All posts by z3u9t.icu

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.

Their best CF since Ronaldo: Man Utd eager to sign "fearless" £44m striker

Manchester United are eyeing up a move for a striker who would be their best forward since Cristiano Ronaldo.

ByDan Emery Jun 8, 2025

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.

With The Friedkin Group looking to make some impressive statements in their first summer at the helm, Everton are reportedly ready to open talks to sign a Premier League-winning attacker.

Everton announce retained list

With the Premier League season concluded and the summer now underway, Everton have announced the list of players they remain in negotiations with in pursuit of fresh deals at the club. The Merseyside club confirmed that they are set to offer new deals to Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gana Gueye, whilst negotiations are ongoing with the representatives of both Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane.

Everton make approach for £29m McNeil upgrade who Van Dijk called "difficult"

Everton are planning to make some attacking changes in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 9, 2025

Announcing the news in a statement on their official website, Everton said: “The club is offering new contracts to Seamus Coleman and Idrissa Gana Gueye, while we continue to liaise with representatives of Michael Keane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, with the current deals of all four players expiring at the end of June.

“As previously confirmed, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ashley Young, Joao Virginia, Asmir Begovic, Mason Holgate and Neal Maupay will leave Everton when their current contracts expire at the end of this month, with loanees Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrøm, Orel Mangala and Armando Broja returning to their parent clubs.”

Calvert-Lewin’s situation is particularly one to watch. Concerns over his Everton future have been rumbling on for some time now and links to the likes of Manchester United have hardly helped speculation. Now, into the final weeks of his current deal, the Toffees are still attempting to secure the forward’s future at the club.

What Calvert-Lewin’s departure would do, however, is clear room for potential arrivals. And that could yet include a Premier League winner for David Moyes this summer. In an impressive move, Friedkin have reportedly set their sights on welcoming a wantaway attacking addition who could revive his career in Merseyside.

Everton ready to open talks to sign Grealish

According to TeamTalk, Everton are now ready to open talks to sign Jack Grealish from Manchester City in a complex deal, having already identified the winger as a transfer target in recent weeks. The deal won’t come cheap, though, even if the Toffees secure the loan deal that they prefer to a permanent deal.

Grealish reportedly earns a hefty £300,000-a-week at Manchester City, which translates into £15.6m-a-year. Whether Everton are both willing to match that salary and can afford to spend such a price will be the big question this summer, especially since Grealish would instantly become their highest earner by some distance.

Jack Grealish

£300,000

Jordan Pickford

£130,000

Idrissa Gueye (*offered new deal)

£120,000

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

£100,000

James Tarkowski

£100,000

Earning over double Everton’s current highest-earner in Pickford, Grealish would simply have to rediscover his very best form to make any deal worthwhile for the Toffees next season.

At his best, the former Aston Villa man has earned some impressive praise, including from Pep Guardiola. The Manchester City boss dubbed Grealish “aggressive” following a pre-season draw with Barcelona last summer, only to limit the Englishman’s game time in the months that followed.

Had Tottenham Hotspur not won the Europa League final against Manchester United last week, this campaign would’ve been a real failure for the club, falling way below the levels they’ve set for themselves.

Ange Postecoglou has been a man under pressure throughout 2024/25, with their European success handing the Aussie a lifeline to resurrect his time in North London.

The 17th-place finish in the Premier League this campaign highlights the need for improvement next season, with Ange running the risk of losing his job should he fail to do so.

However, the summer presents another opportunity to invest and improve the first team squad, possibly able to attract some top-level talent given their Champions League qualification.

Even though the window has yet to open, numerous names have been touted with a switch to North London in an attempt to bolster the options at the manager’s disposal.

The latest on Spurs’ move to land a new striker

Liam Delap is a name that has been on Spurs’ shortlist over the last couple of weeks, monitoring his situation and preparing a move after his £30m relegation release clause became active.

However, it appears as though the Lilywhites are set to miss out on the 22-year-old this window, after it was confirmed he has agreed a move to join London rivals Chelsea.

Such a move could prove to benefit Ange’s side over the coming months, potentially allowing Christopher Nkunku to depart Stamford Bridge after falling down the pecking order under Enzo Maresca.

The Frenchman has been the subject of an enquiry from Daniel Levy, opening the door to a potential £50m switch across the capital to link up with the Lilywhites in North London.

