Paris Saint-Germain have been hit by injury news as captain Marquinhos is ruled out for several weeks. The Brazilian defender will miss this weekend’s Ligue 1 clash with Auxerre and next week’s Champions League showdown against Barcelona. PSG must rely on backups to steady the defence ahead of a crucial European test.
Heung-min Son’s departure from Tottenham Hotspur was confirmed on Wednesday night, closing the curtain on what has been an incredible decade at the club for the South Korean.
He joined the Lilywhites from Bayer Leverkusen back in 2015, with no supporter able to predict the successful spell enjoyed in the first team in North London.
The forward made over 450 appearances for the club, scoring 173 times, a tally that puts him fourth in the club’s all-time highest goalscoring list – joining former teammate Harry Kane in the top five.
However, it was undoubtedly the perfect time to depart the club, helping them end their 17-year wait for a trophy by claiming the Europa League title last season.
There’s no doubt he will be a huge miss, leaving a huge hole in the attacking department, which could see boss Thomas Frank delve into the transfer market in the coming days.
The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer
Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been strongly touted with a move to join Spurs this summer, after he was made available for transfer by new boss Xabi Alonso.
It’s been reported in recent days that the Lilywhites are preparing an opening offer to land the 24-year-old, who scored 14 times for the Spanish giants last season.
However, he’s not the only Brazilian currently on their radar, with Manchester City star Savinho a player they’re considering, according to GIVEMESPORT.
Their report claims no bid has yet been made for the 21-year-old, but Frank’s side have held internal talks for the forward, who registered 14 combined goals and assists in 2024/25.
It also states the player may fall down the pecking order at the Etihad throughout the upcoming campaign, which could see the attacker, who’s valued at £61m by FootballTransfers, depart Pep Guardiola’s side.
Why Spurs’ latest target would be the perfect Son & Kulu hybrid
Despite Son’s departure from Spurs, new boss Frank will be hoping to rely upon Dejan Kulusevski within the final third this season, with the Swede able to continue his tremendous form from the 2024/25 campaign.
The 25-year-old has had injury struggles in recent times and is expected to miss the start of the new campaign, but could prove to be a vital option if the side are to rise up the table in the near future.
The Swede registered 21 combined goals and assists in his 50 outings for the club last season, subsequently offering a versatile option within the attacking areas for the Lilywhites.
He can operate off either flank or in a number 10 position, something which could prove to be useful after it was confirmed James Maddison needed surgery on his ACL injury.
Savinho could also prove to be another key option, having similar levels of adaptability, able to feature across the frontline, which could see him be a suitable replacement for the outgoing South Korean.
He’s been labelled as a similar player to both Son and Kulusevski by FBref, managing to outperform the pair in numerous key areas – showcasing why he’d be such an excellent addition this window.
Savinho, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by current boss Guardiola, completed more passes into the opposition box per 90, along with a higher tally of key passes – showcasing the creativity he possesses in attacking areas.
Games played
29
30
32
Goals & assists
9
16
11
Pass accuracy
81%
78%
73%
Key passes made
2.5
2.1
2.4
Passes into the 18-yard box
2.4
2.1
1.9
Progressive carries
7.1
4.1
4.3
Shot-creating actions
5.7
5.1
4.8
Take-on success
46%
34%
32%
Carries into the 18-yard box
3.8
1.8
1.5
Crosses completed
4.3
3.3
3.3
He also notched more progressive carries per 90, with more of his dribbles with the ball going into the 18-yard box, adding another direct option to Frank’s already potent front line.
The Brazilian achieved a better take-on success rate and completed more crosses per 90, arguably being the perfect blend of the departed Son and current first-team star Kulusevski.
It’s unclear how much City would be demanding to part ways with the 21-year-old this summer, but it’s clear that he would be an excellent option for Frank in his quest for success in North London.
If he can replicate the levels produced by the aforementioned duo at the Lilywhites, he will certainly be a fan favourite and one that can add a new dimension to the club’s attacking department.
