RCB were sloppy on the field, but the bowlers put in a good shift; only two of the six used went at over nine an over
ESPNcricinfo staff13-Apr-2025
Yashasvi Jaiswal muscles a celebration upon reaching a 35-ball fifty•BCCI
Yashasvi Jaiswal made 75 off 47 balls to carry Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a total of 173 for 4 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the first game of IPL 2025 in Jaipur.Jaiswal was able to score so quickly on a slow pitch because he had shots all around the wicket and didn’t always look for the right ball to play them. His first boundary was a prime example of this when he turned a back of a length delivery into something else by charging at Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He made good of his match-up against spin – he averages 169.5 against it since IPL 2023 with a strike rate of 148 – because he was willing to indulge in shots like the reverse sweep and the lap sweep.Just before he was dismissed, Jaiswal played the shot of the day, a scoop off Josh Hazlewood even though the bowler went wide of off stump to deny the leg side to him. While all this was happening, the batters at the other end – try as they might – could only score 47 runs in 49 balls.Sanju Samson had a difficult return to a ground where he’s had a lot of recent success. Three of his last six innings in Jaipur have been half-centuries. This one though was a struggle. He was on 5 off 11 before falling for 15 off 19.RR’s lack of batting depth might be compelling them to be a little more cautious than ideal in T20 cricket and the innings was fizzling out.Dhruv Jurel was 2 off 8 but he rallied alongside Shimron Hetmyer and Nitish Rana to help his team score 47 runs in the last four overs to take them up to 173, which is just shy of the average first-innings score (180) at Sawai Mansingh stadium over the last two years in the IPL.RCB put in a good shift with the ball, only two of the six they used went at over nine an over. Krunal Pandya got through the day with a wicket and an economy rate of just 7.25.
Leeds United’s Championship hoodoo is finally over.
After slipping up in the second-tier playoff final to Southampton at the close of the 2023/24 season, the Whites had to dust themselves down and go again, and they did just that, with 100 points successfully accumulated last campaign as the Championship title came to Elland Road.
The best possible start to life back in the big time has also just greeted Daniel Farke’s men, with new recruit Lukas Nmecha the difference maker from the penalty spot to hand Leeds a narrow 1-0 win over Everton.
There will be no resting on their laurels, however, as the Premier League newcomers look to add even more exciting signings while the busy transfer window remains open.
Leeds lead race for £43m sensation
After all, the dust has barely settled on that Monday night success, and yet Leeds are very near to completing signing number nine of a full-on summer.
As reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, via X, Leeds are set to announce the signing of AC Milan winger Noah Okafor for a fee around the £18m ballpark.
This capture really should boost a Leeds attack that did manage to register 21 shots on goal against the Toffees, only to be thankfully bailed out by Nmecha’s calm approach from the penalty spot.
A new striker addition could also be on the cards in the form of FC Nantes ace Matthis Albine, with Caught Offside revealing that Leeds are among the frontrunners for the Frenchman’s services, having already held talks with the 22-year-old, who is also keen on moving to West Yorkshire.
Nantes' Matthis Abline shoots against Brest.
Despite stealing a vast majority of headlines after the Everton game, Nmecha could well find he’s been upgraded on if the €50m (£43m) striker does seal a switch to England shortly, on top of Joel Piroe also feeling less secure about his first-team minutes moving forward.
How Abline compares to Piroe & Nmecha
It might well feel cut-throat to insinuate that Piroe and Nmecha will fade into the background if Abline were to arrive at Elland Road imminently.
Indeed, the German has just got Leeds up and running in the unforgiving terrain of the Premier League, while his Dutch counterpart collected the Championship golden boot accolade last campaign when firing home a clinical 19 strikes.
However, both do display some worrying deficiencies in their attacking games that could hold them back from being the lethal heroes Leeds need to help survival be reached, compared to their new French target, who scored stunning strikes like this last season in Ligue 1 with ease.
