All posts by n8rngtd.top

Arsenal seem to have finally woken up this summer.

The club may not have officially announced any new signings yet, but over the last few days, the North Londoners have made rapid progress on several targets.

Brentford’s Christian Norgaard seems to be as good as in following the news that Thomas Partey is probably leaving, and talks to sign Christian Mosquera appear to be progressing very well indeed.

There has even been plenty of talk around Eberechi Eze moving to the Emirates, and in more good news, the club are also linked with a goalscoring phenomenon who’d be a dream teammate for the Englishman.

Arsenal target attacking reinforcements

While there were some murmurings of Arsenal being somewhat interested in Eze last summer, they never felt like anything more than loose rumours.

Transfer Focus

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

However, in the last couple of days, what felt like nothing more than paper talk appears to have developed into something more, with stories claiming that talks have already been held and that the North Londoners are ready to do battle with Tottenham Hotspur for his services.

There is no doubt that the Premier League-proven international, who can play in multiple positions, would be an excellent addition to Mikel Arteta’s squad, but in even better news, reports are now heavily linking the club with someone who could get even more out of him at the Emirates.

At least that’s according to a recent report from journalist Buchi Laba via Caught Offside, who has reaffirmed Arsenal’s intense interest in Viktor Gyokeres.

He has revealed that due to the “crazy money” RB Leipzig are demanding for Benjamin Sesko, the Gunners have now reignited their interest in the Sporting CP star, and even though an offer has now been made, the club have restarted talks with the player and his camp.

In terms of the money needed to get the deal done, the report has revealed that the Portuguese outfit are asking for a fee in excess of £60m, although it is not entirely clear what the exact amount they want.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but given Gyokeres’ incredible ability, it’s one Arsenal should be fighting for, especially as he’d be a perfect teammate for Eze.

Why Gyokeres would be an incredible teammate for Eze

While there are undoubtedly numerous reasons why Gyokeres would be an excellent teammate for Eze at Arsenal, from his experience of playing abroad to his rise from the Championship to the Champions League, one stands out above all others: his output.

In fact, this reason goes both ways, as the Sporting star will want to join a club that has a creative and prolific number ten in the heart of the midfield, which is exactly what the Englishman could be.

For example, in 34 Premier League games this season, the former QPR gem scored eight goals and provided eight assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.12 games.

In contrast, Martin Odegaard produced 11 goal involvements in 30 games, at an average of one every 2.72 games.

With that said, what is it about the Swedish international’s output that would make him such an incredible teammate to pair up with the Crystal Palace star this summer?

Well, simply put, instead of being impressive, or brilliant even, the former Coventry City star’s record in front of goal over the last two years has been nothing short of otherworldly.

For example, since moving to the Lisbon outfit in the summer of 2023, the Stockholm-born “monster,” as dubbed by one analyst, has made 102 appearances, totalling 8417 minutes, in which he has found the back of the net on 97 occasions, and provided 28 assists for good measure.

In other words, the 27-year-old goalscoring “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, has maintained an average of 1.22 goal involvements every game, or even more impressively, every 67.33 minutes.

Even if he was only able to produce a third of those numbers in England, he would still be one of the most dangerous forwards in the country and, in turn, help send Eze’s goal and assist numbers to the moon.

Ultimately, while it might cost a pretty penny, Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Gyokeres this summer, as he could be the difference between another second-place finish and glory.

He'd be better than Norgaard: Arsenal hold talks to sign £20m midfielder

The exciting midfielder could be a future star for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 25, 2025

Lionel Messi called an English icon a “once in a generation player” and claimed that there was “nobody like him” in world football.

The Argentine is regarded as the greatest footballer of all time by many, beginning his professional career back in 2004 at the age of 17.

After Ronaldinho set up Messi’s first goal in a Barcelona shirt, he has gone on to break numerous records and is the most decorated player in the history of professional football with 45 team honours.

On a personal note, no player has won more than his eight Ballon d’Or titles, while he has also been named FIFA’s world’s best player on eight occasions. Messi’s first Ballon d’Or crown came in 2009 and his last was in 2023, a year on after leading Argentina to World Cup glory.

