All posts by n8rngtd.top

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.

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.

By
Sean 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.”

Amazingly, despite not being instantly used to the ins and outs of English football, Regis Le Bris would heroically secure promotion to the Premier League for Sunderland during his debut campaign in the Stadium of Light dug-out.

This wild achievement alone will ensure the Frenchman is in the Black Cats’ history books down the line. Still, all the joy and ecstasy of promotion will be unfortunately short-lived if the Wearside underdogs then struggle to acclimatise to the huge step-up in quality.

This will likely be the case too, considering the last six teams promoted up to the big time have all immediately fallen back down to the comforts of the EFL, having found the Premier League to be a sobering beast.

Yet, with Enzo Le Fee already signing on permanently, the Black Cats will hope they can buck this trend as Le Bris and Co. begin to eye up even more notable signings to aid their difficult survival mission.

This is what Sunderland’s dream XI could potentially look like ahead of their Premier League adventure nervously getting underway, with a whole host of fresh signings entering through the door, away from just the boost of Le Fee…

1

GK – Anthony Patterson

Anthony Patterson had been linked with Liverpool in the past, but his first top-flight chance will now come about with boyhood employers Sunderland.

The 25-year-old has been a mainstay in between the sticks for many a season now, so he is deserving of his opportunity in the Premier League, with Patterson now up to 51 clean sheets for the Black Cats from a total of 188 contests.

2

RB – Trai Hume

Whilst Sunderland will hope no more interest comes their way for their number one shot-stopper this summer, they will know already it will be a hard battle to keep Trai Hume around, considering the likes of Wolverhampton Wanderers have already shown interest in the attack-minded right-back.

Still, Sunderland will have to remain firm when it comes to Hume, considering he could well take the Premier League by storm after collecting nine goal contributions across Sunderland’s promotion journey, on top of also valiantly picking up 17 clean sheets.

3

CB – Joe Gomez

The first new signing through the door could well be Liverpool titan Joe Gomez, with a report from the Empire of the Kop revealing that Gomez could be allowed to leave Anfield this summer, amid interest from the Black Cats, among other suitors.

Whilst Luke O’Nien was a brave battler all season long for Sunderland, he might not be cut out for the step-up, having been an EFL regular across the course of his playing days.

On the contrary, whilst he does have recurring injury problems, the 28-year-old transfer target can boast 149 appearances at the level, with only 109 goals conceded.

4

CB – Daniel Ballard

Whilst Daniel Ballard could well be joined by a fresh centre-back partner, the ex-Arsenal defender will be hopeful his spot in the side is set in stone for the Premier League.

After all, without Ballard, Sunderland might have fallen at the semi-final stages in the playoffs, with this last-gasp header sealing their dramatic spot at Wembley.

Moreover, if he can wrestle free of his own injury issues, he should be cut out for the physical demands of the top-flight, with the playoff final itself seeing Ballard win an imposing ten aerial duels.

5

LB – Kyle Walker-Peters

The second new addition in the back-line could well come in the form of Southampton star Kyle Walker-Peters joining, with the Saints man an in-demand body as his contract at St. Mary’s begins to wind down.

If he were to join, Walker-Peters might end up usurping Dennis Cirkin as Sunderland’s starting left-back, having collected 12 assists in the Premier League to date from either the right-back or left-back spot.

6

CM – Dan Neil

Much like Hume, Le Bris’ men will be hoping that Dan Neil stays put, regardless of outside noise linking him with a spectacular £15m switch to AS Roma.

Neil is deserving of such attention, with the in-demand Black Cats captain a perfect mix of skill and grit, as seen in his two goals and three assists in league action last season, alongside his average duels won count being a high 4.8 from 47 second-tier clashes.

7

CM – Jordan Henderson

Much like Gomez, the added experience of Jordan Henderson in the midfield ranks could help the Black Cats adjust to the step-up.

After all, the former Sunderland prodigy has a mammoth 431 top-flight appearances next to his name, with the top-flight veteran no doubt eager to add more to his collection if his hometown club swoop in for him imminently.

8

RM – Amad Diallo

The boldest of Sunderland’s new pick-ups would certainly come in the form of Amad Diallo amazingly returning to the Stadium of Light.

