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Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is currently assessing the remainder of his squad that haven’t gone out on international duty, and the Italian has promised one thing to a highly-rated youngster who’s now looking to turn heads at Cobham.

The Blues take on Brentford in their first game back from the break, four days before a blockbuster opening Champions League game against Bayern Munich at Stamford Bridge on September 17.

After a summer of trimming down Maresca’s squad, partly to comply with UEFA as Chelsea looked to register a ‘positive transfer balance’, Maresca named a 23-man squad for his European A-list — notably missing out summer signing Facundo Buonanotte.

Chelsea’s 23-man Champions League squad
Goalkeepers: Robert Sanchez, Filip Jorgensen
Defenders: Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Trevoh Chalobah, Levi Colwill, Marc Cucurella, Wesley Fofana, Malo Gusto, Jorrel Hato, Reece James.
Midfielders: Moises Caicedo, Dario Essugo, Enzo Fernández, Andrey Santos.
Forwards: Liam Delap, Alejandro Garnacho, Jamie Gittens, Marc Guiu, Pedro Neto, Cole Palmer, Joao Pedro, Estevao.

Bomb squad members Axel Disasi and Raheem Sterling were unsurprisingly omitted, with reports still suggesting the pair could leave soon, even after the UK transfer window shut its doors at 7pm on Monday.

Disasi has been subject to an approach from Saudi side Neom SC, while former Man United chief scout Mick Brown believes Chelsea could terminate Raheem Sterling’s deal in a bid to rid the club of his £325,000-per-week wages.

As we’ve seen from the last window, you can never rule anything out at Chelsea, with Liam Delap’s injury prompting BlueCo to both re-negotiate a more favourable exit for Nicolas Jackson whilst recalling Marc Guiu from his loan at Sunderland.

The teenager was also named in Maresca’s Champions League A-list squad, so the intention to play him is crystal clear, and Guiu is believed to have received the Chelsea boss’ word on a key issue.

The former Barcelona gem was set to further his development with more guaranteed game time at Sunderland, and had already made his mark by scoring for Regis Le Bris’ side in the EFL Cup against Huddersfield Town.

Marc Guiu desperate to impress in Chelsea training after Maresca promise

Now back in west London, Guiu is desperate to impress in Chelsea training, with Maresca promising the 19-year-old that he will be handed game time in the coming weeks.

That is according to GiveMeSport, who state that the Spaniard has set his sights on dazzling Maresca behind-the-scenes as he looks to stake his claim in the Chelsea squad.

It is also noted that, if Guiu can prove to be a constant threat in the final third, then there will be a chance for him to become a prominent figure in the club’s plans moving forward.

The youngster scored six goals in seven Conference League appearances last term, playing a major role in the group stages before missing out on nearly every knockout game with a hamstring injury — bar a three-minute cameo in the final.

Who’s playing

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) vs Delhi Capitals (DC)
M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, 7.30pm IST

What to expect

A big win against Mumbai Indians (MI) was just what DC needed to shake off any tiredness going into the next game. They will be facing a bruised RCB less than 24 hours after their match against MI, but will have a lot to cheer about. Firstly, they are at the top of the table with eight points from six games. Their bowling in the last two games, where they’ve kept their opponents to sub-130 totals, has been quite excellent. They’ve also been among the best fielding units this tournament, with the likes of Annabel Sutherland, Minnu Mani and Jemimah Rodrigues saving a number of runs with their acrobatics on the field.RCB have lost their last three games at their home venue, but the defeat in the game against Gujarat Giants – where they were restricted to 125 for 7 “affected” them the most, captain Smriti Mandhana said after the game. There are several questions for them heading into this clash: is the batting too dependent on Ellyse Perry? Are they missing their spin trio of Asha Sobhana, Sophie Molineux and Shreyanka Patil, who were their key bowlers at the Chinnaswamy last year? Is Mandhana’s subpar form affecting them a bit too much? RCB will want to quickly find answers and give the home crowd something to cheer about for one last time this season before moving to the Lucknow leg.

Form guide

Royal Challengers Bengaluru LLL (last three matches, most recent first)
Delhi Capitals WWLMinnu Mani has had an impact despite bowling just 14 overs across five games•BCCI

Team news

RCB made one change in the last game, bringing back legspinner Prema Rawat for left-arm spinner Ekta Bisht. Rawat, however, bowled just one over in the game and conceded 19 runs.Royal Challengers Bengaluru (probable XI): 1 Smriti Mandhana (capt), 2 Danni Wyatt-Hodge, 3 Ellyse Perry, 4 Raghvi Bisht, 5 Richa Ghosh (wk), 6 Kanika Ahuja, 7 Georgia Wareham, 8 Sneh Rana, 9 Kim Garth, 10 Prema Rawat/ Ekta Bisht, 11 Renuka SinghDC are likely to persist with the winning combination.Delhi Capitals (probable XI): 1 Meg Lanning (capt), 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Jemimah Rodrigues, 4 Annabel Sutherland, 5 Marizanne Kapp, 6 Sarah Bryce (wk), 7 Jess Jonassen, 8 Niki Prasad, 9 Minnu Mani, 10Titas Sadhu, 11 Shikha Pandey