The next Maddison: Spurs preparing approach for "exceptional" £22m talent
Tottenham Hotspur are set to make a move for a new attacking midfielder for Thomas Frank.
1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 6, 2025
Newcastle United find themselves in a delicate situation as the Premier League transfer window approaches its final weeks.
The Magpies are in urgent need of a striker to fill the void left by Alexander Isak, whose refusal to reintegrate with the squad has caused disruption ahead of the new season.
While the club has made several signings, including Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, Aaron Ramsdale, a permanent solution in attack remains elusive.
Isak’s unsettled stance stems from an approach by Liverpool, and he has made it clear that he does not intend to train with Newcastle despite continuing to receive his reported £140k-per-week wages.
The side’s need for a replacement is immediate, although any potential new signing will not be available for their opening fixture against Aston Villa this Saturday.
Adding further complexity to Newcastle’s forward planning, the club recently missed out on Benjamin Sesko, who opted for Manchester United, while deals for other targets such as Yoane Wissa slowly edge towards completion.
This leaves Newcastle in a challenging position.
They must secure a striker capable of stepping into the squad and maintaining Premier League standards, without overpaying or rushing a decision.
Premier League striker keen on Newcastle switch
Enter a 24-year-old striker whose profile has drawn both excitement and cautious scrutiny.
Nicolas Jackson has emerged as a potential replacement, with his performances at Chelsea generating interest across Europe.
While there has been no formal bid from Newcastle yet, this “monster” of a player, as noted by John Obi Mikel, is reportedly ‘keen on a move’ to St James’ Park, as has been reported by Mark Douglas of the i.
Douglas notes that despite the striker’s willingness to move to Tyneside, the Magpies have yet to lodge a bid for the Blues exile.
If that deal does progress, the comparison to Anthony Gordon is unavoidable.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Gordon, who joined Newcastle from Everton in 2023 following an acrimonious exit, was initially considered a gamble by fans and pundits.
At the time, his record was respectable but not spectacular, with just seven goals scored at Goodison Park in all competitions.
However, since his move, Gordon has thrived under Eddie Howe, recording 22 goals and 23 assists in 106 appearances for the Magpies.
Jackson represents a similar gamble for Newcastle.
Like Gordon, he is young, somewhat untested, and carries a notable price tag – reportedly as much as £80m.
Yet the potential upside is significant, especially for a team seeking a clinical finisher to partner with the likes of Wissa this coming season.
Why Jackson could be another Gordon for Howe
To understand the potential for Jackson at Newcastle, it helps to examine Gordon’s trajectory.
At 24, Gordon’s profile mirrored Jackson’s in several ways: a relatively young player with talent but inconsistent performances at his previous club.
Gordon’s 2023/24 season was his breakthrough.
According to data from FBref, he produced 4.30 progressive carries per 90, 3.15 progressive passes per 90, and 4.45 shot-creating actions per 90.
He contributed significantly both in terms of attacking output and defensive work, registering 1.71 tackles and 0.84 blocks per 90.
Gordon’s touch volume in the attacking third (22.8 per 90) highlighted his influence in key areas, a benchmark Jackson may aim to emulate at Newcastle.
In 65 Premier League appearances for Chelsea, Jackson has scored 24 goals and contributed ten assists.
Notably, he was on the scoresheet in the Conference League final against Real Betis in May, underlining his capacity to perform on bigger stages.
While Jackson has demonstrated his attacking prowess, he has also attracted scrutiny for disciplinary issues, including red cards against Newcastle in a 2-0 defeat at St James’ Park and against Flamengo at the Club World Cup.
These incidents suggest an element of volatility, though they also reflect the intensity and commitment he brings to the pitch.
In terms of performance metrics, Jackson’s numbers, as per FBref, highlight a player capable of influencing games in multiple ways.
He averages 3.08 shots per 90 minutes, with 1.38 on target, translating to a 44.7% shot-on-target rate.
