Tottenham Hotspur chiefs have been informed that they could sign a high-earning star for below £30 million this summer, with chairman Daniel Levy expected to seek out good-value deals amid the looming threat of a ‘sell to buy’ summer.

Ange Postecoglou preparing for crunch Europa League final

While Spurs face off against Aston Villa in the Premier League this afternoon, all eyes are instead on their looming Europa League final against Man United next week.

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ByEmilio Galantini May 15, 2025

The less said about Spurs’ dismal domestic campaign, the better – following a season of record-breaking lows where Ange Postecoglou’s side surpassed the club’s record for most Premier League losses in a single season (20).

Instead, the Europa League represents a major potential saving grace at the end of what could be Postecoglou’s final term in charge.

Son Heung-min

7.05

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.88

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

David Ornstein is among the media sources to report that Postecoglou is highly likely to leave Tottenham, even if they win the European final in Bilbao on May 21, but sealing the Lilywhites’ first piece of major silverware in 17 years would be a more-than-ideal send-off.

Victory against Man United would also work wonders in terms of attracting Spurs’ top transfer targets, as a place in the Champions League group draw for next season would undoubtedly come as a major pull, even after their struggles domestically.

One of the key items of their agenda, in terms of recruitment, is signing a new striker. Richarlison is expected to be up for sale at Tottenham this summer, and in the event Brazil’s number nine departs N17, Spurs or any new manager would need a replacement for him.

Tottenham are believed to be among the contenders for Ipswich striker Liam Delap, who could leave for just £30 million, thanks to a release clause tied in with their relegation from the Premier League.

Levy is also keen on re-negotiating cheaper terms for Mathys Tel’s permanent deal, according to reports in Germany this week, but it is unclear what the 20-year-old’s long-term role would be in the squad right now.

Tottenham informed they could sign Dusan Vlahovic for under £30 million

Now, as per GiveMeSport, Juventus star Dusan Vlahovic is another centre-forward who could be made available for an affordable transfer fee.

The Serbia international, rumoured to be on around £320,000-per-week in Turin, hasn’t exactly lived up to his “superstar” reputation during the second half of 2024/2025 – scoring just two Serie A goals this calendar year.

With his contract expiring next summer, and no extension in sight, GMS now report Tottenham have been made aware that Vlahovic could be sold this summer.

It is also claimed that, while Juve ideally want around £35 million, the Old Lady may even green-light his sale for just £20 million – largely due to his sub-par form lately and the fact he’s about to enter the final 12 months of his deal.

This could be a major opportunity for Levy, who’s been linked with a move for Vlahovic in past seasons.

The 25-year-old scored 21 Serie A goals during his best season at Fiorentina, and 16 top-flight goals for Juve just last season, so Vlahovic can be a devastating player when at his very best. The trick for Spurs’ potential new manager next season is getting it out of him.

Rangers are now “definitely” targeting an “unbelievable” manager as a potential alternative to Real Madrid assistant Davide Ancelotti, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Gers' new manager pursuit rumbles on

The Gers have been without a permanent manager since the end of February, at which point Philippe Clement was dismissed, and they are yet to find a successor to Barry Ferguson, who has been the interim boss since the Belgian’s departure.

However, it appears as though the 49ers are now stepping up their pursuit, with Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti recently emerging as a major target, having submitted an offer to lure the Italian away from the European heavyweights.

Ancelotti is not the only target in the frame, however, with Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl still under consideration, while there have also been whispers that Steven Gerrard could be in line for a return to Ibrox.

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In an interview with Football Insider, Brown has now revealed that Gerrard is under consideration to replace Ferguson in the Rangers dugout, while also stating he can envisage the 44-year-old returning to his former club.

The former scout said: “I’m always a little bit concerned when players or managers go back. But Gerrard is very well thought-of in Glasgow and he’s very well-connected in the game.

“That will give Rangers a boost, like we saw the first time he was there, in the transfer market which could be key for them when the window opens.

“I can see Gerrard going back, he’s definitely one of the targets, but they need a clear direction and clear path to go and improve.”

