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Liverpool are set for a busy summer transfer window, with the upper and lower thirds believed to be the priority areas for Arne Slot and the Reds’ sporting director Richard Hughes.

Issues in the goalscoring department recently have amplified the noise from fans looking for a new centre-forward, someone prolific who can ease Mohamed Salah’s talismanic burden – should the Egyptian be plying his trade on Merseyside next year, of course.

However, the rear end of the field is just as important, with Virgil van Dijk’s contract also nearing its end. Regardless of whether the all-inspiring captain stays on for the next few years, a new face is needed.

Liverpool lining up new defender

In a report that the Spanish media are labelling a ‘bombshell’, Liverpool have set their sights on Barcelona defender Ronald Araujo this summer, in the event that Van Dijk departs.

As per the report, negotiations over the signing of the towering centre-back are set to ‘intensify’ in the coming weeks.

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

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Valued at around €60m (£50m) by the La Liga table-toppers, Araujo has been one of the standout defenders in Spain since joining from Uruguayan side Boston Rivers in 2018, growing in strength and stature each season.

Aged 26, Araujo’s prime years should lie ahead of him, and if Van Dijk is to leave Liverpool this summer, this may be the perfect signing.

The perfect Van Dijk heir

Dubbed “one of the best defenders in the world” by one-time Barcelona great Carlos Puyol, Araujo has been a pillar of strength at the back for Barcelona over the past several years, having accumulated 164 senior appearances in total, notably lifting the La Liga title and Copa del Rey titles once each.

Described as an “athletic monster” and a “cheat code” by BBC Sport analyst Raj Chohan, the 6 foot 2 Araujo’s combination of power and pace suggest that he’s got what it takes to succeed Van Dijk.

Though Araujo missed the first half of the season due to injury, he’s returned to action since the new year with a fluid and convincing feel that underlines his quality as one of La Liga’s standout defenders, maybe even Europe’s.

Fearsome and athletic, he matches up very well indeed against Van Dijk, widely considered to be one of the best defenders of his generation.

Virgil van Dijk vs Ronald Araujo (past 365 days)

Stats (per 90)

Van Dijk

Araujo

Goals scored

0.04

0.17

Assists

0.02

0.25

Shot-creating actions

1.15

1.34

Touches

87.93

87.16

Pass completion

92%

92%

Progressive passes

5.09

3.09

Progressive carries

0.50

0.25

Tackles + interceptions

2.18

2.51

Clearances

4.03

3.76

Aerials won

2.76

3.26

Stats via FBref

Moreover, Araujo has won 62% of his duels in La Liga this season, whereas Van Dijk has won 68% in England’s top flight (both sets of data courtesy of Sofascore).

Though Araujo has faced fitness issues in the past, Liverpool’s impressive injury record under Slot’s wing suggests Anfield could be a hothouse from which Araujo could foster his high-level skills and step up to a new degree of quality.

Liverpool’s star centre-back adds a dimension from attacking set-pieces too, and that’s something Araujo could further emulate. The Uruguay international’s injury problems have limited him to just 14 appearances across all competitions this term, but he’s still managed to chip in with two goals and assists apiece.

Ultimately, Van Dijk’s greatness transcends his defensive role, and it would be futile to expect his replacement to provide the same level of quality.

However, were Slot to get his paws on Araujo’s combative quality, there’s every chance that Liverpool will continue to challenge for the most illustrious honours next year.

His La Blaugrana boss, Hansi Flick, has also described him as a “leader” and “one of the best in the world,” after all.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 2, 2025

Crystal Palace have been “watching” a centre-back, who has been a key part of an “incredible” defence this season, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Palace stepping up centre-back pursuit

It will be a tall order for Palace to replace captain Marc Guehi this summer, but it is looking increasingly likely Oliver Glasner will have to bring in a new centre-back, given that the 24-year-old has not agreed terms on a contract extension.

