All posts by z3u9t.icu

Will Aston Villa woes in front of goal continue?

On Sunday, at the fifth attempt, the Villans did manage to score a Premier League goal for the very first time this season, thanks to this Matty Cash rocket at the Stadium of Light.

However, it did not help the Claret and Blue Army claim a maiden win of the season, with Sunderland equalising soon after, despite the fact the Black Cats played for around an hour with only ten men.

Next up, Unai Emery’s team will commence their Europa League campaign, welcoming Coppa Italia winners Bologna to Villa Park, hoping for a repeat of the 2-0 victory they enjoyed against the Rossoblù in the Champions League 11 months ago.

To do this, Villa will have to unearth a way to score goals, having managed only two in six fixtures across all competitions so far, which is why Emery should unleash his summer signing who is Bernardo Silva-esque.

Morgan Rogers' ongoing struggles

Last season was very much Morgan Rogers’ breakout campaign, scoring a whopping 14 goals and registering 16 assists across all competitions.

As recognition, he was named PFA Young Player of the Year, only the fifth Villa player to win the award, after Andy Gray (1977), Gray Shaw (1981), Ashley Young (2009) and James Milner (2010).

However, this time round, Rogers is yet to register either a goal or an assist in six appearances, seemingly struggling for confidence.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Rogers himself admitted “I might have been a surprise package last year, but now people know about me and they know about my game” adding, “they try to stop me…it’s been difficult”.

Given Villa’s ongoing struggles in front of goal, it is surely worth Emery trying something different when Bologna visit Birmingham on Thursday, so should he make a bold change instead?.

Who Unai Emery should start instead of Morgan Rogers

After a summer of frustrations due to PSR restrains, Aston Villa’s deadline day trolley dash saw them pick up Victor Lindelöf, Jadon Sancho and, most notably, Harvey Elliott.

The latter arrived from Liverpool initially on loan, but with a £35m option to buy, having starred at the under-21 European Championships, scoring five goals as England retained their title in Slovakia, named player of the tournament.

At the time of his Fulham debut against Wolves in May 2019, Elliott became the youngest player in Premier League history, subsequently spending six years at Liverpool without ever being a first-team regular, underlined by the fact that 78 of his 149 appearances for the Reds came as a substitute.

​​​​​​​

Still only 22 years old, he has moved to Villa aiming to become a first team regular, yet to start a league match in claret and blue, but that fact will surely soon change.

Well, Elliott did have an immediate impact at his new club, becoming the first Villan to score a goal this season, breaking the deadlock against Brentford in the EFL Cup last Tuesday, as they were ousted on penalties in West London.

His statistics from this summer’s aforementioned under-21 Euros underline Elliott’s potential.

Goals

5

2nd

Shots

20

1st

Shots on target

7

2nd

Big chances missed

3

2nd

Key passes

10

7th

Total passes

230

5th**

Average SofaScore rating

7.53

1st*

*minimum 5 appearances; **among midfielders only.

As the table notes, Elliott was key to England as an attacking force during the summer, with only Newcastle’s new signing Nick Woltemade​​​​​​​ scoring more goals, while only Mathys Tel of Tottenham registered more shots on target, both of whom are strikers.

Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville said that the Englishman is “like a Bernardo [Silva]”, given his ability to “control the game from a wide area”, praising his “technical ability”, while former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor labelled him a “special young talent”.

Given Aston Villa’s lack of goal threat so far, they simply need to make room for Elliott in their lineup, ideally as a central figure, which could force Rogers onto the bench.

Their visitors on Thursday Bologna have lost both away matches so far this season, beaten 1-0 by both Roma and AC Milan in Serie A, while the Rossoblù have not won on English soil since beating West Bromwich Albion in the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup 58 years ago.

Thus, this is a match Europa League king Emery should be looking to win, but, stating the obvious, his team will need to score a goal to achieve this, and adding Elliott to his starting lineup may be his best hope of achieving this.

