Paris Saint-Germain star Ousmane Dembele has named two England legends among his favourite players of all-time.
Dembele announced as 2025 Ballon d'Or winner in Paris
PSG won their maiden Champions League crown in 2025, and Dembele was paramount to their success, picking up eight goals and six assists across 15 matches in the competition, while also amassing 29 goal contributions in Ligue 1.
As such, the Frenchman had been the favourite for the 2025 Ballon d’Or for quite some time, and he was crowned the winner at the ceremony in Paris on Monday evening, with Lamine Yamal, Vitinha, Mohamed Salah and Raphinha making up the top five.
Having failed to deliver at Barcelona, the 28-year-old’s career has undergone a major transformation since he returned to his home country, and the PSG talisman delivered an emotional speech after being confirmed as the 2025 winner.
Courtesy of scooping up the award, the winger joins a prestigious list of just ten players to have won the Ballon d’Or, Champions League and World Cup, having been part of the France squad that went all the way at Russia 2018.
Lionel Messi is one of the other players on that acclaimed list, and it will come as no surprise that Dembele once named the Argentina star as one of his favourite players of all time, but two England legends also make up the top three.
Sir Alex Ferguson named Liverpool star as the best player in England and as good as Keane
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David Beckham for England.
Gerrard named as England's "greatest ever" player by Messi
It is a bit of a surprise to see the Liverpool fan pick Beckham over Gerrard, as Messi himself once claimed the Liverpool legend is the best player England have produced, saying: “Personally, I think Steven Gerrard is England’s greatest ever player. I wish him a happy retirement.”
The 45-year-old was arguably one of the only reasons Liverpool were successful during his era, with the former captain instigating the dramatic comeback against AC Milan in the 2005 Champions League, and scoring some incredible long-range goals.
Beckham was also fantastic at striking the ball from distance, having scored the most goals from direct free kicks in the history of the Premier League.
Player
Free-kick goals
David Beckham
18
James Ward-Prowse
17
Thierry Henry
12
Gianfranco Zola
12
Cristiano Ronaldo
12
Consequently, both Gerrard and Beckham make their way onto the 20 best midfielders in Premier League history, alongside Kevin De Bruyne, Roy Keane and more.
The former Liverpool and Man United stars are undoubtedly legends of the game, but Dembele has also now cemented his place in the history books, courtesy of his 2025 Ballon d’Or triumph.
An Ipswich Town player who Kieran McKenna loves looks set to leave Portman Road over the coming months.
Ipswich Town suffer damaging Premier League defeat to Wolves
After an incredible Championship promotion campaign last year, the Tractor Boys look set for an immediate return to the second tier over the coming weeks.
McKenna’s side appeared to be on course for another much-needed Premier League win over Wolves on Saturday before two second-half goals saw the visitors leave with three points and extend their gap over Ipswich to 12 points.
McKenna could be brewing his next Hutchinson in “special” Ipswich star
Kieran McKenna could get more out of this Ipswich Town ace in the Championship.
ByKelan Sarson Apr 7, 2025
With just seven games remaining, Ipswich may soon be preparing for life back in the Championship alongside the likes of Southampton and Leicester City.
Ipswich players out of contract in 2025
Axel Tuanzebe (option of a further year)
Cameron Burgess
Massimo Luongo
A drop in division could also see a number of stars leave, including striker Liam Delap. The forward is wanted by a plethora of top flight clubs, but, as can be seen, three Portman Road players could exit for nothing over the coming months.
Now, one of those appears to be close to finding his next club.
Cameron Burgess close to leaving Ipswich Town for Spain
As per reports from Spain, relayed by Sport Witness, Ipswich Town defender Cameron Burgess could be on his way to La Liga side Girona. It is claimed that a move is already advanced, with Burgess keen to try a new experience in Spain.
Burgess has been on the books at Portman Road since 2021 after joining from Accrington Stanley and has helped Ipswich up into the Premier League.
He came in for praise from McKenna back in 2022, who called Burgess “excellent” ahead of his first Ipswich start under the current manager.
“I spoke on Tuesday night about Cam Burgess; how he’s conducted himself and applied himself over the last couple of months that I’ve been here.
“He’s been excellent so I’m happy for him that he’s going to get his opportunity to play on Saturday and then obviously in some more games going forward.