As such, the Eagles have now stepped up their pursuit of a new centre-back ahead of the summer transfer window, and they could make a statement signing by bringing in Paris Saint-Germain defender Milan Skriniar, having now joined the race for the Slovakian.

Skriniar is one of the more well-known targets, but there could be an addition out of left-field, with Glasner’s side also making contact over a deal for Independiente De Avellaneda’s Kevin Lomonaco, who may be available for just £5m this summer.

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Posts ByDominic Lund Apr 16, 2025

According to former scout Brown, in an interview with Football Insider, Crystal Palace are also in the race for Burnley defender Maxime Esteve, having sent officials to watch him in action this season.

Brown said: “Everton and Crystal Palace have been watching him, among other teams, and have had scouts at Turf Moor to keep an eye on his performance.

“Burnley want to keep him, especially if they get promoted to the Premier League, but a really good offer for him could get that over the line.”

Esteve was also singled out for praise, given the Clarets’ exceptional defensive record this season, with Brown adding: “This season, he’s really pushed on and he’s been an integral part of an outstanding Burnley defence.

“They’ve conceded just 13 goals in 42 league games this year, it’s incredible.”

"Phenomenon" Esteve ready for Premier League

Burnley’s defensive record in the Championship this season has been nothing short of remarkable, having conceded just 14 goals, and the 22-year-old has played an absolutely crucial role, making 43 appearances.

The Burnley star is particularly impressive in possession of the ball, ranking in the 91st percentile for passes attempted per 90 over the past year, and 89th for his pass completion rate, having previously received high praise for his ball skills from football talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Esteve appears to have the hallmarks of a quality modern-day centre-back, and his performances for Burnley this season indicate he is definitely ready for a Premier League move, but Crystal Palace may have to shell out around £30m for his services.

Arsenal are now in talks to seal an early summer deal for a “sensational” striker, who has now emerged as their top target, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit heating up

These are exciting times for the Gunners, who are daring to dream after defeating Real Madrid over two legs to reach the Champions League semi-final, but there is a feeling a top striker could be the final piece of the jigsaw in their Premier League title pursuit next season.

As such, the north Londoners are now ramping up their pursuit of a new forward, and talks have now been held over a deal for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, with sporting director Andre Berta trying to convince the Slovenian to move to the Emirates Stadium.

However, given that a deal for Sesko could amount to £58m, there may be a temptation to look at a cheaper alternative, and talks have also been held over Lille striker Jonathan David, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer.

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Posts 1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Apr 21, 2025

Mikel Arteta’s side have expressed clear interest in Sesko and David, but a different striker is now their first choice option for the summer transfer window.

According to a report from Football Insider, Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres is now Arsenal’s top target, and they have opened talks to sign the Sweden international in an early summer deal.

Berta is known to be an admirer of Gyokeres, and the sporting director is driving the pursuit, with negotiations ongoing to try and convince him about the move to north London, while the Gunners are also attempting to put a package together.

The Sporting CP star becoming the north Londoners’ top target is the latest ‘twist’ in their pursuit of a new striker, with bringing in an elite forward deemed to be a priority heading into the summer window.

"Sensational" Gyokeres is a goal machine

Despite having an £86m release clause, Fabrizio Romano has revealed the Swedish striker will cost up to £60m this summer, which seems a reasonable fee, given just how impressive his goal and assist record has been this season.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Liga Portugal

29

34

7

Champions League

8

6

0

Taca de Portugal

5

3

2

Allianz Cup

3

4

0

Supertaca

1

0

2

The 26-year-old was lauded as “sensational” by Richard Keys earlier in the campaign, and his performances in Portugal indicate that he is now ready to make the step-up to a top club.

While there may be some concerns that Gyokeres is yet to prove himself in a major league, his Champions League exploits this season suggest he could be a fantastic signing for Arsenal, and potentially the missing piece of the jigsaw in their title bid.

Arne Slot’s achievement of winning the Premier League in his first season as Liverpool manager is nothing short of sensational, offering a seamless transition after taking over from Jürgen Klopp.