Players to watch: Minnu Mani and Georgia Wareham

Be it with the ball or as a fielder, Minnu Mani gave it her all in the game against MI. After bowling a quiet 12th over, she dealt Mumbai a double jolt in the 17th, dismissing S Sajana and Amelia Kerr. She came back to remove Sansriti Gupta in the 19th to finish with figures of 3 for 17 from three overs on a sluggish surface. Her flying one-handed stop to her right to save a boundary in the 13th over highlighted why she’s one of the best fielders going around in the circuit. She’s bowled only 14 overs across five matches and has taken five wickets. DC will want to make use of her bowling more, allowing her to bowl her full quota which she’s done only in two games this season.Georgia Wareham has picked up nine wickets so far•BCCI

Georgia Wareham bounced back well after conceding 50 runs in the first match of the season, picking nine wickets in five matches so far. She picked two crucial wickets against Giants, removing Harleen Deol and top-scorer Ashleigh Gardner, although it was a bit too late. She has played at No. 3 for Australia before – even has a half-century playing in the position – and RCB could use her as a floater in the middle order in case of early wickets.

Stats that matter

• This season’s top four wicket-takers so far – Jess Jonassen (9 wickets), Renuka Singh (9), Georgia Wareham (9) and Annabel Sutherland (8) – will be part of this match
• Meg Lanning has the most fifty-plus scores in the WPL (eight), going past Ellyse Perry
• Toss has been decisive at the M Chinnaswamy, with chasing teams winning six out of the seven games

A stronger show in the middle order could end up having a say in which way the contest sways

S Sudarshanan18-Feb-2025Who’s playingDelhi Capitals vs UP Warriorz
Kotambi Stadium, Vadodara, 7:30pm ISTWhat to expect: Battle of middle-ordersThat Capitals have the most successful opening combination in the WPL meant that the middle order has escaped scrutiny. But not anymore, after they almost lost their opening fixture this season and then went down heavily to RCB. Capitals’ middle-order batters (Nos. 4 to 7) average 21.97, which is the lowest in the WPL. Jess Jonassen (13), Marizanne Kapp (12) and Jemimah Rodrigues (12) have batted the most innings in these positions for them.In stark contrast, UP Warriorz have the best average for these positions (28.44), with Deepti Sharma (14), Grace Harris (14) and Tahlia McGrath (9) being the regulars. This could partly be attributed to the fact that they have used five opening pairs across the three seasons.Related

Athapaththu to leave WPL early to play for Sri Lanka

A stronger show in the middle order could end up having a say in which way the contest sways. Warriorz are yet to get off the mark, having lost their opening game to Gujarat Giants.Team news and likely XIsCapitals played their full-strength XI in the last outing against RCB. Expect them to go in with a similar structure that allows them batters till No. 11.Delhi Capitals (possible): 1 Meg Lanning (capt), 2 Shafali Verma, 3 Jemimah Rodrigues, 4 Annabel Sutherland, 5 Marizanne Kapp, 6 Jess Jonassen, 7 Sarah Bryce (wk), 8 Shikha Pandey, 9 Radha Yadav, 10 Arundhati Reddy, 11 Minnu ManiWarriorz could think of getting in Poonam Khemnar to shore up the lower middle-order firepower. There could also be a case to play Anjali Sarvani for the left-arm seam angle.UP Warriorz (possible): 1 Kiran Navgire, 2 Vrinda Dinesh, 3 Uma Chetry (wk), 4 Deepti Sharma (capt), 5 Tahlia McGrath, 6 Grace Harris, 7 Shweta Sehrawat/Poonam Khemnar, 8 Alana King, 9 Sophie Ecclestone, 10 Saima Thakor, 11 Kranti GoudPlayers to watch: Shikha Pandey and Kiran NavgireOverlooked from the Indian side after the T20 World Cup 2023, Shikha Pandey continues to grab the spotlight with performances in T20 competitions around the world. After the WPL last year, she played in the Women’s Caribbean Premier League, Women’s Big Bash League and Women’s Super Smash, picking up 25 wickets across them. She’s begun WPL 2025 on the right note – keeping MI in check in the opening game and conceding runs at 6.75 runs per over against RCB even when the scoring rate was close to nine. She has been the third-most economical bowler in WPL 2025 so far.Kiran Navgire opened the batting with Vrinda Dinesh for UP Warriorz•BCCIIn the WPL, Kiran Navgire takes a liking to spin. She has a strike rate of 156.84 against spin (95 balls faced) as opposed to 106.50 against pace (123 balls) in the competition. She has been dismissed 22 times by pace and only five times by spin in the WPL. When she hit 125 not out against Arunachal Pradesh in the Senior Women’s T20 Trophy earlier this season, four of her five sixes came against the spin duo of Shivi Yadav and Reetika Agarwal. Is there a case for Warriorz to bat Navgire in the middle order? Or for her to see off fast bowling and wait for spin, in case she continues to open?Key statsDeepti Sharma is one of only four players in the WPL with over 400 runs and 15-plus wickets.Meg Lanning, the leading run-scorer of the WPL, has been in a slightly lean patch in T20 cricket. She has only three half-centuries (one of them in the Hundred) and averages 21.34 since the last WPL.Since her ODI best of 3 for 62 against Australia, Saima Thakor has picked up just one wicket in nine outings across formats. She went wicketless in Warriorz’s first match.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras segue com sua excelente fase na temporada que chegou a 12 jogos sem derrota somando todas as competições. Com isso e com tudo o que tem acontecido nos últimos anos sob o comando de Abel Ferreira, aumenta o interesse sobre qual seria o segredo de todo esse processo capitaneado pelo treinador português. Ele, porém, não carrega para si esse sucesso e divide com todos os outros agentes envolvidos, como jogadores, funcionários e dirigentes. Mas uma coisa é certa: para trabalhar com Abel não basta ser bom no que faz, é preciso ter caráter.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasTabata aproveita estágio de Alex no Palmeiras para ‘tietar’ o ex-jogador: ‘Meu maior ídolo’Palmeiras18/05/2023PalmeirasCom Marcos Rocha, Palmeiras se reapresenta e inicia preparação para o clássico contra o SantosPalmeiras18/05/2023PalmeirasRichard Ríos foi o 18º jogador do Palmeiras a marcar na temporada; saiba quem ainda não balançou a redePalmeiras18/05/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

