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Tottenham Hotspur appear set for a crucial call following the conclusion of this regrettable campaign, namely who they’ll decide on to replace under-fire boss Ange Postecoglou.

Ange Postecoglou likely to leave Spurs regardless of Europa League

On Tuesday, journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph reported via his sources that Postecoglou is increasingly likely to leave Spurs at the end of the season – regardless of what happens in the Europa League.

Related Tottenham: Thierry Henry-like striker facing exit with Spurs ready to bid

The Lilywhites want to take full advantage.

Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 19, 2025

The Lilywhites have suffered 18 top flight defeats this season, and they’re just one game away from equalling their record number of Premier League losses in a single season.

It’s been a dismal 2024/25 on the English front, with Spurs also out of every domestic cup. Postecoglou could yet save Tottenham’s season by clinching the Europa League and winning the club’s first piece of major silverware since the League Cup in 2008, which would also gift the north Londoners a spot in next season’s Champions League draw.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

European glory still may not be enough to save Postecoglou, though, with Law claiming chairman Daniel Levy and the 59-year-old could still part ways, even if success does come in the Europa.

This follows on from a similar report courtesy of John Cross in The Mirror, so Postecoglou’s potential N17 exit is gaining more traction amid rumours of Spurs eyeing the likes of Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva.

Both tacticians have impressed at their respective clubs this term, with Fulham and Bournemouth still outside contenders to qualify for Europe despite operating on shoe-string budgets compared to their more elite rivals.

Bournemouth are attempting to agree a new deal with Iraola, though, while Fulham vice-chairman Tony Khan has admitted the club would love to keep Silva at Craven Cottage.

That being said, Iraola and Silva’s contracts both contain release clauses, with the latter’s coming in at around £8 million.

Previous reports have suggested that Silva has emerged as a frontrunner for the Tottenham job (talkSPORT), with Iraola more inclined to remain at Bournemouth, so the Portuguese’s potential appointment could be one to watch.

Tottenham set for "big decision" with Marco Silva considered

Speaking to GiveMeSport, reliable journalist Ben Jacobs has shared his own update on Spurs’ pursuit of the former Everton and Hull City boss.

He reports that Tottenham are indeed looking at hiring Silva, and Levy is set for a “big decision” over the club’s next potential manager.

“Tottenham have got a big decision to make during the summer,” said Jacobs.

“We know they like Andoni Iraola, but Bournemouth want to tie him down to a new deal. Marco Silva, as well, is on the radar at Spurs, but Postecoglou is just alleviating a bit of the pressure and it will be interesting now.”

Silva’s former striker at Hull, Evandro, recently heaped praise on the 47-year-old as a “master” tactician, with his statement making an interesting read for Spurs supporters.

“He is a master,” said the player to Premier League Brasil.

“I like to put Marco Silva on the same level as Sampaoli, because he has a management model that I also look up to. Marco Silva has an excellent way of managing the group and his greatest characteristic is being rational and not emotional.

“I believe that in this role as a coach, if you let emotions take over, things get lost easily, because in football you have to deal with fans and the press.”

Liverpool’s season will live long in the memory, but FSG won’t want the 2024/25 campaign to stand as an outlier in the post-Jurgen Klopp years.

Luckily, that doesn’t look likely, not when Arne Slot is at the helm and thriving. The Dutch coach has been a remarkable success story, arriving last summer after several trophy-laden years in his homeland with Feyenoord.

The record-equalling title triumph must now be used as a foundation, built upon over the coming years to create another dynasty on Merseyside.

Arsenal and Manchester City will both feel their campaigns have been laced with disappointment, and they will be determined to strengthen over the next few months.

Liverpool need to do the same, especially after such nominal transfer activity in recent years. While a striker is among the priorities, it’s Anfield’s defence that could see the most dramatic shifts.

Liverpool's defensive plans this summer

Trent Alexander-Arnold will leave Liverpool, but he will leave a two-time Premier League champion and one of the harbingers of the illustrious modern age for the club.

Liverpool are going to need to replace their vice-captain, even if Slot is willing to give Conor Bradley the chance to prove himself as the first-choice option. However, matters are complicated by the urgency for a new left-back, with Andy Robertson showing signs of decline.

