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Leeds United splashed the cash during the summer transfer window to bolster their squad with a host of new signings to make them competitive in the Premier League.

A return of eight points from the first seven matches of the top-flight season suggests that it has been money well spent so far, particularly given that they have already played Arsenal, Spurs, and Newcastle.

Daniel Farke has created a team that has a good blend of players who were instrumental to the club’s success in the Championship last season and the signings brought in during the summer window.

The midfield is a good example of that because it has recently consisted of Ethan Ampadu, in his third season at Elland Road, alongside new signings Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff.

This shows that Leeds have not been overly reliant on their Championship team, but they also have not completely ripped up what worked for them in the 2024/25 campaign.

One position on the pitch that is still up for debate is centre-forward, though, as Dominic Calvert-Lewin has yet to fully convince since his move to West Yorkshire.

Why Leeds more from Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The 11-cap England international was brought in on a free transfer during the summer transfer window after he was released by Everton at the end of last season.

Calvert-Lewin is a vastly experienced Premier League campaigner, as this is his tenth year in the division, which made him seem like a sensible signing on paper, particularly on a free transfer.

His experience in the top-flight has been evident early on in his career at Elland Road in the way that he duels with opposition centre-backs, having won 4.6 duels per game and 41% of his aerial duels, per Sofascore.

The 28-year-old striker, who scored his first goal for the club against Wolves, has shown that he can compete with defenders and provide a physical presence in the number nine role.

However, Leeds need more from Calvert-Lewin in front of goal in the box, because he has scored one goal and missed five ‘big chances’ in the Premier League this season, per Sofascore, which shows that he has been wasteful with the opportunities that have come his way.

25/26

1.08

1

24/25

8.58

3

23/24

13.63

7

22/23

6.50

2

21/22

6.22

5

20/21

18.21

16

19/20

16.11

12

18/19

6.17

6

17/18

5.44

4

16/18

1.25

1

As you can see in the table above, the English forward’s career in the top-flight does not suggest that he is likely to improve his efficiency in the final third, which is a concern.

However, if his physical and hold-up play does enough to help the Whites win enough points to avoid relegation, irrespective of his goal return, then the Whites will surely deem him to have been a successful signing by the end of the season.

Calvert-Lewin’s arrival at Elland Road, and subsequent emergence as the first-choice striker at Elland Road, has led to one of last season’s stars now looking like he is on borrowed time in the Premier League.

First Impressions

What did pundits and fans alike think about their new star signing when they arrived? Football FanCast’s ‘First Impressions’ series has everything you need.

Joel Piroe played a pivotal role on the pitch for the West Yorkshire outfit in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns in the Championship, but now faces an uncertain future at the club.

Why Joel Piroe has an uncertain future at Leeds

In the summer of 2023, Leeds swooped to sign the Dutch centre-forward from Championship rivals Swansea City for a fee of £10m, in a move that was described as a “statement transfer” by journalist Phil Hay.

The reporter hailed the shift in mood within the fanbase and around the club in general that the signing caused, as they had signed a proven goalscorer at the level. Piroe’s return of 46 goals in 96 games for Swansea, per Transfermarkt, made him an exciting addition.

Proven goalscorers are hard to find at any level, as evidenced by Calvert-Lewin’s current struggles in front of goal, but that is exactly what Leeds found in the Championship with Piroe.

The left-footed star scored 14 goals in his first Championship season with the Whites, before winning the Golden Boot with a 19-goal haul last term to help his side win the title.

A return of 33 goals in two league seasons in the second tier shows that Leeds made a great decision when they signed him from Swansea in 2023 as a statement transfer, as he brought the guaranteed goals that his form for the Welsh side promised.

Promotion to the Premier League, though, was always going to mean that some of the club’s stars from the promotion-winning season may find it difficult to get game time in the top-flight, as not every player is able to make the step up.

Piroe, on current evidence, already looks like he is on borrowed time at Elland Road after a difficult start to the 2025/26 campaign, having fallen behind Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in the pecking order.

Duels won

1.22

Bottom 3%

Duel success rate

15.4%

Bottom 3%

Aerial duels won

1.22

Bottom 17%

Aerial duel success rate

22.2%

Bottom 3%

Fouls committed

0.61

Bottom 14%

Successful dribbles

0.00

Bottom 3%

Dribble success rate

0%

Bottom 3%

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman has failed to deal with the step up in intensity and physicality in the Premier League, ranking among the worst strikers in the division in a host of physical metrics.

So far, Piroe has made three appearances, started two games, and been an unused substitute on three occasions, per Sofascore. All three of those minuteless matches on the bench came after his two starts, which suggests that Farke was not too impressed by his performances.

