Birmingham City haven’t always enjoyed Championship life in recent memory, with the Blues last finishing inside the top half of the notoriously difficult division way back in 2016.

Since then, it’s always been a drab finish served up by Birmingham in the lower reaches of the EFL’s elite league, with their ongoing downward trajectory seeing a painful relegation finally occur at the end of the 2023/24 season.

Now, however, the sleeping giants seem to be back on the rise after clinching the League One title with ease, with the Tom Wagner-backed Blues ready to spend big again this summer to try and take the second tier by storm.

How Birmingham could sign their answer to Vardy

With Phil Neumann’s signature already wrapped up from Hannover 96 improving Birmingham at the back, the newly promoted side’s focus could now switch to enhancing their already potent attack.

Peterborough United sensation Kwame Poku has been linked with a move on a free transfer, which would more than boost the ambitious Championship club in this department, having registered 21 goal involvements this season.

Transfer Focus

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

However, there’s one statement signing in the offing that could really take Chris Davies’ men to the next level.

Amazingly, reports at the back end of last month suggested that Davies and Co may well attempt to lure former striker Che Adams back to St. Andrew’s this summer, with the former Blues centre-forward currently enjoying life out in Italy with Serie A titans Torino.

But, the allure of coming back to the Championship and being the club’s top dog could be very tempting for the goal-hungry 28-year-old.

How Adams can be Birmingham's own Vardy

If a statement reunion does get over the line, Birmingham might be about to win their very own version of Leicester City legend Jamie Vardy.

Why? Well, in the words of the Daily Mail’s Mark Wilson, ‘Adams is Scotland’s answer to Jamie Vardy’, having traded non-league football for Premier League riches, like his former Fleetwood Town counterpart.

Obviously, Adams hasn't quite reached the dizzy heights of Vardy's glory days yet, with the Foxes legend managing to lift a Premier League title across the course of his 199-goal spell at the King Power Stadium.

But, in a similar fashion to the 26-time England international, the 28-year-old Adams has never looked back since being given his first opportunities to impress in the EFL.

Indeed, the former Ilkeston youngster first settled into life as a goalscoring menace in the Championship and beyond on the books of the Blues.

Premier League

144 goals

25 goals

Championship

38 goals

49 goals

League One

0 goals

11 goals

FA Cup

7 goals

3 goals

EFL Cup

8 goals

11 goals

Sourced by Transfermarkt

The table above really reinforces how much of a clinical finisher the Scotland international has been over the years, up and down the relentless divisions, with Adams amazingly boasting more career goals in the Championship than Vardy, even if he has had struggles in the Premier League.

Therefore, bringing the Torino attacker back to Birmingham next season could work wonders for Davies’ men, especially as they aim to consolidate themselves as a second-tier outfit again.

Much like Vardy too, it seems as if Adams is gradually just getting the better the more his varied career chugs along, with the 28-year-old actually firing home ten goals for Torino this season so far, which is one more strike than Vardy’s own total leading the line for Leicester.

Moreover, the last time he was regularly performing at Birmingham’s level, the “fantastic” striker – as he has been previously lauded by ex-boss Ralph Hassenhuttl – managed to fire home a blistering tally of 15 league strikes for Southampton.

Therefore, Davies will be hopeful that Adams can just pick up from where he last left off if he does seal a return.

Birmingham would really show they mean business back in the Championship by winning Adams’ signature, with second-tier defences no doubt scared stiff by the prospect of the 28-year-old causing chaos again.

Birmingham can make Stansfield better by signing "outstanding" EFL star

Birmingham City would look immediately more confident in attack in the Championship if they signed this outstanding forward.

ByKelan Sarson May 14, 2025

Even after earning promotion to the Premier League, Leeds United could be about to lose one of Daniel Farke’s star men amid reports that Barcelona are now plotting a summer swoop for his signature.

Leeds celebrate title success

Whilst Leeds had reason to celebrate with or without the Championship title after earning automatic promotion, silverware simply added the cherry on top of what was a season full of moments to savour.

