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The walls are closing in on Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham Hotspur.

The Australian started his tenure in North London with a sensational run of ten games last season, but things have gone from bad to worse since then.

As things stand, the North Londoners are 14th in the Premier League, with more defeats than wins to their name, and while injuries have played their part, the team that lost against Fulham at the weekend was at almost full strength.

Such a poor return this season has understandably seen a number of top managers touted to replace the Australian in the summer, such as Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola, but a recent report has now thrown another name into the ring.

Spurs' manager search

According to a recent report from the Telegraph, Daniel Levy and Co have identified Iraloa and Fulham boss Marco Silva as ‘leading candidates’ to replace Postecoglou should they sack him in the summer.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

The report reiterates that following the North Londoners’ latest defeat – their 15th in the Premier League this season – the pressure is starting to mount on the Australian significantly.

Interestingly, while Bournemouth are expected to fight tooth and nail to keep hold of their manager for at least another season, there are ‘doubts emerging over Silva’s future at Fulham’, which could give the Lilywhites a real opportunity to land their man.

Moreover, while he has a contract with the Cottagers until the end of next season, it reportedly has a £6m release clause, making a scenario in which he joins Spurs entirely plausible.

Why Spurs should hire Silva

So, the argument for sacking Postecoglou is pretty straightforward: he’s lost 19 of 46 games this season and is averaging just 1.50 points per game across all competitions.

However, if it comes down to choosing between Silva and Iraola in the summer to replace him, why should Levy and Co go with the former?

Well, the first reason is the simple fact that, as mentioned above, he seems eminently more gettable than the Spaniard, which in turn could lead to a smoother transition from Ange and a better start to next season.

Games (All Comps)

34

33

Wins

16

15

Draws

9

8

Losses

9

10

Points per Game

1.68

1.61

The second reason is that, despite all the deserved attention the Bournemouth boss has received this season, the Lisboa-born gaffer is actually having a better campaign.

For example, across all competitions this term, the former Rayo Vallecano boss has won 15 games, drawn eight, lost ten and averaged 1.61 points per game, while the former Everton manager has won 16, drawn nine, lost nine and averaged 1.68 points per game.

Finally, while both managers are incredibly exciting and doing exceptionally well with their respective sides at the moment, the “special” Silva, as dubbed by journalist Jack Kelly, has far more experience working in English football, managing Hull City, Watford and Everton before taking the job in West London.

So, there is inherently less risk in hiring him, which, after a season like this one, is something that’ll surely appeal to the powers that be in N17.

Ultimately, it looks like Postecoglou’s time in the Tottenham hot seat is probably coming to an end in the summer, and if Levy and Co want to give the team the best chance of moving forward next season, they should look to bring in the man who has made Fulham a scary proposition.

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The incredible talent is going to be a superstar at Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 18, 2025

As he looks to send an instant statement of intent, incoming sporting director Hugo Viana reportedly wants to bring one particular reinforcement from Sporting Club with him to Manchester City.

Viana plotting first Sporting raid for Man City

Viana has quite the task on his hands in his first summer as Manchester City’s sporting director but, as ever at the Etihad, won’t be without money to spend. Pep Guardiola’s side are in need of a major rebuild for the first time since his first campaign in charge and whilst City already commenced that rebuild in January, there remains work to be done.

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ByDominic Lund Mar 27, 2025

The Citizens currently sit as low as fifth, which could yet be enough to secure a Champions League place in the Premier League. That qualification would not hide what has been a disastrous campaign for the Premier League champions, however, who have never finished outside of the top four under Guardiola.

It therefore comes as no suprise that change is reportedly on the horizon. Players like Kevin de Bruyne, Ederson and Bernardo Silva could be heading for the exit door, as Viana looks to make room for much-needed reinforcements. And that could yet feature the arrival of one Sporting star.

According to The Boot Room, Viana now wants to bring Ousmane Diomande to Manchester City in his first raid on current club Sporting to welcome a player that Etihad chiefs love. The central defender reportedly has a release clause as high as £67m, but will be available at a discounted price of £50m this summer.

It’s a discount that City’s new sporting director will, of course, be well aware of and he could yet use his heavy Sporting links to sign the central defender for his new side ahead of Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool and Chelsea. A rising star, Diomande could complete the defensive rebuild that City got underway in January.