The Dutchman has led the side to the title with four games to spare, losing just two games in the process, highlighting the excellent job he’s done at the helm.

Such an achievement has secured the Reds’ 20th top-division league title, putting them level with Manchester United in terms of being the most successful side in English football history.

Undoubtedly, after tasting success in his first season, the 46-year-old will want to make it back-to-back in 2025/26, hopefully having the chance to make the necessary changes to his squad this summer.

Multiple areas of the pitch are in need of investment, with foundations already put in place by the hierarchy for potential incomings over the next few months.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings

A striker has been on the club’s radar over the last few weeks, as Slot looks to add firepower to the frontline in place of Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez, who could both depart this summer.

Benjamin Sesko is the latest player touted with a move to Anfield, with the Reds needing to trigger his £55m release clause if they are to secure a deal for his services.

He’s been named as a potential alternative to Alexander Isak, who looks unlikely to swap Tyneside for Merseyside, with Newcastle United demanding £150m for his signature.

Alongside Sesko, Slot could make another Bundesliga addition in the form of Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, that’s if recent reports are to be believed.

According to CaughtOffside, the Reds are set to make an offer for the 28-year-old in the coming months, with his current employers valuing him at £35m.

It also states that Vincent Kompany’s are willing to let the Frenchman depart during the off-season, with Coman himself considering his own future at the Allianz Arena.

Why Coman could be Slot’s next Gravenberch

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch joined Liverpool in the summer of 2023 from Bayern Munich, looking to provide key depth in the middle of the park for former boss Klopp.

However, he struggled to break into the side, making just 12 Premier League starts, unable to dislodge Alexis Mac Allister from the role, with Wataru Endo even preferred to the Dutchman.

Slot’s arrival has transformed the 22-year-old’s career at Anfield, starting every single league game to date, and cementing his place alongside the Argentine.

Such a deal has proven to be a huge success for the club, with Gravenberch a key reason in their title triumph – offering a consistent presence in the side during a year of transition.

The manager could land his next version of the star in the form of Coman this summer, arriving as a fringe player from Bayern and looking to become a hit under his guidance on Merseyside.

The winger, who’s been previously labelled “one of the best players in the world” by Oliver Kahn, has struggled for game time this season, making just 12 league starts – unable to force his way into Kompany’s plans.

However, despite his limited minutes in 2024/25, he’s still managed to impress, producing numerous key figures that would bolster the Reds’ attacking department.

Kingsley Coman’s stats for Bayern in the Bundesliga (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games started

12

Goals & assists

9

Pass accuracy

89%

Shots on target

1.3

Chances created

2.4

Successful dribbles

3.1

Touches in opposition box

6.3

Stats via FotMob

He’s still managed to register nine combined goals and assists to date, whilst registering 1.3 shots on target per 90, showcasing his threat with the ball at his feet.

Such a threat is further seen by his tally of 2.4 chances created and 3.1 successful dribbles per 90 – having the tools to further aid the likes of Mohamed Salah in forward areas.

Such a deal would certainly aid the club’s chances of replicating their success in the years to come, having the opportunity to cement themselves as the country’s best ever team.

£35m for a player of his experience and quality is a bargain in today’s market, enabling them to sign a versatile option who could easily replicate the achievements set by former teammate Gravenberch.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 30, 2025

Strikers have been iconic over the years at Liverpool football club, with different generations of attackers giving the supporters memories to last a lifetime.

Luis Suárez is just one talent who’s captured the heart of most during his spell at Anfield, registering 82 goals in his 133 appearances for the club.

The Uruguayan spent three years on Merseyside before moving to Spanish giants Barcelona, leaving a huge hole at the top end of the pitch as a result.

Talents such as Roberto Firmino, Divock Origi and Diogo Jota have all operated at the top end of the pitch in recent years, with only one of them remaining during Arne Slot’s reign at the club.

