All posts by z3u9t.icu

Newcastle United look set to wrap up a move for Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga.

Despite their first bid being rejected, Eddie Howe upped the offer to £55m and this looks like it could be enough to seal a deal for the Swedish star.

It would be a strong signing indeed, one that could prove to be the catalyst for Howe to bring on more new arrivals over the next few weeks.

One area that needs to be sorted is the defence. With Champions League football on the agenda next term, building as strong a squad as possible is the onus now for Howe.

Could he be keen to wrap up a deal for a Serie A talent sooner rather than later?

Newcastle’s search for a defender

AC Milan centre-back Malick Thiaw has been linked with a move, while Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande is also of interest to the Magpies, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Transfer Focus

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

Howe won’t be able to sign them all, of course, but it appears as though he is keen on sealing a deal for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini in the coming days.

That’s according to the Northern Echo, with journalist Scott Wilson claiming that the Magpies will spend the weekend in negotiations with the Serie A side for Scalvini’s signature.

Howe is aware of interest from other clubs, hence the desire to get a deal done quickly for the player, who is valued at £40m.

It wouldn’t be the first time that the manager has raided Serie A for a player. Could Scalvini become Sandro Tonali 2.0 for the club?

Why Newcastle must sign Girogio Scalvini

Tonali joined the Toon in the summer of 2023 and, aside from an eight-month ban due to gambling-related offences, he has been excellent for the club.

He missed just two league games last term, going on to register six goal involvements, while also succeeding with 59% of his dribbles, winning 55% of his ground duels and averaging 1.4 tackles per game in the top flight.

His impact saw the club secure a top-five finish, thus securing a place in the Champions League group stages.

If Scalvini joins, there is no doubt he could have the same sort of impact. He did miss the majority of last term due to injury, but throughout the 2023/24 season, he was excellent.

Hailed as a “top talent” by none other than Fabrizio Romano back in 2022, Scalvini ranked highly across a range of metrics in Serie A that season.

Accurate passes

37.8

Tackles

1.6

Interceptions

1.8

Clearances

2

Total duels won

4.8

Balls recovered

4.9

Compared to his peers, he ranked in the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90, along with ranking in the top 11% for touches in the attacking penalty area, the top 4% for interceptions and in the top 16% for aerials won per 90.

This proves just how good he was before his injury and now that he is back to full fitness, Howe is desperate to secure his signature.

Should he go on to have the same impact as his compatriot Tonali, Howe will have hit the jackpot once again.

Worth more than Elanga: Newcastle have struck gold on Howe’s "nightmare"

Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 4, 2025

Arsenal’s pre-season is on the horizon, and technical director Andrea Berta is now pushing forward to complete Mikel Arteta’s squad well ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Smart signings have been made in central midfielder Christian Norgaard (pending the completion of his medical) and Kepa Arrizabalaga, who will be expected to play back-up to David Raya between the sticks.

Furthermore, Martin Zubimendi’s arrival will add genuine star quality to the middle of the park, the Real Sociedad maestro coveted by many of Europe’s top outfits in recent years due to his intelligent, deep-lying midfield performances.

However, we’re yet to see Arteta welcome some new forwards to the fold. Heading into the summer market, this would have unanimously have been agreed to be the Gunners’ chief objective.

It hasn’t happened yet, but expect a flurry of movement in the coming weeks.

Arsenal's offensive transfer plans

Arsenal’s centre-forwards shortlist is comprised of four parts: Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko, Ollie Watkins, Alexander Isak.

The latter’s exorbitant price tag likely puts him out of reach, but the English giants desperately need a new number nine, and it’s likely one of the four will arrive at the Emirates soon.

How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.

Sesko and Gyokeres are the frontrunners, with it revealed by David Ornstein on Sunday that the Swede “only wants” Arsenal now that Sporting and the Gunners are locked in advanced talks concerning a move.

However, Arteta is set on signing more than just a new frontman as he looks to bring silverware back to Arsenal next season, five years on from the club’s last triumph.

Chelsea’s Noni Madueke has emerged as a top target for the club. Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that contacts between the clubs are set to take place for the versatile winger, with personal terms having seemingly been agreed.

However, there’s another Premier League star on the cards in north London who’s been riding the crest of a wave of late.

Arsenal pushing to sign Premier League star

As per Football Transfers, Arsenal are internally weighing up an official bid for Crystal Palace hero Eberechi Eze, who scored the winning goal as his side defeated Manchester City in the FA Cup final in May.