His progressive carries (1.90 per 90) and passes (1.54 per 90) are slightly lower than more creative forwards, but his shot-creating actions per 90 of 2.80 demonstrate his ability to generate opportunities.
Pass completion sits at a solid 75.9%, while his progressive passing distance per 90 of 35.8 meters shows an emerging ability to link play beyond the immediate attacking third.
Jackson – PL Stats 2024/25
Matches Played
30
Starts
28
Minutes Played
2,220
Goals
10
Assists
5
Shot on Target Percentage
44.7%
Pass Completion Rate
75.9%
Shot Creating Actions per 90
2.80
Tackles
22
Blocks
15
Yellow Cards
7
Red Cards
1
Source: FBref
Gordon’s success underscores the potential payoff of taking calculated risks on younger forwards with room for growth.
Just as Gordon has adapted and flourished under Howe’s management, Jackson could follow a similar path, benefiting from clear guidance, consistent playing time, and the confidence of the coaching staff.
What’s more, Newcastle’s interest in Jackson comes at a pivotal time The club is navigating the financial pressures of PSR while managing high-profile departures and arrivals.
Securing a striker who can hit the ground running, and potentially blossom into a top Premier League talent, is a priority.
Jackson’s style, combining physical presence with technical flair, could offer Howe tactical flexibility.
If Newcastle can integrate him effectively, Jackson might not only replace Isak but provide a long-term solution in attack.
Of course, there are risks.
Yet the upside is clear: a young, talented forward with a proven scoring record in Europe and the mentality to succeed under the right management.
For Newcastle, the gamble may well be worth taking, just as it was with Gordon a year ago.
More of a bully than Isak: Newcastle set to submit bid for £70m "monster"
Newcastle United target Champions League striker following Alexander Isak saga
3 ByWill Miller Aug 14, 2025
Arsenal have officially announced the signing of Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, taking sporting director Andrea Berta’s summer spending past the £200 million mark – which means exits could be necessary.
Arsenal prepared to bid £55m for star, four-year contract at the ready too
Andrea Berta is swiftly moving on to his next target after Viktor Gyokeres.
ByEmilio Galantini Jul 26, 2025
Gyokeres has joined the Gunners for an initial fee of around £55 million, a number that could rise to £64 million with add-ons (The Athletic), after the Sweden international travelled to London this weekend for a medical.
The 27-year-old’s 54 goals in all competitions last season suggests that Gyokeres could be worth every penny if all goes to plan, with the lack of a prolific number nine long viewed as the missing piece of Mikel Arteta’s jigsaw.
However, following their deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera on top of Gyokeres, Berta has now spent hundreds of millions on reinforcing Arteta’s squad.
If Arsenal manage to sign Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze too, with the Eagles reportedly holding out for his £68 million release clause, the north Londoners could end this transfer window spending closer to £300 million.
Taking this into account, and the fact Arsenal currently boast the third-highest wage bill in the Premier League, Berta’s next priority is sealing some departures as well as potentially striking an agreement for Eze.
With PSR lingering in the background, top flight clubs are only permitted a loss of around £105 million over a rolling three-year period. If Arsenal surpass this limit, they face sanctions.
So far, there have been no indications that the club are in any real danger of this, but Berta still needs to monitor the club’s revenues/spending.
Gabriel Jesus gives green-light to leave Arsenal as Flamengo prepare offer
According to South American news outlet RTI Esporte, Flamengo have held talks with striker Gabriel Jesus, and they’re preparing to make an audacious loan-to-buy bid for the Brazilian.
Jesus has apparently gave the “green light” to negotiate a move to Flamengo, and if a move materialises, the clubs would split his £265,000-per-week wages 50/50. Flamengo’s interest comes despite the former Man City star’s lengthy lay-off, with Jesus currently out of action after sustaining an ACL rupture in Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Man United last season.