However, the Dutchman could be about to land a player who could be his new talisman ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, looking to make it back-to-back Premier League triumphs.

An update on Liverpool’s striker situation this summer

Darwin Núñez is a player who looks set to depart Liverpool this summer after failing to deliver following his £85m transfer from Benfica back in the summer of 2022.

The Uruguayan has scored just 40 times in his 139 appearances, an average of one goal every three and a half games, leading to murmurs around his long-term future.

Atlético Madrid has been mooted as a possible destination for the 25-year-old, with the Reds demanding just £35m to sell him – resulting in a £50m loss on their investment.

However, such funds could be used to sign another star, with Benjamin Sesko the latest player touted with a summer switch to Merseyside, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the RB Leipzig ace has a £55m release clause in his current contract, with the Reds impressed by his goalscoring tally of 20 goals in his 42 appearances throughout 2024/25.

It also states that he’s high on their shortlist, seen as an affordable alternative to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, allowing Slot to have the goalscoring striker he’s been craving.

Why Liverpool’s £55m target would be an upgrade on Nunez

It’s safe to say it’s unimaginable where Liverpool would’ve finished in 2024/25 if it wasn’t without Mohamed Salah, with the Egyptian producing countless moments of magic at key points of the season.

The 32-year-old has registered a combined 56 goals and assists in his 48 appearances across all competitions, by far and away the most of any player in the first-team squad.

Luis Diaz sits as the club’s second-highest scorer in the league on 12 goals, a staggering 16 behind Salah, highlighting his importance to the side over the last few months.

Despite his new contract, he’s undoubtedly coming to the back end of his professional career, needing to land other targets in forward areas to spread the load rather than be reliant upon one player.

Sesko would provide exactly, with his goalscoring record in the Bundesliga, one that could the side to have that focal point they have often lacked despite the success they’ve endured.

When comparing his stats to those of current forward Nunez, the 21-year-old has massively outperformed him, highlighting how much he would improve the attacking department.

The Slovenian, who’s been labelled “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Uruguayan, along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – showcasing his clinical nature.

How Benjamin Sesko compares to Darwin Núñez in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Sesko

Nunez

Games played

30

26

Goals & assists

17

7

Shot-on-target accuracy

43%

37%

Take-ons completed

1.5

0.7

Take-on success

52%

38%

Aerials won

2.6

1.4

Aerial success rate

58%

35%

Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more of the take-ons he’s attempted, whilst coming out on top in more of the aerial battles he’s entered – offering the side an all-round threat in the final third.

Whilst £55m may seem a risk for a player who’s never played in England before, it’s a deal worth completing, especially when taking his dominance over Nunez into account.

Given his tender age, he has the opportunity to improve further under Slot’s guidance, potentially becoming the club’s next star attacker to lead them to consistent Premier League glory in the years ahead.

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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is personally keen on the north Londoners signing a star alternative to club captain Martin Odegaard this summer, and one who has been scoring for fun on the continent this season.

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Berta, following 12 successful years working with Atlético Madrid, is set to have a key influence when it comes to Arsenal’s recruitment plans, but there have already been some reports of rifts between the Italian and Arteta.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

One example of this is their reported Arsenal dispute over whether to move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko or Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, but Arteta is adamant that the pair will have a productive working relationship.

“Very good, they’re two very completely different personalities, characters and backgrounds,” said Arteta on the difference between Berta and Edu.

“But he’s someone who’s very driven and very clear in his ideas, vision and how we want to achieve it, and very supportive of everything that’s been done here, with a lot of people who have contributed massively to the position that we are today as a club.

“The squad that we have, the players and the staff that we have, and he’s ready to add value and make us better. That’s the reason why we’ve chosen him to be here with us.”

When asked if the manager and Berta are working on the same page when it comes to Arsenal transfers, Arteta replied: “On what we have to do, yes.”

The Gunners boss will have his own ideas on how to improve his squad, and he is set to work in tandem with Berta ahead of a hopefully more fruitful Premier League title challenge next season.

