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Glasgow Rangers were dealt a big blow back in April earlier this year when versatile star Dujon Sterling suffered a long-term Achilles injury.

The English star had to be stretchered off during a Europa League clash, and Barry Ferguson confirmed after the game that he would be a long-term absentee for the Gers.

Sterling had to have surgery on the injury and it now remains to be seen when the versatile Rangers man will be available for action again for the Scottish Premiership giants.

He has played 70 times, in a multitude of positions, for the Light Blues since his move from the Premier League side in 2023, and the club could repeat their success with him by signing another player from Chelsea.

Rangers in talks to sign Chelsea defender

The Ibrox giants can find themselves a quality defensive option by raiding Chelsea for another player who is unlikely to break into their first-team squad next season.

Transfer Focus

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

According to football.london reporter Bobby Vincent, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Ishe Samuels-Smith from the English side this summer to bolster Russell Martin’s options at the back.

The journalist claims that the Gers have held club-to-club talks with Chelsea to sign the full-back on loan, whilst Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Stoke City are also keen on snapping him up.

Vincent adds that Rangers, and three English teams, are pushing to secure the 19-year-old left-back, who was signed from Everton for £4m in 2023, on loan for the 2025/26 campaign, with his future set to be ‘clearer’ within the next two weeks.

Why Rangers should sign Ishe Samuels-Smith

Whilst it may not be a permanent deal, as it was with Sterling, Rangers should sign Samuels-Smith from Chelsea because he could follow in the footsteps of the last signing from the Blues.

As aforementioned, Sterling has been an incredibly versatile operator for the Gers, playing at right-back, right midfield, defensive midfield, left-back, and centre-back during his time in Glasgow so far.

In Samuels-Smith, Rangers could find another versatile star who can operate in a host of different positions to cover when needed for Martin, as a terrific squad option.

The 19-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance in his career, which makes it difficult to predict what his role in the squad will be, but his positions at youth level for Chelsea and Everton show that he could be called upon in several areas of the pitch.

Left-back

47

Centre-back

26

Left-midfield

5

Right-back

2

Defensive midfield

1

As you can see in the table above, Samuels-Smith is similar to Sterling in the sense that he has the potential to play as a full-back, a centre-back, or as a defensive midfielder, albeit as a left-sided option primarily, instead of a right-sided one.

In terms of his quality, his former Everton coach David Unsworth claimed that he has an “incredible future” ahead of him, whilst analyst Kai Watson believes that he has “elite” potential.

The post above also shows that he impressed Watson at U21 level in the Premier League 2 last season, which suggests that the teenage sensation would arrive at Ibrox this summer full of confidence to take on his first go at senior football.

Overall, as a low-risk loan move, Samuels-Smith could be a smart signing for the Gers as an extremely versatile young talent with the potential to offer value in multiple positions, possibly making him excellent cover for Sterling until he returns from his injury.

As dispensable as Propper: English club submit bid to sign Rangers flop

Rangers have received an offer for a player who should be as dispensable as Robin Propper.

ByDan Emery Jul 2, 2025

After signing Florian Wirtz for a British-record £116m on a contract worth £200,000-a-week, Liverpool are now reportedly willing to sell one of their star men after he demanded to match that salary.

Liverpool unveil Florian Wirtz

Not many gave Liverpool a chance when rumours initially emerged that they were battling Bayern Munich and Manchester City for Wirtz’s signature, but the German’s mind was soon made up and football’s latest open secret quickly stole the headlines. With a Premier League winners’ medal around his neck following his first season at Anfield, Arne Slot now arguably has the best No.10 that European football has to offer at his disposal.

Wirtz didn’t come cheap, but talents of his calibre rarely do in today’s market and that record price-tag will quickly become worth it if he replicates his Bayer Leverkusen numbers during his time at Anfield.

Appearances

197

Goals

57

Assists

65

It’s no surprise that Liverpool decided to make their new signing one of their highest earners, either, with reports suggesting that he’ll earn around £200,000-a-week in Merseyside – a salary that only Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk better on the Reds’ wage bill.

After putting pen to paper, Wirtz explained his move – telling Liverpool’s official media channels: “I just thought that it was the right point in my career to make the next step and of course I wanted to get to a club that is from the top three in the world, and in my opinion Liverpool was one of them.”

