Liverpool are riding the crest of a towering wave right now. Not only has Arne Slot won the Premier League in his first season since replacing Jurgen Klopp in the dugout, but he’s done so without overseeing any meaningful first-team investment.

And while Liverpool have proven themselves in their current iteration, FSG are of the opinion that they should strengthen while they are on top, moving swiftly to secure different signings before the 2024/25 campaign has even concluded.

Anfield will celebrate the top-flight title this weekend after tomorrow’s fixture against Crystal Palace is wrapped up, marking the end of the season, but the fans will have an extra decibel in their cheer, for sure.

Indeed, Jeremie Frimpong has completed his medical ahead of his slated transfer, replacing Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back, while Milos Kerkez is also in advanced talks with sporting director Richard Hughes, viewed as Andy Robertson’s long-term heir.

However, it’s the staggering signing of Florian Wirtz (not yet finalised) that will prove to be Hughes’ magnum opus, for the Bayer Leverkusen playmaker is truly a “generational talent,” as claimed by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

There was a point, not too long ago, when the fight for Wirtz appeared a two-horse race between Bayern Munich and Manchester City. Now, City have dropped out and the Bundesliga champions’ senior officials have ceded defeat in the race for the sought-after sensation.

Oh, this stems from Liverpool’s success. Many reports, corroborated by The Athletic’s David Ornstein, have revealed over the past day or two that FSG have convinced the 22-year-old Wirtz to make the move to Merseyside this summer, ending his illustrious career beginnings with the Werkself.

Though Leverkusen value their prized possession at around €150m (£126m), FSG will hope to structure the package in an astute fashion, thus leaving room to make another signing this summer – important given the need for a new centre-forward.

Liverpool are moving with the intent and confidence of champions, likely sealing three priority targets before the shops have even been unshuttered, but it’s important that Slot still promotes academy talent.

In a way, both Wirtz and Frimpong have combined to replace Alexander-Arnold, but fans would love nothing more than to see another homegrown prospect break onto the scene and prosper.

Well, they might just have such an up-and-comer in the works, one who could prove a homemade version of the elite playmaker.

Liverpool are brewing a homemade Wirtz

Liverpool don’t always produce superstars, but sometimes, one-in-a-kind talents emerge from the Merseyside floor to send waves across English football.

And while Slot will be keeping a close eye on the likes of Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha, perhaps the two creams of the development squad’s crop, another has gone well under the radar in Trent Kone-Doherty.

Still only 18, Kone-Doherty has gone through the gears within Liverpool’s youth system since being signed in 2022, leaving Derry City in his Irish homeland.

He’s described himself as being “fearless” on the pitch, something that is clear when watching his long striding gait, his slick turns and artful skills.

Liverpool

1

–

–

Liverpool U21

33

5

1

Liverpool UEFA U19

12

6

2

Liverpool U18

29

19

4

Kone-Doherty is not just a showman, though, but also provides a clinical edge at the top end of the pitch, from a wide or central berth.

This term, having been promoted to the U21s, his potency has taken a hit, but it’s been a fundamental point in the player’s development, making his senior bow during Liverpool’s bitter FA Cup defeat against Plymouth Argyle in February, only featuring for 14 minutes but making a positive impression as he completed his one attempted dribble and finding the mark with one arcing cross, as per Sofascore.

He’s also earned rave reviews for his performances on the continental stage, with former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor hailing the teenager’s “absolutely magnificent” goal against Girona after the English side had gone a man down, praising his movement, strength, and intelligence.

Though Kone-Doherty typically operates from a wider berth than Wirtz, his unique blend of skill, strength, and sharpness suggests he could become a homegrown version of the German ten, demonstrating a natural goalscoring sense but also an eye for a neat pass which could play into Slot’s creative ambitions.

Slot, furthermore, has already shown a willingness to hand the Republic of Ireland U19 star his chance on the major stage, also placing him on the substitutes’ bench for the Reds’ 3-2 Champions League defeat against PSV Eindhoven in January.

Former U18s coach Marc Bridge-Wilkinson has also praised Kone-Doherty’s ability to go past bigger and stronger opponents with a breeze, owing to his clever approach to his football.

This, of course, is the bread and butter of Wirtz’s football. As per FBref, the Leverkusen superstar ranks among the top 6% of Bundesliga attacking midfielders and wingers for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90.

