All posts by z3u9t.icu

It might be one of the most overused words in the modern football lexicon, but Tottenham Hotspur are undoubtedly going through a project under the management of Ange Postecoglou.

That might sound like a bit of nothing phrase, but, in reality, it just means that while things might look bleak at the moment – and they certainly do – fans and pundits might need to wait a few more years to see the club’s plan come to fruition.

This will likely mean that players such as Son Heung-min, Yves Bissouma and Richarlison will be moved on and replaced by exciting and hungry youngsters.

The absurd amount of injuries the club have had to deal with this season has already seen some of those up-and-comers be given more game time, and should Daniel Levy and Co be able to get a specific deal over the line in the summer, they’ll have another young star in their squad who’s already being compared to an incredibly valuable talent on the continent.

Spurs rising stars

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at a few of Spurs’ other promising prospects, such as Archie Gray.

The former Lees United gem is still only 18 years old, and while respected football analyst Ben Mattinson described him as a “future £100m” central midfielder, he has been a vital part of the defence this term.

So far, injuries have seen the Durham-born gem make 19 appearances at centre-back, seven at right-back, and five at left-back.

Another new arrival who’s made a significant impact on the first team despite still being a teenager is Lucas Bergvall, who joined the club from Swedish side Djurgarden for a fee of around £8.5m – which is starting to look like a bargain.

In recent months, the Swedish midfielder has become an increasingly important player for the manager and has made 36 appearances.

Impressively, 18 of those appearances have been starts, and he has managed to rack up a decent tally of one goal and four assists to boot.

Finally, while he’s not had quite the same impact on the first team this season, Mikey Moore looks like he’s set to become one of the North Londoners’ most dangerous attackers in the near future.

Appearances

36

36

16

Starts

28

18

7

Minutes

2619′

1746′

632′

Goals

0

1

1

Assists

0

4

2

Goal Involvements per Match

0

0.13

0.18

Minutes per Goal Involvement

0

349.2

210.66′

He’s made 16 appearances so far, totalling just 632 minutes, in which he’s scored a goal, provided two assists and was even compared to Neymar Jr by James Maddison.

Overall, the future looks incredibly bright for Tottenham, and it could be brighter if Levy and Co complete a deal to sign another exciting youngster in the summer, a youngster compared to an £83m star.

Spurs' potential £83m superstar in the making

Now, while all the talents mentioned above are already officially Tottenham players and will be next season – lest they be sold for some reason – the player in question might not be, despite starting for the team last Thursday.

Mathys Tel joined the Lilywhites on a short-term loan last month, but, importantly, there is an option to buy in the deal at £45m, and while his next move is not entirely down to the North Londoners, reports from last month seemed to indicate that he’d be open to staying for the long term.

Now, there might be some fans who remain unconvinced by the 19-year-old attacker, and considering he’s not hit the ground running in England, scoring one goal in six games, that would be understandable.

However, during his still relatively limited game time for Bayern Munich last season, he showed just why respected talent scout Jacek Kulig described him as a “mind-blowing talent.”

In just 1406 minutes of first-team football, he scored ten goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an astounding average of a goal involvement every 87.87 minutes and also saw him win comparisons to Borussia Dortmund’s rising star, Jamie Gittens.

Appearances

41

Starts

10

Minutes

1406′

Goals

10

Assists

6

Goal Involvements per Match

0.39

Minutes per Goal Involvement

87.87′

The comparison primarily stemmed from FBref, which compared players in similar positions in the Bundesliga last season, created a list of the ten most comparable players for each one, and concluded that the Englishman was the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Frenchman.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, shots, live passes, blocks, clearances, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.52

0.43

Progressive Passes

2.31

2.20

Shots

3.69

3.66

Expected Assists

0.26

0.25

Live Passes

33.2

30.3

Shot-Creating Actions

3.86

3.92

Blocks

0.94

0.93

Clearances

0.51

0.59

Carries

35.5

33.8

While the comparison to one of the most exciting talents in Germany is already encouraging enough regarding the Sarcelles-born star’s development, it’s also a good sign for his future value.

