All posts by n8rngtd.top

Tottenham Hotspur are finding their feet in the Premier League this season and there is a swell of internal belief surrounding one of their most promising stars.

Tottenham's resilience leaves Frank delighted

Over the years, external narratives involving Spurs have questioned their mentality to grind out results when the pressure is on, but Thomas Frank appears to be in a position to reverse that trend.

Speaking after Tottenham’s hard-fought 2-1 victory over Leeds United last weekend, the Danish boss made it clear that his side have the dig needed to secure momentous victories even in testing circumstances.

He stated: “I think if you want to build any successful team you need mentality and character and cohesion and togetherness. No matter if you play like Inter or Barcelona or whatever style of play, you need that willingness to do everything to win, and I think we are building that more and more in the team.”

Of course, stiffer tests are to come and Frank’s men will need to show they have the mettle to claim a regular stream of points. Regardless, one loss in seven Premier League fixtures is a marked improvement on last term.

Ambition inside the building will lead that charge, and Spurs’ reported move for Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a sign that they aren’t willing to settle for just being part of the chasing pack.

Agbonlahor says Frank should be worried about Tottenham star who gives "zero"

The pundit claims he can’t be relied upon.

By
Emilio Galantini

Oct 4, 2025

Putting that aside, Frank will need to focus on the talent he has at his disposal for now, even if the January window offers an opportunity to add new faces to his collective.

Listening to that advice, the Spurs manager now believes he has a player that can rival some of the world’s best in his position over the coming years.

Frank makes exciting Archie Gray prediction

Profiling his role, Frank believes Archie Gray could one day be as good as Declan Rice or Ballon d’Or winner Rodri, and has urged the former Leeds United man to take his game to the next level under his stewardship.

He stated: “I see him as a midfielder who can play six or eight. That is his position and these days midfielders need to be more complete.

“You need to be a little bit of a six, a little bit of eight and 10 and two of the best in the world right now are probably Rodri and Declan Rice. They can do a little bit of everything. I see Archie, and they are big names to compare him to, but I see he has got the same potential.”

Making 51 appearances for a club of Tottenham’s standing at 19 years of age is a commendable achievement, though it remains to be seen if the England Under-21 international can one day rival two of the Premier League’s most established midfielders.

The New York Yankees lost Game 5 and the 2024 World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers on Wednesday night. The loss may weigh most heavily on Aaron Judge, the pinstripes superstar whose intense struggles in the Fall Classic were capped off by a game-changing error in the fifth inning on a routine fly ball. The rally the Dodgers put forth in that inning would change the course of the game and lead to the Yankees' elimination.

It will be a long offseason for Judge and even longer if he (for some reason) tunes into sports talk radio at any point, because Yankees fans are going to be airing their grievances for the next few months. The airwaves received a fine example of that on Thursday morning, when a disgusted caller demanded the Yankees strip Judge of his captaincy and ship him to Queens to play for the New York Mets after his brutal showing.

This is Pat from East Islip:

"All this talk all morning has been about how Gerrit Cole didn't cover first base. This entire World Series comes down to Aaron Judge. He didn't hit, and in the game he did hit, he dropped a fly ball any Little Leaguer would have caught. He's a disgrace to the Yankee uniform, he should be stripped of his captaincy, and as far as I'm concerned, we should trade him to the Mets."

It's about what you'd expect. Sports fans are never more irrational than after a big loss and this was the biggest loss for the Yankees in over a decade. Judge had a majestic season and will likely end up with another MVP award for his efforts, but many New York fans will only remember his regrettable October performances.

The Yankees will not trade him to the Mets, nor will they strip him of his captaincy after he became the first player in pinstripes to earn the honor since Derek Jeter. But, Judge has a long road ahead of him in proving to the fans that his October slump will be a footnote in his venerable career rather than a legacy-defining stretch.

Russell Martin may not have been the appointment many Glasgow Rangers supporters wanted, but he has carried himself well when speaking to the media.

The former Southampton manager is keen to bring a positive style of play to the Light Blues ahead of next season, focusing on a high-possession, attacking philosophy that will hopefully make the club perform well domestically.

