Last month, Liverpool officially confirmed that Mohamed Salah had put pen to paper on a new two-year contract extension with the club to extend his stay at Anfield.

The Egypt international’s deal was due to expire this summer, making him a free agent, but he has decided to commit to the Reds until the summer of 2027.

Salah has scored 33 goals and provided 23 assists in 49 appearances in all competitions for Liverpool so far this season, which illustrates how big of a boost this news was to Arne Slot.

The forward told the club’s official website: “Of course I’m very excited. We have a great team now. Before also we had a great team. But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football.”

The news of his new contract at Anfield also means that the right-wing position has been locked down for next season, as Salah’s form suggests that he will be the first-choice in that role for Slot for another two years.

Who plays on the left side of the front three on a regular basis in the 2025/26 campaign remains up for debate, though, as does the future of Luis Diaz.

Why Luis Diaz could move on from Liverpool

Earlier this week, CaughtOffside reported that Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are eyeing up both Diaz and Darwin Nunez for moves in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The outlet claimed that Slot would rather keep hold of the former Porto star, but that the club would be prepared to cash in on him if an offer of £67m comes in for his services.

It revealed that Al Hilal are ready to pay big to land the winger, who has also been of interest to Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, this summer, which means that his future at Anfield is currently up in the air.

As you can see in the table above, Diaz’s output has improved in the Premier League in comparison to last term, after he struggled in front of goal in the 2023/24 campaign.

Liverpool, however, may also see this as inconsistency from a 28-year-old forward who should be in the prime years of his career, and may wonder if it is sustainable or if his finishing will revert to type next year.

Therefore, the club could decide that now is the right time to cash in on him for £67m, amid interest from Saudi Arabia, whilst his value is high off the back of a strong season.

Liverpool would need to have a top-quality left-wing option to replace him, though, and their interest in a Ligue 1 star could be the end of Luis Diaz.

Liverpool eyeing move for Ligue 1 star

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Lyon forward Malick Fofana in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Reds and fellow Premier League side Arsenal are the two main suitors for the Belgium international, as they look to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

Transfer Focus

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

It reveals that Liverpool are planning a swoop to sign the 20-year-old starlet, as they look to take advantage of Lyon’s ‘financial problems’, whilst the likes of PSG, Juventus, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United are also said to be eyeing him up.

CaughtOffside adds that the Reds are serious about a move for the Ligue 1 sensation, who is valued at roughly £42m by the French outfit, and that they are looking at him amid doubts over the future of Diaz and Diogo Jota.

With this in mind, FSG swooping to sign Fofana from Lyon in the summer transfer window could spell the end of Luis Diaz’s career at Anfield.

Why Malick Fofana could be the end of Luis Diaz

If the Reds complete a deal to sign the 20-year-old star from Lyon this summer, the club could be even more open to cashing in on the Colombian forward amid strong interest from the Saudi Pro League.

Having turned 20 at the end of March, Fofana is a young player with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve, which would make him a long-term addition for the club. He is eight years younger than Diaz and could, therefore, provide more to the team over the next five or six years, or more.

Last month, talent scout Jacek Kulig claimed that the forward has “enormous potential” and a “big future ahead”, and that is backed up by his impressive performances for Lyon at such a young age this season.

Despite being a teenager for the majority of the 2024/25 campaign, Fofana has featured regularly in both Ligue 1 and the Europa League, and chipped in with more than ten goals across both competitions.

As you can see in the table above, the £42m-rated star has scored 11 goals and provided five assists, and outperformed his xG by roughly five goals.

Fofana also ranks within the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Men’s Big 5 Leagues and European competitions for progressive carries per 90 (6.69) over the last 365 days, which illustrates how effective he is at getting his team up the pitch through dribbles.

Diaz, meanwhile, ranks in the top 32% with 4.17 progressive carries per 90 in that time, which suggests that the Lyon star could immediately provide more to the team as an outlet to get the ball up the pitch and into dangerous positions.

