Chelsea are “keen on signing” a defender, and there is now a possibility he will join on a free transfer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Blues looking to upgrade in defence this summer
As we approach the summer transfer window, it is clear the Blues are looking to bring in a new defender, and they have identified a number of targets from within the Premier League, including AFC Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen.
It has been a real breakout season for Huijsen, with the Spaniard now attracting attention from a number of top clubs, and Enzo Maresca’s side are now believed to be the favourites for his signature, having submitted a seven-year contract offer.
Despite having both Reece James and Malo Gusto on the books, there have also been suggestions that Maresca could look to bring in a new right-back this summer, with Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina recently being named as a potential target.
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Chelsea have clearly been impressed by a number of Premier League defenders this season, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal they are “keen on signing” Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has been on their shortlist “for months”.
Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United are also in the race for Guehi, so there could be fierce competition for his signature this summer, with Spurs well-known to have had a £70m bid knocked back previously.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts
Should none of the interested parties be able to tempt Palace into a sale this summer, there is a possibility the defender remains at Selhurst Park until 2026, at which point he will be able to leave the Eagles on a free transfer upon the expiration of his contract.
"Beast" Guehi could be top signing for Blues
Lauded as a “beast” by journalist Saddick Adams, the 24-year-old has once again been a key component of the Palace side this season, making 41 appearances in all competitions, while displaying his leadership abilities by taking on the role of captain.
The England international has three goals and two assists to his name in the Premier League, underlining his attacking threat, but most importantly, he has continued to impress from a defensive point of view, receiving very high praise from Jamie Redknapp.
Most recently, the Palace captain put in a solid performance to help his side to a 3-0 victory against Aston Villa, with the Eagles booking their place in the FA Cup final against Manchester City next month.
Captaining his side to an FA Cup triumph would be a fitting end to Guehi’s time at Palace, but given that he clearly has the talent to play for a top club, it would be wise to move on this summer.
Arsenal may not have won the Premier League this season, but Mikel Arteta’s squad still have it all to play for in the Champions League.
Though Paris Saint-Germain left the Emirates Stadium with a slender one-goal advantage in midweek, the Gunners have the quality and confidence to create something special at the Parc des Princes.
Arsenal manager MikelArteta
Some questionable officiating aside, Arsenal know the crux of their issues this season lies with the failure to provide Arteta with an elite-level striker.
Injuries to Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz in the new year sapped the Londoners’ strength at number nine, calling for an unconventional but curiously effective stopgap in Mikel Merino.
However, Arsenal need a permanent solution, one which could ease the talismanic burden Bukayo Saka wears around his neck.
Bukayo Saka's season in numbers
To be fair, Saka wears the weight of responsibility rather well, having maintained a confident stream of goals and assists through the campaign while producing influential and energetic performances.
But this only draws to attention the yawning hole at number nine, with a prolific centre-forward certain to take the England international’s game to the next level.
Saka, 23, has scored 11 goals and provided 14 assists for Arsenal this season. The three-month hamstring injury picked up in December has proved the biggest blow to his side’s campaign; Saka’s back now, but he’s still not at his sharpest.
Nonetheless, the winger’s return has restored a deeper degree of balance and fluency that must be allowed to bloom into something truly world-class next season, and a more clinical attacking partner than one of Havertz or Jesus will ensure that happens.
As per FBref, Arsenal’s starboy ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 1% for goal-creating actions and the top 5% for crosses made per 90.
This man is a striker’s dream, and new sporting director Andrea Berta is ready to reward him with one of the finest centre-forwards out there.
Arsenal in talks to sign top striker
We all know Alexander Isak’s the dream. But Isak is going to cost more than £150m to convince Newcastle United to sell, and this would likely prove beyond any interested party’s means.
Instead, Berta is pushing to seal the signing of Sporting Lisbon’s Viktor Gyokeres. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, several talks have already taken place, with the Liga Portugal champions looking for no more than €70m (about £60m) to get a deal done.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Arsenal are confident they can get a deal done, but with Real Madrid, Chelsea and Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United also keen, they will need to act swiftly.
