All posts by n8rngtd.top

Sunderland fans must still be living in dreamland at the moment.

Putting all of their frantic summer transfer window activity to one side, Black Cats supporters will be firmly on cloud nine regarding their beloved team being back in the Premier League after pulling off a playoff final upset to down Chris Wilder’s heavily fancied Sheffield United.

Since that memorable success at Wembley, Sunderland has been linked with some monumental names and has picked up some terrific additions.

New midfield star Habib Diarra has arrived at the Stadium of Light for a club-record £30m, and the club has also nearly completed a deal for ex-Atletico Madrid defender Reinildo to join the ranks on a free transfer. The Mackems have also agreed a £17m move to sign Noah Sadiki. Talk about making a stamp in the transfer window.

Regis Le Bris’ men won’t be stopping here, however, as a promising Premier League starlet is now tipped to make the switch to Wearside to boost Sunderland’s numbers even more.

Sunderland in race to sign Premier League starlet

As per a report by Football.London, the newly promoted side now find themselves in an intense race to snap up Chelsea youngster Ishe Samuels-Smith this summer.

It’s stated that the Stamford Bridge teenager is very highly rated by those at Enzo Maresca’s outfit, but the Blues want Samuels-Smith to gain more experience of the men’s game, away from solely playing on youth pitches in West London.

It’s clear that he is in Chelsea’s long-term plans when you further consider he penned a new contract recently stretching out until 2031. But, for now, it’s between the Black Cats, Rangers, Middlesbrough and Stoke for his coveted loan signature, with all four teams pushing to sign the youngster after holding club-to-club talks.

Sunderland’s well-known reputation for getting more out of youngsters – as seen in Jobe Bellingham now playing for German behemoth Borussia Dortmund after honing his craft on Wearside – could sway Chelsea’s decision-making here, with Samuels-Smith also potentially going down as a more exciting move to sign off on than Reinildo.

Why Samuels-Smith is a more exciting signing than Reinildo

Whilst the Mozambique international does boast 25 Champions League appearances next to his name across his esteemed career to date, Sunderland have had great success in recent years when taking punts on up-and-coming starlets to come good.

Indeed, just last season saw the Black Cats win promotion with 17-year-old Chris Rigg at the heart of the operation, with the homegrown talent now up to seven strikes in total playing in the senior side, as four of those goals came about during Le Bris and Co’s promotion heroics.

It was seen all across the Frenchman’s various lineups last season, too, as shown looking at the table above, meaning the 19-year-old could go on to be another Rigg-like diamond for the Premier League new boys.

His numbers at youth level for Chelsea seem to push him in that direction too, with the Manchester-born defender helping himself to a promising seven assists from the left-back position across his 47 career appearances for both the Blues at U21 level and also his former side in Everton.

On the other hand, the incoming African has only managed to amass two goal contributions from the left-back spot across his entire senior career.

Of course, those were picked up in some more challenging environments than just youth football, but with Samuels-Smith also showing off an adaptable side to his game in the U21 scene by being capable of playing in the centre-back areas on top of slotting in as a left winger, it does feel as if this is a pick-up more in-keeping with Sunderland long-term, over acquiring the 30-year-old free agent.

While Reinildo will likely get more first-team minutes straight off the bat, Samuels-Smith has “incredible” potential, in the words of David Unsworth, and has been lauded as “one of England’s best [defensive] prospects” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Therefore, do not rule out Sunderland working their magic on yet another teen sensation.

Biggest talent since Le Fee: Sunderland plotting to sign £21m “phenomenon”

Sunderland could soon seal a deal that’s even bigger than Enzo Le Fee’s statement addition.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 2, 2025

The countdown to the start of Celtic’s season is on with Brendan Rodgers having now learned the fate of his Bhoys in green and white.

It was confirmed on Friday morning, during the SPFL’s fixture launch, that the Hoops will begin their Premiership title defence at home to St Mirren on Sunday 3 August, before traveling to Pittodrie to face Aberdeen a week later.

Also, with a season-defining Champions League play-off to come at the end of August, Rodgers is eager for the club to act swiftly in the transfer market, so are they about to add defensive reinforcements?

