Celtic have cashed in on a number of their players over the past few years such as Odsonne Edouard, Kristoffer Ajer and Moussa Dembele among others.
Another man for whom the Parkhead club picked up a significant transfer fee is left-back Kieran Tierney, who joined Premier League club Arsenal in August 2019 for £25m.
A product of the Parkhead club’s youth system, the defender made 170 appearances for the Hoops across all competitions, scoring eight goals and providing 37 assists in the process.
Prior to joining the north London club, Barry Ferguson claimed that a transfer fee of £50m for the full-back would have been cheap, highlighting just how highly the 24-year-old was rated during his days in Scotland.
Now that the summer transfer window is around the corner, this could give Ange Postecoglou the chance to sign his own version of Tierney and bring a new left-back to Celtic.
Back in December, the Parkhead club were linked with a move for Hibernian full-back Josh Doig, but they failed to secure his signature in the January transfer window.
With the summer in mind, this should give the Hoops an ideal period to reignite their interest in him and finally bring the 19-year-old to Glasgow.
Having played in 74 senior games for his current club, the teenager has scored one goal and provided six assists along the way.
In comparison to current Celtic left-back Greg Taylor, the Hibs youngster has shown just how capable he is of playing in the Premiership. This season has seen the 19-year-old record more crosses, interceptions and tackles than Taylor.
Even though the Hibs youngster has played 10 more games than the Celtic defender, he has still committed fewer fouls (12) than his fellow countryman (21). This shows that he may not be as much of a liability as Taylor, whilst still having the talent to be a defensive and attacking threat.
Hailed as a “phenomenal” player by Ray McKinnon, Doig could be an ideal long-term replacement for Tierney and be a major competitor for Taylor in the Hoops’ line-up.
Moving forward, if Postecoglou thinks that his defence needs some reinforcements during the summer, securing a deal for the Hibs talent should be at the top of their list.
In other news: Postecoglou can finally axe “unacceptable” Celtic dud with move for “class” £1.6m star
Respected transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio has dropped an exciting update regarding Arsenal’s interest in Monaco midfielder, Aurelien Tchouameni…
What’s the word?
Speaking to German outlet Wettfreunde, the Italian Sky Sports journalist revealed that the Gunners are one of the clubs that “are following” the talented Frenchman, with the 22-year-old said to be keen on a Premier League move.
Previous reports have credited Mikel Arteta’s side with an interest in the former Bordeaux man, although they may face stiff competition from both Manchester United and Chelsea in the race for his signature.
In full, he said: “A lot of clubs in the Premier League are following him. Arsenal, Manchester United to name just two. He would like to play in the Premier League. He has stayed at Monaco for another year to await a chance to play in the Premier League. I think that will be the summer when he changes.”
Supporters will be buzzing
The north London outfit are currently flying high with a Champions League spot well within their grasp, although one position that remains an area of concern is central midfield, with Arteta currently down to the bare bones with regards to potential options.
Summer signing Albert Sambi Lokonga is yet to truly establish himself in the side, while former Atletico Madrid powerhouse Thomas Partey has been plagued by injuries since his £45m switch two years ago, with the Ghanian facing a race against time to feature again this season.
That has left both Granit Xhaka and Mohamed Elneny as the club’s senior midfield options, although the latter faces an uncertain future with just a month or so left on his existing deal, despite having been the subject of praise from pundit Owen Hargreaves.
A new addition is then of paramount importance this summer, with Tchouameni seemingly the perfect fit as the defensive presence in an attack-minded side.
Not only does he fit with the club’s youthful transfer policy of late – with the Emirates outfit signing six players under the age of 23 last summer – but he also offers genuine quality, having been tipped to become a “complete midfielder” by teammate and former Gunner Cesc Fabregas.
The Spaniard knows what it takes to star in an Arsenal side, with his club colleague showing all the signs that he can be the man to pull the strings in midfield for years to come. However, his physical qualities are also symbolic of a certain Patrick Vieira, someone the north Londoners have been trying to replace for over a decade now.
The Monaco man has enjoyed another fine campaign for club and country, having made 2.8 tackles and 2.5 interceptions per game in his 32 Ligue 1 outings so far this season, while he’s also won an impressive 64% of his total duels.
Equally, he also ranks in the top 17% for progressive passes made and in the top 13% for total shots among players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues, showcasing he is much more than just a midfield destroyer.