All this highlights a technical quality of peerless scope, but also an athletic underbelly that charges his efforts. This is further revealed by his average of 5.2 successful duels per league game this term, as per Sofascore.

Though Kone-Doherty’s attacking quality centres more on his goalscoring than Wirtz, who knows where the back of the net is but is better known for his fountain of creativity that wells up whenever he’s in the danger area, he could enjoy a similar rise to the fore as a sort of hybrid between the left wing and a more central attacking position.

Both players bear a positional fluidity which, in Kone-Doherty’s case, could prove a trump card in standing out above the rest, capable across numerous areas.

And if he can translate his clinical shooting, bagging 19 goals from 29 games for the U18s, into life in Slot’s squad, the Dutch head coach might just find he has another Wirtz breaking through the ranks.

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Real Madrid are now eyeing a shock move for an “excellent” Arsenal star, alongside William Saliba, according to a report.

Saliba prepared to join Real Madrid

Trent Alexander Arnold’s recent made the big decision to leave boyhood club Liverpool to join Real Madrid, underlining the pull the European giants have in the transfer market, and it has now been revealed that Saliba would also be willing to make the move to the Spanish capital.

The La Liga side have made contact over a deal for the Frenchman, as they are eager for the 24-year-old to be the new leader of their backline, and he would be keen on a move to the Bernabeu, with Real the only club he would be willing to leave the Gunners for.

Of course, Mikel Arteta’s side are eager to keep hold of the France international, and they are looking to extend his contract beyond 2027, but the centre-back is yet to put pen to paper on a new deal.

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There will be concern that Saliba could be in line for a move to Spain, but the defender is not the only Arsenal player of interest to Real Madrid, with a report from The Sun revealing they are also eyeing a shock move for goalkeeper David Raya.

The Spanish giants are keen to bring in a long-term heir to Thibaut Courtois, and Raya has been identified as a potential target, but it could be difficult to get a deal for the Spaniard over the line, perhaps because he remains contracted until 2028.

As such, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Bart Verbruggen could be brought in instead, having also been identified as a long-term successor to Courtois.

"Excellent" Raya remains key player for Arteta

Raya eventually arrived at the Emirates Stadium for £27m in July 2024, having previously spent the 2023-24 campaign on loan in north London, at which point he was able to displace Aaron Ramsdale in the starting XI.

Since then, the 29-year-old has remained a key player for Arteta, collecting 12 clean sheets in the Premier League this season, the second-highest number in the top flight, while also ranking highly across a number of key goalkeeping metrics over the past year.

Statistic	Average per 90
Goals against	0.82 (96th percentile)
Save %	76.2% (85th percentile)
Clean sheet %	38% (84th percentile)
Crosses stopped %	12.1% (97th percentile)

Not only that, but the Spanish shot-stopper has caught the eye of reporter Ben Jacobs at times, having been lauded as “excellent” following an impressive performance in the 2-2 draw against Manchester City earlier this season.

As such, Arsenal should not consider selling Raya under any circumstances, and it is good news that it will be difficult for Real Madrid to get a deal done, despite their interest.

It’s interesting that Trent Alexander-Arnold, one of the best players in the world, should be leaving Liverpool this summer and yet the other defensive flank feels the main priority for FSG and Arne Slot.

You can assess this situation through different modes of analysis: it could be argued that Conor Bradley is an exciting talent and has the potential to step right into his teammate’s boots, with Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez marking enough depth for the upcoming campaign.

But then you could also peer down from the vantage of Andy Robertson being past his best, with Kostas Tsimikas not at the desired level either, thus heightening the need for a left-back this season given the likes of Arsenal and Manchester City are only going to improve over the off-season months.

Robertson, 31, is entering the final year of his contract but wants to stay put. He’s been a loyal and influential servant over the years; alongside Trent, the Scot is one of the most creative defenders in Premier League history.

1

Trent Alexander-Arnold

64

2

Andy Robertson

59

3

Leighton Baines

53

4

Graeme Le Saux

44

5

Kieran Trippier

38

The problem is, though, that Robertson has failed to register a single goal contribution in the top flight this term, and with Trent on the way out, that needs replacing.

Liverpool desperate for new left-back

Conor Bradley is by no means the finished article but he’s a talented young player with a goal and ten assists across 54 senior showings for the Reds. Not bad.

However, Robertson’s attacking impact is waning, and sporting director Richard Hughes has lined up Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as the dream target, though FSG will no doubt be reluctant to meet the Cherries’ hefty £45m price tag.