What Viktor Gyokeres would bring to Arsenal
Isak has been described as “the best striker in the Premier League” this season by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, but he’s not the only deadly goalscorer on the market.
In fact, Gyokeres has the complete take on the centre-forward role and could make it his own at the front of Arteta’s system.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
The 6 foot two star’s technical quality, physicality and hunger for success have been hallmarks of his journey in Portugal, scoring 95 goals from 98 matches and winning last season’s Liga Portugal title before being crowned the division’s Player of the Year.
This level of surety in the final third is something that Arsenal have lacked across the campaign, and by instating Gyokeres in the focal role, Saka would finally have the reliable outlet from which he could direct his peerless playmaking ability.
24/25 – Sporting
48 (40)
52
12
23/24 – Sporting
50 (47)
43
15
22/23 – Coventry
50 (47)
22
12
21/22 – Coventry
47 (42)
18
5
20/21 – Coventry
19 (7)
3
0
20/21 – Swansea
12 (2)
1
0
Talk about year-on-year growth. Gyokeres, 26, has yet to make his mark in one of Europe’s recognised top-five leagues but his numbers leave little to the imagination in the best way, especially since he’s only missed 43 big chances across his past three league terms, as per Sofascore, scoring 88 times.
Havertz has his strengths, but he’s not clinical. In the Premier League this season, the German has missed 15 big chances, converting nine strikes. The 28-year-old Jesus, meanwhile, has not been available often enough to warrant Arteta’s trust as his first-choice option.
There’s no doubt Saka is among the finest players in world football, but his game is being impeded by the absence of a partner like Gyokeres. With 20 big chances created in the Premier League this season, only Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has more – and having played plenty more minutes at that.
Injury pulled from Saka the chance to immortalise his name in the Premier League’s playmaking record books, but the Three Lions sensation’s electric start to the 2024/25 season remains a welcome reminder of the level of player Arsenal have on their hands.
Moreover, it’s an arresting lever Arteta wields in convincing a player of Gyokeres’ ilk that the Emirates project is the best place for him to go from strength to strength and hit the next level in his incredible journey.
Of course, any natural goalscorer would find their game enhanced alongside Arsenal’s main man, but the Sweden star is “the hottest striker in Europe,” according to ESPN’s Mark Ogden, and the partnership might just be something that fixes the issues that have plagued the north London side’s season.
Having come agonisingly close in recent years, this would be a signing to complete the craft and finally establish Arsenal as the continent’s team to beat.
It’s not over yet; Arsenal may yet find themselves fighting for the Champions League trophy after turning it around against PSG, but in any case, Gyokeres would turn a great team into an unstoppable force.
Their own Bruno Fernandes: Arsenal holding talks over "exciting" £66.5m ace
The creative maverick could be Arsenal’s missing piece.
Now preparing for European football next season, Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined the race to sign a Premier League rival who is valued at around £29m this summer.
Nottingham Forest qualify for Europa League
Although their afternoon centred around the disappointment of a 2-2 draw against Leicester City and Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury last time out, Nottingham Forest still had Europa League qualification to celebrate. No matter what happens in the final two Premier League games, those at the City Ground will be back on the European stage next season, and that in itself is certainly worth applauding.
Owner Evangelos Marinakis sent a similar reminder to fans whilst clarifying his conversation with Nuno Espirito Santo on the pitch following the Leicester game. The Greek owner said in a statement: “Today is a day for celebration, because after 30 years Nottingham Forest is now guaranteed to be competing on the European stage once again – a promise I made to our supporters when we achieved promotion!
Nottingham Forest set to make serious move to sign "special" want-away star
They’re leading the race.
ByTom Cunningham May 14, 2025
“With two more games to go in the Premier League, we must keep believing and keep dreaming, right to the final kick in the final game. We are extremely proud and close to Nuno and the team, and we must all celebrate the historic achievements of this season.
