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.
West Ham United have now opened talks to sign a “phenomenal” Tottenham Hotspur target, who is tempted by a move to the London Stadium this summer, according to a report.
West Ham looking to get revenge for Kudus
It will, of course, be a huge disappointment that Mohammed Kudus decided to join one of West Ham’s biggest rivals, and the forward has continued to make the headlines since sealing a move across the capital.
Upon arriving in north London, Kudus insisted he “only wanted Spurs” in his first interview, and there could be justified anger about the way in which he went about getting the move in the first place, having allegedly refused to return to pre-season training.
Losing a player of the winger’s quality to one of their bitter rivals will be a bitter pill for Hammers fans to swallow, but there has now been a suggestion that they could get instant revenge by swooping in and signing one of Tottenham’s transfer targets.
According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), West Ham have now entered negotiations to sign Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz, and they are more determined to get a deal over the line than any other club in the race for his signature.
Luiz is also on Spurs’ transfer shortlist, with reports suggesting the midfielder would be keen on a move to north London, however, it has now been revealed that he is tempted by a move to the London Stadium, with the Irons currently working to find an agreement.
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A deal will not be cheap, with Juventus setting an asking price of €40m (£35m), but the Italian club are also open to more creative ways of getting the Brazilian off the books, with an expensive loan also on the table, including an obligation to buy if certain conditions are met.
"Phenomenal" Luiz could be statement signing for West Ham
Of course, it will be difficult to compete with Tottenham, given that Champions League football is on offer in north London next season, but the Juventus maestro could be a real statement signing if the Hammers are able to get a deal over the line.
Crucially, the former Aston Villa man is already proven in the Premier League, catching pundit Lee Hendrie’s eye during his spell at Villa Park.
Douglas Luiz at the Club World Cup with Juventus.
Hendrie said: “He continues to have an absolutely unbelievable season doesn’t he, scoring goals? But that’s his bread and butter, getting back, doing the horrible side of the game and having quality amongst that is absolutely phenomenal.”
As pointed out by Hendrie, the 27-year-old is a very well-rounded midfielder, having particularly impressed going forward in his final season with Villa, regularly chipping in with goals and assists in all competitions.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Premier League
35
9
5
FA Cup
3
0
1
Conference League
12
0
4
Consequently, Luiz could be a fantastic signing for West Ham, with the central midfielder now desperate to seal a return to the Premier League.
Arsenal are on the verge of completing the signings of both Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres and Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, but there is another target who sporting director Andrea Berta is also making significant moves for.
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Mikel Arteta, following Noni Madueke’s £50 million move from Chelsea, is reliably reported to be closing in on both Gyokeres and Mosquera too.
In what is a huge boost for the Gunners boss, Arsenal have reached a full agreement to sign Mosquera for a total package of around £17 million, including add-ons, and the versatile centre-back is due for a medical this week (Fabrizio Romano).
The Spaniard appears set to replace Takehiro Tomiyasu, after Arsenal mutually agreed to terminate the latter’s contract, with Arteta also believed to be closing in on Gyokeres.
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
£75m
A prolific striker has long been viewed by some as the final missing piece of Arsenal’s jigsaw which could transform them into Premier League title winners once again, following an agonising two-decade-long-plus wait.
After deciding not to pursue RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, Gyokeres emerged as their priority centre-forward target following a stellar second season at Sporting – where he bagged an incredible 54 goals in all competitions and spearheaded Rui Borges’ side to a domestic double.
Arsenal have been in talks with Sporting over a deal for Gyokeres, and it’s taken some time to find middle ground over the final fee after agreeing personal terms with the Sweden international last week (David Ornstein).
However, according to some reliable media sources, like Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg and The Athletic, Arsenal’s move for Gyokeres is now considered a “done deal” – with an agreement in principle now reached on a total £64 million deal including add-ons.
After Gyokeres and Mosquera, Arsenal are reportedly turning their attention towards £100,000-per-week Crystal Palace playmaker Eberechi Eze – who’s been repeatedly linked in the last fortnight.
