Already setting their sights on summer reinforcements, Newcastle United are now reportedly racing to sign a future star who has compared himself to the great Arjen Robben.
Newcastle transfer news
The Magpies have been forced to endure two quiet transfer windows in succession due to PSR constraints, culminating in an inconsistent couple of seasons under Eddie Howe. In many ways, two wins and two defeats in their last four games perfectly encapsulates Newcastle’s season, with their return to winning ways against West Ham United last time out at least coming at a good time ahead of the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool.
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Away from the action, meanwhile, those at St James’ Park are seemingly preparing to splash the cash once again at long last which has seen several names emerge onto their radar. The likes of Emanuel Emegha and Tammy Abraham have threatened to steal the headlines as of late, which could be a good indication of the direction that Newcastle are heading this summer.
It would certainly make sense to welcome another forward too, with Alexander Isak reportedly at the centre of interest from the likes of Liverpool and Callum Wilson currently on course to leave as a free agent this summer.
That said, it’s not just forwards who find themselves on the Magpies’ radar. According to The Boot Room, Newcastle are now actively scouting Sindre Walle Egeli and are eyeing a summer move to sign the young Nordsjaelland winger ahead of the likes of Liverpool, Atalanta and Everton.
Still just 18 years old, Egeli is undoubtedly one to watch ahead of the summer transfer window. What he does not have in experience, he certainly does not lack in talent, either, having previously compared himself to Bayern Munich legend Robben.
Speaking to Eurosport, as relayed by The Boot Room, Egeli said: “I would say that my left foot is clearly my greatest skill. You can say that I’m a bit like Arjen Robben, since I’m on the right and like to cut in.”
"Fantastic" Egeli could complete Newcastle attack
Whilst Jacob Murphy has enjoyed an excellent campaign at Newcastle, it remains to be seen whether he has the star power to truly match Anthony Gordon and Isak on a consistent basis. And that’s where Egeli could come in. The 18-year-old is a rising star and could complete Howe’s frontline for years to come to form a potent front three.
Having scored six goals and assisted a further five in 23 games this season, the right-winger has found himself at the centre of Jacek Kulig’s praise, with the football talent scout describing him as a “fantastic prospect” earlier this month.
Starts
18
21
Goals
6
5
Assists
3
8
Outscoring Murphy throughout the current campaign, Egeli may just be getting started and Newcastle would be wise to make their move before his price tag moves out of their range.
One to watch, the Norwegian could quickly steal the headlines when the summer arrives and the Magpies potentially make their move.
Even the most optimistic Ipswich Town supporter will be having a hard time convincing themselves that their beloved Tractor Boys will live to see another day in the Premier League past this season.
Kieran McKenna’s men are now nine points cut adrift from 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, with five crushing defeats from their last six league games not helping to boost the mood at Portman Road whatsoever.
Liam Delap
Ultimately, for as much as they do have ten-goal attacker Liam Delap up top, their defensive woes continue to cost them dearly as an instant return to the Championship looks nailed on.
Why Ipswich's defence has let McKenna down
Amazingly, the relegation-threatened side’s last clean sheet in league action was against Chelsea in December, with 2025 unfortunately seeing the goals flood in.
Nottingham Forest would run out comprehensive 4-2 victors over Ipswich last time out in the Premier League, with Nuno Espirito Santo’s visitors only needing to register six shots on target in total to beat Alex Palmer with relative ease.
McKenna even boldly ditched first-choice shot-stopper Arijanet Muric mid-way through the campaign to try and shore up his leaky side, but it hasn’t had the desired effect, with Ipswich now up to a dire 62 goals conceded.
Not even January additions in the form of Ben Godfrey have helped in this regard either, with the Suffolk side potentially left to rue letting a former centre-back depart.
Now starring in the Premier League, it’s safe to say his career has been a great deal better away from Portman Road.
Former Ipswich defender has seen his value rise 1150%
Away from their current lowly state, Ipswich have a fair few titan-like defenders grace the Portman Road turf, with faces such as Luke Chambers fondly remembered to this day as a warrior defensively having made 396 appearances for the club.
