Looking towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the race to sign a 15-goal striker alongside a number of their Premier League rivals.
Aston Villa's UCL hopes still alive
With two Premier League games remaining, Aston Villa still have some hope of qualifying for the Champions League. They need Chelsea, Newcastle United or Manchester City to slip up, but must do their own job to stand a chance.
Imagine him & Nypan: Aston Villa open talks to sign Jhon Duran 2.0
Aston Villa could sign an ideal player for Nypan this summer
ByRoss Kilvington May 9, 2025
They did their bit on Saturday night after seeing off Bournemouth away from home, winning 1-0 thanks to Ollie Watkins’ strike and some heroic defending, despite a late red card for Jacob Ramsey.
Victory at Bournemouth means that Villa have put the pressure firmly on rivals Nottingham Forest, while they are now poised to pounce following Man City’s draw at Southampton and ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle.
By qualifying for the Champions League, Villa would instantly ease any financial concerns and be in a position to compete for some of Europe’s most interesting talents in the transfer market once again. And that could yet see a Champions League finalist make his way to the Midlands.
Aston Villa join Goncalo Ramos race
According to CaughtOffside, Aston Villa have now joined the hectic race to sign Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The forward is reportedly open to leaving the French champions in a bid to gain a starting role elsewhere.
Sparking interest from Villa, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle among others, the Portugal international, who shares an agent with Marco Asensio, isn’t exactly short on suitors.
Amid recent rumours that Chelsea and others are interested in signing Ollie Watkins this summer, Ramos could emerge as an ideal option for those at Villa Park.
Even without consistent starts at PSG, the 23-year-old has showcased his quality by scoring an impressive 15 goals in all competitions following their Champions League semi-final victory over Arsenal in midweek.
After an “outrageous” start to his Portugal career, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ramos will be desperate to take his international form to club level on a more consistent basis this summer – something that Aston Villa could yet offer him.
Leeds United secured their return to the Premier League on Monday and Daniel Farke and 49ers Enterprises are already looking at the summer transfer window.
Leeds back in Premier League after 6-0 win over Stoke City
The Whites enjoyed a dream Easter weekend, beating Oxford United on Good Friday and Stoke City 6-0 on Easter Monday to set up a promotion party at Elland Road.
Farke’s side raced into a 5-0 lead at half time after a record-breaking 20 minute hat-trick from Joel Piroe – the fastest in Leeds United’s history.
Burney’s win at Sheffield United later in the day ensured that Leeds and the Clarets would both be promoted, resulting in wild scenes at Elland Road.
Talking after winning promotion, Farke said: “Don’t scare me with the Premier League right now. All the clubs who were promoted are already relegated before we were promoted. It’s important to enjoy it. This club has had tough times in the last years, it’s important that our supporters celebrate it and embrace it.
“We’re back where we belong. The next step is to make this club an established Premier League club. You can be sure I will work with all my skills to make sure we do this. But this is something for in a few weeks. Right now we celebrate the first step, the most important one, to take this club where it belongs. Let’s see what we can do.”
Points
94
Wins
27
Goals scored
89
Clean sheets
24
Goals conceded
29
Players used
28
Farke and Leeds still have two Championship fixtures remaining as they now look to beat Burnley to the title, but with the summer transfer window just around the corner, the club are already looking at transfer targets.
Leeds looking at transfer targets with Premier League experience
Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke shared an exciting Leeds transfer update just hours after the Whites officially won promotion, sharing the club’s plans ahead of the summer market.
Daniel Farke
He revealed that Leeds ‘are targeting Premier League experience’ ahead of the 2025/26 season, with the Whites specifically looking at a new goalkeeper and striker.
A number of names who tick those boxes have been linked with moves to Yorkshire, including Wolves ‘keeper Sam Johnstone and Brighton & Hove Albion forward Evan Ferguson, who is currently on loan at West Ham.
Shades of Ian Harte: 10/10 Leeds star was just as breathtaking as Piroe
Leeds United put in a promotion-worthy performance as Daniel Farke’s rampant Whites hammered Stoke City 6-0.
