All posts by z3u9t.icu

A big update has emerged on Newcastle United’s pursuit of Atletico Madrid left-back Renan Lodi heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has confirmed that the club are eyeing up a potential deal for the Brazilian defender and has pointed out that PIF already have an existing relationship with the Spanish side.

Downie Tweeted: “Understand Renan Lodi is a player Newcastle have looked at & could potentially form part of their summer plans. 15-times capped Brazilian international left-back. Newcastle have already done business of late with Atletico for fellow full-back Kieran Trippier #NUFC.”

Jacque Talbot replied to this with an update to the story, Tweeting: “Just to add to this report by @SkySports_Keith, price I was told for Renan Lodi is around £42million, but there could be some flexibility around how it’s paid.”

This comes after Brazilian journalist André Hernan recently claimed that the club have been in talks over a swoop for the left-back, with Downie now confirming the interest and Talbot revealing the potential price.

Eddie Howe will be buzzing

This claim from Downie will surely leave the Toon head coach buzzing as the full-back would be an excellent signing for the club.

He already has a pre-existing relationship with current Magpies defender Kieran Trippier and this could help him to hit the ground running on Tyneside.

The pair played alongside each other in 68 matches for Atletico – totaling over 4,200 minutes of action as part of Diego Simeone’s backline. This suggests that they know each other well and that Trippier will be able to assist Lodi in settling in under Howe.

Whilst playing for the La Liga outfit, they would need to know when and when not to go forward as one would need to stay back to cover at the back when the other goes forward. This means that there will be no excuses for them not having that connection on the pitch for Newcastle next season.

This will be particularly important for the Toon as the Brazilian left-back is a threat in the final third. He has created an impressive seven ‘big chances’ in his last 24 starts in La Liga, which shows that he has a terrific left-foot capable of putting chances on a plate for forwards.

Therefore, Howe will be delighted with the club’s pursuit of Lodi as he can slot straight into his Premier League squad next season and provide an exciting full-back duo alongside Trippier.

AND in other news, Howe now plotting £17m move for “terrific” machine, he’d be a “big influence” at NUFC…

Manchester United are thought to be preparing an offer to sign Sporting CP defender Goncalo Inacio.

The Lowdown: Inacio links

Reports earlier this month linked the Red Devils with a summer swoop for Inacio. The 20-year-old Portuguese starlet, primarily a centre-back who can also turn out at left-back, has been tracked by United chiefs for ‘some time’, with their interest now ‘real’ ahead of an Old Trafford rebuild under Erik ten Hag.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-man-utd-updates/” title=”Latest Man Utd updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Newcastle United have also been name-checked with a possible move for Inacio, who has a €45m (£38.5m) release clause and was hailed as ‘underrated’ by journalist Zach Lowy.

The Latest: Offer ‘imminent’

Sports Witness relayed an update from A Bola regarding United and Inacio on Tuesday. They claim that the Red Devils are leading the race for the defender’s services, with a bid now ‘imminent’.

Developments could happen ‘very soon’, with the report adding that United may decide to offer €40m with €5m in performance-based add-ons.

The Verdict: Smart move?

Only five Premier League sides have conceded more goals than United this season, which goes to show that a defensive overhaul is needed ahead of Ten Hag’s first season on charge.

Inacio could be a shrewd signing both in the short and long term as he’s been a regular for Sporting during the current campaign and has even weighed in with five goals in all competitions.

He’s also comfortable on the ball, with a passing completion rate of 91% in the current Portuguese top-flight campaign, while he also ranks high for Sporting when it comes to clearances made and dribbled past the least per 90. [WhoScored]

You’d like to think the club could raise funds needed for a move by moving on one or two this summer, and it looks as if they will make their offer soon.

In other news: ‘Important’ – Fabrizio Romano now drops Man Utd news as Ten Hag close to first piece of business. 

Incoming Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag has reportedly requested two specific signings as the Red Devils look to initiate their summer rebuild.

One of these reported targets is Memphis Depay, who would be sealing a Manchester United reunion if the transfer came to fruition.

What’s the word?

That is according to reports in Spain who claim that Depay is a new option for Manchester United’s attack, among Frenkie de Jong – of which we have known for some time now.