“When you train how Cameron trains, which is to a really high intensity with a really high level of focus every day, I don’t think in the centre-back position there’s going to be too many issues. Physically, he showed that he was able to step into the intensity of the game because that’s the intensity he works at every day.
“Cameron is fully attuned with our key principles on and off the ball, and the requirements for his role in different phases of the game. I know with Cam that he’ll be looking forward to it and that he’s a strong personality so we have every confidence in him.”
Now, it looks as if a move away from Portman Road to La Liga could be on the cards for Burgess, who has featured 17 times for Ipswich in 2024/25.
Aston Villa fans far and wide will be travelling to Paris right now ahead of their side’s huge Champions League first leg tie with Paris St. Germain tomorrow evening, confident that their team can pull off a fantastic result in the daunting French capital.
After all, Unai Emery’s Villans head into this clash against their manager’s former employers having won their last seven games in all competitions, meaning the likes of Morgan Rogers and Co will dive headfirst into the contest at the Parc Des Princes without fear.
Still, the rosey recent form Villa are able to boast doesn’t mean summer additions won’t be lined up, with a recent report suggesting that Emery and Co could now land a new defensive titan for £50m.
Aston Villa lining up move for £50m defender
As per a recent report from Football Insider, the Birmingham-based giants could soon plot an ambitious deal for Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Football Insider further reveals that £50m would be enough for the Portuguese side to consider parting ways with their star defender, with the Villans willing to splash that extortionate amount of cash on Diomande to get a statement deal over the line.
After all, the “monster” centre-back – as he’s been labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson – is very much an in-demand figure, with fellow Premier League sides Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur all reportedly keen alongside Emery’s outfit.
Sporting CP's Ousmane Diomande in action with Lille'sJonathanDavid
Winning Diomande’s services would be yet another indicator that Villa are progressing as a force to be reckoned with, therefore, with a hope on the end of the West Midlands side that the 21-year-old could be their very own William Saliba, having seen how imperious the Frenchman has become for the Gunners.
How Diomande could be Emery's own Saliba
Saliba would enter into the English game with a lot of similar hype attached to his name, costing the Gunners – then managed by Emery – £27m back in 2019, before actually making his debut under Mikel Arteta in 2022.
He has more than lived up to all the wild praise that has come his way, with Saliba near faultless with the ball at his feet this season in the Premier League by averaging a 94% pass accuracy per match, alongside showing off his multi-faceted game by bravely winning 4.6 duels on average.
Further capable of popping up with a crucial header – seen in Saliba’s growing goal count of seven in North London – Villa will pray that forking out £50m for Diomande pays off and they do end up winning their very own version of the French powerhouse.
Both players have notable similarities when assessing their numbers in the Champions League this season, via FBref, with Diomande equally a cool and calm customer on the ball like his Arsenal counterpart, who is also unafraid to launch himself into full-throttle challenges if needed.
Diomande vs Saliba – UCL record in 24/25
Stat – per 90 mins
Diomande
Saliba
Attempted passes
60.04
61.00
Pass completion %
93.2%
93.0%
Progressive passes
2.16
3.14
Progressive carries
0.36
0.14
Successful take-ons
0.48
0.14
Tackles
1.08
1.86
Interceptions
0.96
1.00
Blocks
1.20
0.86
Clearances
3.60
3.71
Aerials won
1.68
1.43
Stats by FBref
As can be seen looking at the table above, the in-demand Diomande is a very similar style defender to Saliba, with both players in question unerring when it comes to their quality of passing, but both also have a mean streak present.
Indeed, the 21-year-old Villa target even betters the Arsenal stalwart when it comes to some of their defensive basics, with Emery hopeful that the “aggressive” colossus – as he’s been lauded by football talent scout Antonio Mango in the past – can then cut it in the demanding Premier League.
Villa have already seen both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio boldly enter through the door recently, so a jaw-dropping deal for Diomande to join isn’t out of the realms of possibility, especially as Emery and Co go about strengthening more to bolster their reputation as one of the Premier League’s top sides.
Aston Villa now join 6-team tussle to sign "bulldozing" teenage sensation
Chelsea has been the home to countless attacking stars over the years, but not many have managed to match the levels produced by Ivorian striker Didier Drogba.
The forward joined the Blues back in the summer of 2004 from Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, with José Mourinho working tirelessly to complete a deal to take him to Stamford Bridge.
