All posts by h716a5.icu

Chelsea have now joined the race for a “top” goalkeeper, who has been recommended by club legend Didier Drogba, according to a report.

Maresca's goalkeeper problem at Chelsea

Goalkeeper has been a problem position for Enzo Maresca this season, with the manager rotating between Robert Sanchez and Filip Jorgensen, who have both made errors leading to goals in the Premier League.

Sanchez has made four costly mistakes, which have made the Spaniard the subject of some heavy criticism, and it now appears as though Maresca could look to bring in a replacement in the summer transfer window.

AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is one of the most recent players to join the shortlist, with the Frenchman potentially set to be available for just £34m, given that his contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026.

Chelsea now want £30m Milan star with "incredible speed" ahead of Man City

The Blues have set their sights on a defender, but there could be fierce competition for his signature…

ByDominic Lund Apr 13, 2025

The Blues have made contact over a deal for Maignan, indicating the AC Milan shot-stopper is a serious target for Maresca, but an alternative option has now entered the frame, according to a report from Football Insider.

The player in question is Angers goalkeeper Yahia Fofana, with Chelsea now joining the race for the Ivory Coast international, who has established himself as one of the best young goalkeepers in Europe with his performances in Ligue 1.

Fofana has no shortage of suitors, with Newcastle United, Brentford and Wolverhampton Wanderers also interested in a deal, having sent scouts to watch him in action, so there could be stiff competition for his signature.

Maresca’s side are set to conduct a scouting mission of their own this weekend, having been recommended to sign the 24-year-old by club legend Drogba, who has been impressed by his form for Angers and the Ivory Coast.

Fofana impressing in Ligue 1

Previous reports have revealed the Angers shot-stopper could be available for a fee of just £15m, which could be a bargain, given the level of his displays in Ligue 1.

Freelance scout Ben Mattinson has lauded the Ivorian as a “top” goalkeeper, while also detailing that he claims crosses well and has a good range of passing, with the latter quality perhaps particularly important if he were to play in a Maresca system.

Maresca has made it clear he wants his goalkeeper to take risks with his passing, which has led to mistakes from Sanchez this season, so the fact that Fofana is a solid passer of the ball is of key significance.

Chelsea may not choose to pursue a new goalkeeper this summer, given that Djordje Petrovic has been impressing on loan at Strasbourg, but if Maresca decides a new option is needed between the sticks, the Angers goalkeeper could be a quality signing.

After taking their Premier League throne in dominant fashion, Liverpool are now reportedly plotting a summer hijack to sign a Serie A defender that Manchester City have already agreed personal terms with.

Liverpool looking to use Premier League crown in busy summer

Even when Dominic Solanke headed home to hand Tottenham Hotspur the lead at Anfield on Sunday, not many would have believed that the Lilywhites were there to spoil the part and Liverpool swiftly put any potential upset to bed. Eventually smashing Ange Postecoglou’s side 5-1, it was the afternoon that Arne Slot and his side were dreaming of, as Anfield and the red half of Merseyside erupted into a long-awaited title party.

Liverpool could now be offered instant Robertson heir in stunning swap deal

The Reds would instantly benefit.

ByTom Cunningham Apr 30, 2025

Captain Virgil van Dijk, who will have the honour of lifting the title on the final day of the season, told reporters after securing yet another trophy to add to his collection: “It has been an amazing Premier League season for us, very consistent, well-deserved winners. The reaction we showed after going 1-0 down today was outstanding.

“Obviously it was a very emotional game. The time goes very slow towards the end, by the way! But I’m glad we got the job done and now we – and I speak about obviously everyone who is Liverpool-connected – can enjoy and celebrate because that’s what you should do as well.”

Now, those at Anfield will be looking to put their status as champions to good use when the summer transfer window arrives. Suddenly, names such as Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike are not only linked with England’s most successful club in history but also the current Premier League champions. And that could make all the difference in a transfer battle against Manchester City too.