ByKelan Sarson Apr 21, 2025
Ferguson in particular would excite Leeds fans and already has top-flight experience at just 20 years of age. By the looks of things, it could be a busy summer at Elland Road in regards to new signings, and securing the services of players who know the Premier League will only help the club as they look to remain in the division long term.
Manchester United are set to axe a £65,000-a-week player this summer who Ruben Amorim called out in his first game in charge.
Man Utd and Amorim preparing for summer after another defeat
The Red Devils can still salvage their season by lifting the Europa League, however, it has been a disappointing campaign on the whole.
Last time out in the Premier League, Man Utd suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United, with Amorim critical of his side making numerous mistakes.
Man Utd making moves to sign "incredible" assist king for bargain £20m fee
The Red Devils are in pursuit of a playmaker, who is set to leave his club on the cheap this summer.
ByDominic Lund Apr 15, 2025
“We did a lot of mistakes and they were better than us, stronger than us. Suffering the second goal in the beginning of the second half hurt us a lot and then we did mistakes during the game that helped Newcastle to win the game.
“It’s a team thing [and not about individuals]. We are doing a lot of mistakes in certain games that give confidence to the opponent, give goals, and then it’s hard to cope with everything. We had the first chance, we didn’t score, [then] they have their chance, they score. Then they took control of the game. We scored to draw but then second half, we were suffering in the second play of the game, it’s hard for our team and we did a lot of mistakes.”
Man Utd vs Lyon
April 17
Man Utd vs Wolves
April 20
Bournemouth vs Man Utd
April 27
Brentford vs Man Utd
May 4
Man Utd vs West Ham
May 10
One player who was dropped for the trip to St James’ Park was Andre Onana, and there have been plenty of rumours that the goalkeeper is unsettled at Old Trafford and looks set to be sold over the coming months.
There is interest from Saudi Arabia in Onana, whereas Man Utd are looking at replacements and have recently shown an interest in Anders goalkeeper Yahia Fofana.
More Old Trafford exits are on the cards, though, and Fabrizio Romano has shared another Man Utd exit update.
Jonny Evans set to leave Man Utd – Fabrizio Romano
As per transfer expert Romano, Man Utd defender Jonny Evans and third-choice keeper Tom Heaton are both set to depart the club this summer when their contracts expire.
Evans, on £65,000-a-week, returned to the Red Devils in 2023 and has made 42 appearances in all competitions under Erik ten Hag and Amorim in recent years.
Now 37 years of age, the experience centre-back started Amorim’s first game as United boss against Ipswich Town back in November.
That was actually Evans’ last top flight appearance for United, with Amorim critical of the defender after the 1-1 draw.
“If you see the first half, we were a little bit afraid. The No.5 [Sam Morsy] was always alone, we have to jump on him. Hutchinson was always in the dead space, Jonny Evans should be pressing his guy, but when we don’t have the training and it’s hard to see say all the reactions to the players. We had two days, they are confused a little bit. If you stay here, you don’t run, you defend but you don’t run.”
Now, it looks as if Evans will be one of a number of Old Trafford players to depart, something that won’t come as a huge surprise due to his age and contract status.
While it was roughly six months ago that Erik ten Hag finally lost his job at Manchester United, it could be argued that the Dutchman’s fate was sealed far earlier, particularly following what has proved to be a damaging 2023 summer window.
Despite the way his tenure ended, it’s worth remembering that the former Ajax boss had overcome a shaky start to life at Old Trafford to ultimately enjoying a promising debut campaign at the club, securing a third-place Premier League finish and winning the Carabao Cup to boot – ending a six-year wait for silverware.
Although that season was punctuated by the lows of the FA Cup final defeat to rivals Manchester City – and the 7-0 drubbing away at Anfield – Ten Hag had largely helped to stabilise the Red Devils, having also overseen the resurgence of 30-goal talisman, Marcus Rashford.
What United needed then was to kick on again with a handful of marquee summer signings, in order to try and bridge the gap with those above them. Instead, in came an error-prone Andre Onana, an injury-prone Mason Mount, and a goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund.
That assessment may be with hindsight in mind, although the issues were staring the Old Trafford hierarchy in the face. Onana, for instance, had made a catalogue of mistakes during his time at Inter and Ajax; Mount had endured an injury-hit 2022/23 season at Chelsea and Hojlund had scored just nine Serie A goals for Atalanta.
