da bet esporte: Manchester United have been given a big opportunity to sign a “world-class” striker, as his price tag is set to drop by around £38m in the summer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Man Utd in need of a striker
da lvbet: It would be fair to say very few players have impressed in a Man United shirt this season, considering Ruben Amorim’s side have picked up just 30 points in 26 Premier League games, and their strikers are no exception, having consistently struggled to find the back of the net.
Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have scored a combined five goals in the Premier League this term, with neither striker netting in 2025, so it is clear that Amorim will need to upgrade his forward line when summer comes around.
Several top strikers have been linked with moves to Old Trafford, and there is a belief United could trigger Matheus Cunha’s £62.5m release clause if Alejandro Garnacho leaves, following interest from Napoli and Chelsea in January.
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The Red Devils are now negotiating a summer move for an exciting young forward.
Now, Romano has dropped an update on the Red Devils’ pursuit of Victor Osimhen, with the transfer expert revealing United will have a big opportunity to sign the forward for a cut-price fee this summer.
Osimhen has a €120m (£100m) release clause in his current contract, but if Napoli are unable to get him off the books before the end of June, it will fall to €75m – €80m (£62m – £66m), meaning a £38m price drop could be on the cards.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates after the match
Romano states that nothing is concrete or advanced between United and the Nigerian, contrary to some reports from elsewhere, as he is focussed on winning the league with Galatasaray, but meetings to discuss his future are set to continue in April or May.
Osimhen's insane goal record
It is clear to see why a number of top clubs are interested in the 26-year-old, given his exceptional goal record across spells with Charleroi, Lille, Napoli and Galatasaray.
Season
Apps (all comps)
Goals
2018-19
36
20
2019-20
38
18
2020-21
30
10
2021-22
32
18
2022-23
39
31
2023-24
32
17
2024-25
26
20
The Nigeria international has hit the ground running since moving to Turkey, with his side in a strong position to win the league title, and he has been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Matt Barlow, while also receiving praise from analyst Statman Dave.
United can’t afford to pass up the opportunity to sign Osimhen for a reduced fee, given their struggles in front of goal this season, so they should go all out to sign the prolific striker this summer, should he still remain keen on the move.
da bet vitoria: They might not have had the trophies to show for it, but Tottenham Hotspur have been blessed with some incredible players over the last decade and a half.
da realbet: For example, Harry Kane and Son Heung-min were arguably the best strike partnership in the Premier League for large parts of the late 2010s, while the likes of Mousa Dembélé and Toby Alderweireld helped to make Mauricio Pochettino’s greatest team an absolute nightmare for opposition attackers.
However, in going back even further, you come to the utterly sensational Gareth Bale, who, in his pomp, had a claim to being the most dangerous attacker in the country.
The Welsh icon was a goalscoring force of nature for the Lilywhites, and in some ways, Ange Postecoglou might have his own version in the squad today.
Bale's Spurs career
Tottenham completed the £10m signing of Southampton’s 17-year-old Bale in May 2007, and while he was a highly-rated youngster tipped for greatness at the time, it took a while for that to happen in North London.
For example, early on in his Spurs career, the Cardiff-born dynamo suffered a ligament injury in his ankle, and when he returned to the fold around eight months later, nothing went right for him.
In fact, the then-full-back famously didn’t win his first game with the Lilywhites until the 25th attempt, and it became such a talking point that Sir Alex Ferguson reportedly told Harry Redknapp to drop him from the team because he was a bad-luck charm.
Gareth Bale for Tottenham.
The Englishman didn’t listen to the Manchester United boss, and on top of sticking by the young talent, he opted to move him up the pitch from left-back to left midfield and left-wing part way through the 09/10 campaign, which, as we all know today, was an inspired decision.
In all, the 35-year-old ended up scoring 55 goals and providing 50 assists in 203 appearances across his first stint with the club before adding another 16 goals and three assists in 34 games during the 20/21 campaign.