First things first, he will need new signings, and plenty, if he stands a chance of winning the Premiership title in his first season at Ibrox.

Rangers search for new signings

The Light Blues have been linked with several names recently. Defender Max Aarons is a reported target and would be a fine addition to the squad.

As has Conor Coady, who could add some experience to the heart of the defence for next season.

Bolstering his attacking department is also a priority, and names such as Dor Turgemen and Igor Matanovic have been linked with moves.

Perhaps the most interesting rumour is regarding Matija Frigan. It was reported that the Westerlo striker may cost up to £6m should Martin look to bring the player to Glasgow this summer.

Having scored 14 goals last term, it wouldn’t be a bad piece of business for sure. But does Martin have the cash available to make such signings?

Or will he be forced to cash in on some of his prized assets to fund potential transfers? Especially someone like Mohamed Diomande, who could command a massive fee.

Rangers have struck gold on Mohammed Diomande

While it may cost around £6m to sign the Croatian hitman ahead of the 2025/25 campaign, Diomande is worth over three times more due to his impressive performances.

He moved to Rangers for just £4.3m from Danish side FC Nordsjaelland in January 2024, and he emerged as a key player under Philippe Clement.

Despite the club performing poorly last term, the Ivorian was in fine form. He registered 15 goal contributions – six goals and nine assists – across 54 matches. Not only that, but the midfielder also created 11 big chances, averaged 1.1 key passes, and won 55% of his total duels per game in the top flight.

It is no wonder he was hailed as the “complete” midfielder then by analyst John Walker just last month, and he could turn out to be the club’s next big sale.

According to Football Transfers, Diomande is currently valued at €9.3m (£8m), and this is rising exponentially.

This means he is valued at £2m more than the reported target Frigan, but if Martin wishes to sell the Ivorian starlet, then teams may have to pay over the odds to convince the Light Blues to part ways with him.

Whatever happens in the near future, whether it is this summer or next, the Light Blues have hit the jackpot on a player who could make them a fortune given what he is now worth in comparison to the fee that they paid for his services last year.

Will the new manager cash in when the iron is hot? Or wait and see if his price increases?

Only time will tell.

Rangers' top 15 goalscorers of all time

Rangers have had plenty of natural goalscorers at Ibrox over the last 150 years.

By
Ross Kilvington

Dec 26, 2024

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a very intriguing first Premier League season under new manager Thomas Frank, but not everyone will be along for the ride.

Players who could leave Tottenham after Thomas Frank arrives

The Dane has officially taken over from Ange Postecoglou, with Frank agreeing terms on a move to Spurs earlier this week after the club triggered his £10 million release clause (Fabrizio Romano).

Tottenham to open talks for "role model" forward signing after Frank request

The Dane is about to become Spurs’ new manager.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 11, 2025

Frank is seemingly braced for a completely different challenge away from the expectations of mid-table Brentford, as Spurs gear up for a 2025/2026 campaign back in the Champions League and fresh off winning their first major trophy in 17 years.

The 51-year-old has big shoes to fill as well, with Postecoglou earning popularity among the Spurs squad and many speaking out publicly in defence of the now-unemployed tactician.

Frank is likely to have a major influence on the club’s transfer activity as Tottenham’s latest head coach, with some reports suggesting he has already urged Daniel Levy to keep Mathys Tel (TEAMtalk).

His stance on certain other squad members is yet to be made clear, but we’ll find out in due course, as a fair few of them face uncertain futures.

Manor Solomon and Bryan Gil are surely likely to be sold this summer, after spending 2024/2025 on loan at Leeds United and Girona respectively, while uncertainty also surrounds the long-term future of Richarlison amid interest from Everton (Sky Sports).

A lot of noise is centered around star defender Cristian Romero right now too.

Romero is a top target for Atlético Madrid, and some reports suggest that the 27-year-old is equally keen on joining Diego Simeone’s side, despite Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League (Marca).

Alongside Romero, another big name in long-serving £190,000-per-week captain Son Heung-min could also make an emotional departure.