Messi named Brazilian striker Ronaldo as his favourite ever player, and he has also named his 10 favourite teammates, all of which played alongside him at the Nou Camp.

Lionel Messi’s 10 favourite teammates in pictures:

The iconic attacker has also come up against several English stars in his career, and one in particular stood out.

Messi: Wayne Rooney was “special" and a “once in a generation player”

One player who Messi came up against on several occasions was Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney. The England striker is the Red Devils’ record scorer with 253 goals, but Messi broke Rooney’s heart twice in the Champions League.

Messi scored in the 2009 and 2011 Champions League finals at the Stadio Olimpico and Wembley Stadium, with Barca lifting the European crown on both occasions. Rooney scored Man Utd’s goal in the 3-1 defeat at Wembley, and he was a player who caught the eye of Messi during his career.

Talking back in 2015, Messi hailed Rooney after the striker became England’s all-time leading goal-scorer with his 50th international goal.

That tally has since been surpassed by Harry Kane, however, Messi called Rooney “a once in a generation player” and that there was “nobody like him”.

Liverpool are renowned for their savvy operating in the transfer market, having spent wisely across the past decade to reap illustrious rewards.

While the Reds are preparing to fork out a bank-breaking deal for 22-year-old Florian Wirtz, understood to be worth at least £116m, the playmaker is regarded as one of the most influential rising talents in the world, having already conquered his German homeland.

The Bayer Leverkusen star hasn’t finalised his move to Anfield yet, but there’s no question he will be playing in a Liverpool shirt next season, according to Fabrizio Romano.

However, Liverpool don’t always spend record-smashing fees on talented forwards. Indeed, Cody Gakpo has proved himself a worthy Premier League winner, going from strength to strength after his smart £35m signing in January 2023.

With Bayern Munich ceding defeat in the race for Wirtz, they have turned their attention to alternative targets – including Gakpo.

Surely, Liverpool can’t let their 25-year-old star leave.

Cody Gakpo's Liverpool future

Gakpo still has three years on his Liverpool contract, and after kicking on in Arne Slot’s system last term, will be confident that he can hit another level over the coming year.

Bayern seem to share the sentiment, but after receiving information that Liverpool have set an asking price of €100m (£84m), will likely shelve their curiosity.

This is good. Liverpool should not entertain the notion of selling their Dutch forward after his “monster” campaign, as has been said by journalist Declan Carr.

On the surface level, Gakpo hasn’t really made significant gains in regard to his output, but there’s no question he’s sharper, slicker and more effective in his nailed-down berth on the left wing.

Gakpo has the minerals to play well at centre-forward, but Liverpool are gearing up to sign a similar profile better suited to number nine.

Slot knows what he likes in a forward, and if he can sign a Gakpo-esque star with more of a centre-forward’s flair, the Merseysiders would move a confident step closer toward defending their crown.

Liverpool still in race for new forward

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, Liverpool are still in the running for Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, though Chelsea have also retained their interest as Manchester United enter the race.

The sticking point? Frankfurt want €100m (£85m) for their striker, and their director, Markus Krösche, has actually declared, “If the price isn’t right, then he will stay with us.”

With the plan confirmed for Darwin Nunez’s summer sale, Liverpool need to sign a striker, and if a deal can be engineered for Ekitike, they might just hit the jackpot.

What Hugo Ekitike would bring to Liverpool

Ekitike, a product of Paris Saint-Germain’s academy, only scored four goals across 33 matches for PSG’s senior team before making the move to Germany, signing for Frankfurt for a €35m (£30m) fee.

But his present transfer price tells you everything you need to know about his journey over the past year and a half, having finished the 2022/23 campaign (as a loanee) with a strong burst of prolific form before notching 22 goals and 12 assists across the past season.

But how does he compare to Gakpo? And why, more importantly, does that matter? Well, both forwards are rangy and loose-limbed, with a confident, striding gait that owes to their underlying power and confidence on the ball.

Gakpo’s physicality as a 6 foot 4 sensation has seen him rise to become one of the foremost forwards in the Premier League, and it’s an attribute that the 6 foot 3 Ekitike must harness too.

Of course, the underlying data also suggests how Ekitike, growing into his skin as a high-level goalscorer, also boasts a wealth of creative qualities.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons, and the top 19% for ball recoveries per 90, the latter of which underscores his energy and movement.