According to the report, it is said that Barcelona would be willing to sell the 28-year-old centre-forward Depay in order to raise funds, with Xavi using him sparingly throughout the season.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison” title=”Read the latest Man United news!”]

The report states that United are “willing to make a first offer of £100 million for both players” (De Jong included), though there is also the opportunity of a swap deal for “players such as Alex Telles and McTominay” potentially included.

Martial Upgrade

The prospective reunion between Manchester United and Depay is bound to split opinion across the Red Devils fan base.

Though, it is important to remember that the Netherlands’ forward is a completely different player to the one that Louis Van Gaal signed back in 2015.

For a start, he is now an outright centre-forward as opposed to a winger, and a complete one at that.

His switch in position has added maturity to his game and boosted his end product tally, with his 11 goals in 24 La Liga appearances a solid start in his first season at Barcelona. The fact that Depay has started just 50% of those games makes his goal-haul even more impressive.

Depay, who has been dubbed a “genius” by The Guardian’s Jonathan Liew, has scored more goals in the league this season than Anthony Martial has managed in his previous two Premier League campaigns.

Just two years the Frenchman’s senior, Depay has bagged 157 times across the course of his career, beating Martial’s total of 95.

Most importantly though, Barcelona No.9’s composure on the ball would be welcomed by ten Hag, with technical ability a pre-requisite in order to function efficiently in his mass-possession system.

With his match average of 36.70 completed passes, he possesses an ability to drop into midfield into a ‘false nine’ type role and help his side build progressive, patient, possession-based attacks, rather than relying on chances from his teammates.

Martial’s average of 25.67 completed passes per 90 falls short of this, with the Frenchman also having significantly less touches, with a match average of 44.12 outdone by Depay’s match average of 62.08 touches per 90.

In this aspect, he could be United’s version of Firmino. A technically gifted forward who can perform both attacking and defensive aspects of the game.

Should this reported interest transpire, United will most certainly have bagged themselves an attacking upgrade over Martial.

In other news: Man United now submit mega-money bid to sign £92.5m “lion heart”, he’s the new Haaland 

Sky Sports pundit Kevin Campbell, speaking to Football Insider, has made an exciting claim on West Ham United’s new transfer target Konstantinos Mavropanos.

The Lowdown: West Ham eye move…

Irons boss David Moyes, reportedly eager to bolster his ranks with the signing of a centre-back, midfielder and new forward (The Times), now has Arsenal defender and current Stuttgart loanee Mavropanos in his sights.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/” title=”West Ham newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Gunners correspondent Chris Wheatley of football.london claims that West Ham are eyeing a move for the 24-year-old whilst keeping tabs on his progress in the German top flight.

The Hammers’ injury crisis at centre-half in recent weeks has arguably highlighted the need for more options in that area of the squad as Campbell now shares what’s ‘heard’ on Moyes’ new target.

The Latest: Campbell raves…

The ex-Arsenal forward and Sky regular has told Football Insider that the Greece international is in fine form based off some glowing reviews he has caught whiff of.

Making an exciting claim, he explained: “From what I’ve heard, he’s done really well in Germany. Apparently he is playing out of his skin. The team is struggling and could get relegated but he is said to be playing quite brilliantly.

“I hope for the lad’s sake he gets a move because he is not getting a chance at Arsenal. Stuttgart will not be able to afford to keep him if they go down this season.

“One thing is for sure, West Ham need bodies. If they get the right bodies in it will make them a lot stronger for next season.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Mavropanos has been in serious form across the continent, as Campbell explained.

According to WhoScored, before today’s Bundesliga action, the towering 6 foot 3 powerhouse ranks in as Stuttgart’s best domestic performer by average match rating – also making the most interceptions and clearances out of any player in their squad.

He has also been called ‘outstanding’ by Greek football manager Argirios Giannikis, and going by these numbers/plaudits, it’s clear he could be a good Premier League option for Moyes.

In other news: Moyes gifted West Ham ‘advantage’ as he eyes ‘massive signing’ supporters would love! Find out more here.

A win at Anfield is as sweet as they come for those of a Manchester United persuasion, with Sunday’s deserved 2-1 victory over struggling champions Liverpool having been almost ten years in the making.

In previous seasons, Cody Gakpo’s late strike may have seen the visitors crumble to a late defeat, or hold on for what would have been seen as a ‘creditable’ but frustrating draw – but not this time.