With Gyokeres arriving, the 28-year-old will have to compete with both Arsenal’s new signing and Kai Havertz for a place up front once he returns to full fitness, so a temporary move away could suit all parties as Arsenal look to trim their salary books.
Jesus enjoyed a purple patch of form under Arteta last season – grabbing six goals and an assist in all competitions from early December to January after a lot of criticism – with his injury coming at an extremely unfortunate time.
“My mind wants to keep going, but my body can no longer endure the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain”
ESPNcricinfo staff26-Sep-20241:58
Pollard: Champion Bravo has given cricket his all
Dwayne Bravo has confirmed his retirement from all cricket after his final season in the CPL was cut short by injury.Bravo, 41 next month, is the leading T20 wicket-taker in history. He had previously called time on his international career in 2021, and stepped away from the IPL last year, as he began to move into coaching – in the last 12 months he has worked with Chennai Super Kings and the Afghanistan men’s team.”My mind wants to keep going, but my body can no longer endure the pain, the breakdowns, and the strain” Bravo said in a post on Instagram. “I can’t put myself in a position where I might let down my teammates, my fans, or the teams I represent.”So, with a heavy heart, I officially announce my retirement from the sport. Today, the Champion bids farewell.”ESPNcricinfo Ltd
In an 18-year career, Bravo helped set the benchmark in T20 cricket, winning titles at the IPL, PSL and Big Bash, as well as becoming a two-time world champion with West Indies. He finishes with 631 wickets in the format from 582 appearances – second only to compatriot Kieron Pollard.Bravo announced before the ongoing edition of the CPL that it would be his last. He had been due to play in the third season of the UAE’s ILT20, having been retained by MI Emirates, but has decided to bow out after suffering a groin injury playing against St Lucia Kings in Tarouba on Tuesday.Bravo was the most decorated player in CPL history, having won five titles in all, including three with Trinbago Knight Riders alone. He had led TKR to back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018 before captaining Patriots to their first title in 2021.Related
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In a number of T20 leagues around the world, especially at the CPL, Bravo has been harnessing his experience to nurture youngsters, settling into a role like MS Dhoni has been fulfilling for CSK for a while. During CPL 2021, for example, he took allrounder Dominic Drakes under his wing and helped transform him into a match-winner. Drakes came away with the Player-of-the-Match award in the CPL 2021 final and continued to work with Bravo in other leagues, including IPL (CSK) and T10 (Delhi Bulls).Bravo has also worked closely with Ali Khan, the USA fast bowler, who also often fronts up to bowl at the death for TKR. Bravo had first spotted Khan in the US Open T20 tournament and signed him on for the Winnipeg Hawks in the Global T20 Canada, before recommending him to TKR.
“All I am thinking about is about playing for Bengal. I have forgotten everything that happened in the past”
Sreshth Shah12-Aug-2024
Wriddhiman Saha – “When I will retire, I will leave all forms and all formats of cricket, but right now, I’m available for everything”•BCCI
Wriddhiman Saha has said that he wants to bury his past issues with the Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB), as he looks ahead to a fruitful reunion with the team that he represented from 2007 to 2022.Speaking to the media at the Eden Gardens, Saha was clear that he did not want to discuss the past at all, and instead had his focus on serving Bengal cricket for the remainder of his career. Saha, 39, said, he was keen to take the field as a Bengal cricketer but was also open to a coaching stint in the future.”I don’t think of the past or the future, but only stay in the present. And on that note, currently, all I am thinking about is about playing for Bengal. I have forgotten everything that happened in the past,” he said. “But I am open to help Bengal in any capacity possible. Since I am a cricketer, I would be better off helping Bengal in coaching instead of any administrative role.”Saha had parted ways with the Bengal team before the 2022-23 domestic season following a clash of words with CAB joint-secretary Debabrata Das, who in a statement had made references about Saha “giving all sorts of excuses” to “skip” Ranji Trophy games for Bengal.Related
