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Liverpool will have to cope without having Hugo Ekitike at their disposal when they travel to Selhurst Park to take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday.

The French centre-forward is set to be suspended for the trip to London because of the red card that he picked up in the 2-1 win over Southampton in the League Cup at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Ekitike came off the bench at half-time in the win over the Championship side. He made an impact as a substitute by netting the winner late in the second half, converting into an open net from Federico Chiesa’s pass.

However, joy quickly turned to confusion as the referee showed a red card to the forward, who had taken his shirt off to celebrate his finish in front of the Anfield crowd.

This means that Arne Slot will be without the summer signing from Eintracht Frankfurt for the clash with Palace, after Ekitike started the first five matches of the Premier League season.

The Liverpool head coach now has a decision to make on whether or not to play club-record signing Alexander Isak from the start at Selhurst Park.

Why Alexander Isak may not start against Crystal Palace

Despite arriving at Anfield from Newcastle for £125m, a British record fee, during the summer transfer window, it is not a certainty that the Sweden international will start against the Eagles.

Because of the drawn-out transfer saga, Isak did not have a pre-season with the Magpies and did not feature in the opening weeks of the 2025/26 campaign, which means that he is still short on match fitness.

The Liverpool number nine has yet to play more than 58 minutes in any of his three appearances for the club, per Sofascore, and came off at half-time against Southampton after scoring his first goal for the Reds.

This shows that Slot and the medical team are being careful with Isak and slowly building him up, rather than chucking him straight into full 90-minute appearances.

24/25

3

9

23/24

2

12

22/23

1

17

21/22

2

5

20/19

0

0

19/20

0

0

18/19

5

15

17/18

1

8

As you can see in the table above, Isak has far from a spotless injury record during his career, which is why they may want to be extra careful with him to avoid causing any unwanted muscle injuries.

With his fitness and Ekitike’s suspension in mind, Liverpool may save Isak to come off the bench because of their lack of senior centre-forward options to play in the crucial stage of the match.

Assuming, based on how his appearances have gone so far, that the Swedish striker is not ready to play the full 90 minutes, Liverpool would be in danger of potentially having to substitute the £125m forward in the second half whilst chasing a result.

Instead of running that risk, the Reds could go with a wildcard replacement for Ekitike by unleashing a different player in that role and subbing Isak on to finish the match in the second half.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Slot brought Jayden Danns on in the second half against Southampton on Tuesday night, and the 19-year-old academy graduate could be the wildcard replacement for Ekitike to lead the line until Isak is introduced on Saturday.

Why Liverpool should unleash Jayden Danns

The teenage centre-forward provided the fans with a reminder that he is physically ready for first-team football by winning all three of his duels in 15 minutes off the bench against the Saints, per Sofascore.

Danns has scored two goals for club and country at youth level so far this season, per Sofascore, and looks to be getting back to his best after an injury put an end to his loan spell at Sunderland in the second half of the 2024/25 campaign.

The England U20 international first arrived on the first-team scene under Jurgen Klopp with two goals against Southampton in the FA Cup in 2024.

Danns also scored off the bench against Accrington Stanley in a 4-0 win for Liverpool in the FA Cup under Slot at the start of this year, before his loan move to Sunderland and subsequent injury troubles ended his campaign.

This means that he has already had a tiny bit of success at first-team level at Anfield, with three senior goals under his belt, which is why throwing him in from the start against Crystal Palace may not be the worst idea in the world.

Liverpool U18s

33

24 + 4

Liverpool U21s

12

4 + 2

Liverpool first-team

10

3 + 0

England U18s

9

0 + 0

England U16s

3

2 + 0

Liverpool Youth League

2

1 + 0

England U20s

1

1 + 0

As you can see in the table above, Danns has scored goals at an impressive rate for almost every team he has played for at senior and youth level.

U23 scout Antonio Mango described the striker as being “extra prolific” because of his intelligence and movement off the ball. His goal against Southampton in the earlier clip is a great example of those attributes in action.

The 19-year-old star, who made one appearance in the Premier League last season, is an exciting prospect and appears to have the physical and technical qualities to hold his own in the first-team already.

This is why he could be an ideal option to lead the line from the start against Crystal Palace on Saturday. That would provide Danns with a huge opportunity to showcase his quality, whilst also allowing Liverpool to end the game with Isak leading the line.