Mikel Arteta keen on signing Oihan Sancet for Arsenal

According to reports from Spain, Athletic Bilbao’s attacking midfield sensation, Oihan Sancet, is attracting the tactician’s personal attention.

The Spaniard has marked himself out as one of Ernesto Valverde’s standout stars, scoring 17 goals in all competitions, and Arsenal are one of a few teams apparently looking at him as a serious option.

It is now believed that Arteta is personally keen on an Arsenal move for Sancet, who could leave Bilbao for the value of his £67 million release clause, and views the 25-year-old as an “ideal link” between his midfield and forward line.

Man United and Aston Villa are also interested in a move for the Spain midfielder, so a move to the Premier League appears to be an option.

Given Sancet’s exceptional form, not to mention reports they could lose Nico Williams this summer, we believe Bilbao will be highly unlikely to let Sancet leave for much less than the value of his clause.

Leeds United are now “making regular checks” on a £16m striker, who could join instead of Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson, according to a report.

Update on Leeds' pursuit of Wilson

A visibly upset Wilson appeared to say farewell to the Newcastle crowd on Sunday afternoon, with the English striker poised to leave the Magpies upon the expiration of his contract in the summer.

The striker has played a sporadic role for Eddie Howe’s side this season, predominantly featuring as a substitute, and he could now be in line to move to a fellow Premier League side, where he wouldn’t have to compete for a starting spot with a striker of Alexander Isak’s quality.

Leeds have expressed an interest in the Englishman, as they look to bring in players with top-flight experience to avoid an instant return to the Championship, but there has now been a new update on their interest in the striker.

According to a report from Football Insider, Leeds now have doubts about signing Wilson, with transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealing that Dinamo Kyiv’s Vladyslav Vanat has been identified as a potential alternative option.

O’Rourke said: “It would be a gamble… [Vanat] has a good goalscoring record for Dinamo Kyiv in Ukraine. He does have a release clause of around £16million, so relatively cheap in today’s market as well.

“It’ll be a huge gamble, but I’m sure that Leeds’ scouts and all those other teams will have been making regular checks on him, and they’ll recommend if they think he could do it in the Premier League or not.”

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Posts ByDan Emery May 25, 2025 "Powerful" Vanat would be an interesting gamble for Leeds

Given that Vanat has no experience in a major European league, having never played outside his home country of Ukraine, it would be a gamble for Leeds to pursue a move this summer, but there are some indications it could be a risk worth taking.

The Ukraine international maintained a solid goalscoring record throughout the 2024-25 campaign, playing a major role in his side securing the Ukrainian Premier League title.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Ukrainian Premier League

28

17

4

Europa League

8

1

1

Champions League qualifying

6

2

2

Ukrainian Cup

3

1

2

Football scout Ben Mattinson has also been left impressed by the 23-year-old in the past, claiming he could make an immediate impact in the Premier League.

Wilson may have proven himself in the Premier League, but the Newcastle striker is now 33-years-old and has a patchy injury record to say the least, so Vanat could be a fantastic alternative option.

Though Liverpool have exceeded expectations by winning the Premier League in Arne Slot’s first season, FSG chiefs will know that football is a fickle game, and pre-season projections will now rank Liverpool among the favourites for the 2025/26 term.

Well, sporting director Richard Hughes certainly isn’t resting on his laurels, having acted promptly to close on full-backs Jeremie Frimpong, whose transfer has been sealed, and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez, the reps of whom are engaged in advancing talks with the Anfield side.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is officially a Real Madrid player, leaving his boyhood club to join Jude Bellingham as a key part of Xabi Alonso’s Los Blancos revolution.

Thus, reinforcing the wide flanks was necessary, but Alexander-Arnold takes more than just positional value with him to sunny Spain. Indeed, the Three Lions superstar is one of the most creative players of his generation, with Jamie Carragher once remarking, “It’s like having Kevin De Bruyne playing at right-back.”

