Last Sunday, the Hoops, just about, beat Kilarmnock 2-1 at Rugby Park, awarded a very controversial penalty deep into injury time by referee John Beaton, duly dispatched by debutant Kelechi Ịheanachọ.
Coming up on Wednesday, Brendan Rodgers’ side will commence their Europa League campaign, having been ignominiously dumped out of the Champions League in the play-offs by Kairat.
The Celts will take on Crvena zvezda in Belgrade this week, with games against Braga, Sturm Graz, Midtjylland, Feyenoord, Roma, Bologna and Utrecht to come thereafter.
How will they do? Who knows! Probably not great, but we’ll see.
Following the late-August trolley dash to bolster attacking options, would Celtic have been better off simply keeping hold an “astonishing” attacker now impressing overseas?
What will Michel-Ange Balikwisha bring to Celtic
Having chased him for over a year, Michel-Ange Balikwisha finally joined Celtic for a reported fee of £5m at the end of August.
The Belgian was thrown in for his debut during the drab Old Firm just a few days later, before also starting last weekend’s trip to Ayrshire, albeit he was replaced shortly before the hour mark by James Forrest.
Thus, it is very early days, but the 24-year-old is yet to showcase the full extent of his talent.
Balikwisha is clearly a player of great potential, but the biggest concern Celtic supporters had following his arrival is his injury history.
Last season, he made just 18 appearances for Royal Antwerp due to a torn thigh muscle, having also had knee problems in the past.
So, while the jury firmly remains out on Balikwisha, an ex-Celtic attacker is helping his current side make history in another continent.
Former Celtic winger thriving in America
Liel Abada joined Celtic from Maccabi Petah Tikva in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £3.6m, and he would go on to be an integral figure to Ange Postecoglou’s success in Glasgow.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
The winger scored 15 goals during his debut season at Parkhead, thereby named PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year, before adding a further 13 goals during the following campaign.
He memorably netted during 3-0 and 4-0 annihilations of Rangers in 2022, meaning his name will always be etched into club folklore.
However, after tensions between Israel and Palestine escalated in 2023, he reportedly no longer felt comfortable at the club, given the public displays of support for Palestine from sections of Celtic supporters.
Thus, in March 2024, following an elongated spell on the sidelines due to a thigh injury, Abada departed for MLS side Charlotte FC for around £10m, representing a decent profit.
Still only 23 years old, the winger has continued to impress in North Carolina, scoring 13 goals in 60 appearances for the club, part of an attacking unit that also contains Wilfried Zaha; bet you didn’t know he was there!
Last weekend’s 3-0 victory over Inter Miami was Charlotte’s ninth successive win in Major League Soccer, equaling the competition’s record, with Abada featuring in all but one of these wins.
The table below documents the Israeli international’s goal scoring record, when compared to that of current Celtic winger Balikwisha.
Abada vs Balikwisha
Year
Abada goals
Balikwisha goals
2025
6
5
2024
7
2
2023
5
14
2022
16
7
2021
19
8
Total
53
36
Stats via Transfermarkt
As the table documents, Abada has proven himself to be a far more reliable goal scorer over an extended period of time than Balikwisha, even if the Belgian has spent a large percentage of this period in the Antwerp treatment room.
At his best, Kieran Devlin of the Athletic described Abada as “astonishing”, noting that his “all-round game has improved dramatically” and he was, at the peak of his powers, simply “undroppable”.
According to Global Football Rankings, MLS is the 14th strongest league in the world, with the Scottish Premiership down in 27th.
Celtic winger Liel Abada.
Thus, still only 23 years old, he is proving his quality at a high level, and would unquestionably improve the current Celtic forward line.
Now worth 1291% more: Celtic sold a homegrown O'Riley who Rodgers loved
Celtic’s homegrown Matt O’Riley, who Brendan Rodgers was in “love” with, is now starring 7 years on.
Savinho has officially signed a new contract at Manchester City. The club have confirmed that the Brazil international has put pen to paper on a new deal that will put to bed rumours of a potential exit; the forward was heavily linked with a potential move to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.
Savinho pens new deal
The Brazil international has put pen to paper on a new deal that ties him to the Etihad for the next six years. The winger was heavily linked with a potential summer move to Tottenham Hotspur, but City went to great lengths to ensure he stayed at the club. Now, he has committed his future, and is likely to be properly reintegrated into Pep Guardiola's squad; he has only made two starts thus far this season, with one coming in the Premier League against Burnley and the other against Huddersfield Town in the EFL Cup. Savinho scored in the latter game as City won 2-0.
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Savinho's delight
The attacker has revealed his delight at putting pen to paper as he bids to become indispensable under manager Pep Guardiola.
He said: “I am incredibly proud to be able to sign this new contract with City. It’s a very special feeling to know that Pep and the Club have placed such faith in me. It really means a lot to me and my family.