For example, it was only last month that the German publication Bild, as relayed by the BBC, reported that Dortmund value their incredible youngster at up to £83m in light of his growing reputation and the interest in him from other sides.

So, if the young Englishman is worth such an astounding amount of money and is so statistically similar to the Bayern loanee, who’s to say that he, too, won’t be worth as much down the line once he gets even more game time?

Therefore, while he has not hit the ground running at Tottenham, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to bring Tel to N17 this summer, as with the right coaching, he could be an extraordinarily valuable asset on and off the pitch in the future.

Not just Porro: Levy must ensure £35m flop isn't at Spurs next season

Ange Postecoglou needs to be brutal and part ways with multiple Tottenham Hotspur players this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Mar 12, 2025

Ahead of what is likely to be a busy summer transfer window, Wolverhampton Wanderers are reportedly facing the prospect of losing another key man alongside Matheus Cunha.

Wolves transfer news

Whilst Wolves’ main aim is undoubtedly survival this season, there would have still been plenty of frustration over how their FA Cup run came to an end against Bournemouth last time out. Having levelled things up through a sensational strike from range, Cunha commenced his side’s downfall when he left the referee with little choice but to hand him his marching orders.

Going on to lose on penalties without their star man, Wolves are without a place in the last eight of the FA Cup and will be without Cunha for the next three Premier League games in what is arguably a far bigger blow.

It’s something that Cunha should be desperate to rectify if this is to be his final season in the Midlands. With a £62m release clause in his new contract, the Brazilian has already attracted the reported interest of Arsenal, Chelsea and others to create quite the race for his signature when the summer arrives. And he’s not the only player who could depart Molineux.

According to Record, as relayed by Sports Witness, Benfica are now set to advance their talks to sign Nelson Semedo on a free deal following the expiry of his current Wolves contract at the end of the season.

Wolves have finally found their new Raul Jimenez and it's not Cunha

Wolves may have replaced Raul Jimenez with a current first team star.

1 ByRoss Kilvington Mar 3, 2025

Yet to sign an extension in the Midlands, the right-back could yet reunite with former Wolves manager Bruno Lage and return to one of his very first clubs back in Portugal.

Wolves, meanwhile, look increasingly likely to bid farewell to another captain and another experienced player without profiting. With a matter of months left until his contract expires, Semedo seems destined to bow out.

Wolves need Semedo's experience

If Wolves are to lose Cunha this summer, then keeping hold of the likes of Semedo is suddenly more important than ever. Vitor Pereira needs no reminding of the right-back’s importance and experience, having handed him the captain’s armband following his arrival and Mario Lemina’s ill-discipline in the final stages of Gary O’Neil’s tenure.

Pereira reiterated his desire to keep hold of Semedo in January, telling reporters: “Because I have time, I’m finding the personalities that I want as leaders in the team. At the moment, I’m not changing the captain and I’m okay with him, but I’m studying the personalities and I need some time for that.

“He’s a good player, he’s professional, he has the skills that I like, so it means that if the club was to ask my opinion, I would want to stay with him.

“There have been no discussions because there have been a lot of things to fix and to work on, so it’s difficult for me to think about everything. But we will have time to sit down and discuss.”

Whether the time has passed for those discussions over renewing Semedo’s £80,000-a-week contract remains to be seen, but it seems as though Benfica are wasting little time in negotiations of their own in pursuit of his signature.

Chelsea were riding the crest of a wave at the beginning of Enzo Maresca’s tenure – but the trials and tribulations of the season have since affected this talented squad.

Seventh in the Premier League, the Blues have been beset by a deluge of injury issues over the past month that has limited Maresca’s options considerably, especially at the front of the ship.

There’s plenty of promise about this Stamford Bridge side, however, in spite of the money spent over the past several years, Todd Boehly and Co are still met with the need to sign some top-class talent across a range of areas.

Where Chelsea need to strengthen in the summer

Chelsea’s head coach confirmed in the wake of his side’s Premier League defeat at Villa Park on Saturday evening that Filip Jorgensen remains ahead of Robert Sanchez in the pecking order between the sticks – des[ite spilling Marco Asensio’s late effort to condemn the Londoners to defeat.

