An English manager has never won the Premier League. In fact, the only Brits to get their hands on the illustrious trophy have been Sir Alex Ferguson and Sir Kenny Dalglish. But that’s not to say England hasn’t been blessed with some of the most talented and charismatic coaches football has ever seen.

The fact that English football proudly created managers like Alf Ramsey, Bob Paisley and Brian Clough only for their successors at the top level to later create such a dismal Premier League record makes it all the more bizarre.

In the Premier League era, Sir Bobby Robson and Kevin Keegan particularly stand out, but the truth is that England’s best products came before the top flight received a new lick of paint.

Before Robson and Keegan, the likes of Ramsey and Paisley etched their legacies into English football history. Paisley’s name still echoes around Anfield as one of the most successful managers in their incredible history, whilst Ramsey remains the last manager to win silverware with England – winning the 1966 World Cup.

Best English Managers

Clubs managed

Bob Paisley

Liverpool

Sir Alf Ramsey

Ipswich, England, Birmingham

Sir Bobby Robson

Fulham, Ipswich, England, PSV, Sporting, Porto,

Barcelona, Newcastle

Kevin Keegan

Newcastle, Fulham, England, Man City, Newcastle

Roy Hodgson

Inter, Blackburn, Udinese, Finland, Fulham,

Liverpool, West Brom, England, Crystal Palace, Watford

Out of all those names, from Paisley to Hodgson, one manager who doesn’t get enough credit at times is Keegan. But the iconic David Ginola wasted no time before giving his former boss his flowers.

Ginola: Keegan made Newcastle feel "invincible"

The man who took Newcastle United closest to the Premier League title, Keegan is unfortunate to be known for his famous “I would love it if we beat them” rant, but the story behind that infamous interview is even more dramatic.

Labelled “The Entertainers”, Keegan’s Newcastle side finished second and third in their first seasons back in the top flight before going toe-to-toe with Ferguson’s Manchester United side.

Ginola and Les Ferdinand were among those to arrive in a £16m spending spree, and the Magpies soon found themselves 10 points clear at Christmas.

By the time that March arrived and United came to town to secure victory, however, Newcastle’s lead had been cut to just four points following the beginning of a collapse. Stan Collymore then famously closed in at Anfield a month later to hand Keegan another defeat.

Related English football clubs with the most major trophies

Which club can claim to have the proudest history when it comes to winning trophies?

Posts ByRoss Kilvington

It was then Ferguson’s suggestion that Nottingham Forest could hand Newcastle preferential treatment due to their meeting for Stuart Pearson’s testimonial which sparked Keegan’s infamous rant. In the end though, as much as he wished it to happen, Newcastle could not find a way to beat United to the title in the 1995/96 campaign.

Still on the hunt for an Andre Onana upgrade, Manchester United have now reportedly submitted an opening offer worth £13m to sign a Champions League-winning shot-stopper.

Man Utd's goalkeeper search still ongoing

Having already reinforced their attacking options with the arrival of Matheus Cunha and with negotiations ongoing to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United have turned their focus towards their goalkeeper department.

Onana’s position as Old Trafford’s No.1 has seemed at risk since his debut season and the former Inter Milan man could finally be forced to relinquish his role if United get their wish this summer.

To that end, a number of names have been mentioned as potential options, with the most prominent of which being Emiliano Martinez.

The World Cup winner reportedly prefers a move to Manchester United over Barcelona and could be on his way out of Aston Villa amid their PSR concerns this month.

Meanwhile, what would help speed things up in the goalkeeper department is if AS Monaco complete their move to sign Onana. The Ligue 1 side are reportedly interested in signing the Cameroon international in an unexpected move this summer.

By showing Onana the door, it would almost be a guarantee that Manchester United will welcome another goalkeeper this summer. It would just be a matter of who. As much as Aston Villa will be concerned about their PSR situation, they’ll no doubt be desperate to avoid selling one of Unai Emery’s star players to a Premier League rival this summer and that may leave INEOS scrambling for other options.

If the Villans successfully fend off any interest from United, then the Red Devils could yet reportedly welcome a two-time Champions League winner in the coming months.

Man Utd submit first Andriy Lunin bid

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United submitted a bid worth €15m (£13m) to sign Andriy Lunin from Real Madrid but have since had that offer rejected by the Spanish giants. A deal is still there to be made, however, even if the Red Devils must increase their offer.

