All posts by z3u9t.icu

Everton are believed to have made a final decision regarding the future of a “phenomenal” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new update.

Everton players who could leave this summer

While Blues supporters will want to see shiny new signings arrive at the club this summer, it is also important that they retain the services of their most important players. Abdoulaye Doucoure arguably falls into that bracket and David Moyes reportedly wants to make sure he signs a new deal.

One individual who could be on the move once the current campaign reaches its conclusion is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has struggled to impress since Moyes replaced Sean Dyche. He hasn’t started a game since the 3-2 win at home to Tottenham over a month ago.

When it comes to recent transfer rumours regarding Everton, Celtic winger Nicolas Kuhn has been linked with a move in the summer window. The 25-year-old has shone for the Hoops this season, scoring 10 goals and bagging six assists in the Scottish Premiership.

The Blues are also said to have made contact over the signing of versatile Sevilla winger Juanlu Sanchez, who has registered seven goal contributions (four goals and three assists) in 11 La Liga starts so far this season.

Everton will allow "phenomenal" ace to leave

According to Football Insider, Everton will not make Jack Harrison’s loan move a permanent one this summer, saying they are “expected to pull the plug” on any deal to snap him up for good. The winger has spent back-to-back seasons on loan at Goodison Park from Leeds United, but it looks like his time at the club will reach its conclusion at the end of the season.

The £90,000-a-week Harrison has been a solid servant for Everton, providing quality and work ethic from out wide, but he has never come close to fulfilling the talent the likes of Conor McGilligan saw at Leeds: “I think Jack has been superb since the season started, because you guys know on this channel, I’m always talking about Jack Harrison, I’m always saying I think he should be improving this, that and the other. I think he’s stepped up since Raphinha’s left, I think he’s been absolutely superb.

“Yesterday, I thought he was phenomenal. Best player on the pitch for Leeds United and I’ll give credit where credit’s due.”

For that reason, it arguably makes sense for Everton not to pursue a permanent move for Harrison, who turns 29 later this year and therefore may not be considered a long-term option. That said, if they decide to keep him, there would be merits to it, given his experience at a high level.

Liverpool eyeing teenage Fabregas student as long-term Salah replacement

Liverpool are beginning their search for Mo Salah’s replacement.

ByBrett Worthington Feb 27, 2025

Instead, the Blues should be looking at a younger alternative when the summer arrive – someone who can provide a similar level on the right flank as Iliman Ndiaye does on the left.

Liverpool were dumped out of the Champions League in the cruellest fashion, but the two-legged defeat against Paris Saint-Germain will have given Arne Slot plenty of food for thought ahead of the summer transfer window.

Though Mohamed Salah toiled with little success, he would be somewhat within his right to feel let down by the performances of his forward peers. Namely, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez both flattered to deceive at Anfield on Tuesday, with neither enjoying the finest of campaigns in front of goal.

It’s clear where Liverpool’s priorities should lie in the transfer market.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are certain to be in the mix for Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak this summer, with noise regarding the deadly striker’s future hotting up.

If Liverpool manage to sign Isak, or indeed any number nine worth their salt, it will almost certainly spell the end of the road for Nunez, who came close to leaving for Al-Nassr in January and is expected to move on in the summer.

According to Sky Germany, Jota is also part of a list of potential summer sales, Federico Chiesa too. Jota has been called “the best finisher” Liverpool have had in the Premier League by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, but his Midas touch has deserted him of late, eight games without a goal having endured miserable injury luck yet again.

24/25

28

15

23/24

32

23

22/23

28

24

21/22

55

4

20/21

30

20

Liverpool’s interest in a goalscorer of Isak’s ilk is more than understandable, but for a figure in excess of £150m, FSG may not authorise an actual approach.

More cost-effective alternatives will be pursued too. And anyway, the Reds may already have their own teenage version of the Sweden striker.

Liverpool already have their own version of Isak

Off the bat: it’s not Salah.

However, Liverpool do have a young striker with an innate goalscoring quality who may bloom into a menacing number nine in the years to come. You can probably guess who.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

He will hope for better luck on the injury front himself going forward, but it’s hard to dispute the raw potential of Jayden Danns at centre-forward.

Having taken his first steps on the major stage under Jurgen Klopp last season, Danns, 19, has quickly become a popular figure on Merseyside, with his natural finishing skill, instinctive movements and intelligence suggesting an illustrious career lies ahead.

It’s worth issuing a reminder that footballers develop considerably as they head into their early twenties. A 19-year-old Isak plied his trade with Willem II, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists across 18 appearances in the 2018/19 season before moving to Borussia Dortmund.