Liverpool looking to hijack Cambiaso deal

According to Calciomercato, Liverpool are now plotting a move to hijack Man City’s deal to sign Andrea Cambiaso from Juventus this summer, despite reports indicating that the Citizens have already agreed personal terms with the defender.

With that in mind, it would be some move from the Reds to beat Man City to Cambiaso’s signature at this stage. Stranger things have happened in the Premier League, however, and as Trent Alexander-Arnold edges closer and closer to Real Madrid, the versatile Cambiaso could emerge as an ideal option.

The Juventus star can play both left and right-back, allowing Slot to add competition for the struggling Andy Robertson as well as welcome a key replacement for Alexander-Arnold should Liverpool make their move.

Praised for his “elite passing ability” by analyst Ben Mattinson at the start of the season, Cambiaso would have little trouble replacing Liverpool’s right-back.

While the fans and team will have their full attention on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final next week, the Arsenal board will already be planning for what could be a blockbuster summer of transfer business.

Last year, Mikel Arteta and Co shifted a lot of the club’s unwanted players for good money, but they didn’t really strengthen the first team enough to sustain a successful title challenge this season.

It looks like it’s going to be a totally different story this year, with links to top-level attackers like Viktor Gyokeres, Ollie Watkins and Nico Williams coming in from every direction.

However, while the frontline certainly needs addressing, the midfield could be just as important, and it seems like the club agrees; a recent report has touted one of the most exciting midfielders in world football for a move to the Emirates, a player who might just be able to get the best back out of Martin Odegaard.

Arsenal's midfield targets

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at a couple of the other midfielders that Arsenal are said to be interested in, such as Hugo Larsson.

Transfer Focus

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

Reportedly available for around £51m, the Eintracht Frankfurt gem would undoubtedly be an investment for the future, but with respected analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “transitional monster” and comparing him to a young Jude Bellingham, he might just be one worth making.

However, the far more likely acquisition would undoubtedly be Martin Zubimendi.

The Spanish international has long been touted for a move to the Gunners, and based on more recent reports, it appears the club themselves are confident of getting their man.

However, perhaps the most exciting link of them all has been to Frenkie de Jong.

According to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are now one of several Premier League sides interested in the Dutch international.

Alongside the Gunners, the report has revealed that Liverpool and Manchester City are also keen on the player.

While no price is mentioned in the story, it is said that Barcelona are being forced to consider selling him as no progress has been made on his renewal.

It would be an incredibly costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, but given his immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could help revive Odegaard.

Why De Jong would be perfect for Odegaard

So, if Arsenal are able to get ahead of the chasing pack and get their man, why would he be an ideal partner for Odegaard?

There are two key reasons for this; the first is his defensive qualities.

While the Dutchman is now primarily an eight and would likely join as such, he’s got plenty of experience playing as a six – making 132 appearances there – and so, were he to chip in with the defensive work alongside Declan Rice, that might allow the captain to focus all of his energy and focus at the sharp end of the pitch.

The second reason is that, on top of his defensive abilities, the former Ajax star is an incredibly technical and gifted midfielder, with former manager Xavi going as far as describing him as “one of the best players in the world.”

It’s not hard to see where the Spanish legend is coming from either, as the 27-year-old’s underlying numbers are nothing short of spectacular.

Goals per Shot

0.25

Top 1%

Pass Completion

94.0%

Top 1%

GCA from Take-Ons

0.12

Top 1%

Progressive Carrying Distance

169.24

Top 1%

Carries into the Final Third

3.14

Top 1%

Passes Completed

78.36

Top 2%

Goal-Creating Actions (GCA)

0.64

Top 2%

GCA from Live Passes

0.52

Top 2%

Passes into the Final Third

9.72

Top 3%

Live Ball Passes

81.56

Top 3%

Carries

57.65

Top 3%

Touches

90.29

Top 4%

Progressive Passes

7.62

Top 7%

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, for goals per shot, pass completion, goal-creating actions from take-ons, progressive carrying distance, carries into the final third, the top 2% for passes completed and goal-creating actions, the top 3% for passes into the final third and more, all per 90.

