Fabrizio Romano has shared an update on Tottenham Hotspur and their managerial search, following another blow for Ange Postecoglou in the form of Spurs’ seventeenth Premier League defeat of the campaign against Wolves.

Ange Postecoglou comments after 4-2 Tottenham loss to Wolves

A series of calamitous goals, thanks to errors from key players, cemented yet another Spurs loss in the top flight on Sunday, with Wolves running out 4-2 winners against the Lilywhites on another lacklustre afternoon for Postecoglou.

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You couldn’t have asked for worse preparation ahead of Tottenham’s vital Europa League quarter-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt on Thursday, a must-win game for Postecoglou after their 1-1 draw with the Bundesliga side last week.

Rayan Ait-Nouri, Djed Spence’s own goal, Jorgen Strand Larsen’s strike and a Matheus Cunha finish compounded a miserable day at Molineux for the north Londoners. Mathys Tel and Richarlison made the scoreline less embarrassing with consolation goals in their 4-2 defeat, but Postecoglou did his best to back the players following a series of high-profile errors.

“Obviously a disappointing result,” said Postecoglou after Tottenham’s defeat at Wolves.

“Funny game, because for the most part, I thought our football was decent considering all the changes we’ve made. For the most part we controlled large parts of it, were a threat going forward and didn’t give them too much. But then obviously we conceded some pretty poor goals and that made it awfully difficult to get an outcome today.

Nottingham Forest (home)

April 21st

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

“It’s not like the players are doing it on purpose, so you have an understanding that that’s the unfortunate things that sometimes happen in a game of football. Probably be more frustrated if it was something that we did from a tactical perspective or organisational perspective, but they’re individual errors, you know, the players don’t mean to do it and, especially Lucas and Romero, I mean they’re two fantastic footballers and what’s important now for both of them is that they recover and we focus on the next game.”

In the background, chairman Daniel Levy is reportedly contemplating the sacking of Postecoglou, with Spurs on course for their worst-ever Premier League season.

Tottenham stance on appointing Thiago Motta to replace Ange Postecoglou

According to recent reports, Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola is Tottenham’s top managerial target after his very impressive campaign in the Cherries dugout, while both Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Marco Silva (Fulham) are also on their radar (The Athletic).

There’s also been recent murmurs of a potential Spurs move for Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner, as well as former Juventus head coach Thiago Motta, who was recently sacked by the Serie A heavyweights.

The Italian failed to mount a successful title challenge, or show any signs of promise in terms of winning major silverware, prompting Juve to ruthlessly hand Motta his P45.

The 42-year-old is now without a club, and is currently linked with a move to N17, but Romano has since told GiveMeSport that Tottenham have no plans to appoint Motta as things stand.

“I’m still hearing about Iraola and Silva as two concrete options,” said Romano.

“For Motta, no contacts at this stage.”

Despite his failed stint at Juve, Motta did attract praise as a tactician during his time in Turin.

“Thiago is unique and unrepeatable: he is not at Juve, Juve is at him,” said journalist Ivan Zazzaroni.

“Inside the notebook that he always carries with him and shows during press conferences, also to note down the questions and their authors, there must be a world of ideas that he scrupulously hides from the eyes of the laymen. Motta is undoubtedly the most stimulating and original coach in the championship.”

Celtic are likely to have several reinforcements up their sleeve this summer and may look to strike in the market for a proven goalscorer to supplement their options in attack.

Brendan Rodgers set for an exciting summer at Celtic

With the Scottish Premiership season now hurtling towards the final hurdle, Celtic are now waiting to find out the order of their post-split opponents to determine where they will confirm themselves as league champions.

The Bhoys’ convincing win over Kilmarnock, coupled with Rangers’ draw at Aberdeen the following day, has left Brendan Rodgers’ men needing one point to clinch a fourth successive top-flight title to cap off another excellent campaign.

While the prospect of a domestic treble is firmly in sight, the Irishman has already turned his attention to the summer transfer window, and Celtic are said to be lining up a deal for Mathias Kvistgaarden to strengthen their forward line.

