All posts by z3u9t.icu

Another season gone, and another second-place finish in the Premier League for Arsenal.

In their defence, Mikel Arteta’s side have had to deal with a seemingly never-ending stream of injuries this term, but even then, it’s undeniably disappointing to fail to win the title at the third time of asking.

Moreover, instead of losing to Manchester City, Liverpool comfortably beat the Gunners this time, with Mohammed Salah stepping up and taking Erling Haaland’s crown as the most dangerous attacker in the league.

1

Salah

Liverpool

37

28

2

Isak

Newcastle

33

23

3

Haaland

Man City

29

21

4

Wood

Forest

35

20

5

Mbeumo

Brentford

37

19

5

Wissa

Brentford

34

19

Unfortunately, outside of maybe Bukayo Saka, the North Londoners don’t really have a forward player capable of racking up as many goals as those two, although that could be about to change, as, based on recent reports, the club are looking to sign a goalscoring phenomenon who could be their own Haaland.

Arsenal's striker search

Before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other strikers who have been liked with Arsenal in recent weeks, such as Benjamin Sesko and Joao Pedro.

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 could reportedly now cost up to £75m due to his release clause increasing, but considering he’s scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 games at just 21 years old, he may well be worth it.

Pedro’s price tag of up to £100m might not be, as while he is talented, a tally of ten goals and six assists in 27 games isn’t exactly game-breaking.

Moreover, if the club are going to sign their own Haaland, they need an unbelievably prolific striker, someone like Viktor Gyokeres.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the Swedish striker and are now ‘prepared to make a serious effort’ to get a deal over the line.

The report has revealed that the Gunners are currently leading the race to sign the Sporting CP ace and have already offered him a long-term contract until 2030 worth up to £10m a year, or around £192k-per-week.

Moreover, the report claims that the North Londoners are hopeful of getting their man for a fee of around €70m, which is about £59m.

It will be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Gyokeres’ immense ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could be Arsenal’s own Haaland.

How Gyokeres would be Arsenal's Haaland

So, if Arsenal can get ahead of the other interested parties and bring Gyokeres to the club this summer, why could he turn into their own Haaland?

Well, by their own version of the Norwegian goal machine, we simply mean an attacker who is such a tour de force up top that he becomes a talisman and someone who can be the difference between winning it all and falling short.

For example, even though he’s been injured for large parts of the season, the Manchester City star has still scored 30 goals and provided four assists, while last season, he racked up 38 goals and seven assists, while he managed an astounding 52 goals and nine assists in the Sky Blues’ treble-winning 22/23 campaign.

Now, we aren’t saying that the Sporting CP “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is going to quite hit those numbers for the North Londoners next year, but based on his performances in Portugal, he could still be a huge source of goals for them.

For example, in his first season in Lisbon, the 23-year-old “powerhouse,” as dubbed by Mattinson, scored 43 goals and provided 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4169 minutes, which comes out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game, or one every 71.87 minutes.

He has somehow been even better this season, scoring 53 goals and providing 13 assists in 51 appearances, totalling 4128 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.29 games, or every 62.54 minutes.

Add to those numbers the fact he’s also managed to score 15 goals and provided six assists in 26 national team appearances, and it’s impossible to deny the fact that he’s a striker of the highest calibre and stands every chance of having a similar impact on Arteta’s side that Haaland has had on Pep’s.

1

Gyokeres

33

39

1.18

2

Mbappe

33

29

0.88

3

Salah

37

28

0.76

4

Kane

31

26

0.84

5

Lewandowski

33

25

0.71

Therefore, while it won’t be cheap, Arsenal should do all they can to sign Gyokeres this summer, as he could be the difference between finishing second again next year and finally getting over the line.

Arsenal progressing in talks to sign £51m "mini Salah" who could rival Saka

Arsenal could sign themselves a Mini Salah this summer.

ByMatt Dawson May 19, 2025

There may be a European final to play next week, but that hasn’t stopped a mountain of players being linked with moves to Tottenham Hotspur in the summer.

One of the most exciting links to come out this week has been to Lyon star Rayan Cherki, who could reportedly be available for as little as £19m.

The young Frenchman has been on fire for Lyon this year, racking up an impressive haul of eight goals and ten assists in 29 league appearances alone.