"Complete" Diomande could partner Khusanov

Whilst Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias, John Stones and Manuel Akanji have all struggled with injuries this season, January arrival Abdukodir Khusanov has emerged from a debut to forget to solidify his place in Guardiola’s side. The 21-year-old is the present and future of City’s backline, which could yet feature a dominant partnership if Diomande arrives.

Described as a defender with an “incredibly complete” profile alongside Antonio Silva by football talent scout Jacek Kulig last March, Diomande’s rise has only continued at Sporting ever since. Still just 21 years old, the Ivory Coast star could join Manchester City and form a quartet of young centre-backs with Khusanov, Juma Bah and Vitor Reis.

From an ageing backline, Guardiola may have a wealth of rising stars to choose from by the time that next season gets underway. If there are any concerns that Diomande wouldn’t be ready to make his mark too, then Khusanov’s recent rise should quickly put those to bed.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is expected by some sources to sign an “exciting” 23-year-old this summer, with manager Mikel Arteta admitting that his first transfer window at the club is set to be a “big” one.

Excitement surrounds Andrea Berta appointment at Arsenal

With Liverpool seizing a huge gap at the top of the Premier League table, and Arsenal now putting the majority of their focus into a good Champions League run, attention is already turning to the summer transfer window.

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ByEmilio Galantini Apr 1, 2025

Barring a miracle, Arsenal won’t be winning their first domestic league crown in 21 years after all, which has arguably been down to consistent injury problems suffered throughout the Gunners’ squad, including some pretty key names.

Everton (away)

April 5th

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

TBD

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Bukayo Saka made a stunning return to the fold on Tuesday night after recovering from a hamstring injury, scoring in a 2-1 win over Fulham, but star defender Gabriel Magalahaes was hauled off in the early stages after picking up a fresh injury problem.

Arsenal’s need for strength in depth is prevalent, as Arteta suggested this week in his pre-match press conference, and the Spaniard is fully anticipating a busy first summer window following Berta’s arrival.

“We want to increase the depth of the squad but as well we want to increase the quality and the skills that we need to go to the next step,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s summer transfer plans.

“It’s going to be a big one, and we are very excited about it.”

Some reports suggest that Berta could spend up to £300 million on seven new Arsenal signings (GiveMeSport), with co-chair Josh Kroenke expressing real excitement over the 53-year-old’s appointment.

“He understands our values and what we stand for, and we have no doubt he will help us push on and take the next steps in our bid to win major trophies,” said Kroenke.

“We undertook a thorough recruitment process, and we were hugely impressed with the level of all the other candidates, but it was Andrea’s experience and the success he has enjoyed that stood out. We are really looking forward to working together and welcoming him into the Arsenal family.”

Arsenal expected to sign Joan Garcia from Espanyol

One of Berta’s goals this summer is to sign a new second-choice keeper behind David Raya, with Bournemouth loanee Neto currently a temporary solution.

Espanyol starlet Joan Garcia was heavily linked with a move to the club last summer, and Fabrizio Romano confirmed that the 23-year-old even agreed personal terms over a move to Arsenal at the time.

Garcia’s current release clause stands at £21 million, but this could rise to £25 million or even drop to as low as £12.5 million, depending on Espanyol’s La Liga status.

In any case, as per Sky Sports journalist David Garrido, speaking to the outlet’s ‘Back Pages’ podcast, Spanish sources fully expect Garcia to join Arsenal from Espanyol this summer after a deal fell through in 2024.

“They’re also looking at a goalkeeper,” Garrido said.

“I think people in Spain are very much expecting Joan Garcia from Espanyol to go to Arsenal too. So there’s plenty of work to be done.”

The Spaniard has been called an “exciting” young goalkeeper by members of the press, and he played a major role in Espanyol’s promotion to La Liga last season. Their persistence in targeting Garcia also highlights how Arteta must seriously rate the player.

Whilst there’s finally been a reported breakthrough in contract talks with Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk, rumours are now emerging that clubs in the Saudi Pro League are still interested in signing another Liverpool player.

Update on Salah and Van Dijk's Liverpool future

All season long, no matter how successful Arne Slot’s side have been, a contract cloud has threatened to rain down on their campaign. After a frustratingly long saga, however, it looks as though the Reds are finally set to tie both Van Dijk and Salah down to fresh Anfield deals, having reached a breakthrough at long last.