The Brondby star is a long-term target at Parkhead, though he is unlikely to be the only name pursued in Rodgers’ mission to bolster the ranks ahead of upcoming Champions League qualifiers.

Slovan Bratislava forward David Strelec is another on Celtic’s wishlist. After the Hoops tried and failed to land his services in January, he may be attainable for a package of £5.9 million inclusive of add-ons.

Celtic’s slim pool of striking options – should Brendan Rodgers target reinforcements?
Daizen Maeda	Appearances – 45 Goals – 31 Assists – 9
Adam Idah	Appearances – 47 Goals – 14 Assists – 1
Johnny Kenny	Appearances – 5 Goals – 0 Assists – 1

Another action-packed window is nearly upon us and the reigning Scottish champions are expected to make inroads in their quest to beef up a slim pool of talent at centre-forward.

Now, there could be an intriguing target on the agenda, according to former Liverpool star turned prominent pundit Didi Hamann.

Hamann: Danny Ings is 'certainly' on the radar of Celtic

According to reports relayed by The Daily Record, Hamann noted that West Ham forward Danny Ings will ‘certainly’ be on Celtic’s radar. The German pundit has backed the England international to prove a hit north of the border should a move to Parkhead materialise.

He stated: “Could Danny Ings be a success at Celtic? Absolutely. His playing time at West Ham has been restricted, and I think Celtic would be a great option for him.

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“The standard of football is not quite as high as the Premier League, and I think he could get a new lease of life up there. He will certainly be on the radar of Celtic and maybe Rangers because he has a proven record of putting the ball into the net. If you make chances for him he will show you where the goal is for sure.”

Earning £125,000 per week at West Ham, Ings has scored 121 career goals in total, with 120 coming at club level alongside a solitary goal for the Three Lions against Wales in 2020.

Despite the initial concern about his wages, the 32-year-old is set to leave the London Stadium on a free transfer at the end of the season, which may appeal to Celtic in their pursuit of a prolific marksman.

After a period where he has been limited to 15 appearances at the Hammers, most coming as a substitute, there could be a viable route to Ings reigniting his career under Rodgers.

Aston Villa have now held internal talks over a move for an “unbelievable” midfielder, who is set to be available on a free transfer this summer, according to a report from Sky Sports.

Villa pursuing attacking midfielder

As we edge closer to the summer transfer window, it is becoming apparent that one position in which Villa are keen to strengthen is attacking midfield, and they are particularly keen on bringing in Rosenborg youngster Sverre Nypan.

Sporting director Monchi was recently spotted in Norway, having held talks with Nypan’s father to discuss the possibility of a move, and transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has now suggested the deal could be edging closer to completion.

At just 18-years-old, the Rosenborg starlet is likely to be one for the future, and there are now suggestions the Villans could look to bring in an attacking midfielder with a plethora of experience at the top level.

According to a report from Sky Sports, Aston Villa have now held internal discussions over a move for Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, who is set to leave the Etihad Stadium upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the season.

De Bruyne may be reluctant to leave England due to family reasons, which has alerted a number of Premier League clubs to the Belgian’s availability, while there is also widespread interest from abroad.

Inter Miami, Chicago Fire, NYCFC and D.C. United have submitted enquiries, with Serie A side Como also in the picture to sign the 33-year-old.

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ByBarney Lane Apr 22, 2025 "Unbelievable" De Bruyne is a Premier League great

The Belgium international has admitted he was surprised not to be offered a new deal to remain with City, perhaps considering he has still performed well this season, despite a slight drop-off, picking up three goals and seven assists in the Premier League.

The City legend has recorded a remarkable 121 assists and 71 goals in 284 Premier League games, which establishes him as one of the true greats, and he ranks highly across some key attacking metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Assists

0.43 (97th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.97 (96th percentile)

Progressive passes

7.45 (97th percentile)

While De Bruyne is perhaps not at the level he once was, he is clearly still capable of competing at a high level, and it could be a little early to move to the MLS, so it may be worth Villa making a move, as long as his wage demands are reasonable.

