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It was yet another busy summer for Arsenal, who focused on adding quality depth to improve their squad ahead of the new season. For the last few years, the Gunners have finished second in the Premier League, twice to Manchester City and once, most recently, to Liverpool.

Another busy summer was had at the Emirates Stadium, in an effort to break the cycle of second-place finishes they find themselves in. Eight major signings were made, although Mikel Arteta’s side have not started the season well, but not flawlessly. They sit in second place on 10 points, five behind Liverpool.

However, the new signings have hit the ground running, with Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze two of the most impressive.

Madueke and Eze’s start to life at Arsenal

England international Madueke joined the Gunners from Chelsea back in July. He cost Arteta’s side £48.5m, and has made a strong start to life at the Emirates Stadium. Although he’s yet to register a goal involvement, the winger creates an average of 2.3 chances per game in the Premier League.

The good form on show at the start of his Arsenal career from the England international has left many people impressed. One of those is BBC Sport’s tactics correspondent Umir Irfan, who said the winger has been “sensational” for the Gunners so far.

It is not just Madueke who has shone in an Arsenal shirt already. Eze, too, has been impressive. The England international completed a dream move to North London after previously playing for the club’s academy in his youth.

In seven appearances and 470 minutes for the Gunners so far, the former Crystal Palace star has one goal and two assists. That includes a sensational pass for Gabriel Martinelli to set up a crucial equaliser against Man City last weekend.

Both Madueke and Eze have performed well for the Gunners this season and are already key parts of Arteta’s squad. There is another key player who has also performed well, and is valued even higher than the England duo.

The Arsenal star worth more than Madueke and Eze

Arsenal’s summer signings have certainly enhanced an already talented squad, which can hopefully push them over the line for the Premier League title. Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka are two examples of that.

Well, another man who could be considered in that same bracket is talented defender Jurrien Timber, who signed for the club from Ajax for £38m in 2023. The Dutchman, described as a “diamond” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, has cemented himself as Arteta’s first-choice right-back this season.

The former Ajax star has played 90 minutes in the last three of Arsenal’s Premier League matches and in their Champions League win over Athletic Club. His 64-minute performance against Leeds United saw him score twice and assist once, too.

Despite being in his third year as a Gunner, the 24-year-old missed almost all of his first season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Last season, he also missed a few games due to fitness issues.

But Timber has fully recovered now. The defender has shown this season just how good he is, which the stats back up. For example, per 90 minutes this season, he’s averaged 5.4 tackles and interceptions and 1.5 key passes.

Minutes

72.2

433

Key passes

1.5

7

Passes completed

36.8

177

Tackles and interceptions

5.4

26

Expected goal involvements

0.35xGI

1.67

With form like that in mind, it may not come as a shock that Timber is worth even more than both Madueke and Eze, according to Football Transfers. The Dutch star is valued at £57m, which certainly reflects his excellent performances.

In comparison, Arsenal’s new attacking duo are not worth quite as much. Former Palace star Eze is closer, with Football Transfers valuing him at £53.6m. As for ex-Chelsea winger Madueke, he’s said to be worth just shy of £45m.

Given just how key Timber is to Arsenal’s side, due to his quality on the ball and tenacity without it, there might not be much surprise to learn he has such a high value, but it does show that Arteta hit the jackpot on him because his value has soared from £38m to £57m within the space of two years.

Madueke and Eze are key members of the Arsenal squad, but Timber’s quality and importance to Arteta mean he is worth even more than the attacking pair.

Arsenal hit gold on "world-class" monster worth millions more than Saliba

The incredible international could go down as a legend for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 26, 2025

Newcastle United are set to land Nottingham Forest’s Chief Football Officer Ross Wilson as their new Sporting Director, dealing a major blow to Evangelos Marinakis’ club. The 41-year-old has reportedly agreed terms to move to St James’ Park, where he will succeed Paul Mitchell. Wilson’s appointment marks another major step in Newcastle’s off-field restructuring under Saudi ownership.

• Newcastle to sign Forest's Wilson as Sporting Director

  As per Alex Crook of talkSPORT, Newcastle United have reached an agreement with Nottingham Forest’s Wilson to become their new sporting director. Wilson, who joined the Tricky Trees in 2023, has been a key figure in their recent rise, helping Forest qualify for European football for the first time in 30 years. Talks between the two clubs progressed swiftly, with compensation not expected to be an obstacle. 