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At the time, Saha had sought an apology, and even though the CAB selected him for subsequent games, he didn’t back down from getting the NOC (No-Objection Certificate) that would take him as a player-mentor to Tripura.The incident happened around the same time that Saha, then 37, was also informed by the Rahul Dravid-led India team management that he would not be considered for upcoming Test squads following India’s return from the away tour of South Africa in January 2022.”I am not looking at retiring at the moment,” Saha, wearing a cap with the slogan “Never Give Up”, said when asked about his prospects of working in the media or participating in various T20 leagues. “When I will retire, I will leave all forms and all formats of cricket, but right now, I am focused on red-ball cricket, white-ball cricket, the IPL, and I’m available for everything. I will be managing my workload with one eye on my age, but I still have the drive to play cricket and see Bengal do well.”While CAB president Snehasish Ganguly was tight-lipped about whether Saha would be handed the Bengal captaincy now that Manoj Tiwary has retired from cricket after the 2023-24 season, he did say that someone of Saha’s experience was necessary for Bengal to fill the gap left by Tiwary. Ganguly also said CAB were delighted in not only getting Saha, a “son of the soil”, but also former vice-captain Sudip Chatterjee, who had left for Tripura around the same time as Saha.However, Saha’s availability for Bengal now leaves the team with two high-quality wicket-keepers in their ranks with Abishek Porel also in the mix and potentially only one place in the XI for either player. On finding the balance between grooming a young wicketkeeper like Porel and using his experience to help Bengal, Saha said he would support Porel’s growth wholeheartedly and ensure he doesn’t fall by the wayside just to accommodate the senior pro.”Even before I left Bengal, I was grooming Abishek from the sidelines, and that will continue,” Saha said. “I have been seeing his growth from his young days, and have been having conversations with him. I am sure the management will also aim to give Abishek all the opportunities possible.”Wriddhiman Saha had signed with Tripura for the 2022-23 Indian domestic season, before making a return to Bengal•PTI
Bengal have been knocking on the doors of a Ranji Trophy title for the last four years, reaching the final twice but losing on both occasions to Saurashtra in 2019-20 and 2022-23. However, one concern among the fans of Bengal cricket has been the lack of Bengali cricketers in the team. Saha, though, felt players should mainly be selected only on merit.”When you get selected for India, there is no quota of having these number of boys from North Zone or South Zone or East Zone or West Zone,” he said. “If you play well, you will get an opportunity, and that’s what has been happening in Bengal. Even if some of our players have originated from outside Bengal and may not be Bengalis, it does not make them any less part of the Bengal team. Shahbaz [Ahmed], Akash [Deep] and [Abhimanyu] Easwaran, I have seen them training here from their young days. They haven’t just come here overnight. They are as much a part of the Bengal side [as others].”I can understand that some people may feel that the Bengal team should have more Bengalis, but I don’t feel that’s enough reason as talent and hard work should be the primary criteria. If you see that way, then you’ll also say Manoj Tiwary is not a Bengali. But that’s obviously not true. So I do not feel that’s such an issue in Bengal cricket, especially when you’re doing so well, like we have seen the team in the last four to five years.”Last season, Bengal failed to qualify out of their Group in the Ranji Trophy, finishing third behind Mumbai and Andhra in Group B. In the List A Vijay Hazare Trophy, Bengal were eliminated in the quarter-finals. In the Syed Mushtaq Ali T20 tournament, they were knocked out in the preliminary quarter-final.
Already impressed by his performance at the Club World Cup, Ruben Amorim could now reportedly urge INEOS to sign a midfield star for Manchester United who has a release clause worth a hefty £85m.
Man Utd discover brutal first 5 Premier League games
As the transfer window rumbles on, the big talking point this week has come away from potential incomings and to next season’s Premier League fixtures. Officially announced Wednesday morning, Manchester United have now discovered their fate alongside the rest of their rivals and, for the Red Devils, that fate may well be a start full of frustration.
