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A washout will see KKR eliminated from playoff contention but RCB would remain in contention for a top-two finish

Ashish Pant17-May-2025

File photo: Bengaluru is known for its fast drainage systems•BCCI

The resumption of IPL 2025 could take a hit with heavy rain forecast in Bengaluru when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) here on May 17.According to , thunderstorms, sometimes heavy, are forecast for Saturday afternoon through Saturday evening. The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) website also predicted one or two spells of rain or thundershowers in the evening.The weather played a part in the timing of the training sessions for both RCB and KKR on match eve. RCB held their practice session from 2pm to 5pm, a decision which team director Mo Bobat said was taken keeping in mind the patchy weather forecast for the evening. KKR started their training from 5pm but were done by 6.30pm.Related

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It has been a pretty damp week in Bengaluru, with almost all parts of the city receiving adequate rainfall. It started raining around 9.30pm on Friday evening, well after the practice sessions for both teams were done, and the rain did not relent for at least the next four hours. That was the case on Thursday night as well.If rain does force an abandonment, it will mean curtains for KKR’s playoffs chances. On 11 points, with two games to go, if points are shared, KKR can only make it to a maximum 14, which will not be enough for a playoffs spot. They’ve already had one game washed out earlier in the season, against Punjab Kings.RCB will still firmly stand a chance to reach the playoffs and a top two finish even with a washed out game. There was already a rain-shortened match in Bengaluru last month when the RCB-Punjab Kings (PBKS) game was reduced to 14 overs a side.Bobat said that while the weather did influence their preparation, there’s not much anyone can do if it rains on match day. It is also worth noting that the M Chinnaswamy Stadium boasts a state-of-the-art drainage system, which allows the match to resume minutes after it stops raining completely.”When you get to game day, you can’t control it,” Bobat said on match eve. “So, actually you want your players to feel as clear and relaxed as possible. You trust them to make decisions in the moment, regardless of what happens.”We don’t overthink any of those things really. If the game’s rain affected, it’s rain affected. It’s not something any of us control. So, we don’t really think too much about that, but it might influence our preparation.”The rescheduling might affect more than just the odd game. Bengaluru has one more game to host, on May 23 (RCB vs Sunrisers Hyderabad), while Mumbai, which has seen unseasonal rainfall already, is scheduled to host the Mumbai Indians (MI) vs Delhi Capitals (DC) game on May 21.The forecast four days out from the game, though, is of clear weather, even though there is rain forecast for the day before. Kolkata, originally named as the host of the qualifier 2 and final, usually sees the monsoons begin in the first week of June, and the June 3 final, if it is held at the city’s Eden Gardens, could be affected.

It has started to feel like James Tavernier’s time as the first-choice right-back at Glasgow Rangers has been in question every single transfer window in recent seasons.

The Light Blues captain is not a perfect player. He has defensive flaws that sometimes see him caught out defending the back post or switching off in transition.

However, he always seems to find a way to get back into the starting XI by proving his worth on the pitch with his performances for the Scottish Premiership giants, which is exactly what he has done this season.

Why James Tavernier is still a starter for Rangers

Tavernier turns 34 next month and is valued at just £1.3m by Transfermarkt, but he looks worth way more than that on the field for Russell Martin’s side.

The English defender has started three of the club’s five matches in the Scottish Premiership so far, per Sofascore, and delivered two goals and seven chances created.

Taverniers scored five goals and provided 13 assists in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign for Rangers, per Transfermarkt, and is showing that he still has what it takes to put up impressive numbers in the final third this season.

One of the reasons why he is a locked-in starter for Rangers at the moment is that summer signing Max Aarons has failed to live up to expectations so far.

Why Max Aarons looks worth less than James Tavernier

The Bournemouth loanee was an exciting addition to the squad at the time of his arrival from the Premier League side, as he had been incredibly highly-rated in the past with Norwich.

Aarons won two Championship titles with the Canaries down south and was reportedly valued at a whopping £30m by Norwich in 2021. That came a year after Spanish giants Barcelona failed with an attempt to sign him on loan to bolster their squad.