The open-top bus parade was for those who could not celebrate promotion in the 2019/20 campaign, and it more than made up for lost time as those in Yorkshire partied through the night.

Daniel Farke spoke about the pride that he has in his side after eventually coming out on top in the Championship, telling reporters: “I felt empty at the final whistle. I was too tired to celebrate. Even at half-time, it was complicated because I wanted to give the right message. I am proud to have achieved what we wanted to.

“Looking forward to being on the coach home and to close my eyes. I have to be ready again to celebrate this evening. Next week will be celebrating. I need the summer to recharge my energy.”

Agent aware: Leeds now serious about signing Ligue 1's best shot-stopper

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By
Tom Cunningham

May 10, 2025

At some point, of course, the celebrations will come to an end, and that’s when the focus may well shift towards what is a crucial summer transfer window for all involved at Elland Road. Leeds must get things right if they are to stay up, and it looks as though the 49ers are willing to spend the money to do exactly that.

Whilst reports have centred around potential incomings, Leeds could yet lose one of Farke’s most experienced players when the summer transfer window arrives.

Barcelona plotting Junior Firpo move

According to transfer reporter Graeme Bailey, Barcelona are now plotting a summer swoop to sign Junior Firpo, who is currently on course to leave Leeds as a free agent at the end of June. Yet to sign a new contract, the defender’s agent has now reportedly held talks with a number of suitors, which may have included Barcelona.

Reporting on Firpo’s future, Bailey told Leeds United News: “He’s been speaking to numerous clubs, Spain is close to his heart. There appears to be a preference, I do know he’s had a lot more interest in recent weeks. Which is not a surprise, given his performances.

“There has been some interest in England, Everton, with Angus Kinnear and Nick Hammond. It’s down to Firpo, I am told he inching towards Spain. Barcelona have even looked at him as a no.2, Betis are there as well. It does sound like he’s heading back to Spain; his people have had a lot of talks.”

Hailed for his “tremendous” performances this past term, Firpo could now be about to take his talents to one of the biggest clubs that European football has to offer.

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.

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.

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.

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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ByJack Salveson Holmes May 20, 2025

In a move that would see them get one over on Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United are now reportedly plotting a last-ditch hijack to sign an England international this summer.

Full focus on Bilbao for Man Utd

Although there are still three Premier League games left to play, they are likely to be seen as opportunities to rest key players at Manchester United. The Red Devils’ domestic campaign has long been over and they could yet finish as low as 17th to increase their embarrassment to beyond simple failure. But, in quite the twist, they could still qualify for the Champions League.

After smashing Athletic Bilbao 7-1 on aggregate, Manchester United will square off against fellow strugglers Tottenham in a game between two sides desperate to change the narrative of their seasons.

Like those at Old Trafford, there’s still every chance that Spurs finish as low as 17th in the Premier League. But, just like United, they could do the unthinkable by securing Champions League football through the Europa League.

Given just how much both sides have struggled this season, that qualification wouldn’t be without its controversy and many have already had their say, including Arsene Wenger.

The legendary ex-Arsenal manager recently told reporters: “No – they should qualify automatically for the Europa League again but not necessarily for the Champions League.

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He’s a serial winner.

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“Especially when you’re in the Premier League where already five teams qualify. I think it’s something [for Uefa] to think about and to review. On the other hand, people will tell you that to keep the Europa League focused, interesting and motivated you need to give them that prize (of qualifying for the Champions League).”

However, if Manchester United end their season lifting the Europa League, the words of Wenger will simply become an afterthought, and their summer transfer window could suddenly come to life.

Man Utd plotting late Angel Gomes move

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are now plotting a last-ditch hijack to sign Angel Gomes ahead of Tottenham this summer. Squaring off both on and off the pitch, the two Premier League sides are chasing the England international as his LOSC Lille contract comes to an end and he becomes a free agent at the end of June.

