All posts by z3u9t.icu

One of the most notable players in Leeds United’s history over the past 25 years or so is certainly Rio Ferdinand. The former England centre-back only spent two seasons at Elland Road, between 2000 and 2002, but certainly left a huge impact on the club.

Ferdinand, who has gone into punditry and presenting since his retirement, played 73 times in West Yorkshire and was a key figure in the heart of the defence. He skippered the club on numerous occasions, including during their famous Champions League run of 2000/01, where he helped them reach the semi-final.

Since Ferdinand’s days at the club, there have been a couple of other notable English talents ply their trade at Elland Road.

Leeds’ notable English talents since Ferdinand

It is certainly hard to find a player as good as Ferdinand was, yet, through their academy, the Whites produced a couple of big names. One of those was Kalvin Phillips, who was lovingly dubbed the “Yorkshire Pirlo” for his ability to control the game at the heart of midfield.

Now 29 years of age, Phillips played 234 games for his boyhood club after graduating from their academy. He was pivotal to their success in returning to the Premier League under Marcelo Bielsa and England’s run to the final of Euro 2020.

Eventually, he earned a big move to Manchester City, although his career has stalled since.

Another player who could be considered one of Leeds’ most talented since Ferdinand is Archie Gray. The 19-year-old now plays for Tottenham Hotspur and helped them win the Europa League last season.

Like Phillips, Gray is an academy graduate and only had one full season at Elland Road before the Lilywhites snapped him up. He played 52 games for his boyhood club before departing for North London, a huge £30m move which highlighted his talent.

As good as Phillips and Gray are, there is someone in the Leeds academy who could be considered their best talent since Ferdinand.

Leeds’ most talented player since Ferdinand

It is always a proud moment when you bring a player through the academy and into the first team, like Phillips and Gray. Ferdinand, of course, came through West Ham United’s academy before his move to Leeds.

Well, the man who could be their biggest talent since the centre-back is Harry Gray, the younger brother of Archie. At just 17 years of age, Gray has already made his debut for the club and has shone at youth level.

The England under-17 striker made his debut for the first team last season, with Daniel Farke giving him a four-minute cameo in the 6-0 win over Stoke City. He was also on the bench for the 3-1 win away to Wolverhampton Wanderers this season.

The Whites academy graduate has proven why he is “the real deal,” as football analyst Ben Mattinson put it, for the youth sides. Gray has 15 goals and two assists in just 24 appearances for the under-18s and under-21s side combined.

Games

11

13

Minutes

819

998

Goals

8

7

Assists

0

2

Misn per G/A

102

110

One of the standout moments from Gray’s campaign so far is the hat-trick he scored against Scunthorpe United.

Donning the number nine shirt, you can see from this one game that the striker possesses pace, a real instinct in the box and the ability to score a range of goals.

It is easy to see why you might consider the 17-year-old to be Leeds’ best talent since Ferdinand was at the club. In a separate post on X, Mattinson described him as “one of England’s best prospects in his generation”, while evoking a certain Harry Redknapp when suggesting that he’s “going to the very top”.

With the numbers he puts up and the skillset he possesses, it feels like only a matter of time before Gray breaks into the first-team for his boyhood side and makes a real name for himself.

Leeds have signed an "explosive" star who looks like the new Summerville

Daniel Farke could have his next Crysencio Summerville-like star in this unplayable Leeds United ace.

ByKelan Sarson Oct 15, 2025

Two-time Champions League winners FC Porto may not be the force they once were, but they still have a number of quality players on their books.

The Dragons have an annual payroll of €30,910,000 for the 2025/26 season, with the average player earning just over €1.1m per season. Every FC Porto player in the first-team squad has been ranked in order from highest to lowest in terms of wages for the season, with the help of Capology.

Disclaimer – only the club and the players themselves truly know their wages, so take each of these figures as you will.