Now, a player once valued at £30m and pursued by Barcelona looks worth less than Tavernier on the pitch for Rangers this season, which is why the captain has retained his spot as the first-choice right-back.

Appearances

5

3

Sofascore rating

7.02

6.63

Goals

2

0

Big chances created

1

0

Key passes per game

1.4

0.3

Duels won per game

3.0

4.0

As you can see in the table above, the Gers skipper looks worth more than Aarons based on their respective performances in the Premiership this season, as the Bournemouth loanee has not offered anywhere near enough of a threat in possession from a full-back position.

The former Norwich star has not played a minute of football for the Gers since he was given a straight red card for hauling Christos Tzolis down early on in the 6-0 defeat to Club Brugge in the Champions League.

Aarons has been an unused substitute in the last two Premiership matches, which Tavernier has started, after being sent off in that European humiliation.

BBC Sport reporter Kenny Macintyre said “Max Aarons for me in every game has looked out of his depth. I know it’s early days but it’s a huge concern” after the first leg against Club Brugge, an opinion that is unlikely to have been changed by the defender’s sending-off in the second leg.

Aarons, simply, has not been good enough on or off the ball in the games that he has played for the Light Blues since his move to Ibrox in the summer, which is why Tavernier is the current first-choice and looks worth even more than him to the team.

Rangers flop who's "not helped his team" is as big a problem as Martin

This Glasgow Rangers flop has been as much of a problem for the team as Russell Martin this season.

ByDan Emery Sep 16, 2025

Hopefully, the 25-year-old full-back will be able to turn his Ibrox career around and start to show supporters why he was once wanted by Barcelona and valued at £30m.

Superb last-day resistance counters Tom Banton’s epic 371

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay07-Apr-2025Worcestershire 154 (Roderick 58, Aldridge 5-36) and 485 for 9 (D’Oliveira 121, Waite 87*, Hose 82, Kashif 51) Somerset 670 for 7 dec (Banton 371, Rew 152, Abell 52)A defiant century from Brett D’Oliveira and superb last-day resistance from Matthew Waite saw Worcestershire to an unlikely Rothesay County Championship draw with Somerset at Taunton.Beginning the day on 280 for 5 in their second innings, still 236 runs short of making their hosts bat again, the visitors closed on 485 for 9, D’Oliveira contributing a rock solid 121 off 340 balls, with 14 fours, and Waite an equally skilful 87 not out, from 319 deliveries, with nine boundaries.Jack Leach claimed his 500th first class wicket in returning 4 for 103. But Ben Allison, Tom Taylor and last man Tom Hinley all played their parts in a committed rearguard action that left Somerset hugely frustrated at the end of a match they dominated. They took 16 points to Worcestershire’s nine.It took Somerset 20 minutes to make the first breakthrough of the day as Kasey Aldridge found a way past an immaculate looking defensive shot from nightwatcher Adam Finch and bowled him for 8.But it proved the home side’s only success of a morning session, which saw D’Oliveira and Waite meet good length balls with solid defence, while capitalising on any width offered by the Somerset attack.Both played and missed on occasion, but an all-too-typical last day pitch at the Cooper Associates County Ground under cloudless skies offered little in the way of spin, seam movement or variable bounce to encourage bowlers.By lunch, Worcestershire had progressed to 337 for 6, with D’Oliveira unbeaten on 99 and Waite on 22. There was much for Somerset to discuss at the interval as the pair had looked untroubled for most of the session.Aldridge and off-spinner Archie Vaughan had posed most problems. They opened up after lunch with no great impact as D’Oliveira patiently awaited the right ball to reach his hundred.It came with an overpitched delivery from Aldridge and a sweetly-timed off-drive for four. It was D’Oliveira’s 13th first class century, made off 258 balls, with 12 fours, and proved one of his most valuable.He and Waite continued to look in total control, literally bringing Somerset to their knees at times as close fielders adopted that position in a desperate bid to get closer to the bat for an edge off the spinners.Waite moved to a patient fifty off 195 balls, with six fours, before D’Oliveira’s intense feat of concentration spanning five hours and 40 minutes came to an unfortunate end.Thrusting his front pad well outside off stump to a wide delivery from Vaughan and playing no shot, he was given out lbw when the ball turned sharply and appeared to strike his back leg.With a third new ball due in seven overs’ time, Somerset sensed it was a pivotal wicket and celebrated as though the game was won. At tea, Worcestershire were 415 for 7, still 101 behind, with Waite unbeaten on 58.Having employed mainly spin, including that of occasional bowler Tom Banton, Somerset got through their overs at a rapid rate and were able to take the new ball immediately after the interval.Skipper Lewis Gregory took responsibility for sharing it with Craig Overton, who struck the next blow in the fifth over after the break when Allison, on 22, fended a short ball straight to Tom Lammonby at short midwicket.Still Worcestershire resisted, the obdurate Waite having been joined by Taylor. The final hour began with Somerset having a minimum of 16 overs to claim the last two wickets, Vaughan and Jack Leach operating with fielders clustered around the bat.It was Leach who ended Taylor’s stubborn effort of 12 off 68 balls when he edged to Overton at second slip with 8.3 overs remaining to give the England spinner his milestone 500th first class victim.But 22-year-old left-hander Hinley showed a maturity beyond his years to see out 44 balls, while Waite ended a brilliant day’s work, having defied everything that Somerset could throw at him.