"Unbelievable" Gerrard is proven at Ibrox

Brown may be correct to have reservations about the Liverpool legend returning to Ibrox, especially considering his managerial career hasn’t kicked on since leaving the Gers, being sacked by Aston Villa before failing to pull up any trees with Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia.

However, the Englishman, who likes to utilise a 4-3-3 formation, knows what it takes to win the Scottish Premiership title, having led Rangers to glory in the 2020-21 campaign, picking up 102 points and going the entire league season undefeated.

In that sense, a move for the ex-Liverpool man could make sense ahead of Ancelotti, given that the 35-year-old is yet to prove himself in the hot-seat, having only been assistant manager to his father, Carlo, during spells with Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Madrid.

However, the way in which Gerrard left the Scottish side the first time around left a bitter taste, so it may also be a wise idea for the 49ers to get the new era underway by appointing a totally new manager.

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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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.

There is no getting away from it: this season has been one big disappointment after another for Arsenal.

Mikel Arteta’s side crashed out of both domestic cups, couldn’t get past Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League, and are so far behind Liverpool in the Premier League that it would be hard to say they were even in a title race.

However, while this has not been a campaign to remember for the North Londoners, there have at least been a few positives, such as the form of Declan Rice.

The Englishman has been one of the team’s best players and currently has a tally of 18 goal involvements in 50 games, so fans should be excited about recent reports linking the club to someone who could be their next Rice.

Arsenal's hunt for a new midfielder

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth reviewing some of the other midfielders linked with a move to Arsenal in recent weeks, like Martin Zubimendi and Hugo Larsson.

Transfer Focus

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The former’s proposed £51m move to the Emirates actually got the ‘here we go’ treatment from Fabrizio Romano on Saturday morning, and with Spain manager Luis de la Fuente previously describing him as one of the “best central midfielders in the world,” fans should be excited.

Interestingly, Larsson would also reportedly cost just as much this summer, but as he’s still just 20 years old, his move would likely be one for the future, and if Arteta and Co want to sign an up-and-coming central midfielder, they’d be better served acting on their supposed interest in Adam Wharton.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides keen on the Crystal Palace star.

Alongside the Gunners, the report revealed that Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Manchester City, Aston Villa and Newcastle United are interested in the young Englishman.

A potential price tag is not mentioned in the story, but another report from earlier this month claimed that it would take a massive fee of around £80m to get the midfielder out of Selhurst Park this summer.

It would be an incredibly complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Wharton’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be their next Rice.

Why Wharton could be Arsenal's new Rice

The first thing to say is that we aren’t claiming Wharton is on the same level as Rice at the moment, but there are enough similarities to suggest he could develop into someone just as brilliant.

One of the key similarities is their position and style of play, as, just like the Arsenal star, the young Palace ace started his career and primarily still plays in defensive midfield but is now incredibly influencing things at the sharp end of the pitch while maintaining his defensive output.

For example, FBref has placed him in the top 6% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for ball recoveries, the top 7% for progressive passes, shot-creating actions and dribblers challenged, the top 10% for crosses into the penalty area, the top 11% for expected assisted goals, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Wharton’s Scout Report

Statistics

Per 90

Percentile

Ball Recoveries

6.73

Top 6%

Progressive Passes

7.76

Top 7%

Shot-Creating Actions

3.91

Top 7%

Dribbles Challenged

2.95

Top 7%

Crosses into Penalty Area

0.32

Top 10%

Inswinging Corner Kicks

1.22

Top 10%

Expected Assisted Goals

0.19

Top 11%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

Top 12%

Key Passes

1.67

Top 14%

Passes into Penalty Area

1.28

Top 14%

All Stats via FBref

On top of that, just like the former West Ham United captain, the young “generational talent,” as dubbed by members of the media, would be moving to the club from a fellow London-based Premier League side in Palace.

Finally, just like the Gunners’ number 41, the up-and-coming Eagles star earned his first England cap at 20 years old and under the management of Gareth Southgate.

