All posts by h716a5.icu

Arne Slot’s achievement of winning the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool manager is nothing short of sensational, offering a seamless transition after taking over from Jürgen Klopp.

The Dutchman has led the side to the title with four games to spare, losing just two games in the process, highlighting the excellent job he’s done at the helm.

Such an achievement has secured the Reds’ 20th top-division league title, putting them level with Manchester United in terms of being the most successful side in English football history.

Undoubtedly, after tasting success in his first season, the 46-year-old will want to make it back-to-back in 2025/26, hopefully having the chance to make the necessary changes to his squad this summer.

Multiple areas of the pitch are in need of investment, with foundations already put in place by the hierarchy for potential incomings over the next few months.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings

A striker has been on the club’s radar over the last few weeks, as Slot looks to add firepower to the frontline in place of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, who could both depart this summer.

Benjamin Sesko is the latest player touted with a move to Anfield, with the Reds needing to trigger his £55m release clause if they are to secure a deal for his services.

He’s been named as a potential alternative to Alexander Isak, who looks unlikely to swap Tyneside for Merseyside, with Newcastle United demanding £150m for his signature.

Alongside Sesko, Slot could make another Bundesliga addition in the form of Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, that’s if recent reports are to be believed.

According to CaughtOffside, the Reds are set to make an offer for the 28-year-old in the coming months, with his current employers valuing him at £35m.

It also states that Vincent Kompany’s are willing to let the Frenchman depart during the off-season, with Coman himself considering his own future at the Allianz Arena.

Why Coman could be Slot’s next Gravenberch

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch joined Liverpool in the summer of 2023 from Bayern Munich, looking to provide key depth in the middle of the park for former boss Klopp.

However, he struggled to break into the side, making just 12 Premier League starts, unable to dislodge Alexis Mac Allister from the role, with Wataru Endo even preferred to the Dutchman.

Slot’s arrival has transformed the 22-year-old’s career at Anfield, starting every single league game to date, and cementing his place alongside the Argentine.

Such a deal has proven to be a huge success for the club, with Gravenberch a key reason in their title triumph – offering a consistent presence in the side during a year of transition.

The manager could land his next version of the star in the form of Coman this summer, arriving as a fringe player from Bayern and looking to become a hit under his guidance on Merseyside.

The winger, who’s been previously labelled “one of the best players in the world” by Oliver Kahn, has struggled for game time this season, making just 12 league starts – unable to force his way into Kompany’s plans.

However, despite his limited minutes in 2024/25, he’s still managed to impress, producing numerous key figures that would bolster the Reds’ attacking department.

Games started

12

Goals & assists

9

Pass accuracy

89%

Shots on target

1.3

Chances created

2.4

Successful dribbles

3.1

Touches in opposition box

6.3

He’s still managed to register nine combined goals and assists to date, whilst registering 1.3 shots on target per 90, showcasing his threat with the ball at his feet.

Such a threat is further seen by his tally of 2.4 chances created and 3.1 successful dribbles per 90 – having the tools to further aid the likes of Mohamed Salah in forward areas.

Such a deal would certainly aid the club’s chances of replicating their success in the years to come, having the opportunity to cement themselves as the country’s best ever team.

£35m for a player of his experience and quality is a bargain in today’s market, enabling them to sign a versatile option who could easily replicate the achievements set by former teammate Gravenberch.

A big Diaz upgrade: Liverpool make approach to sign future "£100m" star

Liverpool could be about to make a move for a sensation who could replace Luis Diaz.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 30, 2025

Chelsea recruitment chief Joe Shields is pushing for a move to sign one marquee Aston Villa star, amid belief Unai Emery’s side could be forced to drop his asking price.

Chelsea set for busy summer as Todd Boehly seeks versatility

With a host of Chelsea players likely to depart Stamford Bridge, and the club currently in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, Enzo Maresca appears set to witness another busy summer.

Chelsea "ready to negotiate" re-signing £238k-a-week "leader", contact made

The west Londoners are exploring a “shock” move.