However, he’s not the only wide player touted for a move to Spurs, and if recent reports are to be believed, Daniel Levy and Co may be planning to go with an incredible alternative.

Tottenham transfer news

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at a couple of other wingers linked with Spurs, such as Daizen Maeda and Jamie Gittens.

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 could be available for just £25m this summer, which might end up being an incredible deal, as in just 49 appearances for Celtic this season, he’s scored a staggering 33 goals and provided 12 assists.

Gittens hasn’t been quite as prolific, but the fact he’s managed to rack up an impressive tally of 12 goals and five assists in 47 games at just 20 years old suggests he’d be worth the £59m he’d reportedly cost.

Yet, if Spurs really want to ensure they take a step forward in attack next season, they’d do well to act on their interest in Eberechi Eze.

According to a recent report from Football Insider, Spurs are planning to launch a bid to sign the Crystal Palace star this summer.

Interestingly, while the Englishman has a £68m release clause in his current deal, the North Londoners plan to make an offer lower than that.

It could be a complicated deal to get done, but given Eze’s incredible ability, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a dream Cherki alternative.

Why Eze would be a great Cherki alternative

So, in an ideal world, Spurs would go out and sign both players, but if they can only get one, or Cherki is signed by another team, why would Eze be a perfect alternative, if not the better option overall?

Well, first and foremost, the Palace star is a known quantity with an abundance of experience in English football and, most importantly, the Premier League, making 144 appearances in the competition thus far.

This is important, as while the Frenchman could be something really special, we already know the Englishman is a sensational player and someone who can thrive in arguably world football’s toughest league.

Furthermore, he’d be joining the North Londoners off the back of another stellar campaign with the Eagles.

For example, in 40 appearances, totalling 3142 minutes, the 26-year-old “magician,” as dubbed by pundit Micah Richards, has scored 12 goals and provided 11 assists.

Appearances

40

Minutes

3142

Goals

12

Assosts

11

Goal Involvements per Match

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvement

136.60

That means the former Queens Park Ranges gem is currently averaging a goal involvement every 1.73 games, or every 136.60 minutes.

Finally, on top of being able to play off the left and in attacking midfield, the full England international has shown he can thrive in the big moments, as it was his sensational strike from outside the area that opened the scoring in Palace’s FA Cup Semi-Final triumph over Aston Villa last month.

Ultimately, Eze is an undeniably incredible footballer, and if Spurs have the chance to sign him this summer, they have to take it, regardless of what happens with Cherki.

Spurs must sell £60m "monster" who's wanted by the biggest club in the world

The incredible international should be moved on by Spurs before it’s too late.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 13, 2025

With one eye on Champions League qualification and the other on the summer transfer window, Newcastle United have reportedly set their sights on signing a future star.

Where Newcastle stand in Champions League race

The second-half of the current campaign has so far been one to remember for Newcastle, who even managed to end their long wait for a trophy by picking up the Carabao Cup in March. Now vying to finish a successful season by qualifying for Champions League football for the second time in three seasons, Eddie Howe’s side have their fate firmly in their own grasp as they head into the final four games.

Liverpool (C)

82

34

Arsenal

67

34

Newcastle United

62

34

Manchester City

61

34

Chelsea

60

34

Nottingham Forest

60

33

Aston Villa

57

34

With the top five all qualifying for the Champions League, Newcastle currently have a two-point buffer on Nottingham Forest, who have a game in hand to break back into the all important places. Even if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side win that game in hand, however, it would be Chelsea who drop out of the top five and not Newcastle, who would move down to fourth.

The importance of a place amongst Europe’s elite cannot be overstated either, especially for Newcastle. Those at St James’ Park have been forced to sit back and watch in the last two transfer windows, but Champions League qualification should mean that their spending can commence under their rich PIF ownership.

Romano: Newcastle "keen on signing" £70m "tank" with same agent as Gordon

They’ve wanted him for ages.

ByBarney Lane Apr 27, 2025

Just who arrives if that is the case remains to be seen. Already, names such as Liam Delap and Ademola Lookman have been mentioned, but before the stars arrive it may well be a teenage sensation who emerges to commence Newcastle’s summer window.

Newcastle plotting move to sign James Wilson

According to The Chronicle, Newcastle now want to sign James Wilson from Hearts this summer after PIF stepped up their scouting mission in Scotland and the 18-year-old talent stood out. A player who already has a senior Scotland cap to his name, Wilson is certainly one to keep an eye on as Newcastle plot an impressive summer swoop.