A certain Adam Webster is arguably not remembered in the same gushing manner, but the now Brighton and Hove Albion centre-back did begin to make a name for himself in the senior game in Suffolk, arriving in 2016 from Portsmouth for a fee of just around £800k.
Webster would go on to make 53 appearances for the Tractor Boys before moving on to Bristol City for £3.5m, having tallied up one goal and three assists as a composed player on the ball playing out from the back.
This move to the Robins would set him on his way to stardom, with the Seagulls number four featuring across just 47 games at Ashton Gate before costing the South Coast side a whopping £20m to a pick up, making him their most expensive capture in 2019.
24/25
11
0
0
2
23/24
15
0
0
1
22/23
27
0
0
8
21/22
22
2
0
4
20/21
29
1
0
9
19/20
31
3
1
5
Whilst the 6 foot 3 colossus has dealt with many an injury annoyance since entering the building, Webster has proven himself to be a reliable head whenever thrown into Premier League action donning Brighton blue and white, with two clean sheets even coming his way this season from 11 limited appearances.
Worryingly, Luke Woolfenden back at Portman Road only has one to shout about, despite making two more appearances as a utility figure under McKenna.
Lauded as “phenomenal” in the past by football analyst H, on top of also being labelled as a “great leader” by boss Fabian Hurzeler, it’s clear there’s life in Webster’s legs still despite injury setbacks, with the 30-year-old’s current transfer valuation sitting pretty at £10m according to Transfermarkt.
That is an 1150% increase from his original £800k value when he first walked through the Portman Road doors and a 185% increase on the £3m fee he was sold for.
Now, Webster will be keen to establish himself as a Premier League-worthy defender even more, while his ex-employers likely slip down to the EFL.
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With no Premier League football on the menu due to the international break, most of the talk in the air at Manchester United in recent days has centred in on transfer gossip.
Indeed, the rumour mill has linked the Red Devils with a whole host of new personnel particularly in the centre-forward department, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike one possible purchase that is being intently looked at.
Another potential signing that is being talked about non-stop is the ongoing pursuit of Everton powerhouse Jarrad Branthwaite, with the Toffees warrior perhaps intrigued by the prospect of calling the Theatre of Dreams his new home if fresh reports are to be believed.
Man Utd's ongoing pursuit of Branthwaite
New reports seem to suggest that the 22-year-old centre-back is considering his long-term Toffees future having been snubbed from Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad.
A move away from Goodison Park could well boost Branthwaite’s chances of more Three Lions opportunities, therefore, with the Red Devils still interested in clinching a deal for their long-term target, alongside the likes of Liverpool now amazingly taking a look.
A deal would well depend on how much United are willing to splash the cash on the Carlisle-born centre-back, with past rumours suggesting that Branthwaite would be available for around the £50m range.
Whilst that isn’t eye-watering money at the end of the day for a club of United’s prestige to splash, they might have a homegrown alternative already to the 22-year-old that will save them plenty of hassle down the line.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
Man Utd are brewing their very own Branthwaite
Everton have reaped their rewards now for persevering with Branthwaite when he was still just a raw, wide-eyed defender attempting to cut his teeth.
Amorim and Co will hope their willingness to launch young and hungry talents into their own first-team picture pays off too, with the likes of Ayden Heaven at the back benefitting greatly from the Portuguese manager’s fearlessness in chucking youth products into the main team.
Now, with the teenage sensation finding himself out of action with an injury, Amorim could look elsewhere for a new starlet defensively, with 17-year-old Godwill Kukonki perhaps ready for his moment in the spotlight.
After all – back in December of last year – Amorim proclaimed that the imposing 6 foot 5 presence was adult enough to “handle the Premier League’s demands”, with the potential for Kukonki to take to the top-flight in a similar way to Branthwaite when he was given his breakout moment at Goodison back in 2023.
Leny Yoro
19
14
0
Lisandro Martinez
27
20
5
Harry Maguire
32
20
1
Matthijs De Ligt
25
27
3
Victor Lindelof
30
8
1
Jonny Evans
37
6
1
The United target would never look back when entering into the Everton first-team picture with seven clean sheets under his belt in league action this season, whilst Amorim’s current selection consistently let him down when looking at the table above.