Dubbed a “monster” by France U21 boss Sylvain Ripoll for his athletic ability, the £36m-rated ace is the type of player that the Gunners are simply crying out for at present, with a marquee midfield addition needed to help them kick on again next year.
IN other news, 0 passes all game: Arsenal flop doing a “Sanogo impression” must now never start again…
Leeds United have been handed a late injury boost ahead of their Premier League meeting with Manchester City this evening.
What’s the latest?
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Pep Guardiola confirmed that, after being withdrawn in the first half of City’s 4-3 Champions League semi-final first leg victory in midweek, John Stones has now been ruled out of today’s clash at Elland Road.
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In response to a question asking for an update on the condition of the centre-back, Guardiola said: “For [Saturday] he’s out.”
Marsch will be buzzing
Considering how impressive Stones has been in the heart of the City defence this season, the news that the 27-year-old will not be available for selection this evening is sure to have left Jesse Marsch buzzing.
Indeed, over his 13 Premier League appearances this term, the £25.2m-rated centre-back has helped his side to keep eight clean sheets and scored one goal, along with averaging 0.8 interceptions, 0.4 tackles and 1.6 clearances and winning 4.8 duels (at a success rate of 83%) per game.
These returns have seen the £200k-per-week England international average a remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.19, ranking him as Guardiola’s second-best defender and 10th-best player overall in the league.
As such, it is clear to see that the absence of the defender will provide Leeds’ chances of securing a result against City with a huge boost this evening. Considering the Whites’ rather precarious position just five points above the relegation zone prior to the 3pm kick-offs, this is undoubtedly welcome news for everyone involved with the Yorkshire club.
AND in other news: Marsch axes “non-existent” flop & lets “promising” talent loose: Leeds predicted XI
The longer this goes on, the noisier it will get for Liverpool and their new signings and their recruitment strategy when viewed through a wider lens.
Five defeats from six in the Premier League have snuffed out any hopes of Arne Slot retaining his throne at the top of the division. Arsenal are eight points ahead at the summit, but it is the stark polarity in technical implementation and fluency that is a greater threat to Liverpool’s campaign.
That and the Reds’ startling defensive fragilities. Ibrahima Konate has been at the centre of Liverpool’s problems this term, and Virgil van Dijk is hardly at his best either. A variety of full-back pairings have yet to provide sustainable results, and Alisson Becker’s absence through injury hasn’t helped matters.
But Liverpool are all wrong, and it has at times felt as if Slot it trying to put square pegs into round holes. To solve this crisis of confidence and cohesion, sporting director Richard Hughes appears to be getting ready to add a high-level midfielder to the Anfield ranks.
Liverpool looking to sign a midfielder
Liverpool have got plenty of creativity in their ranks, even if Slot is not wielding his playmakers’ abilities to the max at this moment. But Liverpool need more in the way of build-up play.
Ryan Gravenberch is one of the most talented midfielders in the Premier League, and he has excelled since Slot shifted his countryman into a deep-lying central berth.
But Liverpool are embroiled in a pressing conundrum this season, lacking the intensity and physicality and drive to recycle possession. This was painfully clear on Sunday against Manchester City, who outperformed Liverpool across almost every department.
The Merseysiders also look a bit lost, tactically. That’s a disquieting thing to say, and the dichotomy between Slot’s first and second terms at Liverpool are illustrated clearly through this point.
What Liverpool need is a genius midfielder to rival Gravenberch at number six and revive Liverpool’s energy and build-up and pressing. Gravenberch is great, but Fabinho’s presence is missed in the Liverpool midfield, that Brazilian anchor whose composure under pressure and crisp, intelligent distribution paid dividends under Jurgen Klopp.
It is perhaps for this reason that Hughes and FSG have centred their sights on Paris Saint-Germain’s Vitinha.
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool are keeping a close eye on the Portugal international ahead of the turn of the year and are willing to offer a staggering €130m (about £114m) fee. Arsenal and Juventus are also understood to be keen on the 25-year-old.
This won’t be an easy one to pull off, of course. Vitinha is contracted to the Parc des Princes until 2029, and he is considered by PSG to be one of their most untouchable players.
What Vitinha would offer Liverpool
Vitinha is rather good at football. It seems obvious that he would raise the level of Liverpool’s midfield, having dominated under Luis Enrique’s wing, winning a historic quadruple last season and continuing to dazzle at the heart of the PSG super-team this term.