Liverpool have reportedly “identified” a “fantastic” replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer, with the player in question excelling in the Premier League this season.

Trent's Liverpool future still unknown

With Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk tied down to their respective new two-year deals in recent weeks, Reds supporters have been able to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

That said, there are still huge doubts surrounding the future of Alexander-Arnold at Liverpool, with the vice-captain heavily linked with a move from his boyhood club to Real Madrid.

The fact that the 26-year-old has done little to play down the rumours at any point suggests that his head may well have been turned by a high-profile summer switch to the Santiago Bernabeu, in a decision that would have the potential to harm his legacy at Anfield.

If Alexander-Arnold does leave Liverpool this summer, it is vital that a top-quality replacement comes in, with SC Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia mentioned as a target. Bayer Leverkusen ace Jeremie Frimpong has also been backed to join the Reds, having shone under Xabi Alonso for the reigning Bundesliga champions.

Liverpool eyeing "fantastic" Trent replacement

According to an update from Caught Offside on Sunday, Liverpool have “identified” Nottingham Forest right-back Ola Aina as a new target and option to replace Alexander-Arnold at the end of the season, assuming he leaves.

The 28-year-old has shone for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side throughout the 2024/25 campaign, proving to be a key player in their push for unlikely Champions League qualification.

The £40,000-a-week Aina is a strong option for Liverpool alongside the likes of Sildillia and Frimpong this summer, with his performances for Forest showing what an asset he could be.

The Nigerian has averaged 2.9 clearances and 0.4 aerial duel wins per game in the Premier League across 30 appearances, which is superior to Alexander-Arnold’s tallies in that area, as the table below illustrates.

Aina vs. Alexander-Arnold in the PL this season

Aina

Alexander-Arnold

Appearances

30

28

Starts

30

26

Minutes played

2575

2158

Goals

2

2

Assists

1

6

Clearances per game

2.9

1.6

Aerial duel wins per game

0.4

0.1

Interceptions per game

1.0

1.1

Aina has also been lauded for one attacking moment of quality earlier this season, with Glenn Murray full of praise for his goal against Aston Villa:

“Sometimes when you come on to a shot like that the temptation can be to leather the ball with your laces. But, it’s a side foot, it’s controlled and it’s a fantastic finish, it really is.”

At 28, Aina is two years older than Alexander-Arnold, however, and wouldn’t necessarily represent a long-term option for Liverpool, which is arguably the biggest negative against them signing him.

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The Reds would arguably be wiser to look at younger targets, such as those mentioned above, allowing them to sign someone with more scope to improve as the years pass.

Newcastle United took another step towards challenging for a place in the top five in the Premier League by beating Leicester City 3-0 away from home on Monday night.

The Magpies moved up to fifth in the division, having still played a game fewer than Chelsea and Manchester City, as they look to secure Champions League football for next season.

Eddie Howe’s side found themselves 2-0 up inside the opening 11 minutes, scoring after just two minutes, and one of the stars of the show was winger Jacob Murphy, who was heavily involved in the early blitz.

Jacob Murphy's performance against Leicester

The English forward, who is yet to be capped by the Three Lions, brilliantly timed his run to the back post to get on the end of Tino Livramento’s cross after just two minutes, tapping the ball into a virtually empty net.

Murphy quickly added to his and Newcastle’s tally nine minutes later when he was the only one to follow up on Fabian Schar’s long drive that hit the crossbar, giving the winger all the time in the world to control the ball and slot past Mads Hermansen.

The former Norwich City sensation was unable to complete the first hat-trick of his Magpies career, unfortunately, but it was his two goals that gave his team control of the match early on, leading to a fairly comfortable evening for Howe’s men.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Murphy, who did not create any chances for his teammates, was not the only top performer on the night. Fabian Schar was just as good as the winger and proved that he is as undroppable as Alexander Isak.

Why Schar is as undroppable as Isak

Firstly, Isak is, clearly, undroppable for Newcastle because of the quality he has provided on a consistent basis at the top end of the pitch, scoring 20 goals and providing five assists in 27 appearances in the Premier League.