Danns hasn’t yet been able to showcase his skills with such regularity, but you’d back him to bag his share in the Dutch Eredivisie, for sure.

He’s got talent in spades; analyst Ben Mattinson has even hailed Danns as “a better finisher than Nunez” at this fledgling career stage.

You can see it, in fairness. There’s a coolness, an ease, to Dann’s finishing, much like Isak in a way. From only nine senior appearances with Liverpool, he’s bagged himself three goals in the FA Cup, two of which came last year against Southampton.

There’s ample reason to get excited. The right progress over the coming years will no doubt see his shooting boots filed to a fine point, rivalling the best the business has to offer – like Isak.

Sadly, his winter-sealed loan move to Sunderland may be scuppered in its entirety after injury. Danns was doing well in his recovery, but it was revealed near the end of February that. he may not return at all before the summer, thus ending hopes of an impact at the Stadium of Light.

Whether FSG decide to loan him out after pre-season to sharpen his tools remains to be seen. But let’s not forget Danns; he’s a natural-born finisher and could be a significant part of Slot’s long-term plans at Liverpool.

Slot has a "special" gem out on loan who could be Liverpool's own Zubimendi

Liverpool have a young star out on loan who could become the club’s own Martin Zubimendi.

1 ByDan Emery Mar 13, 2025

Manchester United face one of the most crucial games of the season in just over 48 hours, yet, as ever, it is talk off the field that is dominating the back pages.

Speaking to a raft of outlets on Monday afternoon, INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe attempted to justify the key decisions that have been made at Old Trafford under the new regime, while also seeking to outline the plan for moving forward following what has been a wretched decade or so in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

The vision for Ratcliffe and Co, it would seem, is to steer the club toward winning a 21st league title by 2028, a goal that to some may be viewed as ‘Mission Impossible’ with Ruben Amorim’s side currently languishing in 14th in the Premier League table.

While the billionaire businessman appeared unwilling to shift the blame onto the previous leadership set-up, there was an obvious frustration directed toward the mammoth signings that he has now inherited.

Andre Onana, Rasmus Hojlund, Casemiro, Antony and Jadon Sancho were all name-checked by the Englishman as costly signings of the pre-INEOS period, while he also went on to state that there are those who are simply “not good enough” among the current crop.

If those words suggest anything, it’s that the ruthless decisions at Old Trafford are only set to continue in the near future – and not just related to those high-profile stars who Ratcliffe mentioned…

Sir Jim Ratcliffe's Famous Five

While there will be an appreciation of the honesty of the 72-year-old, quite what Ratcliffe intends to gain by mentioning those names above remains to be seen, with it likely to prove another dent in the already dwindling confidence of Amorim’s side.

Of course, in the case of Sancho and Antony, the pair are currently away from the club on loan at Chelsea and Real Betis, respectively, with the Englishman, in particular, already destined to depart with the Blues holding an obligation to buy the winger this summer.

As for Casemiro, reports did the rounds prior to Ratcliffe’s arrival that he had questioned the prior £70m capture of the then 30-year-old Brazilian, with INEOS now attempting to find a way to shift the £350k-per-week star from the wage bill.

An exit for the veteran had appeared inevitable even prior to Ratcliffe’s comments, yet for Onana and Hojlund, where does this leave them?

United’s number one has endured a dismal last few months or so under Amorim, having already made three errors leading to a goal in the top flight this season, yet such scrutiny from the ownership will likely do little to aid his spiralling form.

Meanwhile, for Hojlund, the promising Dane is on a run of 20 games without a goal and has only scored twice in the league this season, having notably laboured on the ball when presented with a chance against Arsenal last time out.

What the future now holds for the 22-year-old remains to be seen, although there could well be another inherited star facing an uncertain future under the regime…

Man Utd's 'best signing' is now on borrowed time

As Amorim has rightly stated, “nothing” – not even a Europa League triumph – would save United’s season, with the performances having failed to lift off even after the change in the dugout.

There is an acceptance that it will take time to adjust to the manager’s 3-4-3 system, however, with the recent signings of Patrick Dorgu and teenager Ayden Heaven providing reason for optimism.

In the case of Heaven, the £1.5m January arrival has caught the eye during his two substitute cameos in recent weeks, having been described as “so relaxed” by his manager after shining against the Gunners on Sunday.