Man Utd’s First 5 Premier League Games
Date
Manchester United vs Arsenal
17/08/2025
Fulham vs Manchester United
23/08/2025
Manchester United vs Burnley
30/08/2025
Manchester City vs Manchester United
13/09/2025
Manchester United vs Chelsea
20/09/2025
On paper, Amorim’s side have the toughest Premier League start, but that could quickly turn into a positive if they manage to navigate what would be an excellent start.
The pressure will certainly be on Amorim to finally get the best out of his side too. INEOS have already backed him by signing Matheus Cunha and it looks as though they’re likely to do the same by signing Bryan Mbuemo. But even then, the incomings may be far from over.
The likes of Hugo Ekitike have also found themselves in the headlines as of late. The Eintracht Frankfurt striker has been linked with Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester United already this summer and he could yet have a crucial decision to make.
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Manchester United appear to be making moves towards a new centre-forward this summer.
2 ByEthan Lamb Jun 17, 2025
Whilst Frankfurt value the Frenchman at around €100m (£85m), recent reports have claimed that United are open to finding a way past this price tag by offering Joshua Zirkzee or Rasmus Hojlund in a player-plus-cash swap deal.
Landing Ekitike for a cheaper transfer fee could then open the door for another fresh face and this time a midfielder who is already impressing on the big stage this summer.
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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025 Amorim could urge Man Utd to sign Richard Rios
According to GiveMeSport, Amorim could now urge Manchester United chiefs to sign Richard Rios this summer after being left impressed by his Club World Cup form. The Red Devils have already sent scouts to watch the Palmeiras midfielder and are continuing to track his progress ahead of a potential move in the coming months.
The deal, like Ekitike, Cunha and Mbeumo, won’t come cheap, however, amid reports that Rios has a release clause worth as much as £85m in his current Palmeiras deal.
A player who analyst Ben Mattinson described as a “ball-carrying machine” in 2023, Rios has only improved ever since and is now ready for the European move that Manchester United could offer him this summer.
What could have been a bleak summer transfer window now looks like it could be an incredible one for Tottenham Hotspur.
Thanks to their heroic efforts in the Europa League final last week, Ange Postecoglou’s side have a Champions League campaign to look forward to next season.
Moreover, competing at the top table of European football should allow them to attract more exciting players to bolster the squad.
In fact, if recent reports are to be believed, the club are already eyeing up a forward who’s an ideal upgrade on Mathys Tel or replacement, should the Frenchman not be signed on a permanent deal this summer.
The last few weeks have seen Spurs linked with a multitude of brilliant attacking players, such as Jamie Gittens and Daizen Maeda.
Transfer Focus
The former is supposedly available for around £59m and has enjoyed a relatively successful season with Borussia Dortmund this year, scoring 12 goals and providing five assists in 48 games.
Maeda has been even more effective north of the border, scoring 33 goals and providing 12 assists in 51 games for Celtic, and could be available for just £25m.
However, it looks like Daniel Levy and Co could be shopping closer to home for a new attacker this summer.
According to a recent report from Spain, Spurs are now incredibly interested in Chelsea’s Christopher Nkunku.
The report claims that the Frenchman’s departure from Stamford Bridge is ‘virtually assured’ and that the North Londoners are now prepared to negotiate a loan deal with an option to buy at €45m, which is just £38m.
It might not be the most popular transfer right away, but Nkunku was a force of nature at RB Leipzig, and if he were able to recreate some of that form in N17, he could be a perfect upgrade or replacement for Tel depending on where his future lies.
So, the first thing to say is that, like Tel, the Chelsea ace is someone who can and often does play all across the frontline, so should Levy and Co not sign the Bayern loanee on a permanent deal this summer, he could come in to fulfil the same role, or compete with him if he does join.
With that said, which attacker comes out on top when we compare their output from this season?