At just 18 years old, the forward has already been making his mark in the Scottish Premiership too – scoring five goals in 20 games and even finding the back of the net once in the Europa Conference League. When given the chance, Wilson has simply enjoyed every moment of the spotlight.

Earning impressive praise as a result, former Hearts boss Neil Critchley told reporters when asked about Wilson’s Scotland debut: “It’s an unbelievable achievement. To be the youngest Scottish international player ever is an incredible achievement. It’s one him and his family should be extremely proud of.

“You could see the lift and the excitement it gave him. He’s come back here with a permanent smile on his face. We’ve actually allowed him into the senior dressing-room this week. Shanks [Lawrence Shankland] and Craigy [Craig Gordon] have let him in. I say that, it was more Goggsy the kit man who gave his blessing! So he’s in for the first time.”

Celtic secured their place in the final of the SFA Cup on Sunday with a comfortable 5-0 victory.

Brendan Rodgers’ Hoops, who are also on the verge of winning the Premiership, now have the chance to complete a domestic treble, having already won the League Cup earlier this term.

Rodgers failed to secure the treble in his first season back at Parkhead last summer after his side lost to Kilmarnock in their first League Cup outing at the start of the campaign.

The club’s success in the League Cup in the first half of the current term, however, has provided them with the chance to win the treble by getting the Premiership and the SFA Cup over the line.

Celtic’s form in the second half of the season has been boosted by the arrival of Jota on a permanent deal in the recent January transfer window, joining from Rennes 18 months after his move from Glasgow to Al-Ittihad.

Jota's current market value at Celtic

At the time of writing, the Portuguese forward is currently valued at roughly £7.7m by Transfermarkt. Sky Sports reported that the club paid a fee of £8m to sign him from Rennes at the start of this year, which suggests that they negotiated a reasonable deal for the winger.

That came 18 months after they had sold him to Al-Ittihad for a staggering fee of £25m – a deal that now looks like a masterclass with the benefit of hindsight.

As you can see in the graphic above, Jota had already proven his quality in the Premiership for the Hoops during his first two seasons with the club under Ange Postecoglou in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns.

The former Rennes speedster has made an instant impact in the division for Rodgers with a return of four goals and two assists in six starts in the league, along with three ‘big chances’ created.

Goals

0.67

Top 3.9%

Expected Goals

0.51

Top 3.9%

xG on target

0.72

Top 1%

Shots on target

1.51

Top 1%

Assists

0.34

Top 17.6%

Expected Assists

0.39

Top 7.8%

Chances created

2.01

Top 21.6%

As you can see in the table above, Jota has been one of the most impactful forwards in the Premiership since his return to Celtic, ranking highly among his positional peers as both a scorer and a creator of goals from a wide position.

Despite his £25m move to Al-Ittihad and his exceptional form on the pitch for the Scottish giants in recent months, there are several players in the current squad who are worth even more than him at this moment in time.

Celtic players who are worth more than Jota

At a market valuation of £7.7m, there are not too many players in the squad who are worth more than the Portuguese attacker, but there are a few of them.

There are six Celtic stars who are worth more than £7.7m, as per Transfermarkt, and the most valuable of those six is Cameron Carter-Vickers, who has a valuation of £11.9m.

Cameron Carter-Vickers

27

£11.9m

Arne Engels

21

£10.2m

Nicolas Kuhn

25

£10.2m

Reo Hatate

27

£9.4m

Daizen Maeda

27

£9.4m

Alistair Johnston

26

£8.5m

Arne Engels, Nicolas Kuhn, Reo Hatate, Daizen Maeda, and Alistair Johnston are all also worth more than Jota at this moment in time, as they are all worth £8.5m or more.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Celtic have hit the jackpot with these stars, who are currently regulars in Rodgers’ first-team squad, and one player they have played a huge blinder with is Hatate, because of how much his market value has soared over the years.

Why Celtic have hit the jackpot with Reo Hatate

The Hoops struck gold when they swooped to sign the Japanese midfielder from Kawasaki Frontale for a reported fee of just £1.4m at the start of 2022.

Looking back on it, £1.4m was a nominal fee to pay for a player who has provided the quality and longevity that Hatate has during his time in Glasgow to date, with a return of 26 goals and 28 assists in 138 matches in all competitions for the club to date.