Such a deal would prove to be a masterstroke, with the now 47-year-old starring over two separate spells in West London, claiming a total of 12 major trophies with the Blues.
Drogba notched a total of 164 goals during his time at the club, arguably scoring the most important goal in their history during the Champions League final back in 2012.
However, in the present day, Enzo Maresca doesn’t have the focal point he desires to have his own version of the talisman, leading to huge rumours over a deal for a new number nine this summer.
The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a new striker this summer
Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap has been hugely touted with a move to join Chelsea this summer, with the 22-year-old starring in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.
He’s managed to notch a total of 12 goals in 31 appearances for the Tractor Boys, leading to links to move to Stamford Bridge given his £30m release clause.
Ipswich Town'sLiamDelapreacts
However, it appears as though Maresca’s side have been handed a boost in their pursuit for his signature, with Delap not interested in a move to Manchester United after their own willingness to land him.
Players such as Jonathan David and Victor Osimhen have also been thrown into the mix lately, but Borussia Dortmund talisman Serhou Guirassy is the latest player to emerge as a target.
According to journalist Maurizio Russo, the Blues are currently leading the race for the 29-year-old, who has managed to net 28 goals in his 40 appearances across all competitions this term.
Chelsea’s best striker since Drogba
Over the years, Chelsea have spent big to try and fill the centre-forward role, but so far to no avail, given their huge hunt for a new number nine.
The likes of Romelu Lukaku, Álvaro Morata and Christopher Nkunku have all tried to cement their place at the top end of the pitch, but none of them have successfully managed to do so.
The hierarchy have splashed over £200m on the aforementioned trio alone, highlighting the need to land the right star to end their hunt over the next few months.
Guinean forward Guirassy could manage to do just that should he complete a switch to the Bridge this summer, but he won’t come cheap, currently having a £70m release clause in his contract.
However, when comparing him to the current options at the manager’s disposal, he’s massively outperformed them both – showcasing what a sensational signing he could be in their quest for Premier League glory.
Guirassy, who’s been labelled “sensational” by one analyst, has outscored Nicolas Jackson and Nkunku in 2024/25, whilst also registering a higher goal-per-shot-on-target rate – demonstrating his clinical nature in the final third.
How Guirassy compares to Jackson & Nkunku in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)
Guirassy
Jackson
Nkunku
Games played
25
26
27
Goals scored
15
9
3
Goals per shot-on-target
0.5
0.2
0.2
Shots taken
3.4
3.3
2.4
Fouls won
2
1.2
1.1
Aerials won
3.9
0.8
1.5
Aerial success rate
54%
34%
42%
Stats via FBref
He’s also won more fouls per 90, whilst also registering more shots per game – offering an all-round presence that the Blues have greatly missed in recent months.
However, the 29-year-old has dominated aerially, winning more of the duels he’s entered in the air, finally allowing Maresca to have that target man that he’s craved since joining last summer.
Whilst £70m may appear to be a mammoth sum of money for a player entering the back end of his career, the Dortmund attacker has the star quality to make an immediate impact in West London.
With the majority of the side being full of youngsters, the balance between them and Guirassy could be a successful one, massively aiding the club in their title ambitions throughout 2025/26.
Best signing since Palmer: Chelsea now favourites to sign £85m "diamond"
Chelsea can seal their best signing since Palmer with this “English diamond”
Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly have their eyes on an even better talent than midfielder Archie Gray, with Sky Sports pundit Don Goodman sharing what he’s heard about the “sensational” youngster.
Archie Gray attracts praise after excellent first Spurs season
Last summer, Spurs sealed a £30 million deal for Gray, with defender Joe Rodon heading the other way in a separate deal but helping to reduce the overall cost.
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It has since proved to be an excellent piece of business from chairman Daniel Levy, with Gray taking on a lot more responsibility than was initially anticipated. The 19-year-old handled it extraordinarily well, though, with Ange Postecoglou even utilising him at centre-back during the height of Tottenham’s injury crisis.
Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures
Date
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
The teenager has proved ever-reliable, also featuring at right-back and in midfield, and all signs point towards Gray going on to have an exceptional career at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
“I think he’s been an absolute credit the young lad,” said pundit Paul Merson earlier this season.