With dynamic and fluid players such as Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush and Ousmane Dembele, PSG superstar, among Ekitike’s most statistically similar players, as per FBref, the France talent’s likeness to Gakpo is clear, for both players can operate between focal and wide attacking roles.

To be sure, Ekitike is not the finished product and needs to make further steps in his development if he is to justify such a price tag as £85m – or thereabouts.

But he’s immensely skilled, balanced and vibrant in his football. As per Sofascore, he made 12 big chances in the Bundesliga last season, also showing his combative side with an average of 4.2 duels won per match.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has also dubbed him “one of the best strikers out there”, which makes a telling comment on his current level and, indeed, how much better he could yet become.

Moreover, Ekitike has played the lion’s share of his career as a central striker, but across the four matches fielded on the left flank, he has scored one goal and provided two assists for his teammates. Thus, he’s blessed with a positional dynamism that furthers the argument of him being Slot’s new version of Gakpo.

In a mirror image, however, the Frenchman’s prowess lies as the focal frontman, with his qualities at variance with Gakpo’s in the best way, a way that could raise Liverpool’s level and propel them toward more silverware, more success.

Isak upgrade: Liverpool hold talks to sign the "best CF on the market"

Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez gamble hasn’t paid off – now a replacement could be on the cards…

5

By
Robbie Walls

Jun 12, 2025

With the transfer window now open, Aston Villa have reportedly made their first move in pursuit of an impressive Championship talent who has attracted interest from a number of clubs.

Aston Villa's summer plans amid PSR concerns

It wouldn’t have just been Unai Emery left angered and bitterly disappointed at Aston Villa’s failure to qualify for the Champions League on the final day of the season, those in the boardroom would have been equally as frustrated. A place among Europe’s elite, on the pitch, would have come with the biggest and most historic occasions for a second season running. But off the pitch, it would have made an even greater impact.

Now, without Champions League football and the finances that come with it, Aston Villa are facing a profit and sustainability crisis. The numbers suggest that they need to sell to buy in the coming months if they want to comply with the rules, and just who those in the Midlands decide to sacrifice is the big question.

As The Athletic’s PSR data shows, Aston Villa are the side most at risk of facing sanctions unless they sell players this summer. Meanwhile, what will only frustrate those at Villa Park more when looking at the data is that Chelsea have the most room to manoeuvre and Manchester United have far more freedom than Aston Villa despite finishing 15th in the Premier League and missing out on European football last season.

Nonetheless, it is the position that Villa must now find a way out of and whilst the likes of Emiliano Martinez have already looked likely for the exit door, the Villans have still set their sights on potential bargain deals in the other direction.

Aston Villa make first Sidibe enquiry

According to The Telegraph’s John Percy, Aston Villa have now made their first enquiry to sign Sol Sidibe from Stoke City this summer. The Villans reportedly have “strong interest” in the teenager that Percy described as a “huge talent” and are competing against a number of English clubs for his signature.

At just 18 years old, the midfielder has been making plenty of waves in the Championship, making eight appearances for Stoke’s senior side last season and leaving former player turned U21s coach Ryan Shawcross incredibly impressed.

The former defender told reporters when asked about Sidibe’s performance against Manchester United’s youth side in August: “I thought Sol was absolutely top-class tonight and was the best player on the pitch by far.

Better than Watkins: Aston Villa ready offer for £28m "pure goalscorer"

Aston Villa are eyeing up a swoop for a striker

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Jun 6, 2025

“He drove the ball up the pitch well, showed his qualities, and got another 90 minutes under his belt. We are very aware of the importance of the younger players getting minutes.”

Leeds United are gearing up for another tilt at top-flight football and Lee Hendrie has given his thoughts on their pursuit of an exciting reported target.

Leeds United prepare for their return to the Premier League

Daniel Farke secured the Championship title in dramatic fashion on the final day of the season and will now be ready to push forward in his hunt to position his side for Premier League survival.

Now, his focus after the summer break will turn towards recruiting talent to help them on their way, something Lee Sharpe believes the Whites have to perfect if they are to stave off relegation next term.