Weekly wages: Aston Villa FC 2025/26 highest-paid players

Football FanCast takes a look at Aston Villa’s biggest earners for the 2025/26 season.

ByCharlie Smith Sep 23, 2025

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.

So far, this summer has been a rather frustrating one for Tottenham Hotspur.

As things stand, the only signings the club have made have been Kota Takai for around £5m and Mathys Tel, whose loan was made permanent for close to £30m.

Moreover, fans have seen several transfer targets slip through the cracks, with Antoine Semenyo agreeing a new deal with Bournemouth and Eberechi Eze now looking destined for Arsenal.

Worse yet, it is looking increasingly likely that Manchester United will be getting their hands on Bryan Mbeumo, who was heavily touted for a move to N17 following Thomas Frank’s appointment.

However, it’s not all doom and gloom, as Spurs are reportedly close to securing the services of someone who’d be their own version of the Brentford star.

Spurs target their own Mbeumo

With the club looking to massively improve on their dreadful 17th-placed finish in the Premier League next season, it’s hardly a surprise to see them linked with several impressive international stars, such as Xavi Simons and Ademola Lookman.

Transfer Focus

The former could cost around £60m this summer, and while that is undoubtedly a lot, he’d likely be worth it, as at just 22 years old, he amassed a haul of 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 appearances for RB Leipzig.

Likewise, while Lookman would cost in excess of £50m, his tally of 20 goals and seven assists in 40 games for Atalanta last season suggests he’d be more than worth the outlay.

However, as talented as both players are, neither one has been compared to Mbeumo, unlike Mohammed Kudus.

Yes, according to a recent report from Football Insider, Spurs remain incredibly interested in the West Ham United star, despite their initial £50m offer being rejected.

In fact, the report has revealed that the North Londoners have entered ‘fresh talks’ over the Irons star, and that they are now closing in on a deal, which will likely require a fee of around £65m.

It’s a transfer that would represent a significant financial investment from the club, but given Kudus’ immense ability, it’s one worth making, especially as he has been compared to Mbeumo.

How Kudus compares to Mbeumo

One of the most significant comparisons between Kudus and Mbeumo stems from FBref, which analysed players in the Premier League last season and concluded that the Brentford star was the sixth most similar forward to the Hammers ace in the competition.

The best way to understand how that conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely.

These include things like non-penalty expected goals, progressive carries, shot-creating actions, successful take-on percentage and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty xG

0.24

0.20

Progressive Carries

3.40

3.43

Passes into the Final Third

1.60

1.66

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.52

0.50

Live Passes

29.1

30.7

Shot-Creating Actions

3.72

3.80

Successful Take-On %

44.2%

46.8%

These numbers help to show that, despite not scoring as many goals as he would have liked last season, the Ghanaian international could still have a similar attacking output to that of the Cameroonian ace.

Furthermore, away from the statistics, there are also some more straightforward similarities.

For example, both players are playing their trade for London-based teams, and they both seem destined to join another Premier League side this summer.

Finally, both players are positionally versatile, with the Bees’ star able to play off the right, up top, or as a second striker, and the former Ajax gem being capable of playing across the entire frontline, as well as in midfield.

Ultimately, while it won’t be cheap, Spurs should do all they can to complete the deal for Kudus, as he’d be an excellent addition to Frank’s squad and their own version of Mbeumo.

The dream squad Spurs could build: £283m stars sign alongside Kudus

Here’s what Spurs’ squad could look like after a dream summer.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 8, 2025

Chelsea are through to the quarter-final of the Club World Cup, but they have also been keeping up on the transfer front while progressing in the tournament.

Chelsea see off Benfica to reach Club World Cup quarter-final

While their Premier League rivals are preparing for pre-season, Chelsea are in action over in the States, and they progressed to the Club World Cup quarter-final in dramatic fashion against Benfica despite having to endure extra time and a two-hour delay due to thunderstorms.