ByEmilio Galantini May 8, 2025

The first summer transfer window opens in around four weeks, and will be active from June 1 to June 10 before reopening again on June 16 and ending on September 1.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

This hands BlueCo a small chance to sign players before the Club World Cup, and while it is unclear just how many deals they can get done in the space of nine days, Chelsea know exactly which areas they’d like to strengthen.

According to journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are most keen to acquire a new centre-back, winger and striker, while the addition of another centre-back/left-back, attacking midfielder and goalkeeper isn’t ruled out either – depending on player sales and Champions League qualification.

Chairman Todd Boehly has also privately expressed his wish for the club to bring in more versatile players to help combat potential injury absences next season, as per Phillips, and one player who fits the bill in this regard is Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.

The Englishman has been one of Emery’s players of the season, bagging 14 goals and 13 assists in all competitions, with a decent number of them coming in the Champions League.

Predictably, Rogers is also attracting attention from rivals as a result, prompting Villa to place a seismic £90 million price tag on the attacker’s head.

The 22-year-old can play as an attacking midfielder, on the wing, and even at centre-forward – like he’s done on two occasions under Emery this season, specifically against Arsenal and Leicester at the beginning of 2024/2025.

Joe Shields driving Chelsea move for Morgan Rogers

The sticking point is obviously his sky-high price tag, but reporter Phillips, via his Substack, says there is an expectation Villa could sell him for a reduced fee given their PSR concerns.

He also says that Shields is personally driving a Chelsea move for Rogers, so this could be one to keep an eye on.

“Sources say that Chelsea are ‘big’ on Morgan Rogers and are more than monitoring a potential move to bring him in this summer with the PSR situation there,” said Phillips.

“We’ve heard that Joe Shields is a massive fan of Rogers and is driving the interest. There is the Manchester City connection there as well of course, and we know Rogers is close with Cole Palmer.

“Rogers, who will turn 23 in July, can play in a number of positions, including out on the left. Sources believe he would be targeted for the left role as well as being a good option centrally as well.

“Villa at the moment are asking too much for him but the belief is that they might have to drop the asking price if they cannot sell any of their other players as they look to sell in order to comply with PSR.”

Some reports suggest Arsenal are lining up a move for Rogers as well, so it’s likely Chelsea will face competition.

In what would be one of the most impressive moves of the summer transfer window, Arsenal have now reportedly held internal discussions about signing a modern-day Premier League legend.

Arsenal must go again for Premier League title

After suffering more heartbreak in pursuit of the Premier League title, this time courtesy of Liverpool, Arsenal have been left to go again next season. More so than in the two prior campaigns, this season’s defeat may well frustrate Mikel Arteta and those in North London the most.

Manchester City found themselves in injury crisis as fallen champions, Liverpool entered a new era under Arne Slot and Chelsea were restarting once again under a new manager in Enzo Maresca. If it was to be Arsenal’s year then many believed it would be the current campaign, before they themselves suffered injury issues and frustrating form.

He'd make Saka unplayable: Arsenal in talks for "the hottest CF in Europe"

Arsenal are ready to sign a high-class striker this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 3, 2025

Arteta spoke about his disappointment after Liverpool confirmed their status as Premier League champions, telling reporters: “Yes, [it hurts] big time. I understand that it’s a team who have been more consistent, they’ve had the ingredients to win it and it’s been painful.

“I want to congratulate Liverpool and what they’ve done, the manner they’ve done it and how consistent they’ve been, and I think they fully deserved to win it.”

There is still time for the Gunners to flip the script on their season, however, with a vital clash against Paris Saint-Germain next week handing them the chance to turn their 1-0 aggregate defeat around and step into the Champions League final.

European glory would undeniably end any heartache over the Premier League title and instantly create history in what is currently on course to become another season of what might have been.

Meanwhile, looking ahead to the next campaign off the pitch, new sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly looking to make one of the biggest statements of the summer.

Arsenal discuss shock De Bruyne move

According to The Boot Room, Arsenal have now held internal discussions about signing Kevin de Bruyne upon the expiry of his Manchester City contract this summer. The Belgian reportedly wants to remain in Europe in what has shocked the Citizens, who may well find themselves squaring off against one of their best-ever players having thought he would jet off to Saudi Arabia or the USA.