30 minutes played

11 touches

2/2 aerial duels won

0/1 ground duels won

100% pass accuracy

1/1 long balls completed

3 clearances

1 shot off target

1x possession lost

The introduction of the 18-year-old has been a welcome surprise for United, with it looking as if the Hale End graduate could be a long-term fit in that left centre-back berth, if all goes to plan.

Heaven’s emergence could then ensure that the stricken Lisandro Martinez is now on borrowed time at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Argentine currently enduring yet another injury lay-off which will likely keep him out for much of the calendar year.

The former Ajax man – who was signed for £56.7m in the summer of 2022 – had looked to be one of the club’s “best signings” in years, in the words of Patrice Evra, following a standout first season, although the 27-year-old’s repeated injury woes have since made him far too unreliable.

Indeed, the World Cup winner made just 14 appearances last season due to repeated setbacks, while his form at the start of this campaign was also reason for concern, having been branded “appalling” by Gary Neville for his tame clearance in the Carabao Cup defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.

It had been a solid start to 2025 for Martinez it must be said, a point validated by his stunning strikes against both Liverpool and Fulham, yet with it looking as if he will definitely miss the start of next season, can Amorim really factor him too greatly into his plans?

At his best, the 5 foot 10 ace is a “warrior” – as hailed by Erik ten Hag – and a real outlet on the ball. At his worst, however, the £120k-per-week asset can be exposed defensively, with journalist Alex Turk writing that he had “cost United far too often inside his own box” in the early months of 2024/25.

The diminutive ‘Butcher’ is a cult hero and a fan favourite, yet at a time when Ratcliffe and co will be desperate to ensure they are getting value for money, it might not be too long before Martinez finds himself shown the door.

Amorim has just discovered Man Utd's next big star & it's not Heaven or Obi

Manchester United have a number of exceptional young players at their disposal.

1 ByMatt Dawson Mar 10, 2025

Last summer, Jurgen Klopp left us.

In his place, Arne Slot. Feyenoord had enjoyed back-to-back trophy-winning campaigns with the shrewd tactician at their helm, winning the Dutch Eredivisie before claiming the KVNB Cup, which is the equivalent of the FA Cup.

Klopp’s decision to step down from his job as Liverpool manager after nearly nine years was a tough pill to swallow. Merseyside went into a state of mourning (or a state of jubilation, if you approach it from a Blue perspective).

Mostly everyone expected Liverpool’s empire to collapse, but they have prospered under a new wing, storming through the 2024/25 Premier League season to establish a 12-point lead at the top.

It couldn’t have gone any better on the league front, but FSG know thunder rumbles in the background, with a spate of problems lining up to disrupt Slot’s project come summer.

Problems need solutions, and Liverpool are rather good at finding them in places others can’t. Some superstars may leave this summer, but fresh faces will join the Reds cause.

Let’s reserve judgement until next season’s well underway. How many times have FSG pulled it off in recent windows?

1 GK – Alisson Becker

It feels like the spot between the sticks shouldn’t be contentious. But oh how it is.

Alisson Becker is a phenomenon, lauded as “the best goalkeeper in the world” by Slot, but Liverpool have signed Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia for £29m. He’s replacing the outgoing Caoimhin Kelleher, and he wants top spot.

Two high-level keepers. Just how FSG like it. There could be worse problems to deal with. And in fairness, there are at that.

2 RB – Jeremie Frimpong

We’re going to say it. Sorry, but it’s growing increasingly probable that Trent Alexander-Arnold is going to sign for Real Madrid when his contract expires at the end of the season. Liverpool have Conor Bradley, but they’ll need more depth and Jeremie Frimpong might just be the man for the job.

Recent reports suggest Liverpool are getting ready to make their proposal for the Bayer Leverkusen invincible, who has a €40m (£34m) release clause.

Transfer Focus

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

Devastating in attack – The United Stand’s Beth Tucker has dubbed him a “monster in the final third” – and one of the fastest defenders in the business, he’d be perfect for Slot’s fluent and slick system.

3 CB – Ibrahima Konate

Ah, sweet uncertainty.

It’s actually no laughing matter. Real Madrid, bane of Liverpool’s life, reportedly want Ibrahima Konate, and he’s out of a deal in just over one year.

The hulking centre-half has been immense this season, maybe as good as his counterpart beside him. Several months ago, Fabrizio Romano confirmed talks have been long underway and a positive outcome is expected for the Anfield side. So we shall cling to that hope for dear life.

4 CB – Virgil van Dijk

More uncertainty.

Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s supreme defender and matchless leader, is also nearing the end of the line. However, he wants to stay; Slot wants him to stay; the fans want him to stay; the squad want him to stay.