The Swedish star is the main man in the final third, making him crucial to what the Magpies want to do in attack, whilst Schar has been a consistent presence in defence, helping to provide a solid platform for the team to build from.

So far this season, the Swiss titan has started 25 of his 26 appearances in the Premier League and made 2.4 tackles and interceptions per game, along with 4.2 ball recoveries per match.

Schar, who earned a player rating of 8/10 from the Shields Gazette, provided another reminder of the quality he can offer at centre-back in the win over Leicester, further proving that he is undroppable.

Minutes

90

Clearances

3

Blocks

1

Tackles + interceptions

3

Dribbled past

0x

Duels won

4/6

Pass accuracy

85%

Long ball accuracy

5/11

As you can see in the table above, the long-serving defensive colossus was dominant out of possession to cut out Leicester attacks, whilst also being reliable in possession of the ball.

It was his strong challenge and sensational effort from long range that created the second goal for Murphy, which perfectly summed up the qualities he can offer on both sides of the game.

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Schar was as good as Murphy, due to his strong defending to keep a clean sheet and his involvement in the second goal, and Howe must continue to select the impressive defender from now until the end of the season.

Newcastle United are firmly in the race for Champions League football ahead of next season, but they are also plotting moves to bolster their squad with the summer transfer window around the corner.

Newcastle United look to finish campaign with a flourish

Admittedly, a heavy loss to Aston Villa last weekend wasn’t in the script for the Magpies as they seek a Champions League slot, but an opportunity to bounce back across their remaining five Premier League matches will excite supporters.

Following their EFL Cup heroics over Liverpool earlier in the year, finishing the campaign by returning to Europe’s premier competition may prove to be the ideal tonic ahead of initiating their summer recruitment drive.

Per reports, Liam Delap is on Newcastle’s radar following his sparkling form at Ipswich Town, even if stiff competition for his signature is set to exist due to his £30 million relegation release clause. Matteo Guendouzi could also move to the North East in the event that Sandro Tonali seeks a new challenge elsewhere, illustrating the level of change that could occur at St James’ Park during the off-season.

Ultimately, prospective additions may be hesitant to commit their future to Newcastle until they know what European competition the club will enter, though their favourable run-in on paper may give them a key advantage over divisional competitors.

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Nevertheless, Eddie Howe and PIF won’t wait around for scenarios to unfold in their efforts to put the Magpies on a level footing with the Premier League elite by building for the future. In light of this, Newcastle are now reportedly closing in on a talented youngster that could become one of their first signings in 2025/26.

Newcastle United set to wrap up deal for priority summer target

According to The Daily Record, Newcastle United are closing in on Rangers youngster Oliver Goodbrand, and it is becoming clear that he will leave Ibrox to sign professional forms elsewhere. The 16-year-old left-back is set to arrive on Tyneside for training compensation after emerging as one of the Magpies’ priority summer targets to enrich their pool of youth talent.

Initially, his arrival will take the course of a scholarship deal before signing on full-time once he turns 17. Rangers have tried to retain the prodigious defender, but now look set to concede defeat amid strong advances from the North East.

Premier League clubs poaching talent from north of the border is becoming a regular theme due to tightened regulations surrounding EU-based players being unable to move to England until they are 18 years old.

From a Newcastle perspective, landing another teen with potential to develop could save Howe and company millions down the line should he grow into a first-team asset.

Tottenham Hotspur are now in the race for an “unbelievable” England international, but they may need to qualify for the Champions League to compete for his signature, according to former goalkeeper Paul Robinson.

Spurs' season hinges on Europa League triumph

The 5-1 battering at Anfield on Sunday afternoon was the latest extremely disappointing performance from Tottenham, in a season where there has been no shortage of poor results, but ultimately the loss is of little importance.

Spurs’ season now hinges entirely on their Europa League campaign, and they should be in a very strong position to reach the final in Bilbao, given that they are set to come up against Norwegian side Bodo/Glimt in the semi-final.