Well, this is an area in which the former RB Leipzig star comes out miles ahead, as in 42 appearances, totalling 2039 minutes, he has scored 14 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.21 games, or every 107.31 minutes.
In contrast, the Sarcelles-born Lilywhites ace has scored just three goals and provided two assists in 34 appearances, totalling 1714 minutes, across both his teams this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 6.8 games, or every 342.8 minutes.
What about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out looking better when we take a look under the hood?
|
Nkunku vs Tel |
||
|---|---|---|
|
Statistic |
Nkunku |
Tel |
|
Non-Penalty Expected G+As |
0.66 |
0.44 |
|
Non-Penalty G+As |
0.69 |
0.21 |
|
Progressive Passes |
3.18 |
2.52 |
|
Progressive Carries |
1.97 |
2.76 |
|
Shots |
2.53 |
2.57 |
|
Shots on Target |
1.33 |
0.84 |
|
Passing Accuracy |
88.6% |
75.5% |
|
Key Passes |
1.27 |
1.17 |
|
Passes into the Penalty Area |
1.21 |
1.41 |
|
Passes into the Final Third |
2.49 |
1.17 |
|
Shot-Creating Actions |
3.24 |
2.33 |
|
Goal-Creating Actions |
0.58 |
0.25 |
|
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 Season |
||
Unfortunately for Postecoglou’s January addition, it’s the Blues’ “unstoppable” dynamo, as dubbed by European football expert Zach Lowy, who once again emerges victorious.
For example, he comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, passes into the final third, key passes and more, all per 90.
Ultimately, Tel is still a talented footballer, but Nkunku has the better raw output and underlying numbers while being just as versatile, so should Levy and Co regardless of whether they decide to activate the option in the 20-year-old’s loan deal; they should also be looking to bring the Chelsea ace to N17.
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May 26, 2025
Manchester City aren’t exactly the most conservative club when it comes to splashing the cash, with their business back in January showing off a club that’s still unafraid to flex their muscles in the transfer market.
Omar Marmoush would join the elite Premier League side’s ranks for a whopping £59m from Eintracht Frankfurt, with his unbelievable goal return of six strikes from 13 league outings already justifying the excessive spending.
Moreover, both Nico Gonzalez and Abdukodir Khusanov would relocate to Manchester for a combined £83.6m, with City’s notable transfer activity showing no signs of slowing down as we head towards the dramatic summer window reopening.
Already, Pep Guardiola’s men have been linked with a barrage of exciting names to improve their midfield options, with Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White reportedly attracting the attention of those at the Etihad.
Other midfield targets on City’s radar include ex-Norwich City ace Gabriel Sara and Newcastle United fan’s favourite Sandro Tonali, but the main superstar that is dominating most of the conversation in this regard is Bayer Leverkusen hero Florian Wirtz.
The FA Cup finalists have been linked frequently with the electric German, with a wild price-tag of £101m allegedly above the 21-year-old’s head amidst growing interest.
The latest on any such deal is that Man City are still in the conversation for his signing, but according to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are ‘continuing to work on a deal behind the scenes.’
City will still hope they can power ahead to the front of the queue to land the much-talked-about Leverkusen number ten, but they could have avoided another splurge in the transfer department…
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City have dropped the ball a few times in recent years when letting some top talents depart the Etihad, with the example of Cole Palmer no doubt stinging to this very day.
Julian Alvarez is another sale that will hurt Guardiola and Co.
Across 103 games donning City sky blue, the explosive Argentinian would notch up a sturdy 36 strikes and 19 assists, with Alvarez adept at either leading the line for his ex-employers or slotting in as an option just behind the lone striker.
As it happens, his form since leaving Manchester behind has seen him compared to Wirtz, with data-led website FBref determining that the German is the third most similar player in this season’s edition of the Champions League.
Why? Well, Wirtz also boasts similarly devastating numbers for Leverkusen – seen in his ever-growing count of 56 goals and 63 assists from 194 clashes.