Jakub Kiwior

€66,731

€3,470,000

Luuk de Jong

€48,077

€2,500,000

Jan Bednarek

€48,077

€2,500,000

Pepe

€48,077

€2,500,000

Gabri Veiga

€38,462

€2,000,000

Alberto Costa

€36,923

€1,920,000

Samu Omorodion

€31,346

€1,630,000

Diogo Costa

€27,692

€1,440,000

Nehuen Perez

€27,692

€1,440,000

Alan Varela

€24,038

€1,250,000

Pablo Rosario

€22,115

€1,150,000

Borja Sainz

€22,115

€1,150,000

Rodrigo Mora

€18,462

€960,000

Victor Froholdt

€18,462

€960,000

Pedro Lima

€17,308

€900,000

Francisco Moura

€16,731

€870,000

Zaidu Sanusi

€15,000

€780,000

Claudio Ramos

€11,154

€580,000

Joao Costa

€11,154

€580,000

William Gomes

€9,231

€480,000

Stephen Eustaquio

€8,462

€440,000

Martim Fernandes

€7,308

€380,000

Dominik Prpic

€7,308

€380,000

Deniz Gul

€6,731

€350,000

Tomas Perez

€5,769

€300,000

Here's a detailed look at FC Porto's top 10 earners… 10 Alan Varela €24,038 per week

Alan Varela signed a new deal with FC Porto in 2025, seeing his salary increase by €10,000 per week.

The Argentine midfielder has gone from strength to strength in Portugal and is now under contract until 2030.

9 Nehuen Perez €24,038 per week

Centre-back Nehuen Perez made the move to FC Porto from Udinese in 2024.

The Argentina international was only on loan at the Estadio do Dragao, but he made a move permanent in 2025.

8 Diogo Costa €27,692 per week

Academy graduate Diogo Costa made his senior debut for FC Porto in 2019 and hasn’t looked back.

The Portugal international has gone on to be first-choice for club and country in recent years and has even been linked with a big-money move away, so eventually, FC Porto could cash in on one of the best goalkeepers in the game today.

7 Samu Omorodion €31,346 per week

It looked as if Samu Omorodion would be joining Chelsea from Atletico Madrid in 2024, but after a deal broke down, FC Porto came in and secured the forward’s services.

The youngster made an instant impact in Portugal, scoring 11 goals in his first 10 appearances in all competitions.

6 Alberto Costa €36,923 per week

Portuguese full-back Alberto Costa returned to his native country in 2025 after a brief spell in Italy with Juventus.

The former Vitoria S.C right-back cost Porto €15m and signed a five-year contract.

5 Gabri Veiga €38,462 per week

Gabri Veiga was handed the number 10 shirt after signing for Porto from Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in 2025.

Like Costa, Veiga also cost €15m and signed a deal until 2030 and can play as an attacking midfielder or out wide.

4 Pepe €40,385 per week

Not to be mistaken with the iconic centre-back who also played for FC Porto, Brazilian winger Pepe is one of three players on €48,077 per week.

After joining from Gremio in 2021, Pepe is under contract until 2027.

3 Jan Bednarek €40,385 per week

After eight years as a Southampton player, Jan Bednarek swapped St Mary’s for FC Porto in 2025 in a deal worth €7.5m.

The centre-back signed a four-year deal and is set to earn €10m in wages during that time.

2 Luuk de Jong €40,385 per week

Experienced striker Luuk de Jong was announced as a shock signing during one of FC Porto’s pre-season fixtures at the Estadio do Dragao.

He didn’t cost Porto a penny, allowing them to give De Jong a €2.5m per year deal.

1 Jakub Kiwior €66,731 per week

Top of the list as FC Porto’s hughest paid player for 2025/26 is defender Jakub Kiwior, who is on loan from Arsenal for the season.

The Poland international found game time hard to come by at the Emirates and there is thought to be an obligation for a deal to become permanent in 2026.

Leeds United are in the market for reinforcements at the top end of the field and now know how much they will need to pay for a talented forward who can operate across the front three, according to reports.

Leeds United look for further additions after Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Adding some Premier League pedigree to their forward line, Dominic Calvert-Lewin is now a Leeds player after completing a free transfer to Elland Road upon the expiration of his contract at Everton.

Speaking after his arrival, Daniel Farke has claimed bringing in the England international is a risk worth taking as he stocks up on forwards capable of handling the pressure of top-flight football.

He said in his most recent press conference: “Let’s be open about it. It’s always a bit risky to sign players who’ve had difficult years with a few injuries. There are always question marks and doubts.

“But the second part of the truth is that if he had his prime season last season he wouldn’t be on the market for us. He wouldn’t be a free agent and affordable for a newly promoted side, so you have to think about the balance of risk and reward.”