Arijanet Muric
5
Robert Sanchez
5
Bart Verbruggen
4
Andre Onana
3
Alphonse Areola
2
Alex McCarthy
2
Nick Pope
2
Ederson
2
How different things could have been had different targets been acquired, be it Ten Hag’s first-choice striker, Harry Kane, or even a certain Declan Rice.
Why Man Utd missed out on Rice
There remains the feeling that during the days of the great Sir Alex Ferguson, both Kane and Rice would have ended up at Old Trafford, a point that club legend Teddy Sheringham notably made last month:
As reported by Sky Sports at the time, it was the England captain who was Ten Hag’s ‘number one target’, albeit with Rice – alongside Mount – also on the club’s midfield shortlist.
Rice-Arsenal-West-Ham
The then-West Ham United skipper had also been linked with a move to Manchester a year earlier, while in 2021, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was also seemingly keen on signing the rising midfield star from the London Stadium.
As it proved, Kane moved on to Bayern Munich for a fee of around £86m, while Rice made the move to Arsenal on a £105m deal, with the Gunners also edging out rivals Manchester City to make that deal happen.
Whether United were truly in the mix, considering the mammoth nature of the transfer fee, is a valid point, albeit when considering that £156m was spent the previous summer on Antony and Casemiro, it illustrates where the funds could have been more wisely invested.
As it is, the 26-year-old – who deemed the Emirates “project” to be more “exciting” than the one at the Etihad – is now the centrepiece of Mikel Arteta’s midfield, having since scored twice against the Red Devils over the last two seasons.
The one-time Chelsea youth project no doubt joins the list of those who got away for the Old Trafford side, although – thankfully – the club could be brewing their answer to the Three Lions star.
Man Utd's answer to Declan Rice
While Arsenal’s title bid faltered, it has proven to be a positive few weeks, at least, for Rice in north London, with the midfield machine scoring in the 1-1 draw against Ruben Amorim’s side, before producing stunning heroics in Tuesday’s Champions League win over Real Madrid.
Those pinpoint free-kicks highlighted another weapon to the £105m man’s already impressive arsenal, with the Gunners’ number 41 having perhaps helped to already book their place in the last eight.
Of course, back in Manchester, United already have a set-piece king of their own in the form of Bruno Fernandes, with the Portuguese playmaker notably netting from range against both Arsenal and Everton in recent weeks.
The 30-year-old is, however, a naturally more attack-minded playmaker than his Arsenal counterpart, with a better likeness seemingly shown in the form of young Kobbie Mainoo, even amid the 19-year-old’s injury-hit season this time around.
Described as a “generational talent” by teammate Hojlund, Mainoo has had a campaign to forget due to his repeated spells on the sidelines, albeit with it hard to ignore the brilliance of his breakthrough 2023/24 season, which was rounded off with the decisive goal in May’s FA Cup final.
Subsequently thrust in as Rice’s partner in the knockout stages of Euro 2024, as Gareth Southgate’s men surged to the showpiece, the United teenager was actually praised by his midfield colleague for his “leadership” despite his youth, with the pair forming a “nice partnership” in the centre of the park.
Much like Rice, Mainoo showcased his ability to feature as a number six or as a number eight during Ten Hag’s reign, with club legend Paul Scholes even stating that the pair are alike in the fact that it can be hard to pin down their best position.
Manchester United – Kobbie Mainoo
Even so, what the two men both possess – as the Arsenal star showed on Tuesday – is the impact they can make in the final third, with Mainoo notably curling home in fine fashion against both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool last season.
While we are yet to see the £20k-per-week starlet’s free-kick ability, he does mirror Rice in being able to thrive when popping up just outside the area, while at the other end of the pitch, the United man can also sniff out the danger when needed – as shown with his vital goalline clearance against Everton on what was his first Premier League start.