“Everybody – coaching staff, players, supporters and including myself – we were frustrated around the injury of Taiwo and the medical staff’s misjudgment on Taiwo’s ability to continue the game This is natural, this is a demonstration of the passion we feel for our club. Let’s all be grateful, passionate and keep on dreaming!”
Nuno will certainly be hoping to see his side put last weekend behind them when they square off against West Ham United on Sunday. Meanwhile, with European football secured, Marinakis has already reportedly set his sights on signing a midfield rival.
Nottingham Forest racing to sign Pereira
According to TNT Sports Brasil, as relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are now racing to sign Andreas Pereira from Fulham this summer and will have to offer around €35m (£29m) to get any deal over the line.
Of course, it’s not the first time that the Brazilian has found himself on Forest’s radar. As per reports, Marinakis and the Midlands club entered talks to sign Pereira last summer only for Fulham to turn their proposal down. With European football to offer these days, however, Forest could now push on and secure their year-long target.
Andreas Pereira for Fulham.
Whether the Cottagers remain reluctant to sell Pereira remains to be seen, though. Manager Marco Silva will certainly be keen to keep the 29-year-old, having previously told reporters when asked about the Fulham star in 2022: “He has been outstanding this season. I know a lot of people had doubts when I decided to sign him but I knew his qualities and his character.
“Even last season we had a conversation about his future, but it wasn’t the right moment for him to join us. He’s a key player on and off the ball and with set pieces. Two assists this afternoon. A top professional who is enjoying himself at the moment in a white shirt.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is personally pushing to bring a Brazil international to the Etihad this summer, according to a new transfer claim.
A big summer ahead at Man City
By their incredible standards, City have been a big disappointment this season, not coming close to defending their Premier League title, as well as failing to reach the Champions League knockout rounds.
This summer is a massive one for the club, with Kevin De Bruyne among those moving on and some elite signings needed, in order to be favourites for the title in 2025/26. Plenty of top-quality players are being linked with switches to the Etihad, ahead of what could be a prolific window.
Man City
Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo has been backed to come in as a huge statement signing for City, with the Brazilian potentially eyeing a move away from the Santiago Bernabeu. That remains to be seen, but he could be a sensational signing for Guardiola, standing out as one of the best attacking players in Europe.
The Citizens are also rumoured to have opened talks with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who is one of the most exciting strikers around. The 22-year-old has scored 15 goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances this season.
Guardiola wants Man City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley
According to the Flamengo YouTube channel Paparazzo Rubo-Negro [via Sport Witness], Guardiola is pushing for Manchester City to sign Flamengo right-back Wesley Franca ahead of next season. The 21-year-old has been scouted by some of the biggest clubs in Europe and City are planning to make a move for him, seeing him as the long-term replacement for club legend Kyle Walker.
Internacional'sWesleyin action with Flamengo'sWesleyFranca and Luiz Araujo
Wesley could be a brilliant option for City, solving their right-back issue for many years to come and arriving as a young player with a huge amount of promise.
The Flamengo ace is a two-cap Brazil international, and will hope to be a part of their squad at the 2026 World Cup, and football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as an “interesting” defender.
Admittedly, Wesley has never tested himself in Europe, so he may take some time to adjust to the pace and power of the Premier League, but his age means that there is no rush in throwing him straight into the team from the off next season.
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The fact that Guardiola himself is reportedly so keen on getting a deal over the line for the right-back is telling, highlighting what an impressive footballer he is – he has even been compared to Dani Alves – and he has the pace and Brazilian flair to be a big asset for City.
Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest at the City Ground this afternoon was enough to secure the club Champions League football ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Levi Colwill’s strike just minutes into the second half was enough to secure all three points for Enzo Maresca’s men, ending the year in fourth during the Italian’s first season at the helm.
Such an achievement is exceptional, handing the hierarchy a needed boost in the financial department, certainly aiding the current PSR standing and easing any concerns.