Fofana’s finishing this season, outperforming his xG by more than five goals, also suggests that the potential is there for him to provide a similar goal threat if Liverpool’s other forwards can get him into high-quality positions on a regular basis.

Fabrizio Romano reveals what he's heard about Liverpool signing De Bruyne

Could a shock move to Anfield materialise this summer?

By
Henry Jackson

May 9, 2025

Therefore, Liverpool signing the Lyon star could be the end of Diaz at Anfield because he is an incredibly talented player, who plays in the same position, and the club could bring him in as the long-term option on the left flank, leaving the door open for a move to Al Hilal for the Colombian star.

Newcastle United’s season ended in the perfect way last weekend, despite a 1-0 defeat at home to Everton in the final game of the campaign. The Magpies secured Champions League qualification once again, after a year out of any continental competition in 2024/25.

Their final finish saw them pip Aston Villa to that last Champions League spot by finishing in fifth, helped by the fact that the Premier League gained an extra spot due to high coefficient points. They have been in the top five since the second game in April, and have clung onto the position to return to the Champions League.

Thus, it will be a big summer for Eddie Howe and his squad, as they look to shape the perfect group ready to compete amongst Europe’s elite clubs.

Newcastle’s summer targets

Already, the rumour mill has been whirring, and the transfer window has not even opened yet. Newcastle were recently linked with Liam Delap by TeamTalk, who say they held ‘showdown talks’ with the Ipswich Town star.

Transfer Focus

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

Now, according to CaughtOffside, the North East outfit ‘have expressed interest’ in signing Atletico Madrid right-back Nahuel Molina. They are believed to be ‘keen on securing his signature’ as they look to add to full-back depth.

However, they are not thought to be the only side trying to sign him this summer. Premier League rivals Liverpool are also keen. They’re in the market for a new right-back after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure.

Serie A sides Inter, Juventus and Roma are also interested. Should Molina leave the Spanish capital, he could cost upwards of £29m.

Why Molina would be a good signing

At 27 years of age, you might struggle to find a better option at right-back than Molina this summer. Not only is he in the prime of his career, but the defender is hugely experienced, too. He was a World Cup winner back in 2022 with Argentina.

This season, the former Boca Juniors star has featured in 44 games for the La Liga giants. In that time, he has contributed to an impressive 17 clean sheets playing mainly as a right-back, but even slotting into centre-back as well.

He has also managed to chip in with goal contributions this term. Not only has the defender registered three assists across all competitions, but he even managed to get himself on the scoresheet away to Paris Saint-Germain in a 2-1 win in the Champions League group phase. As Neal Gardner said, he is a “stupidly good” player.

Molina would not be the only right-back Newcastle have signed from Atleti in recent seasons. In fact, they brought Kieran Trippier to the club from the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano for just £12m back in January 2022.

Now, three years on from his move to St James’ Park, the former England international is still a big part of Howe’s squad, although maybe not as much of an important player. This term, he played 25 times in the Premier League, but featured for just 1309 minutes, the equivalent of 14.5 full 90-minute games.

With that being said, there is no denying Trippier’s importance to this Newcastle project over the past few years under Howe. In 123 appearances, he has four goals to his name and an impressive 25 assists, which included ten in the Premier League in 2023/24.

During their most recent season for Atleti, Molina and Trippier can be compared statistically via Squawka. For example, in 2024/25, Molina created 0.8 chances and won 4.4 duels per 90 minutes, compared to Trippier in 2021/22, where he created 0.7 chances and won 5.8 duels each game.

Chances created

0.8

0.7

Forward passes

19.5

22.6

Take-ons competed

0.9

0.7

Duels won

4.4

5.8

Ball recoveries

3.8

5

If Molina can come into Newcastle and recreate the impact Trippier has had at the club, then he will surely be a successful signing.

The 27-year-old might well have a role that is just as important to play.

For just £29m, this could be a steal for the Magpies, as they look to bring in a player who could be Howe’s next Trippier.