With Sanchez also flattering to deceive, it’s possible that bringing a new shot-stopper to the Bridge will be a chief priority for the Chelsea transfer team, though the need for reinforcements stretches into other areas.

Indeed, the Blues may need to dip back into the defensive market with Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile struggling for fitness and Levi Colwill struggling for form.

According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are tussling with Arsenal and Bayern Munich for Sporting Lisbon centre-half Ousmane Diomande, regarded as one of the most exciting young defenders in the business.

There’s also the matter of the frontline. With Nicolas Jackson and Marc Guiu (who is only 18) both sidelined for the foreseeable, Chelsea may need to sign a new striker this summer.

However, any move they make must not jeopardise Jackson’s place in the team. He’s made progress this term, and could yet reach the height of his lofty potential.

Why Chelsea signed Nicolas Jackson

Jackson is currently out of action with a muscular injury and is reportedly not expected back on the grass until after the March international break.

However, he’s made considerable progress during his time at Stamford Bridge so far and may well find that his brightest days in Chelsea colours lay ahead of him.

In July 2023, Chelsea welcomed Jackson to the Premier League from Villarreal after activating his £32m release clause. The Senegal international joined the cause on an eight-year contract and has ebbed and flowed over almost two years in the English capital.

With 23 goals and ten assists across 58 appearances in the Premier League, Jackson has left something to be desired but has still proven himself through an athletic and powerful style and discernible improvements in front of goal.

The 23-year-old arrived for a sizeable figure but he’s already skyrocketed in market value. It’s early days yet, but Chelsea might just have hit the jackpot with this dynamic centre-forward.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

What Nicolas Jackson is valued at in 2025

Jackson started his second campaign in Chelsea colours with a bang – but the forward did spin out of form across the winter period, going eight matches without a goal in the Premier League before picking up a hamstring injury.

However, there are still promising signs in regard to his clinical edge, missing fewer big chances this term while increasing his shots-per-game average.

Matches (starts)

35 (31)

23 (22)

Goals

14

9

Assists

5

5

Shots (on target)*

2.3 (1.2)

2.7 (1.3)

Big chances missed

24

15

Pass completion

78%

76%

Big chances created

8

6

Dribble (success)*

1.5 (59%)

0.7 (40%)

Total duels (won)*

4.3 (42%)

3.0 (39%)

For sure, Jackson could be more clinical in front of goal, but he’s made headway, no doubt. In fact, he’s made so much progress that CIES Football Observatory – the world leader in the scientific evaluation of player values – have recorded Jackson to have a current market value of £87m, which equates to a 171% uptick.

More curiously, this is higher than FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, who joined the Portuguese giants from Atletico Madrid last summer in a deal worth just £13m.

Sorry for the reminder. But given that Chelsea had a €40m (£34m) deal in place just weeks earlier, it stings a little for those of a Blues persuasion, not least because the robust striker has hit the ground running and then some at his new outfit. In short, he’d be perfect in Maresca’s side.

The 20-year-old has scored 19 goals from 30 matches this season – including a brace against Manchester United in the Europa League – with talent scout Jacek Kulig claiming that he’s “on the path to achieving something special at Porto.”

Well, journalist Rahman Osman has also hailed Jackson as a “truly special” talent, for the striker ranks among the top 13% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions and the top 12% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref, perfectly illustrating his energetic threat.

This multifacetedness bespeaks Jackson’s quality. CIES, after all, records that Samu has seen his stock to a whopping £60m. This is impressive, but he’s not on Jackson’s level.

With Nkunku’s long-term future perhaps away from west London, it feels likely that BlueCo will green-light a summer transfer plan for a new number nine.

However, in Jackson, Maresca has one of the most talented young strikers in Europe. Chelsea must be careful not to welcome someone to the detriment of the Senegalese’s continual development.

In any case, Chelsea are looking to enter a higher phase of European competition next season and Jackson might benefit from the competition with another talented striker.