The air around Kerkez’s situation is charged with the sense that he wants Liverpool. The Hungarian, teammate and good friend of Dominik Szoboszlai, has even been reported to have confided in his inner circle that he wants to move to Anfield.

However, £45m is a steep sum. The 21-year-old is technically in his breakout campaign in England and, with Manchester City and Real Madrid also keen on a deal.

Liverpool would be foolish not to earmark alternatives, with one fallback maybe even proving the better signing for Slot’s squad.

Liverpool identify Kerkez alternative

According to a recent exclusive from talkSPORT, Liverpool are interested in signing Antonee Robinson as an alternative to Kerkez this summer, with the Fulham star enjoying a fantastic season.

With Liverpool likely to splash the cash, left-back is bound to be an area Slot wants reinforcing, and Robinson could be the perfect man to rival Robertson.

It was revealed two months ago that FSG had already started plans for a £30m swoop; it’s unlikely Fulham will seal a route into European competition over the next few weeks, so the 28-year-old would jump at the chance to move to Merseyside.

Why Antonee Robinson would be perfect for Liverpool

Robinson actually played his football in Liverpool before, once of an Everton persuasion, starring for the academy but never tasting the senior stage as he was sold to Wigan Athletic after a promising loan spell.

Now, he’s a fully-fledged top-flight superstar with Fulham, 134 appearances deep into his career at England’s highest station.

With lightning pace and a roundedness that offers shades of Robertson back in his pomp, Robinson has played 34 league matches this season, wearing the skipper’s armband on 18 occasions.

Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley is even convinced that Robinson is “one of the best left-backs in the world,” making the bold claim earlier in the 2024/25 campaign.

It’s a bold take, but it’s not brazen. Indeed, the USMNT international’s performances this year and last have underscored his quality and the capacity to play for a team challenging at the apex of European competition.

If it’s creativity that Slot wants from left-back, he need look no further than this robust talent, who has racked up ten assists across 34 Premier League matches this year.

As per FBref, this places him among the top 3% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists per 90, also among the top 8% for progressive carries and the top 7% for tackles + interceptions per 90 too.

To put it simply, Robinson’s completeness is something which would elevate an already high-flying Slot squad. There’s a purpose to his movements that allows him to run the lanes of duty, make a positive impact when both fixed to the backline and unleashed, allowed to roam forward and influence.

Peering at Robinson’s metrics this year against Kerkez’s, you begin to see why it might be worth picking the more experienced head.

Matches (starts)

34 (33)

35 (35)

Goals

0

2

Assists

10

5

Touches*

74

59.2

Pass completion

81%

80%

Key passes*

1.3

1.0

Dribbles*

1.0

0.6

Ball recoveries*

4.4

4.0

Tackles + interceptions*

4.3

2.6

Clearances*

3.4

2.7

Duels (won)*

5.5 (55%)

4.0 (53%)

Kerkez holds the advantage of youth, but he’s not performing at the Cottage star’s level just yet. Robinson’s aggressive and front-footed defending even led Mohamed Salah to tell him he was “the best player on the pitch” in a Premier League clash several years ago.

This is quite the praise: say one thing for Salah, he knows how to score and create goals, thus with an intrinsic understanding of when he’s pitted against a defender of real quality.

So then, with Robinson outperforming Kerkez across almost every metric this season, signing him for the Anfield cause feels like something of a no-brainer.

Bournemouth’s rising talent might be younger, but Robinson’s got plenty of gas left in the tank after completing just his fourth campaign in the top flight. Cheaper too, he’s the one to go for.

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With the 49ers’ takeover complete and Russell Martin appointed, Rangers have now reportedly opened talks to sign a Premier League veteran who could become one of their first arrivals of the summer.

Rangers officially appoint Russell Martin

After much deliberation and countless links with moves for the likes of Davide Ancelotti and former manager Steven Gerrard, Rangers finally came to the decision to hire Russell Martin on Thursday. The former Southampton boss is back in the technical area for the first time since his St Mary’s stint ended with the sack and will be well aware of the extent of the task that he now has on his hands.

By the end of his tenure, the former Norwich City defender will be desperate to be up there with the most successful managers in the club’s history. Whether he is able to stop the trend of Celtic dominance in the Scottish Premiership remains to be seen, however.