It’s evident that a new forward is on the agenda this summer, but one player who previously plied his trade at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium has thrived since his departure over the past few seasons.

The former Spurs player who’s outscored Delap & Nkunku in 2024/25

Over the last 12 months, Spurs have had numerous attackers who have contributed to their various levels of success, helping them in their quest for European glory.

Brennan Johnson has proved the doubters wrong in recent times, scoring 18 goals across all competitions – including the all-important strike against United that secured the club’s first trophy in 17 years.

The Welsh international has thrived under Postecoglou, now being a key player and registering over three times more goals than he did during his first year in North London.

However, the side could’ve benefited further had they kept hold of Ivan Perišić, with the Croatian winger thriving for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands despite being 36.

He joined the club in the summer of 2022, arriving on a free transfer under Antonio Conte after his release from Inter Milan at the end of the 2021/22 campaign.

The Croatian made 44 appearances during his first season at the club, notching one goal and 12 assists, but he would be unable to make such an impact during his second season in North London.

He would tear his ACL in the early stages of 2023/24, featuring in just six matches, before moving to Hajduk Split on a free transfer at the end of his contract in the summer of 2024.

Robert Lewandowski

Barcelona

34

29

Dušan Tadić

Fenerbahçe

35

25

Ciro Immobile

Besiktas

30

19

Edin Dzeko

Fenerbahçe

35

18

Ivan Perišić

PSV

27

18

Tjaronn Chery

Royal Antwerp

29

17

Iago Aspas

Celta Vigo

30

15

However, Perisic, who was labelled a “massive waste of money” by The Athletic’s James Maw, has thrived at PSV this campaign, registering 16 goals in all competitions – tallies higher than Delap and Nkunku, who’ve scored 12 and 14 respectively.

Given his age and the long-term injury he sustained at the club, it’s understandable that the club would allow him to leave – especially considering he was on £180k-per-week, as per Capology.

His return to form, even scoring in the Champions League, is a credit to Perisic, making Spurs rue their mistake in allowing him to depart and showcasing his elite-level talents despite his entering the back end of his career.

He'd send Son packing: Spurs eyeing a £67m "game-changing signing"

Tottenham Hotspur could seal a “game-changing” signing for big-money.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 29, 2025

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the biggest weakness in Arsenal’s team this season has been in attack.

As things stand, there are three teams who have scored more goals than Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League, with Liverpool putting the ball in the back of the net 83 times to their 66.

So, while signing a new striker understandably seems to be the club’s top priority heading into the summer, they also have to go out and get at least one more winger to help bridge the gap to their rivals.

Fortunately, that appears to be the club’s ambition, as recent reports have touted a serial winner with a move to the Emirates, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal's winger search

In the last few weeks, a plethora of incredibly exciting wingers, such as Nico Williams and Rodrygo, have been linked with Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has racked up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season and will be available for around £48m thanks to a release clause in his current deal with Athletic Bilbao.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, could cost up to a staggering £85m, but as he’s managed to score 13 goals and provide ten assists in just 50 games this season, there’s a valid argument to say he’d be worth the outlay.

However, Arteta and Co might want to save some money on a winger to spend more up top or elsewhere, which would help explain the situation around Leroy Sané.

According to a recent report from Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Arsenal are now a potential destination for the German international next season.

Alongside the Gunners, he revealed that the winger has been offered to Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and others in the UK.

The Bayern Munich star’s contract expires at the end of the season, so he’d be available for free and, thanks to his immense ability and experience, could represent a sensational transfer and a massive upgrade on Martinelli.

How Sané compares to Martinelli

Now, while Sané has spent much of his recent career playing off the right, he’s actually spent more time off the left since making his debut, and with Bukayo Saka being as important as he is, that’s almost certainly where he would play for Arsenal.

Therefore, his biggest competition for game time would be Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes to their output, it’s the Bayern ace who comes out on top, as in 44 appearances this season, totalling 2348 minutes, he’s scored 13 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.31 games, or every 123.57 minutes.

In contrast, the Brazilian has scored ten goals and provided six assists in 49 appearances, totalling 3403 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.06 games, or every 212.68 minutes.

It’s just as one-sided a comparison when we take a look at their underlying numbers as well.

