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On Sunday afternoon, Alexander Isak will sit on the bench at Burnley’s Turf Moor. Perhaps he will be introduced in the second half, playing 20 or 30 minutes of football for his new club, Liverpool.

The main thing is that Liverpool prevailed in their summer-stretching bid to sign Newcastle United’s talisman, completing the highly-charged transfer on deadline day for a British-record £125m fee, not long after the Reds had broken the previous record when signing Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for £116m.

Liverpool’s summer spending spree was conducted with the view from the FSG offices that it would be something of a one-off, a remarkable statement of strength that would secure Anfield’s future for many years to come.

And though some felt the deal was somewhat unnecessary after Hugo Ekitike joined from Eintracht Frankfurt earlier in the summer, it was absolutely right that Liverpool pushed hard to land the signature of one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards.

How Isak compares to Premier League strikers

Liverpool spent more this summer than any team had spent before across a single transfer window, and now Arne Slot’s side are expected to deliver: they must defend their Premier League title; they must battle against the continent’s finest for a seventh Champions League triumph.

Isak will help in the pursuit of all that. The 25-year-old scored 27 times for Newcastle last season and has emerged over the past few years as one of the best strikers in world football, so intelligent and influential and clinical in front of goal.

Mohamed Salah is known for his success in the final third, but Isak has actually been scoring at a more prolific rate since joining Newcastle from Real Sociedad in 2022, and the overload of creative quality at Slot’s disposal suggests the Swede will only go from strength to strength on Merseyside.

Erling Haaland

100

88 (0.88)

Mohamed Salah

111

67 (0.60)

Alexander Isak

86

54 (0.63)

Ollie Watkins

115

50 (0.43)

Chris Wood

95

39 (0.41)

Bryan Mbeumo

101

39 (0.39)

However, as already suggested, there are some who maybe feel that a record-breaking bid for Isak was superfluous, especially with Slot already having an Isak-esque talent in the ranks.

Liverpool already sold an Isak-esque talent

Sadio Mane was considered an irreplaceable part of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and he was, but FSG hit the jackpot in signing a positional successor in Luis Diaz, who proved instrumental in winning a horde of silverware across his three-and-a-half years at the club.

A left-sided forward by trade, Diaz was regarded as a “magical” player by the likes of Liverpool reporter Matt Addison, not quite hitting the same clinical heights as Mane before him but still contributing crucially throughout his spell at the club.

And last year was his best of the bunch, posting 17 goals and eight assists across the campaign. While consistent performances as a striker were bound to raise his output, Diaz still played the role extremely well, never goal-hanging and instead adding a dimension to Liverpool’s build-up play and altogether widening the scope for the likes of Salah and Cody Gakpo, who both enjoyed terrific campaigns in front of goal.

Long regarded as one of the most electric and direct wingers in the Premier League, Slot opted to refashion Diaz into a centre-forward last season, with Darwin Nunez toiling in front of goal.

And the results reinforced that decision, just one of a myriad of tactical enforcements that have established Slot as a Premier League champion and “one of the best coaches” in the world, as remarked by analyst Joe Baker.

Isak arrives at Liverpool as an upgrade in regard to being a centre-forward, but Diaz offered something very distinctive, a blend of sharp-paced athleticism and nifty tricks on the ball, all translatable to an unnatural berth at number nine.

After all, Diaz ranked among the top 3% of positional peers in the Premier League last season for non-penalty goals scored per 90, statistics courtesy of data-led platform FBref.

This much-improved focus in the final third, combined with a dynamic approach to the physical side of the game, led FBref to liken Diaz to Newcastle’s Isak, who had been named by pundit Ally McCoist as being “the best all-round centre-forward” in England.

Manchester City’s Erling Haaland might have more of a predatory instinct in front of goal, but you can see why Liverpool invested such an effort into signing Isak, who brings more to the table, who will carry something of Diaz’s style of play through the campaign.

Diaz was an immense and perhaps even underrated member of a multi-title-winning Liverpool side, but he appeared to have been pining for a transfer, first looking toward Barcelona and then Manchester City and the Saudi Pro League too, before eventually completing a move to Bayern Munich, where he is thriving.

It’s the news that Pep Guardiola’s side had come close to signing him that perhaps rankles some within the Reds fanbase, with Liverpool proposing to the Sky Blues a scenario in which City signed the Colombia international and Liverpool got Julian Alvarez in return upon realising that Diaz wanted to join their domestic rivals.