Up stepped the previously maligned Harry Maguire to deliver the goods yet again, with United’s resurgent centre-back now at the centre of calls for an England recall ahead of next year’s World Cup. So too is back three colleague, Luke Shaw.

It is worth remembering, such is the turbulent nature of the Old Trafford side, that it was just a matter of weeks ago that both men were under the microscope for their performance in the Manchester derby, having been left scrambling at the sight of the surging Erling Haaland.

These players are built up to such heights, before being reduced to such lows, with even the weekend win needing to come with a sense of calm. Such peaks and troughs, such extremes, are no good to anyone.

One man who knows all about navigating the United rollercoaster is Paul Pogba, with the marmite Frenchman having defined the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era more than most.

How Paul Pogba would fit into Amorim's 3-4-3 system

The tale of Pogba’s time in Manchester has been discussed chapter and verse. He came. He left. He came back again. He won the League Cup and Europa League, yet appeared to angle for an exit every summer after. Then he left again in 2022.

Now back in his native France with Monaco, after serving an 18-month suspension at Juventus following a doping ban, Pogba remains among the most polarising United players of modern times.

The sight of the World Cup winner trudging off for his final outing, at Anfield ironically, was fitting for an £89m move that simply didn’t pay off as expected, with the noise that surrounded him – his doing or not – having been frankly tiring.

It wasn’t seen enough, although when actually in his pomp, the fleet-footed midfield could be such a menace, memorably picking up four assists in the opening weekend win over Leeds United in August 2021.

Operating almost as a left-sided midfielder, the maverick playmaker appeared to relish the freedom of being able to get forward and attack, safe in the knowledge that there was ample cover behind him.

In that regard, he may well have been perfect as a number ten in Ruben Amorim’s current set-up, with that role seeing the likes of Mason Mount or Matheus Cunha act as a connector between the midfield and forward line.

Being nudged into a more advanced berth briefly brought the best out of Pogba following Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s arrival to replace Jose Mourinho, with the 6 foot 3 machine ending 2018/19 with 27 goals and assists to his name in all competitions, as per Transfermarkt – his best return for United.

Perhaps ill-utilised at Old Trafford, or also not capable of taking on the talismanic role that was expected of him, the now 32-year-old will forever remain a quandary for the Red Devils.

Hopefully, the newest Pogba-type figure can be far more effective under Amorim’s watch.

Man Utd's new Paul Pogba under Amorim

Pogba’s time in United will, rightly, be lost to history before too long. A player who promised so much upon his return in 2016 ultimately delivered so little.

That is in stark contrast to his former teammate, Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese truly emerging as the main man in midfield, his record of 100 goals and 87 assists for the club in 299 games proving as much.

Unlike the Frenchman, even when shifted into a less-suited role the United skipper can still flourish, with Sunday seeing him deliver the crucial assist to Maguire, amid an influential showing in his deep-lying berth.

That decision to drop Fernandes deeper has been in order to accommodate the likes of Mount and Cunha in attack, with the latter man particularly impressing against Arne Slot’s side.

A wait for a goal or assist continues for the £62.5m Brazilian, yet – as noted by journalist Sam Pilger – he already looks to be an “incredible signing”, having led the line superbly last time out.

Described as a “maverick” by ex-MEN correspondent Samuel Luckhurst, there are shades of Pogba about the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man, having already proven himself to be a powerful ball carrier in his left-sided – or central – role.

Against the Merseysiders, the 26-year-old completed 100% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore, while winning two fouls for his side, representing a particular outlet late on when United needed to retain possession.

Minutes played

90+

Touches

55

Successful dribbles

2/2

Total shots

2

Fouls won

2

Possession lost

14

Pass accuracy

83%

Ground duels

4/9

Aerial duels

1/4

Not blessed with blistering pace, much like Pogba, Cunha has that knack for being able to fend off his opposite man, while also boasting the quality to be able to slalom his way up the pitch.

Indeed, among forwards in Europe’s top five leagues, he currently ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries – and the top 1% for progressive passes – as per FBref. Pogba, for instance, ranked in the top 19% and top 4% of midfielders for those two metrics, respectively, during his 2018/19 pomp.