Whilst Trent Alexander-Arnold’s pending departure to Real Madrid will undoubtedly deal Liverpool a major blow, it’s fair to say that things could have been so much worse. For far too long, the threat of losing the so-called big three without making any profit was certainly realistic until recent updates eased that concern around Anfield.

That said, Liverpool could still be in for a summer of change under Slot. They may sit top of the Premier League, but there’s no doubt that the Dutchman’s side have their weaknesses at both left-back and within their frontline – weaknesses which must be solved in the coming months.

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The Reds aren’t messing around…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 10, 2025

Amid links to the likes of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez and Newcastle United star Alexander Isak, the Reds will be among the sides to watch when the transfer window swings open – especially if Saudi still come calling for one particular player.

Saudi still eyeing Luis Diaz after Salah setback

Having been handed a consistent rejection by Salah and Van Dijk, clubs in the Saudi Pro League have seemingly shifted their focus towards another Anfield star. According to Ian Doyle of the Liverpool Echo, clubs in Saudi Arabia now have concrete interest in signing Luis Diaz this summer, whose Liverpool future is far from guaranteed amid a potential attacking overhaul.

As things stand, the 28-year-old has just two years left on his current deal which will see him hit 30 around the time of expiration. Given his inconsistencies at times this season and links to the likes of Isak, it remains up for debate whether Liverpool will hand Diaz a new deal or let him walk out the door this summer or when his current £55k-a-week contract expires.

Of course, when Diaz first arrived, he was seen as a player capable of replacing Sadio Mane and keeping Liverpool’s attack at a certain level. Former manager Jurgen Klopp even went as far as to describe him as “really really special”. Fast-forward three years, however, and injuries combined with inconsistency have created a frustrating spell at times.

As Slot goes in search of marking his stamp on his Liverpool side at long last, Diaz could yet find himself heading for the exit door.

Glasgow Rangers will have all eyes on Europe over the next few days as Barry Ferguson will be aiming to lead the Gers into the semi-finals of the Europa League.

The 0-0 draw against Athletic Bilbao set the Ibrox side up nicely for the second leg in Spain on Thursday evening, although it will arguably be the toughest game of the season for the club.

Even if Ferguson masterminds a run to the last four or even the final, he won’t be in charge of the Glasgow side next season. A new era will begin this summer, with a permanent manager announced in the next couple of months.

It appears as though Nils Koppen is looking ahead to the future regarding potential summer signings, however, especially with Champions League qualification required to bolster the club’s finances.

The transfer business will have to be smart. Spending lavish sums of money on players isn’t a strategy that can afford to go wrong for the fourth summer in a row. That’s a certainty.

This means the Gers will have to target those who can be brought in for free or sign young talent for minimal fees, similar to the Lyall Cameron and Hamza Igamane deals.

Could this entice the Light Blues into signing Peterborough United winger Kwame Poku?

Latest on Rangers' pursuit of Kwame Poku

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Rangers are showing plenty of interest in Poku and with his contract expiring this summer, they could secure a bargain deal.

Discussing the youngster, Bailey said: “His people are in talks with a number of clubs – and yes, one of them is Birmingham. There are others, though – Crystal Palace, Millwall, Luton and Norwich among them.”

“However, the big danger is Rangers – they want him and have watched him numerous times. Talks have continued but complicated by their takeover and then new manager.”

Given the fact he would be challenging for trophies and playing European football in Scotland, a move to Rangers is certainly the most appealing on this list of clubs.

Considering the club would only have to pay a small compensation fee, plus the fact he is still only 23 years old, Poku could be a smart signing indeed ahead of next season.

Why Rangers want to sign Kwame Poku

Vaclav Cerny will return to his parent club at the end of the season after a positive loan spell, and this leaves a major gap to fill on the right wing.

Poku certainly has the required abilities to shine in Scotland. For the Posh this season, the winger has registered 22 goal contributions – 12 goals and ten assists – across just 26 matches in all competitions.

Furthermore, the youngster has also created nine big chances, averages 1.3 key passes per game and succeeds with 1.9 dribbles per game in League One this season for his club. An impressive set of statistics for the winger.