Seeking creativity as well as goalscoring prowess, Leeds have been linked with both Gustavo Hamer and Bilal El Khannouss, though it remains to be seen if either player pitches up at Elland Road.

Bad news for Byram: Leeds closing in on deal to sign "adventurous" star

Leeds United are reportedly closing in on a deal to sign a star, and it is bad news for Sam Byram.

ByDan Emery Aug 16, 2025

Everton striker Beto is also on the Whites’ radar and a bid is expected to be submitted for the Guinea-Bissau international. However, that may now be on the backburner if recent reports are anything to go by.

Leeds United close in on Noah Okafor deal

Reports have claimed Leeds will need to pay between £13 million and £17 million for AC Milan star Noah Okafor, and Fabrizio Romano reports on Monday that a deal is now close after the Whites submitted a formal offer around that figure.

Capable of featuring through the middle of on the left-hand side of attack, the Switzerland international has netted 50 career goals in total for club and country. He has featured once this term off the bench for the Rossoneri against Bari in the Coppa Italia.

Labelled “incredibly prolific” by Jacek Kulig back in 2023, Okafor has been on Leeds’ radar across the window and may be someone Farke also feels is worth the gamble in his quest for offensive prowess.

Admittedly, he is at a career crossroads, but the chance of being able to play Premier League football at Leeds may be too good to turn down after a difficult period on Italian soil that also included a loan spell at Napoli.

A “talented” Glasgow Rangers player is getting closer to leaving the Gers, with a new report claiming he is in talks over a summer move to a new club.

Rangers close in on Neymar-esque starlet

The Gers are edging closer to the start of the new Scottish Premiership season, with new manager Russell Martin no doubt dreaming of winning the title over Celtic in his first season in charge.

Top-quality signings will be needed in that respect, and it looks as though a loan move for Tottenham teenager Mikey Moore is now close to being completed, which promises to be an exciting piece of business.

At just 17, Moore is a highly-rated winger who could be such an eye-catching performer for Rangers, with James Maddison even comparing him to Neymar: “From minute 45 to 65 I thought we had Neymar on the left wing. He was brilliant. Just demanding the ball and fearless. [He has] that young, fearless mentality and you never want to take that away from him. He’s a young kid, a brilliant lad, a lovely boy.”

While much focus at Ibrox is rightly on new signings, there are current players who could depart this summer, including Hamza Igamane. Now, a key update has emerged regarding another individual.

Rangers winger in talks over summer exit

According to a new claim from RTI Esporte [via Sport Witness], Rangers midfielder Jose Cifuenes is in talks with Sport Recife over a move away this summer.

The 26-year-old has been frozen out by Martin, not playing a part in pre-season at Ibrox, and he is keen on securing an exit before the new season gets underway.

It feels like the right decision for all parties to allow Cifuentes to move on this summer, especially as his manager clearly doesn’t consider him an important part of his plans moving forward.

The Ecuadorian is a good footballer, though, so there is always a potential risk in allowing him to leave, with former Gers manager Michael Beale praising him in the past.

“He is clearly a talented player and the more he plays, the more people will be aware of that. He is a player we brought in with high hopes for and this gives him an opportunity to have a run in the team now.”

He'd be amazing with Antman: Rangers in talks to sign "devastating" £10m ace

Rangers are reportedly in talks to sign a star who would be amazing with Oliver Antman.

ByDan Emery Jul 29, 2025

If Cifuentes does leave Rangers, he will depart with only 20 appearances to his name since arriving from Los Angeles FC in 2023, which is disappointing, and it may simply be looked back on as a signing that didn’t work out, despite moments of quality thrown in.

While they have faced plenty of criticism for it and made a few mistakes along the way, Chelsea have built a seriously exciting team over the last few years.

Enzo Maresca has already led them to Conference League and Club World Cup glory in the space of a couple of months, and will surely be launching a Premier League challenge next season as well.

Yet, while the team is full of talented players, it’s still apparent that Cole Palmer is the most important of all, having managed to rack up a tally of 18 goals and 14 assists in 52 games last season.

When the Englishman is playing well, it’s often the case that the team is also playing well, so fans should be excited about reports linking them to an international who’d be a dream teammate for the former Manchester City gem.

Chelsea target dream teammate for Cole Palmer

It’s been a great summer for Chelsea on the pitch this year, and so far, it’s been just as exciting off it.