Celtic targeting a new defender

According to a report by Sky Sports News, Celtic are ‘in talks’ with J League club Albirex Niigata, as they aim to sign Hayato Inamura, adding that the 23-year-old is ‘keen’ on a move to Parkhead.

Inamura has made just 34 professional appearances, with his team currently in the J League relegation zone, scoring his first-ever senior goal during a 3-2 defeat at Avispa Fukuoka on Saturday.

Before joining Albirex Niigata, he had come through Japan’s college system, representing Maebashi Ikuei High School and then Toyo University, but could he now be on his way to Glasgow?

The latest on Maik Nawrocki's Celtic future

As noted by Mark Walker of the National, Maik Nawrocki could leave Celtic this summer, with Tan Kesler, who is the sporting director at Pogoń Szczecin, confirming they have “talked” about the possibility of bringing him back to Poland.

However, having finished fourth in last season’s Ekstraklasa, thereby failing to qualify for Europe, the Dockers are unlikely to be able to match the £4m Celtic paid to sign Nawrocki from Legia Warszawa in the first place two years ago.

Fair to say, the centre-back has not made much of an impact since arriving in Glasgow, making just 18 appearances, scoring his first goal for the club against Aberdeen last mont

Thus, having started just 12 of Celtic’s 107 matches across the last two seasons, it should not come as much of a surprise that he is angling for a move this summer.

So, would Inamura be an upgrade?

Well, Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports describes him as a “left-footed centre-back” who is also capable of filling-in at left-back, which could be useful versatility.

Should he arrive, he would become Celtic’s ninth Japanese player, as the table below outlines.

Fair to say, there are some bona fide successes on that list, including last season’s top scorer Daizen Maeda, as well as key midfielder Reo Hatate, who would surely help Inamura acclimatise to life in Glasgow.

Analyst and scout Will Glavin describes Inamura as “tactically intelligent” as well as “comfortable building from the back”, adding that he would add “technical quality” to Rodgers’ team, concluding that this is a “low-risk investment”.

Meantime, Stephen McGowan of the Herald forecast that he will be able to compete with Auston Trusty and Liam Scales for the starting left-centre-back spot, with the place as Cameron Carter-Vickers’ partner very much still up for grabs.

So, this appears to be a sensible addition from Celtic, but one that could spell the end for often-forgotten man Nawrocki, who would find his game time even more limited, forcing him to look elsewhere for game time.

Celtic could sign a better winger than Balikwisha in "outstanding" star

Celtic are in the market to bolster their options in the wide areas this summer.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 20, 2025

It’s all change at Tottenham Hotspur at the moment.

Despite leading the club to their third European title in the Europa League last month and ending their almost two-decade trophy drought, Ange Postecoglou was officially given the boot on Friday afternoon.

While this is undoubtedly a divisive decision among the fanbase, it’s not hard to see why it was made, as the Australian oversaw just 11 wins out of a possible 38 in the Premier League this term.

Interestingly, while no announcement has been made just yet, it is looking increasingly likely that the man to replace Ange will be Brentford boss Thomas Frank, and that could be very good news indeed for a certain youngster in the squad.

Spurs' winners and losers under Frank

Before getting to the player in question, let’s take a look at some of the potential winners and losers at Spurs under a possible Frank tenure, starting with those who might not be so lucky, like Brennan Johnson.

Now, it might sound mad to suggest that the club’s top scorer this season could be in trouble next year, but if Frank is able to convince the board to sign Bryan Mbeumo, as reports suggest he’s trying to, then there is every chance the Welshman’s game time would dramatically decrease.

Likewise, it could be the end of the road for Yves Bissouma, becuase as well as he played in the club’s Europa League run, he’s shown himself to be a liability in the league time and time again.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

You only need to look at games like Fulham away, when he was hooked at halftime and given a 3/10 match rating by Alasdair Gold, or at home against Chelsea when he lost his head and gave away a needless penalty.

However, it’s most certainly not all doom and gloom, as there are more than a few players we think could flourish under the Danish manager, such as Lucas Bergvall.