Powerful but with the poise to match, Cunha appears to boast the very best attributes of Pogba, acting as a figure who sucks defenders towards him, yet can easily manoeuvre space for himself with a delightful turn or dribble.

The telling difference between him and the Frenchman, however, is that he is also a “workhorse” – as noted by Luckhurst – with there simply so many facets to his game to enjoy.

He’s not perfect, having been given a four-game ban last season at Molineux, but he does certainly look to be the new ‘maverick’ figure at Old Trafford. That sort of status may not have been worn well by Pogba, yet hopefully Cunha’s addition will prove to be far more fruitful.

The early signs are no doubt promising.

£62m Man Utd star looks like their best player "since Fergie retired"

Manchester United might just have turned a corner under Ruben Amorim’s wing.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Oct 20, 2025

The season is deepening, moving toward patterns more tangible than those the early weeks comment on a team. For Newcastle United, this is the case.

Newcastle started the 2025/26 campaign poorly, but Eddie Howe’s side were rocked by upheaval across the summer transfer window and lost their talisman, Alexander Isak, after a long attritional battle with Liverpool.

Isak, 26, scored many goals for the Tynesiders. Too many to name. One of which, though, came against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final, and so for all the negativity and understandable criticism that came with that unwanted transfer saga, Isak’s legacy lives on.

But he’s a Newcastle player no more, and Howe knew it was crucial that a fitting replacement was brought in.

Well, while Yoane Wissa still waits to make his bow after his transfer from Brentford, having injured his knee on international duty, Nick Woltemade has enjoyed a fast start to life in England, impressing once again in the Champions League on Wednesday evening.

Newcastle spent well on Woltemade

There are some out there who seem to think Newcastle overspent when welcoming Woltemade from Stuttgart in a club-record £69m deal.

Here’s the thing. Newcastle’s summer struggles for a striker were well-documented, to say the least. The Magpies have landed themselves one of the most exciting young strikers in the business, and if that makes them ‘fools’, as some have suggested, then so be it.

And against Union Saint-Gilloise in the Champions League, the German, 23 years old, added to his goal tally, getting the last touch after Sandro Tonali’s strike took a deflection.

Six games into his Newcastle career, the intelligent, rangy striker has three goals, and he has also shown off a deft technical game that will only improve as he and Howe’s system get more comfortable with each other.

He has what it takes to make Isak but a distant memory at St. James’ Park and across Newcastle. Woltemade is the real deal, but he’s also young and unpolished.

Newcastle, actually, have another player who could be their next version of the Swedish sensation, and he showed he’s getting back to his best with a rip-roaring performance in Belgium.

Howe's new version of Isak

Class is permanent. This Howe knows. And so while Anthony Gordon toiled his way through the 2024/25 campaign and started off the current campaign on the wrong footing, he, and all involved at Newcastle, knew that time and hard work would see the England international rise back to his former, Player of the Year-winning form.

Gordon is 24 and considered one of the most talented wingers in the Premier League, with his rapid pace and persistence in driving play forward and making things happen in the final third, setting him apart from his positional rivals. He has described himself as a “nightmare for anyone” pitted against him.

But last season’s return of only six goals in the Premier League simply wasn’t good enough for a wide forward of his calibre.

Well, we’re still in the early phase of the new campaign, and Gordon hasn’t clicked into gear on the domestic front, but his performances in the Champions League suggest he is rising back to his best, awarded a 9/10 match rating by the Shields Gazette after converting two penalties and proving a livewire throughout.

Minutes played

90′

90′

Goals

1

2

Assists

0

0

Touches

28

62

Shots (on target)

1 (1)

3 (2)

Accurate passes

14/16 (88%)

24/31 (77%)

Key passes

0

0

Dribbles

1/3

5/8

Tackles

0

1

Ground duels

3/6

9/17

Journalist Henry Winter said his performance was “quick and clinical”, and if Gordon can capture and sustain that essence over the coming months, he could rise and provide a leading presence for Newcastle, much akin to Isak over the past few years.

Woltemade is talented and will score goals across the season. Wissa will too. However, Gordon, when firing on all cylinders, offers something more dynamic and complete, inspiring his teammates while applying prolific pressure himself. Across the 2023/24 season, in all competitions, he notched 28 goal involvements.

