All posts by h79snht.top

Celtic appear to be inching ever closer to finally appointing their long-term successor to Brendan Rodgers, who resigned last month after a loss to Hearts in the Scottish Premiership.

Martin O’Neill has been in interim charge for the Hoops since Rodgers left the club, and oversaw three wins in four matches before the international break, including a 4-0 victory over Kilmarnock last time out.

The experienced boss may not manage another game for the Scottish giants, though, as Columbus Crew head coach Wilfried Nancy appears to be on his way to Parkhead.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph reports that the French manager has been given permission to speak with the club this weekend to discuss a move to Glasgow.

If Nancy does take over at Parkhead, he will be looking to build on the success that Rodgers, as shown in the graphic above, achieved during his second stint at the club.

The Columbus Crew tactician should also look to build on some of the good work that O’Neill has done in his interim spell, as the experienced boss has got the best out of Johnny Kenny.

How Johnny Kenny could fit in Wilfried Nancy's set-up

The Ireland international has scored four goals in four matches under O’Neill in recent weeks, having only scored two goals in his first 17 appearances for the club in all competitions, per Transfermarkt.

This shows that the former Shamrock Rovers star has stepped his game up since Kelechi Iheanacho suffered a hamstring injury last month, as he has shown that he can be relied on to score goals for the Hoops.

Kenny has been playing as the sole number nine in a 4-2-3-1 system for O’Neill, after playing a similar role in a 4-3-3 set-up for Rodgers, but Nancy’s preferred formation, per Transfermarkt, is a 3-4-2-1.

Diego Rossi, who is a similar profile of player to Kenny in terms of his build and attributes, has typically been deployed as one of two second strikers operating behind a focal point centre-forward in that 3-4-2-1 shape, although he has also played as part of a front two in a 3-5-2 or a 4-4-2.

Diego Rossi under Wilfried Nancy

2024

2025

Appearances

48

37

Shots

112

123

xG

13.14

15.54

Goals

21

19

xA

5.60

6.46

Big chances created

14

11

Assists

7

5

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Rossi has thrived in that role under Nancy in the last two seasons, racking up 40 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.

Kenny, therefore, could look to thrive as one of the two players behind a starting number nine, as he perhaps lacks the physicality to play as the focal point on his own in that system.

With this in mind, the Hoops could land an upgrade on him as an out-and-out centre-forward by signing a Premier League player who is a reported target.

Celtic eyeing move for Premier League striker

According to 67HailHail, Celtic are monitoring Brighton & Hove Albion centre-forward Evan Ferguson ahead of a potential swoop for his services in the January transfer window.

The report claims that he was linked with a move to Parkhead in the summer transfer window before the Ireland international, understandably, opted to sign for Serie A side Roma on loan.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

It adds that his loan spell with the Italian giants could be cut short, though, in January because of his struggle for form, with no goals in ten matches so far.

Celtic are keeping tabs on his situation with a view to chasing a deal to sign him on loan for the second half of the 2025/26 campaign to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

Despite his struggles with Roma this season, which is why he may become available in January, Ferguson could arrive as a dream first signing for Nancy at Parkhead.

Why Evan Ferguson would be a dream first signing for Wilfried Nancy

The Ireland international would come in as a dream first signing because he could be the focal point that the French head coach needs to play his 3-4-2-1 formation with the Hoops.

Celtic, since they sold Adam Idah in the summer, do not have a physical and imposing centre-forward who can act as a focal point, as Kelechi Iheanacho and Johnny Kenny are both more suited to playing with another striker or as a second striker behind a number nine.

Ferguson, standing at 6 foot 2, can provide that natural number nine presence to lead the line as the centre-forward in a 3-4-2-1, acting as an upgrade on Kenny as the main number nine.

In fact, former Match of the Day host Gary Lineker once likened him to Manchester City’s monstrous forward Erling Haaland. He said: “I do see a hint of Haaland about him, his stature, his movement, his youth and stuff like that.”

He has a physically imposing presence that could make him a handful for Premiership defenders to deal with, whilst his career so far also suggests that he could offer more quality than Kenny as an out-and-out number nine.