The “world-class” Bayern ace, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, comes out on top in almost all metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, key passes, passes into the final third and penalty area, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.86

0.47

Non-Penalty G+As

0.90

0.51

Progressive Passes

3.58

2.07

Progressive Carries

4.13

4.89

Shots

3.70

2.07

Shots on Target

1.57

0.93

Passing Accuracy

82.6%

70.8%

Key Passes

1.96

1.56

Passes into the Final Third

1.28

0.46

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.96

1.43

Live Passes

47.9

26.6

Shot-Creating Actions

4.20

2.79

Goal-Creating Actions

0.50

0.25

Successful Take-Ons

2.18

1.35

Finally, on top of having the better numbers in all departments, the “incredible” international, as dubbed by former manager Pep Guardiola, also knows what is needed to get over the finishing line.

On top of winning two Premier League titles with Manchester City, he’s also won four Bundesliga titles, one Champions League, and a host of other cups with FC Hollywood.

Ultimately, Martinelli could remain a valuable squad member, but it’s clear that Sané would be a massive upgrade; therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

He'd be amazing with Rodrygo: Arsenal close in on signing £60m "monster"

The sensational talent will be a game-changer for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 16, 2025

Shifting their focus towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly added a record-breaking forward to their list of targets, with sporting director Monchi getting ready to pounce.

Aston Villa battling PSR again this summer

As Unai Emery’s side go in pursuit of Champions League qualification, those at Villa Park should be keen to point out the consequences that may occur should they fail to break into the top five in the final two games of the Premier League campaign. With PSR concerns hanging over their head, the Midlands club are on course for a difficult summer, which may leave them in a position with no choice but to sell at least one key man.

Just who leaves as a result of their PSR troubles remains to be seen, but that hasn’t stopped the transfer rumours from coming thick and fast regarding Aston Villa’s most important players.

Recent reports have seen both Ollie Watkins and Morgan Rogers linked with moves away to the likes of Chelsea and Liverpool and, although both sales would instantly ease their PSR problems, Villa will be well aware of just how much of an impact both make on Emery’s side.

Emery, himself, was recently full of praise for Watkins after he became Villa’s best-ever Premier League goalscorer, telling reporters: “Ollie Watkins is very fantastic. How he plays consistently here and his career as a player, he is very humble and trying to improve every day. He is not relaxing – he is always trying to do his work. His work is fantastic.”

Monchi and Aston Villa are now close to signing £13m star who Emery loves

Emery is reportedly pushing for the deal to happen.

ByTom Cunningham May 13, 2025

However, as “fantastic” as Watkins is, Emery may have no choice but to find a replacement for his star striker when the summer arrives and could even turn towards La Liga to do exactly that.

Aston Villa set sights on Sorloth

According to Caught Offside, Aston Villa have now added Alexander Sorloth to their summer shortlist and Monchi is already plotting a move to sign the Atletico Madrid forward. Racing alongside Newcastle United for his signature, the Villans will hope to welcome the 6 foot 4 target man if Watkins departs to instantly solve their striker problem.

If there were any doubts over Sorloth’s ability, then his record-breaking hat-trick against Real Sociedad last time out should have put those to bed once and for all. Adding three more goals to take his total to 21 for the season, the 29-year-old striker could be one to watch when the summer transfer window swings open.

Manchester City are reportedly in pole position to pip Liverpool to the signing of an “excellent” player in the summer transfer window.

Busy summer of transfers expected at Man City

By City’s high standards, this season has been a huge disappointment, even though there is an FA Cup final against Crystal Palace to look forward to later this month. Pep Guardiola’s side’s defence of their Premier League had faded by Christmas, and they also failed to reach the Champions League knockout rounds.

For that reason, a big summer is needed when it comes to new signings, as City look to bring in fresh faces who can take them back to the top of the league, with older heroes such as Kevin De Bruyne moving on.

Monaco youngster Eliesse Ben Seghir has been linked with a move to the Etihad ahead of next season, with the 20-year-old winger already scoring 15 times in 80 appearances for the Ligue 1 side.

Meanwhile, Hugo Larsson has been mentioned as an option to bolster City’s midfield, with younger legs required after a tough campaign for the likes of De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva, Ilkay Gundogan and Mateo Kovacic. The Eintracht Frankfurt ace has been a key man this season, averaging 1.4 tackles per game across 30 Bundesliga outings as well as providing goals from midfield.