“I don’t know him [personally], I don’t know him at all. But from a distance, he turns up every week, he plays in the wrong position, plays in a stinking team, at the moment – with a lorry load of injuries, and he plays every week.”
His form has been so good, that reports now claim Spurs are keeping a watchful eye on his younger brother at Leeds, Harry Gray.
Tottenham are said to be monitoring Gray ahead of a potential summer swoop, and could look to replicate the deal which saw his older sibling make the move to north London.
Don Goodman shares what he's heard about Harry Gray at Leeds
Amid these links to the England Under-17 striker, who is apparently making waves behind-the-scenes, Sky pundit Goodman has shared exactly why Spurs supporters can start having a degree of excitement.
Goodman has heard that Gray is a “very special” talent, and could even surpass his older brother at Spurs in terms of potential.
“Personally, I don’t think Spurs are going to be on their own when it comes to high-end clubs scouting Harry Gray,” said Goodman to Football League World.
“The reports coming out of Elland Road are sensational, in that this could be a very special talent, maybe even more so than his brother Archie, which would be an incredible feat.
“At the moment though, it’s about playing football week in, week out and learning your trade. I think if Spurs did sign him, you would imagine it would be possible that they would loan him back to Leeds or a team where he would play regular first team football.
“At that age, you need a slow, considered introduction to football, where you’re not overworked, but you get plenty of opportunities at first-team level. That, for me, would be the best thing for him.”
Still yet to make a senior appearance for the first team, it seems like it could only be a matter of time.
Liverpool fell to a 3-1 defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge this afternoon, with Arne Slot’s side failing to impress after their Premier League triumph last weekend.
A goal from Enzo Fernández, an own goal from Jarell Quansah and Cole Palmer’s late penalty secured all three points for Enzo Maresca’s side in their hunt for a Champions League place.
Virgil van Dijk’s header provided a late consolation goal for the Reds, but it wasn’t to be for the heavily rotated side in West London – with the manager giving numerous fringe players the chance to impress.
With the title in the bag, it was an excellent opportunity for Slot to evaluate the players at his disposal, giving him a clearer picture of what’s needed ahead of what’s likely to be a huge summer.
Whilst some players took their chance with both hands, many failed to grasp the opportunity handed in their direction – putting their future at Anfield in huge jeopardy.
Liverpool’s poor performers against Chelsea
Midfielder Curtis Jones was handed a rare start for Liverpool as part of the reshuffle, but was unable to extract his highest levels of performance – looking way off the high standards he’s set for himself.
The 24-year-old featured for the entire of the contest, only completing 33% of the dribbles he attempted, along with a 36% duel success rate – showcasing his lack of impact on the clash.
He wasn’t the only player to disappoint at the Bridge, with centre-back Quansah scoring an own goal and giving away the penalty that led to Palmer’s stoppage-time effort.
His disappointing showing didn’t end there, winning just two of the six duels he contested, whilst committing two fouls which led to him being booked.
However, despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other first team member failed to deliver in the capital – with Slot desperately needing to sell him in the coming months.
The Liverpool star who needs to be sold after Chelsea
Slot has done a remarkable job in 2024/25 to lead Liverpool to the success they’ve endured, a feat that was unthinkable when he took the reins from Jürgen Klopp last summer.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
The Dutchman has lost just three league matches out of a possible 35, showcasing the incredible job he’s done, with only one of the losses coming on home soil.
However, the real task awaits him in 2025/26, needing to sustain the levels they’ve produced this year if they are to have any chances of making it back-to-back titles.
If they are to achieve their goal, changes will need to be made, including the sale of striker Diogo Jota, who’s been unable to impress over the last couple of months.
The Portuguese international was handed a start against the Blues this afternoon, but like so often this campaign, he failed to deliver – undoubtedly contributing to the defeat.
He featured for 58 minutes before being withdrawn, understandably so given his lack of impact during his near hour spent on the field.
Jota only registered a measly tally of 13 touches – the lowest of any player who started the game – whilst only posting a tally of four passes, showcasing how quiet and ineffective he was.
Diogo Jota’s stats for Liverpool against Chelsea
Statistics
Tally
Minutes played
58
Touches
13
Passes completed
4/5 (80%)
Dribbles completed
0/1 (0%)
Ground duels won
2/8 (25%)
Fouls committed
4
Shots on target
0
Stats via SofaScore
His poor showing didn’t stop there, failing to complete any of the dribbles he attempted, whilst only coming out on top in 25% of the ground duels he entered.