Sunderland have unveiled their new striker, Marc Guiu, after he completed his season-long loan move to the Stadium of Light. Régis Le Bris is building a side he hopes can do more than just fight for Premier League survival, and Guiu may play a pivotal role in the team’s attack.

The deal is structured heavily in Chelsea’s favour, with Sunderland paying a loan fee, all of his wages and a fine if Guiu doesn’t receive an adequate number of minutes. In his interview that served as an introduction for Sunderland fans to their new striker, Guiu spoke about what he believes he can bring to the team.

When asked about his thoughts ahead of the new season, Guiu described it as an “opportunity to get this club to where it deserves”. The youngster will likely feature prominently, and given his team-based answers in the interview, fans may enjoy seeing him receive the minutes Chelsea demand.

Guiu is the ninth arrival at the club this summer, but Le Bris and Kristjaan Speakman are not done yet and have shifted attention to the other end of the pitch.

Centre-back next for Sunderland

While Sunderland have already conducted a number of big deals this window, the club aren’t done yet. A report from Dominic Shaw in The Northern Echo has stated that the club is “prioritising the capture of a central defender”. Shaw also added that another wide attacker is on Speakman’s shopping list, but the current priority is to bring in a centre-back first.

Sunderland entered this window with the budget available to them to build a dream squad, and they have made tremendous progress so far, but now is the time for Speakman and Le Bris to polish off the squad with some final touches.

Sunderland's search for a centre-back

Sunderland have been named as one of three Premier League teams that are showing interest in Fiorentina defender Pietro Comuzzo. Italian outlet tuttomercatoweb has reported that Le Bris’s team, alongside Nottingham Forest and Manchester United, have an interest in the centre back, but none of the three have yet to make a formal bid.

While the links have persisted last month, Fiorentina manager Stefano Pioli was asked about Comuzzo and the transfer rumours: “Comuzzo? He’s a strong player, he’s here to compete for a place and be a starter.”

Earlier in the window, Sunderland were also linked to Jhon Lucumí of Bologna. Unfortunately for Sunderland fans, Sky Sports’ Tom White dampened hopes that this rumour may become reality when speaking on the Haway the Podcast: “I know we have been in for him… Whether we’ve pulled the plug or whether he’s rejected us, I don’t know.”

While it looks at present like Sunderland won’t be able to make either of these deals happen, there is still plenty of time left in the transfer window for Le Bris to identify a new centre-back and bring them to the club.

Sunderland made shock bid to sign striker similar to Arsenal star Gyokeres

Sunderland made an approach for a Premier League-proven free agent.

By
Callum Kemp

Aug 6, 2025

Chelsea must watch on from afar as a highly-rated former starlet aims to make a name for himself at Premier League rivals Liverpool, and those within Stamford Bridge were left ‘shocked’ after his departure.

The Blues’ penchant for attracting world football’s most dazzling young talents has been a key theme of their business in recent years.