Man City leading race to sign "excellent" defender

According to a new report from Football Insider, Manchester City are leading the race to sign Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso this summer, sitting in pole position ahead of Liverpool, who attempted to hijack the deal in recent days.

The update states that Guardiola’s men are “in the driving seat over the deal as things stand and have been working on the deal behind the scenes since January”.

The £73,000-a-week Cambiaso could be a fantastic signing for City, given his ability to play in either full-back position, as well as being able to drift into midfield and affect games.

The 25-year-old Italy international has a 91.8% pass completion rate in 30 Serie A appearances this season, with his quality on the ball ideal for Guardiola, and journalist Zach Lowy has described him as “world-class”.

Full-back is a position that must be targeted by City in the summer window, with Kyle Walker’s best days behind him on the right and Josko Gvardiol not necessarily a natural left-back despite his brilliance, and Cambiaso fits the bill to perfection.

Pep must axe Grealish by unleashing Man City's "explosive" star

Pep Guardiola must drop Jack Grealish and start Manchester City’s “explosive” winger.

May 2, 2025

He is technically superb, versatile and at a good point in his career, and if Guardiola can sign him over Liverpool, it would be a statement of intent ahead of next season.

Newcastle United are firmly in the race for Champions League football ahead of next season, but they are also plotting moves to bolster their squad with the summer transfer window around the corner.

Newcastle United look to finish campaign with a flourish

Admittedly, a heavy loss to Aston Villa last weekend wasn’t in the script for the Magpies as they seek a Champions League slot, but an opportunity to bounce back across their remaining five Premier League matches will excite supporters.

Following their EFL Cup heroics over Liverpool earlier in the year, finishing the campaign by returning to Europe’s premier competition may prove to be the ideal tonic ahead of initiating their summer recruitment drive.

Per reports, Liam Delap is on Newcastle’s radar following his sparkling form at Ipswich Town, even if stiff competition for his signature is set to exist due to his £30 million relegation release clause. Matteo Guendouzi could also move to the North East in the event that Sandro Tonali seeks a new challenge elsewhere, illustrating the level of change that could occur at St James’ Park during the off-season.

Ultimately, prospective additions may be hesitant to commit their future to Newcastle until they know what European competition the club will enter, though their favourable run-in on paper may give them a key advantage over divisional competitors.

Newcastle now targeting ex-Arsenal player who Howe has big admiration for

Newcastle are once again looking at a player who manager Eddie Howe is a big fan of.

ByBrett Worthington Apr 24, 2025

Nevertheless, Eddie Howe and PIF won’t wait around for scenarios to unfold in their efforts to put the Magpies on a level footing with the Premier League elite by building for the future. In light of this, Newcastle are now reportedly closing in on a talented youngster that could become one of their first signings in 2025/26.

Newcastle United set to wrap up deal for priority summer target

According to The Daily Record, Newcastle United are closing in on Rangers youngster Oliver Goodbrand, and it is becoming clear that he will leave Ibrox to sign professional forms elsewhere. The 16-year-old left-back is set to arrive on Tyneside for training compensation after emerging as one of the Magpies’ priority summer targets to enrich their pool of youth talent.

Initially, his arrival will take the course of a scholarship deal before signing on full-time once he turns 17. Rangers have tried to retain the prodigious defender, but now look set to concede defeat amid strong advances from the North East.

Premier League clubs poaching talent from north of the border is becoming a regular theme due to tightened regulations surrounding EU-based players being unable to move to England until they are 18 years old.

From a Newcastle perspective, landing another teen with potential to develop could save Howe and company millions down the line should he grow into a first-team asset.

Leeds United are reportedly weighing up a move for a “sensational” England international this summer as they gear up for a return to the Premier League, according to a new report.

Leeds planning for Premier League after smashing Stoke

Thanks to a crucial Good Friday victory over Oxford United and a complete demolition job of Stoke City, Leeds United are now within touching distance of promotion. With top-flight football now looking extremely likely, speculation is already mounting over summer reinforcements, as manager Daniel Farke looks to strengthen his squad to ensure survival next season.

Several names have already been linked with a potential move to Elland Road, including Norwich City goalkeeper Angus Gunn, Sporting CP and Japan midfielder Hidemasa Morita, and West Ham United’s Tomas Souček.

