All posts by z3u9t.icu

The window might not be officially open yet, but silly season is in full swing, and Arsenal look set for a busy one.

Earlier today, it was revealed that Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi is just a medical away from officially joining the Gunners, and it feels like he won’t be the last international to join from La Liga.

For example, for well over a year now, Mikel Arteta’s side have been heavily linked with Athletic Bilbao’s Nico Williams, and then, over the last month or so, links to Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have appeared everywhere.

And now, another exciting attacker, someone who has been compared to both aforementioned wingers, has been touted for a move to the Emirates this summer.

Arsenal's winger search

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other wide talents linked with Arsenal in recent weeks and months, like Antoine Semenyo and Rafael Leao.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could be attainable for a fee of around £70m, and while that’s a lot of money, he is a Premier League-proven star who has amassed an impressive enough tally of 20 goal involvements in 42 games for Bournemouth this year.

On the other hand, Leao could cost as much as £145m thanks to the release clause in his current contract, but he too has enjoyed a brilliant personal campaign this season, scoring 12 goals and providing 13 assists in 50 games for AC Milan.

However, while both players would be exciting additions to the team, another name has now entered the fray: Takefusa Kubo.

According to a recent report from Spanish newspaper AS, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal are now interested in signing the Real Sociedad star.

In fact, the report claims that the Gunners and Premier League rivals Liverpool have already made contact with the Japanese international, who has a release clause worth €60m – £50m – in his current contract.

While it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, Arsenal should persevere with it, especially as Kubo has won comparisons to both Williams and Rodrygo.

How Kubo compares to Williams & Rodrygo

Before we get into some of the other reasons why Arsenal should be looking to sign Kubo this summer, it’s worth examining these comparisons to Williams and Rodrygo, as, after all, they are some of the most exciting wingers around at the moment.

Well, in this instance, it all stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in La Liga and then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one.

In this instance, it concluded that the Spaniard is the sixth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Japanese star this season, while the Brazilian comes in eighth.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.31

0.35

0.32

Progressive Carries

5.04

5.32

5.28

Expected Assists

0.14

0.19

0.20

Goals per Shot

0.12

0.09

0.11

Clearances

0.49

0.41

0.42

Carries into the Penalty Area

2.16

2.61

2.34

Aerial Duels Win %

36.7%

39.3%

30.4%

We can better understand how this conclusion has been reached by looking at the underlying metrics in which the trio rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, expected assists, clearances, progressive carries, goals per shot and more, all per 90.

On top of his similarities to the two sensational wingers and his tally of seven goals and four assists this season, another argument for why the Gunners should sign the “dangerous” international, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is his individual underlying numbers.

For example, FBref places him in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues for goal-creating actions from take-ons and passes blocked, the top 5% for shot-creating actions stemming from a defensive action, the top 7% for successful take-ons, the top 8% for fouls drawn and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while he might not be at the top of many transfer wishlists, Kubo would be an exceptional addition to Arsenal’s right-sided attacking options and someone who could get even better as the team continues to progress.

£45m star who's shades of Patrick Vieira must never play for Arsenal again

The international ace has served Arsenal well, but it’s time to go.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 27, 2025

Burnley will be playing Premier League football once again next season after they finished second in the Championship to secure promotion back to the big time.

The Clarets finished on a staggering 100 points in the second tier, somehow only finishing second to Leeds United, and are now preparing to build a squad that can avoid an instant relegation from the top-flight.

Scott Parker will need to make some big and tough decisions on players who will leave Turf Moore, and ones who will come in, and one star whose future is uncertain at the moment is Ashley Barnes.

Why Ashley Barnes could be released this summer

The veteran striker signed for the club from Norwich City in the January transfer window and put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season, which means that his current contract is due to expire at the end of next month.

Speaking ahead of the final game of the season, Parker was asked if a decision had been made on the striker: “Not at the moment, no.

Transfer Focus

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

“We’ve not really discussed in great detail next year or certainly how it would look in terms of players’ contracts. We’ve got one game left and that’s been the main focus.

“But Ashley Barnes has been incredible since he’s come in and there’s an opportunity for him at the weekend as well, depending on the decision I make.”

In the weeks since those comments, there has still not been any official confirmation of his release or a new contract, but his limited impact on the pitch could mean that they look elsewhere ahead of a Premier League season.