Diaz’s desire to leave Liverpool and join a domestic rival underscores a further similarity between his case and that of Slot’s new focal frontman, and let’s just be grateful that he was at least willing to remain at the club and continue to ply dutifully toward the outfit’s goals.

The versatile forward, in any case, served Liverpool extremely well, and though he carried some similarities to Isak, there’s no question that Liverpool fans and those involved at the club will consider the arrival of the Sweden star a significant upgrade and a fantastic deal, even though Isak’s signature came at such a premium.

FSG have already sold Liverpool's homegrown Zubimendi for just £15m

Former Liverpool player is now starring as a deep-lying playmaker reminiscent of Zubimendi.

ByWill Miller Sep 12, 2025

Wolves have endured a tough start to the campaign, losing five of their opening six Premier League games.

A 1-1 draw with Spurs on Saturday offered some encouragement, though it was bittersweet given they led until a 94th-minute equaliser from Joao Palhinha.

The result still leaves them bottom of the table with a goal difference of -9. Cup competitions have provided some relief.

They beat Everton in the Carabao Cup third round and now face Chelsea at home for a chance to reach the quarter-finals.

But the domestic reality is clear: Wolves desperately need to rediscover consistency and firepower. Their attack has been blunt, generating the fourth-worst xG in the division – ahead of only Newcastle, Aston Villa and Burnley.

This summer also brought significant upheaval. Wolves sold Matheus Cunha to Arsenal for £62.5m and their dynamic left-back Rayan Ait-Nouri to Manchester City for £36m.

While those exits weakened the squad, they managed to keep Jørgen Strand Larsen, responsible for 22% of Wolves’ goals last season.

Newcastle had multiple bids rejected, including one worth £55m, before the Norwegian signed a new deal until 2030.

Alongside Larsen, Wolves added Tolu Arokodare, Ladislav Krejci, and John Arias.

Yet one of their most important figures this season could be found at left-back – a position vacated by Ait-Nouri.

The blow of losing Rayan Ait-Nouri

Ait-Nouri had become a fan favourite at Molineux since his arrival from Angers in 2021.

Over three seasons, he made 157 appearances, contributing 12 goals and 19 assists.

Renowned for his energy and ability to carry the ball upfield, he was as dangerous in attack as he was valuable in defence.

At just 24 years old, Ait-Nouri had already developed into one of the most exciting left-backs in the Premier League.

His progress earned him a £36m move to Manchester City in the summer, though an ankle injury has sidelined him until mid-October.

Internationally, he represented France at youth level before committing to Algeria, making 18 senior appearances since 2023.

Statistically, Ait-Nouri offered a strong all-round package.

Last season, he averaged 2.58 tackles per 90, 1.22 blocks per 90, and 2.63 shot-creating actions per 90.

Those numbers highlighted his mix of defensive solidity and attacking thrust.

Wolves’ challenge was always going to be finding someone capable of stepping into his shoes – a daunting task given his influence at both ends of the pitch.

How Wolves have found the new Ait-Nouri

Enter Hugo Bueno.

Signed from a Spanish youth side for just £3k, he now finds himself valued at £7m, as per Transfermarkt —a staggering rise of around 233,000%.

At 23 years old, Bueno has been gradually integrated into the Wolves first team, making 57 appearances to date, including six Premier League starts this season and two Carabao Cup outings.

A Spanish youth international, Bueno made his U21 debut in September 2023.

He also gained valuable experience on loan at Feyenoord, where he featured in the Champions League.

His rapid development has been crucial for Wolves this season, especially after Ait-Nouri’s departure.

On the pitch, this “exciting” talent, as described by Matt Hobbs, has shown he is more than capable of filling the void, with the pair noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in Europe, as per FBref.

The stats underline his progress.

Matches Played

20

Minutes

1,197

Tackles

9

Blocks

11

Interceptions

11

Last campaign, Bueno registered three goal involvements compared to Ait-Nouri’s 11.

Where he really stands out is in ball progression: he averages 4.59 progressive carries per 90 (to Ait-Nouri’s 2.58) and 3.61 progressive passes per 90 (versus 3.13).

His 85.7% pass completion rate also edges Ait-Nouri’s 84.2%. Defensively, Bueno is still finding his feet.

