All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring Calvin Ramsay to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

That’s according to a report by The Scotsman, who claim that the 18-year-old right-back is wanted by all three of Leeds, Liverpool and Bologna this summer – the latter of whom reportedly saw a £4.8m bid rejected by Aberdeen in the January window.

Further reports claim that the likes of West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Burnley are also keeping tabs on the Scotland U21 international, for whom the Dons are believed to be demanding a figure in the region of £6m in order to part with.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more-2″ title=”Read the latest Leeds news, transfer rumours and more!”]

Speaking about the interest in his services back in April, Ramsay said: “It’s good being linked with big clubs but I’ve just tried to block it out really. You can’t get caught up in all of that. That’s the worst thing, especially as a young player.

“I’ve just broken into the first team this season, so I’m trying to block it out and keep playing my game. If you come into the first team and play well, like I have, anything can happen.

“The likes of Aaron Hickey came in at Hearts. He did well and got a big move to Serie A and he’s been brilliant, scoring goals and everything.

“Andy Robertson at Liverpool and Kieran Tierney at Arsenal, they’ve all been brilliant and they’re players I look up to, especially as they are full-backs like me. I’ve seen what they’ve done. I feel I could go on to do that as well.”

The next Tierney

Considering how exciting a prospect Ramsay quite clearly is, it is not difficult to understand why Victor Orta would be interested in a deal to bring the full-back to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.

Indeed, over his 24 Scottish Premiership appearances this term, the £540k-rated talent highly impressed on the right of Jim Goodwin’s backline, scoring one goal, providing five assists and creating three big chances for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.8 key passes, 0.8 interceptions, 0.8 tackles and winning 3.4 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per game.

These returns saw the £880-per-week right-back who journalist Martin Hardy dubbed “highly-rated” average an extraordinary SofaScore match rating of 6.92, ranking him as the Dons’ joint fifth-best player in the Scottish top flight – with his consistently impressive performances seeing the teenager named as the Scottish Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year.

As such, it is clear to see that the teenager is heading down a similar path to that of former Celtic starlet and Ramsay’s self-confessed idol Kieran Tierney – the 24-year-old left-back who joined Arsenal in a £25m deal back in 2019, and has been recently been linked with a £50m move to both Newcastle United and Real Madrid this summer.

And, considering the sheer amount of potential the 18-year-old possesses, it would indeed appear a highly advisable move for Orta to do everything in his power to convince the right-back of a move to LS11 in the coming weeks, as, by landing the £6m talent, the Spaniard could well have secured Leeds the next Tierney.

AND in other news: Orta can seal “unbelievable” Leeds signing with offer for “unreal” £32.5k-p/w talent

Newcastle United, and by extension their owners the Saudi Public Investment Fund, have sent a senior official to watch Nice forward Amine Gouiri, according to The Northern Notebook from iNews correspondent Mark Douglas. 

The lowdown: Rising star

Having graduated from the academy at Ligue 1 outfit Lyon, Gouiri made the switch to Nice in 2020 for €7million (£5.9million) in July 2020 (Get French Football News).

Having been crowned the top goalscorer at the Under 17 European Championships 2016/17, since the move, the 22-year-old has amassed 45 direct goal contributions in 83 outings.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/newcastle-news-6/” title=”Newcastle news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Now it seems Newcastle could be eyeing a sensational swoop for one of the hottest properties in European football…

The latest: Magpies keen

As per Douglas’ latest instalment of the Northern Notebook, PIF have ‘dispatched a senior member of staff’ to watch Gouiri, dubbed ‘the new Karim Benzema’.

It’s claimed French sources have confirmed that Newcastle are ‘monitoring’ the 18-cap France Under 21 starlet.

The report also states that Real Madrid and Arsenal are also both interested in the £30million rated youngster, who has been called a ‘world class’ talent by Ligue 1 expert Adam White.

The verdict: Make it happen

So far this season, the French sensation has scored 12 times and provided nine assists in 42 appearances across all competitions, earning an impressive 7.05 Sofascore rating whilst completing 1.6 dribbles, 1.3 key passes and 2.0 shots per game on average.