FSG do have a name in mind. Milos Kerkez is the far-and-away favourite to join Liverpool’s ranks this summer, having enjoyed an exemplary campaign on the south coast with Bournemouth.

The Telegraph claim Wolves are growing in confidence that they can tie Rayan Ait-Nouri down to a new deal, with Liverpool ready to bin their interest in the Algerian in favour of signing the £45m-rated Kerkez.

That’s not all. Andoni Iraola is doing a fine job at the Vitality Stadium, and the Reds are keen on raiding the European contenders for their star centre-back Dean Huijsen too.

Huijsen, 20, has been one of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League this term, with analyst Ben Mattinson even going as far as to call him “the most in-demand centre-back in the world.”

With a £50m release clause, the young Spain star is wanted by every top team, but Liverpool need a long-term Virgil van Dijk replacement.

And there’s more going on in central defence too, with one of Slot’s superstars continuing to pad along without any real clarity on their future, and whether that will remain on Merseyside.

In any case, Liverpool have struck gold on their towering titan.

Slot has hit gold on "monster" defender

Liverpool have a self-sustaining model under the ownership of FSG. This has rankled at times, but who can say the Premier League champions have been unsuccessful over the past decade?

This model does mean that certain hardships have to be endured, with some talented players warming to the idea of a pay rise that simply won’t be granted. Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah, it must be said, are the two exceptions to the rule.

However, in the case of Ibrahima Konate, it feels we have an incipient transfer saga on our hands, Reds, with the France international about to enter the final year of his £70k-per-week contract.

It’s understandable that he should want a new deal to better reflect his “monster” defending alongside the skipper, as has been said by Liverpool writer Josh Williams. However, if reports are to be believed, Konate is looking for a £200k-per-week salary to stay put.

This would make him the third-highest-paid player in Slot’s senior squad, perhaps not an unfair reflection of Konate’s worth, but maybe a little tall.

There’s also the matter of Real Madrid. That ever-present and ominous shadow that lurks over Liverpool. They are taking Trent, and now they want Konate too, disassembling and then piecing back together the right side of Slot’s backline, though in a shiny white hue.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

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According to Spanish outlet Marca, Konate is very much a transfer target for Los Blancos, but given that he is valued at €100m (£85m) by Liverpool’s chiefs, they are hoping to call upon more dark magic and sign another world-class player on a free transfer.

This is quite the hike in value for the 25-year-old, who first arrived in Liverpool from RB Leipzig in 2021 after his £36m release clause was met.

Ibrahima Konate in the Premier League

Season

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

Clean Sheets

24/25

29 (27)

1

2

12

23/24

22 (17)

0

0

5

22/23

18 (17)

0

0

7

21/22

11 (11)

0

0

4

Stats via Sofascore

It’s a neat reflection of Konate’s improvements on the fitness front; never has the 6 foot 4 star been so consistently available in a Liverpool shirt.

His value as one of Europe’s elite defenders is further underscored by how far he is currently away from up-and-comers like Kerkez and Huijsen, whose combined transfer value would only exceed Konate’s by about £10m.

Both talented players, the young Bournemouth duo are worthy of a move to Merseyside this summer, but they are not yet the finished article.

Konate has spent several years learning from Van Dijk beside him, completing 90% of his passes in the Premier League this season, winning 71% of his aerial battles, as per Sofascore.

He’s athletic and imposing, technical and tenacious. Liverpool have reaped the fruits of his labours for several years now, but he’s truly made himself known as an elite player under Slot’s wing, so important in winning the title.

Liverpool have hit the jackpot on their French defender, but it won’t feel that way in 12 months, if the ghost of Alexander-Arnold returns to take another top-tier player away from Slot’s ranks on a Bosman.

It’s paramount that FSG manage to engineer a new deal for this wonderful player. Maybe £200k-per-week demands aren’t so absurd after all.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 7, 2025

Setting their sights on a crucial summer transfer window fresh from Championship promotion, the 49ers are now reportedly ready to launch their move to sign an attacking reinforcement for Leeds United this summer.

49ers ready to back Farke with big summer spend

After securing the Championship title with 100 points and a better goal difference than Burnley, Leeds have already commenced their summer plan. Names such as Beto, Jamie Vardy and Caoimhin Kelleher have all been mentioned on the 49ers’ radar as they look to make a statement ahead of the Whites’ return to the top flight next season.