The Dutchman failed to score a goal, missing one ‘big chance’, and did not create a single chance for his teammates in those three appearances, to go along with his struggles off the ball.

Therefore, the former Swansea star may be on borrowed time at Elland Road unless there is a significant change to his performance level, as he may have to reconsider his future if it gets to January and he is rarely getting minutes on the pitch.

Earns more than Tanaka: Farke's "liability" is on borrowed time at Leeds

This Leeds flop who earns more than Ao Tanaka is on borrowed time at Elland Road.

ByDan Emery Oct 10, 2025

There is no doubt that Piroe has been a success at Leeds, because he was signed in the Championship to score goals and did exactly that, but he may be coming to the end of his journey in West Yorkshire, unfortunately.

That total was built on the back of a blazing opening stand, while the rest of the batters ensured MI maintained their momentum through the innings

Karthik Krishnaswamy30-May-2025

Rohit Sharma raises his bat after getting to a half-century•Getty Images

Mumbai Indians have a 17-0 record while defending 200-plus totals in the IPL. They have set Gujarat Titans a target of 229 in the Eliminator, after posting the second-highest total in any IPL playoff game.That total was built on the back of a blazing stand of 84 between a new opening pair. Jonny Bairstow, replacing Ryan Rickelton who has left on international duty, smashed a 22-ball 47 on his debut for his third IPL team. Rohit Sharma, dropped twice in the first three overs of the match, went on to score 81 off 50 balls.The middle order built on these efforts with panache, with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya hitting three sixes each to ensure MI maintained their momentum right through the innings. They hit 17 sixes in all, the joint third-most in any innings in IPL 2025.Related

Mumbai Indians' turnaround decoded: death overs tamed, middle overs mastered

No more second chances for Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans

MI chose to bat a day after Punjab Kings, sent in, had been bowled out for 101 at the same venue. This was a different pitch, however, with even bounce and none of the seam movement of Qualifier 1.GT, however, could have had MI in trouble early, only for Gerald Coetzee and Kusal Mendis to put Rohit down on 3 and 12. Within minutes GT were firmly on the back foot, with Bairstow tonking Prasidh Krishna for 26 runs – though two of his boundaries came off the edge – in the fourth over.Bairstow fell in the eighth over, but MI kept punching. Rohit’s use of the sweep against GT’s spinners was particularly noteworthy, bringing him 27 runs – the most he’s scored with variants of the sweep against spin in any IPL innings for which shot data is available – off just six balls.He slowed down after reaching his half-century, only scoring 31 off his last 22 balls, but the rest of MI’s batters ensured there would be no let up in the scoring rate, and Hardik finished things off with three sixes off Coetzee in the final over.

Cheteshwar Pujara, former Chennai Super Kings player, is “quite surprised” at Stephen Fleming’s remark that they’ve been offered “no home advantage” at Chepauk. That said, Pujara felt Friday’s surface for the game between CSK and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) offered more help for spinners in the second innings, while the ball “skidded on a bit more” in the first half while CSK bowled.”It is [surprising] because at CSK you can’t complain, it’s one franchise where they’ve been preparing pitches according to their strengths,” Pujara said on ESPNcricinfo’s TimeOut after RCB handed CSK their biggest home defeat, by 50 runs, to make it two wins in two. “You should [use home advantage]; if he’s saying that [there is no home advantage] they don’t have a say, then I’m quite surprised.”If you speak about MI, CSK, KKR – I don’t think that’s the case [them not getting pitches they ask for]. Any other franchise, I can still understand. Those [three] franchises make sure they get what they want. Their strength has been when they play at home.”Related

• Fleming: 'No home advantage at Chepauk'

• Stats – RCB end 17-year Chennai jinx against CSK

• Spellbinding Hazlewood and RCB conquer Chepauk and CSK

One of the big talking points in CSK’s chase was their tactic of batting Sam Curran ahead of Shivam Dube, and R Ashwin ahead of MS Dhoni, who came in at No. 9 with the chase seemingly dead, with CSK needing 98 off 28. Dhoni finished with 30 off 16, thanks mainly to the 16 runs (two sixes and a four) he hit off Krunal Pandya in the final over with CSK needing 67.”There is a lot of concern [in the batting line-up outside of Rachin Ravindra, Ruturaj Gaikwad] because their middle order will have to click at some point,” Pujara said. “They will have to start scoring runs quickly. They rely heavily on their middle order.”Yes, their top order is their strength, but when they don’t perform well that’s the time the middle order has to step up, it doesn’t look like they’re completely ready for it. It looks like they’ll need better surfaces to get back into form and when they start playing at home again, they’ll be able to perform well.”Pujara felt more than the loss, it was CSK’s manner of defeat that was hurtful. “There’s a lot to learn for CSK,” he said. “I’ve been part of the franchise. If you’re a CSK fan, you’d really be disappointed today. You tend to lose, but the way they lost this game will put a lot of dents in the dressing room.”