A Europa League triumph would end the Lilywhites’ long wait for a trophy, while also granting them access to next season’s Champions League, which should place them in a strong position to bring in some top players this summer.

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In a recent interview with Football Insider, Robinson has now provided an update on a player Tottenham could target this summer, although he believes they will only be able to compete for his signature if they win the Europa League.

The former goalkeeper said: “Tottenham are in the race for Marcus Rashford; but without Champions League football, without the Europa League trophy, and Tottenham 17th in the Premier League? Sorry, you’re not in the conversation.”

As Rashford’s relationship with Ruben Amorim has “broken down”, the England international is expected to leave this summer, with a move to Barcelona potentially on the cards, while a permanent switch to Aston Villa remains a possibility.

The 27-year-old is not the only England international Spurs have their eye on, however, with a recent report revealing they are also serious contenders to sign Manchester City’s Jack Grealish.

"Unbelievable" Rashford impressing at Aston Villa

After falling out with Amorim, it was clear the left-winger needed to leave United in January, and he has started to look more like his former self since moving to Villa, picking up four goals and six assists in 17 matches.

Having once been lauded as “unbelievable” by Harry Maguire, it is clear the £300k-per-week forward has bags of talent, but United has been a graveyard for top players in recent years, and it is good to see him reignite his career elsewhere.

Should Tottenham manage to win the Europa League, a move to north London could be attractive to Rashford, but the signs are not good heading into their crucial semi-final against Bodo/Glimt.

Spurs have lost their last three Premier League games on the spin, and even if they manage to reach the final, it will be a very difficult task to beat Athletic Bilbao in their own stadium, or three-time Champions League winners Man United in a European final.

For the 12th time in the Premier League this season, Manchester United – now residing in 13th in the table – failed to score last time out, having played out a drab goalless draw with rivals Manchester City on Sunday afternoon.

With just seven games remaining in the league in 2024/25, United have currently scored just 37 goals, notably placing them behind 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have scored 43 times to date.

As was evident at the weekend, there is a clear lack of confidence and ruthlessness in the attacking third for the Old Trafford side, a point emphasised by the fact that Bruno Fernandes currently leads the way with just eight league goals.

Ruben Amorim’s senior strikers – in the form of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee – have netted just six times in the top-flight between them, a fact that has only heightened the need for a new number nine this summer.

Rumours are already rife regarding the potential targets who could solve United’s goalscoring woes, with Amorim seemingly keen on a reunion with Sporting CP sensation, Viktor Gyokeres, ahead of next season.

Latest on Man Utd's interest in Gyokeres

Amorim must be tearing his hair out at the limp nature of his forward line at Old Trafford, not least having witnessed the breathtaking brilliance of that man Gyokeres back in Lisbon.

Indeed, the towering Swede scored 66 goals in just 68 games while working under the Portuguese coach, with the 26-year-old proving vital in last season’s title triumph, having netted 43 times in all competitions.

Unsurprisingly, there have been suggestions that Amorim is ready to raid his former club for the signing of the ex-Coventry City striker, with reports in recent days claiming that a bid may have even been lodged by the United hierarchy.

That said, The Athletic’s David Ornstein has also outlined that Premier League rivals Arsenal are pursuing a move for the prolific marksman, with the Gunners said to be ‘developing a strong interest’ in landing the Sporting talisman.

As for the Red Devils, journalist Laurie Whitwell – also of the The Athletic – did previously claim that a pursuit of Gyokeres could be ‘unlikely’ due to his age and the player’s own desire for Champions League football, throwing into a doubt the prospect of a renewed association with Amorim.

That could leave the 40-year-old having to look elsewhere to find his next centre-forward project, while among his current ranks, he could be able to mould another attacking superstar at the Theatre of Dreams.

The Man Utd star who's worth even more than Gyokeres

As Amorim outlined following the Sunday stalemate, his side “need to improve in every aspect of the game”, having particularly highlighted the “final third” as a key point of concern.

That latest encounter saw the aforementioned Hojlund register just two touches in the opposition half – no, not penalty area – in the first half, a staggering statistic that represents the young Dane’s stark lack of impact.