“I feel I have so much improving to do – I am still young and very hungry to keep learning. But I know that working with Pep and his staff will help me to keep developing as a player.
“From the moment I first arrived, I have loved my time at City. Everyone at the Club – and our fantastic fans – have made me feel so welcome and at home here in Manchester.
“I want to thank everyone here for their help so far and I promise that I will give everything to try and help this amazing club achieve more success.”
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City equally pleased
City's director of football, Hugo Viana, said: “Savinho is still very young, but he has already demonstrated that he possesses the qualities needed to become a truly outstanding player.
“He has so many excellent attributes. His potential really is limitless. He has superb natural ability, works incredibly hard day in, day out, and he is humble. He is very eager to keep learning and help the team, and his ambition is to be one of the best attacking players in the game.
“I have no doubt that by continuing to work with Pep and his coaching team, Savinho will go on to be a key part of our squad for many years to come.”
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Savinho's dream
The forward has only won the Community Shield during his time at City and has set his sights on lifting trophies with his team-mates.
He added, when asked about the club's fans: “They treat me really well. Whenever I’m with my family in the city centre or shopping, I see some fans and they treat me really well. At the stadium too, they treat me really well. I’m very happy when I score goals. When they chant my name, I’m really happy, it moves me a lot, and the message I want to give them is to thank them for all the support they give me and my family.
"Fans always give us presents — for my daughter and my wife as well. I hope we can be very happy here at Manchester City and win many trophies. They can expect lots of joy on the pitch, goals, assists. I will give my best to help Manchester City win trophies, which is the most important thing. I hope to put my name in the Club’s history by winning trophies. So I hope to do that together with my teammates and finish the season with lots of silverware.”
The mood on Tyneside is restless. Newcastle United, still in a state of shock after a summer of transfer near-misses and a simmering fallout with star forward Alexander Isak, are moving swiftly to secure attacking reinforcements before the window closes.
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Their opening Premier League fixture against Aston Villa looms large, but Eddie Howe will go into it without a conventional striker to lead the line.
The club’s prolonged stand-off with Isak – who has refused to reintegrate with the squad following Liverpool’s interest – has left the Magpies scrambling for a replacement.
Isak’s £140,000-a-week pay packet continues to be honoured, but his unwillingness to train or play has created a pressing need for a solution.
Benjamin Šeško’s decision to join Manchester United has already stung, and while Chelsea’s Nicolas Jackson remains a player of interest, Newcastle’s focus has now shifted to a target who has the scoring touch to immediately slot into Howe’s plans.
After completing the £40m capture of Jacob Ramsey and bringing in Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale on loan, Newcastle’s hierarchy is confident of landing one more key piece.
Someone who could channel the spirit of a Tyneside great from the 1990s.
The latest on Newcastle's striker search
That player is Yoane Wissa.
According t and the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, the Brentford striker is expected to sign for the Magpies, ‘in the coming week’, ensuring a conclusion is near in this long-running saga.
That has been corroborated by talkSPORT, with Newcastle increasingly confident of agreeing a deal in the near future, as the Bees demand a fee in the region of £40m.
Brentford, having already rejected two bids, are close to sealing a £42.5m move for Bournemouth forward Dango Ouattara as Wissa’s replacement.
The Bees have endured a turbulent summer, losing manager Thomas Frank along with key figures Mark Flekken, Christian Nørgaard, and Bryan Mbeumo, and are reluctantly preparing to part ways with one of their most consistent performers.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Wissa, who turns 29 in September, enjoyed the best season of his career last year—scoring 19 goals and providing 5 assists in 35 appearances.
Only Mohamed Salah netted more non-penalty goals in the Premier League.
It’s this presence in the air, coupled with composed finishing, that has drawn comparisons to Les Ferdinand.
Like ‘Sir Les,’ Wissa is joining from a London club at the same age Ferdinand arrived on Tyneside in 1995, following his arrival from Queens Park Rangers.
Ferdinand’s two-year spell yielded 41 goals in 68 games and a near-miss in the Premier League title race, cementing his place as one of Newcastle’s most beloved forwards.
Wissa will be eager to follow that example—both in goal output and connection with the fans.
Why Wissa could be a risk worth taking
Although his age means he falls outside Newcastle’s preferred recruitment profile of 24 and under, the urgency of replacing Isak has shifted priorities.
Howe values Wissa’s proven Premier League pedigree and believes his experience will help mentor younger players like William Osula and Sean Neave.
Isak vs Wissa 2024-25 stats (timeless)
From a sporting perspective, Wissa’s arrival appears a shrewd fix to an urgent problem.
Newcastle need goals and a presence in the box – all qualities the Brentford forward provides.