Ultimately, while Wharton still has a lot of developing to do, he already looks like a special player, and if Arsenal have a chance to sign him, they should take it, as they may just be getting another Rice in the making.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 14, 2025

Ruben Amorim has cut a frustrated figure since replacing Erik ten Hag at Manchester United. The Portugal tactician’s candour has worked against him at times, fingers pointed toward negativity when the club needs the opposite.

But Amorim is at least clear in his vision and clear about where the Red Devils need to improve. He’s been clear about his opinion that beating Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final will not rectify the wrongs, and he’s been clear that changes are needed in the transfer market this summer.

United are down, but they aren’t out, retaining a deep-rooted appeal for players to make the move to Old Trafford. INEOS will certainly hope the club’s reputation holds sway as they look to close their first deal of the summer.

Man Utd on the verge of signing new forward

According to Fabrizio Romano, Man United will complete the signing of Matheus Cunha in the coming days, with the Wolverhampton Wanderers forward keen on wrapping up discussions and making the move to Manchester.

Cunha has a £62.5m release clause in his Wolves contract after renewing terms in January, and given that negotiations between United and the Old Gold are at an advanced stage, it seems to be the structure of the payment being the only hold-up.

What Matheus Cunha would bring to Old Trafford

Regarded as “one of the best players in the Premier League this season” by Statman Dave, Cunha may well have been the definitive factor in Wolves’ season, firing away each week to lift his team away from the relegation fodder.

He might find he’s swiftly required as a talisman at Old Trafford next season, for his efforts suggest he’s a far cry ahead of some of Amorim’s existing options.

Alejandro Garnacho is one of United’s brightest sparks, but there’s no question that he’s ebbed and flowed this year, with talks of a transfer to Chelsea or Atletico Madrid in January coming to nought.

Such clubs may return for the £65m-rated talent this summer.

Amorim and Garnacho didn’t get off to a good start, the manager dropping his 20-year-old star in December following application problems in training.

He has evident talent, but given that Cunha is expected to join, why not cash in and start afresh? To be sure, United need quite the renovation.

And when looking at the players’ respective seasons, it’s clear that Cunha is head and shoulders above the Man United man.

Matches (starts)

31 (28)

36 (23)

Goals

15

6

Assists

6

2

Shots (on target)*

3.2 (1.3)

2.3 (0.8)

Big chances missed

2

14

Pass completion

79%

83%

Big chances created

13

4

Dribbles*

1.9

0.7

Ball recoveries*

4.0

3.0

Tackles + interceptions*

1.6

1.2

Duels won*

5.6

2.8

Cunha is far more clinical, not just outscoring Garnacho (and all the rest) but doing so with style, having missed only two big chances all season. Moreover, he’s more creative and more effective, and active in the duel.

Cunha’s defensive statistics surpass Garnacho’s too, and that’s not because of Wolves’ style of play. United are hemmed in near the bottom of the Premier League table with two games left to go, having averaged 53.2% of possession each game, as per FBref.

Transfer Focus

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

The fact is, Amorim needs this kind of player in his mix. The Red Devils need a tenacious and combative forward who will work hard and shoot true, with a flair for the creative, too.

Hailed for his “incredible” performances at Molineux by his former manager Gary O’Neil, signing Cunha, regardless of United’s Europa League fate, would make a firm comment on the club’s ability to withstand adversity and still attract some of the finest players in the Premier League.

Maybe Garnacho and the £90k-per-week Wolves sensation could work in conjunction next year, but if the Argentina prospect needs to be sold to establish room and balance for this new recruit, so be it.

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ByEthan Lamb May 17, 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.

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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.

Callum Hudson-Odoi’s 24/25 Premier League stats
Apps	28
Starts	24
Goals	5
Assists	3

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.

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.

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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.

The transfer circus is now in full swing, it would appear, with speculation raging over just who will be added to Ruben Amorim’s ranks at Manchester United this summer.

After acquiring Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven in January, it looks as if the Red Devils are set to continue this squad overhaul with the signing of Wolverhampton Wanderers star, Matheus Cunha.