He averages 1.35 tackles per 90 compared to Ait-Nouri’s 2.58, and his 0.83 blocks per 90 are also slightly lower. But his attacking profile makes him a dynamic presence.

He creates 2.56 shot-creating actions per 90, almost on par with Ait-Nouri’s 2.63, showing his ability to contribute in the final third.

Wolves’ season will depend on more than just their left-back, but the emergence of Bueno has softened the blow of losing Ait-Nouri.

For a player signed for a nominal fee, he represents one of the best bargains in the Premier League – a reminder that sometimes the best solutions can come from within.

If Wolves are to climb off the bottom and restore their competitive edge, Hugo Bueno may just be the man to help lead them forward.

Pereira may have found the new Cunha in Wolves' "tremendous ball-carrier"

Has the new Matheus Cunha arrived at Wolves?

ByWill Miller Sep 30, 2025

Liverpool are one of several top Premier League clubs who are interested in signing a “quality” young Dutch defender from one of Europe’s greatest football institutions.

Ekitike excited to link-up with Isak at Liverpool

The Reds return from the international break this weekend, making the trip to newly-promoted Burnley and looking to keep up their 100% winning start to the season.

Alexander Isak could potentially make his Liverpool debut, following his record-breaking move from Newcastle United, and while the Swede could push Hugo Ekitike down the pecking order, the Frenchman cannot wait to play alongside his new teammate.

“It’s fun. When you play for the best teams, you expect to be competing with the best players. Isak is a player I’ve watched too, so seeing him arrive is a pleasure. It’s going to be tough competition, but I’m going to focus on performing well so that it’s a problem for the manager.

“Obviously my life has changed. It’s a big move and I’m watched a thousand times more but I’m taking it positively, it’s really good. It’s the position I wanted to be in. When you have this kind of standard, you have to show that you belong here and you have to continue to perform. But it’s a position that I like and that I want to keep.”

Liverpool have broken their transfer record twice this summer, making huge statements by signing Isak and Florian Wirtz, but now a huge young talent is being linked with a move to Anfield.

Liverpool keen on signing "quality" young star ahead of Man Utd and Man City

According to a fresh update from TEAMtalk, Liverpool are among the clubs showing “intense interest” in signing towering 6ft2in Ajax teenager Aaron Bouwman.

The 18-year-old centre-back is considered a player with a bright future in the game and called a ‘towering defender’, with Chelsea, Manchester United, Barcelona and Manchester City also “circling” for his signature.

Bouwman wouldn’t be joining Liverpool as an immediate starter if they did get their man, but like new signing Giovanni Leoni, he would be considered a massive part of the club’s future.

At just 18 years of age, the Dutchman has already made his debut for Ajax, and featured in three separate youth age groups for the Netherlands, and scout Elijah Michiels has hailed him as a “quality” player.

Bouwman also couldn’t ask to have a better centre-back to learn alongside than compatriot Virgil van Dijk if he does join, given the Liverpool captain’s status as one of the greatest defenders of his and any generation.

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Posts ByWill Miller Sep 9, 2025

The level of competition for the teenager’s signature shows just how highly he is thought of, but the Reds should be seen as an exciting proposition as anyone currently, excelling both on and off the pitch over the past decade or so.

MatériaMais Notícias

A passagem do atacante uruguaio Luis Suárez pelo Grêmio pode chegar ao fim bem antes do que o esperado. Entretanto, o motivo da abreviação dessa passagem em nada teria a ver com os constantes apontamentos de interesse do Inter Miami, clube que vive a expectativa de apresentar Lionel Messi.

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Segundo informação que foi publicada nesta terça-feira (20) pelo veículo ‘GZH’, o jogador de 36 anos de idade estaria com sérios problemas para lidar com dores na região do joelho direito, algo que já teria sido diagnosticado como um caso de artrose.

Situações dessa natureza acabam sendo resultado de um desgaste na cartilagem da artilação afetada, algo natural pensando em esportes de alto impacto como o futebol. Causando, dessa forma, inflamações na área afetada que são notadas tanto por dores na região como também inchaço.

Tamanha seria a dificuldade de Suárez em administrar o problema que ele estaria cogitando de maneira mais séria antecipar o término de sua carreira. Algo que o mesmo já tratou de avisar a diretoria do Tricolor para que os dois lados entendam qual seria a melhor composição para findar o vínculo, inicialmente, com validade até o fim de 2024.