Bale’s Spurs stints
Stint
1st
2nd
Appearances
203
34
Goals
55
16
Assists
50
3
Goal Involvements per Match
0.51
0.55
All Stats via Transfermarkt
However, it was the 12/13 season that truly established the former Saints gem as a genuine world-class talent and secured his £85m move to Real Madrid, as in just 44 appearances, the 111-capped international scored 26 goals and provided ten assists, coming out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.22 games.
Overall, Bale has to go down as one of the best players Spurs have had in the modern era, and excitingly, they may have someone who can replicate some of his output in the squad today.
Tottenham Hotspur's new Bale
So, while this season has been something of a disaster for Postecoglou and Spurs, there are still several incredibly talented players within the squad.
The likes of Dejan Kulusevski, Djed Spend and Lucas Bergvall, for example, could all be key members of the next great Lilywhites team, but when it comes to their new Bale, it can be one man: Brennan Johnson.
The talented forward joined the club for around £47.5m from Nottingham Forest in September 2023, and before the pitchforks come out, we are not saying he is as talented or will ever be as talented as the multiple Champions League winner, but there are a couple of clear similarities.
Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson
The first is, as the Cardiff-born legend was, the 23-year-old is a key member of the Welsh national team and has already racked up 33 senior caps, in which he’s scored five goals and provided four assists.
The second reason is that the former Forest star also endured a slow start to life in N17, as while he didn’t need 25 appearances to pick up his first win, he didn’t score his second league goal for the club until matchweek 22 last season.
Johnson’s Spurs career
Season
23/24
24/25
Appearances
34
34
Minutes
2248′
2211′
Goals
5
14
Assists
10
3
Goal Involvements per Match
0.44
0.50
Minutes per Goal Involvement
149.86′
130.05′
All Stats via Transfermarkt
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, after another slow start to this year, the “frightening” dynamo who can “make something happen,” as dubbed by podcaster and content creator HLTCO, has become a reliable source of goals and assists from the wing.
For example, in just 34 appearances this season, totalling 2211 minutes, the Nottingham-born ace has scored 14 goals and provided three assists, which comes to an average of a goal involvement every other game, or every 130.05 minutes.
Now, it seems incredibly unlikely that he will be able to match Bale’s sensational tally from the 12/13 campaign, but as things stand, we wouldn’t put it past the former Forest star to reach 20 goals in all competitions before May.
Ultimately, things might not have gone too well for Spurs this year, but in Johnson, it looks like they have an incredibly talented winger and someone who could reach another level next season should the players around him remain fit.
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The sensational talent has a bright future with Spurs.
da bet esporte: Everton have now made contact over a summer move for a “sensational” striker who is keen on a move to the Premier League, according to a report.
Moyes planning for the summer
da stake casino: When David Moyes’ return to Goodison Park was confirmed back in January, relegation was a very real threat, but the Scot has turned his side’s form on its head since replacing Sean Dyche in the dugout.
The Toffees are now 15 points clear of the bottom three, with safety more or less confirmed, which will be a massive relief heading into the first campaign at Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
Moyes will, of course, be determined to finish as high as possible, but he can also start making plans for the summer, safe in the knowledge Premier League football is almost guaranteed next season, and the manager has started to identify some key targets.
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West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek is said to be a priority target for the Everton boss, who is eyeing a reunion with his former midfielder, while the Friedkin Group are also ready to make a move for Brentford’s Christian Norgaard.
Not only are the Merseyside club eyeing a midfielder, but they are also keen on a new striker, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin still yet to sign a new contract, and a report from TEAMtalk has revealed they have now made their first move to sign AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham.
AC Milan'sTammyAbraham
Abraham is believed to be keen on a return to the Premier League this summer, where a number of clubs could be queuing up for his signature, with West Ham United, Nottingham Forest and Fulham also named as potential suitors.
Everton’s approach is still in the early stages, having merely asked for information about the striker, who cost Roma £34m back in August 2021, before being shipped out on loan to AC Milan this season.