‘Conway for Curran and Dube batting higher’

Nick Knight, the former England opener, felt CSK have tried to fix something that wasn’t broken by separating a “tried-and-tested” opening pair in Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway. Gaikwad has batted at No. 3 in the first two matches, with Rahul Tripathi opening with Rachin Ravindra. In both games so far, Gaikwad has come out to bat in the second over.2:12

Fleming: We haven’t been able to read the Chepauk pitches

“In my top order, I’d have Devon Conway. I’m surprised he’s not playing,” Knight said. “I’d play both of them [Conway and Rachin]. I’m going to leave Sam Curran out. I just feel that Gaikwad and Conway at the top is tried and tested. I’m not saying it’s right by any means, but when you look at it – Conway has a terrific record.”Rachin can bat at No. 3, more than capable. And you work down from there. The only thing about that is Dhoni may have to bat at No. 7, which he’s sometimes reluctant to do, sometimes wants to bat lower than that. He’s made 30 of 16, effected a brilliant stumping, I’d encourage them to get him to No. 7.”The other aspect to CSK’s batting Knight felt needed an immediate rethink was Dube’s role. On Friday, Dube came in at No. 6, below Curran and made 19 off 15. Dube has shown a propensity to takedown spin – he strikes at 169.71 against this variety since IPL 2023. This facet was one of their X factors during CSK’s run to the title in 2023.”Why was Dube not batting higher? I was stunned when he came out ahead of Curran,” Knight said. “They were so far behind the game at that point, they needed something to get them impetus, energy in their run chase and Dube was just held back. I saw him smash the England attack a couple of month ago [in a T20I series], coming in as a replacement player.”If that guy can’t do that in this tournament, I must be seeing things slightly different. For me, Dube could be the man to take this opportunity and boss the middle overs, and boss the middle section of that innings and take his game forward and take the team forward. If you go Conway, Gaikwad, Ravindra, Hooda, Dube, Jadeja, Dhoni – that’s a decent line-up.”

Chelsea wanted to sign a new centre-back in the summer transfer window and were actively exploring options, following Levi Colwill’s disastrous ACL injury which is expected to keep him out for a large portion of 2025/2026.

Enzo Maresca even publicly asked the club to bring in a new central defender, and they were actively pursuing a deal for Dean Huijsen before the Spaniard ultimately opted for Real Madrid.

While the Italian later backtracked on this message, claiming an internal solution was the only option, it is crystal clear from Maresca’s statement there that he’s not happy with Chelsea’s current defensive options.

Colwill’s injury has left them light in that area, with Wesley Fofana also having struggled for consistent fitness since his £70 million move from Leicester City three years ago.

Joao Pedro

Noni Madueke

Jamie Gittens

João Félix

Jorrel Hato

Djordje Petrovic

Liam Delap

Lesley Ugochukwu

Dario Essugo

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall

Mamadou Sarr

Renato Veiga

Estevao

Armando Broja

Kendry Paez

Carney Chukwuemeka

Alejandro Garnacho

Mathis Amougou

Basir Humphreys

Kepa Arrizabalaga

Marcus Bettinelli

Christopher Nkunku

Nicolas Jackson (obligation to buy in 2026)

Alfie Gilchrist

Lucas Bergstrom

Ben Chilwell

Axel Disasi is part of the Chelsea ‘bomb squad’ with Raheem Sterling, and while Benoit Badiashile has returned to first-team training this week, it is unclear how ready he is to feature for Maresca.

Summer signing Jorrel Hato can play centre-back but is primarily viewed as a left-back and alternative to Marc Cucurella, leaving little wonder why Maresca was so keen on another option to bolster the heart of his defence.

With the UK window closing on September 1, this could still be on the agenda for 2026, with journalist Graeme Bailey reporting that they’re big fans of Club Brugge starlet Joel Ordonez.

Chelsea send officials on midweek mission with Joel Ordonez set to leave Brugge

Speaking to TBR Football, Bailey states that Chelsea scouts were sent to run the rule over Ordonez during Ecuador’s 1-0 win over Argentina on Wednesday.

Enner Valencia scored the only game of the game as both Moises Caicedo and Nicolas Otamendi were sent off during a tense affair, but Ordonez managed to help Ecuador keep a clean sheet against the world champions.