Whilst MLS side San Diego are still chasing the Belgian’s signature, his desire to stay put at the top level could certainly open the door for those at The Emirates. Arteta is also already more than familiar with De Bruyne’s capabilities, having worked with him during his time as Pep Guardiola’s assistant.

An undeniable Premier League legend, the £400,000-a-week star has earned praise which reflects that in recent weeks. Among those with positives to say, Guardiola told reporters: “You always have to be careful, have respect for the players who play main roles, and incredible players that play for the last, I don’t know, 20, 30 years in this club.

“But come on, there’s no doubt he’s one of the greatest, for sure. Because of his consistency – except the last year, year and a half, that he had injury problems – in important games and not important games, and every three days being there.”

Liverpool are now seriously keen on a second defensive signing alongside their widely reported move for Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong.

Liverpool closing in on Frimpong deal – Ornstein

The Reds have wasted no time seeking out a replacement for the outgoing Trent Alexander-Arnold, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong being identified as a key target, after it emerged the Dutchman was keen on a move to Anfield last week.

Such is their level of interest, Slot’s side are looking to wrap up a move for the full-back quickly, and it appears as though a move for the 24-year-old is edging close to completion. David Ornstein reporting on Thursday morning that Liverpool are advancing to sign Frimpong and there is “increasing confidence” from the player’s camp that a roughly £30m deal will be struck.

The next Coutinho: Liverpool in talks to sign "incredible" £85m "superstar"

Liverpool could be about to take advantage and make a swoop for a top European-level talent.

ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

However, a report from The Mail reveals he is not the only Dutch defender on Michael Edwards and Richard Hughes’ shortlist – Liverpool may also look at bringing in RB Leipzig defender Lutsharel Geertruida. In fact, signing Geertruida is considered a serious possibility, despite the interest in Frimpong, particularly considering Slot knows the former Feyenoord man very well from the time the successful period they spent together at the Eredivisie club.

The Reds have a good relationship with RB Leipzig, which could potentially make a deal more likely to transpire, with signing the Dutchman deemed an attractive proposition, given his versatility, having proven himself in central defence and even midfield.

Liverpool's right side sorted for years to come?

U23 Football Scout Antonio Mango is clearly a big fan of the Leipzig defender, having described him as “monumental” in the past, while also lauding the Netherlands international for his technical ability. His ableness to play multiple positions makes signing both players a real possibility, adding depth up and down the right flank as well as at centre-back in two quick swoops.

While Frimpong has caught the eye going forward, there are concerns that his explosive dribbling style isn’t suitable for Slot’s system, with the Liverpool manager preferring more conventional full-backs, so the Leverkusen man could even be used further up as cover for Mohamed Salah.

The £77k-a-week Leipzig defender meanwhile could be an ideal fit in a traditional back four, given that he is also able to slot in at centre-back when required, featuring in the middle of the defence only slightly less than as a right-back throughout his career to date.

Another added bonus is the fact that Slot knows he can rely on Geertruida, given the success they enjoyed together at Feyenoord, with a Dutch journalist previously describing the 24-year-old as an “Arne Slot favourite”, underlining the manager’s admiration for his former player.

Manchester City are now set to table a huge contract offer, in an attempt to lure a “world-class” transfer target to the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to a report.

Man City pursuing new midfielders despite Rodri return

Man City never really managed to recover from Rodri suffering an ACL injury against Arsenal back in September, with Pep Guardiola enduring a rare trophyless campaign after the FA Cup final defeat, and the manager believes his side would have competed if the Spaniard had been available.

The City boss said: “I don’t have any doubts with Rodri there, and Phil there, and everybody there, the central defenders there, we would have competed; in the Champions League we would have been better.”

Guardiola will no doubt be hoping that Rodri’s return is a major boost for his side, but the manager remains tasked with bringing in at least one new midfielder this summer, given that Kevin De Bruyne’s time at the Etihad Stadium is set to come to an end.