Described by Portugal manager Roberto Martinez as being “the best midfielder in the world”, Vitinha has been instrumental in Paris’ golden footballing age, playing 169 times across all competitions for the club since joining from Porto for £34m in 2022.
Here is a midfielder who has played in the Premier League before, featuring 19 times and starting five of those fixtures in 2020/21 while on loan with Wolverhampton Wanderers.
This was a bit-part role for a young and raw player. Vitinha is now levels above that one-time player whose passing and skill have found a maturity befitting a team at the very top of the European pyramid.
It is such a player who could turn things around for Liverpool, perhaps even establishing himself as the Redmen’s finest midfielder since those days of Fabinho in Klopp’s system.
These players do not share that many stylistic similarities, but Fabinho was considered among the finest in the world when tackling his way through the Premier League, and Vitinha, as mentioned already, is believed by some to be the very creme of the world crop, finishing third in the men’s Ballon d’Or rankings this year.
1.
PSG
Ousmane Dembele
2.
Barcelona
Lamine Yamal
3.
PSG
Vitinha
4.
Liverpool
Mohamed Salah
5.
Barcelona
Raphinha
This is a midfielder who can do it all. His passing is out of his world, and his is a scholarly footballing mind. As per data-led platform FBref, Vitinha ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe over the past 12 months for pass completion, passes attempted and progressive passes, the top 9% for shot-creating actions and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90.
Moreover, Vitinha has won 60% of his ground duels in Ligue 1 this season, emphasising the underrated combativeness to his game.
Gravenberch is mobile and crisp on the ball and progressive when the right chance presents itself, but he is not as skilled on the ball as Vitinha, and while Klopp’s heavy-metal system demanded an enforcer like Fabinho, Slot’s more centralised build-up patterns demand a profile like Vitinha, especially now Trent Alexander-Arnold has up and left.
This is why Vitinha would be such a credit to the project, very much becoming Slot’s own version of Fabinho without matching the 32-year-old, who now plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Ittihad, in regard to the deeper analytical dive of his playing style.
The ripple effect of such an acquisition would be astounding. Energy and movement and belonging would give rise to the likes of Konate and Van Dijk’s latent brilliance as a defensive partnership. Vitinha would direct play and orchestrate from the middle. Here you would find Wirtz unlocking his skills once again, and the web of passing patterns would strengthen across the central and attacking thirds.
Liverpool said their farewells to Fabinho a time ago, and success has been had in the years since his sale. But Liverpool miss him still, and while Vitinha is a wildly different profile, his technical skills and ability to navigate his way through intense pressure underscore the importance of getting this one over the line and reviving the Slot machine.
More than Wirtz: £36m Liverpool star is becoming a "serious issue" for Slot
Liverpool were condemned to a fifth defeat in six Premier League matches at the Etihad.
Liverpool reportedly still have a chance of signing a Bayern Munich star in 2026, but his club are doing all they can to ensure he stays put there amid interest from Barcelona and PSG.
Isak gets minutes ahead of Liverpool debut
Reds supporters are having to wait patiently before they get to see Alexander Isak for the first time, with the current international break getting in the way.
The Swede could be rusty after playing so little football in recent months, however, so it would be a surprise if he started Liverpool’s trip to Burnley in the Premier League on Sunday afternoon.
On the plus side, though, Isak earned some key minutes for Sweden on Monday evening, coming on as a second-half substitute in his country’s 2-1 defeat away to Kosovo.
It wasn’t an ideal night for Liverpool’s record signing, but it was also a step in the right direction, ahead of what could be his debut this weekend. Now, another attacking star is being mentioned as a future option for the champions.
Liverpool could sign Bayern "magician" in 2026
Speaking to The Boot Room, journalist Graeme Bailey talked up Liverpool’s interest in signing Bayern Munich winger Michael Olise in 2026, saying there is a slim chance of them getting him next summer.
“So – firstly, Rogers and Olise won’t be leaving in January, but Liverpool are very much aware of both players – they like them both, but then again, there isn’t a major club in Europe who doesn’t. In terms of Olise – along with the likes of Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola, there are few more highly rated young wingers in the world.