Vardy would be a particularly interesting signing. At 38 years old, it’s easy to assume that his days as a Premier League striker are behind him. Those assumptions have been proved wrong throughout the current campaign, however. In a struggling Leicester City side, the veteran forward managed nine goals in all competitions, with eight of those coming in the Premier League.

Set to become a free agent following the expiration of his current Leicester deal next month, Leeds could do a lot worse than boosting their squad with the addition of a Premier League-winning striker.

Those at Elland Road aren’t shying away from just how difficult the Premier League will be next season, either. Club chairman Paraag Marathe told fans in a club statement after promotion was sealed: “The Premier League is where Leeds belongs, and our goal is to establish a long-term presence there. With that in mind, we have been quietly preparing the club for this moment.

Related 49ers now in talks to sign "great" relegated star in bargain deal for Leeds

He could commence their summer business.

Posts 2 ByTom Cunningham May 14, 2025

“The road ahead won’t be easy but we are ready to step confidently into this next chapter. Above all, this is your club and your promotion. I want to thank each and every one of you, along with the players and every member of staff at Elland Road and Thorp Arch, for your tireless commitment in pursuit of this unforgettable moment.”

Leeds ready to launch Geubbels move

If it’s not Vardy, then it seems as though those in Yorkshire still want to sign an attacking addition this summer. According to Berliner Kurier, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 49ers are now ready to launch a fresh bid to sign Willem Geubbels from St. Galen this summer, handing Leeds and Daniel Farke an instant boost.

The Frenchman was reportedly on Leeds’ radar in January before a deal never took place. This time around, however, the Whites have Premier League football to offer and the forward, himself, is open to leaving St. Gallen.

Once tipped for great things, injury problems have often prevented Guebbels from reaching his top potential. After scoring 16 goals in all competitions this season, though, Leeds could offer him a route back to where he belongs at the top level.

It would be quite the story if the 23-year-old managed to fight his way back from obscurity surrounded by injuries all the way to the Premier League, but it remains to be seen whether Leeds can win the race for his signature.

A £150k-a-week Liverpool player is now on the verge of sealing a move elsewhere, with the deal at a very advanced stage, according to a report.

Important summer ahead for the Reds

Few would have predicted Arne Slot securing the Premier League title in his first season as manager, but the Reds have defied all expectations to secure top spot, with captain Virgil van Dijk set to get his hands on the trophy on May 26th.

However, despite the success this season, Slot is set to have a big job on his hands this summer, as the manager will be tasked with bringing in a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract.

Clubs from across Europe are also queuing up for Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan falling short of expectations this season, meaning a replacement is likely to be needed at striker, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak believed to be the dream target.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025

One of the only additions Slot has made to his squad is Federico Chiesa, with the winger being handed a £150k-a-week contract last summer, but it appears as though the Italian’s time at Anfield could be coming to an end.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Chiesa’s prospective move to Napoli is now at a ‘very advanced’ stage, with the forward excited by the opportunity to return to his home country after a disappointing spell on Merseyside.

The Serie A side are now stepping up their pursuit of the forward, having already submitted an offer, and a deal is close to completion, with Napoli keen to bring him in on a loan deal initially, with the option for a permanent purchase.

Slot should cash-in on Chiesa this summer

Rather than agreeing to an initial loan deal, the Reds should look to get the 27-year-old off the books permanently if possible, given that he has failed to adapt to life in the Premier League since arriving from Juventus.

While injuries have not helped the Italy international, he has made just five appearances in the Premier League, featuring for just 41 minutes in total, having been unable to make a name for himself on Merseyside, despite his previous exploits for club and country.

The former Juventus man’s only notable moment in a Liverpool shirt came in the EFL Cup final, scoring a late goal against Newcastle United, but his side were unable to force their way back into the game.

Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph underlines the fact they do not need Chiesa, so it is good news they are looking to get him off the books this summer.

Liverpool celebrated on Sunday, finally lifting their 20th top-flight title after winning the Premier League five weeks ago, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield.