The 21-year-old, according to reports, is valued at around £40 million by Brugge, and Bailey says that Ordonez is “almost certain” to leave in 2026 amid interest from Chelsea.

Tottenham have also been credited with an interest in the “huge talent”, with his mooted summer move to Marseille falling through. It could only be a matter of time before he’s plying his trade in the Premier League, and Ordonez ticks nearly every box.

Liverpool so often wrap up all their business nice and early, so prudent are FSG. But not this time, deals have dragged over to the eleventh hour, but Red fans won’t care a jot.

After weeks of posturing, Newcastle United have finally opened the door for Liverpool to sign Alexander Isak in what will prove a British-record £130m deal, including £5m in solidarity figures.

Isak is one of the best strikers in the world, but Liverpool may yet seal a signature considered even more important for the fluency and stability of Arne Slot’s project.

Liverpool confident they will sign Premier League star

As per transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, Liverpool are growing in confidence that a deal can be pulled off for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who has entered the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.

Though Liverpool have agreed personal terms with the England international and have the blessing of Palace chairman Steve Parish, Eagles first-team manager Oliver Glasner has been loath to let the star centre-back leave, and everything hinges on sufficient replacements being welcomed through the gates.

Liverpool have offices in London, and thus a medical will take place in the capital if the Merseysiders get the green light at this late hour. Palace are holding out for £40m and a deal is “expected to happen”.

Why Marc Guehi could make a bigger impact than Isak

Guehi, 25, has been at Crystal Palace for four years after leaving Chelsea for an £18m fee, failing to break into the Stamford Bridge senior side.

But no matter, he’s only gone from strength to strength since, captaining Palace to an incredible FA Cup triumph last year before beating Liverpool in last month’s Community Shield clash.

Hailed as a “monster in defence” by Palace reporter Bobby Manzi, the £50k-per-week Guehi has so much quality, and he might even prove to be a better deal at this stage than Isak, who is going to cost FSG a pretty penny indeed.

Liverpool have started the current campaign imperiously from an attacking standpoint, and they were rather good in front of goal last term too.

1.

Liverpool

1st

80

2.

Man City

4th

66

3.

Newcastle

3rd

65

4.

Arsenal

2nd

63

5.

Tottenham

16th

62

The thought of adding Isak to the fold is frightening, to be sure, but given the fragilities of Ibrahima Konate over Liverpool’s opening fixtures in August, and then the Frenchman’s injury scare and ever-looming contractual expiry date at the end of the term, signing Guehi might actually prove to be the most important of the two deadline-day deals for Liverpool.

The England international showcased against Aston Villa on Sunday his aptitude on the ball, scoring a looping finish with the skill of a seasoned attacking midfielder.

And Sofascore record that he has also won 75% of his duels across his opening three matches of the Premier League term. Without a doubt, he has what it takes to become a superstar in Liverpool’s ranks, potentially succeeding Virgil van Dijk as the club’s standout defender over the coming years.

Liverpool have completed the most incredible of transfer windows, but despite all the flashy business at the front end of the field, Guehi might just prove to be the shrewdest and most impactful of the lot.

Van Dijk-esque: Liverpool can forget Guehi with D-day bid for £23m "leader"

Liverpool are looking to sign a centre-back before the transfer window slams shut at 7pm.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 1, 2025

Newcastle United have made a habit of spotting Premier League talent before it reaches its full peak, and they may be about to do it again.

Two years ago, they moved decisively for a 21-year-old winger who, while already a Premier League regular, had yet to hit his top level.

His arrival was met with scepticism, but now he is one of their most valuable assets and an England international.

That player was Anthony Gordon, signed from Everton for around £45m in January 2023.

The deal was framed as an investment in a player whose best football was ahead of him.

Newcastle’s patience has been rewarded.

Gordon’s pace, directness, and work rate have been crucial in Eddie Howe’s high-tempo system, and his trajectory has vindicated the club’s willingness to back promise over proven elite output.

Fast-forward to this summer, and the club appear poised to repeat the formula.

Another move is in the works for another young, attack-minded Premier League player. One who has endured an injury-disrupted couple of years but retains a reputation as a difference-maker when fit.

Newcastle set to sign a new midfield spark

According to Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle are set to complete the signing of Aston Villa midfielder Jacob Ramsey, with a full agreement for around £40m close.

Transfer Focus

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

Toon reporter Craig Hope revealed on Wednesday morning that Ramsey “wants to join” and there is confidence he will be a Newcastle player “before the weekend”.

The 24-year-old, described by journalist Charles Watts as “special,” looks set to bolster a midfield currently light on numbers.