Barnes ended the campaign with one goal in 21 appearances, including two starts, in the Championship, and the Clarets have been linked with a striker who could be the next version of the veteran forward, George Hirst.

Why George Hirst could be the next Ashley Barnes

Burnley and Leeds are both reportedly interested in signing the Ipswich Town centre-forward after their relegation from the Premier League has already been confirmed, and he could be Barnes 2.0

Barnes joined the Clarets from Brighton at the age of 25, having come up through the lower leagues in League One and the Championship, and went on to score 42 goals in 200 Premier League games for the club.

Like the Burnley icon, Hirst has worked his way up the EFL. He played in League One for Portsmouth and Ipswich and the Championship with Blackburn Rovers and the Tractor Boys, before his first taste of regular top-flight football at the age of 25/26 this season.

Appearances

25

23

Minutes per game

24

35

Goals

3

1

Assists

1

0

Ground duel success rate

33%

34%

Aerial duel success rate

59%

44%

As you can see in the table above, Hirst’s form for Ipswich this season in the Premier League has been more impressive than Barnes’ last outing in the top-flight with the Clarets in the 2021/22 campaign.

These statistics also show that the striker, who was described as “unique” by Kieran McKenna, has the physical attributes to be a Barnes-esque figure for Burnley, particularly with his strength in the air to win flick ons and compete with opposition defenders.

Parker has struck gold on Burnley star who's worth more than Brownhill

Burnley will hope this star can settle into Premier League life well after an impressive debut season at Turf Moor.

ByKelan Sarson May 23, 2025

Hirst, who has scored three goals from 2.13 xG, has the potential to combine physical and technical attributes to be an effective centre-forward at Premier League level if he can kick on with regular minutes, as he only averaged 24 minutes a game behind Liam Delap.

That is why Parker could unearth Burnley’s next Ashley Barnes by signing the experienced striker, who has done the hard work in the lower leagues and could now be given a chance to really show his quality at the top level.

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy is facing stiff competition from Saudi Arabia in pursuit of his reported top target to replace Ange Postecoglou, with the tactician said to be keen on a move to the Middle East.

Tottenham are very likely to replace Ange Postecoglou this summer

All signs are currently pointing towards Spurs’ final fixtures of 2024/2025 being Postecoglou’s last in charge.

Player set for Tottenham transfer decision after £21m agreement

Spurs chairman Daniel Levy has a real recruitment opportunity this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 13, 2025

The reliable David Ornstein is now among the media sources to report that Postecoglou is highly likely to depart Tottenham, regardless of their success in the Europa League final, following links to numerous managerial candidates to succeed the Australian.

Son Heung-min

7.05

Pedro Porro

6.98

James Maddison

6.98

Dominic Solanke

6.88

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford), Scott Parker (Burnley), Jürgen Klopp (Head of Global, Red Bull), Niko Kovač (Borussia Dortmund) and Edin Terzić (free agent) are all reportedly managers attracting interest from Tottenham ahead of next season, following their tepid Premier League campaign.

Spurs broke their record for most Premier League losses in a single season after their 2-0 defeat at home to Crystal Palace last weekend, with the Lilywhites also sitting a lowly 17th in the table, just one spot above the already-filled relegation zone.

Postecoglou has been criticised for stubbornness over changing his approach in games this season, with former Man United keeper Peter Schmeichel slamming this aspect of his coaching style after a 6-3 defeat to Liverpool.

“It’s on [Postecoglou],” Schmeichel told Premier League Productions.

“He’s playing to his principles. Today it was crazy, the high line, the space they left behind, they’re not playing with a ‘keeper who’s comfortable cleaning up behind. You can’t play a system the players can’t play because of principle. For that they’ve conceded three on Thursday and six today.

“When you look at the table, they’re not on the front page, they’re on the second page. Tottenham are not supposed to be on the second page, it’s because of the way they play.

“The stubbornness of wanting to play that way, they got what they deserved, and it could have been a lot worse.”

Tottenham managerial target Marco Silva eyeing move to Saudi Arabia

Understandably, a large section of supporters wish to see change, even if their season could still be saved by a potential first trophy in 17 years and a place in the Champions League draw next term, through victory in the Europa League final on May 21.

According to Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio recently, Fulham boss Marco Silva is Tottenham’s “first” choice to replace Postecoglou, with the Portuguese now in pole position on Levy’s managerial shortlist.

However, another update, courtesy of Pete O’Rourke for Football Insider, claims Spurs won’t exactly have a free run at hiring the 47-year-old.