Fabrizio Romano: Man City hold first talks to sign "incredible" £50m+ star

The Blues have made an enquiry over a defender, and discussions over a deal are expected to continue.

ByDominic Lund May 27, 2025

It will be difficult to find any player capable of providing goals and assists as regularly as the Belgian legend, but there has now been a new update which suggests Man City are stepping up their pursuit of a new midfielder.

According to a report from GiveMeSport, Man City are determined to lure AC Milan star Tijjani Reijnders to the Etihad Stadium this summer, and they are planning to offer him a huge salary increase in order to get a deal over the line.

Having cooled their interest in Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, who could be Liverpool-bound, the Blues are eager to land Reijnders, and they are willing to spend a large amount of their summer transfer budget on the midfielder and offer him around £130,000-a-week.

AC Milan are eager to hold out for a fee of £50m, however, so the 26-year-old is unlikely to come cheap, but Guardiola’s side want a deal to be wrapped up before the Club World Cup.

Reijnders could be "world-class" addition for Man City

Scout Ben Mattinson believes the maestro is able to play at a “world-class” level, and he certainly put in performances of that standard during the 2024/25 campaign, despite Milan’s struggles.

The Dutchman predominantly featured in central midfield, while also often dropping to a deeper role, but that did not stop him from regularly providing goals and assists across all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Serie A

37

10

5

Champions League

10

3

0

Italian Cup

5

2

0

Whoever replaces De Bruyne will have very big shoes to fill, given everything the attacking midfielder achieved at the Etihad Stadium, but Reijnders’ recent exploits on the front foot suggest he could also go on to achieve big things with Manchester City.

The transfer window might have only officially opened a few days ago, but Premier League clubs are moving fast, and Arsenal need to keep up.

For example, while the signing of Martin Zubimendi feels imminent, Liverpool have already picked up Jeremie Frimpong and look set to land Florian Wirtz at some point.

Even Manchester United, who endured one of their worst seasons ever, are making moves, with Matheus Cunha already secured and Bryan Mbeumo making it clear he wants to join them.

The Brentford star has previously been linked with the Gunners, but while missing out on him is far from ideal, recent reports suggest the North Londoners are progressing with another attacker who’d be their answer to the Cameroonian.

Arsenal transfer news

Arsenal might not have secured any offensive signings just yet, but it feels more like a matter of when and not if, as over the last few weeks, the club have been linked with more than their fair share of exciting options, like Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost around £68m this summer, and while that might be a lot to pay for a 22-year-old, he has proven himself to be a reliable attacking outlet, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 games this season.

On the other hand, Pedro might cost up to a staggering £70m, and while he’s undoubtedly a talented player, we aren’t entirely sure his haul of ten goals and seven assists this season quite justifies that price tag.

Fortunately, another free-scoring phenom is high on the Gunners’ shortlist this summer: Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, Arsenal are among several teams incredibly interested in the Sporting CP star.

The report claims that the Gunners, Manchester United and Napoli are among the frontrunners to land the Swedish international but to do so, they’ll have to pay up to €70m, which is around £59m.

It could be a complicated and costly deal to get over the line, but Gyokeres would certainly be worth pushing the boat out for, especially as he could be the North Londoners’ answer to Mbeumo.

Why Gyokeres could be Arsenal's answer to Mbeumo

Now, while Mbeumo is primarily a winger and Gyokeres is an out-and-out striker, there are several similarities between the pair that could make the latter Arsenal’s answer to United signing the former.

Firstly, both players honed their craft in the EFL, with the Cameroon international joining Brentford from Troyes in the summer of 2019 at just 19 years old and making 86 appearances in the Championship, in which he scored 23 goals and provided 18 assists.

Likewise, following a couple of middling loans, the Sporting star joined Coventry City on a short-term deal in January 2021 and then on a permanent deal that summer.

During his two-and-a-half seasons with the Sky Blues, the former Brighton & Hove Albion ace made 110 second-tier appearances, in which he scored 41 goals and provided 15 assists, which was enough to earn him his move to Portugal.