Howe admitted to the Evening Chronicle that he was concerned about the depth in midfield after Sean Longstaff’s sale to Leeds United and Joe Willock’s injury in pre-season against the K-League XI.

“We want six – and now we are down to four,” he said.

The lack of cover has been so noticeable that Harrison Ashby, traditionally a right-back, was deployed in midfield during the Sela Cup match against Atlético Madrid.

Ramsey would offer a blend of forward thrust, ball-carrying, and defensive industry, making him a natural fit for Howe’s style.

The timing is intriguing too. Newcastle’s opening fixture of the new season is away at Villa Park, the ground where they suffered a bruising 4-1 defeat last season.

Shades of Gordon in the numbers

Injuries have undoubtedly slowed Ramsey’s progress.

He missed 36 games during the 2023/24 season through various setbacks, followed by ten more in 2024/25.

Still, when available, he has shown he can influence matches at the highest level.

His Premier League debut came as a 19-year-old in September 2020 in a 3-0 win over Fulham, and he netted his first league goal just over a year later against Arsenal.

The parallels between Gordon’s rise at Newcastle and Ramsey’s potential are clear, particularly when looking at each player’s best season at their respective clubs – Gordon’s 2023/24 at Newcastle and Ramsey’s 2022/23 at Villa.

According to FBref, Gordon leads in some attacking metrics, reflecting his role as a wide forward: he averaged 4.30 progressive carries per 90 compared to Ramsey’s 3.12, and produced 4.45 shot-creating actions per 90 to Ramsey’s 2.76.

His touches in the attacking third were also higher (22.8 per 90 to Ramsey’s 14.4), underlining his advanced positioning.

Yet Ramsey edges Gordon in other areas. He attempts slightly more progressive passes (3.35 to Gordon’s 3.15) and has a higher pass completion rate (81.9% to Gordon’s 76.1%).

His defensive contributions are also more prominent – 2.35 tackles and 1.64 blocks per 90, compared to Gordon’s 1.71 tackles and 0.84 blocks.

These figures point to a player who can both break up play and transition his team into attack efficiently.

There’s also the market reality. Gordon’s current value sits at £56m via Transfermarkt after his growth under Howe; Ramsey’s is £28m

Should Ramsey adapt quickly, Newcastle could again find themselves with a player whose price doubles within a couple of seasons.

Gordon himself has spoken recently about feeling “refreshed” and having “got [his] appetite back for football” – words that could just as easily be Ramsey’s in a year’s time if things go to plan.

Gordon thrived when placed into a high-intensity, attacking side with clear tactical demands. Ramsey could benefit from the same clarity after two injury-hit campaigns in the Midlands.

The first test of Ramsey’s potential impact could come almost immediately.

Facing his former club on the opening weekend, in front of a raucous Villa Park crowd, would be a trial by fire, but also an opportunity to show exactly why Newcastle have spent big to secure his signature.

Much like Gordon before him, Ramsey arrives with a mixture of promise and unanswered questions.

Can he stay fit? Can he adapt to a slightly different role? And can he take the leap from a talented Premier League player to one capable of shaping Newcastle’s biggest matches?

If history is any guide, Howe and Newcastle’s recruitment team will back themselves to get it right.

Shades of Ben Arfa: Newcastle to accelerate interest in £30m "genius"

As Newcastle seek to bolster their attacking options, could they sign a “genius” talent reminiscent of Geordie hero from yesteryear Hatem Ben Arfa?

ByBen Gray Aug 12, 2025

Manchester United's swashbuckling attack will have put their Women's Super League title rivals on alert after thrashing Leicester City.

Melvine Malard's brace helped secure Manchester United a commanding 4-0 win over Leicester City in their Women's Super League opener.

Lionesses star Toone opened the scoring in the 13th minute when her first-time hit evaded the clutches of Leicester goalkeeper Janina Leitzig. Elisabeth Terland scored her fifth goal of the season in all competitions as her well-placed header from Jayde Riviere's pinpoint cross squirmed under the Foxes stopper 12 minutes later. 

The Red Devils put some extra gloss on the scoreline 17 minutes from time when Dominique Janssen's teasing delivery was headed in by a brave Malard. The French international scored a terrific fourth from the edge of the box in the 87th minute as Marc Skinner's side went top of the WSL on a rain-swept Sunday afternoon.

GOAL rates Manchester United's from Leigh Sports Village…

Getty Images SportGoalkeeper & Defence

Phallis Tullis-Joyce (6/10):

Was fortunate that Hlin Eiriksdottir's superb long-range effort was ruled out for being offside, as her clearance was poor. Made a good stop in the second half to preserve her team's clean sheet.