Having rejected the £13m offer, Real Madrid are reportedly demanding around €25m (£21m) to sell Lunin this summer in what should be seen as an affordable price for those at Old Trafford to match.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Andriy Lunin

Andre Onana

Starts

7

34

Saves P90

1.86

2.59

Save Percentage

65%

68.9%

Whilst the Ukraine international deserves credit for how he stepped up for Thibaut Courtois at times last season, there remain question marks over his ability to become a permanent No.1 elsewhere.

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It is Lunin’s ability on the ball that stands out rather than his shot-stopping skills according to Ben Mattinson, however. The analyst was full of praise for the Madrid man, dubbing his ball-playing ability “great” albeit whilst also describing the goalkeeper as a “top shot stopper”.

Related Amorim keen: Bayern Munich now open to selling Man Utd target for just £30m

Ruben Amorim wants to sign him this summer.

Posts 1 ByHenry Jackson

Although the jury is still out on Lunin, it’s clear that United must replace Onana this summer and doing so by signing a two-time Champions League winner could be the way to do exactly that.

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now made direct contact over a deal for an “amazing” defender, who could be tempted by a move to Molineux this summer, according to a report.

Summer rebuild needed at Molineux

The departures of Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha have left Vitor Pereira with work to do in the summer transfer market, but Steve Bull believes his former club could be capable of taking major strides next season.

Bull said: “Pereira had to pick up the pieces last season from Gary O’Neil and he guided us to safety.

“I am not sure he wants to do that this year. I think he wants to sell himself and get us at least in the top half of the table this season.”

Achieving a top-half finish after losing Ait-Nouri and Cunha would be a major achievement for Pereira, which would be sure to attract the attention of some top clubs, but a summer rebuild will be needed in order to make that goal a reality.

Related Wolves make first approach to sign £34m Club World Cup goalscorer

He’s been in excellent form at the Club World Cup.

Posts ByTom Cunningham

One of the main reasons the Old Gold were drawn into a relegation battle last season was their very poor defensive record, shipping 69 goals in the Premier League, the highest number of any club outside the relegation zone.

As such, it is little wonder Wolves are looking at bringing in a new centre-back, and they have now held direct talks with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Igor Julio, according to El Diario Vasco (via Sport Witness).

Indeed, the Old Gold have called Igor over a potential move to Molineux, which could be of great appeal, given that Pereira’s squad is full of Brazilian and Portuguese players.

However, the Brazilian is currently prioritising a move to Real Sociedad, as he is keen to seal a move away from England this summer, and believes the La Liga side could be a good fit.

Julio could be "amazing" signing for Wolves

Wolves will be hoping the defender’s head can be turned, despite the interest from Sociedad, as he impressed considerably for Brighton last season, being singled out for praise by manager Fabian Hürzeler.

Hürzeler said: “He played now a good game against Newcastle. And I wasn’t surprised by this because I see him every training session and he’s an amazing professional player.

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“He always wants to give the best. He always wants to be the best version of himself and that’s very impressive.”

The 27-year-old, who signed for Brighton for €17m (£15m) in 2023, also ranks in the 99th percentile for blocks per 90 over the past year, when compared to other centre-backs, and the 88th percentile for his pass-completion rate.

Having proven himself in the Premier League, Igor could be exactly the type of signing to help Wolves kick on and push for a top-half finish, but the interest from Real Sociedad could pose a major problem.

The 2024/25 campaign was certainly a disappointment for West Ham United. Graham Potter’s side ended up finishing 14th in the Premier League, but given some of the talent in their squad, it could be seen as a disappointing campaign overall.

Indeed, one of the biggest issues last term for the Hammers was putting the ball in the back of the net. They did not find it easy to score goals, scoring 46 in total, better than only five sides, as per Understat. Worryingly, they underperformed on their expected goals tally, which was at 50.59xG last term.

Despite losing the attacking talent of Mohammed Kudus this summer, with the Ghanaian joining Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham are looking to add firepower in forward areas to their squad.

West Ham’s latest attacking target

Of course, losing a player with the attacking quality of Kudus is a blow for the Hammers, but they still have the likes of Jarrod Bowen in their side who can contribute in attack. To add to the depth in forward areas, the Hammers seem to be plotting a shock move 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.

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According to a recent report from Graeme Bailey, West Ham are one of the sides ‘to have registered their interest’ in signing Real Madrid’s new breakout star Gonzalo Garcia on loan this summer, suggesting they have opened up talks to sign him.