His contribution to Harvey Barnes’ conclusive fourth goal underscores that very point. Gordon has the full package, all right, and there is every confidence he will carry this form back into the Premier League and help Howe’s side make headway, 15th in the Premier League after six matches.

But to say Gordon has been abject across the opening weeks simply wouldn’t be true. He has endured some heavy moments, no doubt about that, but has also recorded six successful duels per game, also completing 71% of his dribbles.

With a bit more refinement in the crucial moments, Gordon might finally hit the heights envisaged and become the talisman Newcastle need now that Isak has left. After all, he has been chased by Liverpool too, with the Reds considering paying £100m for the Three Lions star’s services.

There is still work to be done. Gordon hasn’t enjoyed a good start to the Premier League season, sent off against Liverpool, but also missing three big chances in front of goal and lacking the clarity and composure he is capable of producing and sustaining.

But class is permanent. This Howe knows. And Gordon, too.

The 24-year-old has shown in the Champions League that he is ready to step up to the plate now that Isak has gone and assume the responsibility as Newcastle’s talisman.

Woltemade might be a number nine with the talent to match Isak, but Gordon, when on his A-game, is Newcastle’s main man.

Better than Gordon: Newcastle star is now one of the best in the world

Newcastle romped to a big win in the Champions League this week, with Anthony Gordon starring.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 2, 2025

Enzo Maresca is an imperfect head coach, but there’s no denying the progress he has made at Chelsea since replacing Mauricio Pochettino at the end of the 2023/24 campaign.

Last season, Chelsea finished fifth in the Premier League and recovered their place in the Champions League, having gone two years without a taste of top-drawer European action.

The Blues are rebuilding, and their sights are set on the biggest prizes out there, aforementioned. The transfer strategy has been polished in the windows since those turbulent early BlueCo days, but there is work still to be done, even with exciting additions across the summer.

It’s not just ensuring Chelsea get bang for their buck with incomings, but getting it right when selling a first-teamer too. There have been a few to frustratingly slip through the Stamford Bridge turnstiles over the years.

Chelsea's worst modern sales

Chelsea typically sell well. While the Londoners catch their rivals’ frustrations with big-money transfer windows, this is enabled through the calculated and extensive impetus on the exit front, raking in hundreds of millions each year.

But it doesn’t always go to plan, and more historical cases would reveal the rueful sales of Mohamed Salah and Kevin De Bruyne, both of whom left Chelsea in the early stages of their careers and built themselves up in Europe before returning and cementing their legacies.

It would not be outrageous to claim that both would get into the Premier League all-time 11. Not outrageous, only contestable.

Romelu Lukaku also falls into that bracket, having left the young for Everton when young and since becoming one of the most prolific strikers of his generation. The fact that the Blues re-signed him for £97.5m and then he flopped emphasises the bungled club-player relationship.

Salah might be the most egregious of the lot, though, leaving for Roma in a £15m deal before returning to England two years later and going on to achieve greatness on Merseyside. Now he’s 33, still starring for an indomitable Liverpool team.

Alan Shearer

441

260

Harry Kane

320

213

Wayne Rooney

491

208

Mohamed Salah

306

188

Andy Cole

414

187

And there may be fears in the Chelsea offices that they have repeated that former mistake.

Why Chelsea sold Noni Madueke

Madueke arrived at Chelsea as an untested and unknown prospect. He had found regional acclaim in Holland with PSV Eindhoven and made the leap back to his homeland to form part of a new world order at Stamford Bridge.

It was a testing period for the club, and Madueke, at times, toiled, but that was to be expected; the winger was 20 years old at the time, after all.

Described as a “mentality monster” by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst during his younger days, the 23-year-old struggled to maintain a consistent clinical level across his two-and-a-half years at Chelsea, but his attitude was right and the talent was there for all to see.

Arsenal certainly saw it, snapping him up this summer for £55m. A healthy sum, and one Maresca’s side can be forgiven for accepting, especially when considering the wave of attacking signings welcomed to the Bridge.

It was only last season, of course, that the England international scored a hat-trick in his favourite place, underscoring his potential in the Premier League.

And his start to life over in north London has shown Chelsea the error of their ways, with Madueke already making startling headway in Mikel Arteta’s system, even hailed by ex-Manchester United defender Paul Parker as being “better than Bukayo Saka.”