Stats

Evan Ferguson

Johnny Kenny

Age

21

22

Height

6 ft 2

5 ft 8

Senior Ireland caps

26

0

Senior Ireland goals

8

0

Top 5 European leagues + SPFL games

75

15

Top 5 European leagues + SPFL goals

13

5

Stats via Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, Ferguson has 26 more caps and eight more goals than Kenny, who is older than him, for Ireland, whilst he has also scored eight more top-level goals.

The Brighton loanee has struggled in the Serie A this season, undoubtedly, but he managed six Premier League goals each season as a teenager in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 campaigns, per Sofascore, which is no mean feat.

The 21-year-old marksman, whose finishing was hailed as “phenomenal” by James Milner, has shown incredible promise in the Premier League and at international level for Ireland, whilst Kenny has never played at a level above the Premiership and is yet to be capped by Ireland, although he is in the current squad.

This suggests that Ferguson would be an upgrade on his international teammate as an out-and-out centre-forward, potentially taking his place or forcing Nancy to unleash him in the Diego Rossi role behind Ferguson.

Related "I will step aside" – O'Neill says no talks with Celtic board over permanent role

He’s had his say.

Posts ByTom Cunningham Nov 14, 2025

Overall, the Brighton striker would be a dream first signing for the French boss, should he take over at Parkhead, because of the role that he could play in the team, and the quality that he could bring to the pitch.

The Premier League wound down for the November international break, and Unai Emery seemed content. After all, his side had just given Bournemouth a four-goal hiding, and that marked five wins from six in the top flight.

The Spanish tactician believes he has stopped the early-season rot that had crawled across the Villa Park surface and threatened the stability of the project. Villa have found form, and they believe they can go all the way in the Europa League.

However, there are wrinkles that need to be smoothed out as the January transfer window draws closer.

The changes Emery needs to make at Villa

Aston Villa are well-positioned for the months ahead. However, Emery has several issues to contend with. Chief of which is the future of Harvey Elliott, who is on loan from Liverpool but playing the bittiest of roles at Villa Park. It is anticipated he will return to Merseyside in January.

And what to do with Ollie Watkins? The centre-forward has been his side’s talisman for years now, and yet he’s been horribly out of sorts this season, raising questions as to whether the board need to dig into their purses this winter.

The Three Lions striker has only scored once in the Premier League this season despite starting ten of 11 fixtures. His instinctiveness has deserted him, with Sofascore revealing he has missed four big chances.

Watkins’ Premier League Career

Season

Apps

Goals (assists)

25/26

11

1 (0)

24/25

38

16 (8)

23/24

37

19 (13)

22/23

37

15 (6)

21/22

35

11 (2)

20/21

37

14 (5)

Data via Sofascore

Likewise, Evann Guessand has struggled since moving to England this summer, having started only five times in the Premier League and without registering a goal or assist.

There’s a player in there, for sure, but Leon Bailey out of the squad, Emery could package a few more stars to bring Villa’s chances of a grand-slam season to the fore.

The dream XI Emery could build in January

Aston Villa are in a good position, even having completed a quiet summer transfer window this year. Even so, some more depth could be beneficial up front.

As per FBref, the club’s 9.1 xG total this term puts them above only newly-promoted Burnley for that metric.

That’s why a move is being explored for Real Sociedad winger Takefusa Kubo, with the £26m-rated Japan star looking to leave the La Liga side and Villa among the frontrunners, according to reports from a few weeks ago.

Kubo is as pacy as they come and ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for shot-creating actions per 90, so in theory, he could help Villa in their bid to become a more fluent attacking outfit.

But for all that Villa aren’t creating much, Watkins is letting them down with his profligacy in the final third. That’s why fans will be attentive to the news that a number of unspecified Premier League clubs are considering moves for Ivan Toney, who left Brentford for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli in 2024.

Regarded as a “monster” of a striker by his former Bees boss Thomas Frank, Toney, 29, has enjoyed prolific returns in the Gulf region but would be open to returning to his homeland ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

To cap off a prospectively wonderful transfer window, V Sports are understood to be interested in bringing right-back Guela Doue from Strasbourg to the club, looking to hijack Chelsea’s bid for the 23-year-old.