The 19-year-old was incredible for much of this season and even won the club’s Player of the Year award.

So, when he recovers from his injury, it’s not inconceivable to imagine him taking yet more steps forward under Frank.

Likewise, while Dominic Solanke wasn’t exactly prolific, he’s been one of the club’s hardest-working attackers this season and an integral part of the frontline.

Therefore, under a manager who helped turn Brentford into a lean, mean goalscoring machine, we could see him turn the former Bournemouth man into a seriously dangerous striker.

There is another Spurs ace who could become something really quite special under the incoming boss, someone he wanted to sign in West London.

The Spurs gem Frank could transform

If you were following Tottenham’s transfer dealings last summer, then you’ll have probably worked out that the player in question is none other than Archie Gray.

Before making his way to North London, the former Leeds United gem looked destined to join Brentford, with reports in late June claiming that the player had agreed personal terms with the Bees and was set to have a medical.

However, the Lilywhites swooped in and picked up the incredibly talented youngster for around £30m just a few days later.

While he missed out on him last summer, we can only imagine that Frank is just as excited, if not more, about the teenager’s potential now and the chance to finally work with him.

There are a few reasons why we think the Dane could help turn the 19-year-old ace into the “future £100m” superstar that data analyst Ben Mattinson claimed he could be.

The first is that after spending this season being moved around here, there, and everywhere, there is a real chance for the Durham-born midfielder to actually play in, well, midfield.

Moreover, while he didn’t spend a whole lot of time there in 24/25, he was still able to produce some fairly impressive underlying numbers for someone so young.

For example, according to FBref, he sits in the 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for percentage of shots on target, the top 4% for shots blocked, the top 5% for clearances, the top 7% for medium passes completed, the top 13% for progressive passing distance, carries and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it’ll take some time for the “sensational” prospect, as dubbed by one analyst, to reach his full potential, we have no doubt that Frank will be a brilliant manager for Gray to do it under.

He's another Bergvall: Spurs enter race to sign "extraordinary" wonderkid

The promising youngster could be a star at Spurs.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 7, 2025

Newcastle United will feel a major sense of relief following the weekend’s events and could now look to strike for two players at the same club in the summer window, according to a report.

Newcastle United squeeze into final Champions League place

Despite the Magpies enjoying a season to remember, Eddie Howe’s overriding emotion after securing Champions League qualification will be relief following his side’s 1-0 loss to Everton on the final day.

Manchester United came forward to ensure Aston Villa missed out, while Nottingham Forest’s defeat to Chelsea put the seal on a return to Europe’s premier competition in the North East.

While Newcastle’s appeal on the transfer market is already strong, Howe has cited the pull of the Champions League as a key avenue to bringing in quality additions between now and the closure of the window.

“The power of the Champions League and the pull of the Champions League is huge and we can’t get away from that, the excitement that this will bring for the people here.

“And of course it’s a selling point for us now, it’s an opportunity for us to sell that dream to future players that might be considering coming to us.”

Eddie Howe battling to keep hold of "unsettled" £150k-a-week Newcastle ace

Losing him would be a big blow for the Magpies.

1

By
Henry Jackson

May 24, 2025

Borussia Dortmund breakout star Jamie Gittens is said to be on Newcastle’s radar and could be on the market for around £50 million, though Chelsea and Arsenal are also in the race for his signature.

Moving towards the summer, there is plenty of optimism over the business that could take place at St James’ Park. Antonio Cordero is already joining from Malaga, and he could now be followed by two attackers from the same club in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Newcastle United eye Jonathan Rowe and Luis Henrique double deal

According to TBR, Newcastle are looking to sign Marseille pair Jonathan Rowe and Luis Henrique; two players who Howe is said to hugely appreciate as the Magpies eye new additions this summer.

The former has signed permanently due to an obligatory clause in his loan spell from Norwich City, while Henrique has enjoyed a magnificent campaign featuring predominantly off the right flank.

Rowe is believed to be the main name on Newcastle’s list, and he has managed to average 1.3 shots on target per Ligue 1 match this term despite a modest goal return.