Surely we will all be granted our wish. Van Dijk might be approaching his mid-thirties but he’s been extraordinary this season, and the ramifications of losing him would be keenly felt indeed.

5 LB – Milos Kerkez

This is big. Andy Robertson has been a stalwart for Liverpool, but he’s flagging at 31, ran into the dirt across so many tireless years. Milos Kerkez is the perfect replacement.

The i Paper have confirmed Liverpool have made contact and are honing in on the 21-year-old, who is available for around £40m and has been described as “a revelation at Bournemouth” by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher.

6 DM – Ryan Gravenberch

Ryan Gravenberch isn’t going anywhere. However, there’s no doubt he’s been overused this season and is currently beset by fatigue after playing so many minutes.

Matches (starts)

26 (12)

29 (29)

Goals

1

0

Assists

0

2

Touches*

28.8

65.5

Pass completion

83%

89%

Key passes*

0.6

0.8

Dribbles*

0.9

1.0

Ball recoveries*

2.8

5.2

Tackles + interceptions*

1.5

3.5

Total duels (won)*

2.8 (47%)

4.7 (58%)

Liverpool would do well to sign another midfielder this summer, but it would take some player to dislodge the Dutchman from his starting berth.

7 CM – Alexis Mac Allister

Last year, Argentina international Alexis Mac Allister admitted he would love to play in Spain one day, for Real Madrid or Barcelona.

Just hold your horses, ay Mac. Liverpool hit the jackpot when bringing Brighton’s rising talent to Anfield for just £35m in 2023. He steered the club toward resurgence last year and has been a quiet leader and influence in the centre this season, as Slot’s side head toward the Premier League title.

8 AM – Dominik Szoboszlai

Dominik Szobozlai: Liverpool’s veritable life-blood.

The Hungarian has really come into his own over these past few months, with a gas tank to marvel at and an all-encompassing game that compelled Jurgen Klopp to pay £60m for his services back in 2023.

He’s not going anywhere.

9 RW – Mohamed Salah

Whether Mohamed Salah stays or goes depends on the push-and-pull at the negotiating table. At £350k per week, he’s the highest earner in Liverpool’s history.

Richard Hughes certainly has his work cut out, but we reckon the sporting director will placate the masses by engineering an extension.

10 LW – Cody Gakpo

Luis Diaz is about to enter the penultimate year of his contract and is among the players Liverpool may cash in on this summer, but Cody Gakpo’s going nowhere.

The Netherlands forward sits second in Liverpool’s scoring charts with 16 goals, without question Slot’s standout forward with Salah notwithstanding.

A player dubbed one of the fastest men in his league is keen on a move to Arsenal this summer, with work already done by the Gunners ahead of what would be an excellent deal for sporting director Andrea Berta.

Andrea Berta wants new forward at Arsenal

Berta has reportedly shortlisted numerous attacking targets, both out wide and further up the field in the striker position.

Arsenal set for talks to sign "underrated" star after Berta decision this week

The Italian is stamping his mark as Edu’s replacement.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 4, 2025

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Berta is targeting Mohamed Kudus (West Ham), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford), Leroy Sané (Bayern Munich), Jacob Ramsey (Aston Villa), Alex Baena (Villarreal), Yeremy Pino (Villarreal) and Arda Güler (Real Madrid), but one name is currently in pole position to reinforce Mikel Arteta’s wide options.

Berta held a widely reported meeting with Nico Williams’ camp this week, as the Italian looks to win the highly competitive race for his signature.

Brentford (home)

April 12th

Ipswich Town (away)

April 20th

Crystal Palace (home)

April 23rd

Bournemouth (home)

May 3rd

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

As per The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, Williams is also being chased by Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Barcelona, so Arsenal face a battle to sign one of Europe’s most exciting direct wingers.

In terms of centre-forward targets, three names stand out – Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Newcastle United star Alexander Isak.

The latter is set to be priced out of the market as Eddie Howe appears determined to keep the Swede, with a starting valuation of around £150 million mooted by various sections of the press.

Isak is Arteta’s dream signing, but it is believed that Gyokeres and Sesko are viewed as far more realistic striking options at this point.

Arsenal are apparently set to hold talks over Gyokeres, who could be allowed to leave for £70 million, lower than his £83m release clause, while Sesko will cost even less.

The Slovenia international, who’s already bettered his 2023/24 tally for goals and assists combined in all competitions this season, rejected a proposal to join Arsenal last year, in favour of remaining at Leipzig to further his development.