Whilst it is reportedly Spurs who lead the race, Manchester United should hold the advantage that Gomes came through their academy not so long ago. Having left as an attacking midfielder in 2020, the 24-year-old has since reinvented himself as a No.6 in France and could now make quite the return to Old Trafford this summer.

Dubbed “always impressive” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Gomes looks set to have quite the decision to make between his boyhood club that let him go and a Premier League rival this summer.

There might be another 90 minutes to play, but for most Arsenal fans, the season is now done.

Instead of looking forward to what is now a pretty meaningless Premier League game on Sunday afternoon, supporters are beginning to dream about what the club might do in the summer transfer window.

After all, after last year, new Sporting Director Andrea Berta has a big job on his hands convincing them that the board are prepared to go all in to finally get the club over the line next season.

Fortunately, recent reports have now touted an international superstar for a move to the Gunners, someone who is just the sort of signing fans have been crying out for and someone who’d be a dream addition for Bukayo Saka.

Arsenal transfer news

The last few weeks have seen Arsenal linked to a plethora of incredibly talented footballers, such as Viktor Gyokeres and Eberechi Eze.

Transfer Focus

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The former could end up costing the club as little as £55m if reports are to be believed, which may well be one of the deals of the summer, as in just 51 games this term, he has scored 53 goals and provided 13 assists.

Eze, on the other hand, will cost around £68m due to a release clause in his current deal, although again, thanks to his ability to play in multiple positions and the fact he’s racked up 25 goal involvements in 42 games this season, makes that fee seem more than reasonable.

However, to really help take the team to another level and across the finishing line next season, Arteta and Co may want to sign a bonafide superstar, someone like Rodrygo.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal are “now seriously considering” moving for the Real Madrid star.

The journalist has revealed that talks have already “begun behind the scenes” and that the deal is “on.”

The report does not mention a price, but according to other stories from earlier this month, the Brazilian winger could be available for around £85m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but given Rodrygo’s stature and ability, it’s one worth pushing the boat out for, especially as it would seriously help Saka as well.

Why Rodrygo would be a dream signing for Saka

So, if Arsenal are able to get the deal done and bring Rodryo to the Emirates this summer, just why would his signing be such a good thing for Saka?

Well, the first thing is that he’d finally be able to take some of the burden off his shoulders, as not only is he a natural left-winger, but he’s one who knows just where the goal is.

Said to be among the “best players in the world” by Carlo Ancelotti, in 52 appearances last season, he scored 18 goals and provided nine assists in 52 games, which worked out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.92 games.

Then this season, even though Los Blancos have struggled more, he’s still managed to put up impressive numbers of 13 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.17 games.

For context, Gabriel Martinelli has scored ten goals and provided six assists in as many games, and Leandro Trossard has scored ten goals and provided nine assists in 55 games.

Rodrygo vs Martinelli vs Trossard

Players

Rodrygo

Martinelli

Trossard

Appearances

50

50

55

Minutes

3290′

3493′

3428′

Goals

13

10

10

Assists

10

6

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.46

0.32

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

143.04′

218.31′

180.42′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

So, with someone as effective as the Brazilian off the left, the Gunners mercurial number seven wouldn’t have to do quite as much himself, which could help him perform better.

The next significant benefit to signing the Real ace is that he’s more than comfortable playing off the right as well, so Arteta could more easily rest the Hale End superstar and help prevent him from suffering any more serious injuries.

Finally, during his time in Madrid, the Osasco-born dynamo has won everything there is to win in the club game, from league titles to the Champions League, so his know-how in those tense must-win games could finally help the North Londoners get over the line next season, and in turn, help Saka achieve his dreams of leading the team to glory.

Ultimately, while he’ll cost them a pretty penny, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Rodrygo this summer, as not only would he help elevate the whole team, but he could also be the perfect teammate for Saka.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 21, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur chiefs hold a very real belief that they can now sign a “sensational” England international following their Europa League triumph on Wednesday, with the player himself also entertaining talks behind-the-scenes.