As per O’Rourke, Silva is now keen on a move to Saudi Arabia amid Tottenham’s serious interest, and Saudi sides are “ready to move” for the tactician. Al-Hilal are named as one of the SPL teams expressing a real fondness, and they could feasibly offer him mega-money to vacate Europe.

It is unclear whether Levy would be willing to do the same thing, but he’ll certainly be keen to avoid a lengthy managerial saga akin to their drawn-out search for José Mourinho’s successor in 2021.

Sheffield United will have to break their playoff hoodoo in the Championship if they want to triumphantly return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Staggeringly, the Blades have lost all eight of the previous playoff campaigns they’ve found themselves in, but if there’s one man who is capable of going against the grain in this regard, it’s Chris Wilder when you look at his two promotions already with his beloved hometown club.

To get over the line, Wilder will need every single one of his Blades players to be firing on all cylinders, including top scorer Tyrese Campbell.

Campbell's goalscoring form for United

The Blades haven’t quite blown teams away with their attacking arsenal this campaign, with the South Yorkshire outfit boasting just 62 strikes next to an already promoted Leeds United side who have amassed a hefty 89.

But, there have still been forward players that have stood out even if the displays haven’t always been the most free-flowing, with Campbell definitely in this conversation.

The former Stoke City man arrived through the door on a free transfer with a lot to prove, considering the end of his time with the Potters was largely injury-hit, but Campbell has managed to let his football do the majority of the talking this season to date with ten Championship strikes tallied up.

Unfortunately, across United’s recent wretched run of four defeats from five league clashes, the goals had dried up for the 25-year-old, but Wilder will still feel his number 23 has lots to offer when the nitty gritty of the playoffs gets officially underway.

Whilst he will back Campbell, Wilder would love to have an ultra-reliable head back among his promotion-chasing group if he could.

Sheffield United legend is now outscoring Campbell

Wilder has had many interesting characters to fall back on as United have challenged for promotions over the years, with the likes of John Fleck picking up a bumper 12 goal contributions the last time the manager successfully guided the Blades up to the top-flight.

In that same memorable group, Billy Sharp loved playing alongside the constantly creative Scotsman, with the explosive veteran going on to bag 23 strikes of his own during the 2018/19 campaign to further seal his team’s progression to the big time.

Sharp hasn’t lost this goalscoring expertise whatsoever playing for current side Doncaster Rovers, with the 39-year-old picking up a glittering sixth career promotion just this weekend when Grant McCann’s men beat Bradford City 2-1.

Of course, the Sheffield-born goal machine – who has previously been hailed as a “legend of the EFL” by BBC 5 Live Sport Presenter Steve Crossman – couldn’t help but get in on the goalscoring action for Donny, with his late winning strike against the Bantams taking him up to an impressive 12 goals for the season despite only starting 19 clashes in the lower reaches of the EFL.

League Two

42

9

1

FA Cup

4

2

0

EFL Trophy

2

0

0

EFL Cup

2

1

0

Amazingly, the 39-year-old’s stellar output so late into his playing days for Doncaster actually betters Campbell’s ten-goal haul back at Bramall Lane, with Wilder not turning his nose up at the hypothetical scenario of Sharp being back in Blades red and white right now to try and secure another promotion success for his team.

It will, of course, be hard for United to get over their near miss of the top two positions, but jinxes such as their ongoing playoff misery are there to be broken, with Campbell hopeful he can immortalise himself in his new club’s hall-of-fame by being a hero across the tense clashes to come.

Sheffield United are brewing their next Jagielka in "outstanding" star

Sheffield United will hope this centre-back sticks it out at Bramall Lane past this season.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 20, 2025

Most expected the 2024/25 campaign to be one of contention and toil for a Liverpool side stepping away from an illustrious era. But FSG always knew they were beginning a new journey which could breed similar levels of success.

And though Arne Slot’s tenure is still in its foothills, the Liverpool head coach has already scaled the Premier League mountain and sealed the club’s 20th league title, levelling with Manchester United at the most successful club in England’s top-flight history.

1.

Liverpool

20

1=

Man United

20

3.

Arsenal

13

4.

Man City

10

5.

Everton

9

However, this is a hungry bunch of players with a winning mentality. Their appetite has not been filled, with domestic cups and the Champions League crown roads that were closed off at premature stages this season, especially when considering the Carabao Cup final defeat against Newcastle United too.