The win in the East Midlands was certainly a hard-fought contest, with the side deserving of a place among Europe’s elite, having the opportunity to claim a third European Cup.
However, despite the triumph, numerous players struggled to make the desired impact on Trentside, potentially putting their place in the side at risk over the summer transfer window.
Chelsea’s poor performers against Nottingham Forest
Midfielder Enzo Fernández has been widely linked with a move away from Chelsea in recent weeks, with Real Madrid the main outfit in the race for his signature.
The Argentine struggled to produce his best display in the win, failing to win a single tackle and only managed to complete 70% of the passes that he attempted.
He wasn’t alone in failing to impress, with attacking midfielder Cole Palmer once again disappointing and needing to recapture his best form in 2025/26.
The 23-year-old failed to complete any of his attempted dribbles, and registered a measly completion rate of just 17% from the crosses he put into the box.
However, despite the showings from the aforementioned duo, one other first-team regular was unable to extract his highest performance levels, putting his long-term future at Stamford Bridge at huge risk.
The 5/10 Chelsea star who may never play for the club again
This summer is now likely to be an exciting one for Chelsea supporters, with the manager now able to have the extra funds to make the changes he desires to his playing squad.
He’s done a magnificent job in leading the side to a place in the top five, deserving the chance to land any targets he feels would improve the options at his disposal.
However, he will likely want to move players on in the process, with winger Jadon Sancho still having a huge question mark next to his future in West London over the coming months.
The 25-year-old joined on loan from Manchester United last summer, with an obligation to buy for £25m, but they could pay a fee in the region of £5m to send him back to his parent club.
However, his showing in the East Midlands was one that wouldn’t have satisfied the hierarchy, which could spell the end of his stint as a Chelsea first-team player.
Sancho featured for 62 minutes of the contest, failing to register any efforts on goal and was unable to complete any dribbles, showcasing his lack of impact in the final third.
He also only registered a measly tally of 32 touches, a figure that was lower than that of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who managed a total of 44.
Minutes played
62
Touches
32
Shots taken
0
Dribbles completed
0
Tackles won
0
Aerials lost
100%
Possession lost
6x
The loanee also failed to win a single tackle, whilst losing 100% of the aerial duels he entered, showcasing his inability to impress across all areas of the pitch.
As a result of his disappointing showing against the Reds, he was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by The Standard’s Malik Ouzia – highlighting the disappointing performance he produced.
Such a display will put doubt in Maresca’s mind over his long-term future, potentially saving them £20m to invest in other targets if they send him back to Old Trafford.
It’s safe to say that his time with the Blues has been well below the levels many expected, with the hierarchy needing to make sure that his outing today was his last for the club.
Their new Palmer: Chelsea lining up move for "direct" £75m PL star
Chelsea are again forecast to be busy in this summer’s transfer market, so could they sign a “direct’ Premier League star to be the next Cole Palmer?
Manchester City are looking ahead to another season of Champions League football next campaign and could now aim to beat rivals Manchester United to a talented midfield addition, according to a report.
Man City looking to challenge for Premier League title in 25/26
Pep Guardiola will be more aware than anyone that his side need to improve on what ended as a trophyless season just gone. However, they will have a chance to bounce back swiftly at the Club World Cup next month.
Chelsea and Manchester City provide Premier League representation at the United States-based tournament, which could carry a bounty worth nearly £100 million for the competition winners.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola reacts withJamesMcAtee
Chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak has promised an aggressive recruitment drive will be underway at the Etihad Stadium following a first campaign without silverware since 2017, serving as a warning to top-flight competitors.
He stated: “It’s a lot of lessons learned. I can assure you, this club will do everything possible to come back to the standards that we know we all can achieve.”
Talks have been held over a deal that could see Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri move to Manchester City, with the Algeria international high on their left-back shortlist heading into the window.
Man City make offer for "insane" £50m star who's "said yes" to Etihad move
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ByDominic Lund May 29, 2025
In addition, AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders could be a Citizen before the Club World Cup, indicating the priority is to bring through a swift stream of arrivals to replace outgoing figures such as Kevin De Bruyne before the competition begins.