Goals

12

11

Assists

8

2

Big chances created

9

6

Successful dribbles per game

1.9

1.5

Shots per game

2.5

2.9

Goal conversion percentage

20%

14%

Poku has made one appearance for his country, all the way back in 2021, but if he keeps this form up and earns a move to a bigger side, might he return to the national team fold?

According to Transfermarkt, Poku is currently valued at €1.5m (£1.3m), although this could rise further should he perform in the Scottish Premiership or the Premier League.

While he has plenty of talent and could turn out to be an excellent signing for the Light Blues should he be tempted by a move to Scotland, Rangers have a talented starlet of their own who is worth double what Poku is valued at.

Hamza Igamane might not be at his best right now, but if developed correctly, he could be sold for millions.

Rangers have struck gold on their own sensation

Despite arriving as a relatively unknown quantity last summer, Igamane has since gone on to become one of the club’s prized assets through a string of excellent performances, most notably in Europe.

Indeed, in the Europa League group stage, he scored four goals and grabbed an assist in eight matches, including a double against Nice and a goal scored against Tottenham Hotspur.

Indeed, he scores once every 110 minutes in the competition, along with registering 1.4 shots per game and having a goal conversion rate of 31%.

Add to the fact he has netted ten Premiership goals, which included a stunning late winner against Celtic, and it is clear that the Moroccan international has endeared himself to the supporters.

The 22-year-old has attracted interest from afar due to these performances, however, leading to the suggestion that the Ibrox side will cash in on him as soon as they receive a satisfactory offer.

Following the Spurs match, it was revealed that scouts from Everton were in attendance to monitor his display.

Last month, Football Insider reported that the Toffees were plotting a move for the striker this summer, although no transfer fee was mentioned.

Analyst Ben Mattinson hailed Igamane late last year, saying: “Completely unpredictable, tonnes of flair and trickery. The type of player to try outrageous moves/shots just because.”

Having cost the club a mere £1.7m from AS FAR last summer, the striker has seen his value soar in just under a year since joining. According to Transfermarkt, Igamane is now worth €4m (£3.5m) after a stunning start to life for the Glasgow giants.

Indeed, this means he is worth over double the value of Poku and, with such a large scope for improvement, don’t expect this number to stay this low.

Whoever arrives at the club as the new manager this summer faces a major issue. Do they keep Igamane for another season in a bid to make him even better, thus potentially increasing his value? Or do they cash in when the first big offer comes this summer?

There are merits to both points, but the Ibrox faithful just want to see him shine over the last few games of the season.

Calvin Bassey 2.0: Rangers could make millions on "unbelievable" star

Rangers have someone in their squad who could make them millions this summer.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 12, 2025

With one eye on Champions League qualification and the other on the summer transfer window, Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on signing a future star.

Where Newcastle stand in Champions League race

The second-half of the current campaign has so far been one to remember for Newcastle, who even managed to end their long wait for a trophy by picking up the Carabao Cup in March. Now vying to finish a successful season by qualifying for Champions League football for the second time in three seasons, Eddie Howe’s side have their fate firmly in their own grasp as they head into the final four games.

Liverpool (C)

82

34

Arsenal

67

34

Newcastle United

62

34

Manchester City

61

34

Chelsea

60

34

Nottingham Forest

60

33

Aston Villa

57

34

With the top five all qualifying for the Champions League, Newcastle currently have a two-point buffer on Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand to break back into the all important places. Even if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side win that game in hand, however, it would be Chelsea who drop out of the top five and not Newcastle, who would move down to fourth.

The importance of a place amongst Europe’s elite cannot be overstated either, especially for Newcastle. Those at St James’ Park have been forced to sit back and watch in the last two transfer windows, but Champions League qualification should mean that their spending can commence under their rich PIF ownership.

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They’ve wanted him for ages.

ByBarney Lane Apr 27, 2025

Just who arrives if that is the case remains to be seen. Already, names such as Liam Delap and Ademola Lookman have been mentioned, but before the stars arrive it may well be a teenage sensation who emerges to commence Newcastle’s summer window.

Newcastle plotting move to sign James Wilson

According to The Chronicle, Newcastle now want to sign James Wilson from Hearts this summer after PIF stepped up their scouting mission in Scotland and the 18-year-old talent stood out. A player who already has a senior Scotland cap to his name, Wilson is certainly one to keep an eye on as Newcastle plot an impressive summer swoop.