Jayde Riviere (8/10):

The Canadian was a big threat going forward, and she produced a superb assist for Terland's header. Didn't really put a foot wrong.

Maya Le Tissier (6/10):

Some of her passing was a bit sloppy on a sodden surface but improved as the contest progressed. May have picked up a knock late on.

Dominique Janssen (7/10):

Was relatively untroubled but looked a bit shaky when faced with the pacey Hannah Cain. Pulled off a lovely cross for Malard's first of the afternoon.

Anna Sandberg (8/10):

The Swede was full of running and kept her side of the defence well locked down. A very encouraging performance by the energetic left-back.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportMidfield

Julia Zigiotti Olme (7/10):

The summer signing was lively on her WSL debut for United. They seem to have a bit more quality in midfield now.

Ella Toone (8/10):

The Euro 2025 winner could have had a first-half hat-trick but was repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Leitzig. Ran the show in attacking midfield and scored.

Hinata Miyazawa (6/10):

The 25-year-old was competent enough but grew into the game as her side put the away team to the sword.

Getty Images SportAttack

Celin Bizet (7/10):

United found most of their joy down the left but Bizet was still a nuisance on the right. 

Elisabeth Terland (8/10):

Showed good awareness to set up Toone for United's first goal and then took her header with aplomb. Her stunning start to the season shows no signs of abating.

Melvine Malard (9/10):

Linked up very well with Toone in particular, with Leicester's defence having no idea how to handle the Frenchwoman. Bagged two goals of real quality, especially the second.

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Getty Images SportSubs & Manager

Jess Park (7/10):

In her first appearance following her eye-catching switch from rivals Manchester City, she looked good on the ball in a zippy display.

Lisa Naalsund (7/10):

Helped sweep up some of Leicester's attacking forays.

Millie Turner (7/10):

Made some good tackles off the bench.

Marc Skinner (7/10):

Only named a bench with five substitutes on, highlighting the club's injury issues, and nearly used all of it. Will have been happy with his team's performance but tougher tests lie ahead.

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, finishing ten points ahead of second-place Arsenal. Few gave Arne Slot a chance to establish himself as a title-race outlier, but he took the division by storm.

And he’s been rewarded in the summer transfer market, with FSG green-lighting ambitious moves for Milos Kerkez, Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz, with the latter signing from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m.

Navigating the transfer market has become a far more delicate matter for Liverpool after the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

But Liverpool’s forward interest dates back to the start of 2025, with Darwin Nunez transfer-listed while the Reds pursued the Premier League title.

Nunez is still set to leave Liverpool, with the Saudi Pro League’s Al-Hilal among the frontrunners, and FSG have worked to sign a replacement.

While nothing’s set in stone, it looks like that replacement is going to be Hugo Ekitike.

The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool

Liverpool appear to have won the race for Ekitike, with the 23-year-old submitting a transfer request as he looks to inch a move to Merseyside closer.

Newcastle United were also in the mix, but have dropped out following the Reds’ concrete advancements.

Ekitike’s is an unrefined skill set, but with a few tweaks here and there, he could prove a stunning signing for Slot’s cause. After all, talent scout Jacek Kulig remarked that he “could definitely reach world-class striker levels”.

With 22 goals and 12 assists to his name across the 2024/25 campaign, such a claim certainly seems to have some substance.

On Friday morning, Sport BILD reported that Ekitike had linked back up with Frankfurt for training and, as things stand, is slated to join his teammates on their pre-season tour in the United States.

The Reds are closing in on their quarry, but they have another target in their sights, too. You might even say he’s an upgrade on the French forward.

Liverpool lining up another striker

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are still pushing to land Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, in spite of their push for Ekitike’s signature and indeed the rebuffed formal approach for the Sweden striker earlier in the week.

Liverpool were willing to put a £120m offer on the table, but the focus shift to Ekitike in recent days speaks of a roadblock between Anfield and St. James’ Park.

Elsewhere, Foot Mercato have revealed that Isak and Newcastle have given Al-Hilal the initial green light to commence discussions over a deal that would send shockwaves through the footballing world.

While this is peculiar news, it perhaps suggests that the Isak saga is not quite finished for Liverpool this summer.

Why Liverpool should sign Alexander Isak

Time was when Liverpool’s owners were widely regarded as being frugal, if effective with their resources. But who can call FSG misers now? Having forked out a shedload on new signings this summer, there’s still more yet to come.

BBC reporter Sami Mokbel believes that Liverpool’s interest in Isak will remain intact regardless of the outcome of the Ekitike saga. One of the French talent’s underlying qualities to have piqued Slot’s interest is his versatility, with a sharp tactical mind and a nimble athleticism making him, as Kulig alluded to, world-class material.