More progressive on the ball than Cash, the Ivorian would serve as a perfect counterpoint, adding the dimension required to wade deep into the European campaign while maintaining the push for top four in the Premier League too.

Aston Villa’s Dream XI after January

Position

Player

GK

Emi Martinez

RB

Guelo Doue

CB

Ezri Konsa

CB

Pau Torres

LB

Lucas Digne

CM

Amadou Onana

CM

Boubacar Kamara

CM

John McGinn

RW

Takefusa Kubo

LW

Morgan Rogers

CF

Ivan Toney

This is not the finished article. Lucas Digne, for example, turns 33 at the end of the season, and a left-back will be coveted in the Villan offices.

But such signings would take Villa’s winter spending to the £75m ballpark, and you have to be realistic about parameters.

It’s more than a start, a flourish on a canvas already bursting with colour. Emery’s Aston Villa are many things, but they are nothing if not progressive.

Related Not Martinez or Konsa: Aston Villa star is now "among the best in the league"

Aston Villa produced a show-stopping performance to defeat Bournemouth in the Premier League.

Posts ByAngus Sinclair Nov 10, 2025

MatériaMais Notícias

Depois de Murillo, Moscardo, Biro e Wesley, outra joia do Terrão está na mira de Vanderlei Luxemburgo no Corinthians. Trata-se de Léo Agostinho, atleta de 18 anos que começou na lateral-direita mas pode atuar tanto como meia quanto como ponta pelo lado direito.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasGoiásNa base da precisão, Estudiantes vence Goiás de novo e enfrenta o Corinthians na Sul-AmericanaGoiás09/08/2023CorinthiansCorinthians pode ser punido pela Conmebol após torcedores queimarem dinheiro contra o Newell´sCorinthians09/08/2023CorinthiansPróximos jogos do Corinthians: onde assistir ao vivo, datas, horários e calendárioCorinthians10/10/2023

+ Renove o seu estoque de camisas do Timão com o cupom LANCEFUT 10% OFF

A versatilidade de Léo é o que vem chamando a atenção de Luxa, que observa o jovem de perto. A comissão técnica já integrou o atleta a alguns treinos com os profissionais, e a ideia é que até o final da temporada ele possa fazer sua estreia no “time de cima” do Timão. Léo ainda não foi relacionado para jogos no profissional.

Com contrato até o final de 2025, Léo é tratado como grande promessa dentro das categorias de base do Corinthians e possui multa bilionária, avaliada em 200 milhões de euros (R$ 1,076 bilhão na cotação atual). O Timão é dono de 80% dos direitos econômicos da joia.

continua após a publicidade

+ Veja tabela e datas das oitavas de final da Sul-Americana

O garoto já recebeu sondagens do Cruzeiro, Santos e de equipes do exterior, mas o staff do atleta optou pela permanência do garoto no Parque São Jorge.

Léo Agostinho esteve com o Sub-17 na temporada passada e marcou oito gols em 24 jogos, ficando em quarto lugar na artilharia do clube na categoria. Em 2023, ele disputou nove partidas pelo Sub-20 e ainda não balançou as redes. O técnico Danilo não quis utilizá-lo durante a derrota por 5 a 1 diante do Palmeiras, na ida da semifinal do Brasileirão Sub-20.

continua após a publicidade

Despite getting back to winning ways against Hibernian, Rangers’ summer recruitment has once again come under fire after a focus on youth over experience, with former Scotland midfielder Michael Stewart not impressed by 49ers Enterprises so far.

Martin "grateful" for Rangers victory

Several rumours suggested that another poor result against Hibs would spell the end of Russell Martin’s Rangers tenure. The former Southampton manager has endured a disastrous few months in Scotland and felt the full force of Ibrox’s frustration last time out in the Scottish Premiership when fans called for his dismissal. One week on, however, Martin’s finally got the Gers back to winning ways.