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ByDan Emery Sep 24, 2025

It could be an ideal solution to the problem facing Slot, with Ekitike’s suspension, as it would prevent the Reds from being in a position where they are chasing a result but have to substitute their star striker whilst doing so.

Crystal Palace have now made an approach to sign an “incredible” defender, who is being targeted as a replacement for Marc Guehi.

Palace working on replacement for Eze and Guehi

It has been a difficult summer for Palace on the transfer front, with talisman Eberechi Eze leaving to join Arsenal, but it appears as though they have already secured a replacement, with Fabrizio Romano dropping some exciting news on Tuesday evening.

That said, Palace may still have some work to do before the deadline, given that Marc Guehi’s future remains up in the air, with the captain still expected to join Liverpool, although Manchester City were also recently named as potential suitors.

There has been talk about Man City’s Manuel Akanji heading to Selhurst Park, but the Eagles have also now made an approach for more of a left-field target.

That is according to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), which states Crystal Palace have made an approach to sign Juventus defender Lloyd Kelly, who is being targeted as a replacement for Guehi.

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Oliver Glasner’s side have lodged an enquiry over Kelly, alongside Premier League rivals Sunderland, and there is a feeling that a deal could be possible, with the Italian club currently working on a deal to sign Paris Saint-Germain’s Lucas Beraldo as a replacement.

Having failed to adapt to life in Italy since making a £20m move from Newcastle United, the 26-year-old could well be on the move this summer, considering Beraldo joining Juventus is deemed ‘very possible’.

"Incredible" Kelly needs to leave Juventus this summer

It would be fair to say the Bristol-born defender failed to adapt to life in Italy last season, making just 12 Serie A appearances throughout the campaign, but he has proven himself in the Premier League in the past.

Indeed, the former AFC Bournemouth man was particularly impressive during his time with the Cherries, with ex-Bournemouth manager Gary O’Neil once praising him for a solid display in a 1-0 win against Liverpool.

O’Neil said: “I thought Lloyd was incredible. I think he had a 12-week ankle injury followed by a six-week calf injury. Didn’t have much time in between, and then came back today having not trained much, to play left back against one of the best wingers in the world.

“I thought he showed everything, the potential he has to be a top defender.”

If Kelly is to fulfill that potential, however, he needs to receive consistent game time, so a move to Palace could suit all parties, although the Juventus defender clearly isn’t currently on Guehi’s level, given that he is yet to be capped by England.

If you are planning to visit Lumen Field for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, we've got you covered!

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be the biggest the world has ever witnessed, with 48 teams battling it out in a month-long frenzy. The USA, Canada, and Mexico will have the honor of co-hosting this footballing festival across some of the most iconic venues in North America.

Some of the most iconic venues will be part of the spectacle next year, including the home of the Seattle Seahawks and Seattle Sounders FC – Lumen Field.

Having already hosted a number of memorable events in the past, Lumen Field is now set to welcome the world’s greatest footballing nations.

Whether you're a fan traveling halfway across the world to watch your team play, or someone just in town looking to explore one of its finest landmarks, this piece is for you! GOAL brings you all the details you need before planning a trip to Lumen Field.

Getty Images SportLumen Field overviewCapacity68,740Year opened2002Tenant(s)Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Address800 Occidental Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134, USAAdvertisementGetty Images SportHistory of Lumen Field

Lumen Field was completed in 2002 and originally opened as Seahawks Stadium, serving as the home of the Seattle Seahawks. It was later renamed Qwest Field in 2004, CenturyLink Field in 2011, and eventually became Lumen Field in 2020.

The stadium is well known for its electric atmosphere. Its unique roof design amplifies the noise from home supporters, often making it a challenging environment for visiting teams.

Over the years, Lumen Field has hosted several major events, including top-tier soccer tournaments such as the MLS Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup, and the Copa America Centenario in 2016. It was also chosen as one of the 12 venues for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

In addition to being the home ground for both NFL and MLS teams, the stadium has also welcomed some of the biggest names in music. Artists like Taylor Swift, Coldplay, Ed Sheeran, The Weekend, Beyonce and more have all performed here in recent years.

Getty Images SportWhich teams play at Lumen FieldLumen Field has been the home of the Seattle Seahawks since its construction in 2002 and became the home ground for MLS side Seattle Sounders FC in 2009.

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Seattle SeahawksNFLSeattle Sounders FCMLSENJOYED THIS STORY?

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Getty Images SportHow to get to Lumen Field

How to get to Lumen Field by public transport 

Lumen Field is accessible through a number of public transit options. The Light Rail running from the Airport Station stops at both International District Station and Stadium Station, each just a five-minute walk from the stadium.