Capable of playing across the frontline and possessing a close stylistic likeness to star names such as Borussia Dortmund forward Donyell Malen, Juventus star Paulo Dybala and Barcelona’s Memphis Depay (FBref), Gouiri seems destined to keep illustrious company throughout his career and has already established a burgeoning reputation.

As Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and indeed the club in its new guise look to move onto the next phase of their development, signing a prodigious talent such as Gouiri for the mooted asking price would be a huge statement of intent.

In other news, find out which ‘world-class’ ace NUFC have now made contact over signing here!

An injury expert has now dropped some worrying news for Glasgow Rangers involving Kemar Roofe.

The Lowdown: Roofe returns

Speaking to the media in his pre-game press conference ahead of the UEFA Europa League final, Giovanni van Bronckhorst revealed that Roofe is ‘available’, having trained for the first time since his injury on Monday.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/rangers-news-4/” title=”Rangers news!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He has not featured in the team for over a month because of the issue, but could well be in line to make a dramatic comeback against Frankfurt.

The Latest: Not so fast…

Speaking to Football Insider, Ben Dinnery, who has a background in both medicine and data analysis, has shared that Roofe’s sharpness may be ‘lacking’, and that he may struggle to get through even a 20-minute cameo:

“He will have been out for over a month.

“If we look at his player profile, Roofe is expected to make short, sharp, quick movements. His small percentage decrease in output might be exacerbated further because of the type of role he plays.

“So the truth is that it is not ideal but his baseline levels of fitness should be fairly good. That sharpness, however, might be a little bit lacking.

“But it’s a Europa League final and the adrenaline will be pumping. If he has a 20 or 25-minute cameo, hopefully that adrenaline will be enough to carry him through when he’s struggling.”

The Verdict: Don’t start him

Given what Dinnery has said about Roofe’s lack of sharpness, the Ibrox faithful must not risk playing him from the start, and instead hope that he can come on for the last 25 minutes or so of the game as he suggests.

With Alfredo Morelos injured, Joe Aribo has played as a makeshift striker in recent matches in the Scottish Premiership, and so should be comfortable in fulfilling that role from the start tonight, before being drifted back into midfield for Roofe to come on.

Of course, this will likely depend on how the game is going, as if the Teddy Bears are winning, van Bronckhorst may not feel the need to risk him, but if they are behind, then he may not have another choice.

In other news, find out which transfer target Gers have now missed out on here!

Sunderland have secured their spot in the League One play-off final at Wembley against Wycombe Wanderers, but even with Championship football within touching distance, it hasn’t stopped the transfer rumour mill from turning as new interest emerges for one Black Cats player.

What’s the latest?

According to BBC South TV and radio sports reporter Andrew Moon, Portsmouth are monitoring the situation at the Stadium of Light regarding Lynden Gooch, who is out of contract this summer.

Moon tweeted: “I’m told that out of contract #SAFC winger Lynden Gooch is a player that would interest #Pompey should he become available.”

Alex Neil’s first disaster at Sunderland

Losing a player like Gooch next season would be a huge disaster for Sunderland, whether they win promotion to the Championship or are consigned to another season in League One.

They have until 25 May to make a decision on whether or not they would like to extend the 26-year old’s contract ahead of next season or make him available for other clubs to snap up on a free transfer. With nothing currently finalised for the player, they could be set to lose him this summer.

The American has been a key player for Alex Neil and the Black Cats in their pursuit of promotion and was involved in the starting line-up for both legs of their play-off semi-final, which shows that the manager clearly values his presence in the middle of the park. When you consider his season statistics, it is no wonder Neil is a fan of the 26-year-old.

As per Sofascore, Gooch has contributed six assists, created nine big chances and made 1.4 key passes, 1.4 tackles and 1.2 clearances on average per game in his 40 league appearances this season. Therefore, he would be a big loss in the middle of the pitch if he is let go by the club in the next few weeks.

