All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal have been blessed with some utterly superb strikers in the past.

From Ian Wright in the early 1990s to the legendary Thierry Henry in the 2000s and even Robin Van Persie in the early 2010s – although the less said about him, the better.

However, while the team are in a far better place than they were five or six years ago, it would probably be fair to say that the last great striker who played for the club left in 2022, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Fortunately, Mikel Arteta and Co finally seem to be addressing the squad’s need for a clinical number nine, as recent reports have touted one of Europe’s most exciting strikers for an imminent move to the Emirates, a striker who’d be Arsenal’s best since Aubameyang.

Arsenal's striker search

Given Arsenal’s lack of goalscoring threat this season, it’s hardly surprising that the last few weeks have seen a number of top strikers linked with the club, such as Evann Guessand and Serhou Guirassy.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could reportedly be available for just £25m this summer, and while he might not be particularly well known to Premier League fans, his tally of 13 goals and 10 assists in 42 games for OGC Nice suggests he’d be worth picking up.

Guirassy, on the other hand, has a release clause worth £59m in his contract, but that too might prove to be more than fair, as in 45 appearances for Borussia Dortmund this season, he’s racked up a stellar haul of 34 goals and nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.04 games.

However, to ensure they sign someone who’d be their best striker since Aubameyang, the Gunners might want someone even more prolific than the Guinea international, someone like Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Monday’s print edition of Portuguese outlet O Jogo, as relayed by Football Transfers, Arsenal have made massive progress in their pursuit of the Swedish international.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that the North Londoners have struck a €65m – £55m – deal with Sporting ‘to sign the striker’ and that they will ‘officially complete the signing’ next week.

It’s a lot of money to spend on a forward from outside a top-five league, but given Gyokeres’ simply unreal record, it looks like it’ll be money well spent, especially as he could be the club’s best nine since Aubameyang.

Why Gyokeres will be Arsenal's best striker since Auba

While he left in unceremonious fashion and wasn’t exactly lethal towards the end of his time in North London, it cannot be forgotten that for much of his time at Arsenal, Auba was a tour de force in front of goal.

For example, he became the fastest player in club history to hit 50 Premier League goals in July 2020, and then, even with his downturn towards the last 18 months of his time at the Emirates, he left the club with a brilliant record of 92 goals and 21 assists in 163 games.

Since he left, Arteta has used Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Jesus, and Kai Havertz as his starting strikers, and while they’ve all done well enough here and there, none of them have been or are particularly prolific.

Appearances (*at Arsenal)

101

206

96

86

Minutes

8297′

13222′

5461′

6617′

Goals

96

71

26

29

Assists

28

35

20

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.22

0.51

0.47

0.48

Minutes per Goal Involvement

66.91′

124.73′

118.71′

157.54

For example, the Frenchman left the club with 71 goals and 35 assists in 206 games, while the Brazilian has amassed 26 goals and 20 assists in 96 games, and the German has 29 goals and 13 assists in 86 games.

In contrast, Gyokeres has been simply unstoppable since moving to Lisbon in the summer of 2023.

In 101 appearances for the Portuguese champions, the goalscoring “monster,” as dubbed by data analyst Ben Mattinson, has put the ball in the back of the net on 96 occasions and provided 28 assists, which equates to a sensational average of 1.22 goal involvements per game for just under two years.

Moreover, the Stockholm-born phenomenon has also been a dangerous outlet for the Swedish national side, as in just 26 appearances, totalling 1568 minutes, he has scored 15 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.23 games, or every 74.66 minutes.

Ultimately, while Arteta has had some talented forwards in his squad since Auba left, Gyokeres looks like he could be the first one to match the Gabonese icon’s ability, making his supposed signing look like a masterstroke.

Arsenal ready big bid to sign "unbelievable" £68m upgrade on Odegaard

The incredible international would be unreal for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 20, 2025

The mood at Liverpool right now is pretty good. Arne Slot’s side have been crowned Premier League champions, after all.