The Japan international, who recently scored two goals in a 5-1 win over Kilmarnock, has proven himself to be a central midfielder who can chip in with goals and assists to be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch.

His performances on the pitch for Celtic over the past three years or so have also caused his market value on Transfermarkt to skyrocket up from the £685k it was at when he signed for the club in January 2022.

January 2022

£685k

June 2022

£2.1m

December 2022

£3.6m

March 2023

£5.5m

June 2023

£9.4m

March 2024

£8.5m

December 2024

£9.4m

As you can see in the table above, Hatate’s market value has soared to £9.4m from the £1.4m fee that the club paid for him just over three years ago, which shows that the initial fee paid for the star was a fantastic investment from the Hoops.

In fact, former Celtic icon Stiliyan Petrov recently claimed that it is “priceless” to have a player of his quality in the middle of the park, because of his ability to score and create goals from a midfield position.

Hatate has scored nine goals and provided four assists in 24 Premiership starts so far this season, which illustrates how effective he has been in the final third, and will be looking to end the campaign in style after his brace against Kilmarnock last time out in the division.

Overall, Celtic have hit the jackpot with the midfielder because they snapped up him for a modest fee and he has developed into a highly-valuable asset, who is worth even more than Jota, as well as being a key player for Rodgers on the pitch with his superb performances n midfield.

Value soared £9.5m: Celtic hit gold with star sold for more than Kyogo

Celtic hit the jackpot with this star who was sold for more than Kyogo Furuhashi was.

ByDan Emery Apr 17, 2025

West Bromwich Albion now want to appoint an “outstanding” 3-4-3 coach to replace the sacked Tony Mowbray, according to a recent report.

West Brom sack Tony Mowbray

The Baggies appointed Mowbray as their new head coach in January, as a replacement for Carlos Corberan, who left to join La Liga side Valencia. Mowbray joined the Midlands side on a two-and-a-half-year deal, and it was his second spell at The Hawthorns after he led the club to the 2007/08 Championship title.

West Brom can finally axe Diangana by unleashing “special" 21-year-old star

Tony Mowbray could forget about Grady Diangana by unleashing this special West Bromwich Albion prospect.

ByKelan Sarson Apr 17, 2025

This was Mowbray’s first job in football since his recent illness that saw him leave Birmingham City. West Brom hoped that his arrival would help them not only remain in the play-off race but also help them get back into the Premier League. However, just five wins in 18 games have seen the Baggies fall way short of the play-offs, and with them six points behind the top six, with two games to go, the West Brom hierarchy have decided a change is needed once again.

West Brom said in a statement: “The club would like to place on record its thanks to Tony and Mark for their efforts – but has made the decision to part company following a series of poor results.

“Tony and Mark will forever be welcome at The Hawthorns, and their contributions to the club winning the 2007-08 Championship title will never be forgotten.”

West Brom want 3-4-3 Spurs coach to replace Mowbray

Former Albion midfielder James Morrison has been placed in interim charge, but going forward, the Baggies are keen to bring in a highly-rated coach to take them forward. According to reliable reporter Alan Nixon, relayed by West Brom News, West Brom have placed Tottenham’s Ryan Mason as their top target to replace Mowbray.

It is stated that Mason, who is a former midfielder for Spurs and has been caretaker manager for the Premier League side on a few occasions, is at the top of the Baggies’ wishlist for new managers. The report goes on to add that West Brom may have to wait to appoint Mason, though, as Spurs’ involvement in the Europa League means he will likely see out the campaign with the London side.

But West Brom could be willing to wait to appoint Mason, whose preferred formation as a coach is 3-4-3. Since retiring from football in 2018, Mason has been working at Spurs in various roles. He worked with the club’s academy for a couple of years before being promoted to the first team as coach, working under managers such as José Mourinho, Antonio Conte, and now Ange Postecoglou.

Games

13

Won

6

Drawn

1

Lost

6

Mason has impressed a lot of people while working at Spurs, with Postecoglou labelling the 33-year-old “outstanding” for his work on set-pieces.

Postecoglou said: “Ryan Mason is in charge of set pieces; he’s done an outstanding job all year, and Mile [Jedinak], I thought in defensive set pieces we were brilliant again because they have a threat there.”

Here’s a not particularly original statement: Arsenal should probably sign a striker!