Though Arne Slot’s side have understandably taken their foot off the gas since sealing the deal, claiming just two points from a possible 12, sporting director Richard Hughes has been working overtime, driving any number of transfer deals toward completion before the window has even opened, before the 2024/25 campaign has even wrapped up.

With Andy Robertson on the decline and Trent Alexander-Arnold on the move, Liverpool have moved quickly to advance deals for Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong, who could dominate the wide flanks on Merseyside for years to come.

Florian Wirtz is surely the pick of the bunch, though, with Bayer Leverkusen confirmed to have received Liverpool’s first official proposal on Monday morning, worth in excess of €100m (£85m).

Barring something dramatic and unanticipated, FSG will get this one done. Let’s have a look at how he might fit in.

How Florian Wirtz will fit in at Liverpool

Wirtz is only 22, but he’s already forged quite the career for himself in his German homeland, posting 57 goals and 65 assists across just 197 senior appearances with the Werkself.

Last year, he won the Bundesliga with Leverkusen, invincible and indomitable, claiming the division’s Player of the Season award for his troubles.

Rarely does a player elicit such a captivating response from fans while maintaining an energetic and industrious approach to his craft, so intelligent and aware of his surroundings, both friendly and hostile.

As per FBref, Wirtz ranks among the top 7% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal contributions, the top 7% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes, and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90. As a result, he could fit into a whole manner of different positions down at Anfield.

Where Wirtz could feature for Liverpool

Moreover, his productivity has been dished out with the consistency of a world-class player, the 2022/23 season standing as a lonely outlier due to his ACL injury, and injury he has bounced back from miraculously.

Florian Wirtz – Past Five League Seasons

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25

31 (25)

10

13

23/24

32 (26)

11

12

22/23

17 (11)

1

6

21/22

24 (22)

7

10

20/21

29 (25)

5

6

Data via Transfermarkt

Of course, every great playmaker needs a focal point from which they can direct their creativity, and Wirtz is no different. Darwin Nunez is “planning to leave” Liverpool this summer, as per Fabrizio Romano, and FSG have already identified their dream replacement.

Liverpool make the new Mbappe their top target

Newcastle United sealed a place in next year’s Champions League after finishing fifth in the league on the final day. That means Alexander Isak’s going nowhere, so says esteemed reporter David Ornstein.

Transfer Focus

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

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Well, Liverpool appear to have found the perfect alternative in Hugo Ekitike, with with reports confirming confirming FSG have turned their full attention to the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, who is now their top target.

Anfield sporting director Richard Hughes is going to need to roll his sleeves up to get this one over the line.

Why Slot wants Hugo Ekitike

Ekitike isn’t just on Liverpool’s radar; The Independent believe Chelsea are ready to make the focal frontman their top target of the summer transfer window.

It’s understandable. Described as the “next Mbappe” by journalist Graeme Bailey, Ekitike is an extraordinary profile, physical and rangy and with a killer’s instinct, but also gifted and stylish, creative in his approach and clever in his movements.

The one-time Paris Saint-Germain prospect has already demonstrated a head for thought-out career moves, jumping to the Bundesliga and flourishing. Still only 22, he’s excelled through his first full season with Frankfurt, scoring 22 goals and laying on 12 assists across 48 matches in all competitions.

Talent scout Jacek Kulig has mused that he can “definitely reach world-class striker levels,” and it’s an exciting thing to think about for those of a Liverpool persuasion. It might even be a signing on the level of Wirtz, providing Liverpool with a first-rate number nine for many years to come.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has even declared Ekitike to be “one of the best strikers out there” right now, and that he’s “ready to explode” when given the chance to perform for a high-level Premier League club.

FBref record Ekitike ranks among the top 9% of forwards for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions and the top 4% for progressive carries per 90, illustrating his elite capacity.

Indeed, this dynamic repertoire has led the data-driven site to list Isak as one of his most statistically similar stars. If this young Frenchman can be willed into the robust completeness of the Magpies’ main man, there’s no telling how devastating Slot’s team could become.

To be sure, Wirtz is an audacious capture for the Reds this summer, but Ekitike has the potential to reach the pinnacle of the game, and he’s every bit as exciting.

Ekitike isn’t there yet, but he has the trappings of a world-class centre-forward, now needs to take the right step toward reaching superstardom.