The Telegraph first broke news that this year could be Son’s last at Spurs, with clubs in Saudi Arabia said to be expressing an interest.

Son Heung-min exit from Tottenham on the cards as agents hold Saudi talks

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to The Boot Room, Saudi Pro League sides have held talks with the agents of Son, who may well leave Spurs 10 years after signing from Bayer Leverkusen.

Bailey goes on to say that Son may well have played his last game for Tottenham, even if his exit isn’t exactly nailed on just yet.

“Son could very well have played his last game for Tottenham, and well, if it was the Europa League final, it would be fitting,” said Bailey.

“I am told he still believes he is more than capable of recapturing his best form – but Spurs are ready to make moves this summer and Son leaving could materialise.”

The 32-year-old’s contract expires in 2026 after Levy took up the option to extend it by a further year, but it is now or never for them to make any money off Son’s sale.

That being said, a player of his experience and quality would be invaluable to have around for Frank’s first season at the club, so this comes as an extremely tough decision. Son’s also been called the most “underrated” player in England during his time in N17.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has heaped praise on a reported Andrea Berta transfer target, amid claims they’re the main contender for him if he does eventually leave his current club.

Arsenal identify striker targets as Berta searches for centre-forward

Injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus left Mikel Arteta exposed during the second half of 2024/2025, so much so that midfielder Mikel Merino needed to be deployed in an emergency striker role.

When Arsenal could now announce Martin Zubimendi deal after surprise update

The Spain international is on his way to north London.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 29, 2025

Even before Arsenal were left without a recognised number nine for an extended period, their struggles to find the net resulted in Liverpool beating them to the Premier League title by a seismic 10-point gap.

The north Londoners scored just 69 goals in the league, far lower than the 91 and 88 they’d scored in the previous two top-flight campaigns, which adds further weight to the argument that Arsenal quite simply must bring in a prolific frontman before the start of next season.

Arsenal have been heavily linked with Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres for the last three weeks and beyond, with some reports in Portugal claiming Berta has already proposed contract terms to the Swede (O Jogo).

Meanwhile, reliable media sources indicate that Arsenal are holding “concrete” talks over a move for RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko as well (Florian Plettenberg), with Arteta and Berta weighing up their best options.

Berta has been holding “numerous” talks with key attacking targets, as he’s been doing when it comes to Arsenal’s preferred names for the wing (Florian Plettenberg), so it would be little surprise if the Italian is doing the same for Arsenal’s pursuit of a new striker.

Another centre-forward who’s been linked this week is £114,000-per-week Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

Spanish newspaper Marca even reported that Arsenal are the “strongest bidder” for Alvarez, even if Fabrizio Romano has since claimed that Diego Simeone’s side will stand firm in their bid to keep hold of the Argentine.

Thierry Henry hails "complete" Julian Alvarez amid Arsenal links

Speaking on The Overlap, Henry shared his verdict on the ex-Man City striker, amid these claims that Arsenal are expressing an interest.

Henry is quoted as saying Alvarez is the “most complete” number nines he’s seen recently, with the Arsenal legend even calling the 25-year-old one of his favourite current strikers.

“One of my favourite 9s out there at the minute is Julian Alvarez,” said Henry.

“Putting pressure, playing alone, low, whatever you want to do. He can hold the ball alone. He played at the Olympic games, he played the Copa America, I don’t hear him saying ‘I’m tired’, and the way he plays it to you, you know, I just like him.”

Even if Atlético became open to selling, the cost of a potential deal would be lofty, with some reports claiming he has a £126 million release clause in his contract.

After an excellent debut campaign in La Liga, where he’s racked up 29 goals and seven assists in all competitions, tempting him back to the Premier League so soon is set to be a big ask for Berta.

Arsenal trio Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Magalhaes and William Saliba have sealed new contracts in a major boost for Mikel Arteta, according to a report, but the Spaniard still faces the prospect of losing a “massive” player.

Andrea Berta tasked with keeping vital Arsenal stars

As Gabriel attracts reported interest from Saudi Arabia, and Saliba’s links to Real Madrid refuse to go away, it is vital that new sporting director Andrea Berta cements the long-term futures of Arsenal’s star centre-back duo with Saka.