Contratado em novembro de 2020, o comandante palmeirense já tem dois anos e meio de clube, que lhe proporcionaram uma idolatria incomum, oito títulos conquistados e um time que se consolidou como altamente temido em toda a América do Sul, além de, é claro, marcas e recordes aos montes. E para montar toda essa base nesse tempo, Abel procurou se basear na relação com as pessoas, tanto por ser seu jeito de trabalhar, quanto pela falta de tempo para introduzir outros elementos em maratonas insanas das últimas temporadas.

+ Todos os jogos do Brasileirão você encontra no Prime Video. Assine já e acompanhe o seu time do coração!

– O segredo, a base de tudo, é a relação com as pessoas. É isso que eu faço. Quando eu cheguei, o clube já tinha tudo. Eu trouxe a minha forma de pensar e trabalhar. O clube já tinha toda a estrutura. Eu peguei as peças do quebra-cabeça e juntei. Comecei a montar ele. Essa fotografia, que se sente, é o que o Luan explicou, é o respeito e relacionamento com as pessoas que trabalham contigo. De resto, o conhecimento, está a um clique das nossas mãos – declarou o técnico em sua coletiva pós-jogo contra o Fortaleza.

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Um dos exemplos entre tantos desta era vitoriosa do Palmeiras é a união do grupo, nítida até mesmo para nós que conseguimos ver apenas o que está fora e não dentro do CT. No jogo da última quarta-feira, quando Richard Ríos marca o seu gol, o primeiro desde que chegou ao clube, o colombiano foi comemorar com Endrick, que não estava em campo, mas estava claramente feliz pelo companheiro. Algo parecido aconteceu quando Luan marcou contra o Grêmio, ocasião em que todos os jogadores (até Weverton saiu do gol) foram comemorar com o zagueiro.

– A dancinha a gente já vem falando bastante com o Endrick, se ele tivesse feito ia ser a mesma coisa. Graças a Deus fui abençoado e teve dancinha. O mais importante é a união do grupo, todos são iguais, nos jogos e treinos – declarou Richard na zona mista do Allianz Parque.

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+ Com Marcos Rocha, Palmeiras se reapresenta e inicia sua preparação para o clássico

Dentro desse relacionamento pessoal dito por Abel e dessa cumplicidade dos jogadores, é possível notar que o treinador usou um filtro muito bem preciso para definir quem trabalharia com ele e seguiria nessa jornada vencedora. Para o português, não basta ser bom jogador, é preciso ter caráter. Além disso, ele diz ser um “rapaz de sorte” e não esconde que o respeito entre seus atletas é um motivo de orgulho em seu trabalho.