His market value of €32m (£28m), as per Transfermark, suggests the £40m fee is reasonable in the current climate, particularly for a player who has hit double figures in two of his four Premier League seasons.
Yoane Wissa celebrates for Brentford
According to FBref, the DR Congo international is equally comfortable running the channels as he is holding up play, with data showing he outperformed Alexander Isak and Erling Haaland in pass completion (76.5%) and produced more shot-creating actions per 90 minutes than Dominic Solanke.
He also averaged 34.1 touches per game – more than Liam Delap or João Pedro – demonstrating his ability to stay involved in build-up play.
However, there are caveats. Wissa missed six games last season with an ankle injury and could be absent for several weeks in early 2026 due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
For a side aiming to challenge on multiple fronts, including a return to the Champions League, any prolonged absence from an already limited frontline could disrupt momentum.
Still, with Isak’s future all but sealed away from St James’ Park, Newcastle have little choice but to act.
Wissa’s eagerness to join, despite interest from Nottingham Forest and Saudi Pro League side Neom SC, speaks to the pull of Champions League football and the club’s trajectory under Howe.
The Magpies’ approach this summer has been aggressive.
Backed by their Saudi ownership, they have addressed several key areas, adding defensive stability through Thiaw, creativity via Ramsey, and depth in attack with Elanga.
Landing Wissa would complete a transfer window that, while not without its frustrations, could set Newcastle up for another strong campaign.
The Les Ferdinand parallels will inevitably bring a weight of expectation, with the pair notably alike due to their prowess in the air. The ex-England international scored 13 headers during his time at St James’, as per Transfermarkt, while Wissa scored four in the Premier League alone last season.
Ferdinand’s heading ability, powerful frame, and relentless work rate made him a perfect fit for Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’ and Wissa will be measured against that yardstick from the moment he steps onto the pitch.
If he adapts quickly and delivers the kind of form he showed last season, Wissa could do more than just replace Isak – he could write his own chapter in Newcastle’s modern history.
And should he hit the ground running, the Toon Army might just have another hero to salute from the Gallowgate End.
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O Athletico anunciou que o lateral-esquerdo Pedrinho e o volante Bryan García foram desligados do clube por conta da operação Penalidade Máxima.
continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasSites de apostasCódigo de indicação KTO [auto_last_update format=”Y”]: use LNMAX no cadastroSites de apostas03/12/2025Futebol InternacionalManchester United x Wolverhampton: onde assistir, horário e escalações do jogo pela Premier LeagueFutebol Internacional12/05/2023
Em reportagem do jornal O Globo, os nomes dos jogadores do Furacão apareceram em uma lista de apostadores. Apestar dos nomes citados, ambos não foram denunciados.
Inicialmente, a dupla foi afastada para que o clube pudesse apurar os fatos com mais cuidado. Após uma reunião da diretoria, a opção foi o desligamento e demissão por “justa causa”
continua após a publicidade
Confira a nota emitida pelo Athletico:
“Comunicamos que na data de hoje foram desligados os atletas Bryan García e Pedrinho. O Club não se manifestará mais a respeito, inclusive por meio de seus profissionais, por entender que a questão deve ser tratada pelas autoridades competentes.
A integridade e a ética são valores irrenunciáveis ao Club Athletico Paranaense. Mais que um esporte, o futebol é manifestação cultural do nosso povo. E por isso, entendemos ser dever de todos, principalmente daqueles que praticam e orbitam o futebol, preservar e proteger este patrimônio, combatendo duramente toda e qualquer conduta que ameace sua dignidade e credibilidade.”.
Darwin Nunez is held in high regard at Liverpool. It’s perhaps the fanbase’s predilection toward their Uruguayan, once billed as a club-record man, that has kept him on the books for so long. Another personality to have followed his pathway might not receive the same warmth, encouragement.
Certainly, he flattered to deceive across his maiden term in the Premier League, only scoring nine goals after being entrusted with a starring role by Jurgen Klopp, who was enamoured by Nunez’s 2021/22 Champions League campaign with Benfica.
He improved the following year, notching 32 goal contributions across all competitions and lifting the Carabao Cup during a resurgent year for club and player. But there was still something missing.
The arrival of Arne Slot bespoke a new chapter, and it was something Nunez needed to harness. However, the 25-year-old is now for sale after his third term on Merseyside, having scored only seven goals last season, awarded just the one start in the league since Boxing Day.
At times unstoppable; always unpredictable. But Nunez is a maverick even to the inner workings of his own mind, and he’s proved a nut too tough to crack even for Slot.
Liverpool need a new striker. That’s clear.
Liverpool planning to sign a new striker
It was something of a surprise when news broke on Monday evening that Newcastle United are looking to close a deal for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.