With Victor Lindelof also out of contract at the end of the campaign, the time could now be right to start gifting Kukonki more and more senior chances away from the stale senior set-up, potentially winning the Red Devils a cost-effective Branthwaite subsequently.
Celebrated for his aggressive front-footed nature by data analyst Ben Mattinson – an attribute Branthwaite has in abundance – time will only tell if Kukonki can go on to prove himself as a Premier League calibre talent.
But, with United’s terrific track record of youngsters going on to make the grade on their side, the 17-year-old well might be Amorim’s next superstar.
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Manchester United have now held talks with a “sensational” ace in the hope of beating Liverpool to his signature, according to a new report.
Man Utd keeping their transfer options open
As the summer transfer window gets ever closer, the transfer stories begin to heat up, and the Red Devils look to have their eyes set on numerous players who they hope will help improve Ruben Amorim’s team.
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Southampton’s Tyler Dibling is a player who has been on United’s radar for a while now, but it appears that the Premier League side are ready to step up their interest. It is being reported that United are now ready to sign Dibling, as other teams circle with interest, but they may have to pay as much as £100 million to get the young Englishman to Old Trafford.
Southampton's TylerDiblingin action with Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers and Ian Maatsen
The Red Devils see Dibling as someone who can become their new right wing-back as well as possibly operate as one of their number 10s.
But he is not the only player who is on their radar for becoming their new right wing-back, as the Red Devils are willing to battle Barcelona to win the race for Givairo Read, who currently plays for Feyenoord. He could cost United just £20 million this summer.
Man Utd battling Liverpool in the race to sign Frimpong
But if the 20-time Premier League champions are willing to pay more, then they may turn their attentions elsewhere. According to TBR Football, Man United have held talks over the signing of Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen but face a strong battle to secure his transfer.
Bayer Leverkusen's Nathan Tella celebrates scoring their second goal with JeremieFrimpong
Liverpool are keen on signing the Dutch international as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, but they now face competition from United and Man City, who have both held talks with Frimpong’s camp in recent weeks.
It doesn’t say how those talks went or what they were focused on, but it is another sign that Amorim wants to strengthen his right-side this summer.
United see Frimpong, who has been dubbed “sensational” by The Guardian columnist Dominik Diamond, as a perfect fit for their right wing-back role. Frimpong has played a similar role at Leverkusen, where he scored nine goals and recorded seven assists in 31 Bundesliga games last season as Leverkusen were crowned league champions.
Frimpong
Dalot
Apps
26
28
Starts
19
28
Goals
4
0
Assists
5
2
Progressive carries
75
53
Progressive passes
43
85
Tackles (Won)
29 (22)
60 (35)
Blocks
21
20
Interceptions
7
35
Take-ons attempted (Successful)
62 (19)
40 (19)
Frimpong’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him replace Diogo Dalot, who has come under scrutiny throughout different times of this 2024/25 campaign. Frimpong’s ability to get up and down the pitch, as well as create and score goals, makes him the ideal player Amorim wants in his team, but it is going to cost the Red Devils £40 million plus to get a deal over the line.
Having bounced back from a recent wobble with a handy win over Everton in the Merseyside derby, Liverpool are one step closer to lifting the Premier League trophy.
At this point, it’s inevitable that Arne Slot will bow his head to receive a winners’ medal by May, maybe even sooner. What a season. What a triumph. No one saw it coming. No one, perhaps, except a prescient German, lopsided smile and all, who recognised he’d done all he could.
But back to the here and now. Liverpool travel to Craven Cottage this afternoon to take on Fulham, looking to add another hard-fought win to the collection and preserve their undefeated record on the road this term.
Winning at Anfield on Wednesday evening restored Liverpool’s 12-point lead at the summit, but it’s important to snuff out even the smallest flickers of hope from title rivals Arsenal by claiming another three points here.
So then, team news.