The Gunners’ Premier League title hopes have been over for a while now, and it’s their lack of attacking firepower that supporters want to see addressed in the summer.

Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Brentford was the 22nd time in all competitions Mikel Arteta’s team have scored either zero or one goal in a match, doing so in a whopping 50% of their Premier League fixtures.

Thus, do the Gunners lead the race for one of Europe’s most sought-after centre-forwards?

Which striker are Arsenal seeking to sign?

According to a report by Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal are hoping to complete the signing of Sporting Clube de Portugal striker Viktor Gyökeres, who he believes will be available for as little as £55m 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.

David Ornstein and James McNicholas of the Athletic previously reported that the Gunners have ‘developed a strong interest’ in the Swedish international striker, with recently appointed new sporting director Andrea Berta described as a long-term admirer.

They add that Arteta’s preference would actually be to sign Gyökeres’ international teammate Alexander Isak, but Newcastle United ‘have no intention’ of selling their most-prized asset, let alone to a direct rival.

So, could Gyökeres be the final piece in the jigsaw?

How Gyokeres would improve Arsenal's attack

Both Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz are currently sidelined long-term; the Brazilian ruptured his ACL against Manchester United in the FA Cup in January, while the German required hamstring surgery after suffering this injury during the warm-weather training camp in Dubai.

However, despite scoring 29 goals for the club, Havertz was never supposed to be Arsenal’s striker, initially signed as a midfielder.

Jesus, meantime, simply has not been the same since suffering a knee injury against Cameroon at the last World Cup, as the table below outlines.

Appearances

22

74

Minutes

1,453

4,008

Goals

5

21

Minutes per goal

291

190

Assists

6

14

Minutes per assist

242

286

Matches missed due to injury

0

48

% of matches missed

0

37.8%

As the table outlines, Jesus simply cannot be counted upon due to fitness reasons and is unlikely to feature again until Christmas, so he cannot be in Arteta’s immediate plans.

As a result, for now, Mikel Merino is spearheading Arsenal’s attack, his stunning strike against Real Madrid last Tuesday actually his eighth for the club, six of which have come since becoming the emergency striker at Leicester in February.

Nevertheless, Gyökeres would be a clear upgrade on the Spaniard, as his remarkable statistics at Sporting prove.

Appearances

95

Minutes

7,779

Goals

87

Minutes per goal

89

Assists

26

Statistics

Gyökeres in UCL

UCL rank

Goals

6

13th

Goals per 90

0.89

7th

Shots per 90

3.26

24th

Goals – xG (min 4 goals)

+1.5

15th

Gyökeres’ statistics at Sporting are obviously frightening, hence why Romano has labeled him a “goal machine”, adding that he is “wanted by several clubs for the summer”.

Meanwhile, Ben Mattinson of Breaking the Lines believes the Swede is a ‘clinical finisher with great movement’, also impressed by his ‘link-up play, physicality…. [and] top-quality ball-striking’.

Speaking on the Arsecast Extra, Andrew Mangan claims Gyökeres would represent a ‘win now’ signing, which is exactly what Arsenal are attempting to do, hence why they should push the boat out to make this move happen. He’s be a phenomenal upgrade on their current options.

Their answer to Isak: Arsenal in talks to sign "the new Erling Haaland"

Arsenal could sign their answer to Alexander Isak in a £60m deal.

4 ByMatt Dawson Apr 13, 2025

Liverpool’s victory over bitter rivals Everton last night saw Arne Slot’s side claim their 22nd Premier League win of the season, pushing them one step closer to the title.

The Reds may have struggled to produce their best display, but Diogo Jota’s strike in the 57th minute secured all three points – making amends for their draw against the Toffees in February.

Slot’s side now have a 12-point buffer over Arsenal with just eight league outings remaining – looking to be in pole position to claim their second title in the last six seasons.

Serious credit should be given in the direction of the Dutchman for his work in 2024/25, allowing for a seamless transition after taking the reins from Jürgen Klopp in the summer.

Numerous players managed to thrive in the Derby Day environment, many of which will have given the manager a selection headache ahead of the last couple of outings.

Liverpool’s star performers against Everton

Curtis Jones was forced to operate in a natural right-back role given the injuries to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Bradley over the last few weeks.