Several Metro Bus routes also serve the area. Routes 21, 101, 106, 150, 550, and 554 all stop at either 4th Ave S & S Jackson St or the SODO Busway, both within a five-minute walk from the venue.

Rideshares and taxis are also convenient alternatives, though fares tend to surge on event days. 

How to get to Lumen Field by car 

Fans traveling to the stadium by car can take Exit 164A toward Royal Brougham Way on I-5, follow the signs for Lumen Field/SODO District, then turn left onto Occidental Ave S to reach the stadium area.

The left-arm spinner remains hopeful of playing the first Test less than two weeks after suffering the injury in the BBL

AAP27-Jan-20251:01

Clarke: Kuhnemann should tell everyone he’s fully fit

Matt Kuhnemann admitted he briefly feared his thumb injury could have ended his hopes of touring Sri Lanka but both he and Steven Smith completed full training sessions on the squad’s arrival in Galle for the Test series.Australia’s premier left-arm spinner Kuhnemann is now pain-free after wearing a ball on his non-bowling hand playing for Brisbane Heat earlier this month. He reunited with the squad in Sri Lanka at the weekend and completed Sunday afternoon’s first full session since arriving on the island for the two-match series.Related

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Stand-in captain Smith, who suffered a minor elbow injury in the BBL, spent as much time batting in the nets as anyone else and did not appear hampered.Every team member attended the optional session, with conditions so humid that top-order option Sam Konstas removed his helmet to finish batting in the nets.Apparently in preparation for the turning conditions, allrounder Beau Webster bowled the right-arm offspin of earlier in his career rather than the medium pace trotted out on Test debut at the SCG earlier this month.Kuhnemann is continuing to wear a brace on his right thumb and medical staff will monitor him. His injury appeared more serious than Smith’s, but Kuhnemann feels fit ahead of the first Test that begins on January 29.Matt Kuhnemann bowls at training with a protection on his injured thumb•Getty Images

“I had a couple of sessions back home and I was obviously cautious batting and fielding and everything but bowling, I haven’t had a problem whatsoever,” Kuhnemann said prior to the first training session. “I did this same thumb a couple of years ago and it was real painful but this one has been fine from the get-go.”As he awaited surgery, Kuhnemann said he was unsure whether he would have the chance to add to his three Test caps in Sri Lanka. The 28-year-old was a late call-up when Australia toured India in 2023, and the lack of subcontinent visits since had robbed him of further chances.”Definitely there were times when I was disappointed. It’s not great timing,” Kuhnemann said when asked whether he feared for his ability to tour. “There was a couple of hours. But I believe everything happens for a reason and you sort of move on. Obviously you do everything you can because these tours don’t come around very often as a spinner.”Kuhnemann could not attend the squad’s preparatory camp at the ICC Academy in Dubai but managed a hit-out with a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions at Allan Border Field last week.”The boys said I didn’t miss out on too much and what I was bowling on back in Brisbane was an eight-day old wicket so it worked out pretty good,” Kuhnemann said. “If it was the off-season then maybe it would be a blow to miss Dubai but we’re in the middle of summer and the workloads and confidence are high. Everything is all good.”

Manchester United have established themselves as cool negotiators in the summer transfer window and now look set to step up talks in pursuit of a new record signing.

Manchester United plot more deals after Benjamin Sesko capture

After a dismal Premier League finish last term, the Red Devils appear determined to make sure a repeat scenario doesn’t unravel this campaign and Ruben Amorim has wasted no time in sharpening a blunt attack.

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Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Diego Leon joining Manchester United for £140.5 million, many thought they would turn their attention to outgoings after missing out on any Champions League or Europa League windfall.

Nevertheless, Benjamin Sesko’s move to Old Trafford has made headlines around the globe, with many expecting big things from the Slovenia international after his return of 21 goals in 45 appearances last term at RB Leipzig.

Many have expected the focus to turn to other positions after fending off Newcastle’s advances for the towering striker. However, free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be next in line at Manchester United after parting company with his agent to try and seal a dream transfer to the English giants.

The former Everton man may only be able to arrive if one of Rasmus Hojlund or Joshua Zirkzee leaves the club, meaning interest in the former from AC Milan has come at a good time for Amorim.