But Isak’s already there, with pundit Alan Shearer hailing his “world-class” level. Indeed, there’s a case that the Swedish gem’s the finest number nine in the game right now, having scored 27 goals and supplied six assists across all competitions for the Magpies in 2024/25. Certainly, he’s the most complete, with pundit Ally McCoist saying: “In terms of his all-round game, he’s unstoppable.”

Without a doubt, Isak would pack a heavier punch than Ekitike, definitely across the next campaign or two. Sure, the Frankfurt man has the potential to become one of the best, but his Swedish counterpart is already there.

Newcastle signed him from Real Sociedad for what still stands as a club-record £63m deal, and injuries have been his only foible.

Instrumental in securing United as a top-end competitor, scoring as they beat Liverpool at Wembley to lift the Carabao Cup and end a 70-year trophy drought, he would revolutionise a Liverpool frontline already packed with high-level quality.

1.

Erling Haaland

97

85 (0.88)

2.

Mohamed Salah

108

66 (0.61)

3.

Alexander Isak

86

54 (0.63)

4.

Ollie Watkins

112

50 (0.45)

5.

Bryan Mbeumo

101

38 (0.38)

And not just a goalscorer, Isak’s completeness can be observed through his FBref data. The stats-led site reveals the 25-year-old ranked among the top 16% of strikers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes, the top 7% for progressive carries, and the top 8% for successful take-ons per 90.

The thing is, Liverpool cannot afford to be so reliant on Mohamed Salah for goals, especially now that the right winger has turned 33. In Isak, Slot would sign a striker with a far superior ball-striking ability than Ekitike; certainly, the Swede is more efficient and economical in his efforts, with a conversion rate to be feared and an impressive rate of creativity besides.

The £120k-per-week forward is just one year away from his penultimate year on Tyneside. Then the alarm bells will be screeching down the St. James’ Park hallways. Perhaps Newcastle will want to cash in for a pretty penny while they still can.

Newcastle, for sure, know that Liverpool are willing to break the British transfer record (again) before summer’s out. And from a Reds perspective, sporting director Richard Hughes will be doing all he can to achieve this, for Isak is the cream of the crop and would certainly arrive as a more accomplished and complete player than Ekitike.

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1 ByMatt Dawson Jul 17, 2025

Away from Nathaniel Phillips joining Ryan Mason’s ranks, it’s been somewhat of a quiet summer so far at West Bromwich Albion as far as incomings are concerned.

It’s definitely been hectic surrounding outgoings, however, with Grady Diangana, John Swift, and Semi Ajayi all exiting one after the other, having failed to agree on extended contracts at the Hawthorns.

The brand-new Baggies boss must have thought he’d won himself his second big buy when it was reported that AFC Bournemouth winger David Brooks was likely to join his camp.

But, no such deal has got off the ground, leaving the promotion hopefuls back at square one with who to bring in to boost their chances of moving up to the Premier League.

Brooks' collapsed West Brom deal

In a drastically sharp change of events, Brooks – who had reportedly completed a medical at the Hawthorns – has now seen a move to West Brom fall through.

This would have been an ideal signing for Mason to strengthen his numbers in attack in the wake of Diangana leaving the building, with the Welshman a top performer in the Championship in the not-so-distant past.

Just two seasons back, the AFC Bournemouth number seven proved himself to be an instant hit out on loan at second-tier promotion chasers Southampton, as seen in a whirlwind return of two goals and six assists coming his way from just 20 outings at St. Mary’s.

That bumped up his overall tally in the division to a sublime 11 goals and 16 assists, with Brooks’ adaptability to play as a left winger or as an attacking midfielder making him even more of a sterling, short-term pick-up.

An unfortunate twist in the tale has stopped this promising deal from occurring, though, but the Baggies could win themselves a dream alternative if this exciting starlet is loaned in instead.

West Brom's "fearless" Brooks alternative

Mason might as well put his Tottenham Hotspur connections to good use from the Hawthorns hot seat.

This might well prove to be a great weapon on West Brom’s end, with rumours circulating last month that Spurs’ teenage sensation Mikey Moore is being eyed up by the West Midlands side.

Moore is arguably cut from the same cloth as the Cherries forward, with Brooks held in high regard ever since breaking through at Sheffield United aged just 19. In the case of the North London prodigy, he’s already making waves at Thomas Frank’s men at the tender age of 17.

Indeed, a terrific solo strike against Elfsborg last year was his first ever senior strike for his boyhood employers, shining so much in the Europa League that teammate James Maddison suggested he was “like Neymar.”