Some might take offence to that one, but it does underscore the player within, now coming into his own.

Madueke’s potential was always a lofty thing, and it’s telling that he has played six times for Arsenal and has yet to register a goal contribution. Even so, the consensus is unanimous: he’s been great.

According to data-led platform FBref, Madueke ranks among the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive carries per 90, highlighting an incredible well of athleticism and pace from which he draws on each match.

Might Chelsea have a Salah repeat on their hands? Let’s hope not. It’s worth remembering that the Egyptian only left Italy and signed for Liverpool after he had turned 25, and eyebrows were raised in a similar fashion to Madueke’s cross-London switch.

Now, he’s an all-timer in the English game. Like Madueke, Salah is a right-sided forward, and he’s one of the greatest goalscorers to do it.

His is a tale which hammers home the fact that development in football is not linear. He came into his own at a later age, but, as with Madueke, both were talented enough as youngsters as to warrant Chelsea’s attention.

Chelsea have more than enough quality in the locker to ensure this does not detrimentally hamper them in their ambitions, but there’s no question that, if Madueke makes considerable progress over the next few years, this might become another sale to join the rueful departures of Salah, De Bruyne and the like.

Roman Abramovich, at least, didn’t sell Salah to a direct rival, and instead shipped him out to Italy, where he developed and grew the fundamentals that allowed him to return to the Premier League and become a superstar.

But Madueke already looks like a more polished and incisive player over at the Emirates, and while Arsenal have swept up so much of Chelsea’s rubbish over the years, it’s beginning to look like Madueke will buck that trend.

Maresca has a bigger talent than George who's "the future of Chelsea"

The sensational youngster looks the real deal for Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Sep 26, 2025

Celtic are looking to bolster their squad during the summer transfer window in order to bring even more trophies back to Parkhead in the 2025/26 campaign.

The Hoops have already officially confirmed their first signing of the window, with Kieran Tierney due to return to Glasgow after his contract with Arsenal expires at the end of this month.

The Scotland international will join the club on a free transfer to compete for a spot at left-back in Brendan Rodgers’ team next season, whilst Greg Taylor is out of contract this summer and looks to be on his way out of Parkhead.

Tierney will not be the only player to come through the doors before the window slams shut, though, as the Hoops are also reportedly closing in on a new striker.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reports that Fulham centre-forward Callum Osmand has agreed terms to join the Scottish Premiership champions from the Premier League side, and the English team will be due compensation for the 19-year-old attacker.

What Callum Osmand could bring to Celtic

It was reported earlier this week that the teenage attacker is set to be a part of the first-team set-up because Rodgers rates him and wants to provide the youngster with an opportunity to stake a claim for a spot in the squad next season.

That is despite the fact that Osmand has yet to make a single senior appearance in his career to date. He has not been out on loan and has not been selected in the first-team by Marco Silva in Fulham, as he has had Carlos Vinicius, Rodrigo Muniz, and Raul Jimenez ahead of him, three seasoned Premier League number nines.

Rodgers has clearly seen something in the young striker, as he did when Moussa Dembele arrived from the Cottagers in a similar deal back in 2016, and Osmand’s statistics at youth level may explain what the manager has seen in him.

The Wales youth international scored 11 goals and provided four assists in 22 games for the Premier League side’s academy teams during the 2024/25 campaign, and he has been prolific throughout his youth career.

24/25

22

11

4

23/24

29

21

6

22/23

21

11

2

21/22

1

0

0

Total

73

43

12

As you can see in the table above, Osmand has been a reliable goalscorer at youth level for Fulham for several years, and now he is set to have an opportunity to showcase his quality at first-team level in Scotland.

This means that he could bring a goal threat off the bench for Celtic, as a back-up to the likes of Adam Idah and Daizen Maeda, if he can adapt to senior football.

Meanwhile, though, the Hoops are also eyeing up a deal for another player from England who could be an even more exciting addition for Rodgers.

Celtic in the running to sign Championship wing wizard

Pink Un journalist Connor Southwell has revealed that Celtic are one of a number of clubs in the running to land Blackburn Rovers winger Tyrhys Dolan in the summer transfer window.

In the Pink Un’s Q&A, a Norwich City supporter asked reporters if the English attacker was an option for the Canaries this summer, and was met with an unfortunate response.