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

Ever since Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital’s takeover in 2022, Chelsea have broken records for the number of youngsters in their squad, with OptaJoe revealing Enzo Maresca fielded the youngest ever starting eleven in Premier League history last season.

Despite some calls for Chelsea to sign players with more experience, this theme is unlikely to change any time soon. This window alone, Maresca has seen Dario Essugo, Estevão Willian, Mamadou Sarr, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Kendry Páez and Jorrel Hato join the club, with the oldest of them being only 22.

Chelsea are also in talks to sign both Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, according to Sky Sports, while Football Transfers reported earlier this week that Maresca could sign another ‘exciting youngster’ too if one becomes available before the deadline.

BlueCo’s youth obsession is no accident – it’s their masterplan.

Chelsea have poured over £1 billion into signing the world’s brightest upcoming stars – stacking their future with talent before it hits peak value.

On the pitch, it means building a squad that can evolve together. The club’s average age will continue to be one of the lowest in Europe – with Maresca’s system set to potentially thrive on energy and development.

He’s now got a group hungry to prove themselves, not fading stars on bloated wages.

However, Chelsea’s desire to grow a roster rich with world football’s most promising starlets doesn’t mean everyone will be along for the ride.

Chelsea annoyed after losing Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool

Last summer, promising teenager Rio Ngumoha swapped west London for Anfield, and Chelsea were reminded of that fact when the 16-year-old scored a brilliant solo goal in the first of a double-header against Athletic Bilbao earlier this week.

The winger became Liverpool’s second-youngest ever senior debutant against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup last term, and many are wondering whether Arne Slot is planning a first-team role for him after an excellent pre-season.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Chelsea have maintained a frustration after losing Nguhoma to Liverpool, and were left shocked by his move up north.

“Chelsea know how good Ngumoha is. They were annoyed to lose him. It was a real frustration for them to see him walk away,” said Bailey.

“They know losing players is part and parcel of the academy system now – you just have to make sure you have more wins than losses.

“However – within football – Ngumoha was a name that everyone knew about. He had offers from everywhere, but Chelsea were shocked that he left.

“Now he is impressing at Liverpool, it is fair to say that Chelsea’s annoyance is not going away – but to see him become a success is not a shock to anyone at Stamford Bridge.”

The London-born attacking gem is certainly one to watch, with John Terry once calling him a “top player” and tipping Nguhoma for stardom.

With Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal continuing to do battle over Eberechi Eze’s signature, the Lilywhites have reportedly set their sights on an impressive alternative who is fighting with the Crystal Palace star for an England place.

Latest on Tottenham's Eze pursuit

With the Premier League season now underway, Spurs have just two weeks to strengthen Thomas Frank’s side. So far, the North London club have welcomed Joao Palhinha, Mathys Tel and Mohammed Kudus, with the latter particularly impressing against Paris Saint-Germain. Following the news that James Maddison is likely to miss the majority of the campaign, however, they must return to the transfer market to welcome one last star.

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Having his own say on potential incomings recently, Frank told reporters: “We are definitely in the market in general. Of course, when players get a long term injury we need to look into that.”

The former Brentford boss will be well aware just how important it is to add a crucial creative spark back to his side in Maddison’s absence, and one player who would add that in abundance is Eze.

The Crystal Palace star has been the subject of a transfer battle between both Tottenham and Arsenal this summer, but it now looks as though it is the Lilywhites who are in pole position ahead of their North London rivals.

As Fabrizio Romano reported, Tottenham are preparing formal talks with Palace over a move to sign Eze and the player himself is now keen on the move. But even as all signs point towards Frank’s side, those in North London are still reportedly considering an alternative option.

Tottenham ready to make Rogers move

According to The Daily Mail, Tottenham are now ready to make their move for Morgan Rogers if Aston Villa open the exit door amid their PSR struggles this summer. The England midfielder is seen as a game-changing signing in North London, but whether the Villans intend to sell their star man may well be another question entirely.

Minutes

2,588

3,114

Goals

8

8

Assists

8

10

Key Passes

58

51

In terms of Eze alternatives, Rogers should sit top of Spurs’ shortlist if they are beaten to the Palace star’s signature by Arsenal. The Aston Villa midfielder went stride for stride with his England teammate last season and even outperformed him in total output.