Now, Manchester City have set their sights on beating Manchester United to another operator in the engine room as they aim to go from strength to strength.
Man City making £42m offer to sign Atalanta midfielder Ederson
According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, Manchester City are offering around £42 million for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, and he is said to be at the top of Guardiola’s summer shortlist.
Atalanta midfielder Ederson
Hugo Viana has been assigned the specific task of bringing the Brazil international to the Etihad Stadium, while the Serie A outfit have reportedly lined up Celtic’s Arne Engels as a replacement should a deal go through.
Ederson in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
49
Goals
5
Assists
2
Manchester United have been in the race to sign Ederson and have made contact over a swoop for the midfielder, who has also been linked with reigning Premier League champions Liverpool in recent weeks.
Labelled “powerful” by Tiago Nunes, the 24-year-old won 161 tackles over the course of the campaign on league duty, lending credence to his reputation as a dogged operator in the engine room.
With Rodri back and Mateo Kovacic also capable of playing in a holding role, it remains to be seen where Ederson would fit in at Manchester City if a deal were to come to fruition in the summer window, but it looks as if it will be one to watch.
It’s been a crazy few weeks for Tottenham Hotspur.
After delivering the North Londoners their first piece of major silverware for 17 years, it was announced that Ange Postecoglou was sacked on Friday afternoon.
While the timing of the decision may feel harsh, it’s not that difficult to see why Daniel Levy and Co made it, as the Australian had won just 47 of 101 games in charge of the club.
While nothing has been officially announced at the moment, it is looking more and more likely that the next man in the Lilywhites hot seat will be Thomas Frank, and based on other reports, he’s already told the club to sign someone who’d be a dream Brennan Johnson upgrade.
Tottenham's transfer targets
Now that Spurs appear to have identified their new manager, it’s worth looking at some of the talented players they’ve been linked with in recent weeks and months, such as Eberichi Eze and Xavi Simons.
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 enjoyed a superb season with Crystal Palace this year in which he helped the team win the FA Cup and racked up a tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in just 43 games, in turn, more than justifying the £68m release clause reportedly in his current deal.
Likewise, Simons managed to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in 33 games for RB Leipzig this season and would cost around as much as the Englishman at £65m.
However, to really upgrade on Johnson this summer, Tottenham would need to sign an out-and-out rightwinger, someone like Bryan Mbeumo.
Well, according to a recent report from the Mirror, that might be what they end up doing.
The report claims that Frank has instructed Spurs that he wants the club to sign the Cameroon international and make him his first summer acquisition.
To do that, the North Londoners would have to stump up a fee of around £60m and, more crucially, hijack Manchester United’s now well-documented efforts to bring him to Old Trafford.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, as Mbeumo would be the ideal upgrade on Johnson.
How Mbeumo compares to Johnson
Now, while Mbeumo can play up top or even as a second striker, his most played and unquestionably best position is off the right, which would put him in direct competition with Jonnson next season.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
So, with that said, who comes out on top when we compare the two?
Well, when it comes to their raw output, it’s actually the often “unplayable” Brentford star, as dubbed by Frank, who comes out on top, with 20 goals and nine assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3577 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 123.34 minutes.
In contrast, the former Nottingham Forest star scored 18 goals and provided seven assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3316 minutes, which comes out to a less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 132.64 minutes.
Unfortunately for the Welsh international, the one-sided nature of this comparison only grows when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.