“Olise looks a different class at the moment, he really has taken a huge leap since moving to Bayern Munich. It would take some huge money to get him – I don’t see him being available next summer, but never say never, when you are a club who can attract (Alexander) Isak and (Florian) Wirtz in one window – nobody is beyond your reach.”
The update does also claim that Bayern are “hoping” to sort a new deal for Olise with a “huge pay rise”, not wanting to lose him to Liverpool at this point in his career, or to Barcelona or Paris Saint-Germain for that matter.
Olise, who cost £50m from Crystal Palace, stands out as possibly the most exciting right-sided and left-footed option to be Mohamed Salah’s long-term replacement at Liverpool, with the Frenchman a dazzling footballer who has been hailed by Bayern teammate Dayot Upamecano.
“He’s a magician. His technical level is very high. He can do everything. He can score, set up, and even defend.”
Appearances
34
Starts
28
Minutes played
2348
Goals
12
Assists
15
Key passes per game
2.7
Shots per game
2.5
Dribbles per game
2.1
Tackles per game
1.1
In truth, it is a move that could be difficult to get done, given Bayern’s stance, but the fact that the Reds signed both Isak and Florian Wirtz for record transfer fees this summer will make them feel that any business is possible.
Crystal Palace are in the market for late signings and are now in surprise talks over a deal to bring a rival star to Selhurst Park, according to reports.
Crystal Palace set to welcome Christantus Uche
The Eagles have been involved in some high-stakes negotiations today and they could be set to welcome a number of arrivals before the close of play.
Eberechi Eze is gone and Crystal Palace may now have found his replacement in the form of Christantus Uche, who will arrive from Getafe after Wolverhampton Wanderers saw their move break down for the Nigeria international.
Bobby Manzi confirmed the latest on his situation this morning via X, stating: “Christantus Uche closing in on a move to Crystal Palace. Versatile forward capable of playing as a striker, left-sided attacker and advanced midfielder. Boosts forward ranks with Odsonne Edouard set to leave. Uche has started all three games for Getafe this season, picking up a goal and an assist.”
Putting that aside, Crystal Palace are set to complete a shock loan move for Brighton & Hove Albion defender Igor Julio in the form of a straight loan, in a surprise development given both sides are fierce rivals.
That may be a pivotal step in Marc Guehi’s situation, which is subject to change at any moment, but it appears that Oliver Glasner wants backline cover regardless of circumstance.
Time is running out and supporters are waiting on baited breath for announcements, which could help to shape the campaign Crystal Palace can have moving forward after their FA Community Shield victory.
Managers are always hungry for more options to fit their tactical mode of operation, and Glasner appears to have made a late play to bring a winger to Selhurst Park.
Crystal Palace in talks over loan move for Manor Solomon
According to Mailsport, Crystal Palace are in discussions over a loan swoop for Tottenham Hotspur winger Manor Solomon that could include a buy option.
Speaking about the deal, reporter Matt Barlow stated: “Crystal Palace are among those interested in Manor Solomon. They had an approach flatly rejected over the weekend.
Crystal Palace make late approach to sign 19-cap defender alongside Canvot
The Eagles are ready to try and land his signature.
BySean Markus Clifford Aug 30, 2025
“Maybe Daniel Levy was not keen to deal with Palace after the embarrassment he suffered when the Eberechi Eze deal was hijacked by rivals Arsenal. And Thomas Frank does not want to lose firepower unless it can be replaced. But Palace have returned today and there are discussions about a possible loan with an option.”
Labelled “brilliant” by Adam Pope, the former Fulham man was a smash-hit on loan at Leeds United last term, registering ten goals and 13 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions as they claimed promotion.
Nevertheless, there may be a late opening for him to leave North London, and a move across the city could be on the cards if all parties can come to an agreement before this evening’s cut-off point.
Whilst many dared to question whether Lionel Messi would have been able to perform at the peak of his powers in the Premier League, the legendary Argentine continued to prove those doubters wrong in the only way he knows how – by dominating England’s best sides.
Whether it was Manchester United at Wembley in the 2009 Champions League final or, more recently, against Liverpool in the first-leg of Barcelona’s Champions League quarter-final tie – which they eventually lost in historic fashion – Messi has proven time and time again that a cold, rainy night in Stoke would be no problem for a man of his talents.