However, Arsenal could have a better chance of striking a deal this year.

Benjamin Sesko keen to join Arsenal with groundwork laid

According to GiveMeSport, Sesko is keen on joining Arsenal this summer, and groundwork on a deal has already been laid for Berta if he wishes to move forward with a potential transfer for the 21-year-old.

He’ll apparently command a price tag of around £60 million, which is the value of his release clause, and this could be an absolute steal considering both Sesko’s form and physical prowess.

The ex-RB Salzburg sensation, standing at around 6 foot 5, has been recorded as one of the fastest players in the Bundesliga with a top speed of 35.47 kilometres per hour (Sky Sports).

These attributes highlight him as tailor-made for the Premier League, and given Berta can bypass any negotiations with Leipzig via the release clause, this move could be seen as a no-brainer.

Something feels different. For better or for worse (though usually better), Liverpool were tight-lipped on transfers with Jurgen Klopp at the helm.

It often felt like a contentious subject, but FSG’s savvy crew managed to make it work, combining with the German manager’s vision to drive Liverpool toward the full gamut of major honours.

However, something’s changed in this new iteration, this restructured hierarchy. Arne Slot, on the brink of winning the Premier League in his first season at the Anfield helm, has confirmed that Liverpool are planning for major investment this summer, with captain Virgil van Dijk echoing the sentiment as the final touches are placed on his expected new deal.

Liverpool are set to spend, all right. However, the Merseysiders will also want to cash in on a few to maximise the scope for investment.

Darwin Nunez is the anticipated surplus as plans are mapped for a new, more prolific centre-forward. However, the struggling Uruguayan isn’t the only forward at risk of being sold, with Luis Diaz also emerging as a candidate for sale.

And that’s despite his stunning recent form for the Reds.

Luis Diaz's late-season form

Liverpool are set to lift the Premier League title in the coming weeks, and Diaz has been instrumental in keeping Slot’s squad ticking over of late, rebounding from a frustrating patch of form to rack up the contributions in recent fixtures.

He’s scored 15 goals and laid on eight assists across all competitions for Liverpool this term, but Diaz may well be among those sold this summer.

Directly involved in goals during just one of Liverpool’s opening nine Premier League fixtures of 2025, a 2-1 victory over Wolves in February, Diaz has since registered a contribution across his past five outings, scoring in each of the Reds’ recent matches, having assisted in three successive games prior.

A man playing for his future? The winger has been routinely linked with a move to Barcelona over the past several years and Caught Offside have recently revealed that Liverpool would entertain offers in the £69m ballpark this summer.

Contrary to what the form book might suggest, Liverpool should indeed cash in on their Colombian maverick for maximum value this summer.

He’ll have turned 30 by the time his current deal expires in June 2027 and has ebbed and flowed in front of goal for much of his time at Anfield.

Liverpool could bank a pretty penny by selling him now, while his stock’s sky-high, and anyway, the Reds have identified the perfect successor to sign this summer.

Liverpool chasing Diaz successor

According to Football Insider, Liverpool may finally get their hands on Anthony Gordon this summer, with the Newcastle United winger among the most likely Magpies to be sold for a big profit.

Liverpool were in talks to sign the England international last summer but a deal came to nought when alternative means to circumvent PSR were struck.

It’s reported that Liverpool have retained a strong interest and, furthermore, cashing in on the winger would suit United more than their other big-money stars, Bruno Guimaraes and Liverpool-linked Alexander Isak.

Transfer Focus

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

Why Liverpool should sign Anthony Gordon

Having been awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, Gordon came close to moving back to Merseyside and linking up with Liverpool are being released from their academy as an 11-year-old.

Though it didn’t come to fruition, Liverpool have retained their interest in a “special” player – as said by producer Andrew Musgrove – who has been an essential part of Eddie Howe’s success at St. James’ Park over the past several years, indeed beating Slot’s Liverpool in last month’s Carabao Cup final.

He’s registered 44 goal involvements for Newcastle since the start of last season and has even seen club chiefs place a £100m price tag on him in the past to deter pesky suitors. However, now that United’s stance has changed, that lofty valuation may well be whittled down.

Playing into Slot’s tactical approach, Gordon is also a positionally flexible forward. Chiefly a left winger, the 23-year-old has featured regularly on the right to accommodate Newcastle’s needs while also finding prolific success from a more central berth.

Though Gordon’s arrival would see Diaz sold, this could allow him to work well with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who is settled on the left flank, where his in-cutting shooting ability is best served.