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Intriguingly, Fabrizio Romano delivered a promising update on Manchester United’s pursuit of Carlos Baleba over the weekend. Brighton & Hove Albion aren’t keen to let him go, though the Red Devils keep trying to find solutions in spite of existing difficulties.

Marking their intent to recruit players capable of helping the Red Devils at the top end of the table, there has now been another big update on Amorim’s search for a new enforcer.

Manchester United set to submit Carlos Baleba bid

As reported by Rudy Galetti on X, Manchester United are set to be locked in further talks to sign the £100m-rated Baleba in the ‘coming hours’ and are expected to submit an imminent bid for his services.

He stated: “Man UTD and Brighton will hold new talks in the coming hours, with MUFC expected to submit their bid for Carlos Baleba. The player wants the move, and Brighton – waiting for how the negotiation will develop – are already working cautiously on a potential replacement.”

Is Manuel Ugarte or Carlos Baleba a better fit for Man Utd?

Manuel Ugarte in 2024/25 PL

Carlos Baleba in 2024/25 PL

Tackles won – 49

Tackles won – 46

Pass accuracy – 88.6%

Pass accuracy – 87.9%

Accurate long balls – 39

Accurate long balls – 65

Successful dribbles – 18

Successful dribbles – 33

Recoveries – 122

Recoveries – 197

Stats from Fotmob

With the Seagulls looking at potential replacements, Manchester United could look to move on Manuel Ugarte after his transfer to Old Trafford last year, though the statistical comparison between the two shows both excel in different areas.

Last term, Baleba registered four goals and two assists in 40 appearances for Brighton, leading Ryan Adsett to label the star a “powerhouse” due to his excellent form under Fabian Hurzeler. Manchester United are determined to position themselves among the elite again, and the Seagulls star would become their biggest ever signing, surpassing the record set by Paul Pogba’s arrival in 2016

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Manchester City are now leading the race for a “world-class” player, who is very keen on sealing a move to the Etihad Stadium this summer, according to a report.

Guardiola keen on new goalkeeper amid Ederson concerns

Man City crashed out of the Club World Cup at the round of 16 stage, which left Pep Guardiola dissatisfied, and the manager is reportedly growing particularly tired of Ederson’s performances, with the Brazilian failing to reach his usual lofty heights.

Consequently, Guardiola is now looking to bring in a new goalkeeper this summer, with it recently being revealed the Blues are ready to submit a £51m bid for FC Porto’s Diogo Costa, who has been identified as one of their top targets.

However, Costa is not the only option on the shortlist, as James Trafford is also of interest, and contact has been made over a deal for the Burnley shot-stopper, with City looking to hijack their Premier League rivals, Newcastle United.

Newcastle have been in the driving seat in the race for Trafford’s signature for quite some time, and a report last week suggested the Magpies were closing in on a deal, but it now looks like he could re-join the Blues.

According to a report from Football Insider, the Etihad Stadium is the goalkeeper’s most likely destination this summer, indicating Man City are now leading the race, with Newcastle now at real risk of missing out on a deal entirely.

City have a £40m buy-back clause for their former player, although they are looking to negotiate a fee below that figure, given that £40m would be a large fee to shell out for a goalkeeper yet to prove himself at the very highest level.

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Crucially, the Burnley star is “very keen” on a return to the Etihad Stadium, which means it could be easy to negotiate personal terms if the Blues are able to agree a suitable fee with the Clarets.

"World-class" Trafford could be ideal Ederson heir

The 22-year-old, on £25,000-a-week, is clearly now ready to test himself at the top level, given that he performed remarkably well for Burnley in the Championship last season, shipping just 16 goals in 45 appearances and keeping 29 clean sheets.

The former City man clearly has plenty of self-belief too, having described himself as “world-class” last season, and the Englishman’s performances for the Clarets over the past year suggest he could certainly be at that level.

Statistic

Average per 90

Goals against

0.36 (99th percentile)

Save percentage

84.5% (99th percentile)

Save % (penalties)

100% (95th percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

64.4% (99th percentile)

Clearly, Trafford could be an ideal long-term replacement for Ederson, but he will have big shoes to fill, given that the Brazilian has been a fantatsic servant to City, winning six Premier League titles during his time at the Etihad Stadium.

يستعد الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي النصر السعودي، بقيادة جورجي خيسوس المديرالفني، لمواجهة استقلال دوشنبه من الطاجاكستاني، في بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا 2.

ومن المقرر أن يلعب النصر أمام استقلال دوشنبه الطاجاكستاني ضمن منافسات الجولة الأولى من بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا 2، على ملعب “الأول بارك”.