If he uses such an eventuality to spur on and continue to make gains, he might just prove to hit that lofty potential that convinced Chelsea to make their move for a decent fee back in 2023.

Nkunku & Jackson upgrade: Chelsea may rue selling Eghbali's world-class CF

As Chelsea struggles in front of goal continue, do the Blues regret selling a “world-class” striker currently outperforming Christopher Nkunku?

Feb 23, 2025

Liverpool nervously got the better of Vitor Pereira’s tricky Wolverhampton Wanderers side 2-1 at Anfield to strengthen their grip on top spot in the Premier League.

It was anything but convincing from Arne Slot’s men – who gave up 16 shots on their shaky goal across the course of the choppy 90 minutes – but the victory will have been all that mattered come full-time as their lead at the very summit of the top-flight now extends to seven points.

Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah would ultimately bail out a number of underperformers for the hosts with two crucial first-half strikes, as a couple of faces really let the table-topping side down.

Liverpool's key underperformers

It was an uncharacteristically sloppy display on the ball from the entire collective, with Trent Alexander-Arnold notably way off it in terms of playing out casually from the back.

Indeed, the usually slick full-back would misplace possession 13 times during his forgettable hour or so on the pitch, on top of also failing to register a single on target effort on Jose Sa’s goal when venturing forward.

Alisson in-between the sticks was also wobbly with his distribution out from the back, with just a 63% pass accuracy next to his name come the full-time whistle, on top of also failing to get a glove on a fierce Matheus Cunha effort.

Diogo Jota also fired another unwanted blank, with the ex-Wolves man struggling to ever get going against his former employers by amassing only 20 touches all match.

On the contrary, the Brazilian star, Cunha, showed off his well-known composure when gifting the Old Gold a way back into the edgy contest.

But, away from Jota and the various other underwhelming Reds players named, there was one particularly below-par performance that would have irked Slot watching on.

Robertson's performance in numbers

Whilst it was heavily reported during the transfer window that Slot will be looking to have a makeover in the attacking positions at Anfield very soon – with Jota, Darwin Nunez and more on the chopping block – he might well feel some fresh personnel is needed soon in the left-back area.

Andy Robertson has received pelters a few times this season already for his dire displays, with the Scotsman only winning two duels all night long during the hotly contested Merseyside Derby, leading to an early substitution taking place.

Robertson was arguably fortunate to last the full 90 minutes against the spirited visitors from the West Midlands, having put in a far more worrying display than the one served up against the Toffees.

Indeed, the one-time Premier League winner would only win 25% of his duels against Pereira’s buoyed on side, with the amount of times he squandered possession also coming in at an alarming 18.

Stat

Robertson

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

74

Accurate passes

36/45 (80%)

Accurate crosses

0/3

Successful dribbles

0/2

Possession lost

18x

Dribbled past

2x

Total duels won

2/8

Furthermore, when glancing at the table above, more and more poor numbers come to the surface, with Robertson’s attacking quality non-existent for the most part as zero accurate crosses were registered, alongside zero successful dribbles.

Consequently, the likes of the aforementioned Cunha would grow in confidence knowing an unsure Robertson was positioned in defence attempting to thwart his trickery, culminating in Wolves gaining so much joy in a tense second half.

The end could be nigh now for the long-standing Reds servant – who was handed a low 5/10 rating post-match by Daily Express journalist Charlie Gordon – with talk already emerging that AFC Bournemouth ace Milos Kerkez is on the future shopping list.

This might be the fresh blood Liverpool desire moving forward, as regardless of another victory being picked to shore up their position as the league’s dominant force, there are cracks beginning to show in Slot’s often frightening machine.

His value has soared by 126%: Liverpool have hit the jackpot on "machine"

He’s grown into one of the best players in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 14, 2025

Sky Sports pundit and Gunners legend Paul Merson is convinced that Arsenal are serious candidates to sign a big-name player in what would be a very surprising move.