Newcastle can find the next Ben Arfa by signing "astonishing" £14m magician

As Newcastle United look to strengthen their squad this summer, could they sign an “astonishing” magician reminiscent of Hatem Ben Arfa?

1 ByBen Gray May 25, 2025

Manchester City have been blessed with some incredible midfield gems over the years with the end of Kevin De Bruyne’s unbelievable journey with the Premier League giants now in sight.

With 108 goals and 177 assists next to his name, the Belgian will surely bow out as one of City’s modern day greats, with other stars that used to strut their stuff from the middle of the park in a similar dazzling way including David Silva and Yaya Toure among many others.

Now, it’s up to Pep Guardiola to find his next pool of exceptional midfield gems in the upcoming transfer window, with one target perhaps going down as a new take on Toure if everything aligns nicely.

Man City's pursuit of a new Toure

Before delving deeper into how City’s new target could go on to achieve greatness like the Ivorian, there are an extensive list of midfield names on Guardiola’s shopping list growing by the week.

Indeed, both German superstar Florian Wirtz and Nottingham Forest talent Morgan Gibbs-White have been incessantly linked with a big-money move to the Etihad, with Sporting CP winger Francisco Trincao also reportedly on City’s radar alongside arch rivals Manchester United.

Transfer Focus

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

But, their focus might now have switched to sealing the signature of West Ham United star Lucas Paqueta, with reports from Spain suggesting that Guardiola and Co have set their sights on landing the enigmatic Brazilian this summer.

The Irons midfielder has been on the club’s radar for a while now, notably seeing a £60m bid rejected back in 2023, before they registered further interest in 2024.

Paqueta has been embroiled in a whole host of controversies at the London Stadium, but when assessing his midfield capabilities in isolation, he has the potential to become the Spaniard’s next Toure, with the South American a skilful, but tough presence centrally much like the ex-City number 42.

How Paqueta could be Guardiola's next Toure

It will be extremely hard for the Hammers number 10 to ever become as beloved as the now-retired midfielder, considering Toure would end his esteemed stay at the club with three league titles next to his name after picking up 125 goal contributions in total.

But, Paqueta – now valued at £30m via Transfermarkt – could slot into Guardiola’s main XI as a similarly lively presence anyway.

Indeed, the 27-year-old has garnered a reputation for being an entertaining figure in the heart of the West Ham midfield ever since his move to the London Stadium in 2022.

After all, even with a betting scandal weighing heavily, Paqueta has still managed to chip in with five goals this season in all competitions for Graham Potter’s lowly Hammers, which included a nicely-worked move being finished off by the 55-time Brazil international during Potter’s debut match from the dug-out.

Toure’s goal tally was always grander than just five for Guardiola’s men – with his lowest for a season coming in at the heftier seven – but Paqueta’s 18 goals and 14 assists overall for his current employers definitely makes him stick out as a tenacious yet attacking presence in the centre of the park akin to the former City icon.

CM

Toure

231

58

32

DM

Toure

210

24

20

AM

Toure

75

11

13

DM

Paqueta

5

0

0

AM

Paqueta

134

27

19

Much like the ex-Barcelona man before him too, Paqueta can either be unleashed as an attacking “maverick” – as he was once labelled by David Moyes – or slot into the side as a more defensively-minded midfielder, with his high tally of 6.3 duels won per game this season in the league sticking out in this regard.

City will just have to hope any scandals next to the Brazilian’s name begin to dissipate on his arrival to Manchester, with the serial trophy winners finding themselves burnt here in the past when Toure exited the club in 2018 after being reportedly shunned on his birthday.

Whilst it’s obvious the 27-year-old is a similarly flamboyant character, everyone at City will just pray the “incredible” talent – as he was also lauded by Moyes – lets his football do the talking like Toure also successfully managed.

Their answer to Wirtz: Man City preparing bid for "world-class" £85m star

Manchester City could still win their answer to Florian Wirtz by signing this superstar instead.

ByKelan Sarson May 8, 2025

Jobe Bellingham’s Sunderland future has been a talking point throughout this season, and now a new update has emerged ahead of the Championship playoff final.