Everton’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)
March 8th
West Ham United (h)
March 15th
Liverpool (a)
April 2nd
Arsenal (h)
April 5th
Nottingham Forest (a)
April 12th
"Sensational" Abraham impressing in cup competitions
The “sensational” striker hasn’t been prolific in front of goal in the Serie A this term, scoring just two league goals, but he has been on the scoresheet three times in the Italian Cup, bagging a brace to knock parent club Roma out of the competition.
Having also scored in the Super Cup final against Inter Milan, the Englishman has managed to get his hands on silverware this season, which will be the aspiration for Everton once the move to Bramley-Moore Dock is completed.
The former Chelsea man’s previous exploits in England also indicate he could be capable of helping the Toffees finally end their trophy drought, should he receive regular game time, netting 15 Premier League goals for the Blues in the 2019-20 campaign.
As such, it is promising news Everton are battling for Abraham’s signature, but Moyes will be hoping he is capable of rediscovering his previous form in the league.
da brdice: Well, if Arsenal’s title chances were not decimated before, they certainly are now. Truth be told, it was all wrapped up the moment the Gunners failed to recruit any new players in January.
da winzada777: They have struggled, laboured, and looked toothless in attack. Except, what happened in that PSV game? Well, the Dutch side were awful defensively but Mikel Arteta’s side still scored seven. The same ruthlessness was not shown on Sunday.
Not for the first time since Kai Havertz’s season-ending injury last month, Arsenal looked devoid of ideas in the final third and rode out a 1-1 draw against their old rivals Manchester United.
Remarkably, it was their tenth draw of the league campaign and it’s a result that’s now put them a whopping 15 points behind Liverpool. The less said about that the better.
So, their hopes now ride on the Champions League. Presuming they come through the second leg of PSV, they will likely face Real Madrid. Another trophyless campaign is probable.
Why Arsenal struggled at Old Trafford
It will come as no surprise to learn that the main problem facing Arteta’s side against Man United was their attack.
Gabriel Martinelli did return from injury, appearing as a late substitute but could not inspire a team missing Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka to all three points.
It’s safe to say not many in away colours were able to inspire their team on Sunday.
It wasn’t through a lack of trying either. Arsenal had 68% of the ball and made 585 passes to United’s 271 but were unable to do much. It was a total domination until Arteta’s men got near the opposition’s penalty box where everything became too slow and rather predictable.
Mikel Merino – the rescue act at the King Power Stadium a few weeks ago – perhaps delivered his most anonymous display yet as a centre forward and was fortunate to last the full 90 minutes such was his lack of impact.
He could only complete 71% of his passes and for a man usually such a duel monster, he only won four of 18 contests.
Then, there were the two men beside him. Flying teenager Ethan Nwaneri didn’t have much joy and was subbed for Martinelli in the 58th minute while Leandro Trossard endured a torrid time, missing two opportunities to score and giving away the free-kick that led to Bruno Fernandes’ opener.
That was the turning point in the game as far as the Red Devils were concerned and it came about in strange circumstances. The Arsenal wall appeared to be standing miles from the ball and then David Raya left far too much room to the left-hand side of his goal for Fernandes to score.
Arsenal did rally and through their man of the match, Declan Rice, rescued a point but it could have been far worse had the midfielder not made an unbelievable last-ditch challenge to deny Rasmus Hojlund scoring what looked like a certain goal late on.
Still, we’re yet to name probably Arsenal’s most problematic player right now.
Arsenal's most problematic player in 2025
After their 7-1 win over PSV last Tuesday it looked as though club captain Martin Odegaard was back to his best.
The £240k-per-week Norwegian found the net twice during that thrilling encounter but failed to showcase the same level of form this weekend.
He was outclassed by his opposite number Bruno Fernandes and looks like a shadow of the player we’ve seen over the last few years at the Emirates Stadium.
Odegaard certainly had a strong impact, amassing the second most touches of anyone on the field (96) but he did very little with it, failing to find a teammate with any of his six crosses. That’s become a worrying trend for the attacking midfielder who appears to be playing a lot of aimless balls into the box.
Despite scoring twice in midweek, his finishing has been shocking this term and that remained a fact against United on Sunday, notably sidefooting a really tame effort straight at Amadou Onana in the second half that he should have scored, before slamming a free-kick from an ideal position straight at the wall. It typified his weak finishing this campaign.