The forward also committed four fouls, and was unable to direct any of his efforts on goal, subsequently struggling to provide the goods needed within the final third.
As a result of his dismal showing, the striker was handed a dismal 5/10 match rating by the Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle – further showcasing how disappointing he was throughout.
Given his showing, Slot must be left with no choice but to sell Jota this summer, desperately needing another forward to help them in their ambitions of retaining their title.
He and Quansah need to be the first out of the door, with the pair’s potential exit allowing for added investment across various areas of the squad – handing the depth needed for another title charge.
He'd be amazing with Gravenberch: Liverpool preparing £34m bid for new CM
Liverpool could make a shrewd addition to their midfield this summer.
Interestingly, it’s all gone a bit quiet on the centre-forward front for Liverpool, who are progressing with plans across other areas as Arne Slot works out how to improve his title-winning squad.
It’s curious because it’s been understood for several months that Liverpool are making the addition of a new focal frontman a priority, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold’s imminent departure now set in stone, FSG have moved quickly to land Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, with a deal in the closing stages.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
It’s also understood that left-back Milos Kerkez will be bumped up to first priority once the Dutchman has signed, with Andy Robertson no longer at his rip-roaring best.
Interest in Florian Wirtz has dominated headlines in recent days, but none of this should detract from the fact that Liverpool are going to launch a statement move for a new striker this summer.
Darwin Nunez is set to leave, after all.
The latest on Darwin Nunez's Liverpool future
Nunez arrived on Merseyside to much fanfare, leaving Benfica after a prolific stint that saw goals scored against Jurgen Klopp’s Reds, Barcelona and Bayern Munich in one Champions League campaign.
He joined, aged 22, for a club-record fee rising to £85m.
Liverpool's DarwinNunezcelebrates after winning the Premier League
Fast track three years, and the 25-year-old is set to leave the club with rueful frustrations over what might have been. Despite flashes of brilliance, the mercurial talent has never kicked on, and actually fallen back several steps under Slot’s wing.
Ultimately, it just hasn’t quite worked out for Nunez. But he still leaves Anfield with a Carabao Cup medal and as a Premier League champion, having clinched 66 goal involvements across 141 appearances.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed he is expected to leave, with all parties keen on drawing a close to his Liverpool career.
Darwin Nunez – Liverpool Career (all comps)
Season
Apps
Minutes
Goals
Assists
24/25
45
1,982′
7
7
23/24
54
3,026′
18
15
22/23
42
2,366′
15
4
Stats via Transfermarkt
Slot has only started the Uruguay forward once in the top flight since Boxing Day, however, and it’s almost nailed-on that he’ll be plying his trade elsewhere next term, with Liverpool gearing up to advance interest in a talented new striker.
Liverpool eyeing bid for new striker
As per Caught Offside, Liverpool are weighing up a bid for Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro, who has enjoyed two promising years on the south coast.
The Brazilian talent, still only 23, is also being pursued by Chelsea, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United, whose fate in qualifying for the Champions League will determine their place in the race.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
The Premier League star is expected to fetch a fee of around €60m (£51m) if he leaves the AMEX this summer. No small sum, but more affordable than some other high-profile names on the market.
Joao Pedro is the perfect Nunez upgrade
Joao Pedro left Watford in the Championship to sign for Brighton in a deal just shy of the £30m mark in 2023, and he’s since posted 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches in all competitions.
Joao Pedro celebrates for Brighton & Hove Albion.
While he’s undergone something of a quieter season this year, the versatile attacker has been regarded for his “really magical” quality by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, and has hit 17 contributions from just 24 starts.
He’s a work in progress, but one who has proved himself in the Premier League. There’s little question he would offer more for Slot’s team than Nunez has this season, adding a dimension that will surely be required to ease the burden on Mohamed Salah and angle Liverpool toward a more balanced offensive threat.
Contrasting the two forwards’ Premier League campaigns, it’s clear to see why Liverpool would be interested in making the change.