However, now that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave his boyhood club has been confirmed, that same mood has unquestionably soured, with the vice-captain expected to join European rivals Real Madrid when his contract expires in less than two months.

Monday morning’s announcement took the wind out of the fanbase’s sails; even the most optimistic of supporters will have known deep down that the 26-year-old was likely to join the Spanish giants, but FSG have the chance to make it all better in the coming weeks.

Yes, Liverpool are gearing up for a summer of significant spending, bolstering Slot’s squad ahead of next season’s title defence. The Reds are hoping to challenge for silverware across other fronts too.

The best way to help fans forget about the heartbreak of losing Trent to Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid? Bringing in some top-brass signings.

Sadly, Alexander Isak isn’t likely to be among such arrivals.

Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak

With Darwin Nunez reportedly expected to be sold this summer, Liverpool are in need of a new striker. Newcastle United’s Isak is right at the top of the shopping list, but if financial plates fail to shift, FSG simply aren’t going to lodge a formal offer.

Mohamed Salah is the only player in the Premier League to have outperformed Isak in front of goal this season, so you can imagine how good Liverpool would be with both players combining for the same cause.

However, Liverpool’s interest is unlikely to advance to something more concrete, with reports suggesting that the Magpies will look for a payment in the £150m ballpark.

1

Mohamed Salah

28

18

46

2

Alexander Isak

23

6

29

3

Bryan Mbeumo

18

7

25

4

Erling Haaland

21

3

24

4=

Cole Palmer

15

9

24

Liverpool need to strengthen across a range of areas, and signing Isak would be to the detriment of the greater vision. Jurgen Klopp’s decision to drop out of the race for Jude Bellingham and instead target multiple midfield additions would be something to recall at this point.

And anyway, it’s not like Isak’s the only exciting striker on the market.

Liverpool scouting new striker

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko this summer, though Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping close tabs on him.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s understood that Liverpool had scouts present during Leipzig’s recent draw against Bayern Munich, in which Sesko scored, and though the Gunners have conducted extensive groundwork into the potential signing, a move to Merseyside definitely can’t be ruled out.

Indeed, it’s alleged that Liverpool and Arsenal have held talks with the player’s camp ahead of a possible summer switch.

Valued at £70m, Sesko – labelled “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – might be a raw talent but he’s one who could be willed into a world-class shape under the wing of Slot.

Why Benjamin Sesko is perfect for Liverpool

Sesko is only 21 but has already been making waves in the Bundesliga, hitting 27 goals and seven assists across his first 62 appearances.

In fact, Sesko has clinched 39 goals and eight assists across just two campaigns for Leipzig, hitting 21 goals in all competitions this year.

He’s got the trappings of something special, and it’s hardly surprising that FSG should want to pursue his signature instead of that of Isak, who would cost around £80m more than the Slovenia international.

Harking back to that earlier point concerning Bellingham: Liverpool pulled out of the race for Borussia Dortmund’s prodigious midfielder in April 2023, a decision met with dismay from many of a Reds persuasion.

Where was the ambition? How were Liverpool so resigned to their slumped position? After all, the 2022/23 campaign was one of endurance for a Liverpool side falling apart, ultimately failing to qualify for the Champions League.

But, FSG stuck by their guns and their decision proved the right one. Liverpool welcomed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo instead, four stars who have each played instrumental roles in winning the Premier League this season.

Back to the present, moving for Isak would leave to similarly anticipated financial ramifications, limiting Liverpool’s scope for improvement this year. And change is needed.

Not only is Alexander-Arnold’s departure going to raise questions about right-back depth, but Liverpool need a left-back, maybe a central defender too.

Moreover, with Diogo Jota joining Nunez in falling by the wayside this season, it wouldn’t be remiss for FSG to consider more than one attacking addition.

Sesko, have no doubt, would be Liverpool’s main man if he signed, though. The 21-year-old has already been remarked to be “rewriting the laws of physics” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his extraordinary power and precision with both feet.