Ange Postecoglou makes Tottenham history after precious European win

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou came under serious fire for his early-season comment that he ‘always’ wins silverware during his second season in charge, but the Australian’s decision to back himself with a bold statement was ultimately proved correct on a glorious night in Spain.

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2 ByEmilio Galantini May 23, 2025

Spurs parked the bus and shut up shop against a dominant but largely unthreatening Man United side in the Europa League final on Wednesday, following Brennan Johnson’s scrappy opener just before half-time, with Postecoglou’s side displaying a resoluteness we’ve scarcely seen this season.

Guglielmo Vicario

7.7

Yves Bissouma

7.6

Cristian Romero

7.4

Bruno Fernandes

7.4

Destiny Udogie

7.2

via WhoScored

The heroics of shot-stopper Guglielmo Vicario in goal, not to mention the stellar performances of Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie, Micky van de Ven and Cristian Romero, helped Spurs to keep a rare clean sheet and end the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy.

Their 1-0 win over United in the Europa League final also marked their first European trophy since 1984, with the Lilywhites squad and Postecoglou celebrating long into the night after what was a monumentous occasion at Ruben Amorim’s expense.

The trophy drought is now officially over, and to put the cherry on top of an already-sweet cake, Tottenham are set to play Champions League football next season.

The significance of Wednesday evening cannot be overstated, with Spurs’ qualification for the Champions League handing the north Londoners a seismic financial windfall whilst also making them a far more appealing destination for the continent’s top talents.

The summer transfer window is right around the corner, and Tottenham have dramatically increased their odds of tempting world-class targets by hoisting the Europa League aloft in Spain.

According to reports, a centre-back signing is on the cards this summer, and they retain a keen interest in Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi.

Spurs actually made an ambitious £70 million bid for the England international in January, which was rejected by Eagles chairman Steve Parish, but the consensus is that Tottenham are still eyeing a move for Guehi as he enters the final 12 months of his contract.

Marc Guehi prepared to hold Tottenham transfer talks

According to GiveMeSport, who shared a new update on his future this week, Guehi would be keen to hold talks with Tottenham and find out what they have to say – providing a boost for Postecoglou’s side in pursuit of the defender.

As per their information, Spurs have been given “fresh” belief they can seal a deal for Guehi after their European conquest, and Palace may have to sell him for £50 million or less considering the player’s contract situation.

Club chiefs are also “adamant” behind-the-scenes that qualification for the Champions League could tempt the 24-year-old to N17, and it is clear why they wish to sign Guehi this summer.

He’s been a pivotal member of Palace’s backline for years, and is now an established England regular following his impressive performances in place of Harry Maguire during Euro 2024 last year.

Chelsea are now in “ongoing” negotiations over a deal to sign an “incredible” striker, with a meeting taking place “in recent days”, according to RMC Sport journalist Fabrice Hawkins.

Blues looking to bolster squad before Club World Cup

The initial summer transfer window is set to close on June 10th ahead of the Club World Cup, before reopening on June 16th, and the Blues are looking to get a number of deals over the line before the first deadline.

Jamie Gittens has emerged as a major target since it was confirmed Jadon Sancho will not be making a permanent move to west London, while there have long been doubts over the goalkeeper options, with Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen being used interchangeably last season.

The interest in Hugo Ekitike is a little stranger, given that Enzo Maresca has already added Liam Delap to his squad this summer, but the manager may feel he needs a more experienced option at centre-forward, with the former Ipswich Town man yet to prove himself at the top level.

There has now been a new update on Chelsea’s Hugo Ekitike pursuit, with Hawkins taking to X to reveal they are in “ongoing” negotiations over a deal for the Eintracht Frankfurt striker, having held a meeting with his camp “in recent days”.

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The Blues are still considering a move for the forward, with contact yet to be broken off, despite talks not progressing, but a deal will not be cheap, with Frankfurt currently unwilling to compromise on their asking price of €100m (£84m).