Manchester City
8
7
3
Arsenal
6
9
2
Manchester United
6
4
0
Liverpool
4
2
0
Chelsea
10
3
3
Tottenham Hotspur
2
2
0
In 36 games against England’s top six, Messi has scored 27 goals and created another eight. If there were any remaining doubts that he would have dominated the Premier League at a level arguably never seen before, then those numbers should bring those to an end once and for all.
Like most around European football, some of the Premier League’s best have often been in awe of Messi. Jamie Carragher, among those running out of superlatives for the magical playmaker, said: “There have been so many players we’ve thought that about in the past, but to go on and do what he’s done, it’s crazy.
“For me, he’s the best player we’ve ever seen play football. And you can’t predict that of any 19, 20-year-old when you’re looking at where they’re going to go.”
Whilst he has often terrorised English opposition, there has been occasions when Messi has been shocked by Premier League players taking their revenge, and he admitted that one player left Barcelona fearful.
Messi: Lampard was one of the best players in the world
Given that his record against Chelsea out of all of the Premier League’s top six is the worst, Messi’s praise for a Stamford Bridge hero should come as no surprise. He took the time to single out Frank Lampard ahead of Barcelona’s Champions League tie against the Blues in 2009, admitting that he admires the midfield great and that he was a “big threat”.
The tie itself lived up to the billing, but it was another midfield legend who stole the headlines as Andres Iniesta netted a last-gasp winner for Barcelona to take his side into the Champions League final.
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ByBarney Lane Oct 25, 2024
Messi’s praise still rings true, however. At the peak of his powers, Lampard was one of the most dangerous midfielders around and Messi had every right to be fearful of the threat that he often provided. All in all, Lampard scored 211 goals in 648 games for Chelsea.
After another trophyless season for Mikel Arteta, there are several factors for those at Arsenal to blame.
The endless red cards and injuries halted their progress significantly but they have still been good enough for a second-placed finish in the Premier League and a Champions League semi-final.
Why didn’t they get over the line? Well, their recruitment in the last year or so hasn’t been great.
Arsenal's JakubKiwiorwith teammates look dejected after AFC Bournemouth's Evanilson scores their second goal
Last summer, Arsenal brought in David Raya permanently and also welcomed in Mikel Merino, somebody who’s become quite the cult hero of late for his performances as an emergency centre forward. No one will forget his goal against Real Madrid in a hurry.
There was also the addition of injury-prone Riccardo Calafiori and a loan move to bring in Raheem Sterling. The less said about him, the better.
Then, when it came to January, Arsenal clearly needed a new forward and did not sign one. Just days after the window slammed shut, Kai Havertz was ruled out for four months with a hamstring injury, only just returning in the recent 1-0 win over Newcastle at The Emirates.
Arsenal's KaiHavertzwith manager MikelArtetaafter being substituted
For the most part, Arteta’s recruitment since being given the job has been strong, stronger than some of the business done in the later years of Arsene Wenger’s tenure, that’s for sure.
Arsenal's biggest mistakes in the transfer market
It’s safe to say that Arsenal have made a number of howlers in recent years; the biggest of which is the decision not to sign a central forward.
In that time, they’ve let America international Folarin Balogun leave while Mika Biereth, now teammates with Balogun at Monaco, has quickly become one of the most prolific forwards in Europe.
Mika Biereth scores for Monaco
Following a successful loan spell at Sturm Graz last summer, the Austrian side signed him permanently for £4m, and after a goal-laden time of it in the Bundesliga, he headed off to Monaco.
Over the course of this campaign, the Dane has found the net on 27 occasions in 44 games. In 2025, he’s scored 13 times, making him the fourth highest scorer in Europe’s best leagues this calendar year.
1. Kylian Mbappe
19 (17)
2. Serhou Guirassy
15 (18)
3. Ousmane Dembele
13 (14)
4. Mika Biereth
13 (16)
5. Mateo Retegui
13 (18)
6. Patrik Schick
12 (19)
Cast your minds back further, and the disappointing exit of Serge Gnabry will most definitely sing
The German scored in the Champions League against the Gunners last season and while he’s not always been a regular starter this term, his numbers at Bayern Munich speak for themselves, registering 152 goal involvements across 280 outings.
Gnabry, who wasn’t good enough for Tony Pulis during a loan spell at West Brom, has only gone from strength to strength since then.