At just 18 years old, the forward has already been making his mark in the Scottish Premiership too – scoring five goals in 20 games and even finding the back of the net once in the Europa Conference League. When given the chance, Wilson has simply enjoyed every moment of the spotlight.

Earning impressive praise as a result, former Hearts boss Neil Critchley told reporters when asked about Wilson’s Scotland debut: “It’s an unbelievable achievement. To be the youngest Scottish international player ever is an incredible achievement. It’s one him and his family should be extremely proud of.

“You could see the lift and the excitement it gave him. He’s come back here with a permanent smile on his face. We’ve actually allowed him into the senior dressing-room this week. Shanks [Lawrence Shankland] and Craigy [Craig Gordon] have let him in. I say that, it was more Goggsy the kit man who gave his blessing! So he’s in for the first time.”

Leeds United are thought to be “well-placed” to complete the signing of a £6.8m-rated midfielder this summer, as the Whites eye key reinforcements to stay in the top flight.

Leeds eyeing Premier League-ready signings

Daniel Farke’s men are basking in the glory of sealing promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, following two seasons in England’s second tier. It appears to be harder than ever for promoted teams to avoid the drop at the first attempt, highlighting the importance of Leeds and 49ers Enterprises nailing their summer transfer business, bringing in players who are ready to hit the ground running.

With the error-prone Illan Meslier no longer feeling like the Whites’ long-term solution between the sticks, a top-quality goalkeeper will be required this summer, and Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone is reportedly keen on moving to Elland Road. Meanwhile, FC Augsburg ‘keeper Finn Dahmen has also been mentioned as an alternative option to the Englishman.

In terms of possible outfield additions, Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has been linked with a switch to Leeds, which would be an eye-catching piece of business. Granted, the Dane has struggled at Old Trafford this season, but he still has 25 goals in 90 appearances for the Red Devils overall, and seven in 22 caps for Denmark.

Leeds "well-placed" to sign Hidemasa Morita

According to Record [via Sport Witness], Leeds are “well-placed” to sign Sporting CP ace Hidemasa Morita at the end of the season, potentially snapping him up for just £6.8m.

The 29-year-old has to decide if he wants to sign a new Sporting deal this summer, with his current contract there expiring in the summer of 2026, leaving the Portuguese giants running out of time to cash in. He is believed to be tempted by a move to the Premier League.

Morita could be such a strong signing for Leeds ahead of their return to the top flight, having now racked up 112 appearances for Sporting, winning the Primeira Liga title last season. He is also a 40-cap Japan international.

At 29, he could add great experience and competition for places at the base of the Whites’ midfield, making them as hard to play through as possible, as they prepare to face some of the best teams in Europe in 2025/26.

Playing time has been more limited for Morita this term, with only 11 starts coming his way in the league, so he may feel that now is the right time for a new challenge, testing himself in the Premier League.

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Leeds United could be about to land a star who can allow Daniel Farke to forget about Illan Meslier.

ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

Morita is statistically a similar player to Kalvin Phillips and Ao Tanaka, according to Football Transfers, which could excite Leeds fans, given the latter’s popularity at Elland Road and Phillips’ incredible time in Yorkshire.

Nottingham Forest are still in the hunt for a European place and look to be showing the same ambition in the transfer market as they circle for a talented defender, according to a report.

Nottingham Forest hopeful of statement summer window

Form has dipped at the City Ground over the last few weeks, and some supporters could be forgiven for getting a little twitchy over the Tricky Trees’ chances of Champions League qualification.

However, Nuno Espirito Santo has remained stoic in the face of Premier League rivals’ momentum, and there is still belief that a special ending could be in store for the Nottingham Forest faithful.

Regardless of how the rest of the campaign goes, there is optimism that an exciting summer window could be on the cards to help bridge the gap further after a valiant effort this term.

Showing their ambition, Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap is on Forest’s radar amid his £30 million relegation release clause, which has also attracted the eyes of Manchester United and Chelsea.

James McAtee could join his former Manchester City teammate after enduring a frustrating campaign at the Etihad Stadium that has resulted in limited minutes for the England Under-21 international.