– Eu não conheço nenhum jogador que trabalhe de forma séria e consistente que não tenha chegado ao seu objetivo. Conheço os outros, que desistem, mas quando desistem a gente manda embora ou troca. Depois é o respeito pelo próximo, isso não tem a ver com ser líder. Às vezes me perguntam “o que é ser líder?” Eu digo que não sei, que é ser eu, que é minha forma de ser, de trabalhar, mas eu acho que eu tenho uma sorte muito grande. Essa galera tem que ter um orgulho muito grande dos pais e das mães, porque são gente de muito caráter, quando se trabalha com gente de caráter, que deixa o ego em casa, que vem para o Palmeiras lutar para um bem maior do que o seu próprio ego, as coisas acontecem de forma natural – disse Abel antes de completar:

– Um dos segredos é exatamente esse: como treina a galera que não joga, quando é preciso ser chamado a jogar, como foi o Luan, como foi o Mayke, como foi o Tabata, eles correspondem e respeitam uns aos outros, me enchem de orgulho, mas tem a ver com o caráter deles, ou tem ou não tem. Eu tenho sorte de ter jogadores de caráter e quem os escolheu, essa é uma regra que vale mais do que só ser bom jogador. Bom jogador é um extra, mas o caráter do homem tem que estar lá, porque quem chuta, quem passa, é o homem, o jogador vem depois.

+ OLHAR DO PORCO: Vantagem construída na Copa pode fazer Palmeiras ter força máxima contra o Galo

Com esse esquema de trabalho e essa exigência pelo caráter, o Palmeiras segue com sua agenda de compromissos cheia e neste sábado, ás 21h, na Vila Belmiro, enfrenta o Santos, pela sétima rodada do Brasileirão. Atualmente, o Verdão é o vice-líder do campeonato com 14 pontos, um a menos do que o Botafogo, que ocupa a primeira posição.

Glasgow Rangers are now interested in completing the signing of a young player who could play in six different positions at Ibrox, according to a new Gers transfer claim.

Rangers and Martin could miss out on Liverpool gem

The Gers have been linked with a move for Liverpool left-back Owen Beck this summer, seeing him as a strong option in that area of the pitch.

However, it looks as though the Scottish Premiership giants are set to miss out on the 22-year-old, with journalist John Percy claiming that a move to Championship side Derby County is now on the cards instead.

While defensive additions are important for Rangers ahead of the new season, it looks as though Robin Propper’s exit remains possible, with FC Twente technical director Jan Streuer talking up a return to the club, should the centre-back not be part of Russell Martin’s plans at Ibrox.

“We had too many changes at the back last season; something had to be done. It isn’t [very simple], because of all sorts of factors beyond your control. Just before last season, our captain, Robin Propper, left at the last minute. We really missed him. Rangers bought him.

“A Scottish top club, you can’t compete with that. Now there’s a new manager at Rangers, he might play less. Then he could return. But he’ll want to wait and see first whether he’ll actually play less. Do we have to decide: do we wait for that, or do we look further?”

Rangers keen on signing versatile new target

According to Prima Vercelli [via Sport Witness], Rangers are in the mix to sign KR Reykjavik youngster and new target Johannes Bjarnason this summer.

The 20-year-old midfielder is also wanted by Genk and Pro Vercelli, but there is no mention of an asking price in the report. The Gers have reportedly been attracted by his impact in the final third, with Bjarnason netting six league goals in 2025.

Bjarnason is a relative unknown compared to some other Rangers targets this summer, given his age and the fact that he is playing in Iceland currently.

Rangers player could now "return" to former club if Martin doesn’t rate him

Would selling him be the right decision?

ByHenry Jackson Jul 21, 2025

The midfielder could still be an astute signing by the Gers, however, coming in as a long-term option who will hopefully blossom from a squad player to a key man over time.

Bjarnason has already scored 15 goals and registered 10 assists in 72 appearances for his current club, and has represented Iceland across six different youth age groups. His versatility allows him to shine in as many as six different positions, too.

Central midfield

16

5

2

Right midfield

14

3

4

Right-back

10

0

1

Attacking midfield

3

0

2

Defensive midfield

3

0

0

Left-back

1

0

0

This all highlights why Rangers signing him this summer could be exciting, with the Icelandic ace possibly a player with lots of potential moving forward.

The 2025/26 Premier League season is just around the corner, with defending champions Liverpool set to kick off the new campaign at home to Bournemouth.

The Reds have been active in the transfer market with moves for attacking stars Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike, whereas they also still have last season’s top scorer Mohamed Salah at Anfield. They could be an attacking force to be reckoned with. However, Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland will be looking to win back his Golden Boot crown from Salah.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

Manchester United and Chelsea have also added to the final third with the Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo heading to Old Trafford, while Joao Pedro and Liam Delap have moved to Stamford Bridge.

With plenty of new attacking stars on show, Grok, the AI tool on X, has predicted each club’s top scorer for the 2025/26 Premier League season.

AI predicts each club’s Premier League 2025/26 top scorer

Club

Player

Goals

Arsenal

Viktor Gyokeres

18

Aston Villa

Ollie Watkins

16

Bournemouth

Justin Kluivert

12

Brentford

Kevin Schade

12

Brighton

Danny Welbeck

12

Burnley

Lyle Foster

10

Chelsea

Cole Palmer

17

Crystal Palace

Jean-Philippe Mateta

14

Everton

Thierno Barry

12

Fulham

Raul Jimenez

11

Leeds

Joel Piroe

11

Liverpool

Mohamed Salah

25

Manchester City

Erling Haaland

28

Manchester United

Matheus Cunha

18

Newcastle United

Alexander Isak

18

Nottingham Forest

Chris Wood

13

Sunderland

Eliezer Mayenda

8

Tottenham Hotspur

Dominic Solanke

16

West Ham

Jarrod Bowen

14

Wolves

Jorgen Strand Larsen

13

Arsenal Viktor Gyokeres – 18 goals

With Viktor Gyokeres on his way to the Emirates, the Swede has been backed to hit the ground running and step up for Mikel Arteta.