The striker, who made a name for himself at the recent Club World Cup in America, is also wanted by newly promoted pair Leeds United and Sunderland, and the Hammers’ London rivals, Brentford.

Although this is a loan deal, previous reports suggested that Chelsea were ready to fork out £34m for his signature, as per reports in Spain.

Why Garcia would be a good signing

It is fair to say that the last month or so has been a whirlwind for Garcia. He got his chance at the Club World Cup for Los Blancos after Kylian Mbappe fell ill at the start of the competition, and certainly took his opportunity.

Before the start of the tournament in June, the 21-year-old had only played six times for Madrid’s senior side, scoring once. His record for Real Madrid Castilla was impressive, with 30 goals and seven assists in 73 appearances.

Yet, since becoming a key player in the Club World Cup, the Madrid-born attacker has been “sensational”, according to former striker Joselu. He bagged four goals and grabbed an assist in six games in the tournament, which included strikes against Juventus and Borussia Dortmund.

Those sorts of numbers will surely pique the interest of West Ham fans, and maybe even their captain, Bowen.

The 28-year-old was sensational once again last term, with 13 goals and ten assists in 34 Premier League games, in a season where they were lacklustre in front of goal.

Indeed, some of the numbers the England star put up last term, via FBref, suggest that he might link up well with the Los Blancos man.

For example, he averaged 0.24 crosses and 1.39 passes into the penalty area per 90 minutes last season, ranking him in the top 17% and 14% respectively.

Passes into the penalty box like the one above for Danny Ings last season could make Bowen and Garcia a deadly combination. Some of his numbers from the Club World Cup suggest they could form a dangerous duo.

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According to the stats from Squawka, the Los Blancos academy star scored four goals from inside the penalty box in the competition. Not only does that highlight a great centre-forward’s instinct, but also suggests he is capable of getting on the end of Bowen’s crosses. He also had a 44.44% conversion rate.

Garcia key stats from Club World Cup

Stat

Tournament total

Per 90 mins

Goals from inside box

4

0.8

Conversion rate

44.44%

44.44%

Shots on target

7

1.4

Duels won

22

4.4

Ball recoveries

10

2

Stats from Squawka

Those kinds of numbers, coupled with Bowen’s tendency to get crosses into the box and create chances, with his ten Premier League assists last term, are evidence enough to suggest these two could become a deadly partnership.

Whilst it is initially only a loan deal, a £34m fee has been reported. If the temporary move goes well, perhaps it can become permanent and turn into one of the bargains of the summer.

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After dropping out of the race to sign Hugo Ekitike, Newcastle United have reportedly turned their focus towards improving their backline with the addition of a Premier League rival.

Newcastle drop out of Ekitike race

In the end it seemed to be a choice of either opening the door for Liverpool to make their move for Alexander Isak or miss out on Ekitike for Newcastle, who swiftly chose to prioritise their Swedish star. As per Fabrizio Romano, the Magpies have now walked away from any potential deal to sign the Eintracht Frankfurt forward, allowing Liverpool to advance.

It’s a frustratingly familiar story for those at St James’ Park this summer. Despite doing well to welcome Anthony Elanga and with James Trafford likely on his way, Eddie Howe has been forced to watch on as the likes of Joao Pedro and now Ekitike head elsewhere. Back to square one on the transfer front, Newcastle must now assess their options.

With pre-season underway and around one month to go until the Premier League is back, there are a number of options that Newcastle could turn towards after missing out on Ekitike, but Yoane Wissa remains the standout name.

The Brentford forward scored 19 Premier League goals last season – more than Ekitike managed in the Bundesliga – and is certainly ready for a big move away from West London.

He remains one to watch, and the same can be said for another Premier League rival as Newcastle look to welcome further fresh faces before the end of August.

Newcastle pushing to sign Disasi

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle are now pushing to sign Axel Disasi from Chelsea after opening negotiations with those at Stamford Bridge. There is reportedly some belief that the Magpies could land a deal for just €30m (£26m), which would be a cut-price from the Blues’ €35m (£30m) valuation.

Related Newcastle now plotting shock £50m move to sign "brilliant" South American

This would be one of the most unexpected moves of the summer.