Due to his outstanding contribution in midfield, the player has been the recipient of high praise with Sunderland podcaster Micky Lough.

Speaking on the Wise Men Say podcast, he said of Gooch: “He’s shown quality throughout last season. He really likes to get the ball and run at defenders and make things happen. So, I think he’s got that bit of ‘X factor’ that a lot of teams in this league don’t have.”

Sunderland and Neil must do everything they can to keep hold of Gooch this summer and find a solution in order to secure his future at the Stadium of Light. They must act fast as other clubs are clearly taking interest in the midfielder already and could potentially turn his head with the right offer.

AND in other news: Sunderland handed big injury lift ahead of play-off final that’ll delight Neil

Tottenham Hotspur could be given a cruel reminder of what could’ve been this weekend.

The north London outfit head to Anfield to face title-chasing Liverpool in tomorrow’s late kick-off in the Premier League. The home side will be looking to keep the pressure on Manchester City, whilst a place in the top-four is still up for grabs for Antonio Conte’s men.

Liverpool were always competing for the title heading into the season but their fortunes vastly improved following the January transfer window with the notable arrival of Luis Diaz.

And it is because of Spurs that he will be lining up in a red shirt, rather than a white one.

[snack-amp-story url= “https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-spurs-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title= “Read the latest Spurs news!”]

If the Lilywhites didn’t register an interest in the then-Porto sensation, then it’s unlikely that the Colombian winger would be a Liverpool player today, as suggested by The Athletic’s James Pearce.

Diaz was a target for the summer but Spurs chairman Daniel Levy pushed to sign him in an initial £38m deal, potentially rising to £50m.

These negotiations quickly collapsed as the £40.5m-rated dynamo wanted to move to Merseyside, and by the time Levy came back with a guaranteed £50m offer, the 25-year-old was already on his way to Anfield.

The Athletic describe Levy as being ‘fuming’ with the decision at the time, and he may well get a taste of what he’s missed out on come tomorrow night.

Diaz has taken the Premier League by storm, managing three goals and two assists in 10 appearances, as per Transfermarkt.

“With a full pre-season under his belt I believe Luis will get better, which is scary; but what he has produced in the here and now is pretty special as well,” claimed Liverpool team-mate and left-back Andrew Robertson.

BT Sport pundit Rio Ferdinand has even lauded the 25-year-old winger as the ‘Signing of the Season’, as he told his podcast:

“You watch him play, on the ball he’s brilliant. But his reaction when they lose the ball is unreal. He’s like a trigger, bang, go go and get it back. For those reasons, he’s the standout signing of the season for me.”

Also lauded as “unplayable” by Robertson, Diaz is clearly an exceptional talent, and one who could seriously haunt Tottenham once the referee blows that whistle at Anfield tomorrow.

If Levy was already angry enough, just imagine the feeling in the boardroom should the Colombian star put on a show in front of his home crowd once again.

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano drops Christian Eriksen update…

Leeds United are back in Premier League action this afternoon and they’ll be looking to get their survival bid back on track with a result down in the capital.

Jesse Marsch’s side travel to north London to face an in-form Arsenal side, who too need points to maintain ground in the race for the top four.

Last time out, the Yorkshire outfit were thrashed 4-0 by defending champions Manchester City but that is their only defeat in six matches.

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds United news and rumours!”]

After naming a back five against Pep Guardiola’s defending champions and sustaining a season-ending injury to the versatile Stuart Dallas, the American head coach is left with plenty to ponder in terms of team selection.

Here’s the XI we’re predicting at the Emirates Stadium today…

There should be no surprises between the sticks as tried and trusted no.1 Illan Meslier continues his shot-stopping duties.

However, it could be all change in the backline as club captain Liam Cooper is expected to start, according to LeedsLive reporter Beren Cross. “Cooper and [Diego] Llorente [are] expected to be available on Sunday. Marsch went as far as expecting his captain to play,” he tweeted ahead of the game.

That should see the Scotsman come straight in for Robin Koch, whilst we may also see the Spaniard return, too, taking the place of Junior Firpo, whose struggles in the top-flight continued last weekend.