Sunderland 90 minutes away from the Premier League

The Black Cats are preparing for one of the biggest games in their recent history on Saturday afternoon, as they battle Sheffield United at Wembley for a place back in the Premier League.

It is a mammoth occasion for both sides, in what is considered the most valuable game in the English football calendar, and Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has said that his players have matched his pre-season expectations of them.

“We are exactly where we wanted to be. In our first meeting in this room, I asked them what is the purpose of the season and they told me they wanted to get promoted. Here we are. We’ll have this opportunity.”

The difference between victory and defeat on Saturday cannot be downplayed, with Sunderland knowing that a return to the Premier League will not only allow them to sign better players this summer, but also give them a better chance of retaining the services of current Stadium of Light heroes, from Bellingham to Chris Rigg.

The former has been linked with a move to follow in his brother’s footsteps by joining Borussia Dortmund, and there has been a development in that story ahead of the final.

Dortmund confident after talks with Bellingham

According to Bild [via Sport Witness], Bellingham has held “fruitful” talks with Borussia Dortmund over a summer move to the European giants, who now believe they are well placed to sign him.

It is stated that several Premier League clubs are also in the race to sign the youngster, however, with champions Liverpool mentioned as potential suitors. Much will hinge on the playoff final result, with defeat for the Black Cats almost certainly meaning he will leave.

If Saturday’s game isn’t big enough already, Sunderland will know that beating the Blades will give them a far greater chance of keeping Bellingham, which is a major incentive. The 19-year-old has been such an influential performer throughout the season, starting 41 Championship matches and being lauded by captain Dan Neil, who said of him back in 2023.

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In truth, Sunderland can’t necessarily expect Bellingham to stay if they remain in the Championship next season, with the Englishman no doubt having big ambitions.

The lure of testing himself in the Premier League for the Black Cats isn’t out of the question, though, so it’s a case of them getting the job done this weekend.

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.

Tottenham Hotspur are now confident they can win the race for a midfield “magician” following their Europa League triumph against Manchester United, according to a report.

Spurs end 17-year trophy drought in Bilbao

Tottenham’s long wait for a trophy came to an end earlier this week, sealing European glory with a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in Bilbao, which sparked some wild scenes upon their return to north London.

Ending the 17-year wait for major silverware was of the utmost importance to Ange Postecoglou, who once again delivered in his second season, but his side’s Europa League triumph also secures a return to the Champions League next season, despite their dismal Premier League form.

As such, moving to Spurs should be an attractive proposition for some top players in the summer transfer window, and they are now growing in confidence they can win the race for a midfielder, who is also being targeted by Man United.

Indeed, according to a report from The Boot Room, both Tottenham and United are interested in signing Lille’s Angel Gomes, who is set to be available on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract this summer, and the north Londoners are now confident about winning the race.

The Red Devils’ defeat in the Europa League final means they will not be playing European football of any description next season, which could make a move to north London more appealing for Gomes, who has been a long-standing target for Postecoglou’s side.

"Magician" Gomes could be excellent signing for Spurs

Ange has been plagued with injuries throughout the campaign, with the likes of Rodrigo Bentancur and James Maddison spending time on the sidelines, while there is also a feeling the manager could look to offload fellow midfielder Yves Bissouma in the summer.

As such, it makes perfect sense for Tottenham to bring in more depth in the middle of the park this summer, and the Lille maestro could be an excellent addition to the squad, having received his first England call-up earlier this season.

Tottenham submit bid for Kompany-esque defender to replace Cristian Romero

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Indeed, the Englishman caught the eye of former interim boss Lee Carsley, while he has also received high praise from former teammate Jonathan Panzo, who said: “He’s like a magician,”

“He’s a small player, but his IQ is so smart and he just knows how to get around the pitch.”

Tottenham’s return to the Champions League should ensure they have money to spend in the upcoming window, but signing Gomes on a free transfer would still be a smart piece of business, and a move to north London should be far more appealing than Old Trafford after the heroics in Bilbao.