Odegaard vs Bruno Fernandes
Odegaard
Stat
Fernandes
90
Minutes played
90
0.40
xG
0.32
0.47
xA
0.05
96
Touches
50
93%
Accurate passes
86%
3
Key passes
1
3
Shots on target
3
1/6
Ground duels won
3/9
1/1
Aerial duels won
0/0
19x
Possession lost
10x
0
Tackles
2
Stats via Sofascore.
In all honesty, it wasn’t a terrible performance but like on so many occasions this term, Arsenal needed some extra oomph and Odegaard just seemed to slow things down.
As a result, it was perhaps a mistake to keep him on the field for the full 90 minutes. Supporters lust over seeing Nwaneri in the skipper’s role and that’s what should have happened in the latter stages of the game.
For Arteta, it’s back to the drawing board concerning his best attack. Does it include the captain? It’s probable but his position should be under threat after another average showing.
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da roleta: In a season that has felt like a real slog at times, last night was a moment of triumph for the Tottenham Hotspur faithful.
da gbg bet: Ange Postecoglou’s side went into the second leg of their Europa League tie against AZ Alkmaar a goal down and in real danger of not making the quarter-finals.
Fortunately, the team stepped up in a big way and, aside from a brief spell in the second half, were the far better side and could have easily put a couple more past the visitors.
Tottenham Hotspur vs AZ Alkmaar
Tottenham
Statistics
AZ Alkmaar
3
Goals
1
2.23
Expected Goals
1.19
60%
Possession
40%
3
Big Chances
3
17
Total Shots
10
5
Corners
2
529
Passes
352
All Stats via Sofascore
There were stand-out displays across the Lilywhites’ starting lineup, and while Son Heung-min had a game to remember, it was one of the manager’s signings that showed, when in full flow, he could be the club’s best player.
Son's dazzling display
It would be fair to say that, despite still being able to produce goal involvements on a pretty regular basis, this season has not been a particularly great one for Son.
It feels as if time is finally catching up with the 32-year-old winger, and in a lot of his appearances this term, he’s struggled to take on and beat opposing defenders, but not last night.
Instead, the South Korean superstar was a constant threat and barely allowed the Dutch side to breathe, as if he wasn’t taking them on himself with a mazy run, he was setting up his teammates with brilliant passes.
Football.london’s Alasdair Gold was equally impressed with the veteran winger, awarding him an 8/10 match rating on the night and praising him for putting in a true ‘captain’s performance’.
Unsurprisingly, the former Bayer Leverkusen ace’s statistics more than justify the praise, as in 94 minutes of action he amassed a combined expected goal plus assists figure of 0.47, provided one assist, took a shot on target, took 86 touches and played two key passes.
It was the sort of display that should remind people of just how good Son can be, although one of his teammates put in a similar performance and could now be described as the team’s best player.
Spurs' best player
There were a few other notable players from last night’s victory, including Lucas Bergvall, Wilson Odobert and Dominic Solanke, but we don’t think any of them have a real claim at being Spurs’ best player just yet.
Instead, and this may be controversial to some, we reckon James Maddison put in the sort of performance that should remind fans he could be their most technically gifted and impressive player.
The former Leicester City star is undoubtedly guilty of fading away in some games and across seasons as well, but when he’s on it, as he was yesterday, the Englishman is a simply sublime footballer.
For example, against AZ, he was practically unstoppable, was here, there, and everywhere, and then, thanks to a clever pass from Son, got his rewards with a goal in the second half.
Gold was just as impressed with the 28-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by Statman Dave, awarding him a 9/10 on the night and writing that it was ‘one of his best performances of the season.’
It might sound like hyperbole, but his statistics suggest otherwise, as in 77 minutes of action, he amassed an expected goal plus assists figure of 0.52, scored a goal, took 77 touches, completed 94% of his passes, played two key passes, took one shot on target, won two fouls and even made an interception.