24/25
Premier League (H)
2-2 draw
23/24
Premier League (A)
3-1 win
23/24
Carabao Cup (A)
1-1 draw
23/24
Carabao Cup (H)
2-1 win
23/24
Premier League (H)
4-3 win
Liverpool team news
Slot has confirmed that Alisson Becker and Conor Bradley face late tests ahead of the trip to the capital.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold and Joe Gomez also sidelined, it looks like Curtis Jones is going to reprise his role at right-back, having performed so well in a new position in midweek.
Alexis Mac Allister avoided injury following a dreadful challenge from Everton’s James Tarkowski, however, fringe midfielder Tyler Morton remains out.
Slot hasn’t been one to chop and change all too frequently this season but Liverpool have dipped over the past few weeks, seemingly sapped and drained after an incredible start to the campaign.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Moreover, the frontline have been frustratingly profligate of late, but Diogo Jota broke his 11-game duck against Everton last time out and Luis Diaz claimed a third assist in as many Premier League matches.
Diogo Jota's return to form
You could very well argue that the international break came at the perfect time for Liverpool, allowing the squad to recalibrate after a series of blows and restore some of their wonderful fluency.
Jota has suffered a frustrating campaign on an individual level, only 11 times in the Premier League and struggling to harness his usual deadliness in front of goal.
However, his skip-and-finish moment against the Toffees reminded Merseyside of the 28-year-old’s prowess, and he’ll now be looking to end the season on the crest of a wave.
You’d perhaps think that Slot would want to keep his Portuguese striker at the bow of the ship for the clash against Fulham, but he might actually be inclined to make the bold move to drop the derby hero and instead shuffle the pack up top.
Slot could boldly drop Jota
The obvious name to draw here would be Darwin Nunez, but Liverpool are gearing up to sell the Uruguayan striker and he has only started eight Premier League games all season despite avoiding any significant injury blows.
Liverpool forward Diogo Jota
Federico Chiesa is another to consider. The 27-year-old is the sole signing of the Slot era so far, but he’s been on the margins amid injury and selection frustrations, albeit he scored a well-taken consolation goal at Wembley last month to get fans chatting online about his potential as a centre-forward.
However, having yet to start in the top-flight this year, Liverpool may be better off parking that one and instead unleashing Cody Gakpo from the outset following his recent fitness issues.
Cody Gakpo celebrates for Liverpool
Gakpo spent the 2023/24 campaign wandering around the park, with Klopp utilising his dynamism by fielding him in a number of different roles, principally at number nine but even on occasion in a central midfield position.
However, Slot seemingly recognised his compatriot’s strength on the attacking left flank, where he has played all season, scoring 16 goals and supplying six assists across 41 fixtures, matching last year’s haul but doing so in about 800 fewer minutes.
The numbers don’t tell the full story, either, with the Netherlands star now looking far more confident and effective in his performances. ESPN’s Beth Lindop has hailed the 25-year-old as a “special player,” drawing attention to his “elegant” style.
The left winger’s ball-striking ability is something that Liverpool could do with right now, bringing him back into form after Jota, something that could further ease Mohamed Salah’s burden and bring Liverpool into a more balanced attacking state ahead of the final weeks of the season.
Gakpo, moreover, has played six times against Fulham in his Liverpool career but has only featured twice on the left. Those appearances arrived in his past two league meetings with the Cottagers and he hit goal involvements in both, assisting during last season’s 3-1 win at Craven Cottage before scoring during December’s 2-2 draw on Merseyside.
The latter of those games was an anxiety-inducing watch, for Andy Robertson was sent off in the opening half. Gakpo was instrumental in helping his team avoid defeat at Anfield, scoring, hitting the target three times, creating one big chance, and winning five duels.
Gakpo’s finishing is a thing to behold, and while Jota scored against Everton, you could argue that the goal’s creator, Diaz, enjoyed the superior performance, so electric and intimidating as he made six key passes and won eight duels, as per Sofascore.
The Colombian might not be the most prolific, but it’s such qualities that make him such an important part of this soon-to-be title-winning side. Centrally, he can cause chaos and pick at Fulham’s defenders, opening up space for Gakpo and Salah to arc inwards and strike on goal.