Sunderland are already finding their glorious promotion up to the Premier League to be a double-edged sword.

Indeed, the dust hadn’t even settled on the Black Cats’ Championship playoff final success before goalscoring hero Tommy Watson was heading down to the south coast to Brighton and Hove Albion, with Jobe Bellingham now the next expected departee.

The 19-year-old could now follow in his esteemed brother’s footsteps by joining German giants Borussia Dortmund, with the teenage sensation’s last ever match for the club now bittersweet, having just experienced the unbelievable high of promotion glory at Wembley.

The latest on Bellingham's future

This is one glaring negative attached to promotion – the fear that your best players will be snatched away from you after so much success.

Bellingham is reportedly on the cusp of calling Dortmund his new home for a bumper £32.8m fee, meaning he will go down as Sunderland’s heftiest ever sale when the move is officially completed.

This will, of course, be a major knock to Regis Le Bris and Co. ahead of their daunting top-flight adventure getting underway, with Bellingham’s seven goals and assists combined last season standing him in good stead to take to the Premier League confidently.

Instead, the Bundesliga will soon see what the much-talked-about Black Cats’ number seven is all about.

But, Sunderland can instantly address these gaping wounds by landing this ideal Bellingham replacement, with the star in question already well accustomed to the testing environment of the Premier League.

Sunderland's "outstanding" Bellingham replacement

Le Bris will need figures dotted all around his starting XI that know the difficult division to try and give his team a fighting chance at survival.

Tommy Doyle certainly ticks that box, considering he has amassed 51 top-flight appearances across his playing days to date, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder now reportedly attracting the attention of the Stadium of Light side as per a report from TEAMTalk earlier this month.

But, away from boasting plenty of experience for a 23-year-old, Doyle can also pick out a fine strike – much like Bellingham – from the midfield areas, with his senior career so far seeing him collect eight goals for Wolves, Sheffield United and Cardiff City, on top of reaching double digits with 11 assists.

The “outstanding” midfielder – as he’s been labelled previously by former youth coach Mark Kennedy – will hope the goals and assists keep flowing if he relocates to Wearside soon, with Doyle’s overall numbers last time out in the Championship with the Blades further backing up his status as an ideal replacement for the Dortmund-bound ace.

Games played

33

40

Goals scored

3

4

Assists

4

3

Touches*

43.3

56.0

Accurate passes*

24.5 (78%)

34.0 (86%)

Key passes*

1.1

1.2

Big chances created

6

4

He might well have fallen down the pecking order under Vitor Pereira at Molineux in recent times – as seen in his three minimal starts last season in the league – but his wealth of top-flight experience will still be a major plus, away from his standout loan stint at Bramall Lane reinforcing his similarities to Bellingham, as seen when glancing at the table above.

There will be a lot of pressure on Doyle’s shoulders to succeed, but the 23-year-old has managed to forge a memorable career for himself at the top for some time now, with that hopefully continuing at the Stadium of Light.

Doyle’s addition could become key to Le Bris’ men keeping their heads above water, with Sunderland likely to be submerged in a relegation battle all season long, whilst Bellingham plies his trade at the luxurious summit of the Bundesliga.

Enzo Le Fee repeat: Sunderland considering deal for "outstanding" star

Sunderland are eyeing up a move for a star who would be an Enzo Le Fee repeat.

ByDan Emery Jun 7, 2025

The summer transfer window officially opens for business on Sunday and Leeds United are preparing to build a squad to compete in the Premier League.

One star who is reportedly on their radar is Argentine attacking midfielder Emiliano Buendia, as journalist Sebastien Vidal recently claimed that the club are set to bid for the Aston Villa attacking midfielder.

The 28-year-old star racked up 24 goals and 41 assists in 121 appearances under Daniel Farke at Norwich, and has 12 more assists than any other player in the manager’s career to date.

Buendia produced two goals and two ‘big chances’ created in 11 games on loan at Bayer Leverkusen in the second half of this season before returning to Villa, and now he could be on his way to Elland Road.