Marinakis pushing: £25m+ Nottingham Forest target now keen to complete move

Marinakis could get his man…

ByTom Cunningham May 7, 2025

While the market is becoming increasingly globalised, proven Premier League operators appear to be the type of profile Nottingham Forest want to attract to enrich their playing squad.

There is also the carrot of arrivals from their own division potentially being homegrown, which is a vital component when it comes to meeting UEFA registration rules.

With that in mind, Nottingham Forest have now spotted another opportunity to try to land a Premier League star who could be on the move this summer.

Nottingham Forest closely pursuing Liverpool's Jarell Quansah

According to TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest are now closely pursuing Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah, who is also on the radar of Newcastle United this summer.

The Reds are said to value the England international at £29.7 million and could look to cash in on his services should they add another body to their rearguard during the off-season.

Pass accuracy

91.9%

Tackles won

8

Duels won

19

Aerial duels won

6

Recoveries

16

Interceptions

6

Labelled “absolutely brilliant” by journalist David Lynch, Quansah has made 24 appearances across all competitions this season, becoming a reliable contributor on Liverpool’s journey to claiming the Premier League title.

Nevertheless, he hasn’t been in the limelight as much as he would’ve hoped, which has left the door ajar for a potential exit to put himself in with a chance of regular minutes in 2025/26.

The 2026 World Cup isn’t too far in the distance, potentially amplifying urgency from his own perspective to make sure he is noticed by Thomas Tuchel in the lead-up to the finals.

Nottingham Forest are in a brilliant position to offer him that pathway. Now, it is about whether they can fend off competition from elsewhere for his signature.

Liverpool have been rocked by Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave Anfield on a free transfer this summer and join Real Madrid, perhaps the club’s biggest rival overseas since Jurgen Klopp first arrived.

Los Blancos bested Jurgen Klopp in two Champions League finals, after all. But players are wired differently to fans; they don’t have the same sense of allegiance.

And that’s not to Trent’s discredit. Few fans could truly berate any player their decision to try something new, should they only conduct themselves in the right manner.

At the end of the day, Alexander-Arnold is one of the game’s very most gifted, and he’s Liverpool’s homegrown hero besides. The local lad, the scouser in the team. The 26-year-old is swapping red for white this summer, having, frankly, swerved fans and chatter throughout the campaign. The boos chorused around Anfield, and maybe he needed to hear them.

Ultimately, there’s little that needs to be said on that front. Trent will leave and Liverpool must get on with it. Arne Slot is, by his own admission, “disappointed”, but the Dutch coach has already proven himself capable of overcoming adversity.

The Premier League title is Liverpool’s once more, and plans are already being drawn to replace Alexander-Arnold and go again next season. Jeremie Frimpong appears to be the man for the job.

Liverpool advancing talks for Frimpong

Change is afoot at Bayer Leverkusen. It’s been a disappointing season for Die Werkself, in a way, for they have failed to build on last season’s incredible title triumphs by adding more silverware to the cabinet.

Xabi Alonso will now replace Carlo Ancelotti in the Real Madrid dugout, and Frimpong, 24, is set to try his hand at something new too. The right-sider has been electric and effective on the wing at Leverkusen in recent years, instrumental in winning the Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal titles last season, and undefeated at that.

For a shrewd €35m (£30m) outlay, owing to his release clause, it’s a move which makes a whole lot of sense, especially since Conor Bradley is being backed to continue his efforts as a first-team regular.

Liverpool’s move for Frimpong won’t break the bank but will bolster the backline with an exciting part. Let’s not forget, Liverpool are looking to make a fair few moves this summer.

Liverpool chasing new playmaking star

Frimpong is an exciting player, but he’s not got the same aura as his teammate, Florian Wirtz. There’s been plenty of noise recently relating to the German’s future, with Bayern Munich firmly ahead in the race to secure his signature.

However, a spanner may yet be thrown in the works. As per Kölner Stadt Anzeiger – via correspondent DaveOCKOP – Liverpool have opened talks with Wirtz’s representatives ahead of the summer window, who are feeling rather frustrated by erroneous reports that Bayern are on the brink of striking a deal.

Manchester City, who expect to part with Kevin De Bruyne, have also made contact. This could be the dream signing for the Reds, for sure, but the competition is thick and Wirtz would likely cost something in the ballpark of €150m (£126m).