Sesko, as per FBref, ranks among the top 8% and 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-on and aerial duel success rates, his “elite athleticism,” as has been praised by analyst Ben Mattinson, and tenacity lending itself to such metrics.

Not just a sharpshooter, and further evidence as to why he could be the perfect Isak alternative, who has been described as “the complete striker” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The Sweden star’s pace and link-up play is second to none, also ranking among the top 7% of strikers for progressive carries and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90.

While moving for Sesko would be something of a risk, he’s scored 13 Bundesliga goals this season having missed just ten big chances. He’s powerful and purposeful and intelligent besides, the perfect Isak alternative and for less than half the cost.

Kerkez upgrade: Liverpool could sign £21m star who's a left-footed Trent

Liverpool are looking to sign a left-back in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 4, 2025

Leeds United have given themselves a chance to hit a century of points in the Championship for the first time in club history on the final day against Plymouth Argyle.

Daniel Farke’s side put on a show against Bristol City at Elland Road on Monday night, winning 4-0 under the lights, and are on 97 points heading into the last game of the season.

The West Yorkshire outfit have already secured their place in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign, having gained automatic promotion alongside Burnley last week.

There is still the small matter of the league title to battle the Clarets for, however, before attention can fully turn to the upcoming summer transfer window.

After the win over Bristol City, Farke revealed that there will be “tough” and “difficult” decisions to be made on players in the squad, as Leeds look to build a team that is capable of avoiding relegation from the Premier League.

One player who has sparked debate among supporters is Dutch centre-forward Joel Piroe, who is unproven in the top tier of English football.

Why Leeds may have to replace Joel Piroe

The former Swansea City number nine added a seventh assist to his season tally of goal contributions in the 4-0 win over Bristol City on Monday night, with a sumptuous cross-field pass to Wilfried Gnonto.

Piroe is also the top scorer in the Championship, with 19 goals in 45 appearances, and has outperformed his xG of 16.54 – helped by his recent four-goal haul against Stoke City.

Despite all of his contributions in the final third, Norwich City striker Josh Sargent was selected ahead of the Leeds attacker in the official EFL Team of the Season, voted for by the players.

Whilst Piroe has delivered goals and assists for the Whites, the Dutch striker’s all-round game leaves a bit to be desired, and former Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szomodics is a good example of how difficult the transition from the Championship to the Premier League is if you lack the physical attributes to make the step up.

Appearances

44

45

Goals

27

19

Assists

4

7

Duels won per game

2.5

1.6

Ground duel success rate

43%

33%

Aerial duel success rate

30%

20%

As you can see in the table above, Szmodics rarely won duels and was dominated on the deck and in the air by opposition defenders in the second tier, but was still able to notch 31 goal contributions.

In the Premier League, however, the Ireland international has continued to lose the majority of his duels (64%) and has only racked up four goals and zero assists in 19 matches for Ipswich Town.

He has not been able to impose himself on games without the physical attributes, whether that be speed or simply strength in duels, and Piroe, as shown by his statistics in comparison to Szmodics’ in the Championship, could suffer similar problems.

With this in mind, Leeds must consider making a move to land an upgrade on the Dutchman in the summer transfer window, which they could do by swooping for one of their reported targets.

Leeds United's interest in £40m Premier League striker

Back in February, OnTheMinute reported that Leeds United are one of several clubs interested in a deal to sign Rasmus Hojlund from Manchester United.

The report claimed that the Whites are keeping tabs on the Denmark international because Farke believes that he is a player with big potential at Premier League level, and that the manager believes that the star would be interested in a move to Elland Road.

Transfer Focus

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

OnTheMinute added that West Ham United and Juventus have also been linked with a move for the striker, which suggests that Leeds could face significant competition for his services this summer.

The outlet revealed that, despite Hojlund joining the Red Devils for a fee of £72m from Atalanta in the summer of 2023, he could be available for a fee of £40m, although it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites are prepared to spend that much money on him to bolser their squad.