In his first season for the Gunners, Gyokeres’ clinical finishing could see him ‘lead their scoring’ charts with 18 goals.

Aston Villa Ollie Watkins – 16 goals

Aston Villa’s go-to man in attack over recent years has been Ollie Watkins, who has hit double figures in the Premier League in each of his five seasons at Villa Park.

The England international has been backed to do the same again, and although Villa have Europa League football on the cards, Watkins will remain central to their attack and has been predicted to net 16 times in the top flight.

Bournemouth Justin Kluivert – 12 goals

Bournemouth winger Justin Kluivert was arguably one of the surprise packages of the 2024/25 Premier League season, with the Dutchman starring under Andoni Iraola.

Son of former Newcastle striker Patrick Kluivert, Justin ‘is tipped to step up as Bournemouth’s main goal threat’ with 12 goals as ‘his flair and finishing should yield a solid return in a mid-table side’.

Brentford Kevin Schade – 12 goals

With Bryan Mbuemo out the door, Yoane Wissa could be the next star sold at Brentford under new manager Keith Andrews.

Without the free-scoring duo, Kevin Schade may well be the man to step up for the Bees. AI says that ‘Schade is the most likely to be Brentford’s top scorer in 2025/26, given his 11-goal haul last season’, and has been predicted to go one better with 12.

Brighton Danny Welbeck – 12 goals

The Seagulls have just lost Joao Pedro to Chelsea, however, Brighton can still depend on the experienced Danny Welbeck, who has been backed to score 12 league goals.

AI says ‘Welbeck is likely to be Brighton’s primary striker, especially under Fabian Hurzeler’s 3-4-3 system, which suits his versatility and pressing ability’.

Burnley Lyle Foster – 10 goals

As a newly promoted side, Burnley will be hoping that 2023 signing Lyle Foster can reach AI’s predicted goal tally of 10 this season.

‘His Premier League experience points to a modest but leading contribution’, although the South Africa international didn’t feature heavily in the Championship last year.

Chelsea Cole Palmer – 17 goals

After leading Chelsea to Club World Cup glory, Cole Palmer has been backed to be the Blues’ star man once again in 25/26.

Palmer’s 15 league goals in 2024/25 ‘show his star quality’, and ‘Chelsea’s investment in young talent and attacking setup should see him thrive’ under Enzo Maresca, with AI believing he’ll net 17 times.

Crystal Palace Jean-Philippe Mateta – 14 goals

Jean-Philippe Mateta has been going from strength to strength at Selhurst Park, becoming Crystal Palace’s first choice striker.

His ‘clinical form under Oliver Glasner should continue’, according to AI, who have backed the Frenchman to equal his 24/25 tally of 14 league goals.

Everton Thierno Barry – 12 goals

Signed to lead Everton’s attack after Dominic Calvert-Lewin departed, big things could be expected of Thierno Barry in 25/26.

Barry’s ‘aerial power and 1v1 threat suit Moyes’ direct, physical style of play, which emphasises crosses and set-pieces’, and a return of 12 goals in his first season in England would be a success.

Fulham Raul Jimenez – 11 goals

Now a proven Premier League striker, Raul Jimenez scored 12 top flight goals for the Cottagers last season after getting the nod from Marco Silva.

AI says that ‘despite Rodrigo Muniz’s emergence, Jimenez’s experience and goal-scoring nous are predicted to edge him out as Fulham’s top scorer, especially in Silva’s system’.

Leeds Joel Piroe – 11 goals

Championship winners Leeds United are looking to buck the recent trend and remain in the Premier League, and to do that, they will need to be firing in the final third.

Joel Piroe was the Championship Golden Boot winner in 24/25, and ‘his finishing should translate to a respectable Premier League tally’ of 11 goals.

Liverpool Mohamed Salah – 25 goals

Despite the arrivals of Wirtz and Ekitike, Mohamed Salah is once again being backed to lead the way at Anfield in regards to goalscoring.

The Egyptian King’s tally of 29 goals in 2024/25 may not be matched this time around, but Reds supporters would happily take a 25-goal haul from out wide.

Manchester City Erling Haaland – 28 goals

Even though there is a Man City rebuild underway at the Etihad, Pep Guardiola will still rely on Erling Haaland for a constant supply of goals.

‘Haaland’s 27 goals in 2023/24 and record-breaking 36 in 2022/23 suggest he’ll dominate again’, winning the Golden Boot ahead of Salah.