While he’s been more potent in front of goal of late, the underlying data suggests Gordon, who is five years the South American’s junior, has the potential to outstrip him.

Shots (on target)*

2.0 (0.7)

2.0 (0.8)

Pass completion

80%

86%

Key passes*

1.9

1.6

Dribble (success)*

1.3 (45%)

1.5 (39%)

Ball recoveries*

3.3

3.0

Tackles + interceptions*

1.3

1.2

Duels (won)*

4.7 (51%)

3.8 (39%)

There’s also the case to be made that Gordon has failed to hit the same heights this year after his success in 2023/24, whereas Diaz has actually made improvements since Klopp stepped down at Anfield.

This might appear to sway things in the Liverpool man’s favour but it actually reinforces the argument for his sale this summer, replacing him with a younger star in Gordon, who mirrors many attributes and has the potential to go from strength to strength under Slot’s wing.

Given that Liverpool’s interest stretches back to last summer, there’s every reason that he could be a success in a title-winning Reds squad, and given that Diaz’s potential sale could make it possible, it might just be one to keep a close eye on as the market opens its stalls.

Slot can axe Jota for Liverpool teen who's a "better finisher than Nunez"

Liverpool’s centre-forward options have left plenty to be desired this season.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 15, 2025

BlueCo have now decided to make one “special” ace a Chelsea player next season, with the club already triggering a clause in his contract.

Chelsea set for tough Champions League run as race heats up

Just four points separate seventh from third in the Premier League table, so Enzo Maresca’s side are involved in a tense battle to qualify for Europe’s most prestigious competition alongside Aston Villa, Newcastle, Nottingham Forest and Man City.

Chelsea hold internal talks over re-signing star who Mourinho sold for £17m

The ‘special one’ elected to part company.

3 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 23, 2025

Chelsea scraped the west London derby bragging rights at Fulham by the skin of their teeth on Easter Sunday, courtesy of a dramatic 93rd-minute strike from Pedro Neto, and their remaining fixtures are far from straight forward.

After hosting David Moyes’ rejuvenated Everton on Saturday, Chelsea face off against Liverpool, Newcastle and Man United in the space of a fortnight – with these crucial clashes set to make or break Maresca’s first season in charge as they also try to win the Europa Conference League.

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Speaking to Premier League productions this week, pundit Alan Shearer sent a warning to Chelsea, claiming Maresca, without doubt, has the hardest run of games out of any Champions League qualification contending side.

“Looking at the fixtures, there’s no doubt in my mind that Chelsea have the toughest run-in,” said Shearer (via The Mirror).

“The league might be done for Liverpool. Obviously, Newcastle is a huge one. And that last game against Nottingham Forest, they could be playing for everything, who gets a Champions League place. So that for me is the toughest run-in.”

This set of fixtures has also been tipped to serve as an audition for £100,000-per-week winger Jadon Sancho, who is currently at Stamford Bridge on loan with an obligation to buy from Man United.

While Sancho’s stay is obligatory on paper, reports in the last few months have claimed that Chelsea can cancel the move by paying a penalty fee of £5 million.

Sancho is said to have already agreed terms on a permanent Chelsea move, but it appears the club do have an option not to make his stay indefinite.

Chelsea decide to keep Jadon Sancho after clause triggered

The £25 million obligation is dependent on Maresca’s side finishing above 15th, which is now mathematically guaranteed, and the clause has been triggered as a result.

That is according to CaughtOffside, who also share an update on Chelsea’s stance about using the £5 million fee to get out of buying the 25-year-old.

The outlet claims that Chelsea have decided to keep Sancho at Stamford Bridge next season, and have no plans to pay the penalty, as his form has improved in recent weeks and those within the club view him as a “smart investment”.

Blues insiders also think the £25 million will prove great value for money, and if they do decide to sell the Englishman in future, Sancho could end up being worth more than that.

Chelsea are “happy” to pay the full amount for Sancho, following Maresca’s claim that the ex-Borussia Dortmund starlet is a “special” player.

“As I’ve said before, for sure he is going to help us. We really believe that he is a special player,” said Maresca about Sancho.

“But the only way for him to confirm that is by working hard every day and never be happy and always be ambitious.”

Chelsea are now looking at signing a Netherlands international, who Arsenal have watched since he was 16, with Enzo Maresca’s side threatening to snatch a very long-term Gunners transfer target.

Chelsea targeting new defenders this summer

A new defender or two is reported to be high on BlueCo’s transfer agenda this summer, and a few high-profile names are already being mentioned ahead of the first window’s opening on June 1st.