Eberechi Eze loosely agrees personal terms to join Arsenal
Eze’s representatives have apparently held positive talks with Arsenal, but formal club-to-club negotiations are yet to open with Palace over a potential deal for the England international.
Now, Football Transfers have an update on the situation, and the outlet states that a player-plus-cash bid isn’t off the table as Arsenal look to agree a deal beneath his release clause.
The news website estimates his clause could be as high as around £70 million, so the north Londoners have looked at offering certain players as makeweights to bring his price down – including Leandro Trossard, Fabio Vieira and Reiss Nelson.
Any player going the other way would be in a separate, ‘unofficial’ swap deal for accounting purposes – but Oliver Glasner’s side are said to be “open” to the prospect of accepting this as a potential solution in talks.
What’s more, Football Transfers has also reported that Eze has reached a “broad, informal agreement” on personal terms with Arsenal, so this story could be one to keep an eye on over the coming weeks as Berta continues making serious statements of intent.
The 27-year-old scored 14 goals and registered 11 assists in all competitions last season, and Arsenal view Eze as a central playmaker to complement club captain Martin Odegaard.
Leeds United are now believed to be right in the mix to complete the signing of an exciting young Premier League player in the summer transfer window.
Who are Leeds trying to sign this summer?
Nikola Krstovic has emerged as a rumoured transfer target for the Whites this summer, with the returning Premier League outfit even reportedly tabling a £29m offer for his services. The Lecce attacker scored 11 goals in 37 Serie A appearances last season, and could add much-needed firepower to Daniel Farke’s squad.
Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz has also been linked with a move to Leeds before next season gets underway, with the Turin giants willing to move him on, despite his quality. He could be a signing of real intent by the Whites, having shone for Aston Villa previously.
Douglas Luiz in action for Juventus.
Meanwhile, Joe Gomez has been backed to join Leeds if he wants to leave Liverpool this summer, but unfortunately, he has seemingly committed his future to the Reds on Instagram:“It’s been a blessing to be a part of the different dressing rooms and getting to create such special memories over the years with so many great players & staff.
“I felt it was important to share my thanks to you all for the support throughout the years, it’s always meant the world and I will never take it for granted. A decade in red… and still hungry to keep going.”
Leeds pushing to sign "incredible" Premier League ace
According to a fresh update from Marca [via Sport Witness], Leeds are battling Feyenoord for the signing of Wolves left-back Hugo Bueno this summer. The 22-year-old spent last season loan at the Eredivisie side, and they are now keen on turning his temporary move into a permanent switch.
Hugo Bueno
Bueno could be exactly the type of shrewd squad signing that Leeds are after this summer, coming in and providing squad depth, having proven himself as a solid squad player in the Premier League.
The Spaniard has made 43 appearances in England’s top flight, while former Wolves sporting director Matt Hobbs has lauded his impact from a very young age at Molineux.
“Since joining us as a 16-year-old number 10, the work that Hugo and the coaches have put into changing his position, and the acceptance he had of doing that, shows what a good pro he is. To be able to get his head around a new position and develop at the rate he has was incredible.
“Hugo’s one of the huge success stories of the club. Bringing him in from a grassroots team in Spain when he was just 16, and he’s now 21, playing in the Premier League and being a regular Premier League player, it’s testament to everyone involved.”
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Bueno could provide stiff competition for Sam Byram at left-back next season, and given his age, there is no reason why he won’t blossom more as a player as the years pass.
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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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.
Tottenham Hotspur have commenced their official search for Ange Postecoglou’s replacement after months of speculation about the Australian’s long-term future, with Spurs announcing on Friday that they’ve parted company.
Daniel Levy slammed for sacking Ange Postecoglou
It is safe to say that chairman Daniel Levy’s controversial decision to sack Postecoglou has been met with fierce criticism.
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According to The Telegraph, Spurs’ squad themselves are furious about the call to hand Postecoglou his P45, just over a fortnight after he helped to end the club’s 17-year wait for major silverware and qualify for the Champions League.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Son Heung-min called Postecoglou a Spurs legend and bid him farewell in an emotional goodbye message on Instagram, and he’s not the only Lilywhites star to come out in support of the former Celtic boss over these last few weeks.