However, the academy graduate produced a superb display, completing 93% of the passes he attempted, whilst also completing 100% of dribbles – thriving with the ball at his feet.

Luis Diaz has been an inconsistent figure in recent months, only netting one goal in 2025, but managed to tee up Jota for the only goal of the encounter.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore.

The Colombian created six chances during his spell on the pitch – the most of any player – whilst also completing five dribbles, highlighting the threat he posed in the final third.

One other first-team member impressed throughout, undoubtedly cementing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet as a result of his showing.

The Liverpool player who’s now as important as Salah

Mohamed Salah has been a crucial reason for Liverpool’s success in 2024/25, registering a staggering 54 combined goal contributions in his 44 outings to date.

However, the Egyptian’s future remains up in the air with just a couple of months remaining on his contract, with no news yet to be released on whether he will sign a new deal.

Undoubtedly, losing a player of his quality would be a huge loss for the Reds, with the hierarchy desperately needing to prevent losing the star man on a free transfer.

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has enjoyed a superb rise during his compatriot’s reign, becoming a key player in their success and cementing his place at the heart of the side.

He’s started every single Premier League outing this campaign, notching two assists and forming an excellent partnership with Alexis Mac Allister in recent months.

Last night was no different for the 22-year-old, completing 72 passes at a completion rate of 89%, with ten of his passes going into the final third and finding a teammate.

Minutes played

90

Touches

102

Passes completed

72/81 (89%)

Passes into final third

10

Dribbles completed

1/1 (100%)

Clearances made

2

Interceptions made

2

He also notched a tally of 102 touches, whilst also managing to complete a dribble and looking positive every time he had the ball at his feet.

Chalkboard

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

Defensively, he also managed to impress, making two clearances and two interceptions whilst also managing to make seven recoveries – highlighting his impressive performance at the base of midfield.

As a result of his showing, he was handed a 7/10 match rating by Football Insider journalist Toby Wilding, showcasing how impressive his showing was for Slot’s men.

Given his performance, it’s evident that the former Bayern Munich man has enjoyed a revival at Anfield, looking to be a shrewd addition under his compatriot.

His showing last night was evidence of the talent possesses, undoubtedly being one of the first names on the teamsheet, arguably being as important as Salah to Slot given his emergence this season.

He's better than Frimpong: Liverpool working on deal to sign "complete" RB

Liverpool are already working on a deal to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 2, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have been a club known to produce elite talent over recent years, with many of them making the jump into the professional game and having a huge impact in the first-team.

Harry Kane is arguably the biggest example in recent years, as the Englishman rose through the academy setup before cementing his place as the Lilywhites’ starting centre forward.

He racked up a total of 280 goals during his decade in the first team in North London, with such a record still remaining as the best tally of any player in their club’s history.

However, it wasn’t enough to catapult the side to any Premier League glory, with Thomas Frank the latest boss try and achieve such a feat in the near future.

His chances of potential success in the role could well be boosted in the years ahead, especially if one player is able to make a jump similar to Kane during the Dane’s tenure.

Why Williams-Barnett could be the future of Spurs

Spurs fans have been given yet another youngster to be excited about in the past couple of months after the emergence of academy star Luca Williams-Barnett.

The 17-year-old attacking midfielder joined the youth setup at U10 level, subsequently spending seven years in the ranks, with the last few months seeing the teenager enjoy a breakthrough.

He’s already made his first-team debut, coming off the bench in the Carabao Cup against Doncaster Rovers this campaign, but it’s his numbers in the youth ranks which has caught the eye.

In his 14 appearances across all competitions, Williams-Barnett has already racked up an incredible tally of 22 goal contributions – broken down into 15 goals and seven assists.

The youngster played in the UEFA Youth League clash against Slavia Prague on Tuesday night, with the attacker registering five goals in their 9-1 triumph over the Czech outfit.

After such a showing, Frank named the teenager on the substitutes bench for the first-team for the Champions League clash last night, but he was unable to get onto the pitch.

However, at just 17, there’s no denying the future is bright for the youngster, with Williams-Barnett undoubtedly a player who could be a key asset in North London for many years to come.

The Spurs star who’s a bigger talent than Williams-Barnett

Despite the academy producing numerous top-level talents in years gone by, the hierarchy have also invested money in the transfer market to try and land players for the future.

Lucas Bergvall joined the Lilywhites last summer for a reported £8m from homeland club Djurgarden, with many expecting the teenager to originally link up with the youth team.