The “sensational” attacker – as he’s been previously lauded by football journalist Daniel Hussey – has been tentatively linked with an ambitious return to the Black Cats, after a magical loan spell back during the 2022/23 season saw him tally up 14 goals and four assists.

Amad is now valued at around the £40m mark off the back of finally proving himself in the top-flight with Manchester United – as can be seen looking at the table above – meaning this summer buy would be an almighty statement purchase.

9

CAM – Chris Rigg

Whilst Sunderland found themselves ultimately powerless regarding Tommy Watson’s exit and Jobe Bellingham’s likely departure, the Wearside underdogs will feel at least a sliver of positivity if Chris Rigg remains in the building for their top-flight ride.

It will be intriguing to see how the 17-year-old hotshot takes to the daunting division, but much like he managed to soar up to the senior ranks at his hometown side with ease by bagging four league strikes last season, this could be another hurdle he fearlessly manages to overcome.

10

LM – Enzo Le Fee

Alongside Rigg and the potential new face of Amad, Enzo Le Fee will likely take up the left wing spot for the Black Cats next season.

Le Bris does have Romaine Mundle up his sleeve down the left flank, but Le Fee might well just get the nod over the ex-Standard Liege attacker based on his wealth of top-flight experience in France, having made 132 Ligue 1 appearances primarily on the books of his manager’s former employers Lorient.

He also showed off his class for the newly promoted side by helping himself to one goal and three assists from 18 clashes, meaning he should take to the Premier League swimmingly.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have turned their attention towards the summer window and now have a versatile star on their radar that could be available for a modest fee, according to a report.

Wolverhampton Wanderers enter life without Matheus Cunha

Vitor Pereira deserves immense credit for preserving Wolves’ top-flight status since arriving at Molineux. However, the 56-year-old will be the first to admit that their successful survival mission wouldn’t have been possible without Matheus Cunha.

The Brazil international netted 15 goals in 33 Premier League appearances, all from open play, which will heighten the importance of finding a replacement for the classy forward amid his £62.5 million move to Manchester United.

In the midst of their hunt for reinforcements, Wolves are considering bringing former Al Shabab sporting director Domenico Teti to Molineux as part of a shake-up in their recruitment department.

Matt Hobbs has left the club and talks are underway to secure the 48-year-old as their new technical director. He has also occupied roles at Verona, Sampdoria, Lugano and Apoel Nicosia and would arrive with a vast knowledge of European and Asian markets.

Old Gold full-back Rayan Ait-Nouri appears set for a move to Manchester City, leading Wolves to pursue Brondby youngster Clement Bischoff as a direct successor due to his versatility across the left flank.

Romano: Wolves make approach to sign "highly rated" gem wanted in Europe

The Old Gold are making moves for the future…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

May 30, 2025

Despite avoiding the drop, the summer window will be one of change for Pereira’s men. Leicester City’s Bilal El Khannouss is also on their radar; nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the landscape lies when it comes to new faces in the West Midlands.

Now, another exciting figure who could help replace Cunha’s end product has come to the attention of the Wolves hierarchy, per recent reports.

Wolves battling to sign Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche

According to reports in Spain via Sport Witness, Wolves are in a three-way battle to sign Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche, who can also feature as a second striker or centre-forward.

Leeds United and Brentford are also keen on the Nigeria international – he has a release clause in his current deal at the La Liga side that can be triggered for £21 million this summer.

Dubbed “fabulous” by boss Jose Bordelas, the 22-year-old registered four goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this term.

Earning international recognition for the first time this year, Uche is clearly a rising star and has previously been tracked by Chelsea due to his progress.

Cunha’s departure may mean that more than one solution is required to replicate his influence at Molinuex, but Wolves supporters can take solace from the fact that they are already scoping out the market for quality reinforcements.

Everton fans still have around two months to wait until they’re able to watch their beloved Toffees play at the brand-new Hill Dickinson Stadium in the Premier League.

Brighton and Hove Albion will be the first tricky visitors standing in the way of David Moyes and Co. on that memorable afternoon, with August also seeing the Merseyside outfit travel to Leeds United and Wolverhampton Wanderers in search of some early-season results.

Moyes will hope he’s backed in the transfer window ahead of his side moving into their new home for good, with one transfer target now on the agenda that could boost the Scotsman’s numbers in the midfield department.