Jota did well in returning to the scoresheet, but Slot needs to latch onto that energy and direct it toward his side’s other forwards. Sparking purple patches across the frontline will be a sure-fire way to maintain high levels over the closing weeks of the campaign.
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Leeds United could look to replace two of their players they don’t believe are good enough to be playing in the Premier League this summer, according to a new report.
Leeds take huge step towards Championship promotion
Leeds took a huge step towards automatic promotion from the Championship over the weekend as they beat Preston North End 2-1 at Elland Road. All three goals on the day were scored within a frenetic first 13 minutes, with Manor Solomon opening the scoring within just four minutes.
Preston then leveled just two minutes later through Kaine Kesler-Hayden, before Jayden Bogle completed the scoring when he bundled Solomon’s cross into the net.
The win ensured Leeds stay top of the Championship, ahead of second-placed Burnley on goal difference, and with just four games to go, within nine points of a guaranteed return to the Premier League.
Speaking after the win over Preston, Leeds boss Daniel Farke said: “Pretty good after an exhausting week. A priceless three points for us. Could have made our life easier. Must have been our highest xG this season – should have scored six or seven.”
“We were on it today, the fire was burning. We kept going and started really well and scored a really good second goal. It’s crucial we returned to good defensive behaviour. We were spirited but cool in the head.”
Leeds could soon replace Bamford and Piroe
According to a new report from Football Insider, Leeds are already looking ahead to next season, and more specifically the summer transfer market.
The publication reports that the Whites are “prioritising signing a striker this summer” because they don’t believe their current options, Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford, are of Premier League-quality.
Piroe has 15 goals in 42 Championship games this season, while Bamford has failed to find the net at all in 13 games.
Championship Top Scorers 2024/25
Player
Club
Goals
Borja Sainz
Norwich City
17
Joel Piroe
Leeds United
15
Josh Sargent
Norwich City
14
Josh Brownhill
Burnley
13
Dan James
Leeds United
12
Josh Maja
West Bromwich Albion
12
Football Insider claims that – despite him being the Championship’s second-top scorer this season – Leeds doubt whether Piroe can make the step-up to Premier League, while Bamford can’t be relied upon by Farke due to his injury history, with the pair on a combined £85,000-a-week at Elland Road.
Youngster Mateo Joseph, meanwhile, has bagged just three goals all term. As a result, Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises’ top priority this summer will be to sign a top-class striker.
As a potential replacement for Piroe and Bamford, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson, speaking to Football Insider, recently urged Leeds to go out and buy former Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham from AS Roma.
“Somebody like him who can lead the line, play as an out-and-out striker and gets you the goals,” Robinson said. “He’s proven in Serie A and proven in the Premier League, he’s a player that understands the league and has done well previously there.”
Manchester City have the opportunity to reach a third successive FA Cup final when they take on Nottingham Forest this afternoon at Wembley.
Pep Guardiola has won this competition twice, but will still be stinging from the defeat to Manchester United in the 2024 final.
Forest defeated City in the Premier League last month, but the Spaniard may have learned from this loss, and his side could reach another final.
They warmed up for the clash with a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, but a few players weren’t quite at their best. İlkay Gündoğan was one, and he could return to the bench this afternoon.
Why Man City must drop İlkay Gündoğan
Guardiola operated with a 4-1-4-1 system against Villa, and Gundogan was one of the four midfielders tasked with providing opportunities for Kevin De Bruyne.
Despite playing for the full 90 minutes, the midfielder failed to register a single shot on goal, while he failed with his only dribble attempt.
Gundogan also lost possession seven times against the Midlands side and won just one of his three aerial duels.
For the semi-final clash against Forest, Guardiola must revert to a 4-2-3-1. Mateo Kovacic will reprise his role at the heart of the midfield, but for this game, winter signing Nico Gonzalez must be brought into the starting XI.
Why Nico Gonzalez must start for Man City
Gonzalez may have cost the club around £50m back in January, but he is already looking like a potential long-term heir to Rodri.
The midfielder has already featured 12 times for City in all competitions, even scoring against Real Madrid in the Champions League, although it wasn’t enough to see his club make it to the next round.