Speaking after seeing off the Primeira Liga giants, Enzo Maresca hit out at the lengthy stoppages the Blues had to navigate in their 4-1 victory despite eventually claiming the outcome they wanted.

“It’s a joke. That’s why I said it. if they’re already suspended six games, probably there is something that is not working. I’m not here to decide the rule. I’m no one to decide the rule. I’m the last one. I’m talking as a manager. As a manager, it’s difficult to manage two hours suspended.

“There is some problem for me personally. But I’m not talking – I’m talking as a manager. Because when you are two hours inside and you try to keep them in the game, but for two hours, they are speaking with the family outside for safety reasons.”

Nevertheless, Chelsea could face Manchester City in the semi-final if both sides progress that far.

The Blues have also encountered some alternative good news off the pitch as Borussia Dortmund star Jamie Gittens has agreed a move to Stamford Bridge and they have also agreed a deal for Brighton star Joao Pedro. The Brazilian is said to be ready to pen a seven-year contract and join the Blues in a deal in excess of £50m.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

Imaginably, Chelsea are set for an exciting summer as they prepare to re-enter the Champions League for the first time since 2021/22, and they could now be set to ramp up their interest in their next target.

Phillips: Chelsea add Antonio Silva to defender shortlist

According to Simon Phillips on Substack, Chelsea have added Benfica defender Antonio Silva to their shortlist after scouting him for the duration of the season.

Of course, they got an additional opportunity to watch him up close in their 4-1 victory over the Portuguese giants in the Club World Cup last 16, while his teammate Tomas Araujo is another potential recruit now on their radar.

Chelsea’s two new defensive targets in 2024/25 – all competitions

Antonio Silva

Appearances – 46 Goals – 2 Assists – 3

Tomas Araujo

Appearances – 44 Goals – 1 Assists – 3

Araujo primarily features as a right-back, which has somewhat deterred the Blues from making a move in their pursuit of an ‘out-and-out central defender’ at Stamford Bridge.

Nevertheless, Silva, who has been labelled “incredible” by former Manchester City assistant coach Lillo, is said to have heavily impressed scouts while competing against Chelsea and is now under consideration by the club’s hierarchy.

With Maresca claiming Conference League glory alongside a top five finish last term, Silva could be the man to take Chelsea to the next level in their hunt for further silverware.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and the Gunners hierarchy are determined to end their fairly long wait for major silverware by reinforcing the squad with star quality this summer.

"Certainly" – Journalist says Arsenal could sign £85m star within weeks

A timeline has emerged for his potential arrival.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

It’s been five years since Arteta hoisted the FA Cup aloft at the end of his first season in charge, and discounting Community Shields, Arsenal have had precious little to shout about since that triumph at Wembley.

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

Critics have consistently drawn attention to Arsenal’s need for a prolific centre-forward to lead Arteta’s line, and this was evident throughout 2024/2025, where they missed out on the Premier League title to Liverpool by a seismic 10 points.

Arsenal scored just 69 league goals last campaign, a far cry from the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two seasons, with their lack of firepower seriously coming back to bite Arteta.

Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus didn’t help either, so Arsenal are in pursuit of a top-class striker to gift Arteta that extra level of ruthlessness going forward, amid reported talks over Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

However, more reports are beginning to suggest that Arsenal could still sign a new centre-back as well, coming after they failed to tempt Dean Huijsen with a move to the Emirates before his switch to Real Madrid (Fabrizio Romano).

Lille defender Alexsandro is a target for Arsenal, and they’ve made initial contact over signing the Brazil international, as sporting director Andrea Berta weighs up a move, according to UOL.

As well as Alexsandro, it is believed that discussions have been held over a former Man City star who Arteta knows very well.

Arsenal make contact over signing Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr

According to Spanish newspaper AS, as translated by Sport Witness, Spain international defender Aymeric Laporte is now the subject of admiring glances from N5.