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Although the Frenchman’s move hasn’t gone exactly to plan at Chelsea, he could quickly rediscover his best form with a summer switch to St James’ Park. It’s there that the 6’3 defender could act as instant competition for Sven Botman and Fabian Schar, before eventually replacing the ageing latter.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Disasi

Botman

Schar

Minutes

854

412

2,934

Progressive Passes P90

3.37

1.52

3.62

Tackles Won P90

0.95

1.96

0.64

Ball Recoveries P90

3.16

3.04

4.11

Finally gaining some much-needed game time on loan at Aston Villa last season, Disasi impressed at times and began to live up to the praise of U23 scout Antonio Mango, who previously described the defender as “brilliant”.

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If Newcastle can land a deal worth just £26m too, then they should consider that an impressive bargain for a defender who should be at the peak of his powers at 27 years old.

Mikel Arteta was handed a major boost earlier this week with the Gunners finally sealing a deal for Viktor Gyokeres, but Arsenal haven’t had it all their own way.

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The Sporting CP striker and his camp are now putting the finishing touches on his blockbuster Premier League move after weeks of talks. Arsenal reached an agreement in principle to sign Gyokeres for around £64 million nearly a fortnight ago (The Athletic), with the hold-up centered around final bonus payments.

Arsenal’s confirmed transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

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

£140m

However, it appears that any and all issues have now been rectified, and Gyokeres is about to become their sixth signing of the summer after Kepa Arrizabalaga, Martin Zubimendi, Christian Norgaard, Noni Madueke and Cristhian Mosquera.

It is worth noting that Gyokeres, despite his incredible 54 goals in all competitions last season, wasn’t always sporting director Andrea Berta’s main target, nor was he Edu Gaspar’s constant priority either.

Arsenal also worked on a deal for Benjamin Sesko at around the same time they started moving for Gyokeres (BBC), and they tried to sign the Slovenian last summer as well as in January (Ben Jacobs).

According to reliable media sources, Newcastle United star Alexander Isak was also a “dream” signing for Arteta at one stage (Fabrizio Romano).

Arsenal informed Alexander Isak is focused on joining Liverpool

The north Londoners, as per journalist Graeme Bailey, gave up hope of signing the Swede after being informed that Isak is focused on joining Liverpool if he is to depart St. James’ Park.

Chelsea were apparently told exactly the same thing, with Arsenal swiftly moving on to Gyokeres as they prepare to welcome Isak’s international teammate.

Isak’s rumoured price tag of around £150 million was always too steep for Berta and co, even if Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie suggests a deal would more likely be done around the £130 million mark, which would still smash the Premier League’s all-time transfer record.

Eddie Howe’s side are set to dig their heels in over any potential exit for their star striker, especially after his exceptional 2024/2025.

“Alex is a world-class talent,” said Howe in a December press conference.

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“The way he took his goals, he has that coolness and composure very few have. When you add into the mix his technical skills, I think he’s got it all.

“He has unique skills, and the challenge is to get him into the game as much as we can. Earlier in the season we weren’t doing that, but now the team are performing much better.

“He’s a player with a real confidence and we’re seeing a return to his really best levels – that’s highlighted by the goals he has scored.”

Continuing their search for a striker, Newcastle United could now reportedly jump ahead of Bayern Munich to sign a towering forward whose technique has been compared to Lionel Messi’s.

Isak agrees terms with Liverpool

Things could be about to get worse before they get better at St James’ Park this summer. Fresh reports have now revealed that star striker Alexander Isak has already agreed personal terms with Liverpool, who are now waiting for an opening to submit their first bid.

Liverpool’s interest follows the bombshell news that Isak is looking to leave Newcastle this summer and has reportedly gone AWOL in the hope of pushing through an unexpected departure.

Not for the first time this summer, Newcastle have been put in an unenviable position in the transfer market and must push to get their business done as the Premier League campaign draws near.

On that front, however, those at St James’ Park may need to prepare themselves for even more rejection amid reports that Benjamin Sesko favours a move to Old Trafford.

The RB Leipzig forward is the subject of a Premier League battle between Manchester United and Newcastle, but the Magpies already reportedly believe that he will choose the Red Devils this summer.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham

As such, Newcastle must once again take a look down their long list of striker targets and go in pursuit of what could quickly turn into a replacement for Isak. And if it’s the towering Sesko profile that they’re after, then one particular option should be their top priority.

Newcastle eyeing Woltemade hijack

As reported by The Sun, Newcastle are now eyeing a deal to sign Nick Woltemade ahead of Bayern Munich, who have hesitated to complete their move after welcoming Luis Diaz from Liverpool.