Transfer Focus

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

Southwell answered: “One they like. But so does most of the Championship and the big two in Scotland. I think the level of competition around him has made that a very unlikely prospect, if I’m being honest.”

The journalist stated that Liam Manning’s team are unlikely to sign the 23-year-old winger, whose contract at Ewood Park is due to expire at the end of this month, due to the level of interest from elsewhere.

Celtic and Rangers, along with a host of other teams in the English Championship, are in the running to land the winger, and their interest looks set to end Norwich’s chances of signing him.

Why Dolan would be more exciting than Osmand

Whilst Osmand looks set to be an exciting addition to the club due to his academy record, the young Fulham striker is very much an unknown quantity due to his lack of senior experience in football.

Dolan, on the other hand, has played 210 matches for Blackburn by the age of 23. This means that he is an incredibly experienced operator, despite his relatively young age, and that Celtic would know what they are getting from him.

The English wing wizard, who was hailed as “terrific” by journalist Elliott Jackson, has been there and done it at a good level in the Championship in England, which is why he would be an even more exciting signing than Osmand.

Dolan’s performances in the second tier for Blackburn were very promising in the 2024/25 campaign, and suggest that he could make a big impact at the top end of the pitch for the Hoops immediately if they were to sign him this summer.

Appearances

44

Touches per game

38.1

Goals

7

Conversion rate

14%

Big chances created

7

Key passes

44

Assists

6

As you can see in the table above, Dolan racked up 14 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined for Rovers this season, and that is despite them not being one of the top teams in the division.

Blackburn only averaged 49.1% per game in the Championship, compared to Celtic’s 75.1% possession per match in the Premiership. This suggests that the winger would have more chances to showcase his quality in the final third due to the share of the ball that the Hoops have week-in-week-out.

Now, imagine what Dolan could do in a dominant and front-footed team after he has already proven that he can deliver goals and assists in a midtable team in the Championship. That is an exciting thought!

That thought is also why the Blackburn star would be an even more exciting signing than Osmand, who is yet to prove himself at senior level, as he could hit the ground running by making an instant impact in the Premiership next season.

Sinclair 2.0: £4.6m star who "wins games on his own" is Celtic's top target

Celtic are eyeing up a deal for a winger who could be their next Scott Sinclair.

ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2025

Leeds United have now joined the race to sign a “spectacular” goalkeeper, having missed out on Caoimhin Kelleher, according to a report.

Leeds looking to sign new GK amid Meslier concerns

Some of Meslier’s performances in the 2024-25 campaign were cause for major concern, with the Frenchman making a number of key errors, which could’ve been costly in Leeds’ push for promotion, although they were ultimately able to get over the line.

Perhaps most memorably, the 25-year-old made a huge blunder to gift Sunderland a late equaliser at the Stadium of Light back in October, while there were also suggestions his time at Elland Road could be over after being dropped for Karl Darlow in April.

Daniel Farke ultimately opted to give Darlow the nod in goal for the remainder of the campaign, highlighting a lack of trust in Meslier, and with the Whites going on to achieve promotion, they have set out to sign a long-term replacement between the sticks.

A report from Leeds United News has revealed that a new target has entered the frame, namely Santos goalkeeper Brazao, with Farke’s side now making efforts to try and sign the Brazilian shot-stopper.

The 24-year-old only returned to his home country in 2024, leaving Inter Milan, but he could now be set for a return to Europe, although Leeds are not the only English club in the race for his signature.

Indeed, Chelsea have also set their sights on the goalkeeper, with the Blues expected to make a formal offer for his services in the near future, which could pose a problem for the Championship winners.

Leeds now "one to watch" in race for "outstanding" £25m Premier League ace

The Whites are in the running for a midfielder, who has a plethora of Premier League experience.

ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025 "Spectacular" Brazao could be Meslier upgrade

Once lauded as “spectacular” by former coach Carlos Amadeu, the Santos shot-stopper has put in some impressive performances since returning to his home country, keeping 21 clean sheets in 57 matches.

Not only that, but there are signs the former Inter Milan man could be an upgrade on Meslier, having maintained a better save percentage per 90 than the former Lorient man over the past year.

At the start of April, it was revealed the Leeds goalkeeper had single-handedly cost his side 10 points, which could’ve been extremely damaging in their quest for promotion, and he simply cannot be trusted in the Premier League.