Everton in contact to sign £13m star

The Toffees are yet to bring in any new faces this summer but with the window now in full swing, TFG must press on and strengthen ahead of their first game at their new home.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, as per a report by Turkish outlet Sabah, Everton has now initiated contact with ex-Manchester United midfielder Fred’s agent over a potential summer deal.

The report does state that the Brazilian is well-liked by his current Fenerbahce boss in Jose Mourinho, but Everton remain keen.

However, the high reported price tag of £13m might well put off TFG, with the Turkish giants actually purchasing Fred for a far more modest £7.7m after his bumpy Old Trafford stay had finished.

How Fred can be Everton's next Doucoure

Of course, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the South American when situated in the red half of Manchester, but if Everton were successful in their advances, they could be about to win an ideal replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure, with the long-standing Toffees servant no longer on the books of Moyes’ men after his contract expired.

It was a sad severing of the ties when Doucoure was officially announced to be departing Merseyside, considering the Malian had scored many a vital strike from the midfield areas across his 166 games, with that goal against Bournemouth definitely the most important one of his 21-goal collection in pushing Everton away from the perilous drop.

But, with his wage coming in at a hefty £130k-per-week as per Capology, it might well have been deemed a necessary alteration to make, with slightly cheaper alternatives on the table in Fred, who earns a lesser £113k-per-week pay packet himself.

Moreover, whilst Doucoure had enamoured Everton fans with his entertaining displays from the center of the park, Fred can offer that same goalscoring ability in abundance, with 14 goals and 19 assists collected for the Red Devils, away from his promising output of five goals and six assists in 2024/25 for Mourinho’s titans.

Erik ten Hag would even go out of his way to label the 32-time Brazil international as “magnificent” when the pair were together at the Theatre of Dreams, with Fred no doubt also hungry to return to the English game to prove a point, having become a scapegoat during tough recent times at United.

To sum up his woes in Manchester, journalist John Deehan labelled Fred as a “headless chicken” , but his career and time in Turkey paint an opposing picture – especially as Everton hunt down a capable Doucoure replacement.

Indeed, the former Toffees midfielder would line up all over the midfield department during his lengthy Everton journey, whether that be as a number ten, as a traditional central face, or as a defensive anchor, with Fred able to offer that in spades too to ease Moyes’ worries about his midfield depth in the wake of the ex-Watford battler’s exit.

With 83 appearances and counting in both the Europa League and the Champions League, Fred’s arrival on the scene might also help Everton push up the league standings in their fresh, state-of-the-art stadium, away from any future relegation scraps.

It would be a risk, considering the Brazilian had a reputation at the Red Devils for fading in and out of contests. But, as an option to bolster after Doucoure’s departure, it could well prove to be an inspired signing.

He's Ndiaye 2.0: Everton enter race to sign "wonderful" star

Everton have yet to make a signing this summer to bolster their squad.

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 21, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have showcased in recent months that they are capable of achieving huge levels of success, but it’s pivotal that they build on their recent triumph to reach the next level.

The Lilywhites claimed the Europa League title with a 1-0 win over Manchester United in Bilbao, subsequently securing a place in the Champions League despite their 17th-place league finish.

Thomas Frank has the task of leading the side back to the top end of the Premier League table, needing to get his demands across to the players to give them the best chance of added success.

After taking the reins this summer, it’s no surprise that the Dane will also want to make the additions he craves, potentially spending a pretty penny in the transfer market as a result.

Owner Daniel Levy will have to hand him the funds he needs to make the subsequent changes to his squad, with countless players already on their radar throughout the transfer window.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Ademola Lookman has emerged as a shock option for Spurs this summer, after holding talks with the Nigerian’s representatives over a move to North London this summer.

Mohammed Kudus has become one of the Lilywhites’ main targets for this summer window, but could cost a pretty penny, with the Ghanaian currently having an £85m release clause in his contract at West Ham United.

However, they could be about to turn their attention to Monaco star Maghnes Akliouche, with a move for the French youngster touted, according to L’Equipe.

The report claims that Spurs have made their interest known to the 23-year-old’s representatives, with Arsenal, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United also interested.