Manchester United Matheus Cunha – 18 goals

Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo are now Man Utd players after brilliant seasons last year with Wolves and Brentford respectively.

It is Cunha who is being backed to be the Red Devils’ top league scorer, though, ‘matching or slightly beating his Wolves output, underpinned by strong support from midfield’.

Newcastle Alexander Isak – 18 goals

There has been plenty of speculation surrounding Alexander Isak’s Newcastle future, which was to be expected following his outstanding tally of 23 Premier League goals in 34 games in 24/25.

The Swedish star is once again expected to top the St James’ Park charts, this time with 18 goals, as ‘his clinical finishing suits Newcastle’s attacking ambition’. Isak and the Magpies also have Champions League football to deal with.

Nottingham Forest Chris Wood – 13 goals

It was a season to remember at the City Ground last time out, with Nottingham Forest striker Chris Wood playing a huge role in the Reds’ success.

‘Wood’s resurgence (20 goals in 2024/25) and Forest’s solid campaign suggest he’ll remain their top scorer’.

Sunderland Eliezer Mayenda – 8 goals

The only club AI believes won’t have a player to hit double figures is Sunderland, with Eliezer Mayenda backed to score eight times.

A goalscorer in Sunderland’s playoff final against Sheffield United, Mayenda is labelled as ‘a young forward, and his potential to adapt to the top flight makes him a likely candidate to lead their scoring charts’.

Tottenham Hotspur Dominic Solanke – 16 goals

After a big-money move from Bournemouth in 2024, Dominic Solanke only netted nine Premier League goals for Spurs in his first season.

Now under the leadership of Thomas Frank, Solanke is being backed to improve drastically, reaching 16 times in the top flight.

West Ham Jarrod Bowen – 14 goals

Now West Ham captain, Jarrod Bowen has been a reliable source of goals for the Hammers in recent years and was used more centrally by Graham Potter towards the end of 24/25.

The Englishman’s ‘consistency at West Ham should keep him as their top scorer’, and he’s backed to score one more goal than his 24/25 tally.

Wolves Jorgen Strand Larsen – 13 goals

Finishing off AI’s prediction is Jorgen Strand Larsen, who could now be Wolves’ main man in attack after making his move to Molineux permanent, with Matheus Cunha leaving for Man Utd.

The Norwegian netted 14 times last season and is being predicted to record another respectable tally of 13 goals with ‘increased minutes as the primary striker’.

Glasgow Rangers added yet another signing to their first-team ranks on Wednesday when they confirmed the arrival of central defender Nasser Djiga on loan.

The Burkina Faso international has joined on a season-long loan, and the Gers do not have an option to make it permanent next summer.

He joins Joe Rothwell, Thelo Aasgaard, Emmanuel Fernandez, Max Aarons, and Lyall Cameron in making the switch to Ibrox during the summer transfer window, and there is more to come.

The Light Blues are also closing in on the signing of winger Djeidi Gassama from, having agreed a deal with the English side, but he is not the only wide attacker Rangers are pursuing.

Rangers have bid rejected for English forward

As well as eyeing up a deal to bring the Sheffield Wednesday forward to Ibrox, Russell Martin is also looking to reunite with one of his former players.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsela, Rangers are interested in a swoop to sign Southampton attacker Samuel Edozie during the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Scottish Premiership giants have had an ‘initial’ offer turned down by the Saints, who were relegated from the Premier League last season.

Kinsela states that the Light Blues have a long-term interest in Edozie, which predates Martin’s appointment, and that more clubs are expected to join the race for his signature.

If Rangers go in with another offer for the 22-year-old winger and manage to strike a deal with the Saints, the club could land a big upgrade on Oscar Cortes.

Why Edozie would be an upgrade on Cortes

The Gers played their first friendly at Ibrox against Club Brugge last weekend and Cortes provided an assist for Mohamed Diomande’s goal in the 2-2 draw.

It remains to be seen if the Colombian winger will be a useful operator when the competitive games roll around, though, as the forward has only produced one goal and one assist in 16 matches in the Premiership in his career at Ibrox to date.

Edozie, meanwhile, produced three goals and two assists in 23 games in the Pro League whilst on loan at Anderlecht in Belgium in the 2024/25 campaign.

The former England U20 international also racked up six goals and three assists in 16 Championship starts under Martin in the 2023/24 season, as Southampton earned promotion to the Premier League.

Stats

Edozie (Championship)

Cortes (Premiership)

Appearances

32

10

Goals

6

1

Big chances missed

1

2

Chances created

26

11

Assists

3

1

Dribbles completed per game

1.6

0.4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the English speedster produced more goals, more assists, more dribbles, and created more chances in the second tier for the Rangers boss than Cortes has managed in 18 months in the Premiership with the Gers.

Edozie, who was once hailed as an “exciting” talent by Martin, has already played for the ex-Saints manager, which means that he could hit the ground running at Ibrox as a player who already knows the system and style of play.