This brings us to the second reason he’d be the North Londoners’ answer to the Red Devils’ question, which is that, like the Bees ace, the Stockholm-born “powerhouse,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, would be their own game-changing attacking signing.

Appearances

52

42

Minutes

4248′

3577′

Goals

54

20

Assists

13

9

Goal Involvements per Match

1.28

0.69

Minutes per Goal Involvement

63.40′

123.34′

For example, there can be no doubt that Reuben Amorim’s side will be more dangerous next season with a player who racked up 29 goal involvements this season.

In the Gunners’ case, the addition of a striker who managed to score 54 goals and provide 13 assists in 52 games this season could be utterly transformational and turn them from an almost side to one who could win it all next year.

Ultimately, while they aren’t exactly the same sort of player, there is no doubt that signing Gyorkeres would be the perfect response from Arsenal to United signing Mbeumo.

Their answer to Wirtz: Arsenal moving to sign "terrifyingly good" £85m star

The international superstar would be an incredible addition to Arsenal’s squad.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 3, 2025

After failing to negotiate a new contract with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton watched on as the Frenchman departed and are now reportedly eyeing his potential replacement in a £25m deal.

Everton must replace Doucoure this summer

For all his experience and important moments to match, Everton failed to offer Doucoure a new deal in Merseyside in a decision that they’ll be desperate not to regret this time next season. The veteran midfielder spent five years at the club in a spell full of ups and downs, from being dropped by Frank Lampard to thriving under Sean Dyche and David Moyes.

Doucoure was the man who scored the goal to keep Everton afloat in the 2022/23 campaign and he was the man who battled Curtis Jones in what proved to be his final-ever Merseyside derby. A Frenchman turned scouse, there is no denying that replacing his influence will not be a simple task for the Toffees this summer.

Saying goodbye to the fans, Doucoure said at the end of last season: “Hi Evertonians – just wanted to share this message with you that I’m going to leave the football club at the end of the season.

“After five wonderful years, my time at Everton came to an end. Everton means a lot for me. Obviously the past five years it’s been hard but I will always remember my time as a dream for me, to play for Everton Football Club.”

Everton fighting Leeds, Burnley and Sunderland for free agent signing

The Toffees are lining up a bargain transfer…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 11, 2025

It’s a decision that Everton must now justify by signing a younger, improved model this summer and, to their credit, they could do exactly that by welcoming one particular midfield star.

Everton eyeing £25m Yarmolyuk deal

As reported by Caught Offside, Everton are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Yegor Yarmolyuk from Brentford, who value their young midfielder at just €30m (£25m).

The 21-year-old is represented by the same agent as Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko and could now join his countryman in Merseyside to hand Moyes his Doucoure replacement. Joining Everton in pursuit of his signature, however, are Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.

Minutes

1,450

2,564

Progressive Passes

3.91

2.88

Tackles Won

1.74

0.98

Ball Recoveries

7.02

5.26

More robust than Doucoure whilst also outperforming the Frenchman when progressing play last season, there’s even an argument to be made that Yarmolyuk would be an upgrade on the former Everton man rather than just a replacement.

At just 21 years old, the Ukraine-born midfielder has already found himself at the centre of praise and that includes from Ben Mattinson. The analyst dubbed the Brentford star “underrated” and “physical” back in January and could now watch on as he swaps West London for Merseyside.

In a deal that would reportedly cost around £25m, the Toffees could commence their summer business with an absolute bargain whilst instantly replacing Doucoure in the process.

With time running out to ease their PSR fears, Aston Villa could have no choice but to sell a player that Unai Emery loves amid reported interest from Atletico Madrid this summer.

Aston Villa must sell players this summer

Despite their success in recent years and rise into becoming a top six side, Aston Villa must sell players to comply with PSR rules this summer. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire explained their situation on Sky Sports, saying: “I think of the 20 Premier League clubs, Villa are the ones who we’re most concerned about.

“Last season, when they did qualify for the Champions League, for every £100 of revenue that Aston Villa brought in, they spent £91 on wages. Those players will have had contract step-ups for qualifying for the Champions League.