Premier League 24/25 – Darwin Nunez vs Joao Pedro
Stats (* per game)
Nunez
Joao Pedro
Matches (starts)
28 (8)
27 (23)
Goals
5
10
Assists
2
6
Shots (on target)*
1.2 (0.4)
1.7 (0.7)
Big chances missed
7
7
Pass completion
71%
75%
Big chances created
3
11
Key passes*
0.4
1.1
Dribbles*
0.3
1.1
Tackles + interceptions*
0.8
0.9
Duels won*
2.1
4.9
All stats via Sofascore
Joao Pedro certainly has aspects to improve upon, but there’s no question he’s a dynamic and rounded player with technical flair and a tenacious attitude besides.
By contrast, Nunez has plunged into deep fathoms, detached from the combative, committed player who first arrived at Anfield, raw but robust and raring to go.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
FBref have crunched the data to reveal more about Joao Pedro’s skill set, and why his multi-facetedness would be perfect for Slot’s side.
Across the current Premier League campaign, the £50k-per-week talent ranks among the top 3% of forwards for assists, the top 15% for shot-creating actions and passes attempted, the top 20% for progressive carries, the top 17% for successful take-ons, and the top 6% for through balls per 90.
To put it another way, he’s endowed with an athletic and creative style that Slot would will into any direction he pleases, and while the clinical edge needs some sharpening, Joao Pedro has converted 19 big chances in the league for the Seagulls, missing 16 big chances all told.
Nunez, conversely, has missed 54 big chances since first playing in England’s top flight, only scoring 25 league goals in that timeframe.
His presence has waned in Slot’s system, a rather damning indictment on his at-odds efforts given the meteoric rises of Ryan Gravenberch, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai.
A player of “ridiculous” talent who has yet to really break into his quickest stride, according to one Brighton analyst, Joao Pedro has what it takes to make a big improvement on an already thriving Liverpool frontline.
Brighton & Hove Albion'sJoaoPedroin action with Manchester City's Ruben Dias and Abdukodir Khusanov
With Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota hoping to reprise their places in the Liverpool squad, this could be a dynamic addition to allow the team to do it all over again next year.
He plays a lot like Wirtz: Liverpool plot huge move to sign £85m "magician"
Liverpool are ready to throw the kitchen sink at a marquee attacking signing this summer.
Everton are set for a summer of change as they move to Bramley-Moore Dock and now have a talented defender lined up who could arrive for an inexpensive fee, according to a report.
Everton set for an overhaul this summer
David Moyes has managed to take Everton to the relative comfort of bottom-half obscurity in the Premier League and has earned due adulation for the way he has carried himself despite members of his playing squad facing uncertain futures.
Several of his key stars, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Seamus Coleman and Abdoulaye Doucoure, have yet to agree contract extensions, while Jack Harrison, Armando Broja and Orel Mangala are loanees that could be set for the exit door.
Everton manager David Moyes andBetoafter the match
Of course, there is plenty of talent embedded within his group at Finch Farm, but Moyes will be expected to carry out an overhaul as the Friedkin Group begin to make their mark on the blue half of Merseyside.
Making an early start on identifying targets, Everton are doing everything they can to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town as his £30 million relegation release clause continues to attract the attention of top-flight clubs.
Honing in on adding creativity to his midfield, Moyes is also pursuing Sheffield United star Gustavo Hamer in a deal that could be worth £15 million.
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He thinks they could be a perfect option to leave this summer.
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The Toffees are set for an emotional few weeks as they bid farewell to Goodison Park. That said, the future could shine brightly over their new stadium should transfer funds be used wisely by those in charge.
Finding value for money will be key, and Everton are now reportedly well in the hunt to seal a bargain signing after carrying out a detailed scouting mission.
Everton look to sign Torino defender Jackson Tchatchoua
According to Tuttosport (via Cuore Toro), Everton have scouted Hellas Verona right-back Jackson Tchatchoua and are now looking to bring the 10-cap Cameroon international to English shores in the summer window.
Valued at around €8m (£6.7m), the 23-year-old has registered two goals and two assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season.
Jackson Tchatchoua’s key statistics in 2024/25 – Serie A
Successful crosses
23
Duels won
102
Chances created
33
Successful dribbles
18
Aerial duels won
28
Interceptions
12
Marseille are also in the hunt for his signature and have sent representatives to watch him in action, while Torino are also watching on with interest to see how the situation develops.
Ashley Young and Everton club captain Coleman are two vastly experienced operators in the full-back areas. Nevertheless, it appears that Tchatchoua may be a younger alternative to take over their role in the years to come.