Transfer Focus

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

In addition to already shifting several unwanted players, such as Noni Madueke and Kepa Arrizabalaga, the West Londoners have significantly improved their squad’s firepower by splashing the cash on players like Liam Delap, Joao Pedro, and Jamie Gittens.

On top of that, they’ve also added a few more exciting prospects for the future, like Dario Essugo and Mamadou Sarr, who is set to rejoin Strasbourg on a season-long loan.

Yet, there are no signs of the Pensioners slowing down anytime soon, as they’re now being linked with another seriously exciting attacker who could be the perfect teammate for Palmer.

At least that is according to a recent report from Spain, which claims that Chelsea are very interested in signing Xavi Simons this summer.

In fact, the report claims that the Blues are now one of the leading clubs in the race for the RB Leipzig star, who has made it clear he wants to move this summer.

However, it won’t be a cheap deal to get over the line, as the report has revealed that the Bundesliga side want a fee of up to €110m, which converts to about £95m.

Whether that is actually the final price it will take to sign the Dutchman remains to be seen, but he would be an excellent addition to Chelsea’s squad and is someone who would be a perfect teammate for Palmer.

Why Simons would be a dream for Simons

It might sound rather simplistic, and that’s because it probably is, but the first reason Simons would be such a great teammate for Palmer is down to his output.

In just 33 appearances last season, totalling just 2763 minutes, the dynamic Leipzig ace found the back of the net on 11 occasions and provided eight assists.

That means that, despite starting the season as a 21-year-old, the Flying Dutchman managed to average a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 145.42 minutes, which is a seriously impressive rate of return.

Appearances

33

Minutes

2763′

Goals

11

Assists

8

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

145.42′

Just imagine how many more goals and assists he would rack up playing alongside the Blues’ talismanic Englishman, and how many more he could rack up playing with the Leipzig star.

The second reason he’d be a dream teammate for the Wythenshawe-born ace is that he’s incredibly versatile, so while one analyst has dubbed him “one of the best 10s in the world,” the former Paris Saint-Germain gem is just as capable of playing on either flank, or even up top.

Not only would this give him more time to play with and establish a genuine partnership with Palmer, but it would also mean that, at times, he could come into the team in place of him, allowing him time to rest and return at his very best.

Finally, the fact that he’s just a year younger than the Englishman is also crucial, as it means he could continue to develop alongside him and hopefully reach his full potential around the same time, which would only help further strengthen their understanding of one another’s game.

Ultimately, from his output to his versatility and age profile, Simons appears to be a perfect teammate in waiting for Palmer; therefore, Chelsea should do what they can to sign him as soon as possible.

Their new Hazard: Chelsea set to hold talks to sign £95m "superstar"

Chelsea could be set to hold talks to sign a Dutch superstar

ByRoss Kilvington Jul 21, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur now face stiff competition from a rival Premier League side in the race for a “playmaker”, according to a report, with Thomas Frank looking to reinforce his squad in a few key areas ahead of his first full season in charge.

Tottenham may hijack Nottingham Forest bid for "unbelievable" £50m forward

Spurs are in the race for a major Nottingham Forest target…

ByDominic Lund Jul 13, 2025

Spurs have made a splash in the summer market already with their £55 million deal for winger Mohammed Kudus, which ended a 14-year unofficial transfer embargo between West Ham and their London rivals.

Kudus has been pictured in Lilywhites training as the club prepare for their first pre-season game of the summer against Reading this weekend, with the Ghanaian joining Mathys Tel and Kota Takai as Daniel Levy’s first three official signings of the summer.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

In an ideal world, Kudus would’ve been joined at Hotspur Way by Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White, who was expected to undergo a medical last Friday before a £60 million switch from the City Ground.

However, in a very unexpected turn of events, the Englishman’s transfer is being significantly delayed, with Forest taking legal action over what they believe was an illegal approach from Tottenham for their star attacker, as first reported by Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett.

That being said, some confidence remains that Gibbs-White will eventually seal a move to Spurs (Alasdair Gold), so their potential £115 million double-swoop for the 25-year-old and Kudus is still alive.

Forest are complaining to the Premier League, with Nuno Espírito Santo’s side raising concerns over how Spurs became aware of ‘confidential details’ in his contract (Standard Sport).

Interestingly, Forest are “adamant” that Gibbs-White is not for sale (Sky Sports), but Spurs are still hopeful of doing the deal.