Liverpool fans might be excited by this, even though Ekitike has been among FSG’s top targets this summer, for it casts Alexander Isak’s future at St. James’ Park into some kind of doubt. Could the two truly cohabit at number nine for the Magpies?
But the Sweden star is valued at £200m, and the Reds might have been inclined to turn their attention to Viktor Gyokeres, who had scored 97 goals across two seasons for Sporting Lisbon.
Alas, Isak’s international teammate is bound for Arsenal.
However, Liverpool’s list of options at the front of the ship extends further than the aforementioned, with one of Europe’s most prolific marksmen on the radar.
Indeed, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, that list has Victor Osimhen’s name on it, with Napoli desperate to offload the Nigeria international this summer. A breakdown in his relationship with the Neapolitan outfit led to the forward’s departure on loan to Galatasaray last summer.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates after the match
Osimhen is believed to have a price tag in the region of £60m, and while Galatasaray are pushing to seal the 26-year-old on a permanent deal, Liverpool’s financial and sporting advantages could hold sway, should sporting director Richard Hughes wish to take the interest up a gear.
Why Liverpool should sign Victor Osimhen
Liverpool know that Luis Diaz could leave Anfield this summer, with Bayern Munich having seen an official proposal knocked back and the Colombian hoping to complete a move away.
If he goes, Liverpool will need to sign a high-cost replacement. That plays into the attractiveness of a deal for Osimhen, who is comparatively affordable.
Moreover, he’s proven across a number of years in Ligue 1 and the Italian top flight, actually winning the Serie A in 2022/23, crowned the Italian Players’ Player of the Year after his 26-goal campaign.
Last season, the 27-year-old Gyokeres, on paper, might have outstripped his African positional peer somewhat, but Osimhen still forged a stunning season for himself, and he’s proven at a higher level than Arsenal’s new recruit, who is older besides.
In fact, take Ekitike into the equation too, and you can see that Osimhen really might be the one to go for between the two.
League Stats 24/25 – Osimhen vs Ekitike vs Gyokeres
Stats (* per game)
Osimhen
Ekitike
Gyokeres
Matches (starts)
29 (27)
33 (31)
33 (31)
Goals
26
15
39
Assists
5
8
7
Touches*
26.4
35.0
40.0
Shots (on target)*
4.7 (1.9)
3.5 (1.5)
4.2 (2.4)
Big chances missed
25
16
23
Accurate passes
7.9 (67%)
14.5 (76%)
15.0 (73%)
Big chances created
11
12
11
Key passes*
1.1
1.3
1.9
Dribbles*
0.8
1.6
1.8
Duels (won)*
5.7 (55%)
4.2 (41%)
5.5 (50%)
Data via Sofascore
Liverpool might be frustrated by Newcastle’s ostensible advantage in the race for Ekitike, but the Frenchman is a raw and unfinished article, albeit one with plenty of blank script to write a glowing career for himself.
But Osimhen is proven, tried and tested. He’s one of the best in the business, with statistician Statman Dave even declaring him as “the best striker on the market” earlier in 2025.
Signing one of Ekitike or Isak is no doubt a tantalising thought for those of a Liverpool persuasion, but it’s one which may not come to fruition.
And even so, with sights set on Osimhen, who is without a doubt more complete and accomplished than Ekitike at this point in time and has the tools to rival Newcastle’s talisman on English shores.
Ekitike and Isak
It’s what Liverpool need to stay ahead of the curve. They’ve had high potential. They’ve invested in Nunez. And now, with the Uruguay international heading off for pastures new, the Reds need someone capable of leading the line with the conviction and quality of a world-class player, willing to throw down the gauntlet and challenge Gyokeres, Isak and Erling Haaland for that prized position.
He’s a “monster” in the final third, as described by analyst Ben Mattinson, with a strong-sinew physicality and a deceptively mobile approach which denotes his suitability in Slot’s system, willing to interchange and create required, creating some layered and shifting frontline that will overwhelm opponents, keep defenders guessing.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring their first goal
It would be a mistake to enter the new season with Nunez still inserted as Liverpool’s leading striker. Oh, he’s well-liked and at times a chaotic bundle of energy, but Slot must be ruthless if he’s to defend his Premier League title, with rivals only strengthening this summer. Gyokeres is evidence of that.
Luckily, Liverpool’s head coach has had no problem making a tough call for the greater good of his team thus far.
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Manchester City had a catastrophic 2024/25 campaign. Pep Guardiola’s side went trophyless, finishing third in the Premier League and losing the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. It was far from the dominance they have shown under the legendary Spanish manager over the past few years.
Naturally, it has been a busy summer transfer window already for the East Mancunian outfit. The Citizens have dipped into the market four times to strengthen in all areas of the pitch and improve their fortunes ahead of next term.