Arsenal forced to wait for new striker after January transfer window ends

Manager Mikel Arteta saw his side fall short in a late £40 million January bid for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins (David Ornstein), and they were linked with a plethora of other high-profile centre-forwards throughout the winter transfer window.

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6 ByEmilio Galantini Feb 8, 2025

However, despite their best efforts, interim Arsenal sporting director Jason Ayto ended the window minus a new number nine, or any major incoming for that matter, with the north Londoners now dealt another shortage in the attacking third.

Leicester City (away)

February 15th

West Ham (home)

February 22nd

Nottingham Forest (away)

February 26th

Man United (away)

March 9th

Chelsea (home)

March 16th

Gabriel Martinelli has been ruled out for over a month after suffering a hamstring strain, with the Brazilian joining Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus on the treatment table and leaving Arteta even more bereft of quality forwards ahead of crucial Premier League fixtures.

These injury blows highlight the need for Arsenal to bring in more attacking quality this summer, as they hope to mount another challenge for domestic glory next season in the event they cannot catch Liverpool in this year’s title race.

Arsenal tipped to sign Tottenham legend Harry Kane

Some reports suggest that Arsenal are already laying the groundwork on a summer move for Benjamin Sesko, while Newcastle United star Alexander Isak is Arteta’s dream striker target.

However, Merson has now suggested a far more left-field name – Tottenham legend and Bayern Munich superstar Harry Kane. The 31-year-old has been flying ever since making the move to Germany, recently becoming the quickest player to reach 50 Bundesliga goals and smashing Erling Haaland’s record in the process.

England’s all-time top goalscorer also boasts 72 goals in 73 appearances for Bayern across all competitions, with reliable media sources reporting that Kane’s contract will include a £64 million release clause active from next January.

Merson is convinced that Arsenal could look to trigger Kane’s release clause, making a Sol Campbell comparison and stating he wouldn’t be surprised if the Spurs icon did end up on the other side of north London.

“Arsenal will buy him,” said Merson on Sky. “Why not? £64m, why not. Sol Campbell did [make the move]. People will go ‘oh he’s this age and that age’ but Arsenal need now.

“If Arsenal haven’t won the League, you’ve got to take a chance. You’ve got to take a chance, buy someone that’s proven. I wouldn’t be surprised, and when you’re Harry Kane, and you’ve been told you can go for £64m, there’s only a couple of teams who could buy him.

“Maybe Tottenham will buy him back, but he’ll have to win something at Bayern Munich to go back to Tottenham. If you’ve not won anything at Bayern Munich, you’re not going back to Tottenham to win nothing.”

Having already agreed a deal to sign Jaka Bijol, Leeds United are now reportedly keen to solve their left-back problem by signing a Champions League-level defender.

Leeds discover Premier League opener

The chaos of the transfer window isn’t the only thing stealing the headlines this week. The Premier League fixtures have officially been announced and Leeds now know where they’ll be and when at the most important stages of their top-flight return.

Opening the season at Elland Road against Everton, Leeds will then face their first top six side of the season when they travel to Arsenal, before Newcastle United at home rounds off a tough start.

If the Whites do find themselves in a relegation scrap, meanwhile, then games against Sunderland in March and Burnley in one of their final fixtures in May could prove to be all-important in their battle to survive.

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Leeds are looking at signing a new midfielder this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 17, 2025

Alas, the 49ers have known the challenge that lies ahead for some time now and have been making moves away from the pitch in the hope of building Daniel Farke a side capable of avoiding the dropzone.

The first to arrive on that front looks set to be Bijol. As reported by Fabrizio Romano, all documents are signed and sealed for the defender to complete his move from Udinese this summer and become Leeds’ second signing back in the Premier League after Lukas Nmecha.

After Nmecha and Bijol, however, Leeds are still not done on the transfer front. Yet to solve their left-back problem, reports are now suggesting that the Whites are keen to sign a Champions League-level solution.

Leeds keen to sign Gudmundsson

According to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds are now keen to sign Gabriel Gudmundsson from LOSC Lille this summer. The Swedish left-back would instantly solve Farke’s biggest problem area with Firpo set to leave and Sam Byram also heading for the exit door to leave the German without a viable option down that side of his backline.