Ekitike could be "incredible" signing for Chelsea

While the 22-year-old is the same age as Delap, he has more experience than the Englishman, having regularly provided goals and assists for Reims, Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt across spells in Ligue 1 and the Bundesliga.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

47

19

10

Ligue 1

52

13

8

Teammate Rasmus Kristensen has also been left impressed by the Frenchman, lauding him as “incredible” back in January, so it is little wonder that Chelsea are keen to take him to Stamford Bridge, although there are doubts over whether he is worth £84m.

With the Frankfurt star contracted until 2029, the German club are in a strong negotiating position, but the Reims-born striker is yet to prove himself in the Champions League, while a return of 15 goals in 33 Bundesliga games last season isn’t out of this world.

As such, while Ekitike could go on to be a top striker, the £84m asking price is a little steep, so the Blues should continue to try and negotiate a lower fee.

Liverpool have played a blinder, engineering a £10m deal with Real Madrid for Trent Alexander-Arnold, the Spanish giants paying a premium to sign the right-back in time for the Club World Cup.

For context, Los Blancos have just forked out a third of what Liverpool have paid to Bayer Leverkusen for Jeremie Frimpong, who signed on Friday in a deal worth £29.5m.

Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards are proving to be quite the dream team, all right, having absorbed criticism for a lack of spending across the past two transfer windows, only to now fire across every cylinder to strengthen Arne Slot’s Premier League champions.

Anfield is in good hands, and while supporters are getting excited over the prospect of Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez and Leverkusen sensation Florian Wirtz joining the crew, there’s more to come.

Namely, Liverpool want a new centre-forward.

Liverpool's hunt for a striker

Darwin Nunez has played his final game for Liverpool. Arriving from Benfica in a deal rising to £85m in 2022, the Uruguayan has faced consistent criticism for his poor finishing and struggles to impose himself in the Premier League.

And now, he’s expected to depart, with interest arising from Spain and the Saudi Pro League.

Under Slot’s wing, Nunez, 25, has bagged just seven goals from 47 matches in all competitions. To put that another way, he failed to score in 42 appearances.

With Diogo Jota also struggling to perform this term after being plagued by setbacks for most of his Liverpool career, rumours have surfaced of his potential sale too.

With Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak out of bounds, Liverpool seem to have centred on Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, though they face stiff competition from Chelsea, who remain keen despite closing on the £30m signing of Liam Delap.

FSG always like to have a contingency plan, but if recent reports are to be believed, their back-up option might not be the name on fans’ lips.

Liverpool add new CF to shortlist

According to Liverpool reporter Sam McGuire, Liverpool have added Paris Saint-Germain’s Goncalo Ramos to their shortlist as Slot looks for ways to improve his title-winning squad

It’s stressed that the 23-year-old isn’t at the top of the shopping list but is under consideration, with FSG’s data-driven approach suggesting he could be a superstar in the making.

Former Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward was desperate to sign Ramos in 2022, but Jurgen Klopp was captivated by Nunez and forged ahead with his gambit.

What Goncalo Ramos would bring to Liverpool

Benfica-reared strikers, ay. Liverpool know all about them.

Signing Nunez proved a failed ploy, for the striker has fallen by the wayside and Liverpool need to find a new out-and-out striker to help Mohamed Salah and co.

Is Ramos the right man for the job? It’s debatable. Luis Enrique has used the Portugal international sparingly this season, limiting him to just 16 starts across all competitions, albeit having bagged 18 goals and provided six assists.

Liverpool have already been fleeced for a Benfica talent in the past, and though Ramos wouldn’t be arriving directly from the Liga Portugal, he emerged from the Eagles academy, scored 41 goals across 106 fixtures before signing for PSG in an €80m (£67m) deal.

No transfer figure has been attributed to Liverpool’s ostensible interest, but there’s a good chance the French giants would be seeking a hefty figure for a young player whose up-and-down start has still led him to 40 goal contributions from 80 matches.