Manchester City manager PepGuardiolabefore the match
Indeed, Goal noted the prices for three of their four signings so far, with Marcus Bettinelli joining from Chelsea for an undisclosed fee. Rayan Cherki cost £34m from Lyon, Tijani Reijnders was £46m from AC Milan, and Rayan Ait-Nouri joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers for £31m.
Those four are options for Guardiola’s side going into the first three games of the Premier League season. They start off with a trip to Ait-Nouri’s old hunting ground at Molineux, before hosting Tottenham Hotspur and travelling down to Brighton and Hove Albion for the final game of August.
But, what might the rest of City’s side look like ahead of their first game of the season against Wolves and beyond? Well, here’s a look at what their dream squad could look like in 2025/26 if everything goes according to plan.
The goalkeepers Ederson stays as City's number 1
City made one signing in the goalkeeper department already, with Bettinelli joining from West London giants Chelsea. He joins Ederson and Stefan Ortega as shot-stopping options for Guardiola next season.
Brazil international Ederson was the first choice last season, and conceded 26 goals in as many Premier League games, keeping ten clean sheets along the way. He did struggle with injuries at times and was sidelined for eight games in total.
One of the real upsides to Ederson is his ability with the ball at his feet. This is perhaps best showcased by the fact that he assisted four goals, including this sublime ball to Erling Haaland against Chelsea, which was well finished by the striker.
As for Ortega, the 32-year-old played 13 Premier League games, but conceded 18 goals in that time. In the Champions League, he kept a clean sheet in both appearances last term. He is certainly an excellent number two for Guardiola to have at his disposal.
Full list of goalkeepers – Ederson, Stefan Ortega, Marcus Bettinelli.
The defenders New full-back options for Pep on both sides
If there is one area of the pitch that City are certainly not short of options, it is in defence. They have incredible versatility, with Josko Gvardiol being the best example. He predominantly played as a left-back last season and chipped in with six goals across all competitions, as per Transfermarkt. In reality, he is more naturally a centre-back.
He is one of three main options at left-back for City, with Ait-Nouri also offering an excellent attacking outlet. He contributed four goals and seven assists for the Old Gold last season. Nico O’Reilly is a less experienced option, but he excelled last season, too. Naturally a number 10, he managed five goals and two assists in all competitions.
On the right flank, City have recently been linked with Denzel Dumfries by one Spanish outlet. He is said to have a £21.5m release clause, with City currently deciding whether ‘to take a chance’ on the Dutchman. His contributions in the Champions League semi-final last season, across both legs, were memorable.
With Kyle Walker now officially a Burnley player, Matheus Nunes and Rico Lewis are the only other right-backs at the club. Both like to invert into midfield, which is no surprise for Nunes, given he is, by trade, a midfielder.
At centre-back, City have not made any new inclusions since the January window, where they signed Abdukodir Khusanov and Vitor Reis.
Ruben Dias played 44 times last season and Manuel Akajani 40, suggesting they are the first-choice options for Guardiola. However, he still has the experience of John Stones and Nathan Ake to call upon.
Full list of right-backs – Denzel Dumfries, Matheus Nunes, Rico Lewis
Full list of centre-backs – RCB (Manuel Akanji, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis, Jahmai Simpson-Pusey); LCB (Ruben Dias, John Stones, Nathan Ake)
Full list of left-backs – Josko Gvardiol, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Nico O’Reilly
The midfield Rodri's return and KDB's replacement
The huge news in the centre of the park for City recently is that Rodri is back from his long-term injury. The current Ballon d’Or holder misses several months of the season, making just eight appearances. His involvement, or lack thereof, was noticeable in City’s torrid campaign.
City’s new addition in midfield this summer is Reijnders, who featured three times in the Club World Cup, with Nico Gonzalez, a January addition, also an option for the East Mancunians. He was dubbed a “mini Rodri” earlier in the season by his manager.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
There is plenty of experience in the middle of midfield, too. Treble-winning captain Ilkay Gundogan is remaining at the club this summer. He played 54 times in 2024/25, two more than new club captain Bernardo Silva.
City also have Mateo Kovacic to call upon, who played a huge role last season in Rodri’s absence. Kalvin Phillips is still at the club, but after spending the last one and a half seasons out on loan, it doesn’t seem likely he will stay.
In the number 10 spot, this is where things get interesting for City. Kevin De Bruyne has now, of course, departed the club, joining Napoli, meaning someone has to step up in his absence, not at all an easy thing to do.
Perhaps that will be Phil Foden. The England international was not at his best this season, contributing to 13 goals and seven assists in 49 appearances. However, there is no doubt about his quality. This is a former PFA Player of the Year we are talking about. He could be the guy City are looking for to step up in De Bruyne’s absence this season.