On the other hand, Henrique has fashioned 53 opportunities on the other side, providing a valuable threat during Marseille’s runners-up finish behind Paris Saint-Germain in the French top-flight.

Seeking to add depth to his forward line, Howe is intent on Alexander Isak staying put now that Champions League football has been secured, potentially creating a new front three if both men mentioned were indeed to arrive at St James’ Park.

After confirming their takeover, the 49ers are now reportedly advancing their efforts to land their first signing of the summer at Rangers in the form of an in-demand defender.

49ers complete Rangers takeover

It’s been a long time coming, but Rangers have finally confirmed the news that a consortium of investors led by Andrew Cavenagh and 49ers Enterprises has completed an official takeover. The new owners, as confirmed on Rangers’ official website, have committed to investing £20m into the club which will be subject to shareholder approval next month.

49ers chief Paraag Marathe shared his excitement about getting started at Ibox, saying: “At 49ers Enterprises, we have built a track record of sporting and business success, but our driving motivation is our deep connection to the clubs and communities we serve.

A great Cerny replacement: Rangers looking to sign "incredible" new forward

Rangers could sign an impressive replacement for Vaclav Cerny.

By
Ben Gray

May 30, 2025

“We are excited to join Andrew and our other consortium of investors in a new era for this iconic club, and we are determined to build something that supporters can be proud of for years to come.

Cavenagh added onto that by saying: “We are deeply grateful for the trust placed in us by the Rangers Board, shareholders, staff, and supporters. This club’s history and traditions speak for themselves, but history doesn’t win matches.

“We know that the true way to honour the club’s heritage will be to drive performance. Our focus is simple: elevate performance, deliver results, and bring Rangers back to where it belongs – at the top.”

At the start of a new era, the first task that the 49ers must complete is clear. Rangers need a new manager. Names such as Davide Ancelotti have found themselves linked on that front in recent weeks, but the path that new owners go down remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, the 49ers have also already reportedly turned their focus towards securing the first incoming of a new era and one that could arrive at a bargain price when the summer transfer window swings open.

49ers advancing Toure transfer for Rangers

According to Africa Foot, as relayed by Sport Witness, the 49ers are now advancing a free transfer to sign Almamy Toure on a free transfer for Rangers. The Kaiserslautern centre-back is set to leave the 2. Bundesliga club at the end of his current deal this summer and could be on his way to Scotland as a result.

An experienced defender at 29 years old and a full Mali international, Rangers are not alone in the race to sign Toure. The veteran centre-back also reportedly has interest from Italian club Genoa, Turkish side Trabzonspor and America’s Philadelphia Union.

Amid such interest, it would be an impressive first move from the 49ers if they were to beat others around Europe to a key defensive reinforcement. Toure’s arrival would also hand whoever takes to the dugout next an ideal start in pursuit of building a side capable of catching Celtic in the Scottish Premiership.

While signing a new centre forward is top of new sporting director Andrea Berta’s wishlist at Arsenal this summer, the need to strengthen in other areas of the pitch is also strong.

The Gunners have been severely hamstrung – pardon the pun – by injuries this season, notably in their forward line.

Though, there’s also been a huge degree of inconsistency, chiefly at left wing where Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard have scored just eight goals each in the Premier League.

So, where will Mikel Arteta and Co turn to in their bid to add an extra dose of spice to their attack?

Arsenal chasing big-money winger

For over a year now, Arsenal have been exploring a move for Spanish winger Nico Williams.

The Bilbao star dazzled at the European Championships last summer, famously scoring a goal in the final against England.

However, after no club signed him last year, interest hasn’t dampened in the young forward. He reportedly dreams of a move to Barcelona but their finances are still extremely tight. As a result, English clubs like Arsenal and Chelsea have both been interested.

If the Gunners have room for a pricier addition, perhaps AC Milan’s Rafael Leao could be their man.

Transfer Focus

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

Arsenal have been linked with a move in the past but their interest is now ramping up ahead of the summer, with Football Insider reporting that they are now ‘working on signing’ the Portuguese sensation.

One problem could be the player’s release clause which currently stands at an almighty £145m according to claims in Italy.