So, just imagine a vastly experienced international who currently captains Barça, who can influence the game in almost all areas of the pitch playing alongside the North Londoners’ number eight – he’d undoubtedly improve as well.

Ultimately, it would be a complicated and costly transfer to get done, but with how much of a difference De Jong could make to Odegaard’s career and Arsenal overall, Arteta and Co must do what they can to get it done.

Mega Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal initiate talks for "superb" £34m monster

The experienced international could be just what Arsenal need.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

Chelsea are described as the main contenders to sign a highly-rated Premier League player right now, who apparently likes the “very strong” offer presented to him by Enzo Maresca’s side during talks with his representatives.

Chelsea's transfer plans this summer amid Champions League race

The Blues are currently focused on finishing this season in strong fashion, with the prospect of Champions League football firmly on the table after last weekend’s vital 3-1 win over champions Liverpool.

Chelsea "ready to negotiate" re-signing £238k-a-week "leader", contact made

The west Londoners are exploring a “shock” move.

ByEmilio Galantini May 8, 2025

A spot in season’s draw will also play a key role in determining BlueCo’s transfer plans ahead of next season, and it is widely expected that they’ll be very active once again when the window reopens for business.

Chelsea are reportedly getting busy already, with a unique window open from June 1 to June 10, prior to their Club World Cup campaign.

Newcastle (away)

May 11th

Man United (home)

May 16th

Nottingham Forest (away)

May 25th

Maresca’s side could make full use of this opportunity to seal squad upgrades before the CWC begins, with Chelsea apparently prioritising the signing of a centre-back, winger and striker.

Defensively, uncertainty surrounds the long-term futures of Trevoh Chalobah, Axel Disasi and Benoit Badiashile, while some reports even suggest that Chelsea are becoming more open to selling Wesley Fofana given his injury problems.

Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, Burnley ace Maxine Esteve and even former Chelsea star Antonio Rüdiger have all been mentioned as potential reinforcements for Maresca’s backline recently, but Bournemouth starlet Dean Huijsen is said to be a priority target.

Chelsea present "strong offer" to Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen

That is according to reliable Stamford Bridge reporter Simon Phillips, who reported earlier this week that Huijsen’s agent is pushing for him to join Chelsea.

The “sensational” defender, who commands a £50 million release clause, is also attracting interest from Arsenal and Liverpool after an excellent debut campaign in the Premier League.

However, Phillips has now shared another update on the 20-year-old’s future, with Chelsea presenting Huijsen a “strong offer” to join them. As things stand, the Blues are pushing much more than their rivals for his signature, and it is believed the Spain international has reacted “positively” to their proposal.

“Chelsea are the first and only suitor to officially lay down the project and package to Huijsen and his reps,” wrote Phillips.

“To date, no other suitor has gone as far as doing this. Chelsea are absolutely pushing the most right now and are feeling confident of getting their priority centre back target for the summer.

“Huijsen and his reps have reacted positively to the proposals and project, even his father who has been keen for him to join Liverpool over the other interested parties.

“The Spanish international defender will make his final decision when the season is over, but Chelsea feel they have a very strong offer and project on the table and the overall package as well as the promise of regular first-team football, can sway the decision in their favour.”

The former Juventus starlet is set to be one of the most in-demand defenders of the summer, but Chelsea appear to be making serious headway, as they look to win the highly competitive race for his signature.

Chelsea will make contact over signing an England star, following internal talks behind-the-scenes at Stamford Bridge “this week”, with Enzo Maresca’s side mapping out their plans for the looming transfer window.

Chelsea have "big" recruitment plans this summer

As per reliable journalist Simon Phillips, BlueCo have “big” plans for the summer, and are aiming to take full advantage of the special edition early window ahead of their Club World Cup campaign.