Despite powering home those 19 strikes, Piroe would still manage to squander 13 big chances in the Championship – as per Sofascore – which could prove to be costly in a fight against the drop. He’s already shown signs of rust at the intimidating level, too, with an unmemorable 27 touches of the ball registered against Everton, before being taken off by Farke.
Moreover, Nmecha is just fresh off a season that was riddled with injuries at Wolfsburg, culminating in just three efforts being powered home when he was fit enough to line up for 19 Bundesliga clashes.
Away from Piroe and Nmecha displaying many downsides, however, Abline will be raring for the challenge of the Premier League if a pricey move gets off the ground before September’s deadline, having fired home a career-best total across the 2024/25 campaign for Nantes.
Abline – 24/25 Ligue 1 stats
Stat (*per game)
Record
Games
34
Goals
9
Big chances missed
6
Assists
2
Big chances created
6
Key passes*
0.8
via Sofascore
Last campaign saw Abline fire home a large chunk of his overall 16 goals for Nantes, with 11 strikes tallied up as Luis Castro’s men survived comfortably in the French top-flight in 13th spot.
The “unstoppable” forward – as he has been hailed by journalist Andres Onrubia Ramos – could well grow into even more of a lethal attacker performing for the relegation-threatened Whites, therefore, knowing now what it takes to be a dependable hero in a battle against relegation.
Throwing Abline into the mix would give Farke plenty of options in attack, with the “instinctive” finisher – as he has also been lauded by analyst Ben Mattinson – no doubt craving the tag of being Leeds’ main man week in week out, at the expense of both Piroe and Nmecha.
Based on all the evidence noted, he will certainly have a persuasive case on his side to be the Whites’ starter up top.
"Deal to be finalised soon" – £17m league winner has decided to join Leeds
The Whites are set to sign a “magnificent” player.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers wants the club to bring in new attackers to bolster his options at the top end of the pitch before the end of the summer transfer window.
Speaking after the 2-0 win over Aberdeen, the boss said: “Listen, there’s no doubt that we need to reinforce the top line. There’s no doubt, I’m really pleased with where we are structurally in defensive numbers.”
He added: “But I think we need competition at the top end of the field. So, yes, for Adam, he’s a big, honest boy. He was at his best here when was really challenging with Kyogo for the position. And that is something that is important, I think, for us to get.”
This shows that the Hoops want to strengthen their options in the final third, despite winning both of their opening matches in the Scottish Premiership this season.
It will now be interesting to see where Celtic go to find reinforcements for their attack, whether they go big with a huge money signing, a player from a major league, or an unknown gem.
One of Celtic’s most successful striker signings in the last decade is Odsonne Edouard, who joined in an interesting move from Paris Saint-Germain in 2017.
How Celtic hit gold with Odsonne Edouard
The Hoops swooped to bring the French marksman to the club for the 2017/18 campaign on an initial season-long loan, in what was not a marquee addition at the time due to his lack of first-team exposure.
Edouard had only played 17 matches at senior level, scoring one goal, on loan at Toulouse in the previous season, which meant that Celtic had not brought in an established star who looked primed to be a prolific scorer for the club.
The young marksman, though, did enjoy a successful season on loan with the Scottish giants with a return of 11 goals in 29 games in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, for the Hoops, which convinced the club to sign him on a permanent deal in the summer of 2018.
Celtic reportedly splashed out a record fee of £9m to sign Edouard after his loan came to an end, and that turned out to be money well spent by the Bhoys.
24/25
Daizen Maeda
33
23/24
Kyogo Furuhashi
19
22/23
Kyogo Furuhashi
34
21/22
Kyogo Furuhashi
20
20/21
Odsonne Edouard
22
19/20
Odsonne Edouard
29
18/19
Odsonne Edouard
22
As you can see in the table above, the Frenchman scored 22 goals or more in all three of his seasons at Parkhead as a permanent player, and no player has scored 20 goals or more in three successive seasons since he left.