As Spurs wait for the green-light to sign-off on Gibbs-White’s transfer, they do have their eyes on other transfer targets, with Levy reportedly after a holding midfielder and a number six as well (TBR Football).

Journalist Graeme Bailey reported last week that Tottenham have held talks with £138,000-per-week Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz’s representatives, and the Old Lady will allow him to leave Turin this summer after a lacklustre debut campaign in Serie A.

Everton threaten to hijack alleged Tottenham talks with Douglas Luiz

Now, according to Calciomercato, Spurs may not have a free run at signing the Brazilian, with Everton threatening a move of their own.

The Italian news outlet states that Everton are ready to bid for Luiz after his alleged talks with Tottenham, and the Toffees have initiated club-to-club discussions as they attempt to back manager David Moyes for his first full season back on Merseyside.

Juve want around £35 million to part company with Luiz, and will not entertain any form of loan, as Igor Tudor’s side seek to sell him immediately and reinvest that money in their own summer recruitment drive.

Aston Villa’s president of football operations, Monchi, tipped him to kickstart his career at Juve earlier this year, but it appears the South American could seal a quick-fire return to England instead.

“He’s playing less than we all expected, but we’re talking about a strong player,” said Monchi about Luiz to La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“There are guys who arrive and impose themselves, others who need time. Patience is needed, but Douglas’ qualities are beyond discussion. He will become important for Juve.

“He’s a playmaker and every ball that comes out of his feet has a meaning: last year he played 90% of the games with us. He was decisive.”

Leeds United are looking to buck the recent trend and avoid relegation from the Premier League in 2025/26 after a memorable title-winning Championship campaign.

Daniel Farke will be backed by the 49ers Enterprises in the transfer market, with Jaka Bijol the first marquee signing of the window after forward Lukas Nmecha joined on a free transfer.

Bijol cost Leeds around £15m from Udinese and penned a five-year deal at Elland Road, and it’s no secret that the club want more additions before their top-flight opener at home to Everton on August 18.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

AI has actually predicted Leeds to avoid relegation this season, and Grok has now forecasted how the Whites will line up in 2025/26, changing from a 4-3-2-1 system to a 4-3-3.

AI predicts Leeds United’s 2025/26 starting line-up 1 GK: Nick Pope

With the future of Illan Meslier up in the air, Leeds are on the search for a new first-choice goalkeeper and have been linked with Newcastle United’s Nick Pope.

The England international has plenty of Premier League experience and, although he may cost a big fee, Grok says most importantly, Pope will offer ‘reliability’ at Elland Road.

2 RB: Jayden Bogle

In what was a brilliant first season, Jayden Bogle has been backed to keep his spot as Leeds’ main right-back.

Costing just £5m from Sheffield United, Bogle has proven to be a shrewd signing and is viewed as the ‘long-term fit for the right-back role’.

3 CB: Jaka Bijol

New signing Jaka Bijol is predicted to start ahead of Pascal Struijk in defence, something which may not come as a shock after Leeds’ swoop.

The Slovenia international ‘brings aerial strength and composure, ideal for the Premier League’s physical demands’, according to Grok.

4 CB: Joe Rodon

A key man under Farke, Joe Rodon is tipped to partner Bijol in central defence, with the Wales international missing just three league games in the last two seasons.

His ‘leadership and familiarity with Farke’s system ensure he remains a starter alongside Bijol’, with Rodon under contract until 2028.

5 LB: Kostas Tsimikas

After helping Leeds to the Championship title, Junior Firpo is on course to leave the Whites at the end of the month on a free transfer.

A new left-back will be required to fill the void and Grok has predicted Liverpool’s Kostas Tsimikas to be that man. Linked with a move to Yorkshire, Tsmikas fits the bill of 49ers targeting players with Premier League experience.

6 CM: Ethan Ampadu

Club captain Ethan Ampadu played more games as a centre-back than he did as a midfielder in 24/25, but he has been predicted to return to his holding midfield role.

Grok says ‘Ampadu’s versatility and defensive nous make him a mainstay in midfield’ under Farke.

7 CM: Anton Stach

With Leeds targeting physicality this summer, Anton Stach is being linked with a move to Elland Road from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

The Whites have missed out on Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki to Sunderland, but Stach is seen as the midfield ‘specialist’ Farke and the 49ers are after.