It claims that the French star could be available for a fee in the region of £60m this summer, after scoring seven and registering 12 assists in his 43 appearances across all competitions.

Why Spurs’ £60m target would be a better signing than Eze

Eberechi Eze has been a player who’s been on Spurs’ radar over the last couple of years, but no deal has ever materialised for the attacking midfielder.

The 27-year-old has been subject to yet more heavy interest this window, after registering 14 goals and 12 assists across all competitions for Crystal Palace in 2024/25.

The Englishman has even been a key part of the national team setup over the last couple of months, subsequently making him an attractive target given his £68m release clause.

However, he could be on his way to North London, but it could be a move to join Arsenal, after the Gunners opened talks with the midfielder over a move to the Emirates.

As a result, they could turn their attention to Akliouche as a result, with the Monaco star having the potential to become an elite-level talent given his tender age.

When comparing his stats to those of Eze from the 2024/25 campaign, the youngster, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has managed a higher shot on target rate, having the ability to be clinical in front of goal if needed.

He’s also completed more progressive carries per 90 and completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, possessing a lot of talent when having the ball at his feet.

The Frenchman’s dominance is further reflected in his tally of pass accuracy, and passes into the final third, having the ability to provide others around him with the opportunity to bolster their own tallies.

Whilst £60m may appear to be a mammoth sum of money, it’s a fee that would be cheaper than a deal for Eze, whilst also having the chance to improve down the line given he’s four years younger.

Should he continue on his current trajectory, it would be a sensational piece of business, handing Frank the attacking talent he desires upon the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

He's better than Eze: "Phenomenal" £85m sensation now wants to join Spurs

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a huge move for one top leve talent.

2

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 2, 2025

This is no longer hearsay, nor is it a twisted narrative that inevitably springs from the gnarled mass of rumour during the summer transfer window. Luis Diaz is in talks to leave Liverpool; he’s said so himself.

The Colombian winger, 28, has admitted that negotiations with potential suitors are ongoing, with suitors such as Barcelona and Al-Nassr in the Saudi Pro League. BILD in Germany have also reported that personal terms have been agreed with Bayern Munich.

Despite Liverpool’s earlier stance in the window that Diaz would be going nowhere after his central role in Arne Slot’s incredible Premier League triumph, money talks, and the South American is frustrated that he earns a comparatively modest salary at £55k per week as he enters the next-to-last year of his deal.

Liverpool will need a replacement, of course, but they already have Cody Gakpo performing admirably on the attacking left flank, and they’ve signed Florian Wirtz for a British-record £116m fee too.

Why Liverpool signed Florian Wirtz

While Liverpool’s attacking midfield zone is occupied by two talented players in Dominik Szoboszlai and Harvey Elliott (who has been heavily linked with a summer transfer away from Anfield), Wirtz adds a different brand of attacking quality.

Aged 22, the German international claimed the Bundesliga Player of the Year in 2023/24 as he helped Bayer Leverkusen toward the title as invincibles, also winning the DFB-Pokal. He’s been described as a “generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.

Typically found in a thrusting central berth, Wirtz’s artsy dribbling skills and creative intelligence suggest he could be a great fit for Diaz’s role on the left, when Gakpo’s not playing.

But Liverpool need an out-and-out wideman to replace the Colombian, should he go.

Wirtz’s surpassing creativity is a world-class thing. It should, even, be enough to lift Darwin Nunez’s game, but Liverpool’s record centre-forward has had ample chance to prove himself, and, if Italian outlet Di Marzio are to be believed, an official bid has been tabled worth £47.5m. It’s been rejected, but discussions are ongoing.

If both Nunez and Diaz go, Liverpool might even be able to dip into the transfer market and sign one of the finest widemen in the business.

Liverpool enter talks for Diaz heir

According to TBR Football, Liverpool are among the host of top-level European clubs to have been in contact with Real Madrid star Rodrygo’s camp as the superstar moves inexorably toward a summer transfer.

Rodrygo’s peripheral role at the Club World Cup and recent rumours that Xabi Alonso is planning to convert the young and talented Endrick into a wide forward suggest that the Brazilian will soon be on the move.