Why Leeds should sign Rasmus Hojlund

The 49ers should push the boat out to land the Denmark international for £40m ahead of the club’s return to the Premier League because he could come in as an immediate upgrade on Piroe for Farke.

Hojlund, despite enduring a difficult season this year, has previously showcased his quality in the Premier League and the Serie A for Manchester United and Atalanta, and boasts the physical attributes to compete at the top level.

Content creator Alice Talks Football described the forward as a “physical monster” who has the “speed” and “athletic qualities” required at Old Trafford, whilst there remain question marks over whether or not Piroe has the athletic qualities required for the top-flight.

Hojlund, playing in a struggling Manchester United side, has scored four goals from 3.84 xG in 20 starts in the Premier League this season, but displayed more quality in the final third in the previous two campaigns.

Appearances

32

30

xG

9.47

7.64

Goals

9

10

Assists

2

2

Duels won per game

3.0

2.8

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old attacker scored 19 goals in the Serie A and the Premier League combined, overperforming his xG overall, in those two seasons, whilst winning more duels per game than Piroe has managed in the Championship this term.

These statistics suggest that the potential is there for the young marksman, who U23 scout Antonio Mango claimed has “electric pace”, to be a big goal threat for Leeds, as well as a ‘physical monster’ with his strength, athletism, and speed.

Hojlund could provide Farke’s team with a useful athletic presence at the top end of the pitch, and one that Piroe may not be able to provide based on his lack of mobiltiy at Championship level.

Even better than Archie Gray: Leeds must rue selling £1m "animal"

Leeds United once sold a young talent for £1m, and now he is even better than Archie Gray.

ByDan Emery Apr 27, 2025

Therefore, despite his goal return this season, Leeds could land an instant upgrade on the Dutchman by splashing £40m on this Premier League centre-forward.

With results not improving under Omer Riza, Cardiff City are now reportedly in shock talks to hire a veteran manager who would be handed the task of salvaging their campaign.

Cardiff on course for relegation

Whilst in charge on an interim basis, Riza won over the trust of Cardiff and was soon handed the permanent managerial role as a result of his hard work. Since then, however, it has been a disaster. Now a point adrift of safety with just four Championship games to save their campaign, Cardiff could yet reportedly make one last-ditch change in the technical area.

The struggling manager called on the Cardiff fans for support in his side’s bid to survive recently after last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat at the hands of Stoke City, telling reporters: “Regarding our fans, I think they were behind us for a lot of the game and when you’ve let a goal in on 85-90 minutes it’s expected that the hope goes from them and the only way they know to deal with it is to vent their frustration.

“All we can keep saying is that they’re important to us, the club is important to them, so they need to help the best they can. They are frustrated, I understand that. It’s hard for me to stand here and say what they should and shouldn’t do because who am I to tell them what their feelings are?

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

“All I can say is we’re trying our hardest and we all will continue to do that right to the end.”

In truth, however, it may be too little too late to call on such support with Cardiff now reportedly in talks with a potential replacement for Riza.

Cardiff in shock talks to hire Neil Warnock

In a shocking turn of events, Cardiff are now in talks to rehire Neil Warnock, according to Graeme Bailey via EFL Analysis. The veteran manager knows exactly what it takes to turn a club around, there’s no doubting that, and could yet return to the Bluebirds for the first time since a three-year stint between 2016 and 2019.

Bailey told EFL Analysis after confirming that talks have taken place: “Cardiff are considering making a change before the end of the season and former boss Neil Warnock is their preferred choice to come in.

“Omer Riza was given the permanent job in December having replaced Erol Bulut as boss and has battled hard to keep the club up since that point. However, the weekend’s loss to rivals Stoke City has left the Welsh giants in the bottom three and the club are now looking at bringing back former boss Warnock for their final handful of games to see if he can pull of a great escape.”

One of the most experienced managers around and someone who Pep Guardiola once described as “incredible”, Warnock could yet complete a surprise return to Wales before the end of the season.