Most Assists in Premier League History (defenders)

Rank

Player

Apps

Assists

1)

Trent Alexander-Arnold

259

64

2)

Andy Robertson

308

60

3)

Leighton Baines

420

53

4)

Graeme Le Saux

327

44

5)

Kieran Trippier

204

38

Stats via Premier League

Liverpool need a new leading playmaker, and boy, have they picked out a good one.

Why Liverpool are signing Florian Wirtz

Simply: Wirtz is one of the best attacking midfielders in the world, posting 122 goal contributions across 197 senior Leverkusen appearances.

His labours in his homeland have even seen him awarded back-to-back Bundesliga Player of the Year awards, having helped his team toward an invincible title triumph in 2023/24.

Having beaten off Bayern Munich and Manchester City in the race to secure the 22-year-old’s services, reputable sources such as Fabrizio Romano have confirmed completion is on the horizon.

Make no mistake, this is a significant coup for the Anfield side, even though Wirtz is expected to cost around £110m, all told. He will dynamise and revolutionise Liverpool’s attack, reorienting the creative hub to a more conventional berth besides.

Below are a series of ways in which Slot could field Liverpool’s frontline next season, with Wirtz in the mix. However, uncertainty reigns over Luis Diaz’s future, with Saudi side Al Nassr making the Colombian a top target ahead of the summer transfer window. Barcelona also have a long-standing interest.

Where Wirtz could feature for Liverpool

If the 28-year-old Diaz does leave, Liverpool would want to consider bringing in a replacement, with one rumoured target potentially even superseding Wirtz as FSG’s most exciting signing.

Liverpool could sign a bigger talent than Wirtz

Liverpool’s Premier League success has been an incredible thing, but it doesn’t mean Slot has led a flawless team to the title this term. Indeed, the Reds have been frustrated by forwards Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, both of whom are expendable.

Earlier this month, GIVEMESPORT revealed that Real Madrid’s Rodrygo could be within FSG’s reach amid the Brazilian’s consternation from being overshadowed by teammates like Vinicius Junior, Kylian Mbappe and Bellingham.

Real Madrid would rather not part with their dynamic forward, of course, and have set a lofty £84m asking price which FSG will likely need to whittle down, should they lodge an official proposal.

Though Rodrygo isn’t an out-and-out striker, he is a “world-class finisher,” as per reporter Kyle Bonn, with an elite winning mentality forged in the Santiago Bernabeu furnaces.

At face value, it looks like the 24-year-old has endured something of a difficult season for Carlo Ancelotti’s Madrid. Indeed, the Brazil star scored just 13 times across 50 matches in all competitions, assisting ten goals too.

However, as you will see below, he’s proven invariably effective when unleashed from his favoured left flank, maximising his goalscoring quality.

Rodrygo – Real Madrid Stats by Position (24/25)

Position

Apps

Goals

Assists

Right winger

29

7

4

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

8

–

–

Stats via Transfermarkt

Though Wirtz tends to drift over to the left side, he’s more of a ten, placed behind the central striker to promote creativity. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 5% of positional peers in the Bundesliga this season for progressive passes and the top 4% for shot-creating actions per 90.

Rodrygo, fleet-footed and ferocious, would blast up and down the flanks, hopefully utilised from the left to enrich his goalscoring qualities.

His limited action this term, starting only 22 times in La Liga, as per Sofascore, hasn’t withdrawn from Rodrygo a sense of place among the modern greats, having missed only one big chance in Spain’s top flight, scoring six goals.

Furthermore, he averaged 1.6 dribbles per game and won 56% of his ground duels, speaking of a combativeness that could see him dovetail right into the Premier League, known for its rigorous nature, steely members.

Wirtz is a marquee signing for Liverpool, and that’s a fact, but there’s a case to be made that in Rodrygo, Slot would find an even brighter star. Not to the descredit of the German’s giddy talent, but the South American is something special, all right.