Arsenal and Manchester City are both in the race, as are continental outfits such as Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain. Los Blancos are seeking a £75m fee if they are to part ways

The Brazil international needs to leave the Spanish capital if he’s to resurrect his name as one of the very best in the business.

Why Liverpool want Rodrygo

The 2024/25 campaign left plenty to be desired for Rodrygo, who is considered a “world-class superstar” by former teammate Luka Modric, but has been questing for a role befitting such talent and reputation, consistently placed on the right flank, an unfavoured position.

It should be noted that Rodrygo did not have a good season, not by his lofty standards. However, those rare occasions that saw him placed on the left yielded the richest fruits, having scored six goals and supplied six assists across only 12 outings.

And even without the acknowledgement of positional value, and how that would be better applied on Merseyside, Rodrygo has always retained a sense of underlying quality.

Ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for pass completion, the top 14% for progressive carries and the top 14% for touches per 90, as per FBref, Rodrygo has illustrated his willingness to be in the thick of the action, make things happen through athleticism and indeed retain possession confidently. Slot will love that.

He’s also a maverick in the Champions League, so often reserving his finest performances for Europe’s elite stage.

This thrilling acquisition would rival the furore that surrounded Wirtz’s posting to Anfield last month, for this is one of the most talented forwards in the world, inhibited by Real Madrid’s sweep of attacking options but undoubtedly capable of proving his world-class level when required.

Indeed, he’s played a starring role for the Spanish giants across so many years, leaving his Brazilian homeland to join the prestigious institution for around £40m back in 2019.

Rodrygo has still played an important role over the past year for Real, but it’s worth noting he only started 22 La Liga games in 2024/25, and blanked for both goals and assists across his past 12 league fixtures.

He only missed one big chance, though, as per Sofascore, and that illustrates the kind of finishing ability Slot would be able to work with.

Without a doubt, this could be a stunning signing for the Reds, one which could carry all the excitement of last month’s arrival of Wirtz.

Slot's answer to Gyokeres: Hughes lines up Liverpool move for "crazy" CF

Liverpool have been named among the interested parties for this prolific forward.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 8, 2025

The unfolding situation might well be dripping with controversy, but Nottingham Forest will be playing in the Europa League next season as things stand, after UEFA’s decision to remove Crystal Palace from the European competition due to multi-club ownership came as a shock.

Last season in the Premier League, Forest were even dreaming of a Champions League adventure at one point, with just one point the difference in the end between Nuno Espirito Santo’s side competing in one of football’s grandest tournaments and Newcastle snatching fifth place.

Still, they have been handed a fortuitous lifeline by being gifted a spot in the Europa League, with Nuno no doubt now hunting down some significant buys to help them be a success story in the competition.

Nottingham Forest looking at move to sign £40m attacker

Of course, whilst this latest development will have given Forest fans a ray of positivity, there are some challenges still to be addressed at the City Ground involving player exits.

Anthony Elanga has already departed the building for pastures new at Newcastle United, and it did look as if Morgan Gibbs-White was going to be the next high-profile exit, only for his move to Tottenham Hotspur to hit a bump in the road.

It will be welcome news to Forest fans, therefore, that Yoane Wissa is still on their radar as an exciting addition in attack, but – as per a new report by the BBC’s Sami Mokbel – the race has livened up for the standout Brentford striker.

Indeed, the journalist states that the aforementioned Magpies now have Wissa on their list of striker targets owing to Hugo Ekitike favouring a Liverpool switch over a St. James’ Park move. Despite that, Spurs and Forest are both advancing with their plans to sign the forward who could cost £40m.

Why Wissa could be a dream for Gibbs-White

Wissa would have been booed relentlessly when he fired home this poacher’s finish against the Tricky Trees last season.

However, now, he could go on to be a beloved marksman in the Midlands, with Gibbs-White and the DR Congo international perhaps striking up a dynamite duo in attack if the equally in-demand Englishman remains put with Nuno’s men.

Bryan Mbeumo leaving the Bees behind this summer will, of course, be a demoralising loss if it goes through, but Wissa deserting West London during the same window will make Brentford’s bleak situation even more horribly soul-crushing.

After all, Wissa and Mbeumo combined last season to notch up a mighty 39 strikes in Premier League action, meaning they will leave a sizable hole behind.