Villa boss Unai Emery is well aware of the talent that he has on his hands too, having previously told reporters: “He is a player. He is intelligent. He understands football. When we analysed and we signed him, it was because we analysed his ability to adapt quickly to our structure.”

With a matter of weeks left until the transfer window slams shut, Rogers could yet emerge as one to keep an eye on.

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Aston Villa are beginning to step up their hunt for fresh faces and have now submitted an offer for a defender viewed internally as a “top prospect” among club officials, according to David Ornstein.

Aston Villa in the market for first-team additions

Making a low-key start to the window, the Villans have brought in Yasin Ozcan, Marco Bizot, Zepiqueno Redmond, and Modou Keba Cisse to firm up their squad ahead of the new campaign.

Admittedly, most of the men in question are likely to be fringe players or developmental additions, which has only served to further supporters’ appetite for senior arrivals that will make an immediate impact on first-team affairs.

Nevertheless, new Aston Villa signing Cisse believes Unai Emery’s side are on the rise after completing a £4 million move from LASK, stating: “It is with great pride that I’ve signed for Aston Villa. I’m truly grateful for the trust the people at the club have shown in me.

“This moment marks an important step in my career, but above all, I’m aware that everything still needs to be built. Expectations will be high. Not everyone gets the chance to sign for a Premier League club.”

He is set to spend this term on loan in Austria. In other news, Aston Villa are said to be racing Wolverhampton Wanderers to sign Mika Biereth in light of his excellent form at AS Monaco.

£70m star open to Aston Villa move, he's "heard good things" about Emery

The Villans have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a forward.

ByDominic Lund Jul 22, 2025

Spanish coach Emery knows what it takes to secure an impressive Premier League finish. Therefore, his mission in the Midlands will be to secure individuals who move the needle alongside buying prospects. He could now be about to combine both factors if reports are to be believed.

Aston Villa submit offer to sign Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot

According to David Ornstein, Aston Villa have submitted an offer to sign Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot, who is viewed as a ‘top prospect’ by the club and is also attracting interest from an array of suitors.

While their bid hasn’t yet been accepted, the Villans appear to have stepped up their initial interest in Canvot amid previous reports they are looking to fend off competition for the £17 million-rated star.

Capped eight times at Under-19 level for France, Canvot made 18 appearances in Ligue 1 last term, helping his side to record an impressive tenth-place finish.

Now, he appears to be on the move, and the Villans have put themselves well in contention to bring in the versatile youngster, who turns 19 next week and can also play in midfield, potentially offering cover across two positions.

عقد بيب جوارديولا مدرب مانشستر سيتي مؤتمراً صحفياً للحديث عن استعدادات فريقه لمواجهة مانشستر يونايتد في ديربي العاصمة يوم الأحد على ملعب الاتحاد في الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز.

وكان بيب جوارديولا قد تلقى ضربة موجعة خلال فترة التوقف الدولي بإصابة عمر مرموش الذي غادر الملعب من الشوط الأول في لقاء منتخب مصر ضد بوركينا فاسو في تصفيات أفريقيا المؤهلة لكأس العالم 2026.

وساهم عمر مرموش في حصول منتخب مصر على 4 نقاط من مباراتين وقد سجل هدفا في المباراة الأولى ضد منتخب إثيوبيا، وأصبح الفراعنة على بعد خطوة من التأهل رسمياً لكأس العالم.

أقرأ أيضاً.. 8 لاعبين يمنحون بيب جوارديولا دفعة معنوية قوية قبل ديربي مانشستر

وقد أكدت تقارير صحفية قبل لقاء مانشستر سيتي ومانشستر يونايتد أن عمر مرموش سيغيب عن اللقاء ولن يدعم صفوف فريقه بسبب الإصابة.

وأكد جوارديولا في تصريحات نقلتها “سيتي إكسترا” أن النجم المصري سيغيب لبضعة أسابيع.