  It had been reported in July that Wilson was Newcastle’s preferred candidate, with head coach Eddie Howe directly involved in the process. Howe’s strong working relationship with Wilson, developed during their shared time in English football, heavily influenced the decision. If talks conclude as expected, Wilson could officially begin his new role as early as next week.

  Wilson’s move fills a vital vacancy at Newcastle following Mitchell’s departure on June 30. Since then, the club’s recruitment operations have been managed on an interim basis by Steve Nickson and Andy Howe. Wilson’s arrival will now bring long-term direction to a sporting department that has undergone major change in recent months. 

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  Newcastle continue building up sporting team

  This appointment represents another milestone in Newcastle’s off-field rebuild under the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The Saudi-backed owners have sought to modernise the club’s football structure by bringing in experienced executives from across Europe. Wilson’s reputation for aligning recruitment with managerial philosophy fits perfectly with that long-term plan.

  For Nottingham Forest, however, the timing is far from ideal. Wilson’s departure leaves a significant void in their football operations just months before the January transfer window. Having overseen a successful 2023–24 campaign that ended with European qualification, his loss will be a blow to Evangelos Marinakis’ ambitions for stability. 

  Newcastle’s move also signals a change in recruitment strategy after a turbulent summer transfer window. With several targets missed and Alexander Isak pushing for a move, the Magpies struggled to complete key deals. Wilson’s appointment, following successful spells at Rangers and Southampton, is expected to restore structure and direction. 

• Getty Images Sport
  

  Wilson's journey and relation with Howe

  Wilson’s track record explains Newcastle’s determination to bring him in. He began his career at Falkirk before moving through roles at Watford, Huddersfield Town, Southampton and Rangers — where he helped end Celtic’s dominance by guiding the club to their first league title in a decade and a Europa League final appearance.  

  At Nottingham Forest, Wilson reshaped the club’s recruitment and implemented a strategy focused on younger, data-driven signings. Working closely with Nuno Espírito Santo, he balanced short-term competitiveness with long-term planning, helping deliver a seventh-place finish last season and European qualification. 

  At Newcastle, Wilson will oversee all football operations, with new technical director Sudarshan Gopaladesikan reporting directly to him. His arrival follows that of new CEO David Hopkinson, formerly of Real Madrid, as the Magpies continue to build a continental-style executive structure. Wilson’s close relationship with Howe is expected to ensure alignment between recruitment and coaching, something missing under Mitchell.

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• Wilson crucial to Newcastle's January plans

  Once confirmed, Wilson’s first task will be planning for the January transfer window, where midfield and defensive reinforcements are priorities. He will also review the club’s scouting and analytics structure to enhance synergy between data and recruitment. Newcastle’s goal is to create a more sustainable and efficient sporting model.    

  For Nottingham Forest, the search for Wilson’s replacement begins immediately. Marinakis must find a candidate capable of maintaining the progress made in recent seasons. With Newcastle strengthening both on and off the pitch, this move serves as another reminder of their growing power and intent to remain among the Premier League elite.   

MatériaMais Notícias

O Flamengo se acertou com o meio-campista Claudinho e espera um desfecho positivo para a contratação. A oferta feita pelo rubro-negro está em torno de 15 milhões de euros (R$ 80 milhões).

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Uma das coisas que foi primordial para a volta de Claudinho para o Brasil foi o salário. Na Rússia, o meia recebia do Zenit R$ 1,2 milhões. Esse salário o tornaria o jogador mais bem pago do Brasil.

+ Claudinho pode acionar a cláusula de guerra para acertar com o Flamengo? Entenda

Claudinho teve passagem pelas categorias der base do Santos e do Corinthians. Está no Zenit desde 2021, e entrou em acordo com Flamengo para um contrato até 2027.

O meio-campista disputou pelo Zenit um total de 60 partidas, onde marcou 15 gols e deu 14 assistências. Claudinho também foi eleito o melhor jogador do Campeonato Russo em 2021/22.

Sheffield United certainly suffered from a rude awakening on the opening day of the new Championship season.

Bristol City travelled to Bramall Lane with last campaign’s playoff agony at the hands of the Blades still evidently on their mind, as the Robins exposed constant weaknesses from the hosts to run out as unexpected 4-1 victors.