He stated: “Leeds need to recruit wisely and rotate the starting 11 more this time around. Two years ago, they didn’t rotate the team enough, which meant they would tire in the last 15 or 20 minutes of games. As long as they get the basics right, they’ll give themselves a good chance.”

Manchester City star James McAtee and soon-to-be free agent Jamie Vardy could arrive at Elland Road. However, competition for their services will be fierce from elsewhere.

Motherwell’s Lennon Miller has been identified to strengthen Leeds’ engine room. Again, he may prove to be a difficult capture in a crowded market where talent is only available at a premium.

He's even better than Tanaka: Leeds pursuing move for "world-class" star

Leeds United may be about to land a deal to sign a star who’s better than Ao Tanaka.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 24, 2025

Recent years have provided plenty of lessons for the Elland Road hierarchy to learn in the lead-up to their top-flight return. Determined to make sure Leeds remain on a sustainable footing in the Premier League, Farke and the 49ers Enterprises have now turned their attention to a talented operator who has filled Lee Hendrie with intrigue.

Hendrie: Mateus Fernandes would be a "really good fit" for Leeds United

According to pundit Hendrie, speaking to Football League World, Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes would be a ‘very good fit’ for Leeds should he move to Elland Road this summer. Leeds have been linked with a move for the £30m midfielder, as have Aston Villa and Crystal Palace.

He stated: “He’s another very good player that I think would fit the bill for Leeds for how they play. He’s got a little bit of everything.

“I think he would be a really, really good signing for the football club, I really do. I watch the signings that they brought in over past seasons: flamboyant, skill – he’s got that in abundance.

“I think it’s inevitable he leaves the football club. I think it would be a really good fit for Leeds, and for him. Obviously, Premier League, and an exciting team that he could end up playing in where you might get a bit more out of him. Very, very good player, and it would be a good signing for Leeds.”

In a disappointing campaign for Southampton, midfielder Fernandes has created 31 chances on Premier League duty, illustrating his capacity to show himself at the highest level even when things aren’t going swimmingly for the collective.

Leeds will need players with that level of resilience next term, and the Portugal Under-21 international is certainly someone who fits the bill heading into the window.

Everton are planning for a busy summer, with The Friedkin Group willing to back David Moyes as he whips his side into shape.

The Scottish manager has been brilliant since replacing Sean Dyche in the dugout, but there’s only so much he can do without investment across numerous positions, angling the Toffees toward a state of confidence and coherence, capable of competing at the upper end of the Premier League.

There’s no question the Merseysiders need more goals as they step into the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium, and Moyes appears to have found his man already, with Everton joining the race for a Serie A striker.

Everton join race for new striker

It’s no secret that Everton are in need of a new centre-forward, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin approaching the end of his current contract, while Chelsea loanee Armando Broja is likely to return to his parent club.

Transfer Focus

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

With that in mind, Caught Offside report that Everton have joined the hotly-contested race for Valentin Castellanos, a 26-year-old striker plying his trade for Lazio.

The reliable goalscorer would be allowed to leave if Lazio received a fee of around £30m, although in truth, suitors may well be put off by such demands.

In any case, Everton know they have their work cut out with this one: Nottingham Forest, West Ham United and Wolverhampton Wanderers are all eager to make their move this summer.

What Castellanos would bring to Everton

Castellanos, a two-cap Argentina international, played out the early years of his career in his homeland before transferring to the MLS in 2018, where he would remain in the Big Apple with New York City F.C. until moving on loan to Girona in 2022.

A prolific season in Spain led to a permanent move to Lazio, and after scoring just four Serie A goals last season, Castellanos has now posted 14 across 39 appearances this term, supplying eight assists.

There’s an athletic grace to his football that would certainly add a dimension to Moyes’ attack, contrasting with the powerful strides of Beto and Calvert-Lewin’s target man style, should the veteran forward renew his contract.

As per FBref, Castellanos ranks among the top 9% of centre-forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shots taken, the top 12% for goal-creating actions and the top 20% for progressive carries per 90, praised for his “extraordinary” technical ability by Lazio boss Marco Baroni.

The nine’s performances in the Europa League this year have also led the data-driven platform to compare him to Richarlison, Everton’s former talisman who left for Tottenham Hotspur in a £60m deal back in 2022.