Liverpool hold talks to sign "fantastic" star loved by Jordan Henderson

The Reds are making more moves on the market.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 21, 2025

Despite spending big money on their new signing, however, it seems as though Liverpool are not prepared to do the same to keep hold of one of their star defenders this summer.

Liverpool now willing to sell Konate

According to Caught Offside, Richard Hughes and Liverpool are now willing to sell Ibrahima Konate this summer for around €60m (£51m) after he demanded a wage increase to £200,000-a-week at Anfield.

With just one year remaining on the Frenchman’s current deal too, the Reds are desperate to avoid a repeat of Trent Alexander-Arnold’s exit as a free agent and have reportedly set a contract deadline until the end of the summer.

What only adds fuel to the fire of Konate’s current position are reports that Liverpool are now looking to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace this summer. Whilst, as things stand, it seems as though the Palace man would be replacing the Leverkusen-bound Jarrel Quansah, there’s no doubt that the Reds will be well aware that he could also solve their Konate problem.

Whether Guehi can truly match Konate’s quality will be the big question if the move happens. It would certainly be a bold move by all those involved at Anfield.

Nottingham Forest have acted swiftly in the 2025 summer transfer market. With European football taking place at the City Ground for the first time this century, Nuno Espirito Santo is eyeing deals for Jair Cunha, Cuiabano, and Igor Jesus from Brazilian side Botafogo.

This certainly appears to be a wonderful piece of business for the club, especially given the success of South American talents such as Murillo and Danilo at the City Ground.

Santo won’t be resting on his laurels, however, especially with the chance to attract high-profile players this summer.

With that in mind, he will be keen to recruit smartly. As such, might the former Wolves boss be looking at someone who shone in the Championship last term?

Nottingham Forest eyeing Championship star

According to Football Insider, Forest are now looking to ramp up their interest in Norwich City winger Borja Sainz during the summer transfer window.

Porto and Athletic Club are also eyeing a move for the 24-year-old sensation, suggesting Santo has plenty of competition, after his performances in the Championship.

While signing players from Brazil and further afield appears to be the club’s philosophy, there is some value to be had from the second tier of English football.

Of course, success in the second tier doesn’t mean a player will explode in the Premier League. Sainz, however, does look like he could be a fine addition to most clubs in the top flight.

Might he even be an upgrade on Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Why Nottingham Forest must sign Borja Sainz

Hudson-Odoi played all but seven Premier League matches for Forest last term, scoring five goals and grabbing three assists in the process.

Solid, if unspectacular, numbers by the former Chelsea sensation. Could these be improved upon next season?

League level

Hudson-Odoi

Sainz

Goals

5

18

Assists

2

4

Big chances created

3

9

Successful dribbles per game

1.2

2.4

Key passes per game

1.5

1.2

Total duels won per game

2.8

6

Last season for Norwich, Sainz netted 19 times and registered four assists across 43 matches for the Canaries in all competitions. This works out as a goal contribution every 1.8 matches.

These sorts of numbers would give Santo a major boost on the left wing, as the aforementioned statistics suggest that he has the potential to deliver even more quality than Hudson-Odoi in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Sainz also created nine big chances for his teammates last term, along with averaging 1.2 key passes per match and succeeding with an impressive 2.4 dribbles per game for the Canaries.

As such, he was dubbed “ruthless” by pundit Don Goodman, who also said: “You could see there was a really good player in him last season, despite scoring six goals and registering just two assists.

“He’s gone to another level this season, though.”

When compared to his positional peers in the second tier last term, Sainz ranked in the top 3% for both non-penalty goals (0.45) and successful take-ons (2.47), but he also ranked in the top 6% for total shots (2.94) per 90.

Another level indeed. Compare this to Hudson Odoi’s stats, and there is a clear difference. The Englishman fails to rank in the top 30% for any of the statistics listed above.

Of course, Sainz’s were recorded in the Championship, but if given the chance, he can sparkle in the top flight, no doubt about that.

Nottingham Forest now rivalling Chelsea to sign "complete" £25m midfielder

He’s a wanted man…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 20, 2025

Celtic have already brought in one left-back as Greg Taylor edges closer to the exit door and could be set to recruit another if recent reports are to be believed.