Welcoming Martin, new sporting director Kevin Thelwell told Rangers’ media channels: “We went through a quite diligent and thorough process and tried to use the time we had at our disposal to the very best opportunity. Right from the very start, it was clear to me, and the other guys involved in the process, that Russell was the standout candidate. He was outstanding.

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“He has a lot of experience as a manager and head coach, and over the course of that career it’s been clear to see that he’s sharpened that approach in his methods, in terms of technical, tactical, and also from a personal perspective.”

The new sporting director has wasted no time before turning his focus towards the transfer market after appointing Martin, either. The Gers have even reportedly made their first move to sign an experienced Premier League defender this summer.

Rangers open talks to sign Coady

As reported by Daily Record, Rangers have now opened talks to sign Conor Coady from Leicester City, seeking to find out what it would take to make a deal happen this summer. The experienced defender has just one year left on his current deal at the club and will, therefore, have a decision to make sooner rather than later.

Given that Thelwell is reportedly an admirer of Coady too, the former Wolverhampton Wanderers captain may find himself near the top of Rangers’ wishlist in the coming months.

Whilst it’s fair to assume that Coady’s price tag could drop this summer given how little time remains on his current Leicester deal, there may be no escaping his £75,000-a-week salary for Rangers if they decide to make their move.

Whether Rangers deem the defender’s experience invaluable enough to match his current salary will be the question.

To Coady’s credit, even at 32 years old and part of a relegated squad, he still found himself at the centre of Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy, who told reporters last season: “He is a big part in this squad. He’s one of our leaders.

“He’s such a character that when he doesn’t play, he’s still that leader, he’s still helping the team, coaching the team, talking to players, pushing everybody to their highest levels in training sessions. “

Sporting CP star and top Arsenal transfer target, Viktor Gyokeres, has made an intriguing admission to teammates, amid reports that the clubs are advancing in talks over his move to north London.

Portuguese media claim Arsenal have agreed fee to sign Viktor Gyokeres

Over the last seven days, reports in the Portuguese media have boldly claimed that Arsenal are making serious progress in their bid to tempt the 26-year-old back to England.

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Following his quite ridiculous haul of 53 goals across 51 appearances in all competitions this season, Gyokeres has emerged as a prime striker target for Arsenal, with sporting director Andrea Berta said to be personally pushing for him.

“Andrea Berta is pushing to sign Viktor Gyökeres for Arsenal,” said Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg a fortnight ago.

Sporting CP

101

96

28

Coventry City

116

43

17

Brommapojkarna

67

25

9

FC St. Pauli

28

7

4

Swansea City

12

1

0

Brighton

8

1

1

via Transfermarkt

“Several talks have already taken place. Alexander Isak remains high on the Gunners’ list, as previously revealed — but he’s very expensive. Manchester United, Chelsea, and Real Madrid are all in the race. No commitments yet. Everything is still open. Bayern are currently out — too expensive. As exclusively revealed in October, Gyökeres can leave Sporting this summer for €60–70 million, due to a verbal agreement between the player and the club.”

Since then, the likes of newspaper O Jogo, sharing information in the last few days, have reported that Gyokeres is “on his way to Arsenal”, with the Gunners and Sporting shaking hands on a £59 million fee.

Last week, fellow Portuguese source A Bola made claims of an Arsenal offer to Gyokeres over personal terms worth £135,000-per-week as well, though reports closer to home have since stated that Berta is actually prepared to hand out a £10 million-per-year salary package (CaughtOffside).

£59 million would be considered one of the bargains of the summer for one of Europe’s most lethal goalscorers in his prime, so it will be intriguing to see if this does in fact come to fruition.

Viktor Gyokeres makes admission amid Arsenal agreement claims

However, according to Sporting midfielder and teammate Pedro Goncalves, the Swede is remaining coy over his future.

Confirming what the striker has told him, Goncalves states that Gyokeres said he’s ‘not a fortune-teller’ when asked if he could stay at Sporting – appearing to commit his future.

“I asked [Gyokeres], and we all asked him. He says he’s not a fortune-teller,” said Goncalves.

“We still have the Portuguese Cup against Benfica to play. I have a very good relationship with him, but I don’t talk about it with him. What I know is because of Fabrizio Romano… I’m sticking with him. I don’t know if he’s going to leave.

“I feel like he’s evolved a lot since he arrived. There are training sessions where it seems like he’s holding back.”