Oficialmente, o clube ainda não se pronunciou sobre o tema e a tendência é que isso não ocorra até que alguma postura definitiva seja tomada tanto por parte do Imortal como do atleta uruguaio que é o artilheiro da equipe na temporada. Em 26 partidas que o Pistolero defendeu o Grêmio entre Recopa Gaúcha, Campeonato Gaúcho, Campeonato Brasileiro e Copa do Brasil, ele totaliza 14 gols marcados e oito assistências, tendo 22 participações diretas em tentos do time gremista.

It would be fair to say that Chelsea have had a good summer so far when it comes to transfers.

While they didn’t look great in the first Premier League game of the season, the likes of Joao Pedro, Liam Delap and Jamie Gittens are all incredibly talented.

Moreover, even though he’s young, Jorrel Hato has been talked about as one of the game’s next great defenders for years now, and at this point, the club look increasingly likely to sign Alejandro Garnacho.

Yet, while the Argentine is a promising player who has shown flashes of brilliance here and there, Chelsea are also being linked with another international, someone who would be a big upgrade.

Chelsea chase Garnacho upgrade

Chelsea’s interest in Garnacho is nothing new, as the club were reliably linked with him back in the January window.

Transfer Focus

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

However, the West Londoners have really stepped up their pursuit of the 21-year-old this summer, and as things stand, they appear to be in direct talks with Manchester United over a transfer.

However, while it’s been made clear Garnacho wants the move, the West Londoners have been linked with another international attacker, someone who would be a significant upgrade.

At least that is according to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, who has claimed that Chelsea are in the picture for Ademola Lookman.

The journalist has revealed that following the collapse of his move to Inter Milan, the Nigerian international’s representatives have been in talks with several clubs, including the Blues.

According to other reports from earlier this summer, an offer of around £43m could be enough to tempt Atalanta into selling this summer.

While that is a sizable sum of money, it may prove to be a bargain for someone of Lookman’s quality, especially as he would be an upgrade on Lookman.

How Lookman compares to Garnacho

So, while Garnacho is a talented player and someone who could go on to do great things in the game, Lookman would undoubtedly be the better signing for Chelsea this summer, and the first reason comes down to his versatility.

For example, while the United ace can play in a few positions, he is primarily a left-winger, with 110 appearances coming there, 33 off the right and 27 in attacking midfield.

In contrast, the Atalanta star is far more versatile and can play practically anywhere in the attack, with 100 appearances off the left, 83 as a second striker, 62 off the right, 38 up top and 16 in attacking midfield.

In other words, the Nigerian game-changer could be played wherever he is needed, which in turn gives the manager far more tactical options ahead of and during matches.

The second reason Lookman would be a massive upgrade on the Argentine is his output.

Since moving to the Serie A side in August 2022, the “world-class” attacker, as dubbed by the BBC’s John Bennett, has scored a brilliant 52 goals and provided 25 assists in 118 appearances, totalling 7538 minutes.

That means the former Everton flop has averaged a goal involvement every 1.53 games or every 97.89 minutes since the start of the 22/23 campaign, which is frankly outstanding.

Appearances

33

34

Minutes

1858′

1205′

Goals

15

5

Assists

8

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.69

0.29

Minutes per Goal Involvement

80.78′

120.5′

Appearances

45

50

Minutes

2809′

3574′

Goals

17

10

Assists

10

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

104.03′

210.23′

Appearances

40

58

Minutes

2871′

3568′

Goals

20

11

Assists

7

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.67

0.36

Minutes per Goal Involvement

106.33

169.90′

In contrast, the Madrid-born gem star has scored 26 goals and provided 22 assists in 142 appearances, totalling 8347 minutes, across the same period, which comes out to a great, but still less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.95 games, or every 173.89 minutes.

Finally, the Wandsworth-born dynamo proved that he can do it on the biggest stages when he scored a hat-trick against Bayer Leverkusen in the 2024 Europa League final, so there he should be able to come right into Maresca’s side and be a difference-maker from the word go.

Ultimately, Garnacho is a talented player, but from practically every way you look at it, it’s clear Lookman would be a massive upgrade.

£50m ex-Atletico Madrid sensation has told friends he's joining Chelsea

Stamford Bridge officials have given the player has instruction during talks.

ByEmilio Galantini Aug 20, 2025

Celtic have made contact with the agent of a “very offensive” young talent, as they look to snap him up before the end of the summer transfer window.