The £55k-per-week flop’s defending was lambasted as “schoolboy” by former goalkeeper Paul Robinson to the BBC.

It’s a move that could see Pascal Struijk shift across to left-back, with Luke Ayling back in his natural right-back role.

With a tweak in formation, we’re likely to see Kalvin Phillips partner Mateusz Klich at the base of midfield, especially with Adam Forshaw absent through injury and they’ll be joined by Rodrigo in the no.10 role.

Out wide, it should be Raphinha on the right but there’s a tough dilemma on the left as Jack Harrison has flattered to deceive in recent outings. The American could turn to Daniel James after he was named among the substitutes at Elland Road last week.

Meanwhile, leading the line, we could see a rare start for young academy sensation Joe Gelhardt, given he’s the only fit and available striker. That would make him the fourth and final change from the City thrashing.

Predicted Leeds XI (4-2-3-1): Meslier; Struijk, Cooper, Llorente, Ayling; Klich, Phillips; James, Rodrigo, Raphinha; Gelhardt

AND in other news, Fabrizio Romano relays big Kalvin Phillips update at Leeds…

Leeds United could target as many as four major signings this summer transfer window, according to The Athletic’s Phil Hay…

What’s the word?

The ever-reliable reporter delivered a fresh claim on the Whites’ potential off-season plans during a Q&A session with supporters this weekend. In response to one question about transfers, he responded:

“If Leeds stay up, they’ll try again to sign Brenden Aaronson from Salzburg. There’s a good chance of that happening. They want Calvin Ramsay from Aberdeen and James Garner at Man Utd is someone they’ve looked at. I’d also expect them to look for another centre forward.”

[snack-amp-story url=”https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-leeds-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-much-more” title=”Read the latest Leeds United news and rumours!”]

Four much-needed additions

United boss Jesse Marsch will certainly need a bit of a squad revamp come to the summer as the Yorkshire giants have battled with the prospect of relegation from the Premier League all campaign.

And they are by no means safe just yet.

Leeds have failed to sign a new central midfield option in nearly four-and-a-half years, the last being Adam Forshaw, who joined from Championship side Middlesbrough in January 2018.

Mateusz Klich has struggled for form and both Forshaw and Kalvin Phillips have suffered from injury worries, so it’s no surprise to see the club linked with two new options in Aaronson and Garner.

Marsch has managed the former before, at RB Salzburg, so that seems to have legs, whilst the Manchester United gem is someone that the Yorkshiremen have been linked to in the past.

Ramsay would be perhaps one for the future, though vice-captain Luke Ayling, 30, isn’t getting any younger and the young Aberdeen gem’s versatility could see him emerge as a potential solution to Leeds’ left-sided woes.

Meanwhile, the absence of Patrick Bamford for the majority of 2021/22 has certainly been their main Achilles’ heel this term. He does not have an out-and-out backup and it’s hurt the side immensely.

Only Raphinha (ten goals) has hit double figures with the England international bagging 17 times last season.

If the Peacocks’ hierarchy, namely Victor Orta and Andrea Radrizzani, can land all four, if not half of these targets – and Leeds stay up – then Elland Road will surely be bouncing heading into next term.

It could well be the start of an exciting new era in west Yorkshire.

AND in other news, Fewer touches than Meslier: £45m-rated Leeds passenger badly let Marsch down vs City…

Sunderland following their return to the Premier League, splashed the cash in the transfer market, spending around £170m on 14 new players.