Non-Penalty G+As
0.58
0.58
Progressive Passes
3.72
2.93
Progressive Passes Received
9.26
8.14
Progressive Carries
3.43
2.48
Shots
2.08
2.23
Shots on Target
0.90
0.83
Passing Accuracy
66.1%
70.4%
Expected Assists
0.25
0.08
Key Passes
1.85
0.79
Passes into the Final Third
1.66
1.03
Passes into the Penalty Area
1.56
1.45
Crosses into the Penalty Area
0.50
0.25
Live Passes
30.7
25.8
Shot-Creating Actions
3.80
1.90
Goal-Creating Actions
0.53
0.29
Tackles
1.29
1.61
Successful Take-Ons
1.37
0.79
Ball Recoveries
4.12
2.60
For example, the “incredible” Bees star, as dubbed by Frank, comes out ahead in the vast majority of relevant metrics, such as progressive passes and carries, shot and goal-creating actions, shots on target, successful take-ons, expected assists and many, many more, all per 90.
Ultimately, even though Johnson enjoyed a decent campaign for Spurs this season, Mbeumo is the superior winger in every measurable way.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates scoring their first goal
Therefore, the club should do everything possible to sign the Brentford star this summer and reunite him with their soon-to-be-manager in North London.
He's another Bergvall: Spurs enter race to sign "extraordinary" wonderkid
Everton have plenty of work to do in the transfer window and could now swoop for an experienced defender who enjoys a pre-existing relationship with David Moyes, according to a report.
Everton confirm exits to pave way for incomings
Making their gratitude known, Everton have confirmed six senior players have left the club upon the expiry of their contracts – Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Mason Holgate and Neal Maupay.
Releasing a short statement on their departures, the club noted: “Everyone at Everton thanks the departing players for their commitment and service and wishes them all the best for the future.”
Everton's DominicCalvert-Lewincelebrates scoring their first goal
Dominic Calvert Lewin’s future at Everton remains uncertain as the Toffees continue to liaise on new deals for the England striker and Michael Keane.
Expert Keith Wyness has claimed that the former’s offer of a new contract is bonus-related, which has led to a feeling of dissatisfaction and could spell the end to his spell on Merseyside.
Should he leave, Everton have identified Galatasaray’s Baris Alper Yilmaz as a potential replacement to strengthen their forward line. Youssef Chermiti and Beto remain as striking options after Armando Broja’s loan deal concluded.
Everton now ready to open talks in complex deal to sign £15.6m-a-year star
The Toffees mean business.
1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 11, 2025
Defensively, Kyle Walker-Peters is a free transfer target for the Toffees following his exploits in the Premier League with Southampton last term, illustrating that a wealth of financial muscle isn’t necessary to attract quality reinforcements.
The Friedkin Group definitely have money to spend at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, but there is an acknowledgement that they will need to be careful to adhere to PSR requirements.
Inexpensive deals in some areas may be a necessity in the infancy of their reign, so it won’t come as a surprise to hear that another free agent is being lined up to bolster Moyes’ backline.
Everton line up move for Vladimir Coufal
According to Football Insider, Everton are eyeing a free transfer move for Vladimir Coufal after his successful spell at West Ham United came to an end.
Fulham, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leeds United, Burnley and Sunderland are also keen on the Czechia international, who Moyes is keen to reunite with following his five years at the London Stadium.
Vladimir Coufal’s Premier League season in numbers (Fotmob)
Duels won
66
Tackles won
15
Aerial duels won
23
Recoveries
39
Cross accuracy
32.1%
In what turned out to be a disappointing season for the Hammers, Coufal made 25 appearances across all competitions and still has more to give in the English top-flight at 32 years of age.
Jake O’Brien has filled in on the right side of defence amid Everton’s transition to a back three at times under Moyes, though it would make sense to recruit a reliable operator amid veteran right-back Young’s departure.
Competition is high for his signature. Still, Coufal and Moyes have already enjoyed success together, so there is no reason to suspect that the Scot couldn’t get the best out of the Ostrava-born man at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Leeds United are ramping up their transfer activity as the new Premier League season edges ever closer.
Former Manchester City youth starlet Lucas Nmecha has now joined the ranks from Wolfsburg to enhance the Whites’ attacking options. It’s surely only a matter of time before Jaka Bijol is announced too, after he has allegedly undergone a medical at Elland Road.
Jaka Bijol in action for Udinese.