Rodgers coy over Celtic's transfer business

The Hoops begin the defence of their Scottish Premiership title this weekend, welcoming St. Mirren to Parkhead on Sunday afternoon.

While Celtic will again be the resounding favourites to be crowned Scottish champions at the end of the season, more business is needed before the summer transfer window concludes, with Brendan Rodgers coy when recently asked about potential incoming signings.

“Well, listen, for me, the focus is very much on what’s here. We know we have work to do, and I’m hopeful that we can get that done by the end of the window. But in the meantime, as I said, the players have worked fantastic over the course of this pre-season, some really good performances and growing and developing our spirit, which is going to be really important for us.”

Celtic do seem to be progressing with certain signings, however, with Jahmai Simpson-Pusey set to join the club on a season-long loan from Manchester City. They have also been linked with a move for Liverpool midfielder Stefan Bajcetic, who is struggling to be a part of Arne Slot’s plans at Anfield, as the Hoops target players from the top clubs in England.

Celtic make contact with attacking defender

According to a fresh update from Foot Mercato [via The Glasgow Times], Celtic have contacted Kassoum Ouattara’s agent over a move to Parkhead this summer.

The Monaco left-back is also wanted by rivals Rangers, however, with the two Scottish Premiership giants locking horns to get a deal over the line. Meanwhile, Augsburg, PSV Eindhoven, Toulouse, Metz and Torino are seen as possible suitors, too, with a permanent move preferred to a loan switch by his current club.

Ouattara could be such an eye-catching option for Celtic this summer, having seen his reputation soar at Monaco, making 33 appearances for the Ligue 1 side and also winning three caps for France Under-21s.

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3

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Aug 1, 2025

At just 20 years of age, he is also a player who should only get better in a Celtic shirt if they manage to sign him, with journalist Kai Watson describing him as a “very offensive” left-back, suggesting that he would be an exciting player to watch.

With Greg Taylor now departed, Ouattara could provide good competition for the returning Kieran Tierney, coming in as a young backup option to the former Arsenal man.

As Celtic gear up for yet another title defence, Brendan Rodgers now reportedly believes that they hold a key advantage in the race to sign an impressive midfield star.

Rodgers still aiming to "push" for arrivals

Despite welcoming as many as six fresh faces following another dominant Scottish Premiership campaign last time out, Rodgers admitted that he’s still pushing the Celtic board to secure more additions.

He told reporters: “We have gaps in the squad that are very clear. I have to convince the board to really push to get the players in that we really need. Clearly, I’m not doing that job well enough, but I will continue to push and hopefully we can get the players in by the end of the transfer window.”

Celtic make approach to agent of "very offensive" 20 y/o rising talent

Rangers also want to sign him this summer.

ByHenry Jackson Aug 1, 2025

“When you lose important players, you want to fill those gaps. That attacking department is the strength of my team. It always will be. We were very, very good last year in that front in terms of both the score and both the creativity.

“I’m fairly confident that we will do the business that will fill those gaps and with the necessary quality that’s needed to keep the team moving forward, because that’s what we all want. That’s what the supporters want. They want to see a team that’s exciting and that can dominate games and really attack games and that’s our goal.”

Just who those additions will be is the question. It looks as though the Bhoys are at least set to welcome Manchester City youngster Jahmai Simpson-Pusey on loan, but that’s not to say other targets have fallen away from their radar.

Those at Celtic Park have also reportedly set their sights on winning the race to land a bargain deal in the next month and Rodgers believes that they hold one key advantage over the rest of the chasing pack.

Rodgers believes Celtic have advantage in Brownhill race

According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Rodgers believes that Celtic have the advantage in the race to sign Josh Brownhill this summer thanks to their Champions League place. Whilst the likes of West Ham United and Everton chase his signature, the Bhoys will be able to offer the 29-year-old his first taste of Europe’s elite.

Dubbed “brilliant” by Burnley boss Scott Parker, Brownhill represents one of the few bargain deals still on the market and one that Celtic should go all out to snap up this month.

Chelsea are poised to let another player depart Stamford Bridge this summer amid their mission to trim Enzo Maresca’s bloated books.