There would have been a feeling of relief this time around Ibrox, as Rangers eased past Hibs and into the last four of the Scottish League Cup. Martin, likely among those relieved, expressed his gratitude after his side handed his tenure a glimmer of hope.

The Rangers boss told reporters: “I think I enjoyed it more than any other game this season – maybe the Plzen on. Just really pleased, really grateful. The players and the staff stuck together this week.

“Not easy circumstances, but it was a really good performance – a lot of good stuff against a good team and maybe could have scored a couple more.

“It was never going to be easy. We should have been better than we are and have been, but hopefully today they would have enjoyed the way we did it. I enjoyed the performance. It looked way more like the way I hope we are going to be. I thought the fans were brilliant, and I hope that, in time, they feel differently about me than they do now.”

Related Rangers must rue losing their own homegrown Bukayo Saka for £0

Rangers lost a talented young player this summer and he is already being compared to Bukayo Saka.

Posts ByDan Emery Sep 23, 2025

There is still a lot more work to do though. Martin and others will be well aware that one victory does not solve the problems that the Gers have. It also doesn’t end the criticism that is still falling the way of the 49ers.

Stewart doesn't "understand" Rangers' recruitment decision

It was all change at Rangers in the summer. A total of 14 players arrived and only a handful – if that – have managed to impress at Ibrox. It has so far reflected incredibly poorly on the 49ers’ first summer at the club and Stewart has been particularly confused by their decision to sign Mikey Moore over the more proven Vaclav Cerny.

Stewart’s not wrong, either. Cerny enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Rangers last season – scoring 18 goals and assisting another nine in all competitions – but will ultimately go down as another one that got away. Moore, by comparison, has so far played 327 minutes for the Gers but is yet to find the back of the net.

MatériaMais Notícias

O Palmeiras terá mais dois desfalques para enfrentar o Internacional, neste domingo (16), às 18h30, no Beira-Rio, pelo Brasileirão. Rony e Dudu nem viajaram para Porto Alegre com a delegação neste sábado (15) e estão fora da 15ª rodada do campeonato. Além dessas baixas, a novidade é a presença do jovem Kevin entre os relacionados. A informação é do GE e foi confirmada pelo Lance!.

continua após a publicidadeRelacionadasPalmeirasInsatisfeita com a fase do time, torcida do Palmeiras poupa elenco e foca críticas na diretoriaPalmeiras15/07/2023PalmeirasPalmeiras assina primeiro contrato profissional com mais uma joia da basePalmeiras15/07/2023PalmeirasInternacional x Palmeiras: onde assistir ao vivo, escalações e desfalques do jogo pelo BrasileirãoPalmeiras15/07/2023

+ Veja tabela e classificação do Brasileirão-2023 clicando aqui

A dupla de atacantes não apareceu nas fotos dos treinos dos últimos dias, e não foi informado pelo clube se há algum problema físico com eles. Ambos estiveram em campo na eliminação da Copa do Brasil para o São Paulo, na quinta-feira (13). Dudu foi substituído aos 19 minutos do segundo tempo, enquanto Rony ficou até o apito final. De acordo com o “Nosso Palestra”, o Rústico vai tratar a lesão no tornozelo sofrida diante do Athletico-PR, já que não voltou 100%. Enquanto o Baixola foi preservado pelo desgaste físico.

Sem poder contar com a dupla, Abel Ferreira deve promover o retorno de Artur para o time titular, uma vez que o camisa 14 não podia jogar a Copa do Brasil por já ter defendido outro clube. As outras duas vagas no setor ofensivo devem ser preenchidas por Endrick, que foi titular diante do Tricolor, e Luis Guilherme, que vem sendo opção constante na segunda etapa das partidas.

continua após a publicidade

+ Internacional x Palmeiras: onde assistir, escalações e desfalques do jogo pelo Brasileirão

Caso queira usar outra opção, o técnico português terá à disposição o jovem Kevin, promovido recentemente do elenco sub-20. O atacante viajou com a delegação e está relacionado para enfrentar o Internacional. Dificilmente ele será titular, mas poderá ser uma alternativa no banco de reservas.