It’s difficult to analyse the Brazilian’s performances from this term, for his availability has been limited due to injury, but Richarlison did enjoy heightened success under Ange Postecoglou’s wing last year, with his energy, versatility and snapping bite making for an intriguing option.

It’s an option Castellanos could provide for Moyes to have an even greater effect.

Richarlison’s tenacity and ability to add a direct threat while using his movements and physicality to upset defenders differentiates him from the rabble of forwards across the continent. Fitness setbacks have been his nemesis in recent years, but his underlying talent level remains strong.

However, while Everton might be interested in completing a deal, it doesn’t make sense to take a backwards step when every aspect of the club is currently angled forward, to a new beginning.

Castellanos could be the man to lead Everton over the coming years, bearing Richarlison’s prolific quality and multi-facetedness.

Though the Argentine could perhaps be a bit more clinical with his shooting, there’s enough about his overall game that Moyes would delight in working with him, adding a layer to an Everton team firmly rooted in structure and solidity and purposeful pragmaticism.

After renewed promise since the harsh winter of Dyche’s final days abated, Everton have got an appetite for a new level of success.

Showing intent and bringing players such as Castellanos into the fold, instead of returning for a former star in Richarlison, who has flattered to deceive since leaving, is surely the way forward.

Imagine him & Ndiaye: Everton could see £12m bid accepted for PL midfielder

Everton are ready to make a series of signings for David Moyes this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 19, 2025

With Ruud van Nisterooy likely heading for the sack at Leicester City, the Foxes have reportedly set their sights on a new name from the Championship to replace their manager.

Van Nistelrooy's Leicester nightmare coming to an end

Leicester always looked likely to have an uphill climb after losing Enzo Maresca to Chelsea last summer, but their decision to replace Steve Cooper with Van Nistelrooy turned their mission impossible. The former Nottingham Forest boss was given just 12 Premier League games in which he won 10 points with two wins, four draws and six defeats – leaving the Foxes two points above the dropzone.

To put into context just how poorly Leicester’s season has gone since then, they’ve picked up just 11 more points in the six months that have followed Cooper’s departure and have officially been relegated back down to the Championship. Van Nistelrooy has endured a nightmare spell in charge.

Recording more defeats than goals scored, it seems unlikely that the Dutchman will remain at the helm despite his own recent admission that he would like to stay put at the club.

Van Nistelrooy told reporters after his side’s recent 2-0 win against Southampton: “I know what I want my future to look like. I’m very clear. I have learnt a lot in the past four months, in terms of every aspect of the club and team. I know what’s necessary. Then, of course, it’s a matter of being aligned with the club. I’m waiting for that conversation to take place.

"Unbelievable" manager with two promotions may replace Ruud at Leicester

The Foxes are looking at replacements for Ruud van Nistelrooy, as there is now “no doubt” the Dutchman will be sacked.

By
Dominic Lund

Apr 29, 2025

“It’s important to make a good evaluation. Because of the experience I’ve had, I know what’s necessary. You have to be on the same page to move forward. That’s what’s important. And that’s what we have to find out. It’s important to have those conversations internally. But I won’t share this before they take place.”

Instead of keeping hold of the former Manchester United forward, reports suggest that the Foxes are turning their attention towards a summer swoop to sign a Championship manager.

Leicester eyeing Liam Manning swoop

According to talkSPORT, Leicester are now eyeing a summer swoop to hire Liam Manning from Bristol City. The Robins’ manager has enjoyed an excellent campaign and saw his side’s shock place in the Championship play-offs confirmed last weekend. Now preparing to square off against Sheffield United on Thursday, Manning could have plenty of fans from Leicester keeping a keen eye on his side.

Bristol City will, of course, do everything to keep hold of the 39 year-old, having only just welcomed him into the job in November. Instantly praising Manning following his arrival, club Chairman Jon Lansdown said: “Liam is a great fit for the club and the style of play we want.

“He has a very detailed approach to coaching, improving players and getting the best out of them as his record at MK Dons and Oxford United shows, while he has valuable experience within the (Manchester) City Group and in Belgium.”