Across his eight Premier League matches for the club, the 23-year-old has averaged a 93% pass success rate, along with making 1.9 tackles, two clearances, and recovering 3.9 balls per game in the top flight.
Furthermore, the Spaniard wins 1.9 aerial duels per game – a success rate of 59% – while averaging 81.9 touches each match for City. These statistics show just how dependable he is at the heart of the pitch, because he rarely gives the ball away and is strong in his physical duels.
He was praised by football talent scout Jacek Kulig in July 2024, who said: “Nico González – 4 goals in FC Porto’s four friendly games this preseason. Simply superb in the second half of the 23/24. Technique, football IQ, and pure elegance.”
Passes attempted
77.9
Pass completion percentage
92.9%
Aerial duels won
2.09
Passes into the final third
6.68
Touches
88.33
The move to Manchester hasn’t fazed him, and he now looks like an excellent signing. Settling in throughout the second half of the 2024/25 season appears to be a smart move by Guardiola, as Gonzalez will hit the ground running in August.
Moving back to a 4-2-3-1 system for the FA Cup semi-final could go a long way to seeing City reach yet another final. With Gonzalez and Kovacic at the base of the midfield, the attacking quartet will be given free rein to cause plenty of destruction.
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Manchester United’s Premier League campaign in 2024/25 has been one to forget, with the side set to finish in their lowest-ever position, along with the lowest points tally.
Ruben Amorim’s men currently sit in 15th place with just three games remaining, seeing all focus switch onto their prospect of claiming a Europa League triumph come the end of the season.
The Red Devils have conceded an average of 1.5 goals per 90 to date, undoubtedly playing a key role in their inability to rise up the table after the manager’s appointment back in November.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
However, they still have the opportunity to end the season on a high, currently in a European semi-final and holding a 3-0 advantage over Athletic Club following the away leg.
Should they go all the way and win the competition, they will secure Champions League qualification, with added squad depth needed to compete at the top level of European football next campaign.
An update on United’s hunt for new additions
Given the summer transfer window is now just around the corner, numerous links have emerged, including that of Liam Delap, who has been touted as the club’s top target for the attacking department.
The Ipswich Town talisman has netted 12 goals in his 34 appearances in 2024/25, but looks set to leave Kieran McKenna’s side after their relegation back to the Championship, which has seen the forward’s £30m release clause become active.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapapplauds fans after the match
However, despite the improvements in forward areas, the backline is also in need of investment, potentially coming in the form of Barcelona centre-back Ronald Araujo, according to reports in Spain.
It states that the Red Devils are currently preparing a £68m bid for the Uruguayan international, who has made 22 appearances across all competitions for the LaLiga giants.
The report also claims that he’s hugely admired by staff behind the scenes at Old Trafford, potentially being a key piece in their rebuild, which desperately needs to happen this summer if they are to move in the right direction.
Why United’s £68m target could revive Andre Onana
Goalkeeper Andre Onana was seen as the man to take United to the next level after arriving back in the summer of 2023, replacing fan-favourite David de Gea in the process.
Manchester United'sAndreOnana
His ball-playing attributes were seen as a key attribute to help the side progress, but the move up until now has been a disaster, often producing a clanger which has resulted in their lowly league standing.
The Senegalese has made five errors leading to goals across all competitions, with his mistakes against Lyon nearly putting the side out of the tournament and ending any hopes of a trophy.
Questions have been asked about his long-term future at Old Trafford as a result, with it unclear whether Amorim will stick or twist with the former Inter Milan shot-stopper in 2025/26.
However, he could be revived at the club, especially if the side are to bolster their backline with a move for Araujo, with the 26-year-old having the defensive qualities to improve the situation.
Barcelona defenderRonald Araujo.
The Uruguayan, who’s been labelled “one of the best defenders in the world” by Carles Puyol, has starred this season despite his lack of action, registering two combined goals and assists.
He’s also starred at the back, completing 91% of passes, handing United a composed presence at the back and undoubtedly taking the pressure off Onana at the back.