Mikel Arteta "loves" £161k-per-week Barcelona star and wants him at Arsenal

The 43-year-old is a huge fan.

By
Emilio Galantini

May 21, 2025

The Athletic recently reported that Arsenal have opened talks with Saliba over a new deal, and with Saka’s contract expiring in 2027, securing fresh terms for the latter is actually one of Berta’s top priorities.

“We will touch on several names, but I wanted to start with the top priority, which is absolutely Bukayo Saka,” said reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano on the Here We Go podcast last month.

“Bukayo Saka is out of contract in the summer of 2027, so it’s not something urgent, it’s not a worrying situation for Arsenal. But in general, Arsenal want to give a new contract to Bukayo Saka.

“So some contacts have already started. Now Bukayo and his agents will have the opportunity to meet with Andrea Berta to understand the strategy from the new director, and that’s always something important. You can start the conversation already months ago, of course, but then you need to speak to the new director to understand the view, to understand the project, and this is what’s going to happen with Bukayo Saka.”

All three Arsenal stars have played a pivotal role for Arteta since the beginning of 2022/2023 and beyond, with Gabriel and Saliba forming their stellar partnership around that time and Saka consistently standing out as England’s most exciting wide player.

Arsenal 'agree' Saka, Gabriel and Saliba deals but face Partey blow

According to Football Transfers, making a very bold claim this week, Arsenal have actually “already agreed” new deals for Saka, Gabriel and Saliba.

The outlet reports that they’re set to put pen to paper on extensions after progressive talks, which comes as some very good news for Berta and Arteta, but the same cannot be said for the reinvigorated Thomas Partey.

The £200,000-per-week midfielder has arguably enjoyed his best season to date at the Emirates, fighting his way back into Arteta’s starting eleven and bolstering a number of key positions, including right-back, in excellent fashion.

However, talks are yet to be resolved over the Ghanaian’s extension, and there is a realistic possibility that Arteta loses Partey when his current contract expires beyond June 30th.

While Arsenal have agreed to sign Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, this scenario is one Arteta will still be keen to avoid.

“He’s a massive player for us, and he’s shown that week in, week out,” said Arteta on Partey’s resurgent 2024/2025 form.

“He’s started the season really well, really fit. The way he came back post-holiday was probably in the best condition that he’s been.”

Everton are on the brink of change. Real change. Not just the elation of David Moyes returning to the dugout after so many years away; not just the change of ownership, the lift that that brings; not just an upswing in results after the shackles of Sean Dyche’s final failure were taken off.

Real change. These varying parts look like they might all come together and advance Everton forward, away from the bogs of recent seasons and into a new era, into Bramley-Moore Dock.

The Friedkin Group will have a grand vision of a future in European competition, but to achieve this, the Toffees must ensure they hit the mark in the summer transfer market.

Moyes has the skills to reach TFG’s vision of apotheosis, but he will need to be backed, with Everton already looking to make their move on a sought-after England international.

Everton chasing swift signing

Too long have Everton been hesitant in the transfer market, then jump-started in moving for an easy solution in a panic. Moyes’ decision to hold off on all but the astute signing of Charly Alcaraz in January already points toward a shift on that front.

But he and new Director of Football, Angus Kinnear, will be swift when they need to be, and GIVEMESPORT believe that sharpness will be directed toward Angel Gomes, whose deal with LOSC Lille expires next month.

GMS claim that Everton are gearing up to make an official offer for the 24-year-old, though there is an awareness of rival interest from Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

What Angel Gomes would bring to Everton

Gomes, who currently earns just £12k per week, would pounce on the chance to move back to his homeland, and while Everton would have lagged behind in such a transfer battle in years past, things are different with Moyes at the helm.

Gomes will consider the Scotsman’s ability to nurture talented midfielders into superstars. Look at Declan Rice, who emerged from West Ham’s academy under Moyes’ wing and went on to dominate in east London, win European gold and then transfer to Arsenal in a £105m deal, where he is now thriving.