Chelsea have held talks with £70m rival forward who allegedly wants to join

The west Londoners could go for him this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025

From June 1 to June 10, Chelsea have a limited opportunity to register and officially sign new players before the CWC kicks off, and it is believed that Maresca’s side want a couple of their top targets through the door in that timeframe.

“Chelsea have some big plans that they are working on, and a number of players that they are looking to sign,” said Phillips in a recent Substack update.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Man City

65

5. Chelsea

63

6. Aston Villa

63

7. Nottingham Forest

62

“There will also be more significant outgoing deals done, but the decision makers at the top of the club will have a lot of work to do and some huge decisions to make.

“First of all, we’ve heard that the club want to get a couple of their new signings in the door before the competition [CWC] starts so that they can get them in and ready for preseason.”

Unfortunately for Maresca, Chelsea appear resigned to missing out on Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, with Real Madrid steaming ahead in the race and already agreeing a deal with the Cherries to pay his £50 million release clause (Fabrizio Romano).

Chelsea were confident of signing Huijsen and reportedly ready to make him a seven-year contract offer, but the Spain starlet’s representatives are now in Madrid as they negotiate terms with Los Blancos.

This story highlights how quickly the transfer market can evolve, not to mention the magnitude of competition facing Chelsea when it comes to signing their top targets.

Chelsea set for Eberechi Eze approach after internal talks this week

Back at the drawing board, those within Chelsea are believed to hold a serious admiration for Crystal Palace star and England international Eberechi Eze.

The attacking midfielder has a £68 million release clause in his contract, and Chelsea had him on their shortlist as far back as last summer. That is according to Phillips once again, who also writes that Chelsea are set to make an approach for Eze following internal discussions “this week”.

The former QPR sensation could win his first ever major trophy before potentially departing this summer after years of being linked with a move away, as Palace take on Man City in the looming FA Cup final.

Following a haul of 12 goals and 11 assists in all competitions, Eze has showcased exactly why he’s been coveted for so long, with Fulham boss Marco Silva also lavishing him as a joy to watch.

“Everyone who loves football should enjoy seeing Eze on the pitch,” said Silva. “He is a top, top young player and has so much quality with everything he does on the pitch.”

Everton have now joined the race to sign an “elite” defender, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League ahead of the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Toffees go out on a high at Goodison

May 18th, 2025 marked the end of an era, with the Toffees playing their last-ever match at Goodison Park before the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and they managed to go out in style, securing a 2-0 win over Southampton courtesy of an Iliman Ndiaye brace.

With Wolverhampton Wanderers losing 4-2 against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night, the Merseysiders are now confirmed to have finished 13th in the Premier League, which is quite a turnaround, given that a relegation battle was on the cards at one stage.

However, David Moyes will know that new recruitments are necessary if his side are to kick on further up the table next season, and the manager is keen to bolster his centre-back options, despite his side having one of the best defensive records in the league this season.

Club

Goals conceded

Arsenal

33

Liverpool

40

Chelsea

43

Manchester City

44

Everton

44

That is according to a report from Ouest-France (via Get Football News France), which states Everton are now interested in a move for Nantes defender Nathan Zeze, who is attracting plenty of interest from a number of English clubs ahead of the summer.

Aston Villa and AFC Bournemouth are also named as potential suitors for Zeze, with the Cherries already having a €20m (£17m) bid knocked back, which suggests an offer in excess of that figure will be needed to get a deal over the line.

It remains to be seen whether the Toffees choose to hijack their Premier League rivals, but it appears as though the 19-year-old’s time at Nantes is coming to an end, with the French club said to have no hope of retaining his services beyond the summer.

The next Richarlison: Everton join race to sign "extraordinary" £30m CF

David Moyes is hoping to sign a new striker at Everton this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025 "Elite" Zeze impressing in Ligue 1

Hailed as being an “elite” young player by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, the Frenchman was an important figure for Nantes when fit last season, making 18 Ligue 1 appearances, and he has proven himself to be adept defensively.