Games played
10
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
91%
Progressive passes per 90
4
Tackles won
1.9
Blocks made
1.5
Clearances made
4
Aerials won
3.8
Araujo has also impressed out of possession, winning 1.9 tackles per 90 and making 1.5 blocks per 90 – preventing the ball from getting through and facing Onana between the sticks.
Defensive solidity is desperately needed at Old Trafford, enabling Amorim to take the side to the next level and hopefully make him a success during his tenure at the club.
The deals they make over the next couple of months will be crucial, needing to sign the right players to take them back towards glory, with Araujo the man who could massively bolster the defensive department.
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The Liverpool and Manchester City duopoly in the Premier League continues. Arne Slot has taken the title from Pep Guardiola, ending four years of dominance and doing so in his first season at the helm.
As all of a Liverpool persuasion will be aware, it’s gearing up to be a significant summer for the Anfield side, with sporting director Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards, FSG’s chief executive of football operations, planning for a wave of first-team investment.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
Last year, City enjoyed their record-breaking fourth Premier League title in succession, and most thought that they would retain their throne once more. Or, otherwise, fall against an Arsenal side that has been on the rise for several years now.
But it wasn’t to be. Liverpool, still bruised from Jurgen Klopp’s decision to step down from his long-held seat in the Anfield dugout, have been head-and-shoulders above their rivals since the early knockings.
Candidly, clinching the title has almost looked a formality since January, with the Darwin Nunez-inspired victory at Brentford lifting the Reds six points clear of second-place Arsenal, and with a game in hand at that.
But there’s been something missing. Nunez isn’t good enough and will be sold this summer, while various concerns relating to defence will call for change there too. However, Liverpool will jump on a new centre-midfielder if an opportunity presents itself.
The missing piece in Liverpool's midfield
In fairness, Liverpool’s midfield doesn’t need to undergo major surgery. Klopp’s dramatic rebuild of 2023 has proved a bona fide success, with Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai and Ryan Gravenberch starting the lion’s share of Liverpool’s Premier League fixtures and Wataru Endo earning cult status for his combative cameos.
Ryan Gravenberch, Curtis Jones and Dominik Szoboszlai for Liverpool
Curtis Jones, 24, has also enjoyed the outstanding season of his career thus far, starting 17 league games and earning praise from his manager for his “complete” take on the midfield game.
It’s remarkable that these players have stepped up and delivered England’s prized trophy after FSG failed to convince Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi to leave the Basque Country and join this new project.
Liverpool opted against signing a different deep-lying midfielder and were met with frustration from supporters, derision from rivals. Gravenberch’s incredible rise from a previously middling role has been the core of Liverpool’s successful season.
Matches (starts)
26 (12)
34 (34)
Goals
1
0
Assists
0
4
Touches*
28.8
67.3
Pass completion
83%
89%
Key passes*
0.6
0.7
Dribbles*
0.9
1.0
Ball recoveries*
2.8
5.3
Tackles + interceptions*
1.5
3.6
Duels (won)*
2.8 (47%)
5.0 (58%)
Indeed, the owners’ decision has been vindicated now that Slot has sealed the club’s record-equalling 20th top-flight trophy.
There have been times when the engine room has looked a little tired of late, namely during costly defeats against Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final.
Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph
If the right player comes along, Liverpool will pounce, with one of the Premier League’s finest very much on Hughes’ radar.
Liverpool learn conditions for PL star
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool have learned that it will take a mammoth fee of £80m to convince Crystal Palace to part with Adam Wharton this summer.
Liverpool are keen admirers of the deep-lying playmaker, who has been a revelation since joining the Eagles from Blackburn Rovers in the Championship last year for a £18m fee.
The 21-year-old is also on Man United’s radar, but given that he fits the profile to jockey with Gravenberch for that number six spot, it might be the perfect move for Slot’s fluid system.
Why Adam Wharton is perfect for Slot
Liverpool’s current midfielders have cemented their legacies and then some, joining the illustrious names of old: Fabinho, Gini Wijnaldum, Jordan Henderson, Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso.
Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton
Wharton has the talent to add his name too, hailed as an “unbelievable talent” by BBC analyst Raj Chohan after his incredible start to life in Oliver Glasner’s Palace team last season.