Where the two international colleagues are also alike, perhaps most notably, is their knack for driving forward with the ball from deep, with Rice ranking in the top 4% of European midfielders for progressive carries, while Mainoo ranks in the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
The issue now for Amorim is finding a permanent home for his young sensation in the 3-4-3 system, having trialled the 2022 FA Youth Cup winner as a number ten of late, with it set to be a real waste if United fail to get the best out of their own Rice-like midfield powerhouse.
Bad news for Mainoo: Man Utd ready move for "out of this world" £52m star
Man Utd are seeking to bolster their midfield ranks this summer
Liverpool’s victory over bitter rivals Everton last night saw Arne Slot’s side claim their 22nd Premier League win of the season, pushing them one step closer to the title.
The Reds may have struggled to produce their best display, but Diogo Jota’s strike in the 57th minute secured all three points – making amends for their draw against the Toffees in February.
Slot’s side now have a 12-point buffer over Arsenal with just eight league outings remaining – looking to be in pole position to claim their second title in the last six seasons.
Serious credit should be given in the direction of the Dutchman for his work in 2024/25, allowing for a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp in the summer.
Numerous players managed to thrive in the Derby Day environment, many of which will have given the manager a selection headache ahead of the last couple of outings.
Liverpool’s star performers against Everton
Curtis Jones was forced to operate in a natural right-back role given the injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley over the last few weeks.
However, the academy graduate produced a superb display, completing 93% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 100% of dribbles – thriving with the ball at his feet.
Luis Diaz has been an inconsistent figure in recent months, only netting one goal in 2025, but managed to tee up Jota for the only goal of the encounter.
Liverpool EvertonPlayer ratings courtesy of Sofascore.
The Colombian created six chances during his spell on the pitch – the most of any player – whilst also completing five dribbles, highlighting the threat he posed in the final third.
One other first-team member impressed throughout, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet as a result of his showing.
The Liverpool player who’s now as important as Salah
Mohamed Salah has been a crucial reason for Liverpool’s success in 2024/25, registering a staggering 54 combined goal contributions in his 44 outings to date.
However, the Egyptian’s future remains up in the air with just a couple of months remaining on his contract, with no news yet to be released on whether he will sign a new deal.
Undoubtedly, losing a player of his quality would be a huge loss for the Reds, with the hierarchy desperately needing to prevent losing the star man on a free transfer.
Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed a superb rise during his compatriot’s reign, becoming a key player in their success and cementing his place at the heart of the side.
He’s started every single Premier League outing this campaign, notching two assists and forming an excellent partnership with Alexis Mac Allister in recent months.
Last night was no different for the 22-year-old, completing 72 passes at a completion rate of 89%, with ten of his passes going into the final third and finding a teammate.
Minutes played
90
Touches
102
Passes completed
72/81 (89%)
Passes into final third
10
Dribbles completed
1/1 (100%)
Clearances made
2
Interceptions made
2
He also notched a tally of 102 touches, whilst also managing to complete a dribble and looking positive every time he had the ball at his feet.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Defensively, he also managed to impress, making two clearances and two interceptions whilst also managing to make seven recoveries – highlighting his impressive performance at the base of midfield.
As a result of his showing, he was handed a 7/10 match rating by Football Insider journalist Toby Wilding, showcasing how impressive his showing was for Slot’s men.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
Given his performance, it’s evident that the former Bayern Munich man has enjoyed a revival at Anfield, looking to be a shrewd addition under his compatriot.
His showing last night was evidence of the talent possesses, undoubtedly being one of the first names on the teamsheet, arguably being as important as Salah to Slot given his emergence this season.
He's better than Frimpong: Liverpool working on deal to sign "complete" RB
Liverpool are already working on a deal to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.
Glasgow Rangers head coach Danny Rohl took on an unenviable task when he decided to join the club to replace Russell Martin, who had won just five of his matches in charge.
The German head coach has had to take over a side that was incredibly low on confidence and turn things around without any signings, which he did with four straight Scottish Premiership wins.
However, the Gers were unable to make it five after they were held to a 0-0 draw by Falkirk at Ibrox on Sunday, and the manager made it clear that underperforming players will face consequences.
One of the team’s underperforming flops who will not make the starting line-up for the clash with Dundee United on Wednesday is Oliver Antman, who has been ruled out for two months through injury.