The Londoners are felt to have taken their curiosity up a notch after cooling their interest in Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, and Eze has a £68m release clause that the Eagles expect to be met.

Kay has revealed that the 26-year-old “wants to join Arsenal”, his close friendship with Bukayo Saka factoring in. Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the England international.

Why Arsenal want Eberechi Eze

Crystal Palace have been a mainstay in the Premier League since achieving promotion in 2013. For over a decade, they have been regarded as an entertaining and stable club, but Eze turned them into something greater with his driven finish against City at Wembley.

Five years earlier, he joined from the Championship’s Queens Park Rangers in a deal worth £19.5m. The maverick’s rise has been an incredible thing, having now bloomed into the “superstar” that analyst Ben Mattinson had crowned him as over a year ago.

An electric attacking midfielder with a tendency to drift over to the left, Eze could prove to be Arsenal’s own version of Florian Wirtz, with the German sensation joining Liverpool in a British-record £116m deal this summer.

Wirtz’s remarkable blend of vision, intelligence and technical quality make him a one-of-a-kind playmaker, and while he’s not a carbon copy, Eze has the skill set to mirror that of the Premier League champions’ new talisman.

The data certainly suggests the Three Lions man could bring his own firebrand style to the Emirates. As per FBref, Eze ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across the 2024/25 English top-flight season for shots taken, the top 11% for shot-creating actions, the top 16% for ball recoveries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90.

In this way, we can observe that the Palace star, ever-improving, could be a “magician” – as he has been dubbed by pundit Micah Richards – of similar proportions for Arteta’s title-chasing side.

24/25

43 (40)

14

11

23/24

31 (26)

11

6

22/23

40 (30)

10

4

21/22

19 (7)

1

1

20/21

36 (31)

3

6

In a similar vein, Wirtz, 22, has been described as a “genius” in the past by his former Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who had drawn notice to his Mesut Ozil-esque qualities.

But it’s not just the Liverpool star’s ability on the ball, his faculty for a fleet-footed surge or a thunderous strike, but his physicality too.

Luckily, Eze would bring similar athletic abilities to Arteta’s door, having averaged 4.8 successful duels, 1.1 tackles and four ball recoveries per Premier League match last term, as per Sofascore.

Given the existing options in Arsenal’s first team, it feels like Eze could be a game-changer, someone arriving with fresh ideas and a different style of quality to open up a dimension that was lacking last term.

It’s easy to blame the club’s issues across the 2024/25 campaign on the lack of a focal frontman, but the £100k-per-week Palace star could have made a world of difference too.

There’s an early sense that the Premier League title, sure to be tighter next year, will be determined, or at least influenced, by moments of magic, players of unique ability who can drive their side toward an extra three points here or a rousing draw at the most ominous enemy ground there.

In any case, Arsenal fans have plenty to look forward to next season. If Berta can oversee the signing of Eze along with a first-rate central striker and maybe another left winger too, there’s every chance Arteta could lead the Gunners to glory.

Arsenal's next Auba: Berta opens talks for "one of the best CFs in Europe"

Arsenal are interested in signing a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 4, 2025

Arsenal have agreed to tie rising star left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly down to a new long-term deal, in what is a major boost for Mikel Arteta, but according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s not the only one poised to commit his future at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal offered 21-goal striker who's a "priority signing" for Tottenham

The north London clubs could go head-to-head.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

The teenage defender enjoyed a stellar breakout season over the course of 2024/2025, cementing himself as Arteta’s preferred left-back option with a string of impressive displays, which included excellent showings against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

He also scored his first senior goal for Arsenal during their 5-1 win over Man City, and his big-game displays have earned Lewis-Skelly an official nomination for this year’s PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Lewis-Skelly earned his first senior caps for England at international level along the way too, so you’d be hard-pressed to find another player who’s enjoyed the 2025 this young man has.

The versatile full-back/midfielder was so convincing, in fact, that Real started to express an interest in Lewis-Skelly amid their repeated links to fellow star Gunners defender William Saliba.

His contract was set to expire in 2026, which would’ve undoubtedly piqued Xabi Alonso’s interest further, but according to reliable media sources, Lewis-Skelly won’t be going anywhere any time soon.

The Athletic claim these fresh terms could see Arsenal’s sensation become “one of the best-paid young players in the world”, and you can argue this lucrative new pay-packet is very much deserved.