Whilst it remains to be seen how much Lyon demand to sell their defender this summer, Gudmundsson hasn’t hesitated to share his own verdict about his future now that he’s into the final year of his contract, telling reporters: “I’m very likely to leave. It will be a very interesting summer.”

Minutes

1,785

2,616

Assists

0

10

Tackles Won per 90

1.26

1.17

Ball Recoveries per 90

4.19

3.92

Whilst the 26 year-old would not replace Firpo’s attacking output, he would provide a better option defensively and that’s arguably more important in the Premier League.

What’s more, the Swede’s experience of playing Champions League football for Lille last season, which included games against Real Madrid and Liverpool, means that he would likely take no time to adjust to the level required in the Premier League.

Liverpool have ridden into the summer transfer window on the crest of a wave, having won the Premier League under Arne Slot in the first term since Jurgen Klopp packed his bags and left.

And who can say the Reds have since been resting on their laurels? Liverpool might have lost Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, but they swiftly replaced him with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, then maintaining their line of communication with the German side to agree a deal for Florian Wirtz, which could rise to a British-record £116m.

With Milos Kerkez looking set to arrive from Bournemouth in the coming weeks, Liverpool will likely complete the lion’s share of their business nice and early, although one of the most pressing concerns, bringing in a new striker, will continue to hang over Anfield’s summer for the time being.

That’s because Slot’s title winners cannot advance on that front until the future of Darwin Nunez has been sorted out.

Darwin Nunez's Liverpool future

When Liverpool signed Nunez from Benfica for an initial £64m fee in 2022, they purchased one of the most talented young centre-forwards in Europe.

But the Uruguay star’s confidence and spark have eroded away against the unrelenting tide of Premier League football, swallowed and spat out by the intensity of Liverpool’s and the English game. This season, under Slot’s wing, he’s only scored seven goals, starting just one top-flight fixture since December.

Silky and stylish, Nunez was supposed to emulate his countryman Luis Suarez and former Liverpool sensation Fernando Torres in becoming one of the meanest goalscorers on the block, but it hasn’t worked out, and Slot is instead searching for a new focal frontman who could produce performances on the level of someone like El Nino.

However, it hasn’t worked out for him, and with suitors from Italy and the Saudi Pro League sniffing around, it’s probably for the best that the maverick moves on.

After all, Liverpool have already held talks with their dream successor.

Liverpool chasing new striker

As per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool have been locked in talks with Eintracht Frankfurt for the transfer of Hugo Ekitike, and have been told his price tag is €100m (£84m).

However, FSG feel they have a fantastic chance to secure the 22-year-old striker’s signature despite rival interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, which suggests that they are confident that they can win the race for his services.

Though sporting director Richard Hughes needs to finalise Nunez’s departure before a concerted effort can be made to sign Ekitike, who is said to be aware of the situation.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

Ekitike might not be the finished article, but he’s already established himself as one of the most talented forwards in the game, with analyst Ben Mattinson even hailing him as “one of the best strikers out there.”

Might it be that Slot could secure his own version of Torres in Frankfurt’s dynamic striker? Liverpool’s iconic marksman was an incredible ball-striking talent, but his intelligence, sharpness and off-the-ball movement all combined to leave the likes of Steven Gerrard marvelling at his quality, the skipper even once saying he was the “best striker in the world.”

At Liverpool, the Spaniard scored 81 goals and supplied 19 assists across 142 appearances, so it’s a pretty high bar that Ekitike is going to have to reach for, but then he, too, is more than just a goalscorer, described by journalist Graeme Bailey as being “the new Mbappe.”

Ekitike has what it takes, just look at the underlying data. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90.

And that’s without even addressing his return across the 2024/25 campaign: over 48 appearances in all competitions, the former Paris Saint-Germain prospect scored 22 goals and supplied 12 assists. Clearly, he will be grateful for his move to Frankfurt.

Moreover, his 15-goal return in the Bundesliga surpassed that of any other player across Europe’s top five leagues aged 22 or younger.