8 CM: Ao Tanaka

Arguably Leeds’ signing of the season last year was Ao Tanaka, who looks ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

The Japan international has even been hailed by Declan Rice for his displays in England, and he could lock horns with the Gunners star in Leeds’ second league game.

9 RW: Daniel James

One of Farke’s most important attackers in the Championship has been Daniel James, who was named Leeds’ Player of the Season for 24/25.

Games

83

Goals

25

Assists

17

The Wales star is also close to a new Elland Road contract, so should keep his place on the right hand side.

10 LW: Wilfried Gnonto

With Manor Solomon potentially staying put at Tottenham, the door is open for Wilfried Gnonto to make the left wing spot his own.

The Italian initially impressed in the Premier League after joining back in 2022, and he could be given the chance to feature heavily this time around under Farke.

Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo is aiming to use the 2025 summer transfer window to bolster a squad which secured European qualification last term.

Given how well the club performed throughout 2024/25, Forest have a genuine chance of winning the Conference League.

Santo has shown admiration for plenty of potential targets, including Yunus Musah and Lukas Ullrich, but it appears as though one Serie A star has been linked more than most…

Latest on Nottingham Forest’s interest in Timothy Weah

As was widely reported earlier this month, including via transfer insider Gianluca Di Marzio, Forest were believed to be interested in signing Timothy Weah this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

Juventus appeared to be demanding just £12m for Weah, should they agree to cash in, which looked to be a solid piece of business by the club.

Last season, the American played 43 times for the Serie A giants, scoring six goals and grabbing five assists in the process.

In the top flight, he recorded an impressive goal conversion percentage of 24%, while also creating four big chances and averaging 0.6 key passes per game.

He played across several positions last year, predominantly on the right flank, a position which the Midlands side are keen to bolster.

After stepping up their pursuit of the one-time Celtic loanee, however, journalist Ben Jacobs revealed on Friday that Forest had actually walked away from any negotiations, despite the deal being “close”, after carrying out “extensive data analysis”.

As such, the City Ground outfit may need to turn their attention elsewhere, with one Brazilian star seemingly on their radar…

Why Nottingham Forest must sign Pepe

As reported by ESPN earlier this week, four Premier League clubs have opened talks to sign Porto winger Pepe this summer.

Forest have been named as one of those clubs, along with Aston Villa, Fulham and Burnley. The fact that Santo led them to Europe indicates that they could potentially be one of the frontrunners.

Goals

3

Assists

2

Big chances created

5

Key passes per game

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.6

Shots per game

1

A fee of £21m has been set, which is more than affordable for the Midlands side, no doubt about that.

While Weah may be the cheaper option, Pepe is certainly the bigger talent. Last season, the Brazilian dynamo registered an impressive total of 11 goal contributions across all competitions.

When comparing the pair via their domestic stats last term, it becomes clear who enjoyed the more productive campaign. Indeed, Pepe not only recorded more shots per 90 (1.36 vs 1.15), but he also registered more shot-creating actions (2.71 vs 1.98), goal-creating actions (0.36 vs 0.16) and more touches in the opposition penalty area (79 vs 35), showcasing his superiority in these metrics.

South American football expert Tim Vickery lauded the winger when he was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur a couple of seasons ago, saying:

“I certainly remember him as a winger with Gremio, little mosquito kind of winger, who can do either flank.”

His ability to play on either wing could also come in handy, giving Santo some added flexibility, especially if injuries start to play their part.

It is clear that the manager wants to bring those to Forest who have proven ability on the biggest stages. Having scored in the Champions League, Copa Libertadores and Europa League, as well as gaining two caps for Brazil, Pepe would be an excellent signing.

Nottingham Forest join race for one of the rising stars of U21 Euros

Anderson already knows all about his quality…

ByTom Cunningham Jun 26, 2025

It is practically indisputable that Arsenal are in the market for a new striker this summer, and Mikel Arteta’s side have now been handed the chance to get one over on arch rivals Tottenham by signing a key target of Thomas Frank’s side.

Arsenal make contact to sign trophy-laden £400k-per-week ex-Man City star

He’d be quite the addition to Arteta’s dressing room.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 17, 2025

New sporting director Andrea Berta is currently busy attempting to negotiate agreeable terms on a deal for RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko, but find themselves some way off the Bundesliga side’s asking price of around £68-85 million, according to Sky Germany’s (Florian Plettenberg).