News of Lewis-Skelly’s extension comes as more welcome news for Arteta, who recently saw Gabriel put pen to paper on a new deal until 2029.

Talks are ongoing over more new contracts, with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri all set to be rewarded with new offers to remain in N5 for the foreseeable (Charles Watts).

Ethan Nwaneri set to sign new Arsenal deal with Myles Lewis-Skelly

According to Romano, Lewis-Skelly’s new contract could be immediately followed by Nwaneri penning new terms.

According to the reliable transfer journalist, it is merely a “matter of time” before Arsenal’s fellow PFA Young Player of the Year nominee also signs his extension, following Nwaneri’s own impressive campaign.

The 18-year-old became Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant in 2022, and he’s followed up that early promise with an array of convincing outings across 2024/2025.

Nwaneri scored nine goals and notched more assists over 37 appearances in all competitions last term, and he’s likely to play an even more regular role in 2025/2026, as Arteta seeks to end the club’s long wait for a league title.

“That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it,” said Arteta after Nwaneri scored his first ever Champions League goal in January.

“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers will have a host of difficult decisions to make when it comes to the playing squad during the summer transfer window, which opened for business on Sunday.

As well as deciding on players to join the club this summer, with Kieran Tierney already one star who is set to join at the start of next month, the Hoops boss will also have to sanction exits from Parkhead.

It has been reported that winger Luis Palma is working with his agents to seal a permanent or loan exit from Glasgow this summer, after Olympiacos did not take up their option to sign him permanently.

The Honduras international spent the second half of this season on loan with the Greek giants, and is now set to look elsewhere to find a home for the 2025/26 campaign and beyond.

Palma has had his moments in a Celtic shirt, with ten goals and ten assists in 48 matches, but the Hoops are now looking to part ways with him this summer.

One player who has already been ruthlessly ditched by the Scottish Premiership giants this summer, though, is experienced goalkeeper Scott Bain.

How Celtic have reshuffled their goalkeeper ranks

With Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo the clear first and second-choice options for Rodgers between the sticks, Bain was set to be the third choice once again heading into next season.

The Scottish shot-stopper did not play a single minute across any competition for the club this season, and only played three times in all competitions during the 2023/24 campaign.

At the end of last month, the club confirmed that the 33-year-old had left the club, despite having a year left on his contract, as they mutually agreed to part ways.

It has since been confirmed that Bain has agreed a one-year contract to join newly-promoted Falkirk in the Premiership, which could give him a better chance of playing regular football next season.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph reported last month that Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan has agreed to join the club on a free transfer to replace Bain as the third-choice at Parkhead.

Appearances

15

Saves

33

Successful run-outs

20

Penalties saved

1/1

Duel success rate

100%

Clean sheets

2

As you can see in the table above, Doohan played 15 times in the Premiership this season and could be a decent enough option to call upon if Schmeichel and Sinisalo are both unavailable and the third-choice is needed.

The goalkeeping department is not the only area of the squad that should be addressed, though, as Rodgers should also ruthlessly axe Auston Trusty, after just one year in Glasgow, if there is enough interest in him from elsewhere.

Why Celtic should move on from Auston Trusty

At the end of the 2023/24 campaign, Liam Scales was named in the PFA Scotland Team of the Year for his performances in the left-sided centre-back position for the Hoops in the Premiership.

Despite the Ireland international’s form, and Cameron Carter-Vickers, Stephen Welsh, and Maik Nawrocki being in the squad, Rodgers opted to further bolster his options at the back by signing Trusty.

Chalkboard

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

Celtic reportedly splashed out a fee of £6m to sign the USA international from English Championship side Sheffield United, which shows that they were willing to commit a significant portion of their budget to bring him to Parkhead.

Looking back, it was a slightly strange decision to spend so much money on another option in the left-sided centre-back position when Scales, who is only 26, played in 34 of the club’s 38 Premiership matches last season on his way to being in the Team of the Year.

This did not suggest that there was an imminent need for £6m to be splashed on a new centre-back unless they were a clear and significant upgrade on Scales.

Unfortunately, though, Trusty’s performances in his debut season in Scottish football were not of a high enough standard to prove that he is a better option, and the Irish central defender ended the campaign as the first-choice next to Carter-Vickers once again.

At the start of the year, Rodgers said that Trusty had to do better against Dundee and claimed that he contributed to the team being “a bit soft”, as he was beaten too easily in the air in the clip above to make it 3-3.