Premier League side Crystal Palace reportedly agreed a deal worth up to £18.5m to sign the striker from Celtic in the summer of 2021, which meant that the Hoops made a significant profit on the £9m that they paid.
The Scottish giants are now reportedly looking at a potential deal to sign a player who could come in as a repeat of this Edouard masterclass, albeit in a different position.
Celtic have £13m star on their radar
According to Football Insider, Celtic and Rangers are both interested in a deal to sign AS Monaco left-back Kassoum Ouattara to bolster their respective squads.
The report claims that the Ligue 1 side are set to demand a fee of £13m to sell the player on a permanent basis, and both Scottish teams are unwilling to pay that price this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Journalist Pete O’Rourke told Football Insider: “Ouattara is somebody who has emerged on their radar. Right now, the big question mark is whether it would be a loan or a permanent deal. I think if it’s a permanent deal that Monaco are only considering, that might just be too pricy for both Rangers and Celtic.
He added: “It’s not going to be a straightforward deal for Rangers or Celtic, but it’s definitely a position both clubs are looking at as they want to strengthen their options.“
This suggests that an initial loan deal with an option or an obligation to make it permanent next year, similar to the Edouard deal, could be the route for Celtic to go down.
Why Celtic should sign Kassoum Ouattara
The Hoops should push to sign the French left-back to compete with Kieran Tierney because he is an exciting young talent who could be an Edouard repeat.
Like the former Celtic marksman, the Monaco youngster would arrive at the club on an initial loan, if that is the deal they can agree, from a Ligue 1 team after only playing 16 times at first-team level last season.
Kassoum Ouattara in action for Monaco.
Ouattara, who was hailed as “seriously talented” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, is a player who has the potential to enjoy success at Parkhead in the same way that Edouard did, albeit in a different position.
In his limited game time in Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 campaign, the 20-year-old starlet showed great promise as an offensive option from left-back, whilst playing at a good level in one of Europe’s major leagues.
xA
0.29
Top 5%
Chances created
1.38
Top 17%
Successful crosses
1.62
Top 7%
Cross accuracy
41.2%
Top 9%
Successful dribbles
1.15
Top 12%
Assists
0.23
Top 9%
As you can see in the table above, Ouattara ranked highly among his positional peers when it came to creating chances for his teammates, and getting his side up the pitch with dribbles.
These statistics suggest that the youngster would be well-suited to playing in a Celtic team that dominates games week-in-week-out, given that they have won the league in each of the last four seasons and won their first two games without conceding a goal.
Brendan Rodgers
This means that Ouattara would have the license to constantly bomb on and attack down the left flank, overlapping the winger, to showcase his creative qualities in the final third.
Therefore, the 20-year-old talent would have the perfect platform to show other teams what he is about to attract interest from elsewhere, which is what Edouard had when he scored 22 goals or more in three straight seasons to earn a big move to Monaco.
He'd fill the Jota-shaped hole: Celtic in pursuit of signing £5m "threat"
Celtic are reportedly still in pursuit of a deal to sign a star who would fill the hole left by Jota’s injury.
ByDan Emery Aug 11, 2025
Celtic could, therefore, repeat their Edouard masterclass by signing Ouattara on loan before bringing him in permanently next year, with a view to him being sold on for a profit in the future.
It will be fascinating to see what the future holds for Manchester City attacker Jack Grealish. It certainly seems like it will be away from the Etihad Stadium, with Pep Guardiola saying earlier in the summer that “I don’t know” if he will leave.
There have been links with a move away, of course. The most recent club to enquire about the 29-year-old was Everton. It was reported earlier this week that the Toffees were keen to accelerate a deal with City over a season-long loan for the England international, although it remains to be seen if a move will progress this summer.
Instead, City could use Grealish as part of a deal to sign a long-term target, who they are once again linked with, and could be the second coming of the England international.