His versatility, deadly goalscoring ability and immense physicality all combine to suggest this is a player worth throwing the kitchen sink at. If Diaz goes, it could become a tangible prospect, and just imagine the chaos Wirtz and Rodrygo could inflict side by side.

There would be a certain degree of poetic justice to Liverpool bringing Rodrygo into their fold this summer, especially if Slot allowed him to play off the left flank, something he has yearned for but to little avail in the Spanish capital.

It would require the sale of Diaz, sure, but Liverpool could strike gold with this one, bagging an even bigger talent than Wirtz to aid their quest for unprecedented levels of sustained glory in Slot’s still-building project.

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Whatever happens this summer in terms of incomings at Manchester United, there is likely to be nothing more crucial than the news surrounding Bruno Fernandes, with the talismanic skipper outlining his desire to stay put at Old Trafford.

The 30-year-old – who helped steer Portugal to Nations League glory on Sunday night – has opted to shun the Saudi riches in order to remain a central figure under Ruben Amorim, having reportedly turned down an offer of around €25m-per-season from Al-Hilal.

While there could be question marks over where the former Sporting CP star will fit in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system in the long-term, having frequently flitted between operating as a central midfielder or as a number ten to date, there’s no denying that United remain a better side with him in it.

Indeed, his tally of 38 goals and assists in all competitions last term says it all, with that return far exceeding anyone else in Amorim’s ranks, as Amad and Alejandro Garnacho finished in second place with 21 goal involvements a piece.

Season after season, Fernandes delivers the goods, with now the time to finally build a side around him that can compete for the top honours. Thankfully, it looks like that work is already underway..

Latest on Man Utd's summer rebuild

Matheus Cunha is already in the door, following his £62.5m switch from Wolverhampton Wanderers, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo appears next on the agenda, with a second bid for the 25-year-old seemingly in the works.

Thomas Frank’s expected move to Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly put a spanner in the works regarding that deal, albeit with it having previously been reported that United were the winger’s preferred destination – fresh off the back of scoring 20 Premier League goals in 2024/25.

The final piece of the attacking jigsaw could well be completed with the addition of Sporting’s Viktor Gyokeres, with reports in Spain suggesting that INEOS are ready to make an offer for the prolific Swede.

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Indeed, the report outlines that United are ready to go ‘all out’ for the signing of the 27-year-old, with the club willing to lodge a bid of around £60m in order to get their man.

The belief is that discussions are at an advanced stage, with hope at Old Trafford that an ‘understanding’ between the two clubs can be reached soon, amid prior reports that Gyokeres himself is open to making the switch.

The chance for Amorim to reunite with his 6 foot 2 goal machine appears to good to ignore, not least after missing out on new Chelsea man Liam Delap, with it a frightening prospect to see how Gyokeres could flourish with Fernandes behind him.

Why Gyokeres could thrive with Bruno Fernandes

Lauded as the “hottest striker in Europe” by ESPN’s Mark Ogden, Gyokeres is perhaps already reaching world-class status, having notably scored 97 goals in just 102 games in Lisbon – including six goals in eight Champions League appearances last time out.

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Posts 1 ByRobbie Walls Jun 8, 2025

That said, the quality of the Portuguese top-flight ensures that doubts remain over whether he truly is in the top bracket of centre-forwards in Europe, with the Primeira Liga said to be just the seventh best league in the world, behind the Brazilian Serie A.

It would then be interesting to see if a player who never played in the Premier League during his time at Brighton and Hove Albion – and Coventry City – can translate his recent heroics in England’s top tier, with United in dire need of a success story following Rasmus Hojlund’s return of just four league goals in 2024/25.

Well, fear not – enter, Fernandes.

If anyone is to help Gyokeres to thrive, it is the Red Devils skipper, with the experienced playmaker possessing a magic ability to unlock a defence, having put together a highlight reel of assists or chances created in recent years.