Farke’s side may have gotten away with slipping up in the Championship, but with the Whites looking to avoid relegation next season, every single point will be valuable.

As such, Brazao could be an upgrade on Meslier, having impressed for Santos in recent times, but there may be some concerns over the fact he is unproven in a major European league, and Leeds will undoubtedly be disappointed to have missed out on Brentford-bound Kelleher.

Good news, Arsenal fans, the season is finally over.

The last nine months have been particularly draining for the North Londoners, as, for the third year running, Mikel Arteta’s side have had to settle for second place in the Premier League, only this time to Liverpool.

However, with the transfer window about to open, fans can forget all about that and start dreaming about the stars who could soon be making their way to the red side of North London.

With that said, the Merseysiders also seem determined to strengthen their already imposing squad in the coming weeks and months, with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz seemingly close to joining them.

The German would be an incredible signing for the Reds, but interestingly, one of Arteta’s signings is worth millions more than him.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Why Wirtz will be a serious problem for Arsenal

Arsenal’s one advantage over Liverpool this season has been their defence, as across the 38 games, they conceded just 34 goals to the Reds’ 41.

However, the champions’ attacking advantage was even greater, with a sensational 86 goals scored to the Gunners’ 69, and with Wirtz in the side, that difference could grow even greater.

For example, even though he’s only just turned 22, the German monster was able to score 16 goals and provide 15 assists in 45 games for Leverkusen this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games.

In contrast, Martin Odegaard, the North Londoner’s chief creator, scored six goals and provided 12 assists in 45 games, which comes out to a far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.5 games.

Unfortunately for the Premier League runners-up, this comparison remains in the future Liverpool star’s favour even when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.37

0.52

Non-Penalty G+As

0.40

0.78

Progressive Passes

9.11

6.62

Progressive Carries

3.54

4.60

Shots

1.88

2.85

Shots on Target

0.53

1.30

Passing Accuracy

82.8%

79.9%

Key Passes

2.36

2.37

Shot-Creating Actions

4.73

5.53

Goal-Creating Actions

0.69

0.87

Successful Take-Ons

0.95

2.89

Carries into the Penalty Area

1.15

1.97

Ball Recoveries

3.66

4.19

For example, while the Norwegian does come out ahead in some metrics, the Bundesliga winner comes out on top in more, such as expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

In short, Wirtz looks like he could become one of the very best creators in the league next season and, therefore, is likely going to be well worth the reported €100m – £84m – Liverpool has already offered for him.

Yet, there is already an Arteta signing in the Arsenal squad that is worth more than that.

The Arsenal star worth millions more than Wirtz

So, while there are a few genuine superstars in this Arsenal squad, like Williams Saliba, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, the player we are talking about is a fellow graduate from Bayer Leverkusen’s academy: Kai Havertz.

Yes, before he moved to Chelsea in the summer of 2020, the Aachen-born star was the talk of German football, and for good reason.

In his final season with Leverkusen, he managed to rack up an incredible haul of 18 goals and nine assists in 45 appearances, which came out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games – not much worse than Wirtz’s average of one every 1.45 games this term.

Appearances

45

45

Goals

18

16

Assists

9

15

Goal Involvements per Match

0.6

0.68

While we know things did not work out for him following his £71m move to West London, things have dramatically improved for the German since his £65m move to the Emirates in 2023.

While he struggled in his initial midfield role and hasn’t really looked comfortable there since, he has turned into a more than useful striker for the club.

For example, in just 47 appearances up top, the “sensational” 25-year-old, as dubbed by Arteta, has scored 19 goals and provided 13 assists, which comes out to a brilliant average of a goal involvement every 1.46 games.

This impact, combined with his age, profile and contract situation, saw the CIES Football Observatory value the number 29 at a staggering €130m earlier this year, which comes out to about £109m, or £25m more than Wirtz could cost Liverpool.

Ultimately, while some may disagree with such a valuation, Havertz has been an incredibly useful player for Arsenal over the years, and just like the soon-to-be Red star, he also enjoyed a brilliant start to his career at Leverkusen.

He's another Sterling: Arsenal in talks to sign Premier League "superstar"

The divisive international could be more trouble than he’s worth for Arsenal.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 26, 2025