As a result, their annual payroll has increased dramatically to an eye-catching £67.4m per season. But who earns what at the Stadium of Light? Here is what Sunderland are paying their players for the 2025/26 season, as per Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

1

Granit Xhaka

£110,000

£5,720,000

2

Nordi Mukiele

£100,000

£5,200,000

3

Lutsharel Geertruida

£85,000

£4,420,000

4

Enzo Le Fee

£75,000

£3,900,000

5

Simon Adingra

£70,000

£3,640,000

=6

Omar Alderete

£65,000

£3,380,000

=6

Bertrand Traore

£65,000

£3,380,000

8

Brian Brobbey

£60,000

£3,120,000

9

Arthur Masuaku

£55,000

£2,860,000

=10

Habib Diarra

£50,000

£2,600,000

=10

Reinildo Mandava

£50,000

£2,600,000

12

Trai Hume

£45,000

£2,340,000

=13

Chemsdine Talbi

£40,000

£2,080,000

=13

Noah Sadiki

£40,000

£2,080,000

=15

Chris Rigg

£35,000

£1,820,000

=15

Daniel Ballard

£35,000

£1,820,000

=17

Eliezer Mayenda

£30,000

£1,560,000

=17

Robin Roefs

£30,000

£1,560,000

19

Wilson Isidor

£25,000

£1,300,000

=20

Dennis Cirkin

£20,000

£1,040,000

=20

Anthony Patterson

£20,000

£1,040,000

=20

Ian Poveda

£20,000

£1,040,000

=20

Luke O’Nien

£20,000

£1,040,000

=24

Dan Neil

£15,000

£780,000

=24

Simon Moore

£15,000

£780,000

=24

Timothee Pembele

£15,000

£780,000

=24

Aji Alese

£15,000

£780,000

=24

Blondy Nna Noukeu

£15,000

£780,000

=29

Abdoullah Ba

£10,000

£520,000

=29

Leo Hjelde

£10,000

£520,000

=29

Romaine Mundle

£10,000

£520,000

=29

Jay Matete

£10,000

£520,000

=33

Joe Anderson

£8,000

£416,000

=33

Ahmed Abdullahi

£8,000

£416,000

=35

Milan Aleksic

£5,000

£260,000

=35

Harrison Jones

£5,000

£260,000

=35

Zak Johnson

£5,000

£260,000

38

Nazariy Rusyn

£4,500

£234,000

Here's a detailed look at Sunderland's top 10 earners… 10 Habib Diarra £50,000 per week

Habib Diarra is Sunderland’s record signing after joining in a deal worth £30m from Strasbourg, however, he is only 10th on the list of the Black Cats’ top earners.

The midfielder is under contract until 2030.

9 Arthur Masuaku £55,000 per week

Sunderland were able to offer Arthur Masuaku a £2.86m per year contract in 2025 due to the left-back being a free agent after leaving Turksih side Besiktas.

The left-back penned a two-year contract.

8 Brian Brobbey £60,000 per week

Dutch forward Brian Brobbey​​​​​​​ cost Sunderland an initial £17.3m from Ajax, signing a four-year deal.

Between 2025-2029, Brobbey is in line to pick up just under £12.5m in wages.

7 Bertrand Traore £65,000 per week

Like Brobbey, Bertrand Traore​​​​​​​ put pen to paper on a move to Sunderland from Ajax, costing the Black Cats £2.5m.

He arrived with Premier League experience after spells with Chelsea and Aston Villa but is only under contract until 2026.

6 Omar Alderete £65,000 per week

South American centre-back Omar Alderete​​​​​​​ made the move to Sunderland from La Liga side Getafe, costing around £10m.

A Paraguay international, Alderete, like Traore, is also on £3.38m but is contracted until 2029.

5 Simon Adingra £70,000 per week

Simon Adingra was Sunderland’s second-biggest signing in the summer of 2025, costing £21m from fellow Premier League side Brighton.

He signed a five-year contract and is set to pocket more than £18m in wages between 2025-2030.

4 Enzo Le Fee £75,000 per week

Enzo Le Fee was arguably one of the most eye-catching signings in Championship history, with Regis Le Bris reuniting with the midfielder after their successful stint at Lorient.

The Black Cats signed Le Fee on loan with an option to buy from Roma, something they triggered after promotion.

3 Lutsharel Geertruida £85,000 per week

Defender Lutsharel Geertruida is on loan at the Stadium of Light for the 2025/26 season, with Sunderland covering his £85,000 per week salary.

There is an option for a move to become permanent in 2026 for around £20m.