Appearances

26

22

Clean sheets

14

10

Tackles + interceptions per game

1.9

2.3

Dribbled past per game

0.2x

0.5x

Error led to shot

1

4

Error led to goal

0

1

Duel success rate

72%

64%

As you can see in the table above, the American flop made far too many errors at the back in the Premiership, making four more errors leading to shots or goals in four fewer appearances than Scales.

The Ireland international was also stronger in his duels and did not allow opposition forwards to get the better of him in dribble attempts, which suggests that he was more reliable for Rodgers.

That could be why Scales ended the season as the first-choice left-sided centre-back, including starting the SFA Cup final, and that is why it has been a dismal first year in Glasgow for the £6m signing.

Nawrocki also caught the eye in his three rare Premiership outings, winning 65% of his duels and being dribbled past just once, as he did not make a single error that led to a shot or goal.

Rodgers must ruthlessly axe Celtic star who was meant to be his own Rodri

Celtic must move on from this star who was compared to Rodri before joining the club.

ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025

Therefore, Rodgers should instantly and ruthlessly part ways with Trusty after just one year in Glasgow because Scales and Nawrocki appear to be more reliable and quality options ahead of him, which is why Celtic should attempt to recoup as much of the £6m they spent on him as possible this summer.

After confirming the news that Kieran Tierney will rejoin the club following the end of his Arsenal contract this summer, Celtic have reportedly reached an agreement to seal another cut-price deal.

Celtic re-sign Kieran Tierney

Six years on from making the decision to leave Scotland in favour of a move to Arsenal, Tierney has put pen to paper and will rejoin Celtic when the summer transfer window swings open. The left-back has brought an end to a mixed Arsenal spell and, ultimately, one dominated by injuries instead of a flying full-back leaving his mark in North London.

2019/20

19

2020/21

19

2021/22

17

2022/23

N/A

2023/24

21

2024/25

18

Despite missing a total of 94 games through injury during his time at Arsenal and on loan at Real Sociedad, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made sure to mention the impact that Tierney has had on the dressing room in North London.

The Spaniard told reporters after the left-back scored in his final game for the club: “He said it yesterday, I’m going to score on my last Arsenal match and he’s done it. So credit to him. A special thank you to him. He’s been part of this journey and he’s won with me. It’s true that he went to Sociedad for a few months, but it’s been a joy to work with him.

“A really special character and we wish him and his family all the very best. The doors of this club are open for him. He’s someone very, very liked at the club, in the dressing room and we want to wish him the best.”

Celtic player told to leave with Hoops set to cut contract short

The Hoops have made an intriguing decision.

BySean Markus Clifford May 26, 2025

Whilst Celtic may have their concerns about Tierney’s injury history, they know about his quality more than most and will be desperate to see him get back to his best back in Scotland. It may well be the summer of bargains for the Bhoys too, with another agreement now reportedly reached.

Celtic reach agreement to sign Doohan – Sky Sports

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic have now reached an agreement to sign Ross Doohan from Aberdeen on a free transfer upon the expiry of his current contract this summer. The goalkeeper will reportedly arrive to replace third-choice option Scott Bain, who will be allowed to leave the Scottish Premiership champions in the forthcoming transfer window.

Although Doohan is unlikely to steal the same headlines as Tierney, he could be an important arrival in his own right. The 27-year-old earned high praise from Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie back in December when he stepped up from his backup role.

Shinnie told reporters after a narrow defeat against Celtic: “I thought he was brilliant. He has waited a long time to get this chance. Unfortunate to lose Dimi obviously but those moments give other people opportunities and I thought Ross did brilliantly when called upon.”

After a deal was completed to land Matheus Cunha last week, it appears as though Manchester United have shown no signs of slowing down in the transfer market.

Ruben Amorim has made a move to land Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo, with the Cameroon international choosing Old Trafford as his next move if reports are to be believed.

The 25-year-old has notched 20 goals in the Premier League during 2024/25, finishing as just one of only five players to reach such a tally within the division.

He’s likely to be an expensive addition, costing a fee in the region of £60m over the coming months, which will already take their summer spending to over £120m.

Despite the potential fee, he would be a superb addition, potentially forming a deadly partnership with another target in their attempts to return to their former glory.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

The attacking department has been of huge interest over the last few weeks, with Amorim clearly wanting to bolster that area of his first-team squad.