Those clinical goal-scoring powers on display from the striker when donning Brentford red and white surely won’t dry up at the City Ground with his trusty teammate no longer by his side, especially if he has the likes of Gibbs-White next to him supplying him with countless golden chances.

Last campaign in the Premier League, Gibbs-White struck up an equally fearful partnership with 20-goal titan Chris Wood, with the 5-foot-7 midfielder in dreamland even more if he’s able to link up with another potent attacker next season who needs very minimal touches to strike fear into opposition defences.

Wissa’s impressive 19-goal tally across the 24/25 campaign came about even as he averaged just 29.1 touches per Premier League clash.

Amazingly, Wood averaged even less at 23 touches per match, as Gibbs-White routinely fed the well-oiled New Zealander with frequent chances to be Forest’s main leading man.

Throw the “exceptional” Wissa into the mix – as he’s been glowingly labelled by Jamie Redknapp – and Gibbs-White could elevate his game even more, with the 25-year-old managing to reach even loftier heights at the City Ground, over favouring a switch to Thomas Frank’s tempting Spurs.

Gibbs-White would love him: Nottingham Forest exploring move for £50m CM

Morgan Gibbs-White might be convinced to stick it out at Nottingham Forest if this ambitious purchase gets over the line.

By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 16, 2025

Last summer was a poor one for Liverpool as far as transfer business was concerned.

The sole incoming was that of Italian Federico Chiesa, who moved to Anfield in a deal worth just £12.5m.

Well, a lack of business mattered not as far as Arne Slot was concerned. No Jurgen Klopp, no problem. No mass recruitment, no problem. The Reds still went on to win the Premier League.

Fast forward and the Merseysiders have made an almighty splash in the transfer market, bringing in the likes of Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Florian Wirtz and before too long, Hugo Ekitike is set to be confirmed as a new Liverpool player.

Fabrizio Romano gave the deal his famous ‘here we go’ on Sunday, noting that the French forward is set to sign a six-year deal after a fee of £78m was agreed with Eintracht Frankfurt.

Liverpool may not be done there, however.

Liverpool's transfer plans after signing Hugo Ekitike

Next on the agenda for Richard Hughes and Co will surely be slimming the squad a little. Darwin Nunez has been widely expected to leave for much of the summer while Luis Diaz, subject of a bid from Bayern Munich last week, could still depart.

Should more funds be generated, then a move for Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi could still come to fruition. An agreement on personal terms was reached earlier in the summer, but a club-to-club agreement has not yet been reached between the Eagles and the Reds.

Liverpool appear to be keen on a number of domestic players with fellow Palace star Adam Wharton a target for next summer and Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers also on their radar.

TBR Football report that Chelsea are devising a plan to try and sign Rogers this summer but they will face competition from Arsenal and Liverpool who have ‘maintained a watching brief’ of the player.

Previous reports have suggested that Villa would be looking for a fee of £100m in order to sell.

What Morgan Rogers could offer to Liverpool

While this move feels extremely unlikely this summer given the funds Liverpool have already spent on new recruits, if they could maintain their interest in upcoming windows, he’d be a fabulous signing for Slot’s side.

Transfer Focus

Once of Manchester City’s academy, Rogers quietly went about his business in the EFL with the likes of Lincoln City and Middlesbrough before Villa came calling.

In the Midlands, the attacking midfielder has become a genuine sensation. He’s now an England international and deservedly so when you consider the numbers he generated throughout the 2024/25 season.

It’s safe to say it was the best year of young Rogers’ career, scoring 14 goals and registering 15 assists in all competitions.

The 22-year-old didn’t just dazzle in the Premier League but he also took to Champions League football like a duck to water, scoring four goals in 12 games, three of which came in one game as he netted a sensational hat-trick against Celtic.

A goalscorer, a creator, and someone who can play through the middle as well as on the flanks, there are similarities with new Liverpool signing, Wirtz.

If you thought the art of the number 10 role was dying out, then you only need to look at Wirtz. However, he’s not just an attacking midfielder, but also someone who can play in a wider role, just as Rogers can.

Analysing the data above, it’s clear to see why Wirtz has been described as “the best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes. He’s a generational talent and the fact his data is so far ahead of Rogers, one of the Premier League’s most exciting young players, says a lot.