According to Claret and Hugh, Farke is an admirer of the Czech Republic international and has identified him as a potential addition to his Premier League plans.

“Leeds are planning for next season — Daniel Farke has already started preparations for the summer window. He likes Souček, but there’s already a Premier League offer in for him,” the publication reports, citing an insider.

The same source also claims that Leeds have an interest in Irish striker Evan Ferguson, who is currently on loan at West Ham from Brighton & Hove Albion.

Lilywhites considering swoop for Johnstone

Another name reportedly on Leeds United’s radar is Wolverhampton Wanderers goalkeeper Sam Johnstone. The 32-year-old, who has earned four caps for England, joined Wolves last summer in a deal worth around £10 million.

However, his opportunities have been limited – he’s made just seven Premier League appearances, with his last outing coming back in October. Since then, manager Vítor Pereira has preferred Dan Bentley and José Sá in goal.

According to journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds are now showing strong interest in Johnstone and are considering a summer move as they seek a replacement for Illan Meslier, who is expected to depart after recently losing his place in Daniel Farke’s starting XI.

Nixon reports that Wolves would only sanction Johnstone’s departure if they receive an offer matching the £10 million they paid Crystal Palace for him just eight months ago.

Sam Johnstone Premier League Stats 2024/25

Games

7

Clean Sheets

0

Goals Conceded

17

Penalties Saved

0/2

Pass Accuracy

62.7%

Johnstone has previously earned praise from former England international and pundit Gary Lineker for his outstanding reflexes. While playing for West Bromwich Albion, Johnstone pulled off a stunning last-minute save to deny Harry Maguire a potential winner in a match against boyhood club Manchester United – securing a vital point for the Baggies.

Liverpool are still hurtling towards the Premier League title, but recent results in the top division and outside of it have dampened Arne Slot’s side victory parade somewhat.

Losing the EFL Cup final to Newcastle bared some visible scars for the Reds, whilst a Champions League exit has also proven hard to take, before you even begin to closely examine the Anfield giants’ 3-2 loss to Fulham last time out in league action.

Of course, Mohamed Salah finally penning a new contract has undoubtedbly ramped up the happiness levels for the red part of Merseyside, but there are visible chinks beginning to appear in the once unbreakable armour.

Therefore, it isn’t a great shock seeing the soon-to-be Premier League champions be linked with a whole host of names to improve the squad, with a deal potentially back on the table for this midfield maestro.

Latest on Liverpool's search for a midfielder

As per reports in Spain, Liverpool are gearing up to make a spectacular move for Inter Milan ace Nicolo Barella in this approaching transfer market, having seemingly ‘intensified’ their interest in the Italy international.

Transfer Focus

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

The report states that Slot’s men have a ‘clear objective’ in mind when hunting down gems to enhance their first-team personnel, culminating in the Premier League side singling out statement recruits in the central positions of the team.

Liverpool have shown interest in the Inter number 23 for some time, but this long-standing admiration has now intensified, with the Reds having to splash out around the £86m mark if they are to land the “top class” 28-year-old – as he was once labelled by ex-Reds great Jurgen Klopp – shortly.

Amazingly, there have even been comparisons drawn in the past between Barella and Merseyside icon Steven Gerrard, with Liverpool perhaps winning a star that possesses shades of their former icon’s game is a move is finalised.

How Barella possesses shades of Gerrard

Obviously, Barella won’t be expected to follow directly in the former Liverpool captain’s footsteps, with the now-retired midfielder one of Anfield’s most revered legends.

Gerrard would notch up a stunning 186 goals and 155 assists for his boyhood side from a bumper 710 clashes, meaning the Italian would have some catching up to do when joining to be remembered in a similarly glowing light.

Still – much like the Anfield hall-of-famer in his pomp in England – Barella has a long-range rocket up his sleeve playing in Italy, which is just one aspect of his game that makes the claims from La Gazetta Dello Sport back in 2015 that he is the ‘Sardinian Steven Gerrard’ more believable.

Moreover, the 5 foot 9 engine boasts an impressive 59 assists from 276 appearances at the San Siro, with his willingness to drive forward and expertly pick out a teammate further placing him on the same lofty pedestal as the great ‘Stevie G’..