Rice’s technical distinction has always been on a different level to his positional peers, with his range of passing something that elevated Moyes’ Hammers system. Now, Gomes can play the same role on Merseyside.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 5% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 19% for passes attempted and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90. So then, you can see he’s got a gift for the technical side of the game.

Injuries have sadly limited Gomes to a bit-part role at Lille this season, and he’s only started ten times in Ligue 1. Still, he’s shown off his balance nonetheless, winning 54% of his ground duels, as per Sofascore.

Deeper analysis from Gomes’ metrics this term, when compared against Rice’s, wouldn’t present the full picture, so let’s peer back at the Lille man’s league data from last year against Rice’s across the current Premier League campaign.

As you can see, both players thrive in creative capacities but like to keep it crisp. Basically, they know exactly when to make an ambitious pass but usually retain possession in the most beneficial and fluent manner.

They are also active in recovering possession, denoting athleticism which Moyes’ Everton will need to maintain the expected hard-working standard.

Bring him in. Everton can’t promise European football (yet), but they can promise a breeding ground for talented players who want to progress their careers and reach a higher level.

Praised for his “incredible” performances by French football writer Robin Bairner, Gomes would be wise to pick blue this summer.

Everton have struck gold on "magic" star who's worth more than Richarlison

Everton now have an entertaining attacking star worth more than Richarlison.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 11, 2025

Serie A giants Napoli and AS Roma are now both interested in signing an £80,000-a-week Nottingham Forest player this summer, according to a recent report.

Morgan Gibbs-White devastated with FA Cup semi-final defeat

It was a disappointing afternoon for the Reds on Sunday, in what has been a remarkable campaign for them. Nuno Santo’s side failed to turn up at Wembley against Manchester City, as the Blues were in control for 90 minutes and sealed their spot at another FA Cup final.

Wow: Nottingham Forest want to sign £15.6m-a-year Man City star with McAtee

Nottingham Forest are now keen on signing not one, but two players from Manchester City.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 27, 2025

Captain and talisman Morgan Gibbs-White was left “devastated” with his side’s defeat in the semi-final and apologised to fans, claiming he should have scored at least one of the chances he had in the game.

“It’s devastating. I feel sorry for the fans. I hold my hands up and apologise. I should have scored at least one of them chances.

“As a team, we did not start well. That is what we wanted to do. Then in the second half, we came out fighting, and we gave it absolutely everything. The support never stopped until the very last second, and we thank the fans for that because they have been so consistent with us throughout the season.

“I’m lost for words, really. I’m sad to go out like that. We gave it our everything, but we keep going. We have still got the Premier League to focus on.”

Forest now have five games remaining in the Premier League to seal their spot in next season’s Champions League. They currently sit in sixth place, two points behind third place Newcastle United, with the race firmly on between five teams.

Napoli and Roma are chasing Hudson-Odoi

Not only would Champions League football help the Reds bring in better players in the summer, but it could also help them retain some of their key men who have been so important this season and are now gaining admirers ahead of the summer transfer window opening. Indeed, according to a report from Spain, Napoli and Roma are both interested in a deal to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi from Nottingham Forest.

Both Italian teams are keen on a deal for the winger, who is under contract until the summer of 2026. The report claims that Hudson-Odoi’s speed, dribbling and ability to drive play forward make him an attractive option to reinforce their attacks.

Both Napoli and Roma see someone like Hudson-Odoi, who is on a weekly wage of £80,000 at the City Ground, as the perfect age profile to bring both experience and long-term potential, though no information is given on possible bids or fees.

But given that it is reported that Forest are already working on securing a new contract with Hudson-Odoi, who has been dubbed a “star boy” by teammate Ola Aina, and negotiations are underway, then they may not be interested in any potential sale this summer. Forest are confident that they will keep hold of the winger, but the final decision will depend on Hudson-Odoi.

While significant success is still yet to come, Arsenal have been blessed with some seriously talented players during the Emirates era.

The likes of Mesut Özil, Santi Carzorla, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fàbregas, while not all as popular as each other, were some of the most impressive players in the Premier League during their time.