طالع| قرار مفاجئ من مدرب النصر تجاه رونالدو قبل مواجهة استقلال الطاجاكستاني في دوري أبطال آسيا 2

ويشارك نادي النصر، في بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا 2، بعدما احتل المركز الثالث في الدوري السعودي الموسم الماضي، حيث لم يتأهل للمشاركة في بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا للنخبة البطولة الأكبر في آسيا.

ويلعب فريق النصر السعودي في المجموعة الرابعة من بطولة دوري أبطال آسيا 2، إلى جانب كل من الزوراء العراقي، استقلال دوشنبه الطاجاكستاني، وجوا الهندي. موعد مباراة النصر السعودي واستقلال دوشنبه في دوري أبطال آسيا 2

تنطلق مباراة النصر واستقلال دوشنبه في دوري أبطال آسيا 2 اليوم الأربعاء، الموافق 17 سبتمبر 2025، في تمام الساعة التاسعة والربع مساء بتوقيت مكة المكرمة والقاهرة. القناة الناقلة لمباراة النصر السعودي واستقلال دوشنبه في دوري أبطال آسيا 2

تنقل مباراة النصر واستقلال دوشنبه عبر شبكة قنوات بي إن سبورتس 2.

ويمكنكم مطالعة مواعيد ونتائج جميع المباريات لحظة بلحظة عبر مركز المباريات من هنا.

Aston Villa fans will be concerned about the amount of outgoings currently being talked about at Villa Park.

Indeed, every passing day seems to throw up another rumoured casualty from the West Midlands giants, with Ollie Watkins the next high-profile name to be linked with an exit as Arsenal show an interest in the lethal Premier League goal machine again.

Emiliano Martinez’s name is also in this constant conversation, with a move to Manchester United reportedly lined up.

But why is this all happening? Well, Unai Emery’s men are trying to balance the books by whatever means necessary to comply with stringent PSR rules.

Aston Villa chasing £30m signing

Martinez and Watkins aren’t the only key members of the Villa squad who could depart the Midlands this summer with Arsenal also allegedly eyeing Morgan Rogers.

If the England international does exit, presumably for a colossal fee, they would need a replacement.

Well, according to reports from Spain, via Sport Witness, Villa are continuing to hunt the signature of Real Betis starlet Jesus Rodriguez this summer.

It is stated that several clubs are looking at the teenage sensation, with Cesc Fabregas’ Como said to be accelerating their efforts to tempt the Spanish hotshot to Italy, alongside Monchi also powering ahead with Villa’s own advances.

Betis are reportedly willing to sanction a move for Rodriguez to leave when he returns from international action with Spain U21s at the ongoing Euros tournament, with a £30m price-tag also above his head if he does seek out a new home shortly.

Villa could well have that amount in the bank if a major sale is signed off on, with this going down as a worthwhile investment if Rodriguez can instantly acclimatise to his new environment.

Already, the Seville-born attacker has made waves in the senior picture at Betis, as seen in this coolly tucked away chance in European action.

How Rodriguez could become Emery's next Rogers

Much like Emery managed with a once wide-eyed Rogers, Rodriguez could soon be transformed into a far more impressive forward player under the ex-Arsenal manager’s expert guidance.

After all, Rogers was only two years older than Rodriguez is now when he was first handed a senior shot at Villa, having cost £15m to obtain from Middlesbrough.

Now, Rogers is spoken about as a player worth around £100m, and for good reason too when you consider his whirlwind rise at Villa Park from promising youngster plucked out of the EFL, to one of the key first names on Emery’s teamsheet.

Rogers wasn’t an overnight success, however, with only four goal contributions coming his way from his first 16 Villa first-team outings. But, the rest is history now for the “unstoppable” attacker, as Jamie Carragher glowingly labelled him last season, with a spellbinding 29 goal contributions next to his name during his second campaign at Emery’s men.

Rodriguez will hope he can be turned into a similar superstar under the Spaniard’s tutelage, with the 19-year-old already being described as “explosive” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, even as he’s still navigating the fledgling stages of his career.

Rodriguez’s G/A numbers for Betis

Age bracket

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

First team

32

3

2

Betis B

36

9

3

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Everything is pointing in the direction of the Betis number 36 going on to live up to his hype, with Rodriguez ahead of Rogers’ development already by showing immense flashes of his quality at the very peak of Spanish football.