Viktor Gyokeres, Victor Osimhen and Liam Delap have all been touted with a switch to Old Trafford, but appear to have moved on to different targets – with the latter moving closer to a move to Chelsea.

However, another name has entered the mix over recent days, with PSG attacker Gonçalo Ramos the latest name on the club’s shortlist, according to United In Focus.

The report claims that the Ligue 1 outfit are willing to part ways with the Portuguese international this summer, with the Red Devils already in talks with his representatives over a move to Old Trafford.

It also states that the 23-year-old is of interest to multiple Saudi Arabian outfits, with the newly crowned Champions of Europe demanding £50m to part ways with him this summer.

Why United’s £50m target could be the next Cavani & the perfect Mbeumo partner

Uruguayan striker Edinson Cavani joined United back in the summer of 2020, arriving on a free transfer after his contract with PSG expired a couple of months prior.

He only plied his trade at Old Trafford for two years, but still managed to star within the final third for the Red Devils despite entering the back end of his professional career.

The forward found the net 19 times in his 59 appearances, with 17 of his efforts coming in his first season at the club – helping the side finish second in the Premier League.

However, Cavani would depart at the end of his contract in the summer of 2022, with the club missing such a talisman over the past couple of years – as seen by their efforts for a new one during the off-season.

A move for Ramos would replicate such a deal, landing a talent from the French giants who could fill the void at the top end and lead them back towards a spot in the top four.

He could also partner Mbeumo in the final third, with both of their respective figures aiding Amorim’s ambitions of taking the club back to their former glory.

Ramos, who’s been labelled “outrageous” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has registered 18 goals across all competitions this season, with him and the Brentford star able to add needed goals to the side.

Games played

22

Goals & assists

13

Pass accuracy

81%

Shots on target per 90

2.7

Aerials won

57%

Touches in opposition box

8.5

Possession won in final third

0.7

The Portugal international has registered 2.7 shots on target per 90, benefiting from the stats produced by Mbeumo, who’s posting a total of 1.8 chances created per 90 this campaign.

Their respective talents don’t stop there, with the PSG star having won 57% of his aerial battles, able to get on the end of the 25-year-old’s delivery, after he produced a tally of 1.3 successful crosses per game.

The prospect of the pair combining within the final third at Old Trafford is certainly an exciting one, handing Amorim with the attacking ammunition he’s craved since taking the role.

Ramos won’t be a cheap addition this summer, but his goal tally this year is evidence that he can produce the goods when needed, potentially following in Cavani’s footsteps at the Theatre of Dreams.

Better signing than Cunha: Man Utd eye move for PSG Ballon d'Or contender

Manchester United could land a bigger signing than Matheus Cunha by bringing in this PSG star.

ByDan Emery Jun 3, 2025

Celtic were hit with a devastating blow at the start of this month when it was revealed that Jota could be out of action for up to nine months with a knee injury.

The Hoops winger hobbled off during the 5-0 win over Dundee United away from home at the end of last month, the game that clinched the Scottish Premiership title, and is now set to be out of action until next year.

Brendan Rodgers has confirmed that he will be out for between six and nine months after suffering cruciate ligament damage, which means that he will miss pre-season and the start of next season at a minimum.

It comes as a big blow for the Scottish giants because the winger had provided four goals and two assists in seven league matches after his return to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

Celtic reportedly paid £8m to sign the Portuguese wizard from Rennes on a permanent deal, 18 months on from selling him to Al Ittihad for a fee of £25m.

How Celtic played a masterclass with Jota

Ange Postecoglou initially signed the forward on loan from Benfica in the summer of 2021 before a permanent deal was struck to bring him to Parkhead on a long-term contract in 2022.

The Hoops reportedly splashed out a fee of £6.5m to convert his loan into a permanent deal, as per the option to buy that was included in the initial move, and the exciting attacker justified that fee with his performances on the pitch in the Premiership.

Jota scored ten goals and provided ten assists in less than 30 appearances in the Scottish top-flight during his loan spell at Parkhead, which convinced the club to activate their £6.5m option to sign him permanently.

The dynamic forward instantly repaid their faith in him with another excellent campaign in the Premiership during the 2022/23 season under Postecoglou’s management, as he delivered goals and assists on a regular basis once again.