His step-by-step progress appears to have borne dividends, and Ekitike is showing no sign of letting up. In a Liverpool team consisting of superstars like Mohamed Salah and Wirtz, there’s no telling how impressive the French forward could be next season.

Ekitike should take this leap, joining a Liverpool side who are in need of a high-class number nine. He might be young, but there’s already a lot of talk about this man being one of the brightest stars of his generation.

And let’s not forget, Liverpool signed Torres from Atletico Madrid when he was still in relative professional infancy, joining aged 23 in a deal worth £20m. This was back in July 2007, mind, so such a figure was considered a pretty penny indeed.

Clearly, Liverpool could hit the jackpot by sealing a deal for Ekitke, who has also been courted by the club’s divisional rivals but is surely tempted by moving to a team with such a high ceiling, Slot and Hughes bringing together a variety of different styles in a melting pot that could breed sustained success at the top of the European ladder.

Transfer Focus

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

Sure, Ekitike’s finishing could do with a bit of work, but he’s already established himself as a talented forward, earning acclaim for his complete performances, which would align perfectly with Liverpool’s wider vision.

If Nunez is sold in the coming weeks or months, and Liverpool bank a healthy sum for their flagging forward, if FSG can redirect the transfer cannon toward the Bundesliga’s Frankfurt, we could be in for some exciting seasons ahead on Merseyside.

Perfect for Isak: Liverpool told £75m bid for PL star will be accepted

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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 14, 2025

Sticking to the recent trend of targeting Premier League rivals, PIF are now reportedly evaluating a move to sign an impressive attacking midfielder for Newcastle United this summer.

Newcastle still chasing Elanga and Trafford deals

Having already signed Antonio Cordero on a free transfer to get their business underway nice and early, Newcastle are now pushing on in an attempt to make some impressive statements. Chasing deals to sign Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest and James Trafford from Burnley, the Magpies are aiming to swoop in and weaken their Premier League opposition.

Both are long-term targets and both are players that would hand Eddie Howe instant upgrades within his side. Newcastle’s chase to sign a fresh right-wing option has particularly been no secret in the last 12 months and, after missing out on Manchester United-bound Bryan Mbeumo, Elanga’s arrival would make perfect sense.

Starts

38

35

Goals

6

8

Assists

11

12

Successful Take-ons

25

35

The Swede would push Jacob Murphy all the way for a starting place and offer Newcastle instant strength in depth – something they crucially lacked the last time that they featured in the Champions League.

Even if Trafford and Elanga arrive though, Newcastle may not be done there when it comes to shopping in the Premier League. The Magpies are seemingly in a ruthless mood and have now turned their attention back towards Brentford. Having missed out on Mbeumo, PIF are now reportedly eyeing a summer swoop to sign one of the Bees’ star midfielders.

PIF evaluating Damsgaard move for Newcastle

According to Caught Offside, PIF are now evaluating a move to sign Mikkel Damsgaard for Newcastle this summer. The Danish midfielder is not someone Brentford are keen to lose, but every player has a price and the West London club reportedly value the 24-year-old at €50m (£42m).

Tottenham Hotspur are also sniffing around a deal amid their move for Thomas Frank, with the Bees boss hoping to take a couple of his star players with him to the North side of London.

Damsgaard is a talent who took a few years to discover his best form after initially bursting onto the scene at Euro 2020. Described as “brilliant” by scout Jacek Kulig five years on from that tournament, however, he’s finally at the peak of his powers at Brentford.

Only Mohamed Salah, Elanga and Newcastle’s Murphy assisted more goals than the Dane last season, who could join the latter and perhaps even the Forest star as well, forming quite the creative partnership at St James’ Park.

Better fit than Mbeumo: Newcastle open talks to sign "world-class" PL star

Newcastle are pushing to sign new forwards in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 12, 2025

Reportedly earning just £35,000-a-week in West London, Damsgaard would hardly break the bank in Tyneside and represents another target who knows exactly how to navigate the challenges of the Premier League. Like Elanga and Trafford, he ticks every box for Newcastle.