On top of playing incredibly well against AZ, the Coventry-born star has also been more productive than he has perhaps gotten credit for this season, racking up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in just 37 appearances.
Ultimately, yesterday was a brilliant day for Spurs, and while Son rolled back the years with his performance, we reckon Maddison put on a display that should have him in the conversation of the club’s best players.
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da premier bet: West Ham United are now eyeing a summer move for a striker who’s scored 19 goals this season, and they are tempted to trigger his £44m release clause, according to a report.
West Ham's striker search
da pinup bet: Graham Potter has identified Jonathan David as his top striker target for the summer transfer window, but it could be difficult to win the race for the Canadian, considering there is widespread interest from some of Europe’s top clubs.
As such, it would not be a surprise if the Hammers have to move on to back-up options, and they have now made contact over a potential move for AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham, who is believed to be open to a return to the Premier League.
Not only are the Irons going toe-to-toe with some big clubs in the race for David, but they are also battling Arsenal and Liverpool for Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike, given the 22-year-old’s impressive form since arriving in the Bundesliga.
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The Moroccan has dazzled out on loan in Spain.
Signing a new striker is seemingly one of Potter’s priorities for the summer, given the number of big names that have been linked with moves to the London Stadium, and there has now been another player thrown into the mix.
According to a report from TuttoMercatoWeb, West Ham are now eyeing a summer move for Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, who has a tempting €52m (£44m) release clause included in his contract with the Italian side.
Fiorentina'sMoiseKean
Much like many of the Hammers’ other targets, however, there is widespread interest in Kean, with Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United and Arsenal also being named as potential suitors.
The 25-year-old’s future remains up in the air, but he is currently focussed on getting himself back amongst the goals, having failed to score in the Serie A since the beginning of February.
"King of kings" Kean has been prolific this season
It is no wonder some of England’s biggest clubs are queuing up for the Italian, considering he has been prolific in front of goal this season, netting 19 goals in 32 appearances in all competitions.
While the Fiorentina star may be without a goal since February in the Serie A, his play-making abilities were on display during his side’s 2-1 loss against Napoli yesterday, picking up the assist for his side’s only goal.
Pundit Mina Rzouki has lauded the former Everton man as the “king of kings” for the way in which his game has developed this season, with his performances improving as the campaign goes on, but there are still some doubts over whether West Ham should make a move.
Kean’s career in England never really took off during his time with the Toffees, scoring just two goals in 32 Premier League appearances, so it would be a gamble for the Hammers to shell out £44m on the Italy international this summer.
da bet7k: West Ham United are now ready to make an approach to sign a “very skilful” midfielder, who Graham Potter is a big fan of, according to a report.
Potter keen to strengthen in several areas
da bet nacional: Potter is clearly keen to put his own stamp on his West Ham squad this summer, having set his sights on bringing in additions in several key areas, with signing a new goalkeeper now emerging as a possibility.
The Hammers have now joined the race to sign Royal Antwerp goalkeeper Senne Lammens, whose impressive performances this season have attracted the attention of a number of Premier League clubs, including Manchester United and Manchester City.
A new striker is also of interest to the Irons boss, with Lille’s Jonathan David one of the most high-profile names on the shortlist, while a deal for AS Roma’s Tammy Abraham has been explored.
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In terms of potential midfield additions, Sunderland’s Chris Rigg is high on the shortlist, with Potter’s side eyeing a £10m move for the 17-year-old, while they have also been in talks over a deal for Lille’s Angel Gomes for quite some time.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, West Ham have already made an approach to sign Gomes, which was knocked back, but they are now ready to make a second attempt to lure the midfielder to the London Stadium.
England'sAngelGomesin action
The Hammers are undeterred by the initial approach being rejected, and remain interested in the 24-year-old, who is set to be available on a free transfer at the end of the campaign.
Potter is keen to bring in a midfielder capable of playing the number 8 and number 6 roles, and the England international could be an ideal option.
"Very skilful" Gomes could be the perfect addition
Not only can the maestro operate as a number 6 or 8, but former England caretaker manager Lee Carsley has praised him for his ability to play further forward, while lauding him as “very skilful”.