Man City’s Grealish solution
It has recently been reported by Brazilian journalist Jorge Nicola that City could look to use Grealish as a makeweight in a deal to sign West Ham United and Brazil attacking midfielder Lucas Paqueta this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
That would see City’s number 10 move to the London Stadium, and they manage to knock money off the £50m package the Hammers have requested for Paqueta. A player plus cash deal is something the Citizens are ‘pushing’ to do this summer.
The former Lyon midfielder has been a long-term target for Guardiola, and the club have assessed a possible transfer for the last few summers.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta
In theory, this part-exchange deal is smart business from City, but Grealish would also need to be open to the move to the capital, or else it would fall through.
Why Paqueta would be a good signing
At 27 years of age, Paqueta is the talisman of this West Ham side, along with captain Jarrod Bowen. Last season, the versatile Brazilian was not at his best, but when at the top of his game, he is a “magical” player, according to Statman Dave.
Indeed, it was a quiet campaign for the former Flamengo midfielder. He failed to register an assist in any competition, playing 36 games in total. He did find the back of the net five times, with four of those strikes coming in the Premier League.
Generally speaking, though, the numbers that Paqueta has put up during his West Ham career have been strong. He’s played 120 games for the Hammers, scoring 18 times and assisting a further 14.
His most memorable assist in Claret and Blue came in the Europa Conference League final, where he teed up Bowen with a perfectly-weighted through ball for the winner.
In many ways, the 27-year-old would join City as the direct replacement for Grealish. The England international does seem like he will leave the club this summer, with West Ham now seeming like a possible destination amid their move for Paqueta.
In 157 appearances as a City player, Grealish found the back of the net 17 times and assisted 23. His best season came in the treble-winning campaign of 2022/23, where he contributed 16 goal involvements.
There are similarities between both players, which could make Paqueta seem like the second coming of Grealish. Both were one of the best players at their previous, or in Paqueta’s case, current clubs. Indeed at Aston Villa, the Englishman “was the talisman and everything went through him”, as per Dave Woodhall, editor of Villa fanzine Heroes & Villains.
Their versatility is a key trait, too. Grealish has played on both wings, as a number 10, a number eight and even as a striker for City. Likewise, so has the West Ham star in East London, as well as playing as a number six.
West Ham United's LucasPaquetain action with Brighton & Hove Albion's Jack Hinshelwood
Comparing the numbers on FBref of each player since Paqueta has been a Premier League player, it is easy to see the similarities.
For example, the Brazil star averaged 1.56 passes into the penalty box and 0.43 goal-creating actions per 90 minutes, compared to Grealish’s 2.11 passes into the penalty area and 0.62 goal-creating actions each game.
Goals and assists
0.26
0.43
Passes into penalty area
1.56
2.11
Progressive passes
6.15
4.8
Goal-creating actions
0.43
0.62
Ball recoveries
6.13
4.23
Whatever way City decide to structure this deal, it seems like Paqueta could become the second coming of Grealish. There are plenty of similarities between the two, and Guardiola would love the 27-year-old to replicate the impact City’s number 10 has had at times.
Lucas Paqueta
For £50m, or exchanging Grealish and rescuing the fee, this is certainly an exciting deal for City fans.
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Arsenal have emerged as the leading contenders to sign a “rising star” for Mikel Arteta this summer, amid their plethora of other potential deals, with sporting director Andrea Berta showing no sign of slowing down.
Arsenal complete signing with medical "done", announcement due "this week"
Mikel Arteta is set to welcome another player.
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The north Londoners have already signed goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with the latter completing his medical earlier this week (David Ornstein).
Arsenal are now attempting to bolster a host of different areas in attack after this trio of transfers, and supporters are anticipating the end of their long search for a prolific number nine, as their club close in on a deal for Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres.
Chelsea’s Noni Madueke could join the Sweden international, having agreed personal terms, with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze also holding “positive” talks to join Arsenal in a separate deal (ESPN).
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£65m
Sky Sports back that Arsenal could sign both a left-winger and Eze this summer, in what is a very exciting prospect for fans, but it plunges the futures of both Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli into serious doubt.