Where could this be? Chelsea could do with a striker, sure, but Liverpool have proven themselves the cream of the crop under Slot’s wing, with rising stars like Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo evidence that the French attacker could skyrocket to the top if joining the fold.

Given the level he’s already at, and indeed the troubles that have beset Liverpool at number nine in recent years, this could be a move as exciting as any at Anfield this summer – and that includes Wirtz.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 26, 2025

Arsenal’s search for a striker is set to dominate headlines as we enter the first mini-summer transfer window, and it’s an area of the squad which sporting director Andrea Berta is working hard to address.

Arsenal in ongoing talks for Benjamin Sesko in search of striker

Gabriel Jesus’ ACL rupture in their FA Cup defeat to Man United, and Kai Havertz’s lengthy absence due to a hamstring injury, crippled Mikel Arteta’s options up front during the second half of 2024/2025, prompting the Spaniard to utilise Mikel Merino in an emergency striker role.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 30, 2025

Merino performed well, but that injury crisis up front brought yet more attention to Arteta’s glaring need for a prolific centre-forward.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

A proven number nine has long been touted as the final missing piece of Arteta’s jigsaw, and Berta is said to be laying the groundwork on deals to bring Arsenal’s long search for a new striker to an end this summer.

Arsenal have held talks over signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, according to some reports, and they were heavily linked with a move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, until this week at least.

Now, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has entered pole position to become Arsenal’s answer to their goalscoring woes, and “concrete” talks are underway after Berta’s meeting with Leipzig director Marcel Schafer in London.

The Gunners are said to be putting their focus on a deal for Sesko, and discussions are centered around a payment structure for his £67 million release clause.

While Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg claims Gyokeres is still high on Arsenal’s list despite these Sesko talks, Spanish media sources claim their negotiations for the Slovenian have put an end to their chase for Sporting’s serial goalscorer.

Arsenal pull plug on Viktor Gyokeres deal after opening Sesko talks

According to reports from Spain, cited by Football 365, Arteta has now ‘ruled out’ an Arsenal move for Gyokeres, and they’ve now ‘withdrawn from the bidding’ to sign him – which could open the door for other linked sides like Man United and Barcelona.

This follows their decision to up the ante in pursuit of Sesko, so going by this update, it appears the 22-year-old is now their priority target.

Given the costs involved when it comes to a deal for Sesko, we wouldn’t be surprised if Arsenal pull a U-turn on this call, especially considering that Gyokeres could leave Sporting for just £60 million.

The “quality” ex-Coventry City star is fresh off the back of an exceptional campaign, scoring 54 goals in all competitions, and there are reports in Portugal that Arsenal have already offered Gyokeres a contract, so he could just be on the back-burner for now.

“I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games,” said Sporting boss Rui Borges about Gyokeres.

“The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.”

The 2025/26 campaign will be all change for Wolverhampton Wanderers. After a strong end to last season for Vitor Pereira’s side, the Old Gold promptly lost their two biggest names, Matheus Cunha, who switched to Manchester United and Rayan Ait-Nouri, who joined their rivals, Manchester City.

Now, the West Midlands side will have to recruit well and pick themselves up to build on what was an impressive end to the season. Under Pereira, they went from relegation candidates to one of the inform sides, going unbeaten in eight of the final 11 top-flight games.

The transfer window reopens on Monday, giving Wolves the chance to reshape their squad ahead of a huge campaign in 2025/26. Here is a look at their dream lineup next season, with some of those potential new additions.

1 GK – Jose Sa

The man between the sticks once again next term for the Old Gold will surely be Jose Sa. The Portugal international just won the Nations League for the second time with his country, and will surely be hoping to carry that form into the new Premier League season.

Last campaign, Sa started off shakily and was actually dropped from the starting lineup by former boss Gary O’Neil. However, his performances picked up, and he ended the season with seven clean sheets to his name in 29 games.

2 CB – Santiago Bueno

Santiago Bueno’s future at Molineux isn’t as clear-cut as others in this side. Wolves may well recruit at centre-back, but with the need to replace Cunha and Ait-Nouri, they might not have the money left over.

The Uruguay international played 29 games in the Premier League last season, but his involvement definitely decreased under Pereira. However, his performance at Old Trafford at the end of the campaign was described as “assured” by journalist Liam Keen. Perhaps the new boss will have seen enough promise in that to show faith.