It hasn’t got any better for Ruben Selles with another two defeats smacking his forlorn team in the face, as the ex-Hull City boss now also attempts to welcome in more new signings before September comes around to turn around this dire start to his reign.

The Blades will be hoping that their next James McAtee-level signing is waiting in the wings, as the Manchester City outcast instantly settled into his South Yorkshire surroundings once upon a time to secure promotion.

McAtee's heroics at United

McAtee looks to be on the move this summer away from the Etihad for good, as the 22-year-old finally appears out from the periphery at the Citizens to try and become another side’s leading man.

When he was chucked into the first-team fold at Bramall Lane back in 2022, the silky, 5-foot-10 attacking midfielder was an instant hit, leading to McAtee extending his loan deal with the club to the following season when Premier League action was on the menu.

In total, the England U21s regular would pick up a stunning 14 goals and eight assists from 75 clashes in South Yorkshire, with a hefty 12 of those coming in the second tier as United jumped back up to the big time via automatic promotion.

Selles will still be dreaming of similar promotion heroics this season, even with the defeats piling up early on, with one signing potentially sticking out as a McAtee repeat if it gets over the line.

The "incredible" £10m star who could be a McAtee repeat

As much as McAtee did enhance the attack during his time at Bramall Lane, the priority in the here and now for Selles and Co. might well be to strengthen defensively.

Indeed, in recent weeks, the Championship promotion candidates have been dealt a harsh blow in losing first-team star Anel Ahmedhodzic to Dutch giants Feyenoord, after the Bosnian lined up for 42 contests last season as a key individual.

Therefore, picking up some fresh blood at the back could be integral to their promotion hopes, over needing to add some spellbinding forward players.

That’s where Callum Doyle could come in handy, with SportsBoom previously speculating this month that the Etihad-based youngster is on the United shopping list this summer, alongside a whole host of other EFL suitors.

Norwich City are also being floated about as a party keen on bringing back their former loanee to Carrow Road off the back of him hammering home a sweet strike such as this one he put away with confidence last season, despite predominantly lining up as a centre-back presence.

It could cost any potential suitor around the £10m mark to land the up-and-coming 21-year-old, but this might well prove to be a price worth paying on United’s end if Doyle’s added presence gifts Selles and Co. the boost they desire in the promotion reckoning.

Games played

40

Goals scored

1

Assists

7

Touches*

93.9

Accurate passes*

65.7 (86%)

Big chances created

7

Ball recoveries*

3.9

Clearances*

3.8

Total duels won*

3.8

Clean sheets

5

Doyle certainly showed off a lot of the same class McAtee brought to proceedings in South Yorkshire when plying his trade in Norfolk last campaign, with a standout seven assists picked up when playing his assured game out from the back.

On top of that, he also won an admirable 3.8 duels per contest for the Canaries, with his potential addition to a depleted backline making the loss of Ahmedhodzic sting less.

Hailed as “incredible” by his Norwich teammate Kenny McLean for his unerring ability with the ball at his feet, it does feel as if Doyle is ready for a switch where he shines even further up the EFL’s elite league, much like McAtee was handed in 2022.

History could repeat itself even more if Doyle is the calm and assured warrior who pushes Selles’ men up to those coveted promotion spaces despite such a bleak introduction to Championship life this season, as his senior game is taken to yet another level.

Sheffield United could land the next Rak-Sakyi with move for "special" ace

Sheffield United could gift Ruben Selles his own Jesurun Rak-Sakyi with this summer move.

ByKelan Sarson Aug 6, 2025

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

Head will only be available for three games between the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and a two-Test tour of Sri Lanka

Alex Malcolm18-Oct-2024

Australia’s all-format powerhouse Travis Head has signed to play with Adelaide Strikers in the upcoming BBL season despite a hectic international playing schedule meaning he could only be available for a maximum of three games in between Test commitments.Head, 30, has signed a one-year deal to play for the Strikers, a club he captained to the BBL title in 2017-18 but has not played for since the 2022-23 season. The upcoming five-match Test series against India followed by a Test tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy means Head will only be available for three matches on January 11, 15 and 18.The BBL was hopeful that Australia’s Test stars would be available to give the competition a boost at the back end of this summer’s tournament but despite the window, there are some concerns over player workload coming out of a gruelling high-profile Test series against India and with so little time to prepare for an overseas Test tour in spinning conditions in Sri Lanka.Related