The Scandinavian superstar is making waves abroad, and it appears inevitable that he’s set to leave Sporting. The only question is, who can win the race for him?

Judging by recent reports, Arsenal appear to be firmly in pole position as things stand.

Crystal Palace hold a strong interest in an “explosive” forward, and they are now ready to submit a £7m offer to complete a deal, according to a report.

Palace eyeing new signings amid Europa League uncertainty

Palace secured qualification for the Europa League for the first time, courtesy of their FA Cup final triumph over Manchester City, but they are now at risk of being kicked out of the competition, due to issues surrounding multi-club ownership.

John Textor has since admitted that he is trying to sell his majority stake in the club, in order to allow the Eagles to compete in Europe next season, saying: “We are trying to help separate it and sell. We wanted to buy but it’s become clear that isn’t going to happen and so we’re trying to help Palace and the situation with UEFA. That’s about all I can say.”

Textor also adds that a “good meeting” was held with UEFA, which suggests there is hope that Oliver Glasner’s side will take part in the competition, but there is still a great deal of uncertainty surrounding the situation.

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The lack of clarity could also affect summer transfer plans, as Selhurst Park will not be as attractive a destination without European football on offer, but the south Londoners continue to run the rule over potential new signings.

According to a report from Africa Foot (via Sport Witness), Crystal Palace hold a strong interest in Watford winger Kwadwo Baah, who spent four years at Selhurst Park as a youth player from 2013 to 2017.

Such is Palace’s level of interest, they are now ready to submit a €8m (£7m) offer to complete a deal for Baah, although it is unclear whether Watford would accept a bid in that region, or hold out for a higher amount.

The winger’s versatility is of particular appeal to the Eagles, having regularly featured in both attack and right wing-back throughout the 2024-25 campaign.

"Explosive" Baah could be ready for Premier League move

The German’s time at Selhurst Park as a youth player didn’t work out, but he has managed to work his way up the football pyramid, spending time with Rochdale and Burton Albion in League One before making a name for himself with Watford.

The 2024-25 campaign was the 22-year-old’s most impressive to date, collecting four goals and three assists in the Championship, and displaying his versatility by featuring in a range of different attacking positions, including striker.

Former manager Tom Cleverley was also impressed by the forward, saying: “He is so skilful, so explosive, so powerful and direct. He’s been excellent for us this season.”

As such, Baah could now be ready to test himself in the Premier League, and a move to Selhurst Park would surely be of great appeal, particularly if UEFA sanction Glasner’s side playing in Europe.

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.

The summer transfer window officially opens for business next month and full focus will now be on that for Celtic after the 2024/25 campaign came to an end on Saturday.

Brendan Rodgers will surely have been disappointed by his side’s failure to clinch the domestic treble after they lost to Aberdeen on penalties in the final of the SFA Cup.

The Scottish giants had already secured the Scottish Premiership title, for the fourth time in as many seasons, and won the League Cup by beating Rangers on penalties in the first half of the campaign.

Celtic also made it through to the play-off round of the Champions League, losing to Bayern Munich, after making it through the initial league phase.

The Hoops enjoyed a successful season, in spite of their SFA Cup final defeat to Aberdeen, and it came off the back of significant investment in the team last summer.

Celtic showed that they are willing to splash the cash to improve the side and compete in Europe by signing Augsburg central midfielder Arne Engels for a club-record fee.

Why Arne Engels has been worth the money

The Glasgow giants reportedly broke their club transfer record to sign the Belgian starlet from the Bundesliga outfit for a staggering fee of £11m.

It was a huge sum of money to play for a then-20-year-old midfield maestro, yet it has turned out to be money well spent so far because he has delivered impressive performances on the pitch for the Hoops.

Engels ended the season with a return of ten goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions, which shows that he provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the middle of the park.

Celtic have dominated Scottish football, winning the last four titles and three of the last five domestic cups available to them, so any signings coming in should be with a view to improving their form in the Champions League.

24/25 Champions League	Arne Engels
Appearances	10
Goals	1
Big chances created	3
Assists	3
Tackles + interceptions per game	2.4
Ground duel success rate	59%
Aerial duel success rate	67%
Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Engels helped them to do that with his displays in Europe, which led to Celtic reaching the play-off round, having been dumped out with one win in the group stage in the 2023/24 campaign.

The Belgian whiz has been worth the money for the Hoops, so far, because he has delivered quality in the Champions League, including a goal and an assist in the 5-1 win over Slovan during the league phase.