Moore’s G/A record at Tottenham by position
Position played	Games	Goals	Assists
LW	18	4	6
AM	8	6	4
CF	7	11	4
RW	6	1	0
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Much like his Welsh counterpart would have been capable of, the teenage sensation could go on to be a superb talent for the Baggies across various attacking positions, with a lethal 11 goals coming his way across his fledgling career as a centre-forward, away from shining as a left or right winger like Brooks.

The worry would be that Moore might not instantly take to his new Championship terrain, having only ever been in that bubble of youth football at Spurs.

Yet, having recently also been hailed as “fearless” by Maddison when leaping into the Tottenham first-team, this should be another hurdle he’s able to overcome, with West Brom’s failed pursuit of Brooks quickly forgotten about if he goes on to be a success.

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By
Kelan Sarson

Jul 3, 2025

Arsenal have suddenly sprung to life in the last few days.

For much of the last few weeks, fans were beginning to worry that Mikel Arteta’s side were being left behind by their Premier League rivals like Liverpool and Manchester City, who have been incredibly busy in the transfer window thus far.

However, seemingly out of nowhere, the North Londoners appear to have wrapped up deals for Christian Norgaard and Kepa Arrizabalaga, and now it looks like they are making progress on a deal to sign Christian Mosquera.

On top of that, the Gunners are now being linked with Crystal Palace’s incredible Eberechi Eze, although there is another international touted for a move to the Emirates this summer, someone who’d be a better signing than the Englishman.

Arsenal target international talent

Considering Arsenal scored 17 goals fewer than eventual Premier League champions Liverpool this season, it’s no surprise that most of their rumoured targets this summer are attacking players, with a real focus on left-wingers, such as Nico Williams and Eze.

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The former looked like he could be the answer to the Gunners’ problems in that area of the pitch, but as things stand today, he looks more likely to move to Barcelona than England.

Eze, on the other hand, does feel like a realistic target, as he’s proven himself in the Premier League for years now and has a release clause worth around £68m in his contract, which would make signing him relatively straightforward.

Yet, if Arteta and Co really want to take the team to the next level this summer and bring in someone who’d represent a real signal of intent, they might be better off signing Rodrygo.

The good news is that they might have the same idea, as, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Real Madrid superstar.

In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that the Gunners are now preparing to make an offer of around €80m for the Brazilian international, which translates to around £68m.

Interestingly, the club want to stagger the payments into three installments, with the first being around €50m and the next two being €15m each, which is something they might not be able to do with the Palace star due to his release clause.

It would still be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Rodrygo’s ability, experience and stature in the game, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Eze.

Why Rodrygo would be a better signing than Eze

Okay, the first thing to say is that both players are incredibly talented footballers and would, therefore, make excellent additions to Arsenal’s squad.

After all, their raw output from this season isn’t all that far apart, as the Palace star scored 14 goals and provided 11 assists in 43 games, totalling 3303 minutes, while the Real monster produced the same goal involvements in 3448 minutes across 53 games.

However, the first real argument for the latter being the superior player emerges when we take a look under the hood and compare their underlying numbers.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.51

0.52

Progressive Passes

5.05

3.37

Progressive Passes Received

11.8

5.31

Progressive Carries

5.28

2.40

Shots

2.52

3.48

Goals per Shot

0.11

0.07

Shots on Target

0.93

0.94

Goals Per Shot on Target

0.30

0.26

Expected Assists

0.20

0.16

Key Passes

2.29

2.01

Passes into the Final Third

3.08

1.70

Shot-Creating Actions

4.95

4.69

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.35

Tackles Won

0.65

0.76

Blocks

0.84

0.94

Interceptions

0.51

0.38

Clearances

0.42

0.35

Carries into the Final Third

4.07

1.67

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.34

0.76

Aerial Duels Won

0.33

0.24

For example, even though the former QPR star comes out on top in some metrics, like shots and shots on target per 90, he does far worse in the vast majority of relevant statistics.

In fact, not only does the former Santos gem do better in most attacking areas, like progressive and key passes, but also in some of the defensive metrics as well, like interceptions and clearances, highlighting his willingness to do the dirty work and help out his team.

Finally, in addition to being vastly superior in a statistical sense, the “world-class superstar,” as dubbed by Luka Modrić, is two years younger and has significantly more experience at the highest level.

For example, he has won two Champions League titles, two La Liga titles, and a host of other trophies, so he knows exactly what it takes to play at the very top of the game, which is something the Eagles ace just doesn’t have in his locker.

​​​​

Ultimately, both players would be excellent signings for Arsenal, but due to his incredible experience, age and superior statistics, Arsenal should be looking to sign Rodrygo over Eze this summer.

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 27, 2025