The teenager is particularly impressive at winning back possession, ranking in the 92nd percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, while also placing in the 94th percentile for clearances and 78th for interceptions, compared to other centre-backs.

As mentioned, Everton’s defensive showings have not been a cause for concern this season, but it would make sense to bring in a new young centre-back this summer, given that Michael Keane’s contract is set to come to an end.

As such, Zeze could be a good signing for Everton, at which point the move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium will mark the beginning of an exciting new era for the Toffees.

Manchester United have opened talks over the signing of a “fantastic” player, who is now a prime target, and they are making significant moves to get a deal done, according to a report.

Man Utd's summer rebuild now underway

The Europa League final defeat against Tottenham Hotspur once again underlined the need for Ruben Amorim to have a mass clear-out this summer, and the manager’s rebuild has now commenced, with Matheus Cunha becoming the first player to sign on the dotted line.

However, in order to re-shape his squad more significantly, Amorim may have to sanction some departures, and the manager was seen visibly laughing when questioned about Alejandro Garnacho’s future, amid widespread links to other clubs.

Andre Onana is another player who could be in the firing line, having failed to adapt to life in the Premier League, with Lyon’s Nemanja Matic famously dubbing him “one of the worst keepers in Manchester United history” back in April.

As such, United have been looking at replacements for Onana, and they are now stepping up their pursuit of AS Roma goalkeeper Mile Svilar, opening talks over a deal for the 25-year-old in the past week.

£60m star "wants to join Man Utd" instead of Arsenal as INEOS set to open talks

The Red Devils are looking to seal a deal for an “incredible” player…

1 ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025

That is according to a report from TEAMtalk, which states the Red Devils are now making significant moves to sign Svilar, who could be a low-cost replacement for Onana, with Roma likely to hold out for a fee of around £21m – £25m.

The Serbian would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, but there could be fierce competition for his signature, with Manchester City, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Newcastle United and AS Monaco all monitoring the goalkeeper’s situation in Italy.

"Fantastic" Svilar now prime target for Man Utd

The Belgium-born shot-stopper is said to have been identified as a prime target for Man United this summer, and it is clear to see why, having averaged a very impressive save percentage and clean sheet percentage over the past year, when compared to other goalkeepers.

Mile Svilar Statistics

Average per 90

Save percentage

77.9% (94th percentile)

Goals against

0.96 (92nd percentile)

Clean sheet percentage

38% (86th percentile)

Not only that, but former manager Claudio Ranieri lauded the Serbia international for his performances during the 2024-25 campaign, saying: “Mile is having a fantastic season.

​​​​​​

“When a goalkeeper is not very busy and is suddenly called into action, showing readiness at all times like Mile does, then it means that he is truly a great goalkeeper.”

It is clear that Onana will need to be replaced this summer, having performed very poorly over the past year, and Svilar could be a savvy signing at just £21m, freeing up funds to strengthen other areas of the squad.

If Mikel Arteta could pick any striker in world football to bring to Arsenal this summer then it’s likely Alexander Isak would be at the top of their list.

The Gunners looked at adding the impressive Swede to their ranks before he actually signed for Newcastle, but were reportedly put off by his asking price.

How foolish they were. Isak has become a genuine phenomenon in the following years, notably scoring as many as 27 goals in 42 games throughout the 2024/25 campaign.

In comparison, Arsenal struggled in front of goal. No player scored double figures in the league and their leading bagsman was Kai Havertz on 15.

Sadly, Isak now looks to be off the table. Liverpool are also dreaming of a move but with a reported £150m asking price and the Toon having secured Champions League football, signing the forward is now a pipe dream.

Arsenal's Isak alternatives

Much of the chatter so far this summer has revolved around two men; Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres.

Sesko has been of interest for quite some time now but the asking price of both players, as it did with Isak a few years ago, is proving problematic.