Outro desfalque no time titular é Mayke, que levou o terceiro amarelo diante do Flamengo, na 14ª rodada do Brasileirão, e será substituído por Marcos Rocha, que não figura no 11 inicial há cerca de dois meses. Um provável Palmeiras é: Weverton; Marcos Rocha, Gustavo Gómez, Luan e Piquerez; Zé Rafael, Gabriel Menino (Richard Ríos) e Raphael Veiga; Luis Guilherme, Artur e Endrick.

continua após a publicidade

+ Insatisfeita com time, torcida do Palmeiras poupa elenco e foca críticas na diretoria

Atualmente, o Verdão é o quinto colocado do Brasileirão com 24 pontos, 15 atrás do líder Botafgo, que tem um jogo a mais. O time de Abel Ferreira está sem vencer há quatro partidas no campeonato e marcou apenas dois dos últimos 12 pontos disputados.

تمكن منتخب المغرب تحت 20 عامًا من تسجيل الهدف الأول أمام الأرجنتين في المباراة الجارية بينهما الآن ضمن منافسات كأس العالم للشباب.

ويلتقي منتخب المغرب، مع نظيره الأرجنتين في نهائي بطولة كأس العالم للشباب تحت 20 عامًا المقامة في تشيلي.

طالع.. هيثم فاروق: المغرب يصنع التاريخ.. ومواجهة الأرجنتين قد تكون الأهم في تاريخ هذا الجيل

وجاء الهدف عن طريق ياسر الزابيري، في الدقيقة 12 من عمر المباراة بعد الحصول على ركلة حرة من على حدود منطقة الجزاء.

وطالب منتخب المغرب، الحصول على ركلة جزاء بعد عرقلة من الحارس لكن الحكم قرر احتساب ركلة حرة بعد مطالبة مدرب أسود أطلس.

وتأهل المغرب إلى نهائي بطولة كأس العالم للشباب، بعد الفوز على فرنسا بركلات الترجيح في دور نصف النهائي.

فيما تأهل منتخب الأرجنتين إلى النهائي بعد الفوز على كولومبيا بهدف دون رد في المباراة التي جمعتهما ضمن منافسات نصف النهائي. هدف المغرب الأول أمام الأرجنتين في نهائي كأس العالم للشباب

Aston Villa have not had the best of starts to the 2025/26 campaign, having picked up just one point from their opening three Premier League fixtures, yet to break their duck.

There was an acceptance from Unai Emery and the powers that be that the summer transfer window would weigh heavily on the club after missing out on Champions League football following a contentious final-day defeat at Manchester United.

However, a late flurry of activity indicates progress and promise. Jadon Sancho and Harvey Elliot completed deadline-day loan moves; Victor Lindelof joined on a free transfer after his deal with Man United expired.

The late moves salvaged Villa’s frustrating summer, especially since Monchi and Damian Vidagany have retained the services of the most talented first-teamers.

Aston Villa have kept their best players

In August, Aston Villa sold Jacob Ramsey to Premier League rivals Newcastle United for a £43m fee. A poignant one, for sure. However, the sale of the homegrown talent has turned pure profit for the club, and perhaps played a role in securing a series of late-window additions.

Loan deals for Marcus Rashford, Axel Disasi and Marco Asensio came and passed, but the likes of Ollie Watkins and John McGinn remain at Villa Park after offers from divisional competition were resisted.

Watkins might not be coming off the back of his best season, but he still notched 17 goals and 14 assists across all competitions, while McGinn’s leadership, energy and presence within the dressing room are factors not easily replaced.

While the opening weeks of the campaign have felt somewhat stale, the mixture of fresh quality and abiding experience emphasises the club’s capacity to challenge in the Europa League and push for a high finish in the Premier League.

These players will play important roles this season, but none more so than Morgan Rogers, who was exceptional last season and might be viewed as the talisman of Emery’s project.

How Morgan Rogers' market value compares

Last month, Rogers was named the PFA Young Player of the Year for the 2024/25 Premier League season. The honour bears testament to his extraordinary strides in such a short time, only joining Villa from Middlesbrough in the Championship in January 2024.