Now 29 years of age, the Arsenal academy graduate is a six-time league winner with Bayern, having also won a solitary Champions League and taking home a Club World Cup amid a plethora of domestic cup successes.
But, despite the sincere number of goals being outlined here, they arguably aren’t Arsenal’s biggest mistake; that remains Harry Kane.
Why Harry Kane left Arsenal
“Harry Kane, he’s one of our own.” That’s the song adoring Tottenham Hotspur fans used to sing in the direction of their beloved striker.
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Yet, was this statement ever really true? Perhaps not.
While Kane grew up playing in the Spurs academy, Arsenal was his very first club. There’s a remarkable image of the attacker dressed in a red and white jersey as a child, but it never quite happened for him at the Gunners.
It was at the age of 12 that he left the red side of London behind, and the club’s former academy manager, Roy Massey, has since revealed why.
Speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, Massey noted: “To release Harry Kane [from Arsenal], we don’t have a crystal ball. If we did then we would be successful in every youngster that we take on.
“Harry was a lovely young player. He was quiet, shy, didn’t have what we thought it would take to become a professional footballer and so we were totally mistaken.
“Although I’ve got to say that when Harry was released when he was 11 or 12 years of age, he did go to play for his Sunday league club for the next three years so no other club picked him up in that age group.”
Well, he’s certainly proven Massey wrong during what has been a remarkable career at club and international level.
How Harry Kane compares to Thierry Henry
The biggest club legend of them all, as far as Arsenal are concerned, is the great Thierry Henry. Titi, as he was affectionately known, signed for the Gunners in a deal worth just £11m. Of course, that was over 20 years ago now but it remains one of the biggest bargains we’ve seen.
Signed as a left winger, Wenger crafted his fellow Frenchman into an elite centre forward, quickly breaking records and becoming one of, if not the best foreign import we’ve seen in the Premier League era.
Henry won the Premier League twice, the FA Cup three times, was a league Golden Boot winner on two occasions and eventually left Highbury and the Emirates behind having scored a phenomenal 228 goals in 377 games, making him the club’s record goalscorer.
Arsenal
377
228
101
AS Monaco
141
28
4
New York Red Bulls
135
52
40
Barcelona
121
49
27
Juventus
20
3
2
Over the course of his career, the World Cup winner bagged 411 goals for club and country, but Kane, as astonishing as Henry was, has now surpassed that figure.
We’re not for one minute suggesting the England captain is a better player but it speaks volumes of his remarkable progression in the senior game.
From that rejection at Arsenal as a 12-year-old, since making his senior bow, he has now found the net on a whopping 449 occasions for club and country. He is England’s top goal scorer in history and he’s now finally a trophy winner too.
Kane ended his hoodoo this term, lifting the Bundesliga title above his head a few weeks ago. He’s been nothing short of a sensation for Bayern Munich, scoring 82 goals in 91 appearances.
He is a true modern phenomenon, perhaps the best finisher in world football. Arsenal let that depart at the age of 12.
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The prolific international could be the difference between glory and disappointment for Arsenal.
A significant update has now emerged over the future of an “amazing” Liverpool player, courtesy of Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.
Liverpool fringe players struggle at Brighton
The Reds were beaten 3-2 away to Brighton on Monday evening, meaning the new Premier League champions have now gone three matches without a victory since officially winning the title last month.
It was a chance for fringe players to chance, as Arne Slot shuffled his starting lineup, but in truth, few did their future chances much good, including Harvey Elliott, who seemed to hint at a possible summer exit after the game, saying:
Harvey Elliott celebrates for Liverpool
“It’s been hard with how much I’ve played. I’ve tried as hard as I could and whatever happens, happens. It’s about what’s best for my career. It’s about reflecting and seeing what I can do. I’m here at the moment and I’m focusing on the final game.”
A big summer transfer window is expected at Liverpool, with Jeremie Frimpong on the verge of signing from Bayer Leverkusen, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez also strongly linked with a move, but there will also likely be lots of outgoings. Now, a new rumour has emerged regarding the future of another Reds player alongside Elliott.
"Amazing" Liverpool defender linked with exit
Taking to X on Tuesday morning, the reliable Plettenberg claimed that there is “interest” in Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah from a host of clubs, and there is a chance of a potential summer exit.