وذكر بيب جوارديولا عن مرموش: “لقد جاء مصابًا من منتخب مصر، سيخضع للفحوصات الأخيرة لكن أعتقد أنه سيغيب لبضعة أسابيع وسيكون جاهزاً قبل أو بعد فترة التوقف الدولي المقبلة”.

وأضاف بيب أن لاعبه الجزائري ريان آيت نوري سيغيب أيضاً عن لقاء مانشستر يونايتد بجانب ريان شرقي، متابعا “يبدو أن بقية اللاعبين بخير، ومشاركة ستونز محل شك رغم أنه لا يعاني من مشكلة كبيرة”.

Newcastle United will have to evaluate their attacking targets this summer. Eddie Howe will surely be keen to build on what was a successful 2024/25 campaign for his side, who won the Carabao Cup and secured Champions League qualification thanks to their Premier League finish.

Unfortunately for the Magpies, it seems as though their primary attacking target this summer, Bryan Mbeumo, will join Manchester United.

Highly reputable journalist David Ornstein reported on June 2nd that the Brentford star has decided he wants to join the Red Devils this summer, picking them over the likes of Newcastle.

So, with Mbeumo off the table, the North East giants will have to turn their attention elsewhere when it comes to attacking targets.

Newcastle's Mbeumo alternative

There is no doubt that, for Newcastle, losing a player like Mbeumo, who would have slotted into their side nicely on the right wing, is a huge blow to the project. However, it seems as though they have identified the alternative.

Transfer Focus

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

According to a recent report from journalist Christian Falk, the Magpies are ‘interested in signing’ Bayern Munich winger Kingsley Coman, a player who Bayern are ‘are looking to offload’ this summer.

However, the 28-year-old France international is not just a target for the Premier League outfit, but also for La Liga giants Barcelona.

Barca are focusing on moves for Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Man United sensation Marcus Rashford, but could move for Coman if those deals do not materialise. As for the price, Sky Germany reported in March that Bayern would want upwards of £34m for the attacker.

How Coman compares to Mbeumo

It wasn’t necessarily the easiest season for Coman. He struggled with a couple of injuries and perhaps did not play as much of an important role under Vincent Kompany as he may have liked, as Bayern went on to reclaim the Bundesliga title.

In 41 appearances across all competitions, the France international, who was born in Paris and came through PSG’s academy, played 41 games in total. In that time, he scored seven goals and grabbed four assists.

Breaking that down further, we can look at Coman’s stats in the German top flight, which, if anything, highlight just how sparse his involvement was this term. The 28-year-old played 28 games, with his 1,280 minutes the equivalent of 14 full games. A high point of his season was surely the goal and assist he grabbed in a 3-0 win at home to Union Berlin.

Yet, despite a season of much frustration for Coman, he could certainly benefit the Magpies. He is a serial winner, having lifted 30 major titles during his career. After all, there is a reason he’s previously been labelled as “one of the best players in the world” by Oliver Kahn.

Perhaps, with that in mind, he’d make a great alternative to Mbeumo, who seems destined for Old Trafford. The Cameroon international was sensational last season, with 20 goals and eight assists in the Premier League.

However, despite the fact that he performed so well last term, and has done for the past few years now, the experience that Coman would bring to the Newcastle squad is not necessarily something that the Brentford winger could match.

Indeed, the underlying numbers on FBref suggest that the Frenchman would be an apt alternative, too. For example, last season, Coman averaged 0.77 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, compared to just 0.53 goal-creating actions each game for the Bees talisman.

Expected goals

0.3xG

0.32xG

Key passes

2.25

1.85

Shot-creating actions

5.68

3.8

Goal-creating actions

0.77

0.53

Progressive carries

4.65

3.43

There is no doubt that losing out on the Premier League talent is a blow for the Magpies. He is a player who could have added a direct threat on the right-hand side. However, adding Coman to the squad could certainly have a similar impact, and he can be a “menace” for opponents, as Statman Dave said.

The package of £34m Bayern are asking for does not seem too outlandish for a player still pursuing the goods on the pitch, as the stats show, and bringing with him bags of experience.

He's Gordon 2.0: Newcastle eyeing £43m "magician" after Mbeumo rejection

Newcastle are looking to make a series of signings this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 4, 2025

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.

Transfer Focus

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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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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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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