Mohamed Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk, of course, lead the charge, but Alexis Mac Allister has quietly gone about his business and is not only one of the best midfielders in the world but one of the chief trophy drivers too.

Mac Allister, Liverpool's unsung hero

Though Mac Allister is recognised across the footballing landscape as one of the best around, there’s still a lingering sense that he doesn’t receive the recognition he deserves.

Signed from Brighton & Hove Albion for an eye-catching £35m fee in 2023, Mac Allister has brought energy, leadership and completeness to the Anfield engine room, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley even calling him “the outstanding midfielder in the league’s outstanding team” last week.

Operating beneath the superficiality of statistical analysis, Mac Allister dictates, dominates, directs from the centre of the park, so important for Klopp and now Slot, a worthy Premier League champion.

Of course, this isn’t to say that the Argentina international isn’t a favourable read on the data front.

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

33 (30)

Goals

5

5

Assists

5

4

Touches*

74.2

58.2

Pass completion

88%

87%

Key passes*

1.4

1.3

Dribbles*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

5.9

4.4

Tackles + interceptions*

4.1

3.6

Duels won*

5.9

5.1

Liverpool would jump at the chance to sign another midfielder cut from such cloth, and they might just have found the perfect target to complete Slot’s midfield.

Liverpool eyeing new midfielder

According to Spanish reports, Liverpool are preparing a €60m (£51m) bid for Stuttgart star Angelo Stiller, with Slot giving his personal approval toward a potential deal.

Transfer Focus

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

Stiller, 24, is considered to be one of the most underrated midfielders in Europe, with the modern-angled talents to thrive at one of the continent’s biggest hitters.

The Athletic have since offered their 50 cents on the Reds’ interest, revealing that Stuttgart’s number six was considered as an alternative to Martin Zubimendi last summer when the Spaniard rejected Liverpool in favour of remaining at Real Sociedad.

Clearly, he’s got the right kind of skill set to flourish under Slot’s wing.

What Angelo Stiller would bring to Liverpool

Stiller knows his way around a pass; having been likened to his esteemed Germany teammate Joshua Kimmich, with Stuttgart peer Denis Undav even remarking that he’s “one of the best sixes Germany has.”

Across 44 appearances in all competitions this season, the German has scored four goals and supplied nine assists for his teammates, excelling as the heart of his team after once being discarded by Bayern Munich, having graduated from their youth academy.

Sitting at the foot of Stuttgart’s midfield, Stiller has been a creative and combative force in the Bundesliga this season, racking up eight assists from 30 fixtures while also completing 90% of his passes, winning 62% of his ground duels, creating 13 big chances, as per Sofascore, while also averaging 1.6 tackles and 4.5 ball recoveries per game.

For those with reservations to do it at the highest level, Stiller has already showcased his playmaking skills in the Champions League this season, ranking among the top 2% of centre-midfielders in Europe’s elite competition this season for passes attempted, the top 1% for progressive passes and the top 6% for shot-creating actions per 90, as per FBref.

Curiously, Liverpool’s Mac Allister is listed as one of Stiller’s most comparable players when pulling such data, which only strengthens the case for his signing this summer.

Stiller is a “special” player with a gifted technical level, as has also been noted by Critchley, and he really could be the perfect Liverpool signing to follow in Mac Allister’s footsteps, bearing a similar outlook on the midfield game.

But given that he’s been previously identified by FSG’s analysts as the perfect alternative to Zubimendi, there’s no reason why the two midfielders could not work in fluent conjunction for Liverpool next season, Stiller challenging Gravenberch for a regular starting berth at the base of the midfield trio.

Though another Spanish publication have recently revealed that Liverpool would only consider offers totalling £85m for Mac Allister’s sale to Real Madrid, who indeed have a vested interest, this summer, Los Blancos’ desire is there and it isn’t likely to dissipate as Luka Modric closes in on the end of his historic career in Spain.

Stiller could prove to be Liverpool’s centrepiece for many years to come, having already made headway in his homeland and now attracting the attention of a side who have just claimed the Premier League title and now want to consolidate their new project with hordes of further honours across the coming years.

His likeness to Mac Allister, who has been such a superstar on Merseyside, has likely convinced bosses that he is the man for the job.

Liverpool could sign their best forward since Salah in £87m "superstar"

This talented player is open to leaving his club this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 2, 2025

Manchester City are said to be in talks over completing the signing of a 17-year-old starlet this summer, according to a fresh transfer report.