The former Norwich star is a playmaker, as shown by his assist record under Farke, and Leeds could pair him with a new striker if they manage to bring him over from the Villans.

Leeds eyeing deal for new striker

Earlier this month, Football Insider reported that the club were not going to build their attack around Joel Piroe because they have doubts over his ability to make the step up to the Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

It would make sense, therefore, for the West Yorkshire outfit to target a striker who has already scored goals in the English top-flight, which is what they are doing.

According to the Daily Mail, Leeds are considering a swoop to sign Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that they have identified Callum Wilson, Jamie Vardy, and Ferguson as potential options to bolster their attack, as all three have the Premier League experience that they would like.

Brighton’s Ireland international spent the second half of this season on loan at West Ham United, and it remains to be seen what will happen with him this summer, but Leeds have emerged as a potential option for him.

Why Leeds should sign Evan Ferguson

If the Whites can get a deal over the line for Buendia this summer, Ferguson could be a dream signing to partner the Argentine playmaker in the final third.

As aforementioned, the ex-Norwich star is a playmaker extraordinaire and he would benefit from having a clinical striker who can make the most of his creativity.

Supporters may see that Ferguson scored one goal in 23 Premier League games this season and doubt his goalscoring credentials, but it is worth noting that he missed all of pre-season last summer with a knee injury and never found his rhythm in the campaign.

22/23

5.67

6

+0.33

23/24

3.97

6

+2.03

24/25

1.36

1

-0.36

Total

10.29

13

+1.89

As you can see in the table above, the Irish forward had caught the eye in his previous two seasons in the top-flight, outperforming his xG by 2.36 to score 12 goals for Brighton.

Former Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker likened him to Manchester City superstar Erling Haaland in the 2023/24 season, when he scored six times, saying: “I do see a hint of Haaland about him, his stature, his movement, his youth and stuff like that.”

Ferguson still has plenty of time left to develop and improve, at the age of 20, as he is, clearly, not at Haaland’s levels of goalscoring yet, but Leeds could have their own mini-Haaland at Elland Road by bringing him to the club.

Haaland scored 22 goals from 22.01 xG in the Premier League for City this season, but does share a similar build and play style with the Brighton youngster as Lineker claimed.

The 20-year-old starlet has shown that he can score goals efficiently at Premier League level, as evidenced by his form in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, and that is why the Whites should gamble on him this summer to arrive as a dream signing alongside Buendia.

Orta wanted him: Leeds eyeing move for "very prolific" Piroe upgrade

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1 ByDan Emery May 29, 2025

Farke could have a potentially lethal attacking pairing by reuniting with the Argentine playmaker to consistently create chances for the efficient Ferguson to finish off.

A new report has claimed that Everton are interested in signing an “insane” player in the summer transfer window, following an impressive season for his current club.

Everton feeling more "together" ahead of big summer

Goodison Park has now officially hosted its final game for the men’s team, following the Blues’ 2-0 win at home to Southampton in the Premier League on Sunday.

It’s now all change at Everton this summer, ahead of the move to Bramley Moore Dock, and a big transfer window is needed, in order to avoid another relegation battle. David Moyes is certainly in bullish spirits about the next chapter in the club’s history, saying after the Saints game.

“I think more the feeling that there might be a club which is ­coming back together. Signs that before there was a real break-up, of a sort of love affair with the supporters, the ­players, the club, the owners. So we’re all trying to get back. We’re obviously all looking forward to it. If we can take what we had today to the new stadium, it’ll be something.”

It is clear that plenty of surgery is required in Everton’s squad ahead of the summer, with several players leaving, and top-quality options needed to come in. Now, a new transfer rumour has emerged regarding one such figure.

Everton want to sign "insane" Coventry defender

According to Football League World, Everton are “looking” at Coventry City right-back Milan van Ewijk, seeing him as a potential addition this summer. The 24-year-old is also thought to be wanted by Fulham, with a move to the Premier League possibly appealing after his side were beaten by Sunderland in the Championship playoffs last week.