This is why Rangers should go back in with a second offer to sign the former Manchester City academy star, who has only missed 19 games through injury in his career, compared to Cortes’ 39 matches missed just last season.

Therefore, the Southampton youngster could come in as a big upgrade on Cortes, as he is clearly available more often and provides more quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals from the left or right flank.

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Posts ByDan Emery Jul 9, 2025

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke is aiming to follow in Marcelo Bielsa’s footsteps by keeping the team in the Premier League at the first time of asking.

The Argentine boss is the only manager in the last 20 years to keep the Whites up in their first season back in the top-flight, as Jesse Marsch only managed it in the club’s second year in the division.

Farke was relegated from the Premier League with Norwich City in the 2019/20 campaign, after winning the Championship title with the Canaries, and was sacked in the 2021/22 season after winning the second tier a second time.

The German boss will need to be backed in the transfer market by the board, as Bielsa was after he won the Championship. Sporting director Victor Orta provided him with the tools he needed to build a successful Premier League outfit.

Orta smashed the club’s transfer record to sign Rodrigo from Valencia for a reported fee of £30m, and he went on to score 28 goals in three seasons, as shown by the graphic above.

However, it was the signing of Raphinha from Rennes that proved to be the difference-maker for the West Yorkshire outfit, as he fired the team to safety in both of his seasons a Elland Road.

Why Raphinha was a huge signing for Leeds

The Brazil international was a huge signing for the Whites because his contributions at the top end of the pitch in the Premier League helped the club to avoid the drop on two occasions.

Raphinha’s ability to create things out of nothing in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals for Leeds won many valuable points for Bielsa’s team, and Marsch’s in the 2021/22 season.

In fact, Farke felt the full force of the Brazilian star in one of his last games in charge of the Canaries, as the winger scored a sensational solo goal, as shown in the clip above.

That goal sums up Raphinha’s time as a player at Leeds. He had the quality to beat opposition players at will, despite their best efforts, whilst also having the end product to make the most of the chances he created for himself.

Raphinha (Premier League)

20/21

21/22

Appearances

30

35

Goals

6

11

Big chances missed

4

6

Big chances created

12

10

Key passes per game

2.1

1.9

Assists

9

3

Dribbles completed per game

1.9

1.8

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed sensation produced 17 goals and 22 ‘big chances’ created in his two seasons in the Premier League, which helped the Whites to avoid the drop both times.

Leeds then sold him to Barcelona in the summer of 2022, for a reported fee of £55m, and they were relegated from the top-flight in the following season, which further illustrates how important he was to the team.

Leeds closing in on attacking midfielder

Having confirmed the arrival of Jaka Bijol on Monday, the Whites are now reportedly eyeing up a new signing for Farke who could come in as the club’s biggest deal since they snapped up Raphinha from Rennes in 2020.

Transfer Focus

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According to Le Nouvel Echo, as relayed by La Gazzetta Express, Leeds United are interested in a deal to sign RB Salzburg playmaker Oscar Gloukh before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Championship champions are ‘close to securing’ a transfer for the Israel international to bolster their options in the number ten position.

It adds that Salzburg value the 21-year-old starlet at a fee of around £21m and that Leeds have expressed an interest in bringing him to Elland Road ahead of next season.

The outlet reveals that the Whites are looking to improve the creativity within their squad and have identified Gloukh as a player who could add more quality to the team in the final third.

Why Leeds should sign Oscar Gloukh

Farke should push for the club to get a deal over the line because the young talent could be the club’s biggest signing since Raphinha, due to his potential to shine at Elland Road.

Gloukh, who scored a stunning goal against Pachuca in the Club World Cup earlier this month, is a player who has the potential to lead Leeds to safety with his ability as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the attacking midfield positon.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig once claimed that the playmaker has “exceptional” vision for passes and is a “two-footed” player who is “destined for big things”, which speaks to both his quality in the here and now as well as his potential for the future.

At the age of 21, the Whites would be signing an incredible young talent who has the scope to be worth millions more in the future, as was the case when they signed Raphinha, who went on to be sold for a whopping £55m.

As well as having long-term potential, Gloukh’s performances for Salzburg in the 2024/25 campaign also suggest that he would come in as an instant upgrade on Brenden Aaronson.

24/25 season

Gloukh (Austrian Bundesliga)

Aaronson (Championship)

Appearances

26

46

Goals

10

9

Big chances missed

6

11

Key passes per game

2.5

1.6

Big chances created

15

9

Assists

5

2

Dribbles completed per game

3.0

1.1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Israel international could provide more quality in front of goal than the American dud, given that he scored more goals, created more ‘big chances’, assisted more goals, and completed almost three times as many dribbles per game.

Gloukh is an attacking midfielder who has the ability to influence matches on a regular basis, thanks to the threat he provides as a scorer and a creator, which is why he could be a huge signing for Farke this summer.

The young playmaker could be crucial to the team’s survival in the Premier League by winning vital points for the side with goals and assists from a number ten position, if he can translate his form over to English football.