He's like Palmer: Aston Villa could have bid accepted for £30m "machine"

Unai Emery is targeting several high-profile players this summer

ByRoss Kilvington Jun 14, 2025

“And remember, Villa have done very well in that competition. So that will be a plus. And they have sold some players as well, in both the last summer market and the January one. But I think there is still a perception that Villa will have to box clever.

“And of all of the clubs under pressure to sell players by June 30, I guess they’re the ones who are the club that gives the most attention because their spending in the last couple of years before getting into Europe was so extensive.”

It’s, therefore, likely to be a frustrating summer for those in the Midlands. Already, Emiliano Martinez has found himself among the headlines, and he’s one player who could make way to help Villa on the PSR front.

Meanwhile, Morgan Rogers is not short on admirers, although he is someone that Villa want to keep hold of in the coming months. Whichever route the Villans go down, they must approach their PSR problems with caution – avoiding a sanction at all costs – and that could yet see them sell one particular defender.

Atletico Madrid eyeing Lucas Digne move

As reported by Paul Joyce and relayed by Fabrizio Romano, Atletico Madrid are now looking at a move to sign Lucas Digne in the event that they fail to sign Andy Robertson from Liverpool this summer.

Whilst Digne’s departure would be a frustrating one, he is the type of player that Aston Villa should be looking to move on if they are to comply with PSR rules this summer.

At 31 years old, the £120,000-a-week defender will be past the peak of his powers sooner rather than later and as Ian Maatsen looks to break into Villa’s best side, this summer could be the best time for all parties to go their separate ways.

Whether Emery agrees will be the question, however. The Spaniard has never hidden his admiration for his left-back – going as far as to describe Digne as “amazing” last year.

Manchester United’s hunt for added attacking reinforcements has been evident this summer, as Ruben Amorim looks to strengthen his squad ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Whilst Matheus Cunha has already arrived at Old Trafford this window, their ambitions of added signings doesn’t appear to be slowing down in an attempt to rise up the Premier League table next season.

It remains to be seen how much funds the manager will have at his disposal from the board, but the 40-year-old has made it desperately clear that he wants a new striker to bolster his frontline.

Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee remain the only two senior centre-forwards on their books, with the pair’s tally of seven combined goals this season showcasing the need for added options.

With the transfer window now in full swing, it presents Amorim’s side with the opportunity to land their desired targets, making key progress on numerous deals.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Viktor Gyokeres has been the main name on their list given his previous stint under Amorim at Sporting CP, but it appears they have moved onto recent targets over the last week.

Jean-Philippe Mateta, Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dušan Vlahović are just three other names mentioned as potential options to provide added quality within the final third.

However, a move appears to be in the pipeline for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, with La Gazzetta dello Sport’s latest update confirming the Red Devils’ interest in the forward.

Their report claims that Amorim’s side are preparing a move for the Italian attacker, who registered 19 goals in Serie A throughout this season.

It also states that the 25-year-old has a £44m release clause that becomes active on the 1st of July, potentially waiting to activate such a deal in the coming weeks.

Why United’s £44m target would be a better signing than Ekitike

Despite the interest in the aforementioned talents, United have also been keen on a move to sign Eintracht Frankfurt talisman Hugo Ekitiké during the off-season.

The Frenchman appears to be a man in huge demand with fellow Premier League outfits Liverpool and Chelsea also firmly in the race for his signature.

Such interest is hardly a surprise given his form in the Bundesliga, after the 23-year-old netted 15 times in his 33 outings during the 2024/25 season.

However, he would be a hugely expensive addition for the Red Devils, given the fact the German outfit are unwilling to budge on their current asking price of around €100m (£84m).

As a result, United may have to look past a move for Ekitike’s signature, with Kean offering Amorim’s side a cheaper alternative due to his pending release clause.

However, they would also be getting themselves a just as impressive option, with the Italian managing to outperform the Frankfurt star in numerous key areas this campaign.

Kean, who’s been labelled “top-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has posted a higher tally of league goals along with a better goal per shot on target record – demonstrating the clinical edge he possesses in the final third.