Man City already eyeing summer signings

The reigning Premier League champions continue to be linked with potential new signings ahead of the summer transfer window, with a change in goal not out of the question, following arguably Ederson’s most disappointing season for the club.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has emerged as a strong target for City, with the club thought to be readying a £17m offer for his services.

Meanwhile, Benfica left-back Alvaro Carreras has also been linked with a summer move to the Etihad. He spent two years in Manchester United’s youth team between 2020 and 2022 but has thrived since moving to Portugal, and could allow Josko Gvardiol to shift into a left-sided centre-back role.

City could also look to bolster their attack, in order to take some pressure off Erling Haaland, and Juventus striker Kenan Yildiz has been mentioned as a £75m option. The 19-year-old has scored six goals and registered two assists in Serie A this season, also bagging one apiece in the Champions League.

Man City in talks to sign 17 y/o attacker

According to a new update from The Boot Room, Manchester City are in talks to sign Crystal Palace teenager Jesse Derry, with the 17-year-old rejecting a new deal at Selhurst Park.

Guardiola’s side are far from the only team showing an interest, with Aston Villa also in talks, and the likes of Bayern Munich, RB Leipzig, Eintracht Frankfurt, PSG, Monaco, Porto, Atletico Madrid, Juventus, Celtic and Rangers all making contact, too.

Derry is a player with so much promise, so the idea of him joining City over a host of other clubs is exciting, with their youth team so impressive, helping the likes of Phil Foden and Rico Lewis become first-team stars.

His father, Shaun, was playing for Queens Park Rangers when Sergio Aguero scored the memorable title-winning goal after 93 minutes and 20 seconds back in 2011/12.

£17m offer ready: Man City make move for "extraordinary" Real Madrid player

The Sky Blues are stepping up their pursuit of a Real Madrid player, with an opening offer in the works.

ByDominic Lund Apr 17, 2025

Derry has been compared to Jack Grealish as a player, possessing silky attacking quality, and he has scored 20 goals in just 27 appearances for Palace’s Under-18s. He has also been capped across three different age groups for England, winning 16 caps and netting six times.

England Under-19s

3

0

England Under-18s

8

2

England Under-17s

5

4

City may have fallen below their usual standards this season, but there is every chance that they will be back next term, especially with Rodri fit again and new signings made.

For that reason, Derry may love the idea of moving to the Etihad, feeling that he can play alongside some world-class superstars there, not to mention working with Guardiola.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers could reportedly choose to axe some big names at Parkhead at the end of this season, following some recent criticism of his squad.

Rodgers criticises Celtic squad

The Hoops may have thumped Kilmarnock 5-1 at home in the Scottish Premiership on Saturday afternoon, but that’s not to say that Rodgers is entirely happy about what he is seeing from his players currently.

The 52-year-old was hugely unimpressed with Celtic’s performance in the 1-0 defeat away to St Johnstone last week, making his feeling clear after the game: “Bitterly disappointing. It’s a huge credit to St Johnstone and congratulations to them. For us, poor start to the game, but not the first time and this is something for me that we will look at, certainly in the summer.”

Rodgers clearly hated what he saw in that game, and while some may look at the league table and feel it was an overreaction, with title glory still inevitable this season, it highlights the standards that the Irishman sets.

It could be argued that his strong words after the defeat played a big part in Celtic’s aforementioned thumping of Kilmarnock at Parkhead on Saturday, with his players knowing that a response was required. Now, a new update has emerged regarding the manager’s approach this summer.

Rodgers could axe big Celtic names

According to Football Insider, Rodgers “won’t hesitate to swing the axe” and get rid of some high-profile Celtic players in the summer transfer window.

The individuals in question are said to have had a “sharp decline in form” recently and the Hoops boss could decide that enough is enough once the current campaign reaches its conclusion. Greg Taylor is used as an example in the report, with the left-back linked with an exit earlier this month.

This is undoubtedly a ruthless stance from Rodgers, but arguably one that needs to be taken, given some of the complacency that has been on show of late.

Prior to the win over Kilmarnock, the Hoops had lost three of their previous six Scottish Premiership matches, including a 3-2 defeat at home to Rangers, doing their best efforts to let their rivals back into the title race.

