox this summer.

The midfielder’s not the only Premier League target that Rangers have on their radar, however. The Scottish giants have also reportedly turned their attention towards a free agent who just left Nottingham Forest.

Rangers and Martin targeting Toffolo

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Rangers and Martin are also targeting a deal to sign Harry Toffolo not long after he left Nottingham Forest at the end of his contract this summer.

The experienced left-back will therefore be available for nothing and could instantly jump ahead of the likes of Jefte and Ridvan Yilmaz in Rangers’ pecking order down that side. Meanwhile, if there are any concerns that negotiations will be difficult, then the fact that Toffolo is represented by the same agent as Rangers forward Danilo may ease those concerns.

From the very start of his Nottingham Forest career in 2022, Toffolo found himself at the centre of praise. Welcoming the defender to the City Ground, former manager Steve Cooper said at the time: “Harry is an excellent addition to the squad and adds quality and depth to a position that we were keen to strengthen this summer.”

Now, it could be Martin’s turn to welcome the 29-year-old to his squad in what would be a solid way for Rangers to commence their summer business. An experienced defender who’s available at a bargain price, Toffolo is not one that the Gers will want to miss out on.

Liverpool’s mastery in the transfer market must leave rivals hot under the collar. FSG have their drawbacks, criticised for their frugality, but who can reasonably rail against their formula?

Arne Slot, though, has exceeded expectations this season, winning the Premier League at a canter, somehow replacing the irreplaceable Jurgen Klopp.

It’s frightening to think that Liverpool are now ramping up their transfer plans, rewarding Slot with a deep-pocketed transfer chest which has already led to the signing of Jeremie Frimpong, with his Bayer Leverkusen teammate Florian Wirtz lined up for a reported British-record €130m (about £110m) transfer.

With a deal for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez also in the pipeline, Liverpool fans would be forgiven for indulging in fits of excitement: Slot and the powers that be are investing in a team ready to challenge at the highest European level for many years to come.

However, more is needed in attacking areas if the Reds are to do it all over again next year and keep Mohamed Salah, who turns 33 this month, on his A-game.

How Liverpool can keep Mo Salah firing

Last season, Liverpool won the Carabao Cup and restored their place in the Champions League after a wretched 2022/23 campaign, but failed to secure the biggest prizes.

Salah promised the Liverpool faithful he would put that right, and delivered on his promise by winning the Premier League under Slot’s wing, winning the clean sweep of individual prizes in the process.

It was, all in all, a rather good campaign for the Egyptian King, but there’s no question he was overburdened with responsibility at times, dragging his profligate teammates across the finish line.

Salah no doubt misses the seamless synergy that Jurgen Klopp pieced together when creating one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever frontlines, Salah joined by Roberto Firmino and Sadio Mane in turning Liverpool back into a superpower over so many years.

Premier League

38

29

18

Champions League

9

3

4

Carabao Cup

5

2

1

Now, Liverpool must reward their legendary veteran with new partners in the final third who maintain clinical rates of scoring, of supplying. Whether Salah will secure teammates on the level of Firmino and Mane remains to be seen, but FSG are certainly acting with the intent of achieving just that.

Slot driving ambitious Liverpool deal

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are considering ‘a fresh approach’ for Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon this summer, who is valued at around £80m.

Contacts were established one year ago when Newcastle fretted over ways to circumvent PSR, having failed to qualify for Europe. Liverpool were drawn to the possibility of signing Gordon, but in the end, Eddie Howe’s side found alternative routes to go down.

Now, though, it’s become clear that Anfield’s interest has remained intact, and while the former Everton star would not force his way out of St. James’ Park, a return to Merseyside to sign for his boyhood club would be a big temptation.

Why Anthony Gordon could replicate Mane at Liverpool

Liverpool released Gordon from their academy when he was only 11 years old, leaving him adrift until washing up at Goodison Park, where he made his name.

Newcastle paid Everton a £45m fee to sign Gordon in January 2023, and this was before he made genuine headway. Now, it’s understandable that the Magpies would want to bank nearly double that figure, and if Diaz is sold, Liverpool might just be able to make it happen.

Hailed for his “unbelievable” 2023/24 campaign by teammate Bruno Guimaraes, Liverpool’s interest came after a campaign that saw Gordon post 28 goal contributions across all competitions, earning Newcastle’s Player of the Season.

Despite winning the Carabao Cup and restoring his club’s place in the Champions League, the current season hasn’t been so kind to the England international, with injuries and suspensions disrupting the second half of the term.

The 24-year-old remains one of the most talented wingers in the Premier League, though, having pronounced himself a “nightmare for anyone” he plays against.

With levels still to scale as he makes improvements, Gordon might just be Slot’s long-term solution on the left flank, maybe even becoming Liverpool’s new version of Sadio Mane, with blistering speed and a dynamic danger to his skill set.

Last August, pundit Jamie Carragher actually tipped the Three Lions man to serve as Mane’s heir over on Merseyside, claiming he could make a “frightening” impact.

A player of such physicality and athleticism with ostensibly sharper weaponry than Diaz could certainly make a positive impact, striking a stunning partnership with the evergreen Salah, who will remain at Liverpool for at least two more years.

And if Darwin Nunez is sold and replaced by Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, with Liverpool locked in battle with Chelsea for the French forward, Slot might even have his own version of Firmino to complete a deadly new strike-force.

How to define Bobby Firmino? The Brazil forward was the glue which held Klopp’s iconic front three together, effortlessly brilliant and commendably selfless.

Mane and Salah were the goal-getters, but Firmino made it all tick, and given that Ekitike would join Liverpool as an up-and-coming Bundesliga talent, the similarities are clear to see, as Firmino arrived from Hoffenheim a decade ago for £29m.

Ekitike, 22, is a good goalscorer, having scored 22 times for his club this term, but he’s also so much more. As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for assists and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Such quality would give Gordon an inroad to a new level of goalscoring success, especially with Salah shaping into one of the game’s superlative wide playmakers in recent years.

Liverpool have enjoyed tremendous success in Slot’s newly-crafted system, but with such signings, they could reach even higher, giving Salah a new attacking partnership for the ages.

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