Appearances

33

Goals

11

Big chances missed

4

Big chances created

13

Key passes per game

1.9

Assists

11

As you can see in the table above, Jota scored more goals and provided more assists than he did in his first year at the club, which shows that he was heading in the right direction from a development perspective.

His impressive form for Celtic in those seasons, however, led to interest from elsewhere, and Al Ittihad eventually swooped in to sign him for a fee of £25m, representing a significant profit on the £6.5m that they paid for his services.

This shows that the Hoops played a masterclass with Jota because they snapped up a young talent from Benfica, initially on loan, and provided him with a platform to showcase his quality before selling him for a huge fee, only to re-sign the winger 18 months later.

Celtic could, now, repeat that masterclass by swooping to sign another talented young winger who has been linked with a move to Parkhead, Kwame Poku.

The latest on Celtic and Kwame Poku

GIVEMESPORT recently reported that Birmingham City are concerned that they could lose the race to sign Peterborough United forward Kwame Poku to Celtic or Rangers.

The outlet pointed out that the two Scottish giants would have to pay a significantly lower compensation fee for the winger, whose contract expires this summer, because of the UEFA cross-border compensation deals, than any English team would have to pay.

Transfer Focus

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

GIVEMESPORT added that Peterborough’s director of football, Barry Fry, has already confirmed that Rangers and Celtic scouts have been at their games this season to watch the 23-year-old talent in the flesh.

The report revealed that Birmingham and Sheffield United, among other English sides, are also interested in the winger, though, and that means that there is likely to be plenty of competition for his signature.

Celtic must, now, push to win the race for his services because he could arrive at Parkhead with the potential to be the next version of Jota for the club.

Why Kwame Poku could be Celtic's next Jota

The Ghana international could be Jota 2.0 for the Hoops for several reasons, most notably that he is also an exciting winger who can provide goals and assists on a regular basis.

Whilst he is a left-footed forward who predominantly plays on the right, as opposed to a right-footer on the left like Jota, Poku is similar to the Portuguese talent in the way that he looks to make an impact in the final third.

Appearances

37

27

Goals

11

12

Big chances missed

11

3

Big chances created

10

9

Key passes per game

1.5

1.2

Assists

7

8

As you can see in the table above, Poku has delivered 21 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in his last two seasons in League One with the Posh, which shows that he can offer a constant threat at the top end of the pitch.

Whilst he is yet to show that he can translate that to the top level in England, these statistics show that the potential is there for him to be a Jota-esque figure for Celtic with his quality on the wing.

Such is his potential, Peterborough owner Darragh MacAnthony believes that his next move could cost £30m: “He’s top drawer. He has everything, a great technique, pace and physicality. He will be a Premier League star in the future and that next move will probably cost £30m.”

At the age of 23, Poku still has plenty of time left to develop and improve, and he could use a transfer to Celtic as a platform to shine on the domestic and European stage whilst winning trophies to enhance his value, as Jota did under Postecoglou.

Not just Nawrocki: Exciting Celtic star just made himself unsellable

Maik Nawrocki was not the only rarely seen Celtic star who caught the eye against Aberdeen.

ByDan Emery May 15, 2025

Therefore, the Hoops could find Jota 2.0 by signing Poku because he is another exceptional wing talent who can provide goals and assists, whilst also having the potential to be worth millions more in the future if he hits his stride at Parkhead.

It should be all done and dusted, shouldn’t it? With this Manchester United side, however, there is a nagging feeling that anything could happen on Thursday evening, ahead of their Europa League semi-final, second-leg clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Following last week’s remarkable 3-0 win away from home at San Mames, United return to Old Trafford with what appears to be an unassailable lead, having seemingly already placed one foot in the Bilbao showpiece later this month.

And yet, having notably shipped four against Lyon on home soil last month – with two of those goals coming against ten men – there remains a sense of anxiety regarding Ruben Amorim’s side. Will they shoot themselves in the foot at such a crucial point in the season?

Having almost thrown in the towel on the Premier League front, following a 16th top-flight defeat of the campaign away to Brentford at the weekend, the Red Devils simply can’t afford to end 2024/25 empty-handed.

Booking a place in the Europa League final is of paramount importance – Amorim must get his starting lineup correct…

Man Utd team news vs Bilbao

There is an element of two steps forward, one step back, with regard to United’s injury woes, having gradually begun to near full strength in recent weeks, only to subsequently suffer a handful of notable setbacks.