The 23-year-old earned opportunities across the second half of the 2023/24 season in the Premier League, but it is last year that he truly came into his own, scoring 14 goals and supplying 16 assists across all competitions, including a haul of 19 goal contributions in the league alone.

He scored a hat-trick against Celtic in the Champions League and bagged a consolation goal as Villa were knocked out against eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain, with pundit Jamie Carragher hailing him as an “unstoppable” force.

The Lions might have started the campaign without much of a roar, but you can bet your bottom dollar that Rogers will be among the driving forces when Emery does create a winning formula for the months ahead.

Athletic and enterprising, no matter the tactical role handed to him, Rogers typically plays in a forward-thrust central midfield berth or out on the left flank, where his pace and power allow him to take on defenders and split lines.

Rogers – Career Stats by Position

Position

Apps

Goals (assists)

Left winger

93

24 (10)

Attacking midfield

48

14 (10)

Right winger

43

9 (17)

Centre-forward

23

7 (4)

Data via Transfermarkt

Young he may be, but Rogers has already led a storied career, developing his talents in the EFL after first looking for success within Manchester City’s packed youth academy.

The exciting part is there’s still so much for the England international to give, so much potential as yet untapped.

Senior figures at Villa feel Rogers has the potential to become one of the very best in the Premier League, defining the coming years for Emery’s side and perhaps fetching a transfer fee to rival that of Liverpool’s Alexander Isak, who joined the champions from Newcastle United for a British record £125m fee on deadline day.

One of the most dangerous strikers in the world, Isak’s name has come to be feared in English football, and he has made incremental progress across his three terms on Tyneside. Rogers, too, has shown the signs of bit-by-bit development, and could find himself stretching into even loftier conversations with another knockout year under Emery’s wing.

Indeed, as per CIES Football Observatory, Rogers has been valued at £99m, whereas Isak actually comes in at a smaller price: £89m.

Of course, this doesn’t paint an accurate picture in actuality, since Isak has just moved to Merseyside for a record-breaking fee. Still, it underscores the Three Lions star’s potential to develop into a star of a similar stature, having made such impressive progress across just one full season in the top flight.

Isak, 25, wasn’t refined when leaving Real Sociedad and arriving at St. James’ Park in 2022, but his years under Eddie Howe’s tutelage have shaped him into a superstar. So the parallels can be found with Rogers at Aston Villa.

Whether Aston Villa succeed in nurturing Rogers toward a world-class level remains to be seen, but there’s no question that he has the skills and passion to achieve just that.

Already considered by leading data and analytical site in CIES Football Observatory to have a projected value above that of Liverpool’s new striker (though take that with a pinch of salt, given Isak’s actual price), Rogers is the Midlands outfit’s biggest star, and many feel the best is still to come.

Related Aston Villa sold "one of the best young players", now he's emulating Sancho

Amid the signing of Jadon Sancho, Aston Villa may wish they still had another star at the club

Posts ByJoe Nuttall Sep 3, 2025

سيخضع أحد لاعبي فريق ليفربول لتقييم طبي من جانب النادي بعد تعرضه لإصابة خلال فترة التوقف الدولي، في الوقت الحالي، الخاصة بشهر أكتوبر 2026.

ويتواجد عدد من لاعبي ليفربول حاليًا رفقة منتخباتهم لخوض المباريات الدولية، ومن ضمنهم لاعب خط الوسط الهولندي ريان جرافنبيرخ.

وشارك جرافنبيرخ في مباراة هولندا وفنلندا، مساء أمس، في إطار تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم 2026، حيث فازت الطواحين بثلاثة أهداف دون رد.

واضطر المدير الفني لمنتخب هولندا، رونالد كومان، لاستبدال جرافنبيرخ بين شوطي المباراة المذكورة، بسبب إصابة على مستوى أوتار الركبة.