Chelsea will now sell player who Maresca is "crazy" about for just £30m

It could be very unpopular with their manager.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025

The Premier League confirmed that 2025 will have two summer windows (one open from June 1st to June 10th, and the other from June 16th to September 1st), which allows the likes of Chelsea and Man City to bring in new players before the Club World Cup.

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

According to reliable Stamford Bridge journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea are expected to invest significantly in a new centre-back, with Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi and Bournemouth sensation Dean Huijsen both mentioned as top targets.

Guehi is entering the final 12 months of his Palace contract, and Chelsea are believed to be seriously considering the prospect of re-signing the Cobham academy graduate, who departed for Selhurst Park in 2021 (The Mirror).

Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Huijsen is expected to depart the Vitality Stadium this summer, with his £50 million release clause attracting attention from a host of top Premier League sides, including Chelsea.

As reported by David Ornstein, Chelsea have held talks with Huijsen’s representatives, alongside the likes of Tottenham and Arsenal, as England’s elite bid to battle for the Spaniard’s in-demand signature. However, there is also competition from abroad, as Vincent Kompany reportedly tells Bayern Munich to move for Huijsen as well (Football Insider).

Amidst their hot pursuit of the 20-year-old, Maresca’s side may also bolster their full-back options.

Jules Koundé was mentioned as a Chelsea target this week, according to reports in Spain, but they’ve also got their eyes on Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato.

Chelsea eye Ajax defender and long-term Arsenal target Jorrel Hato

As per The Mail, Chelsea are now considering a move for Hato, who has become a mainstay for the Eredivisie side and one of the Netherlands’ rising stars.

The 19-year-old has been scouted by London rivals Arsenal since he was 16, according to journalist Graeme Bailey, so he has a big admirer in Arteta.

“Jorrel Hato is still a player they love – they’ve done all the work on him for years – they’ve been following him since he was 16,” said Bailey to The Boot Room recently.

“Liverpool like him as well. It wouldn’t surprise me if Hato came to England this year.”

The price of his signature, according to other reports, sits at around £40 million – which could be a bargain where Chelsea are concerned.

The versatile teenager can play at both left-back and as a left-sided centre-back when required, plugging two different gaps for Maresca, and there is a reason that no Ajax player has been handed more league minutes than Hato this season (WhoScored).

When it comes to world-class players, Tottenham Hotspur have had their fair share in the Premier League era.

For example, while they never managed to get over the final hurdle, the likes of Harry Kane, Son Heung-min and Mousa Dembélé were unreal under Mauricio Pochettino.

However, go back just that little bit further, and you get to Gareth Bale, who for quite some time was arguably one of the best wingers in world football.

So, fans should be ecstatic about recent reports that have linked the club with another sensational wideman who could be their best winger since the Welshman.

Tottenham transfer news

With just how terribly this season has gone for Tottenham, it’s unsurprising to see the club linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, such as Marcus Rashford.

The Englishman could be available for around £40m in the summer, which might prove to be a reasonable price for the Manchester United product, as across his time with the Red Devils and Aston Villa this term, he’s produced 20 goal involvements in 41 appearances.

A slightly cheaper and far younger option is Tyler Dibling.

Transfer Focus

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

The Southampton gem has been one of the few bright sparks for the Saints this season, could be available for about £35m and would fit in with the club’s current crop of young talents.

However, as promising as the Exeter-born prospect is, he’s not going to come in and make an instant impact, unlike Jarrod Bowen.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are keen to land the West Ham United star from their London rivals this summer.

Alongside the Lilywhites, Liverpool have also been credited with interest in the Englishman, and while the Hammers do not want to sell, the two parties could make an offer of up to €60m for the 28-year-old, which is about £51m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Bowen’s immense ability, it’d be one worth fighting for.

Why Bowen would be Spurs' best winger

So, should Spurs get their way and leapfrog Liverpool to sign Bowen this summer, why would he instantly become their best winger in a long time?

Well, there are a couple of reasons, but perhaps the most important is that he’s a reliable source of goals and assists.

For example, in just 32 appearances this term, he’s scored ten goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games.

In contrast, Son has scored 11 goals and produced 12 assists in 43 appearances, which comes out to one every 1.86 games.

Brennan Johnson has scored 16 goals and produced seven assists in 46 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game.

Appearances

32

43

46

17

Goals

10

11

16

3

Assists

9

12

7

0

Goal Involvements*

0.59

0.53

0.50

0.17

And finally, Wilson Odobert has scored just three goals in 17 appearances this season, which comes out at one every 5.66 games.