2 Nordi Mukiele £100,000 per week

One of two Sunderland players picking up £100,000 per week or more is full-back Nordi Mukiele.

The Black Cats sealed a deal with Champions League winners PSG for the French defender, and he is under contract until 2029.

1 Granit Xhaka £110,000 per week

Sunderland’s highest profile signing following promotion was former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka, and he is the top earner at the Stadium of Light on £5.72m per year.

Joining from Bayer Leverkusen, Xhaka signed a three-year deal with the Black Cats.

Gary Neville has suggested a Manchester City star “doesn’t get involved enough” and “could do so much more” after the Sky Sports pundit’s former club suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Manchester derby.

Man City back on track after derby triumph

Man City endured a difficult start to the Premier League season, losing two of their opening three games, but Pep Guardiola will be hoping the 3-0 victory over bitter rivals Manchester United can be an early turning point.

Phil Foden opened the scoring for the hosts just before the 20-minute mark, with a second-half Erling Haaland brace wrapping up all three points for Guardiola’s side, who always looked in control of the game.

Guardiola waxed lyrical about the Norwegian striker after the match, saying: “Erling has been incredible since the start but this season he is better than ever. I would say better than the Treble year. He’s dynamic and I don’t judge him for the clearance, we want him to score goals and to help us.”

While Neville was also left impressed by Haaland’s performance, the Manchester United legend queried why the striker is unable to put in similar displays on a more regular basis, saying on his podcast: “Obviously he sometimes doesn’t get involved in the game enough.

“He scores so many goals, but then I always think, you could do so much more, you could hold it up, you could rag-doll defenders, you could chase things down, you could defend it in your own box, you could win headers, you could do everything, because you’re that good – you’re that good a player, and today was that performance.”

Man City planning to beat Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona to free signing

The Citizens are set for a battle with the Premier League champions.

BySean Markus Clifford Sep 15, 2025 Haaland has made flying start to the campaign

The 25-year-old has been called out on his general play in the past, with former Man United man Roy Keane comparing the centre-forward to a League Two player after the Blues’ 0-0 draw against Arsenal in the 2023-24 season.

However, one thing that cannot be questioned is the Man City star’s goal-scoring ability, having won the Premier League Golden Boot award in his first two campaigns at the Etihad Stadium, while also maintaining a fantastic record in front of goal last season.

Season

Premier League appearances

Goals

2022-23

35

36

2023-24

31

27

2024-25

31

22

As pointed out by Neville, the Norway international also showed signs that his all-round game has improved against United too, making six clearances, creating one big chance and completing two dribbles throughout the match.

Although Man City have endured a difficult start to the season, having Haaland at their disposal should mean they always have a chance of competing for major honours, and Guardiola will be hoping the centre-forward can continue his fantastic form.

This summer, Glasgow Rangers will be looking for a very particular type of player to help strengthen the first-team squad at Ibrox.

The new manager might have some money to spend thanks to the 49ers Entreprises investment, but he should be wary of shelling out inflated transfer fees for those players on the continent.

Indeed, Michael Beale wasted nearly £13m on Sam Lammers, Danilo and Cyriel Dessers in the summer of 2023. Before him, Giovanni van Bronckhorst splashed money on the likes of Rabbi Matondo and Antonio Colak.

Looking a bit closer to home might be the best strategy for the Light Blues, especially with regard to hopefully generating a future profit.

Therefore, taking a look at players from England who are out of contract this summer might be a healthy approach to take.

In 2023, Dujon Sterling moved to Ibrox on a free transfer and has been a solid addition to the squad. Going back further, Steven Gerrard signed young defender Calvin Bassey, paying a compensation fee of just £230k in 2020.

He went on to make 65 appearances for the Gers across his two-year spell, but when Ajax came calling with an offer worth just under £23m, it meant Rangers secured a lavish profit on the youngster.

Perhaps the finest signing from England in recent years is that of Joe Aribo. The Nigeria international moved to Glasgow in 2019 and enjoyed an excellent three-year stint north of the border.