اقرأ أيضًا | “انفصال عضلة الفخذ عن العظم”.. جراحة تنتظر مهاجم ليفربول بعد إصابة بالغة

وقال كومان: “لقد أشار جرافنبيرخ إلى كونه يعاني من ألم طفيف في أوتار الركبة، لم نرغب في المخاطرة معه، وقررنا استبداله إثر ذلك”.

وذكرت شبكة “ذا أثلتيك” العالمية أن جرافنبيرخ سيخضع لتقييم طبي من جانب الطاقم المسؤول في ليفربول لتحديد حالته ومدى لياقته البدنية، قبل مباراة مانشستر يونايتد يوم الأحد المقبل في الدوري الإنجليزي.

ويُعد جرافنبيرخ عنصرًا أساسيًا لدى المدرب آرني سلوت، حيث بدأ ست من أصل سبع مباريات لـ ليفربول في الدوري الإنجليزي ذلك الموسم، ولم يغب إلا أول مباراة بسبب الإيقاف.

Winger Manor Solomon is a player who has captured the hearts of the Leeds United fanbase, impressing during his loan stint at the club during the title-winning campaign.

The Israeli international joined the Whites on a season-long loan deal from Tottenham Hotspur, looking to get his career back on track and fire Daniel Farke’s side back to the Premier League.

It’s safe to say that the 25-year-old has done exactly that, registering 10 goals and 13 assists across all competitions, leading to calls for him to be signed on a permanent basis.

With the transfer window now open once again, the club have the opportunity to complete such a deal, but up to now, there has been no progress, with it remaining unclear whether he will return to Yorkshire.

As a result, other forwards have since emerged on their radar as the German looks to build a side capable of surviving the drop come the end of May 2026.

The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new attackers this summer

In recent days, striker Davie Selke has emerged as a potential option for Leeds this summer, with a report claiming that they’ve already held talks with his representatives over a move to Yorkshire.

The 30-year-old has been in splendid form throughout 2024/25, scoring 22 times in his 31 appearances – the most in the Bundesliga 2 and helping Hamburg secure a return to the top-flight.

However, another name has entered the mix in recent days, with Feyenoord winger Igor Paixao a summer target, that’s according to Dutch outlet FR12.

The report claims that the Whites have made an enquiry to sign the 24-year-old star, who’s registered 32 combined goals and assists across all competitions this campaign.

It also states that Marseille and Brighton and Hove Albion have made moves for the Brazilian, who could be available for a fee in the region of £34m this summer.

Why Leeds’ £34m target could be Farke’s own Sinisterra

Colombian winger Luis Sinisterra was seen as a huge addition back in the summer of 2022, joining Leeds in a £21.4m deal – looking to add key depth to their frontline.

The 25-year-old only made 19 appearances during his first season at Elland Road, but managed to find the net on five occasions, with injuries plaguing his progress after his big-money move.

After the side suffered relegation back to the Championship, he would leave to join Bournemouth on loan, before making his move permanent last summer in a £20m deal.

It was a partially successful deal, which only saw them lose £1.4m on their investment, in a move that was ultimately cut short due to the club’s slide down the football pyramid.

However, they could repeat such a deal this summer with Paixao, potentially joining Farke’s side from Dutch outfit Feyenoord – just as Sinisterra did three years ago.

When delving into the Brazilian’s underlying stats from 2024/25, he’s managed to outperform Solomon in numerous key areas, allowing the manager to forget about a dream reunion this summer.

Paixao, who’s been labelled “exquisite” by talent scout Antionio Mango, has registered more goals and assists, whilst posting a higher shot on target rate – subsequently showcasing his clinical edge in attacking areas.

How Paixao compares to Solomon in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Paixao

Solomon

Games played

34

39

Goals & assists

26

22

Shot-on-target accuracy

45%

40%

Shots on target per game

1.4

0.8

Carries into final third

2.4

2.3

Passes into final third

1.8

1.4

Aerials won

41%

0%

Stats via FBref

He’s also completed more carries into the final third and made more passes into the opposition area, having the tools to aid the likes of Piroe in being a success in England’s top flight.

The 24-year-old has also won more aerial duels, offering Farke a top-level all-round option in attacking areas – something which will be vital if they are to secure survival.