Celtic star Greg Taylor set to leave after Kieran Tierney arrival

Making a start to the window that has created plenty of headlines, Celtic announced Kieran Tierney’s arrival on a free transfer from Arsenal after finding an agreement to bring the Scotland international home in January.

In light of this, long-serving defender Greg Taylor appears to be on the move to PAOK on a two-year deal with the option of a further 12 months. Should he depart under freedom of contract, that will leave the Bhoys in need of another left-back this summer.

The question then becomes, who could become a realistic competitor to Tierney? According to reports, Sassuolo star Josh Doig is being tracked by Celtic and may be on the move back to Scotland after starting his career at Hibernian.

There is also the prospect of a youth player such as Matthew Anderson or Mitchel Frame coming in to fill the void. If that scenario arises, B team manager Stephen McManus believes there is no better role model than Kieran Tierney at Parkhead for young stars to look up to.

He explained: “Kieran’s coming back at the age that he’s at, his full career’s ahead of him. For the national team, for us as a club, it’s tremendous.

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The Bhoys mean business.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 12, 2025

“It’s given everybody a real boost and for the younger lads it’s another role model that we’ve got to look up to.”

Supporters are eagerly anticipating movement on incomings and there could now be potential for Celtic to land a Scottish Premiership star if reports are to be believed.

Celtic in James Penrice scouting mission

According to The Daily Record, Celtic have ran scouting checks on Heart of Midlothian left-back James Penrice and could look to strike on the market for the former Partick Thistle man in their hunt for a competitor to lock horns with Tierney.

Although their watchful eye isn’t to be mistaken for something more, it does show that Rodgers and company are doing their due diligence on potential targets to strengthen their backline.

James Penrice in Scottish Premiership action – 2024/25 (FBRef)

Chances created

56

Successful crosses

69

Successful dribbles

21

Tackles won

48

Recoveries

116

Labelled “outstanding” by Neil Critchley, Penrice registered two goals and seven assists in 40 appearances across all competitions last term as Hearts narrowly missed out on a top-six finish.

Nevertheless, with Derek McInnes now at the helm, it remains to be seen whether the ex-Kilmarnock boss would be willing to part ways with one of his prize assets.

Hearts and Celtic don’t share a great deal of rapport on and off the pitch, so it would likely take a significant fee to tempt the Jambos into letting Penrice leave Tynecastle for a divisional rival.

A £2.5m Rangers player has agreed terms with a new club to leave Ibrox as he doesn’t feature in Russell Martin’s plans.

Rangers announce Martin as new manager

The Gers finally brought their long-running search for a new permanent manager to an end on Thursday, with Martin unveiled to the media as Philippe Clement’s successor.

Martin, who had a brief spell on loan at Rangers during his playing days back in 2018, has signed a three-year deal in Glasgow and is confident he can silence the critics.

Looking to win just Rangers’ second Scottish Premiership title in 15 years in 2025/26, Martin has plenty of work to do in a short space of time, with the Gers’ first Champions League qualifier scheduled for July 22/23.

With the transfer window now temporarily open, Rangers will be looking to make their mark in the window, having recently been linked with a move to sign South American midfielder Vicente Pizarro as the first signing of the Martin era.

Rangers can sign best striker since Morelos in move for "world-class" star

Now that Russell Martin has officially been appointed the new Rangers manager, could they sign a “world-class” striker on a free transfer?

ByBen Gray Jun 6, 2025

However, there could also be a number of Ibrox departures ahead of the new season, and an update has emerged on Robin Propper amid claims he is looking to leave the club.

Propper agrees three-year deal to leave Rangers for FC Twente return

According to reports in the Netherlands, relayed by Sport Witness, Propper, who joined Rangers last summer from FC Twente, could be about to make his return to the Eredivisie side.

The Gers paid £2.5m to sign Propper, however, they are now ready to sell the centre-back for half of that figure, with the player himself already agreeing a three-year deal to return to Twente.

An agreement between Twente and Rangers is expected to be finalised quickly, with Propper not in Martin’s Ibrox plans.

Games

40

Goals

2

Yellow cards

9

Red cards

1

Tackles per game

1.4

Clearances per game

3.9

As can be seen, Propper featured regularly under Clement and interim boss Barry Ferguson, but his days in Scotland look numbered.