The Lille star’s ability to control games is also demonstrated by his passing ability, ranking in the 97th percentile for passes completed per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
Potter is known to be a big fan of Gomes, so it is promising news that West Ham could still get a deal done this summer, despite previous reports they had pulled out of the race for his signature.
da betsson: It’s fair to say Manchester United fans won’t be looking back on the 2024/25 season with any degree of fondness.
da gbg bet: A miserable tally of 18 losses in total in the Premier League would see Ruben Amorim’s dismal Red Devils have to make do with an unimpressive 15th spot in the division, whilst a heartbreaking Europa League final defeat to Tottenham Hotspur means United won’t even have the joyful distraction of European football to look forward to next campaign.
It’s a huge summer at Old Trafford, therefore, as Amorim attempts to steer the sinking ship back on course, with a whole host of transfer rumours beginning to bubble to the surface involving outgoings and incomings.
The most notable exit that could soon be on the cards is Bruno Fernandes ditching the Theatre of Dreams, with United perhaps having to sell their standout star so they can finance some top-drawer signings through the door.
Man Utd's search for a striker
Although the ex-Sporting boss remains in good spirits that the attacking midfielder could stay put amidst interest from Al-Hilal, it could well be that United’s hand is forced in this regard if they want to upgrade their striker personnel this summer.
Indeed, French outlet Foot Mercato have reported that United will have to get rid of Fernandes and/or Marcus Rashford to try and tempt Galatasaray goal machine Victor Osimhen to England, with his annual wage costs alone coming in at an eye-watering £10m. After all, the Portuguese ace does earn a sizeable £300k-per-week salary in the current camp.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
Therefore, the Premier League strugglers might well have to just bite the bullet and allow Fernandes to sadly depart, especially when you consider the Red Devils are crying out for a new, potent goalscorer away from the likes of a goal-shy Rasmus Hojlund.
That’s where the ex-Napoli man could come to the rescue, with Amorim potentially possessing his next Viktor Gyokeres very soon if his side can spectacularly purchase the “world class” – as he was once labelled by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley – menace.
Why Osimhen could become Amorim's next Gyokeres
Before delving deeper into Osimhen’s own unerring ability in front of goal, it’s only right to look at how Amorim had an instrumental part to play in Gyokeres becoming an equally ice-cold finisher of chances in Lisbon.
The Stockholm-born striker would instantly hit the ground running under the 40-year-old’s stewardship in Portugal, with a bumper 43 strikes coming his way across a memorable debut season.
The former Coventry City marksman is now up to a stunning 97 goals from 102 total appearances for Sporting, and whilst there were murmurs Gyokeres could reunite with his former manager in England, a statement move hasn’t yet whirred into motion.
But, the under-fire Red Devils boss can begin to claw his way into the Old Trafford good books by landing Osimhen instead, considering the Nigerian’s explosiveness in front of goal out in Turkey and across his goal-laden career to date means he could be the manager’s next Gyokeres.
Osimhen’s league numbers (24/25) vs Gyokeres’
Stat – per 90 mins*
Osimhen
Gyokeres
Games played
29
33
Goals scored
26
39
Assists
5
7
Shots*
4.7
4.2
Shots on target*
1.9
2.4
Goal conversion %
19%
28%
Big chances missed
25
23
Big chances created
11
11
Stats by Sofascore
Amazingly, Osimhen isn’t a million miles off his Swedish counterpart’s insane Liga Portugal goalscoring numbers, with the Galatasaray number 45 actually boasting 37 goals and seven assists from 41 games in all competitions this season, away from setting the Turkish top-flight alight.
Additionally, away from just twisting and turning Super Lig defences for fun, the 26-year-old target has also proven himself as a clinical threat on the books of Napoli and Lille previously, as seen in his 94 goals for both the Serie A and Ligue 1 titans.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates after the match
Therefore, whilst it might break United hearts to see Fernandes up and leave, it could well be a momentary, but necessary pain that then results in long-term success, particularly if Osmihen – who could be up for grabs for around £62m – enters the ranks and rips up yet another major league with his goalscoring prowess.