Joe Aribo's time at Rangers

Following a trophyless 2018/19 season, Gerrard sought improvement during the summer transfer window in a bid to challenge Celtic.

There was plenty of movement, as Ryan Kent, Filip Helander and Ianis Hagi all completed permanent moves to the club.

One of the most shrewd pieces of business was signing Aribo from the English side, Charlton Athletic. Rangers only paid £300k for the midfielder due to cross-border compensation rules, and Gerrard heaped praise on him, saying: “He’s mobile, dynamic, can burst past a player and create and score goals. There is room for him to develop but he’ll give us something we’ve not got in the midfield department.”

The club may have ended the 2019/20 season without a trophy once again, but progress had been made and Aribo demonstrated his class. Across 49 matches, he registered 17 goal contributions, setting him up nicely for the following campaign.

While his goal involvement output dropped from 17 to 15 during 2020/21, Aribo was clearly a more all-round player as the Ibrox side won their first title in a decade.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2021/22

57

9

10

2020/21

43

8

7

2019/20

49

9

8

He created seven big chances in 31 games, while averaging 1.2 key passes and succeeding with 1.9 dribbles – a success rate of 59% – per game in the top flight.

These dynamic performances bolstered Aribo’s reputation as someone who might attract a big transfer fee in the near future.

The club didn’t have long to wait. The midfielder helped the Light Blues win the Scottish Cup in 2022, while he also became just the fourth player to score for Rangers in a major European final following his opener in the Europa League showpiece.

That summer, Southampton secured his signature in a deal worth up to £10m, representing an excellent piece of business by the Glasgow side.

With the transfer window close to opening for the summer, could the club make a similar sort of signing? One Championship player has been linked with a move north.

Rangers eye move for Aribo 2.0

The 49ers first port of call is to announce a new permanent manager as soon as possible, but that hasn’t stopped the club from being linked with various players.

One name that stands out is Blackburn Rovers winger Tyrhys Dolan, who is set to leave the club once his contract expires.

Reports earlier this month claimed that Rangers are monitoring the Englishman ahead of the transfer window, and he could move to Scotland on the cheap due to cross-border regulations. Similar to the moves for Bassey and Aribo.

If a move does go through, Dolan could be Rangers’ next Aribo, no doubt about that.

Why Rangers must sign Tyrhys Dolan this summer

Having seen Vaclav Cerny return to his parent club after the end of the season, the only registered senior winger in the first-team squad is Ross McCausland.

Given that the Northern Irishman registered just four goal contributions all season, this area is a problematic one.

Therefore, signing Dolan for a minimal fee makes perfect sense. He is just 23, meaning the winger has yet to hit his peak and, similar to Aribo, he has enjoyed a solid start to his career in England.

Across 47 games for Blackburn, the youngster scored seven goals and chipped in with six assists, missing out on the playoffs by just two points.

When compared to his positional peers in the Championship, Dolan ranks in the top 11% for shots on target percentage (44%) and goal-creating actions (0.48) per 90, along with ranking in the top 17% for carries into the final third (2.04) and take-ons attempted (4.31) per 90.

A solid set of statistics show that Dolan is keen to take on his man whenever possible, while he also demonstrates a keen eye for goal.

He was praised following a performance during the 2023/24 season, with journalist Elliott Jackson saying: “I thought Tyrhys Dolan was absolutely terrific today. Not just for the goals but the way he worked off the ball.”

During his time at Rangers, Aribo could always make something happen when he was on the ball, creating individual moments of joy. He didn’t shy away from the defensive side of the game, however and is work rate was excellent.

Dolan operates in a similar manner and could be a fine signing indeed should the new manager wish to bring him to Ibrox.

Considering the compensation fee would be small, the English winger could become a shrewd signing indeed. Who knows, he might just generate millions in profit after a couple of successful seasons in Scotland.

Rangers hold talks with new 3-4-3 manager who is a 3-time league champion

Is he the strongest possible choice for the Gers?

ByHenry Jackson May 25, 2025