A move will be one to keep an eye on, especially as the transfer window is set to shut on June 10 and re-open again on June 16.

It appears as though Steven Gerrard is in the running to be the next manager of Glasgow Rangers.

His previous spell between 2018 and 2021 saw the Ibrox side win their first Premiership title since 2011 before he left for Aston Villa.

He was savvy in the transfer market, bringing in a mix of young players with plenty of potential and experienced professionals who were ready to make an immediate impact.

One of his most underrated signings was Jermain Defoe, who enjoyed a productive Indian summer to his career in Glasgow.

Jermain Defoe’s Rangers statistics

The Englishman arrived at Rangers in January 2018 on an 18-month loan deal, scoring on his debut against Kilmarnock.

He ended up with eight goals during his first six months, before netting 17 across 32 games the following season. In January 2020, he signed a pre-contract agreement to join the club permanently and went on to play a bit-part role in the 2020/21 title-winning campaign.

Games

20

Goals

13

Goals per game

0.7

Scoring frequency (minutes)

77

Minutes per game

50 minutes

Defoe scored only five times all season, but he won his first-ever domestic title in the process. He left Ibrox less than six months later, but the veteran striker was great to have around the training ground, offering advice and encouragement to the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe.

While the transfer strategy has changed over the years, if Gerrard is appointed as manager, could he make a similar sort of signing in Jamie Vardy this summer?

An English centre-forward with a host of experience in the Premier League, looking for one final crack at the big time. It makes sense when you think about it…

Why Rangers should sign Jamie Vardy

Ally McCoist has stated his desire to see Vardy in a Rangers’ shirt next season, and given the fact he is soon to be a free agent, a prospective move could be closer than many think.

Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 years, making his 500th appearance for the club last week while netting his 200th goal for the Foxes.

It has been a remarkable career in the Premier League for the Englishman and he was even named as a “living legend” by manager Ruud van Nistelrooy recently.

He might be 38, but a season or two in Scotland could still see him finding the back of the net on a regular basis, especially if used as an impact sub.

The striker – who has ten goals to his name this term, including nine in the league – has managed to create six big chances in the top flight, having a goal conversion percentage of 16% and averaging 1.7 shots per game.

Not excellent statistics by any stretch of the imagination, but for Rangers, he could certainly replicate the feats of Defoe should the Ibrox side come calling this summer.

It may go against the club’s ethos of prioritising younger talents, but Vardy would offer something different in the final third.

That something might just make all the difference towards the end of the season. That’s for sure.

Rangers could sign Gerrard and immediately suffer blow as Arsenal poach 17 y/o

It could be a frustrating start for the Liverpool legend if he returns to Ibrox.

ByTom Cunningham May 23, 2025

Liverpool are now confident they’re leading the race for a defender, who has been identified as a top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new full-backs

Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Reds, in a major boost for Arne Slot, but the manager may still be tasked with reshaping his defence in the summer transfer window, as Trent Alexander-Arnold has now confirmed his decision to leave.

With Trent heading for the exit door, Slot may choose to install Conor Bradley as his first-choice right-back, but there have also been links with Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman believed to be keen on a move to Anfield.

Not only may a new right-back be required, but Slot could also look at bringing in a replacement for Andy Robertson, with the Scotland international now arguably in the twilight years of his career at the age of 31.

Liverpool now willing to offer up Chiesa to buy 19-goal star in £50m+ swap

The Reds could pull off a surprise swap deal…

1 BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025

Jamie Carragher also suggested Robertson was past his best earlier in the campaign, saying: “I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game.”

According to a report from TEAMtalk, AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is now the top target for Liverpool at left-back, with his current employers set to hold out for a fee of £45m, amid widespread interest in his signature.

Real Madrid and Manchester City are also keen on the Hungarian, with the Spanish side scouting him this season, but the Reds believe they are still leading the race.

"Mad man" Kerkez could be ideal Robertson heir

The Hungary international has established himself as a vital player for Bournemouth this season, making 36 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has showcased his attacking threat by picking up two goals and six assists.

Robertson is also very capable on the front foot, having amassed 67 assists during his time with the Reds, so the Bournemouth star could be a like-for-like replacement in that regard, while he has also caught the eye of journalist Zach Lowy.