Glasgow Rangers officially confirmed that Kevin Thelwell will take up a position as the club’s new sporting director ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

The 51-year-old chief will arrive at Ibrox to take up his role when his contract with Premier League side Everton expires at the end of the season.

In part of his first official interview with the club’s website, Thelwell said: “From the first conversations, it was clear to me how ambitious the club is, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping its next chapter.”

Whilst this can be interpreted in many different ways, that comment from the Everton man suggests that there will be changes to the playing squad in the summer to align with the ambition of the club.

Thelwell will have the chance to ‘shape’ the team, which lost to Athletic Bilbao in the quarter-finals of the Europa League, and that could include ruthlessly getting rid of some of the club’s current players, who have failed to lead Rangers to a trophy this season.

One of the Gers players who could find themselves on the chopping block when the Everton chief officially takes up his position could be striker Cyriel Dessers.

Why Rangers should cash in on Cyriel Dessers

The Nigeria international was signed from Cremonese by Michael Beale ahead of the 2023/24 campaign for a reported fee of £4.3m, and the striker has had mixed success throughout his time at the club to date.

Dessers has scored 29 goals in the Scottish Premiership since the start of last season, which does not sound like a terrible return on paper, but his underlying numbers suggest that his performances have not been as impressive as his goal return indicates.

The experienced marksman has not made the most of the opportunities that have been created for him in the top-flight, missing a whopping 47 ‘big chances’ to go along with his 29 goals.

This shows that he has been incredibly wasteful with the high-quality openings that his teammates have created for him, which has made him a liability in the final third because Rangers cannot trust that he will deliver in big moments due to his lack of composure and quality in front of goal.

Dessers has not only struggled in the Premiership, as his statistics above illustrate, however, as the former Serie A attacker has also failed to deliver on the European stage.

Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the 30-year-old forward has scored four goals and missed ten ‘big chances’ in 19 appearances in the Europa League. This shows that he has rarely provided a goal threat in Europe for the Light Blues, once again, because of his wasteful finishing.

Dessers, as you can see in the clip above, has had his moments of class, which is also backed up by his return of 29 goals, but he has proven that he cannot be relied upon over the course of a season to lead the line for a team competing for titles.

The striker, as evidenced by the aforementioned statistics, has shown that he is not a reliable finisher, and that is why Thelwell should look to cash in on him to provide the next manager at Ibrox with an upgrade in the number nine position in the summer transfer window.

The incoming Rangers sporting director could seal an instant blinder, however, by axing a flop who has been an even worse signing than Dessers, Nedim Bajrami.

Why Thelwell should sell Bajrami

If Thelwell wants to shape the team in a way that tracks with the club’s high ambitions, seemingly to compete for trophies next season, then the underperformers in the squad should be moved on, if possible, this summer.

Rangers reportedly spent £3.4m to sign Bajrami from Italian side Sassuolo in the summer transfer window of 2024, and he has failed to live up to any hype that came from that amount of money being splashed on his services.

Chalkboard

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

To date, the Albania international has racked up three goals and one assist in 36 appearances in the Premiership and the Europa League combined for the Light Blues this season.

The 26-year-old arrived at Ibrox in what should be the prime years of his career. He is not a young player still learning his trade or a veteran at the end of his playing days, which suggests that it would have been fair to expect instant quality from him on the pitch.

Unfortunately, that has not been the case for Bajrami because, as shown by his aforementioned statistics, he has failed to deliver goals or assists on a regular basis from an attacking midfield or a wide position.

The Albanian attacker, who is reportedly on a wage of £12k-per-week, has scored one goal and failed to provide any assists in his last 13 appearances in all competitions for the Scottish giants.

As you can see in the table above, Bajrami has rarely contributed at the top end of the pitch and has failed to earn a place as a regular starter, under Philippe Clement or Barry Ferguson, whilst being weak in his duels out of possession as well.

These statistics show that the £3.4m signing has not given much back in return for the money that was spent on him. Meanwhile, Dessers has, at least, scored 29 goals and provided some good moments in a Rangers shirt in the last two seasons.

This suggests that he has been an even worse signing than the Nigerian forward because they cost a fairly similar amount of money, yet Bajrami has delivered significantly less on the pitch in his time at Ibrox.