Eze would come in to complement Gunners captain Martin Odegaard, as per Sky this week, and his versatility means Arteta could also utilise the 27-year-old as an alternative to Bukayo Saka when required.
Saka spent months out injured midway through 2024/2025, which undoubtedly hampered Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge, so it would be useful for Arteta to have different quality options on that side.
With Berta working on multiple attacking signings already, and a move for Real Madrid’s Rodrygo also still on the cards, it does beg the question: where does FC Porto sensation Rodrigo Mora fit in?
Arsenal in pole position to sign FC Porto starlet Rodrigo Mora
The 18-year-old was a member of Portugal’s UEFA Nations League-winning squad and displayed real flashes of brilliance during FC Porto’s Club World Cup campaign – scoring a brilliant solo goal in their 4-4 draw with Al-Ahly.
Rodrigo Mora for FC Porto.
Arsenal sent scouts to run the rule over Mora during his CWC outings, with the teenager emerging as “one of the most highly-rated youngsters in world football”.
That is according to Football Transfers, who state that Arsenal are now the current favourites to sign Mora, ahead of both Man City and Man United, having expressed the most significant interest so far.
The Portuguese’s contract includes a £60 million release clause, but given Berta’s pursuit of other illustrious forwards, it would be quite a move if he managed to get a transfer done this window.
Perhaps the versatile attacking midfielder could come as an alternative to Eze, following his impressive 2024/2025 haul of 12 goals and four assists in all competitions.
He’s also already a record-breaker, having become the youngest debutant in Portuguese football history two years ago.
“We now have Rodrigo Mora, who just turned 18. He’s a brilliant footballer, another rising star,” said Porto president André Villas-Boas.
“We love the game, and I believe that passion fuels the talent we see right now. Technically gifted, for sure.”
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.
Igor Matanovic
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.
Mohamed Diomande’s stats for Rangers last season
Metric
Premiership
Europa League
Goals
4
1
Assists
7
2
Big chances created
11
3
Total duels won per game
4.3
5.3
Balls recovered per game
4.1
4.7
Via Sofascore
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.
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.
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Emilio Galantini
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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.
Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025
Average match rating
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
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.
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.
Jermain Defoe
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.
With just a couple of games to go in the Premier League this season, Chelsea sit in a superb position to claim a top-five place and secure a Champions League spot.
The Blues are two points clear of sixth-placed Nottingham Forest, but could be set for a last-day showdown with the Reds at the City Ground – in what will undoubtedly be a nervy affair.
However, regardless of what happens between now and the end of the campaign, Enzo Maresca deserves tremendous credit for the work he’s done during his first year in charge at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea manager EnzoMarescalooks on before the match
The Italian has achieved a 60% win rate in the role, with the prospect of winning the Europa Conference League firmly within their own grasp ahead of tonight’s semi-final second leg against Djurgarden.
However, given their previous work in the transfer market, it would be no surprise to see them spend big again to take the side to the next level under the manager’s guidance.
The latest on Chelsea’s hunt for new signings this summer
Since Maresca took the reins back in the summer of last year, he’s desperately been in the market for a new talisman to help lead the line and take Chelsea to the next level.
Liam Delap has been one player who’s been on their shortlist over the last couple of weeks, potentially moving to the Blues after his £30m relegation release clause became active.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
However, he’s not the only attacking player in their sights, with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao once again emerging on their shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.
The report claims that the Blues have begun talks with the 25-year-old’s representatives over a move to the club after registering 23 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.
It also states that the Portuguese international is seen as a top-level reinforcement for Maresca, taking the side to the left level as a result – but it’s previously been reported he could cost in the region of €80m (£64m).
Why Chelsea’s £64m target would be a better signing than Gittens
Over the last couple of months, Chelsea have been strongly linked with a move to land Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens this summer, but no deal has yet been agreed with the Bundesliga side.
Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens in action
The 20-year-old has impressed in Germany this campaign, registering 12 goals and three assists to date, with other English sides such as Liverpool and Arsenal also interested in his signature.