The 6’6 VfB Stuttgart striker enjoyed an incredibly impressive season in Germany – scoring 17 goals in all competitions – and quickly followed that up with six goals in six games to win the Golden Boot at the U21 Euros.

The German has unsurprisingly received high praise from all those who have seen him at his best, including from Stuttgart captain Atakan Karazor, who said: “Woltemade has Messi’s technique! I think I recognise a good footballer quickly and Nick caught my eye from the first week of training.

“The most important thing for us is to involve Woltemade enough in the game but he can do that as a deep-lying striker between the lines or as a true No.9 in the opponent’s box. Because we know what we have in Nick: he’s a two-metre-tall (Jamal) Musiala or Messi!”

Chelsea must watch on from afar as a highly-rated former starlet aims to make a name for himself at Premier League rivals Liverpool, and those within Stamford Bridge were left ‘shocked’ after his departure.

The Blues’ penchant for attracting world football’s most dazzling young talents has been a key theme of their business in recent years.

Chelsea’s best performers in the Premier League last season

Average match rating

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Ever since Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital’s takeover in 2022, Chelsea have broken records for the number of youngsters in their squad, with OptaJoe revealing Enzo Maresca fielded the youngest ever starting eleven in Premier League history last season.

Despite some calls for Chelsea to sign players with more experience, this theme is unlikely to change any time soon. This window alone, Maresca has seen Dario Essugo, Estevão Willian, Mamadou Sarr, Liam Delap, Jamie Gittens, Kendry Páez and Jorrel Hato join the club, with the oldest of them being only 22.

Chelsea are also in talks to sign both Xavi Simons and Alejandro Garnacho, according to Sky Sports, while Football Transfers reported earlier this week that Maresca could sign another ‘exciting youngster’ too if one becomes available before the deadline.

BlueCo’s youth obsession is no accident – it’s their masterplan.

Chelsea have poured over £1 billion into signing the world’s brightest upcoming stars – stacking their future with talent before it hits peak value.

On the pitch, it means building a squad that can evolve together. The club’s average age will continue to be one of the lowest in Europe – with Maresca’s system set to potentially thrive on energy and development.

He’s now got a group hungry to prove themselves, not fading stars on bloated wages.

However, Chelsea’s desire to grow a roster rich with world football’s most promising starlets doesn’t mean everyone will be along for the ride.

Chelsea annoyed after losing Rio Ngumoha to Liverpool

Last summer, promising teenager Rio Ngumoha swapped west London for Anfield, and Chelsea were reminded of that fact when the 16-year-old scored a brilliant solo goal in the first of a double-header against Athletic Bilbao earlier this week.

The winger became Liverpool’s second-youngest ever senior debutant against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup last term, and many are wondering whether Arne Slot is planning a first-team role for him after an excellent pre-season.

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, speaking to TBR Football, Chelsea have maintained a frustration after losing Nguhoma to Liverpool, and were left shocked by his move up north.

“Chelsea know how good Ngumoha is. They were annoyed to lose him. It was a real frustration for them to see him walk away,” said Bailey.

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“They know losing players is part and parcel of the academy system now – you just have to make sure you have more wins than losses.

“However – within football – Ngumoha was a name that everyone knew about. He had offers from everywhere, but Chelsea were shocked that he left.

“Now he is impressing at Liverpool, it is fair to say that Chelsea’s annoyance is not going away – but to see him become a success is not a shock to anyone at Stamford Bridge.”

The London-born attacking gem is certainly one to watch, with John Terry once calling him a “top player” and tipping Nguhoma for stardom.

Manchester United have now identified a “phenomenal” midfielder as their new dream target, and they are hoping to get a deal wrapped up before the transfer deadline, according to a report.

Man Utd halt Baleba pursuit with Brighton demanding £100m+

Man United were willing to break the bank to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, despite being quoted over £100m, but they have now halted their pursuit of the midfielder, given that the Seagulls are extremely reluctant to sanction a departure.

Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler has also asserted that he is “very, very confident” Baleba will remain a Brighton player beyond the September 1st deadline, and United have now been forced to move on to alternative targets.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that United are well-placed to win the race for Sporting CP’s Morten Hjulmand, despite rival interest from Juventus, but reports from elsewhere suggest INEOS are hesitant about spending £69m on the Danish midfielder.