With this in mind, Thelwell must instantly axe the attacking midfielder from the squad in the summer transfer window as one of his first moves to shape the squad in a new direction, moving on players who have not performed well enough for a team that wants to compete for titles.

Not just Butland: Rangers must axe 'shocking' star who Mourinho would hate

Rangers may have to make some changes to their squad if they decide to appoint Jose Mourinho.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 23, 2025

That could represent an instant blinder by the sporting director because it could free up space for a new attacker to be brought in, which could improve the team’s chances of success if they get the replacement right.

Glasgow Rangers held their annual player of the year award ceremony on Sunday evening. After a campaign filled with disarray at Ibrox, many would have wondered why the club bothered.

Nevertheless, several first-team players won awards on the night. John Souttar claimed the John Greig CBE Achievement Award while Hamza Igamane won the Men’s Goal of the Season award for his stunning late winner against Celtic at Parkhead in March.

Elsewhere, Cyriel Dessers won the Sam English Bowl for being the club’s top scorer this season. The most deserving award, however, went to Nicolas Raskin, who won both the Men’s Players’ Player of the Year and Men’s Player of the Year awards, with both the players and supporters recognising the Belgian’s achievements.

With the 49ers Enterprises takeover looking like it could go ahead before the start of next season, they will be keen on building as strong a squad as possible.

Financial investment would be welcome, of course, but keeping the club’s best players for a tilt at the Premiership title next term is the main aim.

Having won two awards on the weekend, Raskin is certainly one player who could attract plenty of attention this summer, no doubt about that.

Nico Raskin: Rangers most indispensable player?

Michael Beale may go down as one of the worst managers in the history of the football club, but paying a fee of just £1.5m to bring the young midfielder to Ibrox is arguably the best decision he made while in charge.

He may have struggled to assert his authority during his first few months at the club, but the persistence the former Standard Liege starlet has shown is now beginning to pay off.

After suffering an injury in pre-season last summer, it appeared as though Raskin would never fulfil his potential at Ibrox. Upon his return to the first-team picture in September, the 23-year-old has been a revelation.

Nine goal contributions have been registered across 43 appearances in all competitions, but it was his opener against Celtic in the 3-2 win last month which was the most important.

Raskin even captained the side during the festive season when James Tavernier was sidelined through injury, and he gave a dominating performance in the Old Firm clash at the turn of the year.

The midfielder has shown in the Premiership so far this term. His tenacious nature has certainly been on display, making 2.9 tackles per game and winning an impressive 6.5 total duels per match – a success rate of 57% – which has allowed the player to dominate at the heart of the pitch.

Going forward, however, Raskin has demonstrated his attacking abilities. Not only has he created six big chances for his teammates, but the Belgian also averages one key pass and 0.9 successful dribbles per match in the top flight.

This combination of attacking and defensive traits makes Raskin a prized asset at Ibrox. There will be a time when the club decides to cash in, but he could be the fulcrum of a new-look side at the start of next season.

Who shouldn’t be at the club next season? Well, it may be a bit of a surprise to some.

Rangers' most dispensable player?

While the 49ers will be keen on strengthening the squad, they must also balance the books by moving several players this summer.

It shouldn’t be a difficult decision on who to release and sell, especially with so many players underperforming throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

Chalkboard

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

Dessers may have won the Sam English Bowl, but in reality, the Gers must cash in on him before the start of next season.

Beale may have spent little to bring Raskin to Scotland, but the opposite is true of Dessers’ move to Glasgow. Indeed, he cost around £4.5m from Serie A side Cremonese in the summer of 2023.

Given that Alfredo Morelos and Ryan Kent had left for free just a month or so before, Beale had to inject some goals into his side ahead of the 2023/24 season. Dessers had netted just ten goals the season prior, hardly the prolific forward Beale required.

A total of 22 goals and nine assists during his maiden year at the Light Blues certainly appears to be a decent tally, but diving deeper, Dessers could have scored a lot more.

In the Premiership alone, he missed a staggering 27 big chances across 35 matches, often taking three or four opportunities to find the back of the net.

This season hasn’t exactly been much of an improvement. 13 domestic goals have been scored thus far, yet he has still missed 20 big chances in the top flight. With four games to go, this figure could still rise.