Last night might have been a real reprieve for Tottenham Hotspur, but it doesn’t take away from the fact that this season has been a difficult one for the fans.

Ange Postecoglou’s side crashed out of both domestic cups and have lost 17 games in the Premier League.

While injuries have undoubtedly played their part, it would also be fair to say that the team have simply not performed to the required level.

So, it’s not surprising to see Daniel Levy and Co working to find new recruits ahead of the summer, with recent reports touting a standout striker for a move to the club, someone who could be a dream upgrade on Dominic Solanke.

Tottenham Hotspur transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other attacking stars that Tottenham are reportedly interested in, such as Tyler Dibling.

Transfer Focus

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

The Southampton gem could be available for around £35m in the coming months, and while that might seem like a lot for someone who is still just 19 years old, it’s because a lot is expected of him in the coming years, with the Saints’ academy manager Andy Goldie dubbing him a “world-class talent.”

A more developed star Spurs are also keen to sign in the summer is Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who could be available for a fee of about £70m.

Now, while that is an enormous sum of money, it might well be worth it, as even though he’s playing for an upper mid-table side in the Cherries, the Ghana international has still been able to amass a total of ten goals and six assists in 36 appearances this term.

However, when it comes to potentially replacing Solanke, the North Londoners will want someone even more prolific, which is where Jonathan Burkardt comes in.

According to journalist Christian Falk’s Daily Briefing via Caught Offside, Spurs are one of several sides interested in the Mainz striker.

Alongside the North Londoners, Falk has revealed that Liverpool, Manchester United, Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion have all scouted the German international.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Burkardt’s goalscoring ability, it is worth pursuing, especially as he could be a dream Solanke upgrade.

How Burkardt compares to Solanke

So, if Spurs are to get their man this summer and bring Burkardt to North London, his main competition for game time would be Solanke, but who would come out on top?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output, which is what matters most for a striker, it’s the German international who comes out ahead, and by quite some way at that.

For example, in just 24 league appearances, totalling 1679 minutes, he’s scored 15 goals and provided three assists, equating to a goal involvement every 1.38 games or every 93.27 minutes.

In contrast, the former Cherries star has scored just seven goals and provided three assists in 23 league appearances, totalling 2033 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.3 games, or every 203.3 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Is it just as one-sided a comparison when we take a look under the hood? Unfortunately, for the Lilywhites’ record signing, it most certainly is.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.76

0.57

Actual Non-Penalty G+As

0.86

0.44

Progressive Passes

1.95

2.00

Progressive Passes Received

6.86

3.78

Progressive Carries

1.35

1.29

Shots

2.76

2.49

Shots on Target

1.19

0.98

Key Passes

0.81

0.62

Passes into the Penalty Area

0.81

0.40

Live Passes

21.0

13.4

Shot-Creating Actions

2.05

1.64

Goal-Creating Actions

0.32

0.36

Ball Recoveries

3.24

1.56

Aerial Duels Won

0.97

1.82

For example, in almost every metric, the Darmstadt-born ace, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig has dubbed “one of the best strikers in the Bundesliga”, comes out on top, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, key passes and passes into the penalty area, shots and shots on target, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Solanke is a good striker, but he hasn’t been prolific this term and from output to underlying numbers, Burkardt looks to be the better player, so Levy and Co should do all they can to sign him this summer.

100% dribbles, 9 duels won: Spurs' 9/10 titan is as undroppable as Solanke

The Spurs star reminded everyone how good he really is last night.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 18, 2025

Everton scored a late, late winner against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon to secure a deserved 1-0 win over Nuno Santo’s top four contenders.

Despite Forest sitting third and the Toffees in 14th prior to the match, David Moyes’ men performed incredibly well throughout the match, with the late winner by Abdoulaye Doucoure ensuring they headed back to Merseyside in a great mood.

Everton dominated possession throughout (58% to 42%) while registering 13 shots, claiming seven corners and taking 29 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared to just nine for the home side.