Nathan Patterson hasn’t been a frequent starter this term, so it makes sense that an alternative has been identified to provide strength in depth as the Toffees prepare for life at their new stadium.
Believe it or not, Liverpool fans, the summer transfer window hasn’t actually opened yet. You’d be forgiven for assuming the contrary, with sporting director Richard Hughes moving like a man possessed before the Premier League campaign has even concluded.
Arne Slot has bagged the league title in his maiden year at the helm, and will celebrate in front of the fans as Anfield hosts FA Cup winner Crystal Palace in the final fixture of the top-flight season tomorrow afternoon.
Liverpool manager ArneSlotcelebrates after winning the Premier League
The frustration and negativity around Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave at the end of his contract and join Real Madrid has been offset by a flurry of exciting activity, to be sure.
His direct replacement, Jeremie Frimpong, has completed his medical and will likely be announced next week. Meanwhile, talks for Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez are advancing, Fabrizio Romano confirming the news.
These deals in themselves are rather spectacular, but that’s without even acknowledging Florian Wirtz, who looks set to move to Merseyside.
The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool
This one’s moving apace. Liverpool have long held an admiration for Bayer Leverkusen’s Wirtz and have joined Manchester City and Bayern Munich in pursuing a deal for the Germany international, but developments in the past day or two have swung the pendulum in Anfield’s favour.
With Pep Guardiola’s side having pulled out of the race earlier in the week, Liverpool were poised to lock horns with the Bundesliga champions for German football’s brightest talent, and they’ve won the battle.
As per The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Liverpool are engaged in official talks with Leverkusen for the talented number ten, having already opened communications through the nearly-complete transfer of Frimpong.
Leverkusen value Wirtz at about €150m (£126m), though whether FSG can engineer a more agreeable figure, and how the structure of the deal will play out, remains to be seen at this stage.
Bayer Leverkusen's Jeremie Frimpong
Any move for the German would make him the most expensive in his country’s history and indeed Liverpool’s record signing – but maybe not for all that long.
isak-wirtz-liverpool
But, Liverpool could also be in the market to add another attacking player on top of Wirtz, and he could an even better signing for the club…
Liverpool confident about signing new striker
As per GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are growing increasingly confident they can convince Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak to jump ship this summer, financially secure after several windows on the low.
The windfall from winning the Premier League and returning to the Champions League will have helped, of course. However, it will prove strenuous to drive a deal toward completion, for United are holding out for around £120m, though other reports suggest that figure could stretch toward the £150m mark.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
Liverpool know that Eddie Howe will fight tooth and nail to keep his focal frontman at St. James’ Park, but FSG are willing to test Newcastle’s resolve with a formal offer in the coming months.
Why Liverpool should sign Alexander Isak
The justification behind an official bid for Newcastle’s star striker is pretty self-explanatory: he’s an incredible goalscorer, and with a dynamic and nuanced skill set which would be perfect for Slot’s specific system.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their first goal
It’s hard to see a world in which Isak wouldn’t hit the ground running at Liverpool. He’s powerful, athletic, pacy and deadly in front of goal. He’s the finishing piece from which someone like Wirtz could target to create an unstoppable attacking line.
Leverkusen’s man has been hailed as “a defender’s nightmare” by journalist Bence Bocsak, now imagine him combining with Isak, a terror in his own right.
The 25-year-old joined Howe’s side from Real Sociedad in 2022 for a club-record £63m fee and has since hit 73 goal contributions from 108 matches in all competitions, bringing a completeness that could be perfect for Slot’s fluent system.
Described as “the best striker in Europe” by Toon teammate Anthony Gordon, Isak would of course be a stunning addition to a winning Liverpool formula, replacing the flagging Darwin Nunez, the declining Diogo Jota, and taking Slot’s system to the next level.
Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota converse on the bench
It’s for this reason that Isak could be the better signing, surpassing Wirtz, especially with an overreliance on a soon 33-year-old Mohamed Salah being a dangerous thing moving forward.
Isak has just produced his finest campaign, behind only Salah in the Premier League’s scoring charts. It’s frightening to think the pair could ply their trade side by side next term, and with Wirtz nestled in behind them too.
Premier League 24/25 – Top Scorers
Rank
Player
Apps
Goals
1.
Mohamed Salah
37
28
2.