Why Danny Rohl must replace Oliver Antman
Even without the injury, the Finland international should have been dropped by Danny Rohl because he failed to deliver a quality performance for his side from the start against Falkirk.
Antman ended the 2024/25 campaign with a return of seven goals and 17 assists in all competitions for Go Ahead Eagles, per Sofascore, yet his time at Ibrox has been barren in comparison.
In 20 appearances for Rangers, per Transfermarkt, the Finnish forward has failed to provide a goal or an assist in 18 different games, providing three assists in the other two outings.
The 24-year-old flop played 57 minutes against Falkirk on Sunday without registering a shot on target or creating a ‘big chance’ for his teammates, per Sofascore, and his absence through injury will now provide others with an opportunity to nail down that position.
The Rangers talent who could end Antman's Ibrox career
The Light Blues head coach could end Antman’s Ibrox career by finally unleashing academy graduate Findlay Curtis as a starter on the flank, as the Scottish youngster could nail down that position and leave the ex-Eredivisie star starved of minutes.
In The Pipeline
Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.
Rohl must give the 19-year-old star his first senior start in the Premiership this season on Wednesday night because his output this year suggests that he deserves more minutes on the pitch for the Gers.
Minutes
15
Crosses attempted
1
Fouls won
2
Pass accuracy
100%
Clearances
3
Tackles won
1/1
Ground duels won
3/4
Aerial duels won
1/2
Curtis, as shown in the table above, showed that he has the physicality to compete at first-team level in his cameo off the bench on Sunday, winning four of his six duels and winning two fouls.
The teenager starlet, who was dubbed a “Boy Wonder” on Premier Sports against Panathinaikos in July, has also shown glimpses of his exciting quality at the top end of the pitch this term, with three goals in 259 minutes of action.
Curtis, who scored off the bench against St Mirren in the Premiership in August, has not started a game for the first-team since he started both of the games against Panathinaikos in July, despite scoring two goals since then.
His lack of minutes, as a starter or off the bench, has been fairly surprising, particularly given Antman and the team’s general form, which is why now is the time for Rohl to finally unleash him from the start.
If the Scotland U21 international can get a run in the side and provide goal contributions on a regular basis for the Light Blues, the underperforming Antman would surely struggle to get back into the team given his lack of form this season.
Therefore, Curtis, who delivered four goals and three assists in eight B team matches at academy level, could be the player who ends the Finland international’s career at Ibrox, as the winger, who can play either flank, could snatch his place in the squad away from him.
A "spell on the sidelines" is needed for the "best player" at Rangers
This Glasgow Rangers star who was called the team’s best player should be dropped from the starting line-up.
ByDan Emery Dec 2, 2025
However, it is, firstly, down to the Rangers manager to provide the academy graduate with the platform that he needs to kick on and end Antman’s career at the club, starting with the league clash with Dundee United on Wednesday night because of Antman’s injury.
Big-money transfers certainly haven’t been alien to Manchester United in recent seasons, with the hierarchy forking out a pretty penny on players in the transfer market.
The Red Devils’ transfer record currently sits at £89m, with such a fee being forked out for the signature of Paul Pogba back in the summer of 2016.
However, the club have previously come close to breaking such a record, especially after forking out a deal with £86m for Antony’s signature just a couple of years ago.
The hierarchy have seen first hand that spending big on such players doesn’t equal Premier League success, especially with the Brazilian leaving for just £19m last summer.
That hasn’t stopped the board from wanting to replicate such deals in the upcoming window, with numerous big-money deals touted ahead of the January market.
Man Utd’s hunt for new additions in January
Over the last couple of weeks, United have ramped up their efforts to land Nottingham Forest midfielder Elliot Anderson, with the Red Devils even entering talks to land the Englishman.
However, a deal would likely be another expensive one, with Sean Dyche’s currently demanding a fee in the region of £100m for his signature in the coming months.
Ruben Amorim’s men aren’t alone in the pursuit for Anderson’s services, as rivals Manchester City have stormed into the race to land the 23-year-old in the near future.
He’s not the only big-money player currently in the Red Devils’ sights, as the hierarchy have identified Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior as a potential transfer target.