Likewise, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, William Saliba and Gabriel Magalhaes are just some of Mikel Arteta’s current squad who are in the conversation for some of the best the stadium has seen.

However, when it comes down to the player who hit the highest individual heights at the Emirates, it’s hard to look past Alexis Sanchez, and now the club are looking at a player who shares some similarities with the Chilean superstar.

Arsenal transfer news

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other potential superstars Arsenal are said to be looking at ahead of the summer, such as Raphinha.

Transfer Focus

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

The Brazilian goal machine has been in sensational form for Barcelona this season, and, as of writing, has amassed an outrageous tally of 30 goals and 23 assists in just 50 appearances, making his reported £86m price tag seem entirely reasonable.

A slightly cheaper, but nonetheless game-changing signing the Gunners could make this summer is that of Viktor Gyokeres.

The Swedish international has racked up an even more incredible haul of 52 goals and 12 assists in just 48 appearances for Sporting CP, making his reported £58m fee look like a bargain.

However, the player who could become the North Londoners’ new Sanchez is someone who’s not had such a good campaign: Christopher Nkunku.

Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Arsenal are one of the teams ‘weighing up a bid’ for the Chelsea flop, who looks likely to leave Stamford Bridge this summer.

However, alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Barcelona and several Bundesliga sides are also keen on the Frenchman, who’d be available for just £40m.

It might not be a deal that goes down well with fans initially, but prior to his stint in West London, Nkunku was a highly-rated attacker, so if Arsenal can get the best back out of him, he may be a bargain, and then there are the similarities he shares with Sanchez.

Why Nkunku could be Arsenal's new Sanchez

Okay, so before the pitchforks come out, the first thing to say is that, at the moment anyway, there are no comparisons to be made between Nkunku’s output and Sanchez’s when he was at his peak in North London.

However, if Arsenal are going to splash the cash to sign the Frenchman, it won’t be off his time in West London – even though he has 21 goal involvements in 42 games – but due to his record in Germany, where he was undeniably brilliant.

For example, in his final campaign with RB Leipzig, the “amazing” attacker, as dubbed by Joao Felix, managed to score 23 goals and provide nine assists in just 36 appearances, totalling 2733 minutes.

That means the 14-capped international averaged a goal involvement every 1.12 games or every 85.40 minutes throughout the season.

With that said, it’s not just the fact he was a free-scoring player that makes him similar to a peak Sanchez, but also his playstyle and versatility.

For example, in his career to date, the Blues ace has played all across the frontline, in attacking midfield and also as a second striker, which is the same as the former Barcelona star during his time in North London.

Moreover, like the Chilean icon, his “movement and pace is an unstoppable combination” in the words of European football expert, Zach Lowy, and he can be just as effective at creating chances as scoring them.

Indeed, during his time in Germany, he managed to rack up 55 assists in 172 appearances to go along with his 70 goals.

Ultimately, while we think it’s unlikely that Nkunku would even hit the incredible heights that Sanchez did at Arsenal, there are some unmistakable similarities between the pair, such as their versatility and ability to create and score goals.

Therefore, if Arteta and Co believe they can get the best back out of him, and he’s available for a price that won’t impact their other summer plans too much, then this is a transfer that makes a lot of sense.

Worth more than Zubimendi & Partey: Arteta hit gold on Arsenal "monster"

The international star is an essential member of Arsenal’s first team.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 29, 2025

Liverpool and high-class forwards have long stood in a productive affinity, even before Jurgen Klopp changed Anfield’s direction, previously spiralling out of control under Brendan Rodgers’ wing.

There have been many. Mohamed Salah is the cream of the Premier League’s attacking pool right now, indeed one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history, but Arne Slot’s recognised strikers, Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, have been beset with problems this year.

Nunez, in particular, has been a massive let-down. No transfer figure spent in Liverpool’s long history stretches north of the Uruguayan, who joined from Benfica for £85m in 2022 but, now aged 25, is set to depart this summer having failed to ever reach his potential.