Still, Rogers does hold his own and if Liverpool are looking to sign England’s version of Wirtz, they’d find few better candidates than the Villa star. He’s notably progressive, ranking inside the top 20% of positionally similar players in the English top-flight for attempted take-ons.

In the words of The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, he’s been an “unstoppable” force over the last year and while he falls some way short of Wirtz in a lot of areas, this is a player who’s already been there and done it in the Premier League.

Principally, he scores goals like Wirtz and he creates them like Wirtz. What’s not to like?

Similar to Wirtz: Liverpool want to sign "special" £112m Diaz replacement

He could be an unbelievable addition for the Reds.

By
Henry Jackson

Jul 14, 2025

Beth Mead has made WSL history after becoming the first-ever player to reach 50 assists in the competition as Arsenal won 4-1 on the opening day.

• Mead first player to reach 50 WSL assists
• Arsenal beat London City Lionesses 4-1
• WSL season underway this weekend

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Mead created history after laying on two goals for her team-mates in their convincing victory over London City Lionesses. Despite only coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute in place of Chloe Kelly, Mead set up quick-fire 83rd and 84th minute goals to secure a 4-1 victory and her own name in the history books. As reported by Opta, she's the first player to hit a half-century of assists in the competition.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Mead played a key role as England's Lionesses won the European Championship for the second consecutive time this summer. The theme of substitutes sealing victory during the tournament was replicated in Arsenal's opening-day WSL victory, as Mead laid on two goals for fellow substitutes Stina Blackstenius and Frida Maanum in the closing stages.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  It has been an incredible few months for Mead, who also tasted Champions League glory with the Gunners over Barcelona in May. The 2022 BBC Sports Personality of he Year winner has had a career laden with success and this latest record of 51 WSL assists only adds to an ever-growing legacy for the 30-year-old. Interestingly, newly-promoted London City Lionesses reportedly attempted to sign her in the summer before Mead inflicted opening-day misery on the club.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR MEAD?

  The WSL title will be the overriding goal for Arsenal and Mead this season. Mead has only won the division once before with the Gunners, back in 2018/19. Usurping Chelsea's recent monopoly over the title will be a difficult goal, but one Renée Slegers and her side will aim for alongside looking to retain their Champions League crown.

Real Madrid legend Raul believes he will return to the club in the future, but doesn't rule out taking on "a challenge that excites" him before then.

• Raul talks about his future coaching plans
• Promises to return to Real Madrid
• Doesn't rule out taking on another opportunity

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  Legendary former Madrid striker Raul has promised that he will return to the Santiago Bernabeu one day, hinting that he has set his sights on managing the first team in the future. The iconic ex-No.7 is currently without a job after he left the head coach position at Castilla at the end of the 2024-25 season.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Raul began working as a coach in Madrid's La Fabrica academy before taking on as the B team's manager in 2019. He spent six seasons with Castilla and came agonisingly close to firing the reserves to a promotion to the second division in the 2022-23 season, losing to Eldense in the play-offs. During his spell as Castilla boss, he also took over the reins of the U-19 team in the UEFA Youth League knockouts in 2020 and led them to the title. Despite proving his managerial mettle time and again, he never came close to earning promotion and becoming the first-team head coach.

• WHAT RAUL SAID

  Speaking about his future on the podcast, Raul said: "The plan will come on its own. You have to be patient and calm. I have been a coach at Real Madrid Castilla for six years, and I am sure that in the short term some opportunity, some challenge will come that excites me, because I believe that to do things you have to be motivated and you have to feel it."

  He also kept doors open to a return to the Chamartin: "I've been at the club where I wanted to be and which is my home, and I know I'll come back again when the time is right, at another time."

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• WHAT NEXT FOR RAUL?

  Madrid's all-time appearance maker was subject to immense speculation during his time at Castilla, receiving interest from across Europe. He was eyed by Schalke, where he played after leaving Los Blancos as a player. Leeds, too, were reported to have an interest in the Spaniard's services. Most recently, following the sacking of Erik ten Hag, Raul was linked with the Bayer Leverkusen role. However, the ex-Spain international is currently on a sabbatical, although his words indicate that he is ready to take on his next "challenge" if the right opportunity comes his way.