Laporte is on a seismic £400,000-per-week contract in the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr, Cristiano Ronaldo’s side, but he could now leave the Middle East nearly two years after signing for them from City.

AS report that Arsenal have made contact over signing Laporte, alongside the likes of Athletic Bilbao, Marseille, Inter Milan and Unai Emery’s Aston Villa, but it is Bilbao who appear to be most keen.

Laporte has special ties to Bilbao as a former player of the Basque club, and manager Ernesto Valverde has asked the La Liga side to re-sign their ex-star before deadline day on September 1.

Berta will obviously require the 30-year-old to take a large cut on his ridiculous wage packet, but in terms of star quality, he’s a very ideal potential back-up to the likes of William Saliba and Gabriel.

Laporte has won the Premier League five times with City and was a member of their famous treble-winning side in 2023. His experience could be invaluable, and perhaps Arteta’s previous relationship with Laporte at Eastlands could play a key role.

Crystal Palace are now showing interest in an “amazing” player, who is “expected” to leave his current club this summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Palace eyeing centre-back amid Guehi uncertainty

Marc Guehi’s Palace future has been a hot topic for quite some time now, with a number of Premier League clubs believed to be keen on the centre-back, including the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur and former employers Chelsea.

There may have been feint hope that qualification for the Europa League could tempt Guehi into signing a new deal to remain at Selhurst Park, but there are now doubts over whether the Eagles will even be allowed to play in the competition next season.

The 24-year-old will, of course, be eager to play European football at this stage of his career, so the recent developments are likely to be a concern, although UEFA are yet to make a final decision on the matter and the feeling is Palace will be allowed entry onto the continental stage.

That said, the England international could depart regardless, meaning Palace could be faced with the very difficult task of replacing him this summer, and Romano has now revealed one of the targets they have in mind.

In a recent update on X, the transfer expert has revealed that Crystal Palace have now started to “show interest” in Juventus defender Tiago Djalo, who is “expected” to leave the Italian club after spending the 2024-25 season on loan at FC Porto.

The Eagles are said to have a three-man shortlist of centre-back targets for the summer, and Djalo is among them, but their interest appears to be tentative at this stage, given that they are yet to make any formal moves.

"Amazing" Djalo needs fresh start at new club

The 2024-25 campaign was far from ideal for the 25-year-old, featuring just eight times for FC Porto in the Liga Portugal, which is unlikely to have impressed parent club Juventus, and he is in need of a fresh start at a new club this summer.

Despite failing to make an impact in Portugal, there are some signs the Portuguese defender could be a solid signing for Oliver Glasner’s side, having once been lauded as “amazing” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Talks held: Crystal Palace open discussions to sign UCL "gladiator" for £0

The Eagles have swooped in to sign a Champions League player, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025

Moreover, the £24k-a-week centre-back showcased his passing and dribbling ability while on loan at Porto over the past year, although he was less impressive from a defensive point of view.

Djalo Statistics 24/25

Average per 90 (vs other centre backs)

Pass completion

93.8 per cent (99th percentile)

Progressive carries

1.76 (99th percentile)

Passes attempted

67.16 (90th percentile)

In truth, however, it will be a tall order for Palace to find any defender capable of replacing Guehi, and it would be a real gamble to pursue a move for Djalo.

Despite already confirming Matheus Cunha’s arrival and seemingly submitting an opening bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now interested in signing a third Premier League forward this summer.

Man Utd submit first Mbeumo bid

With captain Bruno Fernandes set to stay put amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Cunha sealed and signed, Manchester United have enjoyed the perfect start to their summer. But they’re not done there. The Red Devils will be well aware that they still have plenty of work to do and have already turned their focus towards welcoming Mbeumo.

As David Ornstein reported and Fabrizio Romano relayed, however, signing Mbeumo will be easier said than done in the coming months. Brentford, after watching on as Manchester United splashed out on Cunha, are reportedly keen to receive a similar fee for a player who outperformed the Brazilian talisman in the 2024/25 campaign.