The next logical step would be to add some reinforcements in the middle of the park, therefore, and Leeds’ wish could be granted if they were to land a former Premier League ace.
Leeds interested in deal for £25m star
Strengthening the midfield ranks is evidently a key priority for Leeds this summer with moves for the likes of Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki reportedly lined up.
Diarra seems to be a more concrete target at the moment with fresh claims suggesting that they made a bid worth £21m.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Slow progress is being made on that deal, so the Whites are seeking alternatives. Well, according to a new report from Italian outlet Tuttosport, via Sport Witness, Leeds are in the picture to land former Aston Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer.
The report states that Luiz will be allowed to leave Juventus this off-season after a mediocre stint in Turin, but Leeds could well be put off by the Serie A giants and their asking price, with Igor Tudor’s men having purchased the Brazilian for a bumper £42m fee.
The move could still have legs on a loan-to-buy basis, however, with the report clarifying that such a deal would only cost Daniel Farke’s men £25m down the line. That marks a sharp decrease from Luiz’s staggering £100m valuation back in 2023.
Thus, that £25m fee feels like a reasonable fee to pay for the South American, with his reputation needing to be repaired, and that could occur back in England, where he once starred for Unai Emery’s men regularly.
Why Luiz could become Leeds' new Raphinha-like star
Luiz could come in and seriously improve Farke’s midfield options, with this deal having a similar feel to when Leeds purchased another Brazilian from Europe in the form of Raphinha for a bargain £16m, with the rest now history on the end of the Barcelona superstar.
Obviously, Raphinha didn’t have the backdrop of flopping at Rennes before he relocated to West Yorkshire, but it would have been seen as a savvy deal at the time, with Leeds only having to fork out a modest fee to win the slick winger.
The 34-time Brazil international would go on to cement himself in Leeds hearts everywhere with his skilful performances throughout his short stay, leading to the now Barca number 11 collecting 17 goals and 12 assists from 67 appearances, with his efforts as the Whites’ top goalscorer during his swansong season at Elland Road helping Leeds to just about beat the drop.
Luiz might well follow in Raphinha’s footsteps and be the energetic presence Leeds need to secure their Premier League status this coming season, with the Rio De Janeiro-born midfielder a proven top-flight performer.
Farke would love to call upon Luiz as an additional central body, therefore, with the vibrant Brazilian capable of getting stuck in when needed. Like Raphinha, who’s now a firm Ballon d’Or contender, he’s got fine pedigree, notably hailed as “one of the best 6s in the Premier League” and “one of the best [midfielders] in the world” by Sky Italia.
That’s showcased perfectly by his numbers for the Villans, where he ranked within the top 7% of midfielders in the Premier League in 2023/24 for goals, demonstrating his attacking flair to go alongside his defensive qualities.
Games played
36
33
34
37
35
Goals scored
3
0
2
6
9
Assists
2
2
3
6
5
Touches*
46.1
55.6
56.9
60.6
70.1
Accurate passes*
27.7 (83%)
36.8 (86%)
37.1 (87%)
39.6 (86%)
50.4 (89%)
Big chances created
3
4
2
7
10
Tackles*
1.3
1.5
1.7
2.0
1.7
Clearances*
1.3
1.2
0.6
0.6
0.5
Total duels won*
4.1
4.9
4.4
4.4
4.2
Luiz only got better and better the more his Premier League journey at Villa Park went on, culminating in him firing home a ridiculous nine Premier League strikes during his final season in the West Midlands.
He would even be labelled as “world-class” during his celebrated stay with the Villans by teammate John McGinn, with Raphinha once also talked about in the same glowing manner in West Yorkshire when heralded as “special” by Marcelo Bielsa.
Everything is pointing in the direction of this being a superb deal, with Luiz potentially going on to be their new Premier League saviour, just as Raphinha was once upon a time.