Selling Quansah this summer would be a risk by Liverpool, considering he is a young player with a high ceiling, with Alexis Mac Allister showing his appreciation for him last year, saying:
“He was amazing. The job he did with Virg [Virgil van Dijk] is so important for the team because it gives us that calmness that we need to play football. “Even on the ball he was amazing. Very happy and very glad for him.”
Appearances
13
Starts
4
Minutes played
489
Clearances per game
2.1
Tackles per game
0.9
Pass completion rate
91.5%
Goals
0
Assists
0
That said, Liverpool have to be ruthless this summer, and if Slot believes an upgrade on the Englishman can come in and bolster his squad, accepting an offer may be the right decision.
Quansah leaving would be a transfer twist, however, considering a recent report in 2025 claimed that the Reds have no plans to sell the £50m-rated defender, continuing to see him as an important part of the club’s future.
If the 22-year-old, who started vs Brighton, is happy to stay as a possible squad player, keeping him on still makes the most sense, with the England international still having plenty of time to mature into a future regular, but sporting director Richard Hughes has a big decision to make this summer.
Birmingham City will only be looking up after a triumphant promotion out of League One, knowing that the club is in a far better place than it was when relegation was confirmed at the close of the 2023/24 season.
Indeed, Blues chairman Tom Wagner has managed to regalvanise proceedings away from previous toxic owners by giving the West Midlands giants plenty of cash to spend.
This cash was spent wisely rather than erratically, with Jay Stansfield an instant fan favourite in St. Andrew’s quarters for his 19-goal heroics in the third tier.
Birmingham won’t suddenly start spending frugally now they’re back in the EFL’s top division, however, with plenty of targets already on their mind that could possibly break the bank.
Birmingham pushing to sign EFL star
Much like fellow promoted side Wrexham, the Blues will be eager to flex their muscles again in the transfer market.
Indeed, Chris Davies’ ambitious side are already being linked with a surprise swoop for former star Che Adams, alongside further showing an interest in AFC Bournemouth goalkeeper Mark Travers who has an impressive 76 Championship appearances next to his name.
But, away from signing some distinguished second tier performers, the newly promoted outfit could also shop back in League One for some top gems, with Birmingham reportedly “pushing hard” again for Peterborough United superstar Kwame Poku according to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett.
Reports in the past have even suggested that Davies and Co have offered a bumper £30k-per-week deal to the Ghanaian, with Birmingham also having to cough up a sum of money for the explosive 23-year-old owing to a compensatory fee, regardless of his current Posh deal nearing to its expiry date.
Clinching a deal for Poku could see the determined Blues win themselves an ideal partner for the potential incoming of Adams, with the pair ready to take the second tier by storm based off their blistering recent form.
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How Poku could shine alongside Adams
Davies could do with more exciting talents down the right flank at St. Andrew’s with ex-Rangers man Scott Wright his only recognised option here at the moment.
This is where Poku would come to the rescue, with the former Colchester United forward picking up 19 of his bumper 23 goal contributions playing down this channel with swagger for Darren Ferguson’s underachievers.
It was only a matter of time before the standout Posh number 11 was poached by a bigger fish, considering he has managed to end the season with this sizeable contribution of 23-goal involvements despite being absent for 23 clashes due to injury.
Also capable of playing just behind the lone striker in Davies’ preferred 4-2-3-1 set-up, the “unplayable” attacker – as he’s been previously lauded by his manager – could be about to give £15m man Stansfield a run for his money too, on top of also offering up chances galore for Adams if he decides to leave Torino behind for familiar pastures back in England.
Games played
27
33
Goals scored
12
9
Assists
8
3
Touches*
46.3
24.1
Shots*
2.4
1.7
Accurate passes*
20.3 (80%)
11.0 (75%)
Key passes*
1.2
0.8
Big chances missed
3
11
Big chances created
9
5
Looking at the table above, the experienced EFL striker and Poku could be about to form a match made in heaven, with both players content with minimal touches of the ball before unleashing havoc. Indeed, Adams has only needed 24 touches on average this season per Serie A clash, yet he still finds himself on a reasonable nine strikes.
With Poku also boasting eight assists despite only averaging a meagre 20.3 accurate passes himself, the duo might end up striking fear into Championship defences out of the blue, which would more than help their new side acclimatise to the tougher division subsequently.
Birmingham could even be eyeing up the prospect of back-to-back promotions if everything goes swimmingly, with the likes of Poku and Adams joining showing they mean business.
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