He certainly hasn’t succeeded in replacing Bobby Firmino, one of the greatest modern forwards to grace Merseyside.

Why Bobby Firmino was so special

Liverpool signed Firmino from German club Hoffenheim for £29m in 2015, months before Klopp’s appointment changed everything.

Silky and stylish, he was perfect for Klopp’s gegenpressing style of football, an industrious worker, an intelligent technician and a balletic dancer across the frontline.

Distinctive and the connecting axis from which Salah and Sadio Mane swooped and struck from either flank, the Brazilian left at the end of his contract in 2023 with a legacy that most players could only dream of.

His brilliance is all the more sorely missed due to Nunez’s failure to live up to the billing, and Liverpool appear to yearn for that presence at number nine, ramping up their interest in the next version of the South American star.

Liverpool lining up their next Firmino

As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are looking to repeat their Firmino trick in signing an up-and-comer from the Bundesliga this summer, with Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike in FSG’s scope.

Ekitike has been one of the most talked-about forwards of the current campaign, with his performances catching the eyes of numerous high-profile suitors. Liverpool scouts, indeed, were in attendance when he scored against Tottenham in the Europa League one week ago.

And it’s thought that Liverpool are now moving the 22-year-old up to the top of their summer shopping list, though they would be required to fork out €85m (about £73m).

Why Hugo Ekitike would be perfect for Slot

Alexander Isak would be the dream. But dreams aren’t often bedded in reality, and Newcastle United’s £150m demands are sure to act as a strong repellent on FSG.

And that’s completely fair enough, especially when Ekitike – who data-driven site FBref record as one of Isak’s most statistically similar players – is ostensibly available for half the price.

One of the most attractive parts about Isak’s skill set is that he can marry varying parts of the striker’s game, unleashing himself as a truly dynamic and fearsome force.

Ekitike can be that focal point for Liverpool, indeed replicating Firmino in the process.

Ekitike, like Bobby Dazzler, would be signed from Germany as an up-and-coming attacking talent, albeit with a higher stock.

But the likeness doesn’t end there. Ekitike is not just “one of the best strikers out there,” according to analyst Ben Mattinson, but his protean approach mirrors that of Firmino’s, with Frankfurt correspondent Christopher Michel piling on the praise and claiming “his technique is one of the best in Europe and his foot is like glue for the ball.”

Having struggled to get going as a youngster at Paris Saint-Germain moved on loan to Frankfurt for the latter half of the 2023/24 season before signing permanently for a reported €35m (£30m) fee.

The first impression at his new home was one of promise. He struggled to acclimatise as winter turned to spring, though he finished the campaign off on firm footing, firing home in four of Frankfurt’s final five league matches of 2023/24, assisting in the other.

This season, the seeds of success have bloomed, with the France native having posted 21 goals and nine assists across all competitions, showcasing a balance of output that Firmino would be proud of.

Let’s look at how the players compare. Firmino didn’t play all that much during his final season at Liverpool but you can clearly see the similarities between the two silky forwards, with Ekitike actually proving he has a charged athleticism that could outstrip the Brazilian even in his heyday.

This energetic and clinical quality would give Liverpool exactly what they need next season, easing Salah’s burden while giving the likes of Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz (should he stay put) greater license to strike on goal and raise their scoring numbers.

Ekitike is what Liverpool thought Nunez would be, and while he hasn’t yet step foot on Premier League grass, the talented Frenchman has the perfect skill set to front Slot’s system and the data to back it all up.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 7% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 9% for shot-creating actions and the top 5% for all of progressive carries, successful take-ons and touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

To put that another, more digestible, way: Ekitike is technically gifted, an able runner who not only drives his way into dangerous positions but maximises his chances of making things happen once arriving at such crucial junctures.

Transfer Focus

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He’s got Liverpool written all over him, and while £73m or thereabouts would put him among the Anfield side’s most expensive signings in history, the pointers suggest this would be a road worth heading down.

Imagine him & Van Dijk: Liverpool lead race for 'world's most in demand CB'

Liverpool are looking to sign one of football’s biggest talents this summer to partner Virgil van Dijk

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 17, 2025