Doucoure has had his critics recently, but his goal to seal the victory will go a long way to redemption, that’s for sure.

Abdoulaye Doucoure's game in numbers vs Forest

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, with his future at their new Bramley more Stadium rather uncertain at this moment in time.

Before the Forest clash, the Malian star had scored only two goals in the Premier League this season and not many expected him to pop up and net the winner on Saturday afternoon.

However, he popped up like a seasoned striker, bursting onto the end of Dwight McNeil’s counter-attacking pass to find the back of the net. His celebration? Rather cryptic, let’s put it that way, pointing to his head and then appearing to sign an imaginary piece of paper. Perhaps a new contract is incoming?

While the goal was vital, the midfielder completed 33 of his 37 passes – a success rate of 89% – took 50 touches, succeeded with 100% of his long balls and crosses into the box plus made a solitary tackle.

Will this display be enough to convince Moyes to extend his Everton contract for at least another season? Who knows, but he certainly bailed out a few players during the game.

Accurate passes

Mykolenko (51)

Key passes

Moreno (4)

Tackles

Garner, Anderson & Milenkovic (3)

Ground duels won

Anderson (7)

Shots on target

Ndiaye (3)

Everton star saved by Doucoure must be dropped

While many of Everton’s forward line have flattered to deceive this term, a certain Jack Harrison has been notably poor throughout the campaign and failed to influence the side again against a team chasing a Champions League place next season. As a result, he must be axed from the starting XI.

Chalkboard

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The winger had missed only four Premier League matches before the match on Saturday yet had registered only one goal and one assist during that time.

Those are hardly the best returns for the current Leeds United loan player, and he won’t be returning to the club next season. That’s a certainty.

Harrison did look lively in spells against Forest, delivering 14 crosses into the opposition’s penalty area, although only four were accurate. He even set up Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner for chances, yet both players missed their opportunities.

His antics going forward meant the winger lost the ball a staggering 25 times throughout the game. Given he took 60 touches, this works out as losing the ball once every 2.4 touches.

Journalist Chris Beesley gave the Englishman a match rating of 7/10 for his display, writing in the Liverpool Echo, notably criticising an effort he had that was blazed over the bar. It rather summed up his stint at Goodison.

Thus, with the man who replaced him, McNeil, actually registering the game-winning assist, perhaps it is the former Burnley man who should start instead of Harrison next time around.

Friedkin table offer in race to sign "perfect" £25m+ defender for Everton

They’ve had a response…

ByTom Cunningham Apr 10, 2025

Everton are keen to bring in some fresh blood during the January window and could now be lining up a multi-layered deal to acquire a former star at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Everton left frustrated after heavy defeat against Newcastle United

Despite holding home advantage, Everton were beaten convincingly by Newcastle United at Goodison Park on Saturday and will feel a sense of frustration at their poor defensive display, a rarity under the stewardship of David Moyes.

After a joyous victory away at Manchester United on Monday, despite having ten men for much of the affair, the Toffees failed to show the same resilience against Eddie Howe’s men and paid the price under the lights at their new stadium.

Speaking post-match, the Scot had no excuses for his side being unable to trouble the Geordies and made it clear that their European experience was a factor that helped shape a difficult night for the hosts.

He said: “We were beaten by a far better team. We go again, you move on but Newcastle were much better than us. You can see the experience they are gaining from playing in European games. They were just much more powerful than us all night.”

Even with a decent start to the Premier League campaign under their belt, Everton are building for January and could target FC Midtjylland forward Franculino Dju to try and arrest Thierno Barry’s goal drought since arriving on Merseyside.

Everton line up January move for England international who Alan Shearer called "world class"

The Toffees have spotted a low-cost opportunity.

ByHenry Jackson Nov 22, 2025

Celtic’s Daizen Maeda is also a wanted man and may be attainable, though they could also be willing to strengthen further back on the left-hand side if recent developments were to come to fruition.