£34m may seem a huge fee for a player who’s unproven in the Premier League, but his talent is there for all to see, undoubtedly providing a better option than Solomon next season.

A move for Paixao is certainly a risk worth taking this summer, but the hierarchy will have to work quickly to avoid missing out on his signature, given the interest from elsewhere.

Related A better signing than Phillips: Leeds eye move for "phenomenal" £10m star

Leeds United should prioritise this phenomenal signing over attempting to bring back Kalvin Phillips to Elland Road.

Posts 2 ByKelan Sarson Jun 3, 2025

Aston Villa could well be hitting their stride in the Premier League at the best possible time, with both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest showing recent weaknesses in their game.

Unai Emery’s men are now only outside the lucrative five Champions League spots in the division on goal difference as Enzo Maresca’s Blues nervously try to hold onto that final position, with a mightily impressive five wins from Villa’s last six Premier League games keeping their European dreams alive.

The added quality to the squad in the form of Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford in January has certainly boosted their chances of clinching Champions League football again.

This summer’s transfer window will further allow the West Midlands giants opportunities to bring in even more depth, with one rumoured face on the Villa Park shopping list perhaps going down as their next Jhon Duran if he joins.

How Jhon Duran is performing in Saudi

The breathless Colombian would only go on to feature for the Villans 78 times, but he is still remembered in a fond light to this day for how impactful he could be off the bench when his team needed a moment of magic.

Indeed, before an insane £71m move to Al Nassr came to be in January, the sensational South American would fire home a sizeable 12 goals during the first part of 2024/25.

On the surface, this is already an imposing goal total worthy of praise, but staggeringly seven of those strikes would come about in Premier League action despite Duran only making four starts overall.

Since heading to the Middle East, the forward has been on fire, scoring 11 goals in 16 games for his new employers who sit third in the Saudi Pro League.

In truth, losing the young forward hasn’t hit Villa that hard, but NSWE definitely wouldn’t turn down an opportunity to win themselves a new version of the relentless 21-year-old this summer.

Aston Villa could sign their new Duran

Emery will likely be keen to utilise all of his talented squad again next campaign, particularly if Champions League football returns to Villa Park and congests the fixture list.

Therefore, adding in a new winger in Malick Fofana as a further option in attack could be an inspired pick-up, with Caught Offside recently revealing that the Premier League titans could sign the promising 20-year-old from Olympique Lyonnais for around the £42m mark.

Just taking in a few clips of Fofana’s excellence for Lyon this season displays how he’s on the same wavelength as the now departed Duran, with both attackers in question boundless in their drive and energy when galloping forward, before being equally unafraid to unleash a vicious shot at an opposition goalkeeper.

It’s resulted in Fofana – who is also on the radar of Liverpool and Arsenal – picking up a substantial 11 goals and five assists from 40 appearances down the Lyon left flank across 2024/25, despite also being resigned to a regular spot on Paulo Fonseca’s bench much like the 22-year-old striker had to put up with under Emery.

Fofana at Lyon vs Duran at Villa in 2024/25

Stat

Fofana

Duran

Games played

40

29

Games started

22

7

Minutes played

2199

1043

Goals scored

11

12

Assists

5

0

Stats by Sofascore

Looking at the numbers, whilst Fofana does have the advantage of starting 15 more games this season than Duran managed at Villa, the former has still been used rather sparingly in the French top division, with the Belgian only averaging 54 minutes of action per Ligue 1 clash.

But, the “magnificent” left-footed menace – as he has been labelled by talent scout Jacek Kulig – has still left his mark on a considerable number of contests all the same, seen in that growing total of 11 goals and five assists across a wide range of contests for Lyon.

With a potential hole in the squad also needing to be filled down the left if Rashford departs, adding in Fofana does feel like a logical signing to soon make on Villa’s end, with the one-time senior Belgium international also capable of being the club’s next super sub.

Related Their new Grealish: Aston Villa plotting £50m move for "phenomenal" talent

Aston Villa are chasing a current Premier League midfielder

Posts 2 ByRoss Kilvington May 12, 2025