Van Ewijk could be an ideal option for Everton ahead of next season, at a time when they need to bring in a new long-term right-back to replace the likes of Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman.

The Dutchman has been a key man for Coventry throughout this season, making an impressive 47 starts in the Championship, bagging six goal contributions (two goals and four assists) along the way.

Saved by Ndiaye: Everton flop who won 30% duels must be axed after Goodison

Everton gave Goodison Park a fitting farewell but this underperformer must be axed ahead of the move.

ByKelan Sarson May 18, 2025

Journalist Henk Spaan hailed Van Ewijk’s performances against Manchester United in the FA Cup semi-final last season, calling it “insane”, while Coventry manager Frank Lampard has admitted there is no surprise that top clubs are interested in him.

“He’s an attacking full-back and with all the natural attributes he’s got I think he can get even better as well because there will and are things we work on with him to improve all the time. So it’s no wonder when he’s playing this way that teams will look at him.”

This sums up why Van Eijk could be such an eye-catching addition for Everton, helping give Moyes’ team an extra attacking dimension next season.

It would be fair to say that this season was something of a disappointment for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side ended up ten points off Liverpool in the Premier League, failed to make a dent in the FA Cup, and, with better finishing, could have realistically been in a Champions League final.

However, while it’s easy to focus on the negative, there have been at least a few positives, such as the development and performances of Jurrien Timber, who seriously stepped up in the absence of Ben White.

The Dutchman is now unquestionably one of the manager’s best signings, and based on reports, it looks like he could soon have himself another younger version of the international.

Arsenal transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other young talents Arsenal have been linked with in recent weeks, such as Adam Wharton and Konstantinos Karetsas.

Transfer Focus

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The former is reportedly available for close to £80m this summer, and while that is a lot of money to spend on someone who is just 21 years old, he’s more than proven his ability at Crystal Palace and played a key role in their FA Cup triumph this year.

Karetsas, on the other hand, is a little harder to justify at a whopping £38m, as while he’s seriously impressed in Belgium this season, he is still just 17 years old, and that sort of money would probably be better off being spent on someone who could play for the team next year.

With that said, while these two youngsters are incredibly talented, neither one can be described as anything like Timber, unlike Jorrel Hato.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several teams incredibly interested in the Ajax star.

The report has revealed that Arsenal, alongside the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United, have already made contact to find out more information about a possible transfer.

However, on top of having to contend with some serious competition, Andrea Berta and Co would have to stump a fee of up to €50m to get their man, which is about £42m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but it is one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be the club’s next Timber.

Why Hato would be Arsenal's next timber

Now, it might sound like a bold claim to suggest that a teenager from outside the top five leagues could develop into a full-back who was impeccable against Real Madrid home and away in the Champions League.

Yet, that is exactly what we are suggesting, and there are a number of reasons why.

Firstly, the Eridivise might not be one of the best leagues in Europe, but it’s only just outside the top five, sitting in sixth place, and crucially, Timber made his way to North London from the Netherlands.

In fact, not only did the Gunners’ ace join Arteta’s title challengers from the same country, but he did so from Ajax, which is where Hato is currently plying his trade.

Furthermore, the pair are both Dutch and on top of coming up through the Ajax academy, they also share the ability to play in more than one position, depending on what the manager wants and needs.

Left-Back

68

3

6

Centre-Back

41

1

3

Left Midfield

1

0

0

Centre-Back

170

9

6

Right-Back

82

4

5

Left-Back

22

1

1

Defensive Midfield

2

1

0

For example, we all know that Timber is at his best at right-back, but he’s already played at centre-back and left-back since moving to England, just as the in-demand youngster has primarily played at left-back in his career but is more than comfortable at centre-back as well.

Finally, it’s not just us who see the parallels, as respected analyst Ben Mattinson has described the 19-year-old gem as “Timber 2.0.”

Ultimately, he might not be cheap, but Hato looks destined to be a monster of a defender, and for that reason, Arsenal should do what they can to bring him to the club, as he could be their new Timber.

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