To add context, when Rogers was only 19 years of age himself, he was attempting to cut his teeth in the Championship with AFC Bournemouth, while Rodriguez is already confidently scoring in the Conference League.

Patience will need to be exercised on the ends of the Villans like they offered up to a growing Rogers, but with their depleted numbers down the left wing clear for all to see, Rodriguez might be immediately chucked into the deep-end, with a hope he doesn’t sink under all the pressure and instead excels.

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This summer simply has to be a seismic one for Tottenham Hotspur.

Ange Postecoglou and his squad turned what could have been an utterly disastrous campaign into an iconic one with their Europa League triumph in Bilbao last week, and now it’s Daniel Levy and Co’s turn to deliver.

With Champions League football secured, the Lilywhites board should be able to push the boat out that bit more in the transfer window and bring in the right stars to ensure their Premier League campaign next year can be just as memorable as their European one this year.

Fortunately, that seems to be happening, as recent reports have linked the North Londoners with one of the most exciting players on the continent and someone who could send Son Heung-min packing.

Tottenham transfer news

Before getting to the young superstar in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other impressive players who have been linked with Spurs in recent weeks and months, such as Marc Guehi and Leroy Sané.

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 cost up to £50m, and while that is a lot of money, he’d bring plenty of experience at the domestic and international level while also potentially being the perfect replacement for Cristian Romero should the World Cup finally move on this summer.

Sané, on the other hand, would be completely free thanks to his contract expiring in June, and while he’s nearer to the end than the start of his career, he’d undoubtedly add something to the Lilywhites attack, as in just 45 games this season he has scored 13 goals and provided six assists.

However, another more exciting major target for Tottenham has now entered the picture: Xavi Simons.

According to a recent report from ESPN, Spurs are interested in the RB Leipzig star, although they are certainly not the only ones.

Other stories from earlier this month have also credited the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester United with an interest in the Flying Dutchman, who could cost around £67m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Simons’ incredible ability and potential, it’s one well worth fighting for, especially as he could be the perfect Son upgrade.

How Simons compares to Son

So, the first thing to say is that one of Simons’ biggest strengths is that he can play off the right or in attacking midfield with relative ease, but considering Brennan Johnson has been in fine form in the former and James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski occupy the latter, it seems likely that he’d come in as a left-wing option.

Therefore, one of his primary competitors for game time, and the man he’d ideally be the long-term heir to, is Son, so who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes to their raw output, it’s the former Pairs Saint-Germain gem, with 11 goals and eight assists in just 33 first-team appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.73 games.

Simons vs Son in 24/25
Player	Simons	Son
Appearances	33	46
Goals	11	11
Assists	8	12
Goal Involvements per Match	0.57	0.50
All Stats via Transfermarkt

In contrast, the former Bayer Leverkusen star has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 appearances for the North Londoners this season, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers from this year? Which winger comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the Chuncheon-born icon, this is another battle he loses, as in most relevant metrics, bar a few here and there, the 22-year-old “game-changing signing,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, comes out comfortably ahead.

These metrics include, but are not limited to, non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, goals per shot and shot on target, passes into the final third and penalty area, expected assists, tackles won, interceptions, blocks, clearances, successful take-ons, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Simons vs Son
Statistics per 90	Simons	Son
Non-Penalty Goals + Assists	0.67	0.64
Progressive Passes	5.86	4.74
Progressive Carries	3.56	4.10
Shots	2.09	2.35
Shots on Target	0.96	1.02
Goals per Shot	0.20	0.11
Goals per Shot on Target	0.43	0.25
Passing Accuracy	78.6%	78.9%
Expected Assists	0.25	0.22
Passes into the Penalty Area	2.51	2.18
Passes into the Final Third	3.31	1.75
Live Passes	44.4	36.5
Shot-Creating Actions	4.52	4.99
Tackles	1.17	0.73
Tackles Won	0.88	0.38
Blocks	0.79	0.47
Interceptions	0.50	0.21
Clearances	0.79	0.73
Successful Take-Ons	1.38	1.24
Ball Recoveries	5.36	3.63
Aerial Duels Won	0.79	0.26
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season

Finally, the Amsterdam-born “superstar,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is a decade younger than the captain, so there is every chance that he’ll continue to get better and better in the coming campaigns, which is a scary thought indeed.

Ultimately, Son has been an incredible player for Spurs over the years, but Simons looks to be better than him in practically every way, so Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.

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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!

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“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.

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.”