Bournemouth teammate Marcus Tavernier is clearly a big fan of the 21-year-old too, saying: “He’s a mad man! He’s great, I love that guy to pieces. He brings a lot of energy to the team when it’s quiet and stuff. He has come into the team and been great.”

Having proven himself in the Premier League, Kerkez could be the ideal replacement for Robertson this summer, and Liverpool should look to secure a deal before Real Madrid or Man City step up their interest.

Manchester United have had a dismal season, irrespective of what happens on Wednesday night, as they are on course to finish closer to the bottom three than the top five in the Premier League.

The Red Devils, who face Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final this week, will not be playing European football next term if they fail to beat Spurs.

It is fair to say that recruitment has been a big problem for United in recent seasons, with too many flops and not enough hits, and Andre Onana is one example of that.

Why Andre Onana has been a flop for Manchester United

The Premier League giants reportedly paid a fee of £47.2m to sign the Cameroon international from Dutch side Ajax in the summer of 2023 to replace club legend David De Gea.

Unfortunately, Onana, who made his 100th appearance for the club in the defeat to Chelsea, has been far too error-prone between the sticks for the Red Devils over the past two seasons, as illustrated by the statistic below.

The 29-year-old dud has prevented 3.34 goals, based on the xG against him, which shows that he has performed fairly well as a shot-stopper overall in the Premier League, but the errors have let him down.

United cannot rely on their number one goalkeeper week-in-week-out because of how many errors he has made that have directly led to goals, which is why he has been a flop for the Red Devils.

Chalkboard

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

Onana, however, was not even the worst signing that was made in the summer of 2023, as centre-forward Rasmus Hojlund was an even worse piece of business.

Why Hojlund was a worse signing than Onana

Ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, Manchester United decided to splash the cash on a new number nine, signing the Danish attacker from Atalanta for a mammoth £72m transfer fee.

The 22-year-old centre-forward has yet to live up to his huge price tag, though, with just 14 Premier League goals to his name since the start of last season.

Hojlund, who was described as “anxious” to score by Ruben Amorim, has not done enough to get himself in high-quality scoring positions on a regular basis, as shown by the incredible statistic including Harry Maguire above.

Appearances

30

31

xG

7.64

5.14

Goals

10

4

Big chances missed

13

6

Ground duel success rate

45%

35%

Aerial duel success rate

27%

24%

As you can see in the table above, the Denmark international has accrued less than 13 xG in 61 Premier League appearances as a centre-forward for United and has regularly been dominated by opposition defenders in physical duels.

Earlier this week, Manchester United legend Roy Keane criticised the attacker’s position in the squad, suggesting that he should be way further down the pecking order at Old Trafford.

The former Ireland international said: “Hojlund, in his defence, I think should have been a back-up striker. Third or fourth choice, and learn his trade off some brilliant strikers. He is not good enough.”

His poor statistics in a United shirt in the Premier League suggest that the criticism is fair, but the club also paid a significant amount of money for him, and he has failed to deliver.

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ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025

Onana has, at least, been the first-choice goalkeeper and been a net-positive with his xG prevented, despite the errors, and cost £24.8m less than the striker, which is why Hojlund has been an even worse signing for the club with his struggles at the top end of the pitch.

Leeds United are now interested in signing a “unique” Premier League striker, but there could be competition for his signature from fellow promoted Championship side Burnley, according to a report.

Leeds planning for next season after sealing promotion

Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League was confirmed on Monday night, courtesy of Burnley defeating Sheffield United 2-1 at Turf Moor, and they have already started to make plans for their first season back in the top flight.

Surprisingly, there have been widespread reports the 49ers are considering sacking manager Daniel Farke, perhaps in light of the fact the German has struggled during his previous stints in the Premier League with Norwich City.

Not only are the 49ers considering bringing in a new manager, but there is also a strong desire to upgrade the playing squad, and there has now been a new update surrounding the Whites’ potential transfer business.

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Journalist Pete O’Rourke has revealed there will be a focus on bringing in players with Premier League experience, in order to give Farke’s side the best chance of avoiding the drop, and they are particularly interested in signing a new goalkeeper and striker.

Amid plans to bring in a new striker, Leeds have now swooped for Ipswich Town’s George Hirst, according to a report from Football Insider, but it could be hard to prise the 26-year-old away from the Tractor Boys.