Scottish analyst John Walker dubbed the centre-forward as “poor” during a pre-season friendly against Manchester United last July. He may offer plenty in terms of work rate and determination, but the Nigerian striker simply isn’t the right man to lead the club into a new era under the 49ers.

The 30-year-old has two years left on his current contract at Rangers, which means this summer represents the perfect chance to try and make back some of the £4.5m that was spent on him two years ago.

Not only that, but he is also one of the highest earners at the Light Blues. Taking home a wage of £27k-per-week, Dessers ranks second behind only Tavernier in terms of earnings.

There is no doubt that freeing up this money in the summer and redirecting it back into bringing one or two younger talents would be the best thing to do.

The club face one of the most important transfer windows in recent memory this summer. Get things right and Celtic could be set for a serious title challenge next season.

On the flip side, however, if the same mistakes are made, Rangers will continue to be left in the wake of their rivals as they motor to a fifth consecutive title.

Rangers must axe £3m flop who has missed more games than Lawrence

Kevin Thelwell has a big job on his hands at Rangers

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 27, 2025

It’s been challenging to find the positives for Tottenham Hotspur this season.

Across all competitions, the North Londoners have lost 22 games, only one fewer than they’ve won, and if they don’t get to the Europa League final next month, it could go down as their worst campaign in a generation – or two.

However, there are, in fact, reasons to be optimistic for the Lilywhites faithful, as they have a collection of seriously exciting youngsters already in the senior side and the academy.

In fact, one youngster in particular looks like he could be a real world-beater, even in Tottenham’s answer to Lamine Yamal, if you will.

Spurs' most exciting youngsters

Before we get to the prospect in question, let’s take a look at some of the other sensational talents Spurs have on the books, including one teenager who is already playing senior football, just not in England: Luka Vušković.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

The Croatian wonderkid is one of the most exciting centre-backs around at the moment, as, on top of being labelled a “monster” for his defensive efforts by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, he’s also a serious goal threat.

For example, in just 32 appearances, he has already scored seven goals and provided two assists, which comes out to a frankly staggering average – for a centre-back – of a goal involvement every 3.55 games.

A talent far closer to home but no less exciting is Tyrese Hall.

The 19-year-old prospect is enjoying a stellar season in the academy this year and has amassed a tally of six goals and five assists in only 28 appearances.

That means the teenage phenomenon, who Jermain Defoe claims has a “Luka Modric vibe” is currently averaging a goal involvement every 2.54 games, which is certainly encouraging.

However, there is another youngster who is even more exciting, someone who could be the club’s answer to Yamal.

Spurs' answer to Yamal

So, while some of you may be thinking of the incredibly promising Mikey Moore, you’d be mistaken, as the academy gem in question is actually a year younger.

Despite being just 16 years old, Luca Williams Barnett has been causing quite a stir this season, as every week, regardless of the opposition, he seems to deliver.

For example, in just 18 appearances, totalling 1465 minutes, the Luton-born prodigy has scored a whopping 19 goals and provided nine assists.

That means he is currently maintaining an otherworldly average of 1.55 goal involvements every single game, or in other words, he produces one every 52.32 minutes.

It is this simply sensational rate of return, combined with the kind of hype that has seen Mattinson describe him as “one of England’s best talents,” that makes comparisons to Yamal seem so easy.

After all, the young Spaniard earned his first start for Barcelona when he was 16 years old, and if the Lilywhites’ new superstar in the making continues to put up the numbers he is now, then we see no reason why he couldn’t get his first start next season, also at just 16 years old.

Finally, on top of being a pure output machine, the teenager has also played in several positions on top of his natural attacking midfield role before, including left-midfield, left and right-wing and even up top, which lends credence to Spurs’ expert John Wenham’s description of him as a “cheat-code.”

Ultimately, while it’s still very early in his hopefully long career, Williams-Barnett looks like he has everything needed to be a genuine superstar in the future. Who knows, maybe he’ll be talked about in the same way Yamal is now in a few years.

He'd be perfect under Iraola: Spurs line up move for "unplayable" £40m star

Spurs could combine Andoni Iraola with an “unplayable” £40m signing.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

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