24/25

40

3

8

23/24

48

2

7

22/23

52

9

10

21/22

48

4

13

20/21

46

3

13

19/20

41

4

8

The table above also shows how consistently excellent Barella has been over the years strutting his stuff in the Serie A, with 40 plus appearances tallied up all across his sterling six seasons for Inter, meaning he could be a great teammate for the likes of Ryan Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister to bounce off of.

A serial trophy winner at the San Siro too, Barella – who teammate Kristjan Asllani dubbed “one of the best midfielders in the world at the moment” – will further hope he can help Slot’s men pick up even more silverware on his potential arrival.

This has all the ingredients of being a top signing for Liverpool, with Barella going down as a crucial cog in Liverpool’s midfield machine like Gerrard before him.

A better signing than Kerkez: Liverpool in talks to sign "world-class" star

Liverpool have wasted no time in making moves in the transfer market ahead of the summer.

2 ByEthan Lamb Apr 12, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur will feel hard done by after salvaging a draw against Newcastle United on Tuesday evening, having come unstuck after Anthony Gordon dispatched a controversially won penalty for the home side.

There’s a case to be made that Rodrigo Bentancur had infringed play in the box, but the tussle was waged between two players – one of whom was the 6 foot 7 Dan Burn – and there’s also a case to be made that Bentancur was pulled to the floor by the Newcastle defender.

Even as Cristian Romero’s brace rescued his side, Thomas Frank will know the pressure valve has not been released, and he still has much to prove if he is to cement his managerial berth in north London.

Frank's struggles at the Spurs helm

Tottenham have been something of a mixed bag in the Premier League this season. Their home performance woes have spilt from last year into the current term, with the defeat to Fulham meaning three have been lost on the bounce in the top flight.

Tactically, Tottenham are not creating enough. James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are sidelined, have been since the summer, but this is no excuse for the stunted playmaking quality that has been on show. Spurs’ players are not maximising their own skillsets.

Frank is a more pragmatic manager than Ange Postecoglou before him, but his Brentford side still produced clinical and concise attacking play.

Man City

2nd

26.7

Chelsea

4th

24.0

Arsenal

1st

23.5

Crystal Palace

5th

22.7

Liverpool

8th

22.2

(18) Tottenham

11th

12.6

Now, much has been left to be desired in his Lilywhites team, and ENIC Group could be forced into cutting off their new manager and replacing him with a summer target.

Indeed, Daniel Levy (remember him?) interviewed Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, as per TalkSPORT, who confirm that he has his sights set on a move up the ladder, albeit with a preference to see out the season.

Given the depth of Tottenham’s interest, this could be a deal revisited. And anyway, it’s not like the Spanish tactician has done anything to deter suitors this year.

Why Iraola is a better stylistic fit

Iraola is a young manager, but he has taken to the Premier League with ease, inculcating his aggressive, attack-focused football at the Vitality Stadium and recording Bournemouth’s highest-ever points total (56) last year.

He has transformed Bournemouth from a band of hard-batting, relegation-contending troops to an easy-on-the-eye attacking force, so intense and energetic. The fact he boasts a superior points-per-game record to Frank in the Premier League only adds fuel to the argument.

It’s a style of football that feels tailor-made for a club like Spurs. To dare is to do, after all, and one of the biggest criticisms of Frank’s tactics has been a pragmatism and lack of creative ambition.

The Spaniard has even been generously named “the best coach in the Premier League” by journalist James Horncastle for his impact on the south coast, and though the Cherries are struggling for form right now, with four losses from five outings, there’s little question that he has laid out his credentials at the top.

Talented players like Xavi Simons are struggling. Tottenham are in a rut. Could Iraola provide the solution? His ability to adapt – evidenced after a summer exodus – could also play favourably into a north London outfit who have undergone a fair amount of chopping and changing in recent years.

It is not yet time for ENIC chiefs to push for a managerial change, but Frank will know that he will soon be on borrowed time if unable to prove that his tactical vision is slowly taking root at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Should push come to shove, Iraola may well prove the perfect replacement, his self-defined “rock and roll” brand of football aligning with Spurs’ free-flowing identity.

The new Son: Spurs prepared to pay £65m to sign "world-class" talent

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to fork out a hefty sum to land a new attacker for Thomas Frank.

ByEthan Lamb Dec 3, 2025