3 CB – Toti

A key man at the back for the Old Gold last season was Toti, and it seems like he will be one of their first-choice defenders again in 2025/26. His role in this side is as the central centre-back in Pereira’s back-three system.

Last season, Toti, who has also played international football for Portugal, made 31 Premier League appearances. He also captained the side in their penultimate game of the season, showing excellent leadership skills and trust from the manager.

4 CB – Emmanuel Agbadou

A January addition for the Old Gold, Emmanuel Agbadou, was impressive during his first few months in the Premier League. He played 18 times in all competitions, helping his side to five clean sheets and even managing to get himself on the scoresheet.

He has certainly made a great impression during his short stint in the West Midlands. Journalist Nathan Judah said he was “one of the signings of the season” before going on to say that “he looks so comfortable” playing in the English top flight. A great start to life at Molineux.

5 RWB – Nelson Semedo

It is imperative for Wolves that they manage to keep Nelson Semedo at Molineux this summer. The club “have made an offer” to their captain, with his contract set to expire in a few months time. They can’t afford to lose such an experienced player.

Semedo was crucial for both O’Neil and Pereira last term, taking over the captaincy halfway through and dealing with that situation admirably. He played 34 Premier League games and grabbed four assists. Given this is a dream lineup, let’s assume he chooses to stay in the West Midlands. He would certainly be a huge loss.

6 CM – Andre

After his summer move to Molineux from Fluminense last summer, Andre really grew into his role in that Wolves midfield. Football analyst Ben Mattinson said he “quietly had a really good season” for the Old Gold, praising him for his technical ability in possession. As per FBref, he averaged 3.96 progressive passes per game, highlighting exactly what Mattinson meant.

In total, the Brazilian, who is a full international for his country, made 33 Premier League appearances last season. He played 90 minutes on 11 occasions under Pereira, showing just how much he trusts the midfielder.

7 CM – Joao Gomes

The other half of Wolves’ Brazilian pivot is Joao Gomes. The former Flamengo man was a key member of the Old Gold midfield, playing 36 games and using his extra attacking responsibility well, scoring three goals and grabbing an assist.

If some of Andre’s statistics stand out, then Gomes’ certainly do. He played the most progressive passes among his teammates last season, with 165, and topped the charts for tackles and interceptions, with 141, just pipping Andre in second, who notched up 128. That is a midfield pairing that will be crucial to Wolves’ success next season.

Gomes key stats in 2024/25 PL season vs teammates

Stat

Gomes number

Rank vs teammates

Progressive passes

165

1st

Passes into final third

122

1st

Tackles and interceptions

141

1st

Ball recoveries

200

1st

Progressive carries

59

4th

Stats from FBref

8 LWB – Gerard Martin

Finally, we reach the first new signing of this Wolves dream lineup. That man is Barcelona left-back Gerard Martin. According to a report from one Spanish news outlet, the Old Gold have ‘expressed interest’ in signing Martin this summer. They suggest that an offer of £10m or more would be enough to convince the La Liga champions to sell him.

Make no mistake about it, Martin would have a tough job on his hands, replacing Ait-Nouri, “the best left back” in the Premier League, according to Wolves man Jean-Ricner Bellegarde. However, he has been in and around a fantastic environment at Barca, and played an important role under Hansi Flick last term.

In total, the 23-year-old featured 42 times for the club last season, grabbing three assists, including two against Inter in the Champions League semi-final. With the quality of delivery on show from Martin, it surely showcases just how deadly he can be as a wing-back.

9 RAM – Bilal El Khannouss

The second new signing in this dream Wolves side is Leicester City star Bilal El Khannouss. GiveMeSport reported at the end of May that the Old Gold ‘have set their sights on making a move’ for the Morocco star ‘as a direct replacement for Cunha’. It is a deal that could cost them upwards of £22m.

Replacing Cunha will obviously be no easy task for whoever Wolves sign this summer, but perhaps El Khannouss is the best man for the job. After all, he is a “magician” according to football scout Antonio Mango, and that is what they are surely looking for.

At just 21 years of age, it was a seamless adaptation to the Premier League for the Morocco international last season. The Foxes’ attacking midfielder scored twice and grabbed three assists in 32 Premier League games last season, including a winning goal away to Tottenham Hotspur.