Indeed, Fernandes ended last term as the player to have laid on the most chances in the Premier League for the third season in a row, having also created 16 ”big chances’ – despite registering ‘just’ ten assists.

In essence, the midfield genius – who also averaged 2.5 key passes per game – is in need of someone to finish off the plethora of opportunities he conjures up, with Gyokeres perhaps the perfect fit.

Most chances created in PL – 24/25

Player

Chances created

Bruno Fernandes

91

Cole Palmer

89

Mohamed Salah

89

Enzo Fernandez

79

Bryan Mbeumo

70

Dejan Kulusevski

65

Martin Odegaard

63

Mikel Damsgaard

63

Leif Davis

61

Yourie Tielemans

61

Stats via Fotmob

An “insane” ball-striker, as per analyst Ben Mattinson, the one-time St Pauli marksman netted a mammoth haul of 39 league goals last term, having scored once every 72 minutes with a goal conversion rate of 28%.

While he did miss 23 ‘big chances’, Gyokeres would almost be supplied with an endless stream of openings to convert by Fernandes, with the latter man notably teeing up Amad to header home with a delightful dinked pass against Aston Villa on the final day.

You can only imagine the success that Gyokeres would enjoy if supplied with similar service, with combining with Fernandes a way to truly elevate his game, thus confirming that ‘world-class’ status.

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Posts ByDan Emery Jun 9, 2025

After failing to negotiate a new contract with Abdoulaye Doucoure, Everton watched on as the Frenchman departed and are now reportedly eyeing his potential replacement in a £25m deal.

Everton must replace Doucoure this summer

For all his experience and important moments to match, Everton failed to offer Doucoure a new deal in Merseyside in a decision that they’ll be desperate not to regret this time next season. The veteran midfielder spent five years at the club in a spell full of ups and downs, from being dropped by Frank Lampard to thriving under Sean Dyche and David Moyes.

Doucoure was the man who scored the goal to keep Everton afloat in the 2022/23 campaign and he was the man who battled Curtis Jones in what proved to be his final-ever Merseyside derby. A Frenchman turned scouse, there is no denying that replacing his influence will not be a simple task for the Toffees this summer.

Saying goodbye to the fans, Doucoure said at the end of last season: “Hi Evertonians – just wanted to share this message with you that I’m going to leave the football club at the end of the season.

“After five wonderful years, my time at Everton came to an end. Everton means a lot for me. Obviously the past five years it’s been hard but I will always remember my time as a dream for me, to play for Everton Football Club.”

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Posts 1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 11, 2025

It’s a decision that Everton must now justify by signing a younger, improved model this summer and, to their credit, they could do exactly that by welcoming one particular midfield star.

Everton eyeing £25m Yarmolyuk deal

As reported by Caught Offside, Everton are now eyeing a summer swoop to sign Yegor Yarmolyuk from Brentford, who value their young midfielder at just €30m (£25m).

The 21-year-old is represented by the same agent as Everton left-back Vitalii Mykolenko and could now join his countryman in Merseyside to hand Moyes his Doucoure replacement. Joining Everton in pursuit of his signature, however, are Tottenham Hotspur, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leeds United.

Premier League stats per 90 24/25 (via FBref)

Yegor Yarmolyuk

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Minutes

1,450

2,564

Progressive Passes

3.91

2.88

Tackles Won

1.74

0.98

Ball Recoveries

7.02

5.26

More robust than Doucoure whilst also outperforming the Frenchman when progressing play last season, there’s even an argument to be made that Yarmolyuk would be an upgrade on the former Everton man rather than just a replacement.

At just 21 years old, the Ukraine-born midfielder has already found himself at the centre of praise and that includes from Ben Mattinson. The analyst dubbed the Brentford star “underrated” and “physical” back in January and could now watch on as he swaps West London for Merseyside.

In a deal that would reportedly cost around £25m, the Toffees could commence their summer business with an absolute bargain whilst instantly replacing Doucoure in the process.