Rodgers must ruthlessly axe Kühn to unleash Celtic's "on fire" star

Ahead of Celtic’s Premiership clash with Kilmarnock on Saturday, Brendan Rodgers must drop Nicolas Kühn and start his “on fire” winger instead.

1 Apr 12, 2025

While wholesale changes aren’t needed at Celtic this summer, freshening up the squad has to be a priority for Rodgers, as he brings in new faces and gets rid of those he believes have reached the end of their time at Parkhead.

Greg Taylor

2025

Jeffrey Schlupp (loan)

2025

James McCarthy

2025

Kasper Schmeichel

2026

James Forrest

2026

Johnny Kenny

2026

Scott Bain

2026

Taylor is out of contract at the end of the season, as is James McCarthy, while a decision needs to be made about whether Jeffrey Schupp’s loan move will become permanent or not.

Manchester United have now moved into pole position in the race for a “sensational” star, and a £30m offer is being prepared.

Ruben Amorim identifies top midfield target

It is becoming increasingly clear that Man United will look to sign a new midfielder in 2026, and Ruben Amorim has now identified Elliot Anderson as his top target, although a deal could be on the expensive side, with a £100m fee being touted.

However, the Red Devils may be forced to move on to alternative, potentially more affordable options, with it recently emerging that the Etihad Stadium is Anderson’s preferred destination.

It would be disappointing to miss out on the Nottingham Forest star, who is now an established England international, having picked up six caps since the start of September.

The 23-year-old is not the only English midfielder of interest to Man United though, according to a report from Spain, which states they are now leading the race for Atletico Madrid’s Conor Gallagher, who has fallen down the pecking order at the Spanish club.

Several Premier League clubs have emerged as potential suitors for Gallagher, but United are the frontrunners, and a £30m opening bid is in the works, with the La Liga side willing to sanction a departure for a fee in that ballpark.

With the Englishman not receiving much game time under Diego Simeone, a January move could make sense for all parties, with Man United certainly in need of additional reinforcements in midfield…

"Sensational" Gallagher could be solid addition for Man Utd

Despite not being the flashiest of signings, the former Crystal Palace man could be a solid addition for the Red Devils, who need to sign at least one new midfielder, amid the uncertainty surrounding Casemiro and Kobbie Mainoo’s future.

It has now been revealed that United could be willing to let Mainoo leave this winter, should they manage to find a replacement, while Casemiro’s future is under review, with the Brazilian’s contract due to expire in the summer.

As such, two new midfielders may be required, and Gallagher could be a good squad player, having been lauded as “sensational” by journalist John Cross.

Man Utd could break club-record transfer fee to sign "amazing" £100m midfielder

Man United could shatter their transfer record to sign a top target.

ByDominic Lund Dec 2, 2025

The 25-year-old is very experienced in the Premier League, making 136 appearances in the competition, while he has also tested himself in the Champions League, netting one goal in five appearances this term.

£30m feels like a reasonable fee to pay for the 22-time England international, so it makes sense for Man United to pursue a January move, although Anderson should remain their top target.

This was a night for three points. Liverpool’s staggering decline this season cannot be understated, and following a succession of disappointing draws against Sunderland and Leeds United, a one-goal win over Inter Milan at the San Siro could bear dividends going forward.

It was a strange contest on the VAR front, with Ibrahima Konate’s first-half header ruled out before Florian Wirtz won a match-winning penalty late on, adjudged to have been pulled to the ground by Alessandro Bastoni. Dominik Szoboszlai stepped up and converted.

Liverpool have returned to the top eight of the Champions League. Liverpool’s defensive line has been so porous this season, leakier than Old Trafford roofing, but Arne Slot has employed a more compact and pragmatic system in recent fixtures. Back to basics.

However, the Reds’ highly talented forward players are still, as a unit, flattering to deceive, and improvements are needed there.

How Liverpool's forwards played at San Siro

Post-match, Slot detailed Liverpool’s emphasis on shutting up shop in recent weeks. Mixed results on that front, but there has been a concerted plan all the same, and it came to fruition against Serie A champions Inter Milan.

Szoboszlai’s penalty aside, Liverpool amassed 0.56 xG in the second half, as opposed to just 0.12 before the break. Slot’s tactical tweaks were on the money in Italy, but the Premier League champions are still struggling to get a tune out of record signing Alexander Isak, who huffed and puffed but was unable to achieve anything of note in the final third before being withdrawn after the hour mark.