Games played

31

33

Goals scored

19

15

Shot on target accuracy

46%

38%

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Take-on success

44%

43%

Fouls won

1.8

0.7

Aerials won

52%

46%

He’s also completed more take-ons and drawn more fouls per 90 this season, handing Amorim’s side a constant threat who can run opposition defenders ragged.

The Italian’s dominance is also reflected in his aerial success rate, winning more battles than Ekitike, making him a better focal point, something which is pivotal in Amorim’s system.

If the club can land the former Everton star for his £44m release clause this summer, it would be a deal that would finally hand the side the added attacking threat they need – doing so in a bargain deal too.

There’s no denying that Ekitike is an excellent option this summer, but given the difference in price and stats, a move for Kean should be a no-brainer.

Better signing than Ekitike: Man Utd submit bid for "world-class" £60m star

Manchester United could finally get their man after making a huge bid in recent days.

5 ByEthan Lamb Jun 21, 2025

The senior allrounder scored his first T20I fifty in two years to help Bangladesh beat Netherlands

Shashank Kishore13-Jun-20241:42

Maharoof: Shakib was prepared for Netherlands’ short-ball tactics

Prior to Thursday, Shakib Al Hasan had last registered a T20I half-century in October 2022. Since then, he’s battled a number of issues, on and off the field, including an eye condition that has hampered his batting.In his first two matches at the T20 World Cup, he was knocked off for 8 and 3. But in a vital group fixture against Netherlands, he broke the 19-match streak without a half-century with an unbeaten 46-ball 64 that helped Bangladesh post 159, which proved to be 25 too many for Netherlands. This puts Bangladesh in an excellent position to make the Super Eights going into their final league fixture against Nepal on Monday.”It was important for someone from the top four to bat throughout the innings,” Shakib said after being named Player of the match. “Happy with the way I contributed. It wasn’t an easy wicket [to bat on] but we held our nerves and put on a decent total.”Related

Shakib has arrived at the T20 World Cup, finally

Shakib, Rishad and Mustafizur take Bangladesh one step closer to Super Eight

Shakib walked into bat with Bangladesh in trouble at 23 for 2 but looked in sparkling form right from the outset. His counterattack along with Tanzid Hasan, with whom he added 48 in just 32 balls, caught Netherlands briefly off guard.The acceleration gave Bangladesh a little bit of breathing space on a surface that slowed down considerably as the match progressed. It set up cameos from Mahmudullah and Jaker Ali as Bangladesh made 54 off the last five overs.Shakib admitted assessing the surface wasn’t easy considering this was the first T20I at the venue in over 10 years. Shakib himself has had some experience of playing here, having featured in Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win overseas, back in 2009.While that may have elicited happy memories, it’s unlikely they could’ve drawn upon something from that experience. “There’s hardly been an international game here in the last four-five years, so we didn’t know what a good score was,” Shakib explained.”We had to keep wickets in hand to see where we would be after 14-15 overs and then see how far we go. Our total [159] was decent, in a World Cup can it’s always tricky to chase. I won’t say it was a winning total, but it was a challenging total.”Netherlands were in the hunt for the first 14 overs of the chase. After losing openers Michael Levitt and Max O’Dowd inside the powerplay, they accelerated courtesy Vikramjit Singh and Sybrand Engelbrecht. Then with Scott Edwards coming in and picking off runs against spin, especially towards the shorter leg-side boundary with the breeze, they brought down the equation to 56 runs needed off 36 balls.It’s at this point that legspinner Rishad Hossain turned the game around by picking up Engelbrecht and Bas de Leede in the space of three deliveries to turn the game around. He would finish with figures of 3 for 33 to take his wickets tally to seven in the competition, just two behind the leader, Afghanistan’s Fazalhaq Farooqi.”They [Netherlands] had their moments,” Shakib said. “In the 12th over, they were close to 90 for 3. Ten an over from there on this wicket with the wind going one way, it wasn’t easy to restrict them but credit to our bowlers for the way they held their nerve.”