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da apostaganha: Celtic are beginning to probe in the summer window and could turn to someone who is a familiar face in the eyes of Brendan Rodgers as they strengthen from middle to front, according to a report.
Celtic return for Kieran Tierney kickstarts summer business
da blaze casino: The Bhoys have already recruited Kieran Tierney as a statement addition this month and more signings are expected to follow as building for next campaign enters full view.
Speaking after confirmation that the Scotland international is back in Glasgow, Scott Brown believes Tierney could become the next Celtic captain if he manages to hit the ground running during his second spell.
kieran-tierney-celtic
He explained: “It’s probably the best move Celtic’s made. Looking at Kieran, Brendan Rodgers got the best out of him before, he knows what he’s like.
“I’m sure he probably tried to sign him when he was down at Leicester as well. You can see longer term, Kieran will probably be next Celtic captain.”
Ending a long wait for what will become an emotional reunion, Rodgers could look to bring Motherwell midfielder Lennon Miller to Celtic as links continue to persist following the 18-year-old’s sparkling debut for Scotland against Liechtenstein.
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Fulham striker Callum Osmand will also arrive at the Bhoys for training compensation, emphasising the Bhoys’ commitment to landing value for money in the market.
Free or nominal transfers may not be the most glamorous mode of operation, but there are plenty of exciting stars out there who don’t cost the earth in the grand scheme of things.
Leaning into that theme a little further, Celtic have now turned their attenton to a versatile star who is known to Rodgers that could strengthen their pool of options.
Celtic plotting move for Fousseni Diabaté
According to Africa Foot, Celtic are tracking Lausanne Sport star Fousseni Diabaté amid his availability on a free transfer once his contract expires at the Swiss Super League outfit.
Intriguingly, the Mali international was previously at Leicester City and was labelled a “talent” by Hoops boss Rodgers despite being out on loan while the Irishman was in charge at the King Power Stadium.
Fousseni Diabate in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
40
Goals
8
Assists
9
Capable of playing on either flank or as an attacking midfielder, newly-promoted Ligue 1 outfit Paris FC have emerged as another serious contender for his signature, though they will be joined by several other European clubs in the hunt for his services.
Lausanne have offered a two-year extension to Diabate in an attempt to retain his services. Nevertheless, he isn’t keen on penning a new deal, which could pave the way for a bargain swoop from the Bhoys to land the 29-year-old.
One or two wingers will be necessary after Jota was ruled out for several months due to injury, so it is intriguing to see that Celtic are doing their due diligence on that front.
da dobrowin: Believe it or not, Liverpool fans, the summer transfer window hasn’t actually opened yet. You’d be forgiven for assuming the contrary, with sporting director Richard Hughes moving like a man possessed before the Premier League campaign has even concluded.
da wazamba: Arne Slot has bagged the league title in his maiden year at the helm, and will celebrate in front of the fans as Anfield hosts FA Cup winner Crystal Palace in the final fixture of the top-flight season tomorrow afternoon.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotcelebrates after winning the Premier League
The frustration and negativity around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave at the end of his contract and join Real Madrid has been offset by a flurry of exciting activity, to be sure.
His direct replacement, Jeremie Frimpong, has completed his medical and will likely be announced next week. Meanwhile, talks for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez are advancing, Fabrizio Romano confirming the news.
These deals in themselves are rather spectacular, but that’s without even acknowledging Florian Wirtz, who looks set to move to Merseyside.
The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool
This one’s moving apace. Liverpool have long held an admiration for Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz and have joined Manchester City and Bayern Munich in pursuing a deal for the Germany international, but developments in the past day or two have swung the pendulum in Anfield’s favour.
With Pep Guardiola’s side having pulled out of the race earlier in the week, Liverpool were poised to lock horns with the Bundesliga champions for German football’s brightest talent, and they’ve won the battle.
As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Liverpool are engaged in official talks with Leverkusen for the talented number ten, having already opened communications through the nearly-complete transfer of Frimpong.