Alternatively, City had been linked with Morgan Gibbs-White. Football Insider claimed the player ‘has agreed personal terms’ ahead of a possible move but he’s now on his way to Spurs instead
The 25-year-old was sensational for Forest last season, scoring seven times and grabbing ten assists in just 34 league games. That included a superb headed effort against Leicester City.
With Gibbs-White seemingly off the table, Foden is not the only option Guardiola has in the number 10 role. Youngsters Oscar Bobb and Claudio Echeverri, who made his debut in the FA Cup final, are also attacking midfielders he could call upon. The future of James McAtee, who scored seven times last season, is up in the air.
Full list of central midfielders – Rodri, Tijani Reijnders, Nico Gonzalez, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan, Mateo Kovacic.
Full list of attacking midfielders – Phil Foden, Oscar Bobb, Claudio Echeverri, James McAtee
The attackers Versatility and a new look front 3
One of the best things about this City team is the versatility they possess, and that is personified throughout the attack. Number nine, Erling Haaland, is the player who can only play in one role. Of course, when you have someone of his quality up front, that is no problem. He scored 34 goals in 48 games last season.
Omar Marmoush, however, is an incredibly versatile player. Another January signing, the Egyptian attacker can play on either flank, as a centre-forward or a second striker. He played 25 games for the Citizens in 2024/25, scoring eight times and assisting three.
On the right-hand side, City fans can surely get excited about watching Rayan Cherki. The 21-year-old Frenchman is an electric attacker who can play as a number 10 or on the right wing. Last season for City and Lyon, he contributed to 13 goals and 21 assists in 48 games.
Just look at his underlying numbers on FBref from the last 365 days. He averaged 8.88 progressive passes and 6.8 shot-creating actions per game. Both of those numbers place him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers.
Goals and assists
0.95
97th
Progressive passes
8.88
99th
Key passes
3.69
99th
Shot-creating actions
6.8
99th
Take-ons completed
2.5
90th
Brazilian Savinho is another option on the right-hand side for Guardiola. He managed to score three goals and registered an impressive 13 assists in all competitions, and can also play on the left-hand side if need be.
Speaking of the opposite flank, Real Madrid star Rodrygo, described as a “future icon” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, could be on his way to the Etihad Stadium. TBR Football recently confirmed that the Brazilian’s representatives ‘have now been in discussions’ with City over a move.
It would not come cheap, with one Spanish outlet suggesting Los Blancos would want upwards of £77m for their winger. In 2024/25, he scored 14 goals and assisted 11, including six Champions League goals, bringing his tally for the competition up to 25.
Jeremy Doku is another option for City on the left. A brilliant one-vs-one winger, he contributed to 17 goals last season and adds a unique element to Guardiola’s attack. Jack Grealish would also be someone who can slot in on the left-hand side, but he fell out of favour at City and seems set to leave the club.
Full list of strikers – Erling Haaland, Omar Marmoush.
Full list of wingers – Rayan Cherki, Savinho, Rodrygo, Jeremy Doku.
Bigger talent than Reijnders: Pep driving Man City move for £43m sensation
Following the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders, Man City still want to bolster their midfield options, reportedly interested in making a £43m signing.
Arsenal are planning to hold talks with a club chairman about signing another forward, after their £50 million deal for Noni Madueke, with sporting director Andrea Berta making serious statements in the transfer market.
Eze's dream CF: Arsenal in talks to sign £69m "monster" & it's not Gyokeres
Arsenal could still change their mind on Viktor Gyokeres.
ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 10, 2025
Madueke is poised to make the switch to north London and will become the latest in a long line of deals between both Chelsea and Arsenal. The England international specifically comes as the seventh player to move from Cobham to London Colney in the past six years, not to mention the second in this window alone, following Kepa Arrizabalaga.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£75m
After opening formal club-to-club talks earlier this week, Arsenal reached a swift agreement for Madueke, worth over £50 million including add-ons. The 23-year-old agreed personal terms over this move a while ago, but Berta has now managed to convince Chelsea to sell their winger too.
Madueke joins Kepa, Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard as Arsenal’s fourth signing in total this summer, and takes the club’s expenditure to around £125 million.
Arsenal are also in advanced talks to sign striker Viktor Gyokeres from Sporting CP, with there being no sign of this deal collapsing just yet as Berta looks to end their long wait to bring in a prolific goalscorer
The Gunners could yet another attacking midfielder after Madueke too, as links still surround Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.
The 27-year-old would join Mikel Arteta’s side in a separate deal to his international teammate (Fabrizio Romano), following another electric campaign at Selhurst Park, where he racked up 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.
Eze’s FA Cup-final-winning goal in a 1-0 win over Man City at Wembley ended the club’s history-long wait for a major trophy, but Palace face the very real prospect of losing their star man before deadline day on September 1.