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Financially, they’re in a strong position after winning the Club World Cup, with their tournament victory yieldin £87.5 million in prize money. This, combined with the exits of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys, Noni Madueke, Marcus Bettinelli and Djordje Petrovic for an estimated £96 million, means Chelsea are currently in line to sail well under the PSR threshold for next year as things stand.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

However, UEFA struck an agreement with the Blues recently after their fine for breaching FFP rules – sell players to balance out the squad or face an inability to register new signings for next season’s Champions League (Kaveh Solhekol).

A host of Chelsea players could still leave the club before deadline day on September 1, with Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Renato Veiga, Axel Disasi, Carney Chukwuemeka, Lesley Ugochukwu, Armando Broja, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Christopher Nkunku, João Félix and even Nicolas Jackson all potentially up for sale by BlueCo, according to recent reports.

Another squad member who’s now far more likely than not to depart Cobham in the coming weeks is boyhood Chelsea supporter Alfie Gilchrist.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Sheffield United and was a regular under ex-Blades boss Chris Wilder for a portion of the campaign, before first-team action became harder to come by, partly due to injury.

Alfie Gilchrist "set to leave Chelsea" with Saudi approach made

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Gilchrist’s exit appears to be a forgone conclusion, and he’s attracting interest from both Championship sides and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.

In truth, it is quite a disappointing end to his Chelsea career, but competition in Maresca’s squad is fierce and Gilchrist quite simply needs a new chapter to further his own career.

Chelsea legend John Terry once tipped the Englishman for “big things” after he made his senior debut for the club in 2023, later praising his ferocious work rate in an interview with The Mail.

“Literally from the first training session in which I saw him, he reminded me of myself,” Terry said.

“He was keen to learn, asking me questions about defending and constantly picking my brains over what I would do in different situations.

“And he’s 100 per cent in everything he does. Whether that’s the warm-up to get him going, he’s all-in. You don’t ever want to take that away. Even on his recovery days, he’s 100 miles per hour.

“As he gets older, he’ll understand how to manage that and how to be. But it’s a great trait to have for a young player and it can certainly set you apart.

‘If you’re at Chelsea, you’ve got great ability in the first place to be there. But it’s really important for younger players to have that mentality and Alfie had that in abundance even from an early age.”

The Premier League fixtures for the new season were released on Wednesday and, fair to say, they were not kind to Arsenal.

The Gunners will commence their campaign at Old Trafford on 17 August, before also facing Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle all in their first six matches; brutal!

So, ahead of their first scheduled pre-season game against AC Milan in Singapore on 23 July, Gooners worldwide are itching to see their team make some signings, so could their cravings be quelled by the arrival of an “insane” young talent?

Arsenal targeting defensive reinforcements

According to reports in France, Arsenal have “submitted” a contract offer to Ajax defender Jorrel Hato, adding that “talks are progressing well” for the “versatile left-footed centre-back”, who is valued at around £43m.

Hato, who is just 19 years old, made his senior debut for Ajax in the KNVB Beker against Den Bosch in January 2023, accumulating 111 appearances subsequently, starting 48 of the Dutch giants’ 54 matches across all competitions this season, predominantly deployed at left-back by Francesco Farioli, but also utilised at centre-back semi-regularly too.

His Eredivisie form has earned international recognition, earning six senior caps for the Netherlands, currently at the Under-21 European Championships in Slovakia, starting all three of Jong Oranje’s group stage fixtures as a central defender.

So now, could the teenager be on his way to North London?

How Jorrel Hato could replicate Jurriën Timber's success at Arsenal

Just under two years ago now, Jurriën Timber, heartbreakingly, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament during his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest, thereby making just one more appearance that entire season, this coming on the final day.

Nevertheless, this time round, Timber established himself as an absolute stalwart in the Arsenal back-line, making 48 appearances across all competitions, very much the undisputed first-choice right-back, while also doing a commendable job on the left side or in the middle when called upon.

Ben McAleer of the Guardian described his performances as ‘commanding’, while Adam Keys asserted that the Dutchman is the “best 1vs1 defender” on the planet right now, following his exceptional performances against Vinícius Júnior and others.

So, while Timber is likely to begin next season as first-choice, above Benjamin White, who suffered his own long-term injury in November, he also offers Mikel Arteta invaluable versatility, affording Gabriel and William Saliba a breather when necessary.

So, could Hato do the same?

Well, let’s assess how the duo compare with each other.