This is a world-class striker, but he needs better creative connections. Curious, then, that he was replaced by Wirtz, who nestled into the ten spot and changed the game, finding pockets of space and placing the Nerazzurri defenders under pressure, creating a chance, winning both of his duels and enjoying neat interplay with Ekitike and Szoboszlai in particular.

Anfield plays host to a crucial Premier League tie against Brighton & Hove Albion this weekend, and it’s crucial that the German playmaker starts at the expense of a star who still hasn’t clicked together this season.

Slot must drop 6/10 Liverpool star

So many Liverpool stars have flattered to deceive this season, and Alexis Mac Allister has been one of the most disappointing. The 26-year-old has played at such a high level since joining the Merseysiders from Brighton in 2023, but he’s lacked bite and energy and eloquence in the engine room.

Deployed in a more advanced role against Inter, ostensibly to ease his defensive struggles and build-up problems this season, the £150k-per-week talent did actually prove dependable in stifling the hosts’ threat, but he lacked the completeness that fans have come to expect, unable to effectively service the forwards.

The Liverpool Echo acknowledged Mac Allister’s defensive contribution, handing him a 6/10 match rating, but they also drew attention to the Argentine’s attacking effort, leaving something to be desired on that front.

Minutes played

90′

Goals

0

Assists

0

Touches

46

Shots (on target)

0 (0)

Accurate passes

32/37 (86%)

Chances created

0

Crosses

0/0

Recoveries

2

Tackles won

1/1

Duels won

6/8

There has been a suffocating air of frustration around the South American’s performances this term, and most of that is because Liverpool fans know how good he can be.

But he’s offering little right now, and though he completed his defensive duties with diligence, there was a lack of dynamism and sparkle that will hinder the Anfield side going forward. He didn’t attempt a dribble and neither did he create a chance. Wirtz must play at the weekend.

Ultimately, Liverpool still have many, many creases to iron out, but this was a step in the right direction. However, Liverpool’s emphasis on compactness cannot come at the expense of pre-existing creative problems, and Wirtz must start at the weekend; that much is clear.

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Everton scouts have now reportedly been spotted watching Republic of Ireland international Troy Parrott over the break, as he scored twice to shock Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal side.

The Toffees very nearly enjoyed the perfect summer. They welcomed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish on loan from Manchester City and splashed out on one of their biggest-ever deals to sign Tyler Dibling from Southampton. In many ways, it was a statement from The Friedkin Group ahead of Everton’s move into the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

That statement came without one key part, however, and that was a clinical goalscorer. Those in Merseyside took a £27m gamble on Villarreal’s Thierno Barry, but he’s yet to score a goal for the club. Meanwhile, Beto hasn’t done much better – scoring just twice in 13 games in all competitions.

Minutes

386

609

Goals

0

1

Assists

0

0

Expected Goals

1.3

4.1

What’s most concerning about the form of Everton’s strikers is that they’ve both had the chances to record better records than they have done. Barry is without a goal with an XG of 1.3, whilst Beto has significantly underperformed with one goal from a 4.1 XG.

It’s a clear problem that Everton must address for David Moyes in 2026 and a number of targets have already emerged as a result. According to recent reports, the Toffees have so far set their sights on Celtic’s Daizen Maeda, who wants to leave the Scottish club, Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee and Al Ahli’s Ivan Toney.

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All three options make sense. Maeda wants to leave Celtic and is reportedly available for just £15m. Zirkzee could offer Everton a repeat of their Grealish revival, whilst Toney may need a Premier League return to boost his World Cup chances.

The list doesn’t end there, however. Joining those aforementioned names, Everton reportedly sent scouts to watch Parrot against Portugal earlier this week.

Everton send scouts to track Troy Parrott

According to Everton News, Everton sent scouts to watch Parrott in action for Ireland against Portugal on Thursday night, as he netted a brace to hand his country a major boost towards their World Cup hopes. In the same game, Ronaldo was handed the first red card of his international career to sum up a shocking night to forget.

On a stage which featured Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva and others, it was Parrot who stole the show to take his goal total to 13 in 14 games for the season. Quite simply, he has been in sensational form for AZ Alkmaar and Ireland.

Compared to Irish legend Robbie Keane by the man himself, Parrott has scored more goals than Beton and Barry combined so far this season and there’s still plenty more to come.

As Everton’s search for a striker goes on, they may hand the former Tottenham Hotspur gem the perfect chance to complete a return to English football.

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