Sesko is now thought to have an asking price of between £68m to £85m. That’s according to Sky Germany who still insist that Arsenal have a ‘positive’ feeling a deal can be done.

So, how about Gyokeres? Well, according to reports from Portuguese outlet, Record, Arsenal have put a £55m offer on the table. That isn’t deemed enough by his club, Sporting CP.

Transfer Focus

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

As a result, the report notes that Andrea Berta and Co are set to turn their attention to another striker. That man is Ollie Watkins.

Indeed, it’s speculated that the Gunners have put their efforts to sign Gyokeres on hold and will begin drawing up plans to sign Watkins instead.

It’s stated that talks have already been held with the Aston Villa forward’s representatives.

Arsenal tried to do a deal for Watkins back in January but with Jhon Duran heading to Saudi, a move felt impossible with all bids rejected.

Why Watkins could become Arsenal's very own Isak

Isak hasn’t just been one of the most impressive centre-forwards in the Premier League, but he’s also now one of the best in Europe, notably even heralded as “the best striker in the world” by analyst Raj Chohan.

Indeed, over the last two seasons, he’s been right up there as far as goal scorers are concerned, bagging 44 in 64 matches. The only two players to better that record? Erling Haaland and Mo Salah.

1. Erling Haaland

62

49

2. Mo Salah

70

47

3. Alexander Isak

64

44

4. Cole Plamer

71

37

5. Ollie Watkins

75

35

6. Chris Wood

67

34

7. Yoanne Wissa

69

31

8. Jean-Philippe Mateta

72

30

As we can see, the aforementioned Watkins is also right up there. Now said to boast an asking price of £40m, he could be around £100m cheaper than Isak which is rather incredible considering there isn’t much to separate the two players in the last two years. Indeed, only a few years ago, one prominent analyst on social media suggested that he was “a €100m player” if he could score goals regularly in the Premier League.

While he may not be as prolific as he was in 2023/24, if we add assists to the mix as well, the Villa star – who won the Premier League’s Playmaker Award in 2023/24 for creating the most goals – is a better all-around package.

In the last two seasons, Isak has registered just eight assists but Watkins has as many as 21. Compared to the Premier League’s best in that time, only Salah has more.

1. Mo Salah

28

70

2. Ollie Watkins

21

75

3. Anthony Elanga

20

74

4. Bukayo Saka

19

60

5. Cole Palmer

19

71

6. Jacob Murphy

19

56

7. Son Heung-min

19

65

8. Bruno Fernandes

18

71

So, there is a clear difference in their chance creation, but as far as their other attributes go, they’re very alike.

Crucially, not only are they both Premier League proven, something that neither Sesko or Gyokeres can shout about, they share similar traits such as the ability to play on the shoulder of the last man and run in behind.

In Havertz and Mikel Merino, Arteta has two players who lead the line with their back to goal. They don’t have the pace of Watkins or Isak to run beyond the defence. It’s an attribute they have sorely missed in the last few seasons.

They’re also rather proficient carriers of the ball. Over the last two seasons, Newcastle’s star man has registered 2.71 progressive carries per 90 minutes, actually beating Watkins’ efforts of 1.81 per 90.

They combine that with raw pace, too. During Euro 2024, Watkins was clocked at a top speed of 32.4 km/h while Isak has previously been clocked at 33.6 km/h. In comparison, Merino was the third-slowest player in the Premier League at one point during 2024/25, hitting a top speed of just 29.7 km/h.

How Arsenal's striker targets compare in 2024/25.

So, it’s evident Arsenal need someone who’s a bit more mobile. Isak would guarantee this but with the Swede off the table, Watkins is surely the next best thing as far as proven players in the English top-flight go.

He’s a competent ball carrier, he’s got pace and he’s more efficient in front of goal than the aforementioned Sesko. He’s also far better at creating chances. Over the last two seasons, the England international has amassed 56 goal contributions while Sesko has only managed 34.