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

Arsenal negotiations for Sesko have been ongoing since late May, but if a deal cannot be struck for the Slovenia international, Berta does have other reported striker targets on his shortlist.

Arsenal have also worked on a deal for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, who is currently keen on a move to north London and open to joining other high-profile Premier League suitors like Man United.

“Viktor Gyökeres prefers a move to the Premier League, and would welcome an Arsenal bid,” reported Ben Jacobs on X recently.

“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres. Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.

“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time, with a bid for one of the two targets expected soon.”

Either centre-forward would be an upgrade on Arteta’s current options. Sesko is fresh off a career-best Bundesliga campaign at Leipzig, while Gyokeres has just guided Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years after scoring 54 goals in all competitions.

However, Arsenal now also have a new left-field option.

Arsenal offered Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat

According to website Just Arsenal, Dynamo Kyiv striker Vladyslav Vanat has been put forward to Arteta’s side.

Vanat scored 21 goals in all competitions last season, helping Kyiv to lift the Ukranian Premier League title whilst ending the season unbeaten. He also finished 2024/2025 as the division’s top scorer with 17, and this has attracted some attention from England.

It is now believed that Arsenal have been offered the chance to sign Vanat, who has a reported £17 million release clause in his contract. Arteta doesn’t view the 23-year-old’s signing as an urgent need right now, but is fully aware of Vanat’s quality, so it’s apparently a situation they could revisit later in the window.

However, if they do decide they want him, Arsenal will need to be wary of rival interest. Manchester United, Leeds United, Everton, and Tottenham are all keen on Vanat, with the latter even viewing him as a “priority signing” for new manager Frank.

Manchester United are now considering a move to sign an “incredible” Bayern Munich midfielder for just £25 million, according to a recent report.

Bruno Fernandes set to stay at Man Utd after Nations League triumph

International duty has taken centre stage in the last week or so, and like nearly every Premier League team, United have players all over the globe representing their countries.

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But not many will have had a better time with their country than Bruno Fernandes and Diogo Dalot, who were part of the Portugal squad that won the Nations League. Portugal beat Spain 5-3 on penalties on Sunday following a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes.

Fernandes played the entire 120 minutes and even netted in the penalty shootout win, while Dalot was an unused substitute, as he was in the semi-final win over Germany.

This is Fernandes’ second trophy with his country, and after the game, the Red Devils skipper revealed “winning with Portugal is different”.

“I’m going to celebrate with my teammates and my family. It’s a special moment for everyone. Winning for Portugal is different. It’s for our family, for our people, for the country, for our people.

“Once again, the wave of red that I saw so much on social media was there and made us feel like we were playing at home. Thank you very much for all the support; it was excellent. We felt it, from start to finish, from the moment we got to the end.

“Everything we did during the game helped us win. We knew we were going up against a great team, and at the same time, we knew we were a team of the same level. We knew Spain’s qualities; we were very aggressive when losing the ball, which was very important.”

Man Utd considering move to sign "incredible" £25m Bayern Munich ace

As Fernandes continues celebrating, the Red Devils now have their eye on one of his international teammates. According to Mirror Football, relayed by Simply Utd on X, Man United are weighing up a move to sign Joao Palhinha.

The 29-year-old only joined Bayern Munich from Fulham last summer, but it was a very underwhelming first campaign for the Portuguese enforcer – he only played 17 games in the Bundesliga, as his season was hampered by injuries and competition in the midfield area.

It’s been reported that Palhinha, who has been dubbed “incredible” in the past, may leave Munich this summer, given his struggles, but it is unlikely they are going to get near the £44 million they paid Fulham in 2024. In fact, this report states that United could sign the midfielder for just £25 million.

Palhinha

Casemiro

Apps

17

24

Starts

6

18

Progressive passes

32

84

Progressive carries

3

4

Passes attempted

552

990

Passes completed

510

780

Tackles (won)

20 (14)

83 (50)

Interceptions

4

14

Blocks

13

39

Clearances

9

51

His arrival at Old Trafford could see him be the man to replace Casemiro, who, while he performed very well towards the end of the season, could be a player who is allowed to leave, given his hefty wages. Talk of an exit has gone quiet in recent months, but Amorim will want to trim his squad down given no European football, and given Casemiro’s age, he could be one that is on the chopping block.