And since he’s failed to showcase his best attributes in Ligue 1 this season, you could argue that Ramos would just turn out to be another version of Nunez, were Liverpool to make their move this summer.

League Stats 24/25 – Darwin Nunez vs Goncalo Ramos

Stats (* per game)

Nunez

Ramos

Matches (starts)

30 (8)

22 (12)

Goals

5

10

Assists

2

3

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.4)

2.5 (1.5)

Big chances missed

8

18

Accurate passes*

5.3 (71%)

8.7 (81%)

Key passes*

0.4

0 7

Dribbles*

0.3

0.1

Tackles + interceptions*

0.8

0.5

Duels won*

2.1

2.0

Stats via Sofascore

It’s somewhat concerning to note that Ramos has scarcely completed any dribbles in the league this season, instead hanging in the final third to reap the rewards of his energetic teammates’ labours.

And more concerning still is his profligacy, having missed 18 big chances despite only scoring ten goals. This is not the mark of a natural-born goalscorer, fit to take Nunez’s place and prove to Anfield he is vastly superior.

As per FBref, Ramos does rank among the top 9% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, but there’s nothing of much note in relation to his underlying data.

Once heralded by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his “outrageous start” to life in Portugal’s national team, Ramos might be a talented player but he’s not proven himself worthy of leading Liverpool’s line next season, lest fans be forced into a continuation of the plight that has beset Nunez’s journey on Merseyside.

Instead, Slot needs a confident goalscorer who will provide a sustained, elite-level threat, so this is maybe one for FSG to park and focus on alternative targets instead.

Ultimately, it’s too early to tell how concrete Liverpool’s interest is with this one, but if recent rumours are to be believed, intrigue is indeed there and the Reds could opt to make a leftfield investment to strengthen their frontline.

Slot’s Liverpool is already jam-packed with talented forwards, and perhaps the question needs to be raised as to whether Ramos would enhance this team, having left much to be desired with his finishing.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair May 30, 2025

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.

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.

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.

Crystal Palace are now plotting a move for a £20m midfielder, and they are looking to get a deal over the line quickly, according to reporter Alan Nixon.

Palace eyeing new midfielder after FA Cup triumph

May 17th, 2025 will be a date forever etched into Palace history, having won their first ever major trophy courtesy of a shock 1-0 FA Cup final victory against Manchester City, which also secures qualification for a maiden Europa League campaign next season.

Midfielder Will Hughes spoke about what it meant to win the first major honour of his career after the game, while admitting it will take some time to sink in.

Hughes has been an important player for Oliver Glasner this season, making 31 appearances in the Premier League, but with a Europa League campaign now on the horizon, the manager may have to bring in some more depth in midfield this summer.

According to a report from Nixon on Patreon (via Football League World), one of the midfielders Crystal Palace have set their sights on is Mateus Fernandes, with a quick deal for the Southampton midfielder now being plotted.

With the Saints suffering relegation from the Premier League, they could be at risk of losing some of their key players, and Fernandes is valued at roughly £20m, amid interest from both Palace and Champions League-chasing Nottingham Forest.

Fernandes deserves another chance in the Premier League

Southampton have endured one of the worst seasons in Premier League history, collecting just 12 points throughout the campaign, but the youngster has shown he deserves a second chance in the top flight with some of his performances.

Despite being just 20-years-old, the attacking midfielder has been a regular starter for the Saints, making 35 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has managed to amass three goals and two assists.

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ByBrett Worthington May 19, 2025

Former manager Vasco Seabra has also praised the starlet in the past, describing him as a “very strong and aggressive player with a great ability to cover a lot of ground”, and he has performed extremely well across some key defensive metrics, including tackling, over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Tackles

2.81 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

0.83 (96th percentile)

Blocks

1.31 (89th percentile)

Clearances

1.12 (85th percentile)

Having stood out defensively, when compared to other attacking midfielders, Fernandes is clearly a well-rounded midfielder, who is capable of playing slightly deeper, and he could be a shrewd acquisition for Crystal Palace this summer.