On a day in which much of the United magic came from skipper, Bruno Fernandes, another “shining light” – as described by BBC pundit, Troy Deeney – was young Alejandro Garnacho, with the polarising Argentine at least attempting to make things happen for his side.

Garnacho stats vs Man City
Stat	Record
Minutes played	90
Touches	44
Pass accuracy	88%
Key passes	0
Shots	2 (blocked)
Crosses	0/1
Long balls	1/1
Successful dribbles	1/2
Total duels won	9/13
Possession lost	11x
Fouls won	3
Stats via Sofascore

The 20-year-old had come under fire for his ‘naive’ performance against Nottingham Forest in midweek – in the view of MEN journalist Samuel Luckhurst – although he looked lively throughout against City, having notably won an early foul just outside the area after racing in behind the visiting backline.

Even against Forest, while he did fire three shots off target, the former Atletico Madrid starlet looked like the only player – excluding Fernandes – capable of making something happen for his side in an attacking sense, with the likes of Zirkzee and Hojlund having been rather lifeless through the middle.

Of course, Garnacho – who was a target for Chelsea in January – is among those who United could cash in on this summer, but it would be a crying shame to sell a player who has shown so much promise over the last two years or so.

The star of an FA Youth Cup final and FA Cup final – having scored three goals across those two marquee games – the rampaging winger is still a young talent learning his trade, having perhaps even been overused amid the lack of other attacking alternatives.

Take Gyokeres, for instance, who at the age of 20 was merely operating in the Brighton youth ranks, having needed a string of loan spells and an eventual move to Coventry to ultimately find his feet at senior level.

Garnacho then should have ample time to reach his peak, with his sky high potential also highlighted by the fact that he is deemed to be worth around £83m, according to CIES Football Observatory, with Gyokeres, meanwhile, valued at ‘just’ £63m.

Transfer Focus

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

Fans and pundits alike may be losing patience with Garnacho due to the fact he has scored just twice since Amorim took charge, yet as the derby showcased, he is still a player capable of getting bums of seats. That certainly can’t be said for most at Old Trafford…

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2

By
Joe Nuttall

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Chelsea left it late on Sunday, but Enzo Maresca’s Blues came away from the frantic contest at near neighbours Fulham victorious with a 2-1 win secured at the death.

Pedro Neto smashed home a fierce effort as the clock ticked down to the 93rd minute mark to clinch the dramatic three points, but he wasn’t the only main talking point right after the dust had settled at Craven Cottage.

Indeed, 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George was the hero who got his team back in the contest with the much-needed equaliser, with the teenage attacker now hopeful of more senior minutes to come after his chaotic cameo against Marco Silva’s hosts.

George's promising performances for Chelsea

George would only find himself on the Craven Cottage turf for a mere five minutes before crucially levelling the contest, leaving Maresca delighted on the sidelines that he threw the promising youngster into the game.

This isn’t the Camden-born attacker’s only senior goal of the season to date, however, with George also lethal against Legia Warsaw in mid-April, but the coolness to slot home a chance past Bernd Leno when the likes of Nicolas Jackson were otherwise floundering was mightily impressive all the same.

Now off the mark in the Premier League, George will surely be demanding more first-team opportunities come his way, with the flexible starlet, who can play as a winger or as a number ten, already boasting 36 goal contributions playing for the U18s and U21s.

George’s numbers vs Legia + Fulham

Stat

Legia

Fulham

Minutes played

75

12

Goals scored

1

1

Assists

0

0

Touches

46

4

Accurate passes

31/35

2/2

Shots

1

1

Stats by Sofascore

But, he isn’t the only up-and-coming talent that Maresca and Co will be holding out high hopes for, with a similarly dazzling attacker perhaps more equipped to star in the first team over George.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Expand Collapse The "world class talent" who could dent George

The Stamford Bridge outfit haven’t always had a glowing reputation when it comes to giving their youngsters plenty of first-team minutes, but this could soon change away from George’s emergence on the scene.