Celtic, however, could take the Belgian talent to the next level by splashing the cash once again to sign a striker to make the most of his creativity next season.

Celtic expected to move for new striker

According to Anthony Joseph, writing for Sky Sports, Celtic are ‘expected’ to make a new move to sign Brondby centre-forward Mathias Kvistgaarden in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Denmark youth international has been a long-term target for the Scottish giants, and they are now prepared to make yet another swoop for his services ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

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Joseph adds that the closest the club have come, to date, to signing the 23-year-old star was in the recent January transfer window, after Kyogo Furuhashi left to join Rennes, but they were unable to get a deal over the line.

The journalist states that Brondby have been sticking to their valuation of at least £10m for the attacker, which is slightly less than what the Hoops paid to sign Engels last summer.

This suggests that it is a deal the Premiership champions could afford to do if they feel he is worth splashing the cash on, given that they were prepared to spend big on the Belgium international.

They should, now, sanction a £10m swoop for his services when they make their expected move for the striker because he could take Engels to the next level with his finishing ability.

Why Celtic should sign Mathias Kvistgaarden

The Hoops should splash the cash on Kvistgaarden because of his exceptional form for Brondby in the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that he could be a lethal forward for Celtic with the creativity that Engels can provide.

In the Premiership, the Belgium international was only rewarded with six assists from the 11 ‘big chances’ that he created for his teammates throughout the season. This shows that the midfielder was let down by the quality of finishing from the club’s forward players in the top-flight.

Adam Idah was one of the wasteful attackers responsible for that. The Ireland international scored 13 goals and missed a whopping 19 ‘big chances’ in the Premiership, whilst he also underperformed his xG of 13.57.

This suggests that Celtic could take Engels to the next level as a creator by signing a striker who can more than make the most of his creativity, which is why they should swoop for Kvistgaarden.

24/25 season	Idah (Premiership)	Kvistgaarden (Superliga)
Appearances	35	29
xG	13.57	13.82
Goals	13	17
Penalty goals	1	0
Chances created	19	19
xA	2.60	2.22
Assists	0	5
Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, the Danish attacker would come in as a big upgrade on Idah because of his finishing quality, having scored five more goals from open play with a similar xG tally at league level.

Kvistgaarden, whose form was dubbed “absolutely sensational” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is a striker who has the movement and the finishing skills to take Engels’ assist tally way beyond the 13 he got this season.

The 23-year-old striker, who scored 23 goals in all competitions, could thrive on the kind of quality that Engels can provide from a central midfield position, and that could make him a star for the Hoops next term as their regular starter in the number nine position.

It is now down to the board to sanction a £10m deal for the Danish marksman, to both provide Rodgers with a clinical and effective starting centre-forward, whilst also taking Engels to the next level by finding a player who can make the most of his creativity.

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By
Dan Emery

May 25, 2025

Leeds United did manage to seal the Championship title with a bumper 100 points come the end of the 46-game marathon, but Daniel Farke’s side certainly made life a lot harder for themselves in the goalkeeper department.

Illan Meslier’s error-prone performances between the sticks nearly proved costly, resulting in the German having to bring in stand-in keeper Karl Darlow for the final few tense clashes of the second-tier campaign.

Whilst the ex-Newcastle United stopper did prove himself to be a solid performer in goal, it’s unlikely that Farke will solely rely on the Wales international to be his outright number one in such a daunting division.

Therefore, a whole host of new faces are being linked to step up and take on the first team mantle in goal, with this alternative target now being tipped to make the switch to Elland Road over the heavily fancied Caoimhin Kelleher.

Leeds' pursuit of a new keeper

Kelleher is one of the main names being touted to become Farke’s brand-new number one ahead of Premier League football returning to West Yorkshire, with the Irishman reportedly available for around the £30m mark.

He is mentioned as a possible Meslier replacement by the Daily Mail too, but the new report from the Mail does suggest that other top-flight experienced ‘keepers are on the Leeds agenda, such as ex-Arsenal man Aaron Ramsdale.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ reserve keeper Sam Johnstone is also floating about as a potential number one option, but if Leeds want to land an even more impressive buy than Kelleher, they should be going all in for Ramsdale over other figures.

The 27-year-old has suffered from shaky performances here and there, but he was once Mikel Arteta’s concrete first-team choice at Arsenal, where he proved himself as a top performer at an intimidating level.