Appearances

50

47

Minutes

4,185

4,207

Pass completion %

88.8%

91.9%

% of dribblers tackled

81%

73.3%

Interceptions

38

59

Clearances

88

86

Ball recoveries

179

235

Touches per 90

63

83

As the table outlines, when comparing Hato’s statistics from this season to those of Timber from his final campaign at Ajax, they are largely remarkably similar, with the teenager coming out on top when it comes to tackles and clearances.

Adam Keys describes Hato as incredibly talented, noting that he would offer Arteta “insane” depth across the entire back line.

Meantime, Domagoj Kostanjšak of Total Football Analysis documents how Hato boasts an ‘excellent duelling frame’, adding that he is ‘very comfortable on the ball’, which allows him to be ‘adventurous and brave’ in possession, while also a more than capable defender, given that he ‘reads the game well’.

On top of this, Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines outlines how the Dutchman is extremely ‘technically gifted’ and destined for greatness.

Thus, it is clear that Hato would be an excellent addition to Arteta’s squad, so Arsenal should act fast, before someone else comes in for this ultra-talented youngster.

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6 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

The promotion-winning campaign for Leeds United will live long in the memory of all supporters, taking them back to the Premier League after a two-year absence.

Daniel Farke was the man to lead the Whites back to the top division of English football, finishing top of the table and subsequently claiming the title on goal difference ahead of Burnley.

Such a feat was made all the more impressive after the sales of Archie Gray, Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, who all departed after the play-off final defeat the year prior.

However, such departures allowed the likes of Ao Tanaka to move to Elland Road, securing his place at the heart of the side and subsequently being named in the division’s Team of the Season.

The Japanese international could be about to be partnered by another star at the base of the side, as the hierarchy looks to strengthen the side ahead of their top-flight return.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new signings this summer

Over the last couple of days, Leeds have ramped up their efforts in the market as they look to provide Farke with the tools to survive next campaign.

His side have had an offer for Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol rejected, but it appears as though they are set to return with an improved offer to force the Italian side into selling the 26-year-old.

However, he may not be the only summer arrival from Serie A, with Leeds also having keen interest in a deal to sign Juventus star Douglas Luiz, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the Brazilian international has been offered to the Whites this summer, with the hierarchy set to schedule talks over a potential deal with the Old Lady.

It also states that he could be sold for just £30m this summer, only 12 months on from his move from Aston Villa, after making just 26 appearances across all competitions throughout 2024/25.

Why Luiz could be Farke’s very own Phillips

Midfielder Kalvin Phillips was a crucial part of the Leeds squad back in their previous stint in the Premier League, operating at the heart of the side after emerging through the club’s academy.

The 29-year-old spent 12 years with the Whites in Yorkshire, amassing a total of 234 appearances in the first team, being a mainstay in the side and enjoying a huge rise to stardom under Marcelo Bielsa.

Such form led to the midfielder being named in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the European Championships back in 2020, as they fell at the final hurdle and lost in the final to Italy.

However, he would depart his boyhood side in a £45m deal to join Manchester City – a move that would subsequently ruin his career, only featuring 31 times in the last three years, with multiple loan spells at West Ham and Ipswich Town.

From a business perspective, it was great business for the club, with such funds allowing Farke to potentially have his own version of the Englishman in the form of Luiz.

When comparing their respective stats from Phillips’ final season at Elland Road, the former Villa star massively outperformed him, showcasing why he would be the manager’s own version of the fan favourite.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, registered more goals and assists, having the attacking threat to contribute to the Whites’ ambitions within the final third.

Games played

34

20

Goals & assists

5

1

Pass accuracy

83%

80%

Key passes

1.2

0.5

Through balls completed

0.3

0.06

Tackles won

1.5

1.4

Fouls won

1.4

1.1

Aerials success rate

45%

37%

He also managed to complete more passes and more key passes, subsequently aiding attackers ahead of him, as demonstrated by his assist tally back in 2021/22.

Luiz’s dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more tackles per 90 and coming out on top in more aerial battles, having the tools to star out of possession for the Whites.

£30m for a player of his quality in today’s market is an absolute bargain, with the 27-year-old having the experience to thrive in such a division should he return to England.

It remains unclear whether he would be open to a switch to Elland Road, but Farke and the hierarchy must work tirelessly to convince the international star to move to Yorkshire this summer.

He'd be Farke's own Jansson: Leeds preparing bid for "monstrous" talent

Leeds United are set to make a move for a star who could become a fan favourite at Elland Road.

2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025