This is why the £21m-rated star could be the club’s biggest signing since Raphinha because no player has kept the team up since the Brazilian ace left in 2022, and Gloukh has the potential to replicate the success the left-footed whiz had in West Yorkshire.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 23, 2025

Celtic are looking to retain their Scottish Premiership title next term and could look to bring in a talented competitor for Kieran Tierney at left-back, according to a report.

Kieran Tierney's Celtic return kicks off busy summer of transfer activity

Brendan Rodgers could be a busy man at Celtic this summer in the transfer window. Tierney’s homecoming at Parkhead should officially be announced any minute as fans wait for confirmation of his return to Glasgow’s east end.

Joining on a free transfer from Arsenal, the Scotland international comes back to his boyhood club on a mission after winning eight trophies during his first spell and establishing himself as a modern-day icon.

Bowing out with a goal in his final appearance for the Gunners at Southampton, Tierney is expected to be joined by Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan at Celtic.

The Lennoxtown academy graduate came through at the same time as Tierney and will report back to Parkhead once his contract at Aberdeen expires.

Speculation over Rodgers’ future as he enters the final year of his deal has become a talking point in the off-season. Regardless, former scout Mick Brown expects Celtic to spend big this summer following their Scottish Cup final defeat last weekend.

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He stated: “There’s been some talk about the manager’s future as well, and I’m sure he expects to be backed. The board have to show that they’re behind him and they share his ambitions.

“So I think they’ll be prepared to spend big this summer, it’s something they have to do because otherwise they risk that gap closing.”

Tapping into that theme, Celtic are now reportedly eyeing a swoop for a competitor to Tierney who could arrive to strengthen the ranks at left-back.

Celtic enter race to sign Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills

According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic have entered the race to sign Peterborough United full-back Harley Mills as they seek depth to supplement Tierney’s arrival.

The 19-year-old started the campaign at Enfield Town on loan, but returned to his parent club and scored in their famous 2-0 victory over Birmingham City in the Vertu Trophy final at Wembley Stadium earlier this year.

Harley Mills in League One for Peterborough United (Fotmob)

Duels won

53

Tackles won

16

Dribble success

66.7%

Interceptions

11

Aerial duels

17

Recoveries

26

Combining his outings at both clubs, Mills made 25 appearances across all competitions this term and has previously been labelled “outstanding” by Jamal Campbell-Ryce.

Fulham have been interested in the youngster and Peterborough are said to be mulling over a £1 million offer made for his services, though Celtic may now hope to swat aside rival suitors to land their man.

Greg Taylor appears set to leave Parkhead under freedom of contract and no indication has come forth regarding Jeffrey Schlupp returning after his loan spell, which has opened up a space for Mills to potentially join Celtic and rival Tierney if they can push a deal over the line.

According to broadcast giant ESPN, Arsenal are demanding a major concession from Thomas Partey as talks continue over a new contract for the midfielder.

Thomas Partey could now stay at Arsenal with talks ongoing

The £200,000-per-week star has stayed relatively injury-free throughout an impressive 2024/2025 campaign which has seen him dazzle in multiple roles under Mikel Arteta.

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Utilised at right-back during the absences of key players, as well as partnering the likes of Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard in midfield to great effect, Partey’s been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers throughout the season.

Last term, the Ghana international could barely get a look-in due to fitness issues and falling down Arteta’s pecking order, and was widely tipped to leave the club four years after his £45 million transfer from Atlético Madrid.

However, this campaign, Partey has made more appearances than in any of his previous seasons at the Emirates Stadium, now proving indispensable to Arteta.

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

Partey’s resurgence has now sparked the club into action, with Arsenal opening talks to extend the 31-year-old’s contract as his current terms are due to expire this summer.

Arteta has confirmed to the press that he wants to keep Partey at the club for next season, with sporting director Andrea Berta now handed the task of agreeing an extension.

“Yes, there is progress with all the players. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to decide and to talk about,” said Arteta when asked if there has been progress over a new deal for Partey.

“The intention is very clear. I’ll leave that to Andrea and the club to take a step forward.”

If contract talks go south, Barcelona are among the clubs eyeing a Bosman deal for Partey, so the African won’t be short of prestigious options.

Arsenal demand major concession from Thomas Partey in contract talks

As per ESPN, it is now believed that Arsenal will demand one major concession from Partey in “any” deal for a new contract, despite his exceptional form.

The suggestion is its pretty non-negotiable, with the concession being that the midfielder will need to take a pay cut to remain in north London.

This comes as Arsenal attempt to finalise a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, and Berta is widely rumoured to also be negotiating fresh terms with the likes of Bukayo Saka, so it appears the club wish to trim their wage bill where possible.

Partey is keen to remain at Arsenal, according to credible news outlets like The Telegraph, but it remains to be seen whether he’s willing to be paid less than his illustrious teammates – especially considering he’s put in consistently outstanding performances throughout 2024/2025.