But, sticking with Alvarez, not allowing him to leave for pastures new at Atletico Madrid would have saved Guardiola’s men a lot of hassle and cash in their ongoing pursuit of a new classy performer in attack.
|
Alvarez’s G/A numbers for Atletico |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Competition |
Games played |
Goals scored |
Assists |
|
La Liga |
33 |
15 |
2 |
|
Copa Del Rey |
7 |
5 |
2 |
|
Champions League |
10 |
7 |
1 |
|
Sourced by Transfermarkt |
|||
After all, the 25-year-old is now tearing it up in his new Spanish location as a force to be reckoned with, seen in his mightily impressive tally of 27 goals and five assists from 50 appearances at Atletico.
This amazingly betters Wirtz’s own total for the season under the tutelage of Xabi Alonso who has 28 goal contributions next to his name, culminating in Alvarez being heralded as the “best forward in the world” at the moment by journalist Roy Nemer.
City won’t be plagued with regret for too long if they do end up winning the services of their £101m-rated target, but in an alternate reality, Guardiola’s men wouldn’t need to flex their muscles again, knowing they had a Wirtz-like talent already at their disposal.
Better than Sara: Man City keen on signing "world-class" £55m star
Manchester City might well have an upgrade on Gabriel Sara up their sleeve.
By
Kelan Sarson
May 1, 2025
Nottingham Forest are now targeting an “incredible” Europa League midfielder, amid Elliot Anderson continuing to attract attention from some top clubs.
Anderson's City Ground future up in the air
Forest could have their work cut out trying to keep hold of Anderson, given that the midfielder is of major interest to the Premier League’s biggest clubs, with it recently being revealed that Manchester United have identified him as their number one target.
Manchester City are currently the favourites to win the race for the former Newcastle United man, however, with the Blues ready to hijack their rivals, given that Pep Guardiola is a huge admirer, and there is a feeling that a deal could be possible for a fee of £88m.
Alex Crook has also revealed that United would probably have to fork out a club-record fee to sign the England international, with the Tricky Trees in a strong negotiating position, given that he remains under contract until 2029.
With Anderson’s future at the City Ground up in the air, Nottingham Forest have now started to run the rule over potential new additions in midfield, according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states they are now targeting Lyon star Tyler Morton.
Morton has put in some eye-catching performances since moving to the Ligue 1 club for £15m in the summer, and he could now be in line for a swift return to the Premier League, with the likes of Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion also keen.
Lyon are reluctant to sell the midfielder, but cashing-in for a higher price than they paid might be too good an opportunity to turn down, considering their financial difficulties, so the door could be open for a move to Forest.
"Incredible" Morton now ready to prove himself in England
The 23-year-old never really managed to make the grade at Liverpool, being shipped out on loan to Hull City and Blackburn Rovers, and never making a Premier League appearance, but he has proven he’s now ready to test himself in England.
The Englishman has emerged as a key player for Lyon in Ligue 1, chipping in with one goal and one assist in 12 outings, while also putting in a solid performance in his most recent Europa League match, with Lyon battering Maccabi Tel Aviv 6-0.
Tyler Morton’s key statistics vs Maccabi Tel Aviv
Number completed
Tackles
4
Interceptions
2
Duels (won)
8 (6)
Accurate passes
60/63 (95%)
Journalist Bence Bocsak is clearly a big admirer of the Wallasey-born midfielder too, saying: “Out of all the young players who left Liverpool this summer I’m absolutely convinced Tyler Morton is the most likely to return. He’s a fantastic footballer. Incredible IQ.”
Nottingham Forest now keen on £117k-a-week UCL defender who may replace Murillo
The Tricky Trees are looking at signing a new centre-back in the January transfer window, amid doubts over Murillo’s future.
ByDominic Lund Dec 2, 2025
While Arne Slot’s side making a move would be understandable, with any luck Nottingham Forest will be able to win the race for Morton’s signature, as he could be a fantastic addition to Sean Dyche’s squad.