According to one Spanish outlet, Amorim’s men are currently preparing a club-record €150m (£131m) bid for the Brazilian, with the forward having just over 18 months left on his deal at the Bernabeu.
They also state that the player himself could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, especially given his recent fall-out with manager Xabi Alonso.
Why United’s £131m target would be Amorim’s next Garnacho
Not all of United’s stars have joined in massive transfers, as seen with winger Alejandro Garnacho, who joined for a minimal fee from Atlético Madrid as a teenager.
The Argentine managed to force himself into the first-team reckoning a couple of years ago, with the youngster registering nine combined goals and assists in his first season as a professional.
His next two seasons with the Red Devils would follow in a similar vein, as the 21-year-old scored 21 times and registered 15 assists – one of the best returns in the first-team squad.
However, it wouldn’t be enough to maintain his future at Old Trafford, as Amorim constantly made an example of him for his attitude issues which resulted in him being frozen out of the squad.
Garnacho would depart the club during the summer, joining Premier League rivals Chelsea in a deal worth a reported £40m – a decent fee given his failures in Manchester.
Despite the sale, Amorim could get his next version of the Argentine in January, especially if the hierarchy sanction a club-record move to land Vinicius.
As previously mentioned, he’s constantly had his own disciplinary issues, with it all coming to a head in the meeting with Barcelona, as the Brazilian reacted furiously to being substituted.
Such issues could lead to his exit from the Bernabeu, potentially leading to a switch to England and finally getting a taste of the greatest division in the world.
However, despite his struggles, he’s managed to impress on the pitch in recent times, with his numbers leading to Thierry Henry labelling him the “best in the world”.
Games played
13
Goals & assists
9
Progressive carries
8.9
Progressive passes
4.8
Pass accuracy
80%
Key passes
2.9
Passes into final third
1.9
Take-on success
38%
Carries into final third
2.9
Vinicius has already registered nine combined goals and assists in LaLiga this campaign, a tally that would make him the most effective player in Amorim’s current side.
Tallies such as 8.9 progressive carries and his 38% take-one success further highlight the talent he possesses with the ball, potentially having the creative nature to provide those around him with opportunities.
His passing stats also make for excellent reading, with the Brazilian making 2.9 key passes per 90, 1.9 of which going into the final third – arguably making him the perfect all-round attacker.
£131m would be a massive statement of intent from the board, but it’s a deal that would no doubt hand the first-team yet another world-class attacking option.
However, his attitude will certainly need to be watched, especially given the recent decline of Garnacho, with Amorim needing to keep the attackers’ feet firmly on the ground.
Haaland 2.0: Man Utd can sign "one of the best STs in Europe" for £44m
Manchester United could be about to sign a new talisman like Erling Haaland in January.
Manchester City issued a sobering reality check to Arne Slot’s Liverpool before the November international break. The Reds were thrashed at the Etihad, and the good work of previous matches unravelled.
Did it? Liverpool might have lost five of their past six outings in the Premier League, but there have been signs of improvement over the past several weeks, and now there is optimism that the club can kick on and rediscover the fluency that has been stripped away since the summer.
So many issues. One of which is that last season’s Premier League champions are struggling in the final third. Here is one of the biggest concerns that Slot needs to get rid of quickly.
Why Liverpools forwards are struggling
Mohamed Salah has not been himself this season. There are many different reasons why this might be. He has turned 33, but the all-powerful Egyptian should still be performing at a higher level than he has languished this term, too often drifting through matches, missing big chances and lacking the requisite defensive work rate.
There has been a lot of upheaval. The sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich having had a more detrimental effect than had been anticipated, but such a loss of electric pace and dynamic attacking play was always going to be hard to compensate for, even with the likes of Florian Wirtz added to the fold.
Wirtz has flattered to deceive, but he is a world-class player and will surely come good. Likewise, Alexander Isak has not clicked into gear after his British-record £125m transfer from Newcastle United on deadline day. The Sweden striker, 26, hasn’t had a pre-season, and injuries have limited him to a bit-part role thus far.
Liverpool’s wider creative problems and the overarching lack of coherence have made it all rather difficult, but Slot has a shrewd tactical mind and will surely unearth a solution sooner rather than later.