After all, current Palmeiras ace Estêvão is ready and waiting to make an impression in England when he waves his native Brazil goodbye in June, having initially signed a whopping £29m deal in May last year.

The South American prodigy might well be two years younger than his new Blues teammate, but he has terrorised defences on a regular basis for Palmeiras ever since he entered into the first-team picture, leading to Chelsea splashing the cash to land the sensational 17-year-old.

Already heralded as a “world-class talent” by talent scout Jacek Kulig and as a “future Ballon d’Or winner” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, he clearly looks ready to be thrown straight into the deep-end of the Blues first team shortly, coming potentially at George’s expense.

Estêvão’s numbers for Palmeiras by year

Year

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

2025

21

6

1

2024

50

19

12

2023

4

1

0

Stats by Sofascore

With a hefty 26 goals scored in total for the Brazilian side at a senior level, on top of 13 assists being tallied up, Estêvão will be keen to make an impact on Maresca’s starting XI, knowing he’s ready for that next step-up in quality.

Whereas, with George only managing two goals in the Blues’ first team, on the contrary, his time to become a consistent starter might well come more down the line, with the Brazilian wonderkid also adept at filling in down either wing or as an attacking midfielder like his rawer counterpart.

GOAL.com's 10 best wonderkids in world football.

In an ideal world, both players will be able to kick on next season. But, if it was a toss-up between the two, expect Estêvão to gain more meaningful first-team chances over the Englishman.

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A “skilful” Leeds United player’s time at Elland Road could come to an end this summer, with “interested parties” emerging to snap him up.

Farke future in doubt ahead of busy summer at Leeds

The Whites are still basking in the glory of sealing promotion from the Championship to the Premier League earlier this week after their 6-0 win at home to Stoke City, followed by Burnley beating Sheffield United at Turf Moor.

It’s now a case of trying to be crowned champions ahead of the Clarets in the final two matches of the season, amid ongoing doubts over Daniel Farke’s future, despite the excellent job he is doing. In fact, Sean Dyche has already emerged as a possible replacement, should the German be relieved of his duties.

In terms of potential summer signings for Leeds, West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek has been linked with a move to the club, with the Czech reportedly open to the idea of sealing a switch to Elland Road.

The Whites are also said to be keen on signing Ipswich Town striker George Hirst, who has struggled for playing time in the Premier League this season, starting only three matches in the competition. For that reason, a fresh challenge may appeal, especially as the Tractor Boys are almost certainly heading back to the Championship.

"Skilful" Leeds player wanted by "interested parties"

According to Blick [via Sport Witness], Isaac Schmidt could leave Leeds at the end of the season, potentially not being seen as an important player upon the Whites’ return to the Premier League. The need to strengthen will make it hard for him to earn regular minutes and there are claimed to be “numerous interested parties” in the 25-year-old.

This summer does feel like the right time for Leeds and Schmidt to part ways, even though the two-cap Switzerland international did feature in the aforementioned thumping of Stoke, playing for 13 minutes after coming on as a substitute.

He hasn’t started once in the Championship all season, instead coming on 12 times and playing just 71 minutes in total in the competition, so it’s hard to see his situation changing when the Whites are playing at an even higher level next season.

Appearances

12

Starts

0

Minutes played

71

Goals

0

Assists

0

Tackles per game

0.4

Clearances per game

0.3

Interceptions per game

0.3

Aerial duel wins per game

0.1

Schmidt’s move to Leeds simply hasn’t worked out to date, having arrived from St. Gallen later year, even though Siwzrterland manager Murat Yakin has spoken positively about him, saying: “I really liked Isaac! He was skillful, he won all his duels and he was good offensively.”

For Leeds, it’s now a case of the Whites nailing their summer transfer business, hopefully aided by plenty of funds being made available by 49ers Enterprises.

Leeds could axe Farke by hiring "the most underrated manager in the PL"

Leeds United could be set to make a huge decision over the future of Daniel Farke this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 24, 2025

A big decision needs to be made regarding Farke’s future, too, either retaining his services or hiring a replacement who has enough time to bring in the right players.