Why Ramsdale would be even better than Kelleher

Of course, Kelleher has never been able to prove himself as a number-one option at Anfield, having always played in the shadows to the likes of Allisson.

But, regardless of whether he’s been given a fair crack under Arne Slot and other Reds bosses or not, if Leeds can land a far more experienced keeper at the level in Ramsdale for a slightly cheaper £25m, it feels like a pick-up they should prioritise over the promise of the 26-year-old coming good as a main starting presence.

At one point during his topsy-turvy Gunners career, Ramsdale was on cloud nine with his imperious displays in between the sticks, with this unbelievable save coming during the 2021/22 campaign that saw the ex-Sheffield United stopper collect an impressive 12 clean sheets from 34 league outings.

Heralded as “phenomenal” by ex-Arsenal legend David Seaman off the back of his glimpses of quality at the Emirates, it will just be up to Ramsdale to try and reach these lofty heights once more, donning a Leeds strip.

After all, he is well accustomed to the trials and tribulations of a relegation battle, having just accumulated a high 4.2 saves per Premier League tie for basement side Southampton.

Ramsdale’s overall PL numbers
Stat	Ramsdale
Games played	183
Matches won	70
Losses	89
Saves made	595
Penalties saved	3x
Errors leading to goals	6x
Goals conceded	278
Clean sheets	41
Stats from the Premier League

The table above definitely reinforces how experienced Ramsdale is in the Premier League, despite only being a year older than Kelleher, with a near 200 games now played in the elite division. To add context, as a back-up face at Liverpool, his Cork-born counterpart has barely hit 30 clashes at 25 overall.

Therefore, whilst he will have an error in his back locker like Meslier, Leeds fans would surely feel more confident that the 27-year-old would come good over the gamble of Kelleher at £30m.

It will be fascinating to see who the Whites do eventually pick up in his vital position, knowing they cannot rely on Meslier if they are to beat the drop.

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By
Kelan Sarson

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Rangers could still sell two Ibrox stars that new manager Russell Martin wants to build his team around, according to a new update.

Rangers officially seal Lyall Cameron deal

It promises to be a busy few months in the transfer window under new owners the 49ers Enterprises, who will also have their eyes on bolstering Leeds United’s squad ahead of their Premier League return as well as looking to return the Gers to Scottish Premiership glory.

In Glasgow, though, Rangers officially unveiled Lyall Cameron as their first addition of the summer on Tuesday, with the midfielder signing a pre-contract agreement back in February.

Talking in his first interview as a Gers player, Cameron said: “It is amazing to walk in the door today, it is a privilege really. I have been looking forward to it for a long time.

“It was a no brainer as soon as Rangers came in, I was desperate to be here. It is obviously a massive club and the history and everything about it is just amazing. Being from Scotland, I know what the club stands for, so I just wanted to jump at the chance.

“It is a new project, they are looking to build, improve and win leagues again and I really wanted to be a part of it. I want to come here, make an impression, do as well as possible and get this club back to where it belongs.”

More players are set to follow Cameron through the Ibrox door, and there have been strong links to Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons and Peterborough United’s Kwame Poku.

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ByBen Gray Jun 18, 2025

However, with multiple additions on the cards, there may also be some Rangers stars heading for the exit door, and a worrying new update

Rangers could sell £50m stars Igamane and Raskin

According to a transfer update from Football Insider, Martin wants to build his Rangers side around stars Hamza Igamane and Nicolas Raskin. However, despite this, the 49ers could still cash in on the pair this summer.

It is claimed that ‘sources say Rangers are still susceptible to big offers for the duo despite their recent US-backed takeover but do not need to sell for below-market prices’.

Both Igamane and Raskin have been valued at £25m each recently, with the likes of Everton and West Ham keen on the former, whereas numerous clubs in Europe have their eye on Raskin.

Should clubs come in with £25m for the duo, it would smash the current record Ibrox departure which stands at just under £20m.

Calvin Bassey

Ajax

£19.6m

2022

Nathan Patterson

Everton

£11.5m

2022

Alan Hutton

Tottenham

£9m

2008

Giovanni van Bronckhorst

Arsenal

£8.5m

2001

Jean-Alain Boumsong

Newcastle

£8m

2005

It would give Rangers and the 49ers plenty more cash to play with, however, Martin may not be happy if the pair are sold given he wants to keep them in Glasgow.