If Arsenal want a win-now solution, Watkins is the man.

He's more proven than Gyokeres: Arsenal in talks to sign £63m "monster"

Arsenal could sign a proven elite striker instead of Viktor Gyokeres.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 15, 2025

Sunderland’s summer transfer window has been choppy so far, with both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson deserting the Black Cats after the ecstasy of promotion.

It hasn’t been all doom and gloom for Regis Le Bris and Co, however, as Enzo Le Fee has at least put pen to paper on a permanent Wearside stay to bolster the midfield areas.

Still, the Frenchman will want more and more new signings to enter the Stadium of Light in their unlikely bid to survive in the Premier League.

The former Lorient boss will surely be prioritising some defensive additions to help his team navigate the frightening step-up in quality, with a new, imposing target now reportedly on their agenda.

Sunderland interested in former Leeds colossus

As per a report from French outlet Jeunes Footeux, Sunderland are interested in landing former Leeds United centre-back Charlie Cresswell this summer, off the back of his impressive stint out in Ligue 1 with Toulouse.

It’s stated that Le Bris wants young, solid players who are already seasoned at the highest level, with Cresswell ticking those boxes for sure, considering he was also in and around the senior picture at Elland Road during the Whites’ brief stays in the Premier League.

Japhet Tanganga s also very much on the Black Cats’ radar as they look to add in some new defensive bodies here and there, with the Millwall brute perhaps gaining somewhat of an advantage when you glance at his modest £1.2m valuation.

But, if Sunderland are willing to pay a few million on top of Tanganga’s price-tag, they could win themselves an upgrade on the ex-Tottenham Hotspur youth product in Cresswell, with the 22-year-old no doubt champing at the bit to return to England to prove himself further.

Why Cresswell would be an upgrade on Tanganga

Cresswell has settled into life in the top division in France swimmingly, meaning he could be ready to take the plunge back into the English game with the newly promoted Black Cats.

This season for Toulouse, Cresswell would chip in with four strikes when putting his lofty 6-foot-3 frame to effective use, alongside also coming away from his 31 appearances in Ligue 1 with a respectable tally of nine clean sheets.

Tanganga did end up with 14 clean sheets of his own in the Championship, but he was present for nine more games at the heart of defence for the Lions than Cresswell was for Carles Martínez Novell’s men, away from falling short of the 22-year-old’s goal total by one.

Regardless, Cresswell has actually shown off his strengths as a no-nonsense centre-back option at the Den himself away from Tanganga’s standout campaign, with the table below further backing up why he might be worth the extra cash at around the £8m ballpark, as per Transfermarkt.

Games played

28

31

Goals scored

4

3

Assists

2

1

Touches*

53.5

63.3

Accurate passes*

28.1 (71%)

41.2 (83%)

Total duels won*

7.6

4.9

Clean sheets

5

9

Indeed, the table proves that Cresswell can battle it out in England, away from just his spells in the Leeds senior mix, with a ridiculous 7.6 duels won on average during his breakout 22/23 campaign in South East London. To add context, Tanganga only won 5.8 last season, on the contrary.

Moreover, with a full Ligue 1 season now under his belt which saw him collect nine clean sheets – which is two more than his former Spurs counterpart ever managed in North London in the elite division – Sunderland could now direct all their focus on attempting to land the Preston-born youngster, over winning a cut-price deal for Tanganga.

Currently out with England at the U21s Euros, where he’s rubbing shoulders with the likes of Premier League regulars Harvey Elliott and Elliot Anderson, the “outstanding” star – as he’s been glowing labelled in the past by Leeds content creator Joe Wainman – will believe the time is right for him to make this next move.

Sunderland will be hopeful he can be one key part of the puzzle that secures survival.

Sunderland plot move for "amazing" £15m+ star who scored 19 goals in 24/25

The Black Cats are eyeing reinforcements through the middle…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 15, 2025

Russell Martin’s mass-squad overhaul at Rangers is in full swing.