However, the massive injury crisis in North London during 2024/25 handed the Swede the chance to stake his claim, subsequently making 45 appearances across all competitions.

Even after Frank’s appointment, he’s remained as a key member of the squad, as seen by his tally of 19 outings – even netting his first Premier League goal against West Ham United.

Bergvall isn’t the only top young talent who could have a huge impact in the near future, with centre-back Luka Vuskovic another player who could be a first-team regular in the years ahead.

The Croatian joined in a £12m deal from Hajduk Split despite being just 16, with his move to join the Lilywhites only being confirmed during the recent summer window.

The defender, who’s now 18, has already racked up 74 senior appearances despite his tender age, with all of which to date coming away from North London.

Such numbers undoubtedly make him a bigger talent than Williams-Barnett, especially considering he’s already starring in one of Europe’s top-five leagues in 2025/26.

Vuskovic is currently spending the season on loan at Bundesliga side Hamburg, which has resulted in the teenager producing some remarkable figures at both ends of the pitch.

The youngster, who’s been labelled a “freak of nature” by one analyst, has already netted twice this season – including an incredible scorpion kick effort in the recent clash with Werder Bremen.

However, his underlying stats in the defensive third are just as impressive, which highlights why he’s already a bigger talent than Lilywhites star Williams-Barnett.

Vuskovic has been a sensational option in possession this campaign, as seen by his tallies of 86% passes completed and 100% dribbles completed to date.

Games played

11

Goals scored

2

Pass accuracy

86%

Dribbles completed

100%

Duels won

7.5

Duel success rate

67%

Aerials won

5.3

Aerial success

81%

Recoveries made

4.1

Such numbers could make him the perfect ball-playing option in Frank’s system, whilst also having the potential to improve in the future given his tender age.

However, out of possession, the Croatian star has also dominated, as seen by his tally of 7.5 duels won per 90 and his 81% aerial success rate in Germany’s top-flight.

The club’s £12m investment in his signature two years ago is no doubt already appearing to be a bargain, with Vuskovic undoubtedly their long-term solution at the heart of the defence.

His immediate impact on the professional game is nothing short of phenomenal, with his recent showings for Hamburg already handing the fanbase reasons to be excited for the future.

Fewer touches than Vicario & only 9 passes: Spurs flop must now be dropped

Thomas Frank must now drop one Tottenham Hotspur player after the Slavia Prague victory.

ByEthan Lamb 2 days ago

One of the targets Leeds United have for the January transfer window seems to be a new striker. Despite bringing Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha in for free over the summer, they have been lacklustre in front of goal, and are now set to sign a new number nine.

Indeed, that player could be Troy Parrott. The former Tottenham Hotspur star is said to be a key target for the Whites going into the winter transfer window.

However, the 49ers will not have a clear run at his signature, with Wolverhampton Wanderers also keen on the £20m-rated star.

Indeed, the Irish international is a man in excellent goalscoring form, sparking such interest.

Why Leeds want to sign Parrott

£20m is a small fee in the current transfer market, and Parrott certainly seems like he’d be worth that sort of price. The 23-year-old has been in excellent goalscoring form this season for both his club, Eredivisie side AZ Alkmaar, and his country, Ireland.

For the Dutch top-flight side, the Spurs academy graduate has bagged an impressive 14 goals in 15 appearances, chipping in with a couple of assists, too. His form in the Eredivisie has been scintillating, with seven goals in eight appearances.

However, what has really stood out of late is Parrott’s form for Ireland.

He became a national hero earlier in the month, bagging five times in just two World Cup qualifiers to help guide his side to the playoffs and keep their dream of going Stateside next summer well and truly alive.

The 33-cap Ireland star kicked off November’s qualifiers by scoring twice to sink Portugal in a 2-0 win. Next up was a game against Hungary, in which the centre-forward bagged a remarkable hat-trick, scoring the third in stoppage time, to secure a 3-2 win and a playoff spot.

To fund the signing of Ireland’s striker, though, Leeds might first have to sell one of their highest earners.

The player Leeds must now sell

After a summer of heavy spending under the new 49ers regime, there is no saying just how much Leeds will have at their disposal in January.

The reported £20m fee for Parrott isn’t too expensive in the grand scheme of things, but who knows how much the Whites have left in the bank?