The big question is whether Manchester United can afford to splash out another £60m+ without completing a significant sale first. As much of a relief it has been to see Fernandes stay put, those at Old Trafford could now find themselves limited without his big-money sale.

The midfield star confirmed the news that Al-Hilal were, indeed, in pursuit of his signature but he declined a move to Saudi Arabia in pursuit of keeping his place among the very best, telling reporters: “I want to play at the highest possible level.

“I want to play major competitions. I know I still can and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most. For better or worse, this is how I see football and I’m passionate about football and this is the decision I’ve made.”

It’s also worth noting that the Red Devils already have potential alternatives to Mbeumo in their sights should they be priced out of a move for the Brentford star this summer.

Man Utd interested in Calvert-Lewin

According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are now interested in a move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer. The forward is on course to become a free agent at the end of his current Everton contract this month and, therefore, represents a bargain option for those at Old Trafford.

Whilst Calvert-Lewin has endured his fair share of injury problems and disappointing form in recent years, his Premier League experience is undeniable and it’s the type of experience that both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund lack.

Their own Wirtz: The "best finisher in the world" now wants to join Man Utd

Manchester United could be about to land their marquee signing just a week into the transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2025

The 28-year-old has earned plenty of praise during his time in Merseyside, including from former manager Sean Dyche, who told reporters following an impressive victory against rivals Liverpool in the 2023/24 campaign: “I thought he was excellent.

“He’s had a bit of illness. We’re hopeful that has passed, he had it before the game, so I must commend him on that. His physical performance was outstanding, He’s not quite over it but we hope it settles down a bit.”

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.

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Wolverhampton Wanderers have now joined Borussia Dortmund in the race to sign an 18-year-old rising star who has a £10 million release clause, according to a new report.

Wolves working on multiple deals as Cunha heads for the exit door

The turnaround at Molineux since Vitor Pereira’s arrival has put smiles back on the faces of the Wolves supporters as they head into their final games of this season and then into the summer. The Midlands side look set to lose talisman Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, as the Red Devils close in on a deal, but given what Pereira has achieved this season, there is optimism that they can find players who can replace the Brazilian.

It’s been reported that Wolves are accelerating talks to sign Harvey Elliott from Liverpool, as they want to win the race to sign the young Englishman should he decide to leave Anfield. The midfielder could cost the Midlands side as much as £50 million, which will likely be covered from the sale of Cunha.

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He could be on the move this summer.

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As well as looking to win the race to sign Elliott, Wolves are also leading the way to sign Jamie Vardy, who will become a free agent at the end of the season after deciding to leave Leicester City. Vardy’s arrival at Molineux would partially fill the void left by Cunha at a low cost.

Wolves join Dortmund in race to sign 18 y/o Montoro

It appears as though the hierarchy at Molineux are working on numerous deals at once, as according to Argentine newspaper Ole, relayed by Sport Witness, Wolves are interested in signing midfielder Alvaro Montoro from Vélez Sarsfield.

The report states that the 18-year-old is likely to leave the Argentine club this summer and make a move to Europe. It goes on to add that Montoro is in fact close to leaving, with it just about where he ends up. Vélez Sarsfield have tried to tie down the young player to a new contract, as his current deal expires in December, but they have so far been unsuccessful.

Not only did Vélez Sarsfield want to keep Montoro beyond this year, but the move to offer him a new contract was so they could increase his release clause, with his current one standing at €12 million, which is roughly £10 million.

Apps

36

Goals

3

Assists

2

As well as Wolves being in the race to sign the midfielder, Napoli, Dortmund and Benfica are also keeping an eye on his situation.

Montoro, who can also play as a right or left-winger, would arrive at Wolves still very early in his football development, but Wolves would hope that, with the right care and nurture, he can quickly become a member of their first team.