10 CF – Jorgen Strand Larsen

Jorgen Strand Larsen’s silky link-up play, which should combine superbly with El Khannouss, will still make for a great watch. Last term, he played 21 key passes in the Premier League.

The Norway star will join the club permanently after he made 35 appearances in the Premier League, enough to trigger the buy clause. In that time, he was sensational, with 14 goals and four assists, showing some of the aforementioned link-up play. Pereira will hope he can continue that excellent form into next season.

England captain makes second fifty in a row as Western Storm seal 11-run win

ECB Reporters Network19-Jun-2024

Heather Knight was in the runs for Western Storm•PA Images via Getty Images

Heather Knight got herself into form ahead of England’s series with New Zealand with 66 as Western Storm condemned Sunrisers to the wooden spoon in the Charlotte Edwards Cup.England skipper Knight grabbed her second fifty in a row to average 52 in the competition, to put the disappointing Pakistan T20Is behind her before the White Ferns arrive for three ODIs and five T20s from next Wednesday.Her 74-run stand with 20-year-old Emma Corney – who made a CEC best of 46 – put Storm on track for 142 for seven, with Blaze loanee Sophie Munro picking up four for 23.Despite Grace Scrivens and Jo Gardner’s speedy start, Sunrisers fell 11 runs short to end as the bottom-placed side for the fourth year in a row – with Storm ending their tournament a point and a place better off.Storm chose to bat, and used Corney as a facilitator for Dani Gibson and then Knight to score runs quickly at the other end.Gibson used her feet to good effect as she bashed a trio of boundaries before top-edging to short fine, with the visitors reaching a creditable 44 for one in the powerplay.While Corney confidently ticked the runs along from one end, Knight showed all her experience and skill – with the pair putting on 74 for the second wicket.Devon-raised Corney strode past her previous CEC best of 40 – but fell four runs short of a maiden fifty when she slapped to backward point.It began a Storm collapse, which saw them lose six wickets for 41 runs in the final six overs.Fran Wilson was run out by a sensational direct hit from the boundary from Gardner, Sophie Luff chipped to mid-off, Kate Coppack brilliantly pouched Amanda Jade Wellington at short third before Nat Wraith skied one.But throughout, Knight continued to score at a decent pace, slog-sweeping the only six of the innings, as she brought up back-to-back fifties in 34 balls.She was stumped off the final ball – to hand Munro the fourth of her impressive haul – as Storm reached 142 for seven.In reply, Mady Villiers holed out to deep square in the fourth over, but Grace Scrivens and Gardner blitzed Sunrisers ahead of the rate.But the duo fell within six balls of each other either side of the powerplay to begin a wobble they never recovered from.Scrivens had continued her form from the 42 versus Blaze and unbeaten 62 against Stars to crash a quick-fire 26 – before falling to the last ball of the powerplay – while Gardner distributed three consecutive fours off Gibson.But both offered up simple catches, before Lissy MacLeod was caught and bowled first ball by Chloe Skelton.Amara Carr swept to short fine, Flo Miller was bowled and Amu Surenkumar found deep midwicket as Sunrisers never recovered.Jodi Grewcock held firm with 40 – one of two run outs in the last over – but Storm completed their second win of the competition without further anxiety.

Norwich City have now reached a £2.1 million agreement to complete their fifth signing of this summer, according to a recent report.

Canaries active early in the summer window

It has been a busy few weeks for the Canaries since their 2024/25 Championship campaign came to an end. Not only have Norwich brought a new manager in, in the form of Liam Manning, but they have also made four new additions in the short time the transfer window has been open.

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Midfielder Jacob Wright became Norwich’s first signing of the summer, as he joined the club on a permanent basis from Manchester City. He was then followed by goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw, who has joined from Plymouth Argyle. Defender Harry Darling joined the Canaries early this week, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal after rejecting a contract offer from Swansea City.

Norwich have since added a fourth signing this week, as they have announced the arrival of another goalkeeper in the form of Louie Moulden. Moulden joins the club on a free transfer after his contract at Crystal Palace expired, and he has signed a two-year deal at Carrow Road. Moulden is “buzzing” to be at Norwich and is “looking forward to getting started”.