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Dates for the two-Test tour of Sri Lanka are yet to be locked in but it is understood the first Test could start as early as January 29, and the Australia team has consistently wanted a ten-day preparation period on the ground for an overseas tour. Strikers’ last away game is in Perth on January 18 meaning Head could be forced to travel to Perth the night before potentially leaving for Sri Lanka.Head’s workload overall has become a key consideration for Australia’s selectors and coaching staff since becoming an all-format player in the last 12 months. There were some concerns over his decision to play in the recent Major League Cricket tournament in July on the back of a huge non-stop period of playing that started with the 2023 ODI World Cup and then included five home Tests, a T20I and Test tour of New Zealand, a full IPL and the T20 World Cup.Head is being rested from the ODI and T20I series against Pakistan ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, partly due to the upcoming birth of his second child.But his decision to add some BBL cricket in a period in January will mean his next decent break will likely have to wait until after the Champions Trophy on February and March, but even that may only be short given he will either be retained by Sunrisers Hyderabad at the IPL or bought at the mega Auction.Australia then could play the World Test Championship final straight after the IPL before a Test of the West Indies in June and July.New Strikers coach Tim Paine is aware of the workload Head has but was keen to have him play some BBL matches.”We understand Trav has a hectic international schedule,” Paine said. “But we also know how much he loves getting back in the blue whenever the chance arises and we look forward to our fans being treated to more of his magic this summer.”

MatériaMais Notícias

Bruno Ferreira, de 24 anos, zagueiro do Tocantinópolis, morreu neste domingo,após ter sido vítima de um acidente de trânsito. O incidente aconteceu no último sábado, em Porto Franco-MA. Ele não resistiu a uma segunda cirurgia.Segundo noticiou o “ge”, Bruno trafegava em uma motocicleta, quando foi surpreendido por outra motocicleta que o fechou provocando a batida.

Os dois ocupantes do outro veículo envolvido no acidente tiveram ferimentos graves e foram levados para o hospital local.

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+Quem vai ficar no G4 e no Z4 do Brasileirão? LANCE! ouve 17 nomes de peso do jornalismo esportivo

O defensor estava em sua segunda temporada pelo Tocantinópolis. Bruno atuou como titular apenas em um jogo na temporada passada. Antes da equipe de Palmas, o defensor passou pelo Atlético Amazonense.

Eleintegrou o grupo campeão estadual em 2022, da campanha histórica na Copa do Brasil 2022 (sendo eliminado na terceira fase) e da Série D (queda nas quartas de final), além do bicampeonato tocantinense conquistado recentemente pelo clube.

Nas redes sociais, o Tocantinópolis lamentou a morte do atleta. O clube desejou forças para os familiares e amigos do jogador.

-É com imensa tristeza que informamos o falecimento do nosso zagueiro Bruno Ferreira da Silva. Bruno foi vítima de um acidente automobilístico e infelizmente não resistiu aos procedimentos cirúrgicos. Neste momento de profunda tristeza desejamos forças aos familiares e amigos. Perdemos hoje, além de um atleta com potencial enorme, um grande ser humano. Descanse em paz, Bruno! – escreveu o Tocantinópolis.

continua após a publicidade

Manchester United’s transfer activity this summer could define Ruben Amorim’s tenure in charge at Old Trafford, subsequently needing to make a quick start to the 2025/26 campaign.

The 40-year-old is set to have a bumper budget to spend to improve his squad this window, with the hierarchy set to back him in his quest to take them back to their former glory.

It’s evident after the Red Devils’ 15th-placed Premier League finish this season that an overhaul is needed, with key work already commencing during the transfer window.

The departures of Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof have all been confirmed, freeing up needed money on the wage bill to allow for new investments.

It remains to be seen how much money Amorim will have at his disposal, but it appears as though he’s set to spend big in his hunt for success at the Theatre of Dreams.

The latest on United’s hunt for new signings this window

Work has rapidly been done within United’s attacking department, with PSG’s Gonçalo Ramos being a name mentioned over a move to join the Red Devils, with the French side open to his departure.

They’ve also made progress on a deal for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, with talks being held with the Serie A outfit over a potential deal for the Serbian international.