As has been widely reported, United have held positive contract talks with the Brazilian amid the prospect of striking an early deal, with the 25-year-old available for £62.5m amid the presence of a release clause in his existing deal at Molineux.

While previously linked with a move to Nottingham Forest and Arsenal back in January, it looks as if Amorim and co have now won the race for the former Atletico Madrid man, all being well, with attention turning to the impact that he could make at Old Trafford.

Where Cunha will fit into the Man Utd side

With Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee scoring just six Premier League goals between them this season, the addition of a new centre-forward appears to be a real priority this summer, not least with United scoring just 38 top-flight goals collectively to date.

Despite having played through the middle in the past, it would appear that Cunha is not actually being targeted to be the new number nine, amid parallel interest in Ipswich Town talisman, Liam Delap.

In the case of the current Wolves man then, he would instead be needed to strengthen Amorim’s options in one of the new number ten berths, not least with the exiled trio of Jadon Sancho, Marcus Rashford and Antony all looking set to depart permanently.

Alejandro Garnacho, meanwhile, is yet to truly convince that he can transition from being an out-and-out winger, while Amad Diallo – who has registered 12 goals and assists in 20 games under Amorim – has notably been hampered by injury over the last two seasons.

With Mason Mount also netting just once in total since his arrival in 2023, and with Bruno Fernandes having dropped into a deep-lying role of late, the options in the number ten role are scarce, hence why Cunha could flourish.

Non-penalty goals

0.56

Top 3%

Total shots

3.56

Top 7%

Assists

0.16

Bottom 46%

Shot-creating actions

4.27

Top 20%

Pass completion

71.0%

Bottom 20%

Progressive passes

4.75

Top 22%

Progressive carries

3.79

Top 31%

Successful take-ons

2.20

Top 16%

Tackles

1.36

Bottom 49%

Interceptions

0.64

Top 20%

Having registered 14 goals in the league this season while operating in a similar system under Vitor Pereira, the Brazil international would be a ready-made solution ahead of next term.

That statement signing appears to be needed – although it shouldn’t come at the expense of young Kobbie Mainoo.

Man Utd's "generational talent" must not be sold

Be it the lack of options in attack – as noted above – or his own struggles as part of the midfield, the Amorim regime so far has brought with it a change for Mainoo, with the academy graduate largely lining up as one of the two ten’s of late.

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From making his first Premier League start as a defensive-minded option in front of the back four against Everton in November 2023, the 20-year-old has since even been deployed as a makeshift centre-forward against Crystal Palace and – more recently – Lyon, with a definitive role still yet to be found.

That transition has largely come about due to Amorim’s claims that the midfielder was “struggling a lot defensively” as part of the midfield two, albeit with the Portuguese coach also praising the youngster for his ability in the final third.

Indeed, last week’s thrilling triumph in the Europa League saw Mainoo net in almost trademark fashion with a delightful, curling effort inside the area, having previously scored in similar style against both Wolves and Liverpool last term.

That impact off the bench has highlighted just why the England starlet can thrive in a more advanced berth moving forward, albeit with the addition of a figure like Cunha only set to hamper his hopes of a regular role in the starting lineup.

For all his injury-related woes this term, it’s worth remembering that Mainoo had enjoyed a stunning emergence in 2023/24, resulting in his key role in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2024 final, having started every knockout stage game under Gareth Southgate.

Described as a “generational talent” by Hojlund, it would be a crying shame for the FA Cup final match winner to be nudged toward the exit door so swiftly, with speculation having been rife regarding his future, amid an apparent stall in contract talks.

While there may be a desire to cash in on a player who is valued at around £74m, according to CIES Football Observatory – placing him ahead of the £62.5m-rated Cunha – that soaring valuation also indicates just what a diamond he truly is.

Of course, Amorim’s 3-4-3 system may be better suited to Cunha and the like, yet not being able to find a home for Mainoo in the starting lineup would reflect poorly on the manager.