On top of the number of goals and assists he produces, the Irons’ “game-changer,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas, has also proven that he can handle the most significant occasions, as he scored the winning goal in the 2023 Conference League Final.

Last but not least, while he thrives out on the right, the Englishman is incredibly versatile and can play up top and as a second striker as well as off the left at times, which would allow whoever’s in the Lilywhites’ dugout far more tactical flexibility.

Ultimately, while he might not reach the same levels as peak Bale did, Bowen has the ability and application to be Spurs’ best winger since the Welshman left.

Uh oh: Ange hints £190k-a-week Spurs star could miss Bodo/Glimt with injury

Postecoglou has dropped a worrying injury update ahead of Tottenham’s crucial Europa League tie.

ByDominic Lund Apr 28, 2025

Leeds United might have well strolled to automatic promotion in the end with a sizeable 100-point haul next to their name, but the Whites will know the Premier League is a different beast altogether compared to the Championship.

Indeed, Daniel Farke will be the manager tasked with turning the West Yorkshire giants back into a Premier League-ready outfit, with Leeds unfortunately falling back down to the EFL at the end of the 2022/23 season after three campaigns at the daunting level.

To help achieve that, the German looks to be in the market for some new defensive buys to shore up his newly promoted side, with a fresh goalkeeper very much a must when leaping up to the unforgiving top-flight.

Leeds' targets in defence

Of course, one of the main talking points towards the back-end of their promotion campaign was Farke axing Illan Meslier due to far too many errors seeping into the Frenchman’s game.

Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a great shock to anyone that the Whites are prioritising an upgrade in the number one position, with Serbian shot-stopper Djordje Petrovic reportedly catching their eye.

A new report from TEAMTalk suggests that Leeds are seriously considering a move for the Chelsea goalkeeper off the back of a standout loan stint in France with RC Strasbourg.

With Petrovic’s first-team situation uncertain at Stamford Bridge, Leeds could offer the 25-year-old plenty more game time, with the five-time Serbia international perhaps finding a new defensive teammate in Leonardo Balerdi if he also relocates to Elland Road shortly.

Further reports claim that the Whites are ready to put forward a bumper £38m bid for the Argentine centre-back, meaning their defence could have a fresh look ahead of their Premier League adventure if both signings enter the building, with the new duo in question potentially helping Leeds to stay afloat.

How Farke could transform Leeds' defence

Amazingly, despite playing for two separate Ligue 1 clubs currently, the standout pairing could both be donning Leeds colours next season if everything goes smoothly.

Both defensive figures do look ready for the challenge of top-flight football in England too, with Balerdi a calm orchestrator at the back for Marseille with a mammoth 104 touches of the ball averaged per league clash, alongside Petrovic also receiving some glowing praises in-between the sticks for Liam Rosenior’s men.

Petrovic’s constant class in goal for Strasbourg has even seen the ex-Hull City boss label the 25-year-old as “world-class”, alongside also stating that the 6 foot 4 ‘keeper will go on to have a “remarkable” career after his formative loan experience in France is up.

Leeds will hope the promising stopper morphs into an even better ‘keeper in West Yorkshire, therefore, with his numbers in Ligue 1 this campaign making him a huge upgrade on a waning Meslier in terms of being able to handle the pressures of a top division.

Games played

29

25

Minutes averaged*

90

84

Touches*

56.9

107.4

Accurate passes*

36.1 (78%)

89.4 (94%)

Ball recoveries*

9.0

6.1

Clean sheets

10

4

Combined, both Petrovic and Balerdi have managed to collect 14 clean sheets this season in league action, with the Serbian also proving himself to be a calm presence on the ball much like his South American counterpart, seen in him averaging a 78% pass accuracy from 29 league contests.

To add context, Meslier has only amassed 21 clean sheets in the Premier League from a far higher 107 clashes, with Petrovic already up to five at the intimidating level when infrequently featuring under Enzo Maresca.

Whilst Balerdi might find it hard to displace the likes of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon in the heart of defence immediately, his hefty £38m price tag must count for something in terms of his game time not being too thin.

With a safer pair of gloves in Petrovic too, Leeds will pray they don’t fall victim to a leaky Premier League campaign that ends with the all-too-familiar taste of relegation.

Farke's next Pukki: Leeds looking to sign "powerful" £17m striker

Daniel Farke will hope this new potential signing can become his next Teemu Pukki at Leeds United.

ByKelan Sarson May 9, 2025