Alexander Isak
33
23
3.
Erling Haaland
30
21
4.
Chris Wood
35
20
5.
Yoane Wissa
34
19
5=
Bryan Mbeumo
37
19
Stats via Premier League
Salah is one of the greatest goalscorers the Premier League has ever known, but Isak is proving himself quite the menace on Tyneside, five goals behind the Egyptian but having played five matches fewer.
He’s also missed just 18 big chances in the top flight this term, as per Sofacore, denoting a cutting edge that Liverpool’s central striking options simply haven’t showcased since Slot took to the dugout.
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Now that is a style Wirtz would delight in playing with. The German ranks among the top 9% of positional peers across Europe this season for assists and the top 7% for both shot-creating actions and progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, illustrating an approach which would overwhelm Liverpool’s opponents.
While Wirtz has also created 17 big chances in the Bundesliga this season, his creativity is only one facet of a kaleidoscopic skill set. His combativeness, tenacity and workrate all make him the player he is, a superstar in the making.
This just goes to show he’s tailor-made for a place in Slot’s title-winning squad. For sure, Liverpool have a load of technical quality in their ranks, but they are built on their determination and application, flair enabled through hard graft and toil.
Make no mistake, if Liverpool manage, somehow, to sign both Isak and Wirtz, they will be a force to be reckoned with for many years to come, if they are not already.
Isak, however, might just take the cake as the cream of an audacious transfer window, should he sign.
Open to leaving: Liverpool “machine” would be finished if FSG sign Wirtz
Liverpool are going punch-for-punch with Bayern Munich in the fight to sign Florian Wirtz.
Newcastle United hold plenty of appeal for prospective recruits this summer and they could now be on the verge of landing a key target, according to a report.
Newcastle United make inroads during the summer window
There are plenty of transfer stories beginning to circulate in the North East after Antonio Cordero’s arrival from Malaga was confirmed earlier this week, and it remains to be seen where Eddie Howe will decide surgery is necessary to enrich his squad.
According to Sky Sports reporter Phil Dorsett, Newcastle remain keen on Brighton & Hove Albion striker Joao Pedro, and it is mooted that the former Bournemouth boss is keen to strengthen his forward line regardless of whether Alexander Isak or Callum Wilson depart.
“NUFC interested in Joao Pedro, who has admirers in PL and Europe. Big summer for Newcastle – Callum Wilson out of contract, and widespread interest in Alexander Isak – who nufc don’t want to sell. But Howe wants another striker, departures or not. And Pedro is an option.”
Defensively, talks have been held to bring Bayern Munich star Kim Min-jae to Tyneside. His asking price is said to have dropped from £42 million to £29.5 million, but Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan are also waiting in the wings.
Bolstering the heart of his backline has to be a priority for Howe amidst Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles coming towards the latter stages of their career.
Teenage attacker agrees 4-and-a-half year deal to join Newcastle United
Paul Mitchell isn’t messing around.
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Lloyd Kelly has left on a permanent deal to join Juventus worth £20 million. Meanwhile, Jamal Lewis has been released by the club as per their annual retained list.
With spaces to fill, Newcastle have now turned the tables and are closing in on a landmark signing, per recent reports.
Newcastle reportedly close to signing Marc Guehi
According to Portuguese newspaper outlet A Bola, Newcastle United have more or less completed a deal to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace, which has prompted the Eagles to target Sporting Clube de Portugal’s Ousmane Diomande as a direct replacement.
There is no mention of the fee that it would take for the Magpies to pull Guehi away from the FA Cup holders, but the report states Palace have “lost Guehi to Newcastle”, and he is thought to be valued at around £50m.
Similar players to Marc Guehi – FBRef
Trevoh Chalobah
Chelsea
Oumar Solet
Udinese
Sinaly Diomande
Auxerre
Waldemar Anton
Borussia Dortmund
Once again a lynchpin for Crystal Palace during a productive campaign under Oliver Glasner, the Abidjan-born man made 44 appearances across the recent season, registering three goals and two assists.
Maintaining an element of dominance, Guehi won 168 duels in the English top-flight and continues to show up on a consistent basis for the Eagles, piquing the interest of clubs on the lookout for solidity.
Newcastle have long been at the front of the queue for his signature, and it appears they may finally be close to pushing a deal over the line, making this one to keep an eye on over the next few days.