“Always listen to the room. Pedro Porro said keeping Postecoglou would be good for the dressing room, while James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray all publicly backed him. It all links to that famous saying: if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it,” said Sky Sports journalist Sam Blitz in a critique of Postecoglou’s exit.
“Yes, Postecoglou had his faults – the league form was a shambles. But his season objectives last August would have been to get into the Champions League and win a trophy.
“He did that, albeit in a fortunate way. And he even went against his ‘Angeball’ principles to achieve it – showing he could be developing into more than the stubborn manager with one plan. In getting rid of the Australian, Levy is back to square one. And whoever he brings in faces an uphill struggle.
“If you’re Thomas Frank or Andoni Iraola, you should look at when Nuno Espírito Santo – an experienced manager who took outsiders into Europe – took the step-up to that role. He lasted 17 games.”
It is actually hard to argue with this assessment, but as Levy’s remorseless scythe swings again on the Spurs managerial merry-go-round, another tactician must now step into Postecoglou’s shoes.
Daniel Levy decides on Thomas Frank as Tottenham talks advance
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Tottenham are expected to advance in talks with Frank, who would make the serious step-up from Brentford to manage a side competing in the Champions League next season.
According to Tottenham News, Levy has now “settled” on Frank as his preferred manager to replace Postecoglou, so it appears the north Londoners are prioritising a move for him right now.
The Dane’s has led Brentford through solid campaigns on a shoe-string budget, perhaps appealing to Levy in the process, but reservations lie with his lack of top-level pedigree or trophy-winning experience.
Levy will also have to pay Brentford around £8 million to hire Frank by triggering his release clause.
Everton are reportedly interested in signing a “complete” midfielder in the summer transfer window, and his versatility could be a major weapon for David Moyes.
Everton reveal £100m transfer budget
The Blues feel like they are beginning a new chapter in their great history, with life at Goodison Park coming to an end and their move to Bramley Moore Dock finally coming to fruition this summer.
Moyes will know the importance of being backed in the transfer market, and it looks as though that will be the case, with a recent update revealing that as much as £100m could be made available to add to Everton’s squad.
Manchester City'sJohnStonesreacts after the match
Former defender John Stones has been mentioned as a high-profile option for the Blues, with the England international potentially leaving Manchester City this summer.
Meanwhile, football finance expert Kieran Maguire has talked up the idea of a “marquee signing” arriving, also confirming the likelihood of a £100m summer: “One marquee signing is certainly possible, especially with some players out of contract, but the chances of a series of big names is less likely. A spend of £50-£100m is the ballpark unless there are exits.”
Everton keen on signing "complete" midfielder
Now, according to an update from The Express, Everton are interested in signing Rangers midfielder Mohamed Diomande ahead of next season. It is claimed that Blues chiefs have identified him as a “candidate” to bolster Moyes’ options in the middle of the park – the 23-year-old can play as a six, a box-to-box player, a ten and even at full-back.
Kevin Thelwell is of course leaving to join Rangers, perhaps allowing for smooth negotiations between the clubs as incoming Toffees CEO Angus Kinnear looks to make his own first signing on Merseyside.
Mohamed Diomande
Diomande could be just what Moyes is after in his midfield, coming in as a young option who has already shown that he can handle British football.
The two-cap Ivory Coast international has made 73 appearances for Rangers, dealing with the pressure of playing for a huge club, scoring eight goals and registering 10 assists along the way. Analyst John Walker has also hailed him as a “complete” player.
Diomande isn’t out of contract at Rangers until the summer of 2028, so signing him on the cheap may not be easy, but he stands out as a strong option for Everton, not least because of his versatility.
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He would immediately add so much depth to Moyes’ squad, and at 23, his best years should still be ahead of him.
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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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.
Birmingham could sign Stansfield upgrade who's scored 49 Championship goals
Birmingham City could be about to pick up a better attacking talent than Jay Stansfield with this statement buy.