How Rafael Leao compares to Nico Williams

While Williams is quite clearly one of the most exciting young wingers in the game right now, there is an argument to suggest that his output needs improving.

This feels like a player simply ready to explode in a better side but the fact remains that he has only scored five times in LaLiga this term and 11 in all competitions.

If Arsenal are looking to add more goals to their side then perhaps Leao, despite a heftier price tag, would be a more exciting candidate here.

Described as a “superstar” by scout Jacek Kulig, he may have only scored one more than Williams in 2024/25, but he’s got a history for finding the net with consistent regularity, now reaching double figures in each of the last four campaigns. On that evidence, it’s no surprise to see that data analyst Ben Mattinson noted that he is “clinical off both feet.”

When diving deeper into the numbers, the play style of each winger becomes clearer. They are both ‘carry-first’ attackers, driving at players and committing their full-back. This is what Arsenal need more of in the final third so that’s one box ticked.

Williams registers more take-ons but it’s actually Leao who appears to be more effective in one-on-one situations, registering a higher success rate.

Crucially, while the Milan sensation is a goalscorer, he’s also creative and in this Arsenal team he could take his assist numbers to the next level considering he actually ranks higher than Williams for key passes over the last two seasons.

Ultimately, Berta will have to be wise with how he spends the Kroenke’s cash this summer and thus, Leao may not be possible. However, if they are able to sign a striker and still raise additional funds, the 25-year-old should be the man they go for on the flanks.

Arsenal could see £59m bid accepted for "monster" upgrade on Sesko

Arsenal have been handed the chance to sign an upgrade on Benjamin Sesko.

By
Matt Dawson

May 18, 2025

Arsenal have made one “top” player an offer to join them this summer, after new sporting director Andrea Berta helped to sway Mikel Arteta into a summer switch-up.

Mikel Arteta reacts as Arsenal lose Champions League semi-final to PSG

The north Londoners will end 2024/2025 without any silverware, which comes as a real disappointment for Arsenal after they were widely tipped to end their 21-year wait for a Premier League title at the beginning of the campaign.

Arsenal "closer to finalising" deal for £85m star with contract semi-agreed

The Gunners have made significant progress ahead of this summer.

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By
Emilio Galantini

May 7, 2025

A combination of debilitating injuries and their failure to put teams away, with Arsenal chalking up more draws than any other side in the top ten apart from Brighton, has resulted in Arteta’s side ending the domestic campaign empty-handed.

Arsenal sparked brief hope that they could make history by winning their first ever Champions League crown, especially after their statement 5-1 aggregate win over 15-time European champions Real Madrid in the quarter-finals.

However, they were eventually outdone by Ligue 1 champions PSG in the semis, with their lack of ruthless finishing, alongside Gianluigi Donnarumma’s heroics, ultimately crushing Arsenal’s European dream.

“It’s probably difficult with words,” said Arteta on Arsenal’s emotions after being knocked out of the Champions League.

“The work that we put [in], the enthusiasm, the belief and whatever happens, you come here, and you do what we’ve done, it’s the first time for 95% of these guys because they’ve never played a semi-final. To do what they did in Paris today against this team is remarkable, but the fact is that we are out, and we want to improve, and we want to win it. We can never look back on it yet, but if we did or whatever, it’s just, why is it still on us to reach that and unlock that door to get to the final and then actually win it? And that’s the way it might be.”

Arsenal make offer to Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap

Now that Arsenal will be ending 24/25 without any silverware, attention is continuing to turn towards the summer transfer window and how they’ll prepare for next campaign, in a bid to go again.

It is no secret that Arsenal are targeting a goalscoring striker, and it is believed by some media sources that Berta is making serious progress on a move for Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres.

However, as per Football Transfers, Ipswich Town star Liam Delap could now join the Sweden international.

They report that Arsenal could bring in two centre-forwards, one to lead the line as a starter and one to work as an understudy. Gyokeres would arrive as the star front man, with Delap coming in as a back-up option to the 26-year-old.

The Englishman, who has a £30m release clause, has been made fully aware of this by Arsenal, who’ve also outlined exactly how they’d utilise him next term. Berta is also prepared to pay the 22-year-old’s clause, just one year after Ipswich signed him from Man City.