Related Man Utd now preparing £130m move for "world-class" GK and "generational" CM

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However, according to a report from Spain, the United board ‘highly value’ Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, suggesting they are big fans of the Englishman, who has now emerged as the new dream midfield target.

Wharton is viewed as an alternative to Baleba, and INEOS are clearly looking to get a deal wrapped up soon, having formulated plans to sign him before the transfer deadline, rather than waiting until the January transfer window or next summer.

There is a belief the 21-year-old would be an ideal fit for Ruben Amorim’s side, having sought a player capable of providing balance in midfield for quite some time, and the youngster could even be brought in as a replacement for Casemiro.

However, a deal will not be easy, given that Palace are in no hurry to sanction a departure, with the Eagles looking to receive at least £40m for the England international, who is one of their key players.

"Phenomenal" Wharton could be exciting Baleba alternative

The former Blackburn Rovers man is certainly held in very high regard by the Crystal Palace faithful, with Dan Cook of HLTCO singling him out for high praise during the 2024-25 campaign.

However, there are doubts over whether the Palace star would be a like-for-like alternative to Baleba, given that he excels at creating chances and advancing the ball up the pitch, while the Cameroonian flourishes defensively.

Average per 90 (past year)

Adam Wharton

Carlos Baleba

Assists

0.13

0.03

Progressive passes

7.21

3.96

Tackles

2.09

2.64

Interceptions

1.35

1.62

Blocks

0.94

1.55

That said, Wharton is a different type of player to Baleba, he is Premier League proven, which aligns with the type of signing Man United are looking to make this summer, and the reported £40m asking price is very reasonable.

Glasgow Rangers have officially confirmed that Youssef Chermiti has arrived at Ibrox on a permanent deal to bolster Russell Martin’s options at the top end of the pitch.

Cyriel Dessers’ transfer to Panathinaikos, the team Rangers beat in the Champions League qualifiers earlier this season, has also been officially confirmed by the Scottish Premiership giants.

Chermiti joins Bojan Miovski in arriving at Ibrox to improve the manager’s options in the final third ahead of the rest of the first half of the 2025/26 campaign.

Rangers in pursuit of new winger

The two strikers may not be the only forwards to arrive in Glasgow before the deadline passes later this evening, though, as the club are looking at another attacker.

Transfer Focus

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

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According to RangersReview, Glasgow Rangers maintain an interest in Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi heading into the final hours of the window.

The report mentions the club’s ongoing pursuit of the English forward as part of their round-up ahead of the deadline, following the Dessers and Chermiti announcements.

This means that the Gers are still looking to bolster their attack with a further addition before the window slams shut, with a deadline-busting move for Rak-Sakyi still on the cards.

Why Rangers should sign Rak-Sakyi

Kevin Thelwell must push to get this late deal over the line in the coming hours because he could add a different profile to what Martin currently has at his disposal in the final third, as the club’s new Vaclav Cerny.

The bore-draw with Celtic on Sunday highlighted the lack of diversity out wide for Rangers, as Djeidi Gassama was forced to play on the right wing, unable to do much but go back the way on his right foot when he could not take Kieran Tierney on down the outside.

Last season, Cerny provided something different in the attack as a left-footed forward who could cut in from the right to score and create goals for the team, ending the campaign with 12 goals and four assists in the Premiership, per Sofascore.

24/25 Championship

Rak Sakyi per 90

Percentile rank vs wingers

Non-penalty xG

0.32

Top 13%

Goals

0.36

Top 11%

Shots on target

0.88

Top 22%

xA

0.18

Top 22%

Assists

0.10

Bottom 47%

Successful dribbles

2.44

Top 7%

Stats via FotMob

As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi offered a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the Championship on loan at Sheffield United, but was not rewarded with the assists that his creativity deserved.

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The 22-year-old star, who was described as a “frightening” forward by U23 scout Antonio Mango, scored seven goals and provided two assists in 22 league starts for the Blades, and previously scored 15 goals and assisted eight goals in 40 League One starts for Charlton.

Like Cerny, he is a left-footed right winger who looks to cut in to provide a constant threat in the final third, and his performances in England suggest that he could bring a lot of quality to Ibrox.

Rak-Sakyi could also be another loan signing, as Cerny was with Wolfsburg, and make a big impact in a short time in Glasgow, without the club having to shell out millions on a permanent move, which is another reason why this could be a shrewd piece of business if they can beat the deadline.

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Posts ByDan Emery