Ipswich are desperate to keep hold of Hirst, given that fellow striker Liam Delap is expected to leave this summer, and they are now keen to tie the Scot down to a new deal to extend his stay at Portman Road beyond 2027.

Burnley are also interested in signing the forward, and it remains to be seen whether Ipswich are able to ward off interest from the two soon-to-be Premier League clubs.

"Unique" Hirst is dominant in the air

The Scotland international arrived at Portman Road for just £1.5m during Ipswich’s League One days, picking up 18 goals and 11 assists in 76 appearances for the club, with two of those goals coming in the Premier League this season.

Unsurprisingly, the Sheffield-born striker has found it difficult to displace Delap in the starting XI, often being utilised as a substitute, while he also missed a large portion of the season due to a knee injury.

As such, it is difficult to assess whether the former Portsmouth man would be capable of being the first-choice striker for a club with aspirations of avoiding the drop, with manager Kieran McKenna describing his skill-set as “unique”.

At the very least, Hirst could be a solid option as a target man off the bench for Leeds, given that he stands at a towering 6 foot 3 and ranks in the 97th percentile for aerials won per 90 over the past year, when compared to other strikers.

Patrick Dorgu has become a key player at Manchester United since his January move from Lecce. The Dane, who cost the Red Devils £25m up front, has already played ten times for his new club this term, although he did miss three games due to suspension.

The 20-year-old is yet to score or assist for the first time in a United shirt. However, he did win a penalty, which Bruno Fernandes converted in the Europa League Round of 16 against Real Sociedad, showing just how deadly he can be.

With that being said, it has not all been smooth sailing for the wing-back. Aside from his red card, he was recently rotated out of the team for United’s 4-1 loss away to Newcastle United, with Harry Amass stepping into his shoes.

Amass’ full debut for United

For a football fan, there probably aren’t many better birthday presents than making your professional debut, and for Man United, nonetheless. Well, that was the case for Amass, who made a substitute appearance away to Leicester City in the Premier League on his 18th birthday.

Just weeks later, the youngster, who was born in London and played for Watford’s academy originally, made his first start in the top flight. The youngster was selected to start ahead of Dorgu at left wing-back.

Indeed, it was an impressive showing from Amass, as the stats on Sofascore reflect. The 18-year-old had 31 touches of the ball, completed 85% of his passes and won two duels. He certainly performed well.

That was certainly a sentiment that football statistician Statman Dave seemed to agree with. He was full of praise for Amass, explaining that he “didn’t look out of place in senior football” at St James’ Park last weekend.

There is certainly no worry about squad depth for the Red Devils at left-wing back, with the emergence of Amass and the signing of Dorgu. Incredibly, they are adding to that depth over the summer with another new signing.

United’s latest left wing-back signing

One of the continents where big European clubs tend to find hidden gem players is South America. Well, United may have pulled off a masterclass of their own in that sense, with the signing of youngster Diego Leon.

In the middle of January, it was confirmed by BBC Sport that the 18-year-old undertook a medical at United’s Carrington training ground. The reported fee is £6m, with the left-back set to join in the summer.

Now, United are not just signing a player without first-team experience who could one day break into the fold at Old Trafford. No, Leon has actually had years of experience at first-team level for Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno.

He has already played 26 times for the club over the past couple of years, and has even managed three goals in that time, from left-back. His 2092 minutes so far equate to 23 full 90-minute games, showing his importance to the Cerro Porteno side.

In fact, his underlying stats via Sofascore from his time in professional football so far are impressive. For example, Leon played nine key passes last term, and five this season, as well as making 45 tackles and interceptions in 2024, and 11 in 2025.

Minutes

1643

450

Key passes

9

5

Pass accuracy

71.5%

76.8%

Tackles and interceptions

45

11

Aerial duels won

21

11

One person who rates the youngster highly is football analyst Ben Mattinson. Discussing Leon in December 2024, just one month before his United medical, the analyst said he “runs like a steam train”, highlighting the physicality he will bring to Old Trafford.

Leon certainly seems like a player United fans can get excited about. The 18-year-old will bring first-team experience with him to the Premier League, and he clearly has final-third flair. He could be the perfect player for Amoirm to add to his wing-back options.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Both Amass and Dorgu may well need to watch out…

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