Everton could look to re-sign Antonee Robinson

According to Alan Nixon on Patreon, Everton are keen to re-sign Fulham captain Antonee Robinson and believe £25m could be enough to secure his signature in January.

Armed with several formulas to potentially complete a deal, Vitaly Mykolenko has been mentioned as a potential swap option, with the Toffees unlikely to meet the Cottagers’ £40m valuation of the United States international.

Lauded by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley last season as being “one of the best left-backs in the world”, Robinson has made just four appearances for Fulham this term and has struggled with knee problems, which have seen him miss six Premier League matches in a row as he looks to get back to fitness.

Having come through the youth system at Everton before joining Wigan Athletic and then going on to move to West London, he is acutely aware of the club’s culture and would be a seamless fit, though it remains to be seen if the Blues can push a deal over the line.

After finishing 17th in the Premier League last season, it was vital that Tottenham Hotspur bounced back and rose up the table in the ongoing campaign.

Thomas Frank was handed the responsibility of leading the charge, after Ange Postecoglou was handed his marching orders despite winning the Europa League.

The Dane was appointed on a three-year deal in North London, but it was crucial that the supporters gave him time to make the changes he desired to the first-team squad.

He’s now 11 games into the 2025/26 campaign, with the Lilywhites currently occupying fifth place going into the third international break of the current season.

However, there are still improvements to be made across the squad, that’s despite Frank massively changing the fortunes of the squad in one area during his opening months at the helm.

Spurs’ biggest improvement since the 2024/25 campaign

During the 2024/25 Premier League campaign under Postecoglou, Spurs certainly had a year to forget, as they finished just one place above the relegation zone.

The Lilywhites conceded a staggering 65 goals in their 38 league outings, an average of 1.7 per 90, subsequently resulting in a total of 22 league defeats.

Such a tally was the highest of any side who have survived in England’s top-flight, with the club lucky not to have dropped into the Championship under Postecoglou.

However, Frank’s arrival has stemmed the flow of goals at the back, with his men only conceding 10 goals in the first 11 outings – the fourth best record of any side in the division.

They have also kept a total of four clean sheets in the process, with the likes of Micky van de Ven certainly deserving credit for his part in the defensive solidity.

The Dutch international has started every league game to date, registering a total of 1.2 tackles won per 90, along with 1.1 interceptions per 90 – with the latter ranking him in the top 20% of all players in the league.

He’s also thrived in playing out from the back, as seen by his tally of 92% passes completed, arguably being one of the best centre-backs in the division at present.

Van de Ven has been joined at the heart of the backline by Cristian Romero, with the Argentine international striking up an excellent partnership with the Dutchman.

The pair have operated together in eight of the 11 outings – but have only suffered defeat once in that time, with the loss coming against Bournemouth back in August.

The 27-year-old has ranked in the top 4% of all players in England’s top-flight for tackles won, whilst also placing in the top 15% for duels won per 90.

Given their partnership together, they are undoubtedly one of the best duos in Europe’s top-five leagues, with the defensive improvement under Frank certainly down to their performances.

The Spurs player who’s now becoming one of the best in the world

Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, Spurs have had numerous players who have managed to catch the eye and contribute to their impressive start to 2025/26.

Central midfielder Lucas Bergvall has shown qualities way beyond his tender teenage years, even cementing his place at the heart of Frank’s side in recent months.

The Swedish international has featured in nine league outings this season, even registering his first Premier League goal in the 3-0 victory over West Ham United.

He’s ranked in the 97th percentile for successful dribbles to date, whilst also winning 2.8 tackles per 90 – showcasing his ability to operate in a box-to-box role in North London.

However, he’s not the only player to have cemented his place within the starting eleven, with full-back Djed Spence resurrecting his career with the Lilywhites.

He joined the club in a £20m deal from Middlesbrough back in the summer of 2022, but had to massively bide his time in making an impact in the first team.