This term, despite injuries, he has played a big part for his London-based side, actually earning praise from respected journalist Henry Winter for being a “passing machine” as Aston Villa were comprehensively defeated in the FA Cup semi-final, also hailing him as “the best player on the pitch.” Big-game quality, confirmed.
As per FBref, he actually ranks among the top 8% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for both progressive passes and ball recoveries, the top 12% for shot-creating actions and the top 15% for assists per 90, perfectly illustrating his passing prowess and an athleticism that Slot seems to desire so greatly.
Wharton still has much to learn, but with such exciting ball-playing skills, he could take the shape of a former Liverpool star like Alonso, slotting into a similar role for the Reds’ flourishing coach.
Alonso might be one of the most esteemed managers at present, leading Bayer Leverkusen to an invincible domestic double last year and now the firm favourite to succeed Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid, but he was once a superstar of a midfielder.
A Spanish maestro, Alonso starred across, winning the Champions League and FA Cup across five campaigns before walking that well-trodden path from Anfield to the Spanish capital, sold to Madrid in a £30m package back in 2009.
Xabi Alonso in action for Liverpool.
Gerrard once claimed that Alonso was his “favourite partner for club and country,” with the 43-year-old’s silky and cerebral approach to the midfield game something that opened up new lanes from which the robust Three Lions star could travel.
Wharton boasts a similarly high footballing IQ and could take the likes of Mac Allister and Gravenberch to the next level.
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Adding Wharton to the fold would certainly serve to elevate Slot’s existing midfield options, with the young playmaker operating in a deep-set role to influence and advance fluency in a similar vein to a former Liverpool hero named Alonso.
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This talented player is open to leaving his club this summer.
Looking ahead towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly launched a mega move to sign a Ligue 1 midfielder who could become the perfect partner for Youri Tielemans.
Tielemans receives Team of the Year recognition
Having struggled to nail down a starting place at Villa Park in the early days under Unai Emery, Youri Tielemans was in danger of becoming a nearly man, having been touted for incredible things when he departed Belgium to join Leicester back in 2019. The season of 2024/25 has been the year of the Belgian at the heart of Villa’s midfield, however, and he is now undeniably crucial to Emery’s side.
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The 28-year-old has finally reached the potential that many tipped him to reach many moons ago, and even earned his way into Jamie Carragher’s Team of the Season to recognise that on Monday Night Football.
Emery is well aware of Tielemans’ importance these days too, having told reporters in April: “He’s a guy who can pick up balls and make the team play, but also break up play just as easily. It’s a joy to play with him—and very easy.”
Finding the perfect partner for the former Leicester man hasn’t been quite as easy, though. Amadou Onana initially got off to an impressive start, but injury setbacks remain a concern even though he is undeniably a potential world class player at his best.
Youri Tielemans
Boubacar Kamara has also faced spells on the sidelines throughout his time in the Midlands. The fact is that Tielemans has been the consistent face at the heart of Villa’s side, as they have continued to fight for a place in the Champions League. And they must hand the Belgian a partner with similar consistency.
Aston Villa launch mega Diarra move
One target who could be perfect for that role comes in Ligue 1. According to reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter, as relayed by Get French Football News, Aston Villa have now launched a mega move to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, who will allow their captain to leave if the right offer arrives this summer.
The 21-year-old, like the majority of his teammates, has enjoyed an impressive season under Liam Rosenior and could now be on the move as a result. Already a leader despite his tender age, Diarra ticks a number of crucial boxes needed to partner Tielemans at the centre of Emery’s strongest side.
Starts
30
35
Progressive Passes
4.44
7.03
Progressive Carries
2.34
1.17
Ball Recoveries
3.45
4.35
Whilst the numbers show just how impressive Tielemans has been in possession this season, they also highlight that Diarra could complete the ball-carrying in Villa’s midfield. Both players, looking at their strengths, would complement each other almost perfectly to hide any clear weaknesses in their respective games.
Analyst Ben Mattinson shared similar praise for the Strasbourg captain, dubbing the Aston Villa target a “strong ball carrier” and a “very complete midfielder” earlier this season.