The former Manchester City youngster looks almost certain to return to England this summer, but the Blues should look to swerve a deal despite their keen interest.
Such an interest in Leao proves the club are evaluating all options to improve their attacking department, needing to make the right call over whom to land to fill the void in the final third.
When comparing the Milan star’s stats with those of Gittens, he’s managed to outperform in numerous key areas, highlighting what a superb addition he would be to Maresca’s side.
AC Milan's RafaelLeaocelebrates scoring their first goal
Leao, who’s been labelled “world-class” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more combined goals and assists than the Dortmund star’s, whilst also completing more take-ons, showcasing the threat he possesses in attacking areas.
He’s also managed to complete more progressive carries per 90, along with more passes completed into the final third – having the tools to aid other people in improving their own tallies in the final third.
Games played
33
30
Goals & assists
16
11
Progressive passes
3.6
2.1
Passes into final third
1.5
0.8
Shot-creating actions
4.4
3.7
Take-ons completed
46%
45%
Aerials won
57%
41%
His all-round dominance doesn’t stop there, winning more of the aerial duels he’s entered, potentially offering Maresca an added option in central areas should they fail to land a new striker.
£64m may appear to be another hefty fee to splash out on a new signing, but Leao has proven in Serie A this campaign that he has all of the qualities needed to improve the Blues squad.
As a result of the latest transfer story, the hierarchy should look to forget about any deal to land Gittens in the coming months, subsequently putting all of their focus into a deal for the Milan star.
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Liverpool are now ramping up their interest in a defender who’s been likened to Eder Militao, with Trent Alexander-Arnold looking increasingly likely to move to Real Madrid this summer, according to a report.
Trent's time at Anfield coming to an end
With just a matter of months remaining on Alexander Arnold’s contract, the right-back looks set to leave at the end of the season, and Real Madrid is in his sights, as revealed by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Conor Bradley is the obvious choice to replace Trent, with the Northern Irish youngster stepping in at right-back on a number of occasions this season, but there is a feeling the Reds could also look to bring in another option this summer.
Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento is one of the latest defenders to be linked with a surprise move to Anfield, while contact has also been made over a deal for Celta Vigo’s Oscar Mingueza, who has a release clause of just £17m.
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According to a report from The Boot Room, another target has also now entered the frame, with Liverpool ramping up their interest in SC Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia, who is also on the radar of Premier League rivals Manchester City, Aston Villa and Brighton.
Sildillia is deemed likely to leave Freiburg this summer, amid interest from a number of England’s top clubs, having put in some top performances at right-back this season, although he is also able to slot in at centre-back when required.
SC Freiburg's KiliannSildilliain action with West Ham United's Mohammed Kudus
The Reds have watched the defender on more than one occasion in recent weeks, such is their level of interest, with his contract set to expire in 2026, making this summer Freiburg’s last chance to cash-in.
"Revelation" Sildillia could be upgrade on Trent defensively
Liverpool would be hard-pressed to find any full-back capable of replacing Trent’s attacking numbers, but there are signs the Freiburg ace could be an upgrade from a defensive point of view.
The Frenchman has outperformed the Reds’ academy graduate on a number of key defensive metrics over the past year, ranking very highly, when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s ‘big five’ leagues.
Statistic
Average per 90
Interceptions
1.45 (91st percentile)
Blocks
1.66 (88th percentile)
Clearances
3.83 (94th percentile)
Aerials won
2.28 (99th percentile)
Not only that, but the full-back, who has been a “revelation” in the Bundesliga, is capable of contributing going forward, ranking in the 97th percentile for non-penalty goals. The 22-year-old’s versatility could also be of use to Arne Slot, with scout/analyst Jacek Kulig likening him to Real Madrid’s Militao, who is able to play at both centre-back and right-back.
There is theoretically still time for a late U-turn from Trent, but with it looking ever more likely he will move to Madrid this summer, Sildillia has proven he could be a solid signing.