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England suffer a 68-run loss in Guyana as India avenge 2022 defeat, also at the semi-final stage
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jun-2024Jos Buttler, England’s captain, admitted his team had been comprehensively outplayed in their 68-run defeat to India in the T20 World Cup 2024 semi-final in Guyana, but insisted his decision to bowl first after winning the toss had not been a significant factor in the result.After handing over first use of a spin-friendly surface that was liable to get slower and lower as the day went by, Buttler conceded that India’s total of 171 for 7 – thanks to 57 from 39 balls from his counterpart Rohit Sharma, ably backed up by Suryakumar Yadav’s 47 from 36 – was “20-25 runs too many”.In reply, England were rattled out for 103 in exactly 100 deliveries, with Axar Patel striking the key blow with his first ball of the match, in the fourth over of the powerplay, as Buttler top-edged a reverse-sweep to the keeper to depart for 23 from 15.Related
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Thereafter, Axar struck with the first ball of each of his next two overs to remove Jonny Bairstow and Moeen Ali on his way to Player-of-the-Match-winning figures of 3 for 23, before Kuldeep Yadav’s left-arm wristspin ripped through an exposed middle-order to finish with 3 for 19.”They certainly outplayed us,” Buttler said at the post-match presentation. “I think maybe we let them get 20-25 runs too many. That was a challenging surface that they played well on. But they outplayed us and fully deserved the win.”Morning rain delayed the start of play by more than an hour, and returned to cause a further lengthy interlude midway through India’s innings, and England opted to stick to the same seam-heavy line-up that had carried them through the Super Eight, with Reece Topley and Chris Jordan both retained ahead of an extra spinner in Tom Hartley, as well as Ben Duckett’s prowess against the turning ball.In the final analysis, however, it was England’s chosen spinners, Liam Livingstone and Adil Rashid who proved the most potent weapons, as they conceded a combined total of 49 runs in their eight overs (6.13 rpo), compared to 12 overs for 120 (10 rpo) from the four quicks.
“With everything that’s happened throughout the whole tournament, we’re really proud of everyone’s efforts to be here”Jos Buttler
Moeen Ali, however, was overlooked, possibly as a consequence of the damp conditions early in India’s innings. Not only did Buttler admit he had erred in ignoring Moeen, he also admitted that the eventual impact of Rashid and Livingstone had caused him to fear what India’s potent spin attack could achieve on the same surface.”Obviously, they’ve got some fantastic spinners,” Buttler said. “Our two guys bowled well, but in hindsight, I should have brought Moeen [on] in that innings, with the way that the spin was playing.”Obviously with the rain around in those conditions, I probably didn’t think it was going to change that much,” he added. “And I actually don’t think it really did. I thought they out-bowled us. They had an above-par score. So I don’t think necessarily the toss was the difference between the teams.”The result was every bit as comprehensive as England’s ten-wicket victory had been at the same stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup in Adelaide, after which Buttler’s men went on to become the first men’s team to hold both 50- and 20-over world titles at the same time.1:33
Dasgupta: Axar a standout performer from game one
Both those trophies have now been prised from England’s grasp, and while a semi-final exit is a significantly better defence than the team managed in the 50-over World Cup last year, England still exit the tournament after losing three of their four matches against major opponents.Their early loss to Australia left them needing favours to progress from the group stage, while their narrow defeat to South Africa in St Lucia condemned them to the tougher semi-final draw, where India were waiting to avenge that Adelaide result with what Rohit pointedly described as a “satisfying” performance.”Two years on, in different conditions, it’s very different,” Buttler said, when asked to reflect on his team’s changed fortunes. “Credit to India, they played a really good game of cricket and they deserve the win.”With everything that’s happened throughout the whole tournament, we’re really proud of everyone’s efforts to be here,” he added, recalling their fraught progression from Group 2, when only a late break in the clouds in Antigua had allowed them to take the field in a must-win match against Namibia.”You can only play who’s put in front of you. We’ve had lots of adversity throughout the competition. We’ve stuck together well as a group, and played some really good cricket in patches but came up short when we needed it most.”