He told Norwich’s media team: “Buzzing to be here, really happy. Obviously, it’s a huge club with great fans. And I’m really looking forward to getting started now.

“I want to show my quality to the manager, push the other goalkeepers and see where that takes us.”

Norwich reach £2.1m agreement to complete 5th signing this summer

It could be three signings in a week for the Canaries, as according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Norwich have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign defender Jakov Medic.

Medic had the option of many Championship clubs this summer, but his preferred destination was Carrow Road. The report states that the Canaries have agreed a 2.5 million euro (£2.1m) fee plus bonuses and a percentage of a resale should Medic leave Norwich.

The 26-year-old has been at Ajax since August 2023, when he joined the club from FC St. Pauli. He spent the 2023/24 campaign with the Dutch side but played just six games in the Eredivisie, as well as three games in the Europa League. His game time with his parent club didn’t improve last term, and he was sent out on loan to German side VfL Bochum, where he played 23 times in the Bundesliga.

Jakov Medic’s 24/25 Bundesliga stats

Apps

23

Starts

17

Goals

1

Touches per game

45.0

Passing accuracy per game

30.1 (88%)

Interceptions per game

1.0

Tackles per game

0.6

Balls recovered per game

3.3

Clearances per game

4.9

Medic, who is a centre-back by trade but can also operate in a defensive midfield role, will join Darling as a defensive signing this summer. The Canaries already have the likes of Shane Duffy, Ruairi McConville and Jose Córdoba as centre-back options, but it is likely Medic and Darling could form a partnership now at the heart of Norwich’s defence.

Newcastle United’s search for potential signings is underway. Eddie Howe must bolster certain areas of his squad, considering they will take on Europe’s best in the Champions League next season.

There has been reported interest in both Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon in recent weeks, and the thought of losing either of his star players must fill the head coach with dread.

If he can keep both of them at St James’ Park next season, while adding another couple of high-profile players, the club could make progress in the Champions League.

It appears as though the manager has eyes on someone who shone on Europe’s brightest stage last term…

Newcastle eye move for German star

According to journalist Lee Ryder, writing in the Chronicle, the Magpies have sent scouts to monitor Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn throughout the winter months and remain keen on signing him during the current summer transfer window.

Brendan Rodgers has set a price tag of £15m on the German star, which is certainly more than affordable for the Toon, who are eyeing up the left-footed attacker.

RB Leipzig are also showing plenty of interest, but with the promised land of the Champions League set to grace St James’ Park once again, Kuhn has a big reason to favour a move to the north-east of England over a return to his former club.

Howe was keen on making a move for Anthony Elanga, but Nottingham Forest have placed a price tag of £60m on the winger.

On the surface, might Kuhn be a better signing than the former Manchester United starlet?

Why Nicolas Kuhn would be a better signing than Elanga

First and foremost, the price difference is staggering. Of course, Elanga has proven experience in the Premier League, scoring six times while grabbing 11 assists.

There is no doubt he could add something different on the right flank for Howe, but the winger has played just three Champions League games throughout his entire career.

Comparing Kuhn and Elanga statistics from 2024/25 (League only)

Metric

Kuhn

Elanga

Goals

13

6

Assists

9

11

Key passes per game

1.6

1.3

Big chances created

11

9

Shots per game

1.9

1.2

Successful dribbles per game

1.8

0.7

This is when a move for Kuhn becomes advantageous. In the competition last season, the German not only scored three goals, including one against Bayern Munich, but he also provided an assist.

Furthermore, he had a goal conversion percentage of 38%, while also creating five big chances, averaging 1.5 key passes and succeeding with 1.7 dribbles against the best Europe can offer.

Overall, Kuhn scored 21 times and recorded 15 assists in all competitions for Celtic last season. It is no wonder he was hailed as “breathtaking” by pundit Marvin Bartley amid his excellent 2024/25 campaign.

Yes, making the step up from the Premiership to the English top flight is difficult, but for just £15m, Howe must be keen on taking the gamble.

His form in the Champions League must make him a slightly more attractive option than Elanga, especially with Newcastle keen to do well next term.

Having scouted him in spells last year, it is clear there is serious interest. Will Howe make his move sooner rather than later?

Only time will tell.

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