This is the type of talent that United simply can’t afford to lose.

Imagine him & Cunha: Man Utd eye bid for 'one of the best CMs in the world'

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ByRobbie Walls Apr 24, 2025

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.

League Stats – Declan Rice vs Angel Gomes
Stats (* per game)	Rice 24/25	Gomes 23/24
Matches (starts)	33 (31)	31 (29)
Goals	3	0
Assists	7	8
Touches*	57.7	65.1
Pass completion	90%	91%
Big chances created	16	15
Key passes*	1.8	1.5
Dribble success	48%	65%
Ball recoveries*	4.3	4.0
Tackles + interceptions*	2.4	1.4
Ground duels (won)*	2.4 (49%)	2.7 (53%)
Stats via Sofascore

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

Throughout the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Arne Slot has utilised a strong core of players to help his Liverpool side claim the Premier League title.

The Reds have to ensure that work is done over the summer to bolster the squad and ensure that he has enough depth to mount another charge for top spot.

It was unthinkable that the Dutchman would be able to achieve such a feat during his debut campaign at the helm, especially after taking over from fan favourite Jürgen Klopp.

However, next season presents a whole new prospect, going from the hunters to the hunted, with the former Feyenoord boss setting the bar as to what’s expected during his spell in charge.

With the transfer window now just around the corner, work has already commenced behind the scenes to hand the manager the best chance of retaining their crown.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new talent this summer

Left-back Milos Kerkez has been on their radar over the last couple of months, with the Hungarian enjoying a season to remember in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

It’s been confirmed in recent days that talks are progressing for the 21-year-old star who could be available for around the £45m mark during the off-season.

However, the defender isn’t the only player in England’s top-flight that’s caught the hierarchy’s attention, with Brighton’s Joao Pedro a target, according to Ben Jacobs.

The journalist confirmed that the Reds are big admirers of the 23-year-old forward after notching ten goals and six assists in just 27 games for the Seagulls.

He also stated that the Brazilian is seen as a potential replacement for Darwin Núñez, who’s been linked with a move away from Anfield, but any transfer could set them back around £60m.

Why Liverpool’s £60m target could be Slot’s next Mac Allister

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been a key component to Liverpool’s success this campaign, cementing his place at the heart of the side alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

The Argentinian international has featured in 35 of the 37 league outings to date, having a huge impact in attacking areas – as seen by his tally of five goals and five assists.

However, he’s also starred without the ball, winning 61% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 5.9 duels won per 90 – offering Slot the perfect box-to-box option in his midfield.

Such performances have led to calls for him to be included in the division’s Team of the Season, highlighting the impact he’s had in the Reds’ title triumph.

His £35m deal from Brighton in the summer of 2023 now appears to be a bargain, with Slot having the opportunity to replicate such a deal with Pedro this summer.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “ridiculous” by one analyst, has been a key reason in the success endured under Fabian Hürzeler this campaign, able to transfer such a skillset to Anfield.

His underlying stats highlight how impressive he’s been at the AMEX, registering 2.2 shots per 90, with one of which per game directed on target – handing the manager the added attacking presence he desires.

Joao Pedro’s stats for Brighton in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Tally

Games played

27

Goals scored

10

Assists

6

Pass accuracy

75%

Shots taken

2.2

Shots on target per 90

1

Chances created

1.4

Dribbles completed

1.4

Aerials won

1.9

Stats via FotMob

The Brazilian also managed to complete 75% of the passes he’s attempted, along with 1.4 chances created per 90, offering other attacking players around him the chance to thrive.

Pedro’s talents don’t stop there, completing 1.4 dribbles per 90 and winning 1.9 aerial duels per 90, with his all-round talents aiding the club in their quest to retain the title in 2025/26.

£60m may seem a hefty fee for the striker, but he’s already showcased that he’s capable of being a success in the Premier League – subsequently not needing to adapt to the demands it presents.

Should he get close to the levels produced by Mac Allister on Merseyside in recent months, it would be yet another super deal and one that could be a key factor in any future success.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 21, 2025