The 25-year-old endured three unsuccessful loan spells at Leeds United, Rennes and Genoa, with many supporters undoubtedly expecting a cut-price transfer away from North London last summer.

However, the injury crisis within the squad last campaign handed the Englishman a rare opportunity to stake his claim for a regular spot in the first-team ranks.

He racked up a total of 35 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, even scoring his first Premier League goal against Ipswich Town – ending the year on a total of five goal contributions.

A little over a year on, it’s evident that Spence has taken full advantage of the chance pushed in his direction, with the full-back now one of Frank’s most important players.

He’s featured in all but one league outing in 2025/26, with his underlying stats highlighting how pivotal he’s been to the Lilywhites’ impressive defensive numbers.

Games played

10

Minutes played

761

Pass accuracy

82%

Tackles made

1.5

Duels won

3.8

Aerials won

47%

Recoveries made

3.4

Dribbles completed

1.8

Spence has made an average of 1.5 tackles per 90 this season, whilst also coming out on top of 3.8 duels per 90 – often posing as a real solid defensive full-back.

The 25-year-old has also come out on top in 47% of the aerial battles he’s entered, whilst also making 3.4 recoveries per 90 – with his pace allowing him to get back and prevent the opposition from creating clear-cut opportunities.

In possession, the defender has been just as impressive, subsequently ranking in the top 20% of all defenders for dribbles completed – with one analyst labelling him as one of the “best in the world”.

As a result, he’s now a full England international, with Thomas Tuchel trusting him to be a key member of the squad ahead of the World Cup in the USA next summer.

His rise in North London over the last 12 months has been nothing short of remarkable, with the player deserving huge credit for his ability to get himself off the canvas.

Alongside Van de Ven and Romero, he certainly is part of one of the division’s best back fours, with the fans needing to enjoy every moment the trio spend together in North London.

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Tottenham Hotspur already have a sensation who could replace Xavi Simons in North London.

ByEthan Lamb Nov 13, 2025

Adam Lallana would be “interested” in becoming the next manager of Southampton.

Since winning the 2024 Championship play-off final, it has hardly been the future that Southampton would have anticipated. Russell Martin, who guided them back to the Premier League, was replaced by Ivan Juric mid-season, following a turgid start to the 2024/25 campaign.

Juric was unable to turn around Southampton’s misfortune, as they became the first club to be relegated from the English top flight with as many as seven games remaining.

Will Still, who made a reputation for himself with Reims and Lens, joined in the summer. Despite his promise and an influx of summer signings, though, Still also struggled for form. After just two Championship wins in 13 matches and a three-game losing streak, Southampton parted ways with Still and have since been on the hunt for a new manager.

Now, it would appear that an unlikely candidate would happily take on the role were he offered the job.

Lallana to replace Still?

Following the 2024/25 season, Adam Lallana called time on his 19-year playing career. The midfielder, who came through the ranks at Southampton, played for the Saints for eight years until joining Liverpool in 2014. Six years later, Lallana moved to Brighton before returning to St. Mary’s, for a single season, in 2024.

As per Sky Sports, Lallana, who currently works as a first-team coach with the Saints, would be “interested in becoming a head coach”.

Across his playing career, Lallana played with some incredible managers, including Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool and Roberto De Zerbi at Brighton. Lallana has been outspoken about his “love” for De Zerbi, who now manages Ligue 1 side Marseille. No doubt then that he would look to draw from the Italian for inspiration in his own coaching career.

Despite his enthusiasm however, it appears that he is “an unlikely option at this time, given his lack of experience in the role”.

Southampton are aiming for a swift return to the English top flight, though their start to the 2025/26 season suggests that they may fall short of the mark they were aiming for.

Lallana could, no doubt, start his career as a first-team head coach in the coming years. With Southampton, however, it could well be too much, too soon for the former midfielder. He would be inheriting a club that desperately need lifting from the slump they find themselves in and a more-experienced option may better benefit the Saints at this time.

Southampton consider short-term deal for new manager