Arsenal plan to contact Steve Parish over Eberechi Eze deal
The attacking midfielder joined Palace in a deal worth around £20 million from QPR in 2020, and he’s since justified that price tag time and time again.
His value has now more than tripled, with the Eagles holding steadfast in their demands for his full £68 million release clause to be paid.
That is according to The Guardian and journalist Ed Aarons, who also report that Arsenal are planning to contact Palace chairman Steve Parish directly about signing Eze, and he is unlikely to accept any proposal below the clause.
Reports suggest that Arsenal have held productive talks with Eze’s camp already, but formal negotiations are yet to open with the south London club, so this could be one to watch in the coming weeks.
Called a “sensational” footballer by members of the press, Sky Sports state that Arsenal are targeting their ex-academy ace to complement club captain Martin Odegaard in an attacking midfield, rather than out wide.
On Thursday, Russell Martin was unveiled as the Ibrox club’s 20th permanent manager, appointed 102 days after Philippe Clement was sacked in February.
At his introductory press conference, Martin vowed to “prove people wrong”, acknowledging he is under pressure to deliver a winning team instantaneously, so could the signing of a “world-class” new centre-forward aid Rangers’ cause?
Rangers looking to bolster their attacking option
As previously reported by Tom Victor of the Daily Mirror, Rangers are hoping to sign Jamie Vardy on a free transfer this summer, claiming that the England international is ‘weighing up’ an offer from the Glasgow giants.
Vardy has spent the last 13 seasons with Leicester City, with whom he won the Premier League, the FA Cup and a Community Shield, scoring exactly 200 goals in 500 appearances for the Foxes, very aesthetically pleasing round numbers.
Now a free agent, countless clubs, including Sheffield Wednesday, Como, Wrexham and New York Red Bulls have all been touted as potential suitors, but could Martin convince his compatriot to make the move north of the border?
Should he do, it could be a Morelos-like move for Rangers.
How Vardy could replicate Morelos at Rangers
During six seasons at Rangers, Alfredo Morelos scored 124 goals in light blue, with the Colombian, almost unquestionably, the club’s best striker since suffering liquidation in 2012.
Of these goals, 29 came in UEFA competition, meaning Morelos is Rangers’ all-time record scorer in Europe, smashing the record previously held by Ally McCoist, one that had stood since 1997.
But is Morelos really Rangers’ best centre-forward of the modern era? Let’s find out.
Selected Rangers strikers 2016-present
Players
Tenure
Games
Goals
Mins per goal
Igamane
2024-present
46
16
166
Dessers
2023-preesent
109
51
134
Danilo
2023-present
48
12
165
Morelos
2017-23
269
124
152
Roofe
2020-24
102
38
127
Čolak
2022-23
39
18
123
Sakala
2021-23
92
24
199
Defoe
2018-22
74
32
100
All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt
As the table outlines, no Rangers striker in the post-promotion era has come anywhere close to the 124 goals Morelos managed, even if Jermain Defoe, Kemar Roofe, Antonio Čolak and current forward Cyriel Dessers do actually boast better minutes per goal ratios, helped by their smaller sample sizes.
Glasgow Rangers striker Alfredo Morelos.
So, could Vardy be the club’s best centre-forward since el Buffalo? Well, let’s assess his statistics this season to answer that question.
Jamie Vardy 2024/25 Premier League statistics
Statistics
Vardy
PL rank
Goals
9
26th
Expected goals
11.2
14th
Shots
56
40th
Shots on target
23
33rd
Shots on target %
41.1%
48th
All statistics courtesy of FBref.com
As the table shows, Vardy’s Premier League statistics this season do not immediately leap off the page, but it is worth considering that he was playing in a generally hopeless Leicester side, who won just six matches all season and were relegated.
Thus, the fact that Vardy still ranked 14th for expected goals and only 25 players managed to score more goals than him is impressive.
Writer Henry Winter believes Vardy is still a “world-class finisher”, while Leicester City manager Ruud van Nistelrooy, who knows a thing or two about scoring goals, believes “he is still producing”, describing his captain as a “leader”.
Also worth noting that, the previous campaign in the EFL Championship, Vardy netted 20 times across all competitions.
This underlines the fact he would be able to produce for Rangers given that, according to Global Football Rankings, England’s second-tier is the 11th strongest league in the world, while the Scottish Premiership is ranked at 43rd.
Thus, if the Gers can convince Vardy to move to Ibrox, possibly using the allure of potential Champions League football, he would surely be an excellent addition.
After all, this is a goal machine we’re talking about here, someone who bagged 145 Premier League goals.
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Rangers selling this star would be as bad as cashing in on Nicolas Raskin this summer.
Leeds United now want to sign a new goalkeeper who keeps a clean sheet every three games, and a deal will cost less than what the 49ers Enterprises paid for Ao Tanaka.