As a collective, Liverpool’s frontline need to do better. However, Slot must look to open up different attacking dimensions too, with one of his Red midfielders having emerged as the most accurate finisher in the Premier League this season.
Liverpool's best finisher
Liverpool have got many talented goalscorers in their ranks, but the fact that, statistically, Ryan Gravenberch is the cream of the crop in that regard underscores the need to unleash him in attacking phases with greater regularity.
Signed from Bayern Munich by Jurgen Klopp for £34m in 2023, Gravenberch put the final strokes on a much-anticipated midfield rebuild which has defined the Anfield side’s illustrious success of the past few terms.
However, after languishing on the fringes for his first year, Slot’s advent came to redefine the Netherlands international’s time on Merseyside, dropped deeper into a number six role last season and becoming indispensable en route to the Premier League title. Gravenberch was named the PFA Young Player of the Year.
Matches (starts)
37 (37)
9 (9)
Goals
0
3
Assists
4
1
Touches*
66.5
74.0
Shots (on target)*
1.3 (0.6)
Pass completion
89%
88%
Key passes*
0.7
0.8
Dribbles*
1.0
0.9
Ball recoveries*
5.2
3.6
Tackles + interceptions*
3.5
2.5
Total duels (won)*
5.0 (57%)
4.9 (61%)
However, the 23-year-old didn’t score across any competition last year, and since the summer he has been modified in his deployment, not less regimented in his deep-lying berth, and given the license to strike on goal if and when the opportunity arises.
But Gravenberch has not been shaped into a free-flowing attacking midfielder, with xG (expected goals) metrics showing that the Dutchman is statistically “the best finisher in the league this season”, having struck three strikes past the keeper from just 0.36 xG.
To put that in perspective, Salah has accumulated 3.62 xG this season, and he has four goals to his name. Gravenberch achieved a 1.12 total in last year’s top-flight season, and that yielded not one successful return.
While Liverpool appear to lack physicality and fluency in midfield this season, they have a robust and highly talented crop of players, and as Slot looks to rewrite his side’s tactical coding and escape from the current rut, this is a sign that those in the engine room must be allowed greater offensive freedom at times, thus unburdening the forwards when they are not firing on all cylinders.
Liverpool need to prove that they are worthy champions and ready to return to their former level under Slot’s wing. Too many are looking from outside and criticising Slot’s papier mâché empire, but this is a falsehood, and with an all-embracing midfielder like Gravenberch at the heart of the team, it’s only a matter of time before things click again.
Bad for Wirtz: Liverpool plan serious bid to sign future big-money superstar
Liverpool are looking for ways to add creativity to Arne Slot’s team.
Arsenal may have dropped points away to Sunderland on the weekend, but there is a lot for fans to be happy about.
Firstly, Mikel Arteta’s side remain clear at the top of the Premier League table, and just as importantly, the team looked genuinely dangerous in the second half.
They might have been defensively suspect, but the Gunners looked excellent going forward, and Leandro Trossard continued his fine form with a sensational long-range effort.
However, while the Belgian is playing out of his skin at the moment, recent reports suggest his game time could be dramatically reduced by another international who’s been compared to the legendary Thierry Henry.
Arsenal target monster winger
While Arsenal are flying, there are still some weaker areas of the squad, and the left wing is undoubtedly one of them.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Granted, Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli have improved this season, and Eberechi Eze can fill in there.
Yet, compared to the options of Bukayo Saka or Noni Madueke on the right, and then the three players who can start up top when fit, it’s clear the left-hand side could do with a genuine superstar option.
This appears to be an opinion shared by the club, as recent reports from Spain indicate that they are interested in Rafael Leão.
The report claims that Arsenal are set to make a serious move in the winter window for attacking reinforcement and are prepared to make an offer of around €80m for the AC Milan star, which is about £71m.
The North Londoners reportedly view the Portuguese international as a perfect fit, and Arteta is said to be a big fan, although with the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, and several French teams also said to be interested, this won’t be an easy transfer to get over the line.
With that said, given Leão’s ability and the fact he’s been compared to Henry, this is a deal worth going all out for, even if it could spell the end of Trossard’s Arsenal career.