So far this summer, the Ibrox side have signed Lyall Cameron and Max Aarons, but plenty more arrivals are forecast in the coming weeks and days, with the start of Champions League qualifying just over three weeks away.

Now, centre-forward has to be a priority position for the Light Blues, so have they identified their dream target?

Rangers targeting a new striker

Rangers’ selection of centre-forwards could look rather different come the start of next season.

Transfer Focus

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As has been widely reported for weeks, AEK Athens are attempting to sign Cyriel Dessers, with the Greek side having bid £5m for the Nigerian international, while Rangers are holding out for £6m.

Meantime, Hamza Igamane appears poised to depart too, with Lille leading the race to sign him, but Foot Mercato claim that fellow Ligue 1 clubs Strasbourg and Rennes are ‘still in the running’ to secure the Moroccan’s signature.

Thus, potentially in the market for two new strikers, Israeli outlet 5 Sport claim that Rangers are ‘willing to pay’ Maccabi Tel Aviv’s £5m asking price for Dor Turgeman.

They add that a deal will not be finalised until either Dessers or Igamane are sold, but that Turgeman ‘has expressed a desire’ to join the Glasgow giants.

Blair Meikle of the Glasgow Times also notes that the Israeli Premier League champions have already signed Ion Nicolaescu from Heerenveen this summer, further evidence that they’re preparing for life after Turgeman, but what would he bring to Rangers?

Why Dor Turgeman could be Rangers' next Alfredo Morelos

It’s pretty impossible to dispute the fact that, since Rangers won promotion back to the Premiership nine years ago, Alfredo Morelos is the best striker they have had.

After joining from HJK Helsinki for a reported fee of £1m in June 2017, the Colombian international scored 124 goals in 269 appearances for the Gers, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer in Europe, breaking Ally McCoist’s long-standing record.

So, let’s take a look at how el Bufalo compares to the club’s other strikers from the past decade.

Cyriel Dessers

2023-present

109

51

6

Hamza Igamane

2024-present

46

16

4

Danilo

2023-present

48

12

1

Alfredo Morelos

2017-22

269

124

29

Jermain Defoe

2018-22

74

32

3

Kemar Roofe

2020-24

102

38

5

Antonio Čolak

2022-23

39

18

3

As the table outlines, none of Rangers’ other centre-forwards come close to Morelos when it comes to longevity, as well as his sheer volume of goals in UEFA competitions; only Henrik Larsson, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Klaas-Jan Huntelaar have ever scored more than his 32 goals in the Europa League, when qualifiers are included.

So, could Turgeman replicate his success?

Well, writer Kai Watson labels the Israeli “quality”, adding he has “room to improve”, while adding elsewhere that he is “lethal inside the box” and an excellent ball carrier.

So, let’s assess Turgeman’s recent career statistics.

2024/25

44

20

6

2023/24

49

11

2

Turgeman’s international career

Israel U21

7

2

0

Israel senior team

10

1

1

As the table underlines, Turgeman took his goalscoring exploits to new heights last season, finishing as the third-highest scorer in Ligat ha’Al.

He has also earned international recognition, a key figure in the Israel team that reached the semi-finals of the U21 Euros two years ago, scoring against Germany during that tournament, before opening his senior account against Norway back in March.

Pertinently, with regards to the Morelos comparison, the 21-year-old does have five goals in UEFA competitions to his name so far, netting against Panevėžys, TSC Bačka Topola, Celje and, most notably, Real Sociedad in either the Conference League or Europa League across the last two seasons.

Nene Afadzinu of Football Talent Scout outlines how Turgeman operates best as a ‘focal point’, while praising his ‘excellent first touch’, hold-up play and pressing.

Thus, the Israeli has already shown plenty of quality at a young age, meaning he appears to have all the attributes to be a success at Ibrox and prove to be the perfect Igamane replacement.

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