Leeds eyeing new goalkeeper to replace Meslier
Daniel Farke’s decision to drop Illan Meslier for the promotion run-in spoke volumes, with Karl Darlow being trusted to do a job between the sticks at the back end of the 2024/25 season.
Darlow received high praise for his performances during the promotion charge, with the Welsh goalkeeper proving to be a dependable option, helping the Whites secure the Championship title on the final day.
However, long-term replacements have been under consideration for quite some time, with Meslier heavily linked with an Elland Road exit this summer.
Augsburg’s Finn Dahmen is among the targets, as are more proven Premier League goalkeepers, including the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Caoimhin Kelleher.
According to a report from Fotboll Direkt, Leeds also want to sign 6 foot 4 Mjallby goalkeeper Noel Tornqvist, who is being watched by several clubs from England and Sweden ahead of a potential summer swoop.
Tornqvist could be an affordable option for the Whites, as Mjallby are looking to hold out for a fee of just £1.5m, far less than the £25m it would take to lure Ramsdale to Elland Road, and the reported £40m asking price for Kelleher.
Caoimhin Kelleher for Liverpool.
Farke’s side are unwilling to give up in their pursuit of the shot-stopper, but it remains to be seen whether they make a move, given that a number of more proven goalkeepers on the shortlist.
Signing Tornqvist would be a risk as Leeds No.1
While a deal for the Mjallby goalkeeper would be on the cheap side, it would still be a risk for Farke to bring him in as the new number one, given that he is unproven in a major European league.
That said, the Swede has put in some impressive performances in his home country, and he retains a record of a clean sheet every three games for his current employers, shipping a total of just 83 goals in 78 games.
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As such, Tornqvist could be a savvy signing for Leeds as a back-up or long-term addition, given Darlow’s performances at the back end of last season indicate. The 23-year-old is still young for a goalkeeper, so he’d have plenty of time to adapt to life in the Premier League, potentially repalcing Meslier in the process.
By spending just £1.5m on a goalkeeper, less than the £3m the Whites spent on 24/25 Players’ Player of the Season Tanaka, Leeds should also have available funds to strengthen other areas of the squad, and they are clearly very keen on signing a new striker, with Rennes’ Arnaud Kalimuendo and Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson among the targets.
Celtic played their final away game of the Scottish Premiership season on Wednesday night and secured an emphatic 5-1 victory over Aberdeen.
Brendan Rodgers named a much-changed side and got the win thanks to goals from Maik Nawrocki, Hyun-jun Yang, Luke McCowan, Johnny Kenny, and Adam Idah.
It was a night for the rarely-seen Celtic players, including the likes of Viljami Sinisalo and Paulo Bernardo, and Nawrocki is certainly one of those who grasped his chance.
Why Rodgers should be impressed by Nawrocki
The Polish defender made just his third start of the Premiership campaign and caught the eye with an impressive display at the heart of the defence.
Playing on his favoured right side for the first time this term, Nawrocki completed an eye-catching 130 of his 136 attempted passes on the night and only lost possession nine times in total, as well as scoring the opener from a corner.
Defensively, the former Legia Warsaw star made five clearances, two blocks, and two interceptions to keep Aberdeen at bay, including one huge sliding block when facing a one-on-one in the box in the second half.
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Rodgers should, therefore, have been impressed by his combination of composed play in possession and stoic defensive work, but the manager should have been encouraged by Johnny Kenny’s display in the centre-forward position.
Why Johnny Kenny is now unsellable
The young marksman had not had many opportunities to impress in the second half of the season, with just six substitute appearances in the league, and his lack of game time may have led to question marks over his future heading into the summer transfer window.
However, the 21-year-old striker was finally given a chance to show his quality from the start and showed why he should be unsellable this summer for the Hoops, with a performance that shows that he can be part of the first-team squad next season.
Celtic need another number nine option to compete with Idah and Daizen Maeda, and Kenny’s showing against Aberdeen suggests that he can be that man.
Minutes
70
Shots on target
2
Goals
1
Passes completed
8/11
Duels won
3/4
Aerial duels won
3/3
As you can see in the table above, the Ireland U21 international scored with one of his two shots on target, with a well-placed header from McCowan’s cross, and showcased his physicality by winning all of his aerial duels.
Kenny scored 13 goals in 19 starts in the Irish Premier Division in 2024 on loan at Shamrock Rovers, and has now shown a glimpse of the kind of goalscoring quality he can bring to Celtic.
He is an exciting young striker with the physical qualities, as shown by his statistics against Aberdeen, and the goalscoring record to develop into a fine option for Rodgers, as proven by his performance on Wednesday.
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Therefore, the club should not look to move him on this summer, despite his general lack of game time in the last few months, and the manager should, instead, make him a regular player off the bench and occasionally from the start.