Football Transfers also state that Arsenal have made an offer to Delap and his representatives, coming after Berta “successfully convinced” Arteta to change their transfer strategy this summer.

Delap has been a rare bright spark for Kieran McKenna’s relegated side, bagging 12 goals in all competitions, with pundit Paul Robinson calling him a “top player” and an absolute “nuisance” to deal with.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is personally keen on one manager to replace Ange Postecoglou, and it is believed the tactician is now becoming more tempted by the prospect of a north London move.

Tottenham share London derby spoils with West Ham ahead of Bodo/Glimt

A season-defining encounter awaits Postecoglou’s side on Thursday, and if they can get the job done, Spurs will book their place in the Europa League final, where they will likely face Premier League rivals Man United.

Xabi Alonso has now asked Real Madrid to sign £60m Tottenham star

The Spaniard is making requests ahead of his anticipated arrival at the Bernabeu.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 2, 2025

The Lilywhites travel to Norway and face-off against Bodo/Glimt in the second leg of their Europa semi-final, carrying a 3-1 lead from their clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and they go into the game off the back of a 1-1 London derby against fierce rivals West Ham.

Jarrod Bowen cancelled out Wilson Odobert’s opener and first ever Premier League goal for Spurs, but Postecoglou was full of praise for his players after they came away from east London with a draw.

“Yeah proud of the players’ efforts,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s 1-1 draw against West Ham.

“It’s not easy making so many changes and it’s going to affect fluency and even the rhythm of the team. But even the individual players haven’t played a lot regularly and it wasn’t just the changes, I mean I only made one sub so a lot of them played a lot more minutes than they have recently. I thought the efforts that they put in today were outstanding.

“They were really disciplined and organised. We were disappointed with the goal we conceded but aside from that I thought we nullified their threat as well as we could, and they had some decent firepower up front and I still thought we were dangerous going the other way. So I’m glad the boys get some reward. It’s obviously not a win but get some reward for their efforts because I thought on a difficult day they handled themselves really well.”

As the Australian attempts to end Spurs’ 17-year wait for a major trophy, uncertainty continues to surround his long-term future, following reports that Postecoglou could leave Tottenham regardless of Europa League success (The Telegraph).

Marco Silva is now open to joining Tottenham

Many managerial candidates have been linked with the potentially vacant Tottenham job in recent weeks, and one of them is Fulham boss Marco Silva.

The Portuguese’s £4 million-per-year contract, which expires in 2026, also includes an £8 million release clause, and it is believed Silva is one of the frontrunners to replace Postecoglou if he is sacked.

Now, Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke has shared a fresh update on the 47-year-old’s future.

The reporter claims Silva is now open to taking the Tottenham job this summer, and Levy is a firm admirer of the ex-Everton boss, who has impressed at Craven Cottage again this season.

He is currently more likely to be pursued than Andoni Iraola as well, considering Bournemouth are growing in confidence that the Spaniard will commit his future by signing a new deal.

Silva has been called a “master” tactician by some who’ve worked under him, and his impressive work on a shoe-string budget is unsurprisingly attractive to Levy.

As The Friedkin Group look to send shockwaves throughout the Premier League in their first summer in charge at Everton, the Toffees have reportedly joined the race to sign a young English talent.

Everton transformed under David Moyes

As if those at Goodison Park have gone back in time to the days of Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar, Everton have been a side transformed under David Moyes, who is thriving in his second stint in charge. The experienced manager returned with the club battling relegation once again but, since his arrival, has turned Everton into a side performing at the level needed to qualify for European football if they continue into next term.

After arguably his most impressive victory back in charge of the Toffees yet – a 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest – Moyes told reporters: “I have got to say it was a great goal but thoroughly deserved. It certainly merited a win and I thought we played very well, when you come to a team sitting third in the Premier League and the semi-final of the FA Cup. I think if anyone was going to score, it was us.

“I have had a lot of games and sometimes football can go that way for you. I am getting a brilliant response from the supporters and the players but I am also calm enough to know it could change. Today we have put on a good show and I am proud of how the players are performing. We are trying to make small steps every week.”