Chalkboard

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

Indeed, the Premier League strugglers have been able to welcome back the likes of Mason Mount, Kobbie Mainoo, Luke Shaw and Amad Diallo of late, albeit while having lost the typically reliable, Diogo Dalot, for what looks to be the rest of the campaign.

That blow has been followed by concerns surrounding summer signing, Matthijs de Ligt, with the Dutchman having been forced off against the Bees on Sunday afternoon, after only making his return as a substitute against Bilbao last week.

Thankfully, Amorim revealed that the former Bayern Munich man’s injury is “not a big issue”, although the 25-year-old won’t be involved against Ernesto Valverde’s side this evening, thus leaving Amorim relatively short on depth considering that Lisandro Martinez remains a long-term absentee, while January arrival Ayden Heaven is also currently out of action.

With it looking unlikely that the former Sporting CP boss would unleash 20-year-old academy star, Tyler Fredricson, for a game of such huge importance, there is a selection dilemma to be solved for that final centre-back berth, alongside Harry Maguire and Leny Yoro.

Equally, the absence of Dalot has also left Amorim with something to ponder at wing-back…

How Man Utd's defence should look against Bilbao

With Yoro and Maguire almost nailed on to start, fitness permitting, the final centre-back berth will likely be fought out by Victor Lindelof and Shaw – two options that both present something of a risk.

In the case of Lindelof, the 30-year-old Swede looked shaky in last week’s meeting in the Basque Country, despite producing a vital goalline clearance, while as for Shaw, the long-serving Englishman has endured a torrid return to action in recent weeks.

Introduced off the bench against Lyon, the 29-year-old notably bundled into Dalot for the visitors’ third goal, before subsequently giving away a penalty in extra-time, prior to being bailed out by United’s grandstand finish.

While he did play the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Bournemouth, Shaw was then hooked at the break against Thomas Frank’s men last time out, having scored an own goal amid a dismal 2/10 display as skipper.

Deploying the left-footer at centre-back would then be of real concern, as it would if he were to line up at left wing-back. That berth appears to be up for grabs, with teenager Harry Amass putting in his ‘weakest performance by a distance’ at the weekend, as per Manchester Evening News journalist, Samuel Luckhurst.

Dorgu

The obvious pick would be to select Patrick Dorgu on that side, with Noussair Mazraoui on the opposite flank, although the young Dane has struggled of late, with Luckhurst remarking that he ‘defended dozily’ for Kevin Schade’s header against the Bees.

While that 45-minute outing did see Dorgu line up on the right, even in his usual left-wing back berth he has toiled in recent games, with the trip to Bilbao seeing him lose possession on 12 occasions, as per Sofascore.

GK

Andre Onana

RCB

Victor Lindelof

CB

Harry Maguire

LCB

Leny Yoro

RWB

Noussair Mazraoui

CM

Manuel Ugarte

CM

Casemiro

LWB

Amad Diallo

RAM

Alejandro Garnacho

LAM

Bruno Fernandes

ST

Rasmus Hojlund

There could then be the option of deploying the aforementioned Amad in a new role on the left, with the Ivorian having stepped up his return with a stunning strike in stoppage time on Sunday.

Largely deployed as a number ten or at right-wing back, the natural left-footer could represent a wildcard replacement for Dorgu on the left flank instead, with Mazraoui retained as a more orthodox option on the right.

While it may seem a risk to make such a change in a game of huge magnitude, the 22-year-old “wizard” – as hailed by journalist James Copley – has the energy and exuberance to pose a real threat down that flank, thus forcing the lively Inaki Williams to track back more frequently.

Among those in his position in the Europa League this season, Amad notably ranks in the top 3% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, thus illustrating his ability to carry the ball forward from deep in a wing-back role.

Equally, his creditable work ethic also ensures that he represents a real asset defensively too, as showcased by the fact that he ranks in the top 19% for tackles made per 90.

Having seen Amass and Dorgu struggle of late, with the experienced Shaw also looking out of sorts at left centre-back or wing-back, Amorim should certainly consider making such a change.

This is yet another vital game in United’s wretched season, and Amad simply has to start, one way or another.

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A former Premier League manager is interested in taking over at Rangers, and is now just awaiting a call from the club’s hierarchy about a move to Ibrox, according to a new report.

Rangers slip up again as Celtic claim Scottish Premiership title

It was a weekend to forget for Rangers fans as rivals Celtic clinched their fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title — and a 13th in 14 seasons — while the Gers slipped to another draw.