Why Florian Wirtz would be the dream signing

Liverpool need to invest while they are on top, ensuring Slot is rewarded for his sensational Premier League triumph. Wirtz, who can play across the frontline, is only 22 but already stands proud as one of the finest attacking midfielders in Europe, described as “one of the world’s biggest talents” by scout Jacek Kulig.

Attacking midfield

169

48

57

Left winger

21

4

5

Right winger

17

8

5

Centre-forward

15

7

7

Central midfield

5

0

3

The data speaks for itself. Wirtz has already clinched 123 goal involvements across only 196 senior appearances with Leverkusen.

He’s one of the finest out there, and that’s why Liverpool must throw the kitchen sink at sealing a deal. Alexander-Arnold has been Liverpool’s creative lifeblood over the past eight years, but this German maestro could relocalise Slot’s playmaking hub.

As per FBref, Wirtz ranks among the top 7% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal contributions, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 2% for passes attempted, the top 6% for progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.

This level of ball-playing expertise is something that Liverpool could really do with placing into their ranks with Alexander-Arnold leaving. Frimpong will add a dimension, but he’s not an outright playmaker by any stretch.

Sofascore further the argument, revealing that the Germany international has created 17 big chances across 30 Bundesliga matches this term, averaging nearly two key passes every fixture.

Moreover, the Dutch defender will be expected to jockey with Bradley for a starting spot, whereas few would argue Wirtz would be anything other than a superstar in Slot’s Liverpool.

Kulig has also declared Wirtz a “little genius” after his extraordinary efforts in recent years, overcoming an ACL injury to retain his immense athleticism and hard-edged attacking approach.

This season alone, he’s plundered 16 goals and 15 assists from 44 outings in all competitions for Leverkusen. After picking up the Bundesliga’s Player of the Year award as an invincible champion in 2023/24, he’s certainly proved himself.

Make no mistake, Frimpong would be an excellent signing for Liverpool, but this deal would surely take the cake. In fact, it might prove to be the finest bit of business FSG have completed over the past decade, and they’ve hit the jackpot more than a few times.

Not just Trent: Slot's "madman" must now never play for Liverpool again

Liverpool look set for a summer of change, despite claiming Premier League title glory

ByRobbie Walls May 12, 2025

Manchester City’s deal to sign an “incredible” star is now advancing following positive talks, and he can’t wait to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium, according to a report.

Man City planning to move swiftly in the transfer market

Man City’s season ended on May 25th, with a 2-0 victory at Fulham securing qualification for next season’s Champions League, but this year it is a very quick turnaround, as they return to action on June 18th, taking on Wydad Casablanca in the new-look Club World Cup.

As such, chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has confirmed that City are looking to get new signings through the door as soon as possible.

With the transfer window now open for an initial 10 days, in order to allow teams to register players for the Club World Cup, Pep Guardiola’s side are looking to get a deal done for an attacking midfielder, with Kevin De Bruyne seemingly heading to Napoli.

That is according to a report from GiveMeSport, which states productive discussions have now been held over a deal for Lyon’s Rayan Cherki, which means the move could be wrapped up in a matter of days.

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Cherki can’t wait to seal a move to the Etihad Stadium, and the deal is now edging closer to completion, with Lyon looking to hold out for a fee of £35m.

City are hoping to complete the move prior to flying out to the United States for the Club World Cup, and they are also confident about striking an agreement for AC Milan’s Tijjani Reijnders.

"Incredible" Cherki could be ideal De Bruyne heir

Florian Wirtz was heavily linked with a move to the Etihad Stadium, but there were concerns about the total package amounting to around £253m all-in, so signing the Lyon star could be a savvy move, as it would free up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.

Not only that, but there are plenty of signs the Frenchman could be an ideal heir for De Bruyne, most notably ranking in the 99th percentile for assists and shot-creating actions per 90 over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders.

At 21-years-old, the “incredible” starlet is at a good age to be a long-term success at the Etihad Stadium, and his attacking numbers for Lyon this season are arguably already approaching world-class level.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Ligue 1

30

8

11

Europa League

12

4

8

Coupe de France

2

0

1

Cherki could be a fantastic signing at just £35m, and it is promising news that a deal could be wrapped up before City jet out for the Club World Cup.