Leverkusen value Wirtz at about €150m (£126m), though whether FSG can engineer a more agreeable figure, and how the structure of the deal will play out, remains to be seen at this stage.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
Any move for the German would make him the most expensive in his country’s history and indeed Liverpool’s record signing – but maybe not for all that long.
isak-wirtz-liverpool
But, Liverpool could also be in the market to add another attacking player on top of Wirtz, and he could an even better signing for the club…
Liverpool confident about signing new striker
As per GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are growing increasingly confident they can convince Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak to jump ship this summer, financially secure after several windows on the low.
The windfall from winning the Premier League and returning to the Champions League will have helped, of course. However, it will prove strenuous to drive a deal toward completion, for United are holding out for around £120m, though other reports suggest that figure could stretch toward the £150m mark.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Liverpool know that Eddie Howe will fight tooth and nail to keep his focal frontman at St. James’ Park, but FSG are willing to test Newcastle’s resolve with a formal offer in the coming months.
Why Liverpool should sign Alexander Isak
The justification behind an official bid for Newcastle’s star striker is pretty self-explanatory: he’s an incredible goalscorer, and with a dynamic and nuanced skill set which would be perfect for Slot’s specific system.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
It’s hard to see a world in which Isak wouldn’t hit the ground running at Liverpool. He’s powerful, athletic, pacy and deadly in front of goal. He’s the finishing piece from which someone like Wirtz could target to create an unstoppable attacking line.
Leverkusen’s man has been hailed as “a defender’s nightmare” by journalist Bence Bocsak, now imagine him combining with Isak, a terror in his own right.
The 25-year-old joined Howe’s side from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a club-record £63m fee and has since hit 73 goal contributions from 108 matches in all competitions, bringing a completeness that could be perfect for Slot’s fluent system.
Described as “the best striker in Europe” by Toon teammate Anthony Gordon, Isak would of course be a stunning addition to a winning Liverpool formula, replacing the flagging Darwin Nunez, the declining Diogo Jota, and taking Slot’s system to the next level.
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota converse on the bench
It’s for this reason that Isak could be the better signing, surpassing Wirtz, especially with an overreliance on a soon 33-year-old Mohamed Salah being a dangerous thing moving forward.
Isak has just produced his finest campaign, behind only Salah in the Premier League’s scoring charts. It’s frightening to think the pair could ply their trade side by side next term, and with Wirtz nestled in behind them too.
Premier League 24/25 – Top Scorers
Rank
Player
Apps
Goals
1.
Mohamed Salah
37
28
2.
Alexander Isak
33
23
3.
Erling Haaland
30
21
4.
Chris Wood
35
20
5.
Yoane Wissa
34
19
5=
Bryan Mbeumo
37
19
Stats via Premier League
Salah is one of the greatest goalscorers the Premier League has ever known, but Isak is proving himself quite the menace on Tyneside, five goals behind the Egyptian but having played five matches fewer.
He’s also missed just 18 big chances in the top flight this term, as per Sofacore, denoting a cutting edge that Liverpool’s central striking options simply haven’t showcased since Slot took to the dugout.
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Now that is a style Wirtz would delight in playing with. The German ranks among the top 9% of positional peers across Europe this season for assists and the top 7% for both shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, illustrating an approach which would overwhelm Liverpool’s opponents.
While Wirtz has also created 17 big chances in the Bundesliga this season, his creativity is only one facet of a kaleidoscopic skill set. His combativeness, tenacity and workrate all make him the player he is, a superstar in the making.
This just goes to show he’s tailor-made for a place in Slot’s title-winning squad. For sure, Liverpool have a load of technical quality in their ranks, but they are built on their determination and application, flair enabled through hard graft and toil.
Make no mistake, if Liverpool manage, somehow, to sign both Isak and Wirtz, they will be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come, if they are not already.
Isak, however, might just take the cake as the cream of an audacious transfer window, should he sign.
Related Open to leaving: Liverpool “machine” would be finished if FSG sign Wirtz
Liverpool are going punch-for-punch with Bayern Munich in the fight to sign Florian Wirtz.