Celtic cruised to a 5-0 victory over Dundee United to seal the title, while Rangers were held to a 2-2 draw by struggling St. Mirren — results that highlight the contrasting fortunes of the two sides this season.

After the draw with St. Mirren, Rangers caretaker boss Barry Ferguson described his team’s performance as “not good enough.”

“I know it’s a difficult place to come, but when you take the lead twice, you need to maintain that lead,” he told BBC Scotland. “That’s been a problem all season, and that’s the reason we have not been challenging. You can do all the work on the training ground and say all the right things in meetings, but when you cross that white line, you have to deal with it yourself.”

On Celtic’s title triumph, he added: “It’ll be painful for my staff, it’ll be painful for the supporters. And I want it to be painful for my players. Because you’re at Rangers, and we need to start challenging, properly challenging, for trophies.”

Martin "interested" in Rangers move

Though Ferguson has undoubtedly been an improvement on former boss Philippe Clement, he may not stay in charge beyond the end of the season — meaning the Gers and the 49ers will need to find a new man to take the reins at Ibrox.

According to The Scottish Sun, that man could be former Southampton boss Russell Martin. Martin was sacked by the Saints earlier this season after a disastrous Premier League campaign that ultimately ended in relegation. However, he is a target to take over from Ferguson at Rangers.

The Sun reports that Martin is very interested in the job and is simply awaiting a call from the club’s hierarchy about filling the position.

Despite his poor record with Southampton, Martin received heavy praise from one of the game’s greatest managers — Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola.

Speaking after City’s 1-0 win over Southampton back in October, Guardiola said of the former MK Dons boss: “It’s a good game to learn as a manager. I am going to learn a lot with Russell because they did really well.”

On how Martin set Southampton up that day, Guardiola added: “They are really good. I’m a spectator. I prefer the players to get the ball to feet, not the teeth.

“When I see the opponent do the things I like to do with my team and they do it really well, I make a compliment. I’m sure I will learn; there were some movements, the reasons why they do things, the movements they make to link to the striker. It’s not easy.”

Tottenham Hotspur are in contact with a former Bayern Munich boss to potentially replace under-pressure head coach Ange Postecoglou, according to reports, with the clock seemingly ticking on his stay in N17.

Tottenham likely to part ways with Ange Postecoglou

The prospect of Postecoglou’s departure from north London is gaining more and more traction.

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He’s got credentials.

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This week, The Telegraph reported that Tottenham could relieve Postecoglou of his duties, regardless of whether the Lilywhites end their 17-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa League.

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

Even an historic night in Bilbao may not be enough to save the Australian, with Spurs on course for their worst ever Premier League season to date. They’re just one loss away from equalling their record for most defeats in a single domestic season, and it is highly likely Postecoglou is bestowed with that dismal record as champions elect, Liverpool, await them next at Anfield.

The 59-year-old has faced an uphill battle all season long, having lost a plethora of key players to injury for extended periods on a consistent basis, but 16th in the table is arguably still nowhere near good enough – even when factoring in their serious bad luck.

Attention is already turning to who could succeed Postecoglou, and there is no shortage of candidates linked to the potentially vacant role.

Mauricio Pochettino would privately love a return to Tottenham, according to reports, while the likes of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been linked recently.

Now, a new name in the form of ex-Croatia captain and former Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovač has emerged as a managerial target.

Tottenham make contact with Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovač

The 53-year-old was appointed by Borussia Dortmund on an 18-month deal to replace the sacked Nuri Şahin, and he’s since done a solid job, as Kovac attempts to spearhead European qualification after a previously disappointing campaign for the Bundesliga heavyweights.

The tactician, who’s previously won a German title with Bayern and two German cups – one with the Bavarians and one at Eintracht Frankfurt – has now turned heads at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

According to newspaper Bild, via Sport Witness, Tottenham have made contact with Kovac, via an intermediary but not directly with the club, as chairman Daniel Levy casts his net to Europe in search of a new head coach.

Spurs are said to view him as a good fit due to his intense and aggressive style of play, but as things stand, he doesn’t have an interest in leaving Dortmund. If this stance changes, Kovac’s reputation as a true leader appears to be exactly what Tottenham are crying out for.

“He [Kovac] has experience, he was a very good player and was the captain of the Croatia national team,” said Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus.

“He has charisma, he has passion, he knows about football. He was a leader as a player and is showing this as a coach too.”