How Leão compares to Trossard
Given Arsenal’s need to add more goals to their frontline, the first thing to look at when comparing Leao and Trossard should be their output from last season.
Unfortunately for the Belgian, this is where he comes out second best.
For example, in 56 appearances, totalling 3455 minutes, he scored two goals and provided ten assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.8 games, or every 172.75 minutes.
In contrast, the Milan star racked up a tally of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 3499 minutes, which is an average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 139.96 minutes.
It’s a little closer this year, but once again, it’s the Portuguese dynamo who comes out on top.
In eight appearances, totalling 470 minutes, he’s produced six goal involvements, which is an average of one every 1.33 games, or every 78.33 minutes.
Appearances
50
56
Minutes
3499′
3455′
Goals
12
10
Assists
13
10
Appearances
8
14
Minutes
470′
832′
Goals
5
4
Assists
1
4
In contrast, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has produced eight goal involvements in 14 appearances, totalling 832 minutes, which is an average of one every 1.75 games, or every 104 minutes.
However, while their output is ultimately what matters most, especially for a team gunning for the title, there is also the matter of how they play the game and how fun they are to watch.
AC Milan's RafaelLeao
Unfortunately for the 30-year-old, this is another area in which he is bested, as while his technical trickery can be a joy to behold, he’s nowhere near as powerful or dynamic as the former LOSC Lille star.
Moreover, the 26-year-old’s ability to pick up the ball in his own half, take on opposition defenders and then slide the ball into the far corner is why former Milan coach Stefano Pioli said, “Leao reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry.”
Just imagine a player capable of doing that once again donning the club’s red and white and helping them end their two-decade title drought.
Ultimately, Trossard is an excellent player and is in good form, but if Arsenal can sign Leao in the winter, they should do so.
After Dowman: Hale End has given Arsenal a future star who's "like Vieira"
The incredible prospect could be another Max Dowman-style star for Arsenal.
Manchester United have now entered concrete talks to sign AIK Fotboll striker Kevin Filling, and a move could be possible in the January transfer window.
Man United have a reputation of bringing through young players, having named at least one academy graduate in every first-team squad since October 1937, and they have continued to rely on youngsters in the early stages of the new Premier League season.
Senne Lammens appears to have taken Altay Bayindir’s shirt and established himself as the new starting goalkeeper, with Ruben Amorim also regularly calling upon the likes of Leny Yoro, Amad Diallo and Benjamin Sesko.
Sesko’s arrival at the club was met with scepticism, given that on paper the Slovenian looked like another Rasmus Hojliund-type signing, considering he is just 22-years-old and arguably doesn’t have the experience to lead the line for a club like United.
However, after taking a while to get going, the striker has now started to prove his worth, picking up two goals and an assist in his last four matches, most recently setting up Bryan Mbeumo’s first goal in the 4-2 win against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Man Utd enter talks to sign Kevin Filling
According to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg on X, Man United are now in “concrete” negotiations to sign another young striker, entering talks to sign AIK Fotboll’s Filling, who is valued at around €3m (£2.6m).
The “talented” youngster could be on the move as early as this winter, suggesting the Red Devils could get a deal done in the January transfer window, but there may be competition for his signature, as some unnamed Bundesliga clubs also find the centre-forward “interesting”.
At just 16-years-old, the striker is very much one for the future, but he has already made a breakthrough at senior level with AIK Fotboll, chipping in with two Allsvenskan goals in seven appearances so far this season.
The young Swedish forward has also started to make an impression at international level, making three appearances for Sweden U18s, and he netted a brace in an international friendly against Wales U18s earlier this month.
Of course, at just 16-years-old, Filling is likely to be some way off first-team level at a club like Man United, so it would make sense if he was sent back on loan to his current club or perhaps a smaller English club to gain more experience.
However, at around just £2.6m, it is definitely a risk worth taking for Man United, who should definitely try to get a deal done this winter.
Manchester United are also showing interest in Bayern Munich star Harry Kane £86m striker who Harry Maguire called "world-class" now key target for Man Utd
A top striker has now emerged as one of the Red Devils’ main targets.