He won't start again: Everton's £40k-p/w star looks finished under Moyes

Everton are undergoing a series of changes with David Moyes back at the wheel.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 15, 2025

Those in Merseyside will be hoping that their recent run is only the sign of things to come before they potentially launch one of the most unexpected moves of the summer transfer window.

Everton join race to sign Jarell Quansah

According to Caught Offside, Everton have now emerged as shock contenders to sign Jarell Quansah from Merseyside rivals Liverpool this summer. The young defender has endured a tough season under Arne Slot having done plenty to impress Jurgen Klopp in the last campaign. Now, he could be heading for the exit door.

It’s not just Everton interested in his signature either. Joining the Toffees, Newcastle United’s interest has been well-documented and now Brentford, Bournemouth, Borussia Dortmund and Bayer Leverkusen have also reportedly joined the race. Amid such interest, Everton would be landing a major coup by signing the £30k-a-week defender, especialy considering the reputation of the German duo for transforming British talents abroad.

An England international, the 22-year-old earned plenty of praise from Klopp last season, who told reporters after handing the defender his debut: “I have to say he did really well. He was good.

“In possession as well he was calm. It was like we had just met in the car park before the game with the organisation in the first-half. But he played really well. In such a disorganised team like we were in the first half, he was the one who looked alright. It was a statement and he is really happy at the moment.”

Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne will leave the club this summer after 11 glory-laden years at the Etihad.

The Belgian has made over 400 appearances for the club, but his contract won’t be extended into the 2025/26 season.

This means Pep Guardiola will be on the lookout for a potential replacement for the 33-year-old when the summer transfer window opens in a few weeks.

There have been a few names linked, and one is starring in the Premier League already; Morgan Gibbs-White.

Manchester City make Morgan Gibbs-White a key target

According to the Daily Mail, City are now considered the frontrunners to sign the Englishman in a mega summer deal.

Any potential move will cost the club significantly, however, as Nottingham Forest value the midfielder at around the £100m mark.

They have paid this fee before, signing Jack Grealish in the summer of 2021, but will they look to splash out again? Especially given their spending spree in January.

Gibbs-White has been impressive this term. Across 31 matches, he has scored five goals and grabbed nine assists, helping Forest into the Champions League places in the table.

Do City have to spend this sort of money to find a De Bruyne replacement ahead of next season? Or do they have one lurking in the academy, waiting to be unleashed in 2025/26?

How City can forget De Bruyne and Gibbs-White

Guardiola has been brewing several young talents over the last couple of seasons. The likes of Phil Foden and Rico Lewis have made great strides under the Spaniard while Nico O’Reilly is now forging a real career for himself at the Eithad.

Yet, he’s not the only youngster looking to make a positive impression heading in the 2025/26 campaign.

Indeed, Divine Mukasa could well be the next one to make the step up and showcase his prodigious talents for the club.

The 17-year-old has been in simply sublime form this term, scoring 17 times while also registering 25 assists across just 37 matches for the U18s and U21s this term, highlighting how effective he has been in the final third.

In The Pipeline

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

Academy scout Antonio Mango has hailed Mukasa as a “game changer” amid his wonderful contributions this season, and it looks like the time has arrived for Guardiola to unleash him at senior level.

He has even gained caps at U18 level for England, making his debut against Portugal in September last year and going on to play a further four times for his country at the time of writing.

A natural attacking midfielder, there is no doubt Mukasa could be City’s very own Gibbs-White should he make the grade at senior level. He has a keen eye for goal, but also loves creating plenty of chances for others in the final third.

If Guardiola wants to save the club around £100m, promoting the 17-year-old and giving him a few minutes here and there could be the best policy ahead of next term.

After a few years, the supporters might even forget about the exploits of De Bruyne with Mukasa himself having compared himself to the Belgian.

It’s safe to say this kid is the real deal. That much is certain.

Man City have found their own Declan Rice in "outstanding" homegrown star

Pep Guardiola might well have his own Declan Rice at Manchester City with this terrific talent.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 21, 2025