Thus, it might be the case that Jack Harrison has to depart the club in January. He has not been in good form this season after returning to the club following two years on loan at Everton, and isn’t necessarily loved by the fans. They even booed him in a preseason friendly upon his return.

Indeed, Harrison has not been the most trusted lieutenant this season under Daniel Farke. He’s played ten times in the Premier League, but has only started once and has racked up just 262 minutes.

Whilst the Stoke-born winger has yet to bag this term, he has scored 34 times and assisted 32 for Leeds across his career.

Perhaps the highlight of that was a hat-trick away to West Ham United back in 2022. However, he simply can’t reach that sort of form nowadays.

As for his time as an Everton player, those were a forgettable couple of seasons. The former Middlesbrough star played 73 games for the Toffees, but could only muster nine goals and assists.

Premier League legend Gary Neville said at the end of last season that his “quality’s been poor” for the Merseysiders.

It is easy to see why Harrison might be the fall guy for Leeds if they are to sell someone. Valued at £10.5m by Transfermarkt, he is also the second-highest earner at the club, on £90k per week, a yearly total of £4.68m.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

£100k

£5.2m

Jack Harrison

£90k

£4.68m

Sean Longstaff

£80k

£4.16m

Daniel James

£75k

£3.9m

Noah Okafor

£72.5k

£3.77m

Selling Harrison this winter could help Leeds raise the funds they need to add to their squad up front. Depth on the left wing is not necessarily an issue, with Noah Okafor and Wilfried Gnonto both fighting it out for a starting spot out there.

If Leeds can help themselves sign Parrott by selling Harrison, a player who hasn’t exactly set the world alight with his form this term, then it might be an excellent piece of business.

He's a lot like Bielsa: Leeds could sack Farke for "special" 4-2-3-1 manager

Leeds United could finally dismiss Daniel Farke and replace him with their next Marcelo Bielsa.

ByKelan Sarson Nov 24, 2025

Manchester United are building for the future under Ruben Amorim, and he now appears to have made key decisions on two of his most high-profile Old Trafford stars.

The Red Devils have made a reasonable start to the Premier League campaign and could well make a push for the European slots if they can maintain momentum, though that is something that will be challenged over the festive period due to the African Cup of Nations.

Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui are set to depart next month, leaving roles to be filled in the squad during a busy schedule that is set to be fraught with intense action.

Still, Premier League sides have known the competition is part and parcel of their squad planning, making it an issue they should be able to handle without the need for mass panic.

Signings in January will be important and there is an obvious need for midfield reinforcements, especially with Casemiro drawing closer to the end of his contract at Old Trafford.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Joao Gomes is the latest name on Manchester United’s list, and discussions are said to be progressing well over a potential move to work under Amorim’s stewardship in January.

Rob Edwards has signalled his desire to keep the Brazilian at Molineux. Nevertheless, that hasn’t stopped the Red Devils making tracks, even if there could be a twist in the tale regarding the state of play on their engine room, courtesy of Fabrizio Romano.

Fabrizio Romano delivers contract update on Casemiro and Maguire

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Romano has confirmed that Amorim wants both Casemiro and Harry Maguire to stay at Manchester United, providing they reduce their wages in line with the club’s new salary structure.

He said: “My understanding is that the situation of Casemiro is a really similar situation in terms of strategy to Harry Maguire.

“Casemiro and Harry Maguire are out of contract in the summer of 2026 and for Manchester United, they are two really important players, especially now.

“We have to say congrats to Casemiro. In this video let’s focus on Casemiro, because he’s been able to change his situation at Manchester United.”

Later, he added: “So now the desire is from Man United, obviously, to continue with Casemiro, but in different conditions. So the salary he has right now is a salary that Manchester United don’t want to pay in the future, not because of Casemiro or Maguire, but because they want to change the salary structure.”

Between them, a pay packet of £540,000 per week is a major chunk of the Red Devils’ wage list, and with both edging closer to the twilight of their respective careers, it may be worth looking at younger reinforcements as their contracts look set to expire.

Man Utd progress in talks to sign £40m+ midfielder who gives "everything"

The Red Devils could be closing in on a deal to sign a talented Premier League star.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 23, 2025

Conversely, experience is vital and cannot be understated. Over the coming months, it would be a smart decision to tie down both stars if they can agree to a wage reduction.