However, despite the work being conducted elsewhere, the club appear to be extremely close to landing a deal for Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

He’s reported that Amorim’s side are on the verge of signing the 25-year-old attacker after they made their latest bid in the region of £60m earlier this week.

Crook also confirms that talks are progressing nicely between the two clubs, with only minor details needing to be ironed out before a deal is agreed.

Why Mbeumo would be a better signing than Cunha for United

Earlier this summer, Matheus Cunha completed his move to join United after being firmly on their radar for many months after his success at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The Brazilian joined in a £62.5m deal after registering 15 goals and six assists for Vitor Pereira’s side in the Premier League throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

His versatility, being able to operate in an attacking midfield role or centre forward role, makes him an excellent fit for Amorim’s system, hopefully being a player who can catapult them to future success.

Cunha’s experience in England could prove to be vital in their ambitions next campaign, but he will need added reinforcements within the final third if the Red Devils are to take a step in the right direction.

However, he could be about to land just that in a move for Mbeumo in the coming days, with the Cameroonian showcasing his talents in England’s top-flight this season.

When comparing the pair’s respective figures from this season, the Brentford star has massively outperformed Cunha in various key areas – highlighting why he would be a better addition.

Mbeumo, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has registered more goals and achieved a better shot on target accuracy rate, demonstrating his clinical ability within the final third.

Games played

38

33

Goals & assists

27

21

Shot on target accuracy

43%

40%

Goal per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

47%

44%

Carries into final third

2

1.4

Crosses completed

5.3

4.9

Aerials won

32%

31%

He’s also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst posting more carries into the box per 90, showcasing the direct nature he possesses with the ball at his feet.

The Cameroonian’s dominance doesn’t end there, completing more crosses and winning more aerials per 90, handing Amorim an all-round dangerous option in attacking areas.

Should the deal be completed in the coming days, it would certainly improve the options currently at the manager’s disposal, something which he’s greatly craved as of late.

The prospect of Mbeumo and Cunha linking up together is certainly an exciting one, handing the club the platform to build on ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

He's perfect for Mbeumo: Wilcox opens talks to sign £35m star for Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to make a move for another young gem this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 25, 2025

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

Tottenham Hotspur are now ready to make an “unbelievable” star their club-record signing, with Thomas Frank identifying him as a prime target, according to a report.

Tottenham eyeing new forward amid Son uncertainty

Heung-min Son became the first Tottenham captain to lift a major trophy in 17 years last month, with his side prevailing over Manchester United in the Europa League final, but there have been suggestions the South Korean’s time at N17 could be coming to an end.

That is according to journalist Matt Law, who said: “I mean, certainly after the last game of the season, he left people with the impression, both in the dressing room and around the staff, that he might have played his last game for Tottenham.

“The way he said his goodbyes for the summer did leave people with the impression that he thought he could go.”

As such, one of Frank’s most important tasks this summer could be to bring in a replacement for the forward, and the new Spurs boss has now identified a Premier League attacker as a prime target.

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Tottenham are now ready to make Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze their club-record signing by shelling out £68m for the forward, who Frank believes is capable of thriving out wide.

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Crucially, Eze would be keen on a move to N17, despite widespread reports from elsewhere suggesting that Arsenal have now joined the race for his signature, and Spurs would be willing to make an upfront payment of £45m to get a deal over the line.

Palace are open to receiving the remaining £23m in installments, with a total package of £68m making the England international the Lilywhites’ new club-record signing, having previously signed Dominic Solanke from AFC Bournemouth for a fee of £65m.

"Unbelievable" Eze could be ideal Son heir

The timing could be right to let Son leave, with the South Korea international finally getting his hands on a trophy, and there are signs the Palace star could be an ideal replacement, given the level of his performances for the South London outfit.

Most notably, the 27-year-old led the Eagles to their first-ever major trophy by scoring in the FA Cup final against Manchester City last month.

Not only that, but the “unbelievable” Palace talisman has proven himself to be a fantastic dribbler of the ball over the past year, while also placing highly for assists per 90, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.28 (80th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

4.69 (82nd percentile)

Successful take-ons

2.33 (86th percentile)

As such, it is clear to see why Tottenham are willing to make Eze their record signing, and it is exciting news that he remains keen on a move across the capital.