Leeds United have also shared the news of an injury blow to a “key” star after getting knocked out of the EFL Cup to Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday evening.
Leeds knocked out of EFL Cup with embarrassing Sheffield Wednesday defeat
Daniel Farke said he was embarrassed and apologised to Leeds fans after his side crashed out of the EFL Cup on penalties. Against an extremely young Owls side, the Whites fielded a strong side and required Jayden Bogle to cancel out goalkeeper Karl Darlow’s second-half own goal to take the tie to penalties.
However, misses from Joel Piroe, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Sean Longstaff saw the Whites lose 3-0 in the shootout. Talking after the game, Farke said:
“We have to take all of the criticism and we are self-critical because out of all the chances we should put four or five goals to bed. It’s always a bit annoying and you feel a bit embarrassed as a Premier League side, but we have been involved in so many games on this level, especially in the cup – this is why there are so many surprises and shock results.
“Even the team in the lower league can win such a game. Today was one of those days and congratulations to Sheffield Wednesday.”
When asked for his message to Leeds fans, Farke said: “You can feel for them. We’re sorry anyhow. We feel a bit embarrassed that we don’t go through in such a game. We can just say ‘sorry’ because they made the trip and wanted to celebrate.”
Leeds signings
From
Fee
Noah Okafor
AC Milan
£18m
Anton Stach
Hoffenheim
£17.4m
Jaka Bijol
Udinese
£15m
Lucas Perri
Lyon
£13.9m
Sean Longstaff
Newcastle
£12m
Gabriel Gudmundsson
Lille
£10m
James Justin
Leicester City
£10m
Sebastiaan Bornauw
Wolfsburg
£5m
Lukas Nmecha
Wolfsburg
Free
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton
Free
Farke reveals injury to Leeds star Tanaka
Missing from the defeat at Hillsborough was midfielder Ao Tanaka. The Japan international was replaced in the 5-0 defeat at the Emirates on Saturday and, like Ethan Ampadu, has suffered an MCL injury and will be out for weeks. When asked about Tanaka’s injury, Farke said:
Tanaka starred in the opening day win over Everton and has been a vital player for Leeds since joining from Fortuna Dusseldorf last summer for just £3m.
However, with both Ampadu and Tanaka sidelined for the foreseeable, Farke will have to rely on Longstaff, Anton Stach and Ilia Gruev, or look to bring in another midfielder before the transfer deadline.
Apesar do bom momento vivido dentro de campo, o jovem centroavante Daniel Troiano, de 18 anos, quer o time todo ligado para que o Joinville possa voltar a vencer no Catarinense sub-20. Autor de dois gols e uma assistência em seis jogos pelo JEC, Daniel é o artilheiro da equipe no seu primeiro ano como titular da categoria.
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Após um começo instável, no qual perdeu dois jogos em sequência, o clube emplacou uma sequência de quatro jogos invicto, até ser superado pela atual campeã Chapecoense no final de semana, por 2 a 1, de virada e nos acréscimos. Passado o revés, o time fez um pacto para repetir o que deu certo, buscar a classificação e o título do Estadual.
– Tivemos nossa melhor fase nesses quatro jogos invictos. Acredito que não tem segredo, estamos trabalhando cada dia mais para voltar a vencer na competição. Buscar artilharia não é uma pressão, estou trabalhando forte para quando tiver as oportunidades converter elas. É com essa sinergia que queremos chegar longe – explicou Troiano.
As últimas duas temporadas foram intensas para Daniel. O jovem atacante passou do sub-17 do Joinville ao profissional do clube e atualmente se encontra no sub-20, no qual é titular e artilheiro da equipe. Ele diz que as etapas passadas não atrapalharam seu processo de crescimento, mas o aceleraram.
– Acredito que devido ao período que treinei com o elenco profissional, consegui me adaptar bem ao embate com atletas mais experientes e isso me preparou da melhor forma para a transição do sub-17 para o sub-20 – contou.
O Joinville volta a campo pelo estadual no sábado. O Tricolor enfrenta o Hercílio Luz, fora de casa, às 15h.
Manchester United’s work in the transfer market this summer has certainly been impressive, landing numerous key attacking targets in their quest for success in 2025/26.
Matheus Cunha has already arrived at Old Trafford during the off-season, costing a fee in the region of £62.5m, likely being brought in to operate in one of the two number ten roles behind the striker.
He’s not the only addition made by the hierarchy in the final third this summer, with Bryan Mbeumo joining in a £71m deal from Brentford – handing Ruben Amorim two Premier League-proven options in attacking areas.
ManchesterUnitedmanager Ruben Amorim talks to the fans after the match
Whilst the pair will add 35 goals to the side based on last season, the club are still targeting added quality and depth to the squad, in an attempt to rise up the table in 2025/26.
A new striker has been at the top of the Red Devils’ shopping list in recent weeks, potentially making a breakthrough in a move for one player over the last couple of hours.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker
Benjamin Sesko is a player who’s been on their radar over recent days, with United finally making a move for the RB Leipzig striker’s signature, according to the latest updates.
Amorim’s side are said to have made a €85m (£74m) bid for the 22-year-old, leaving the player with a decision to make over his future, after Newcastle United also made an offer for his services.
Benjamin Sesko
However, whilst the Slovenian will remain as the club’s first choice for the centre-forward role, the Red Devils have been offered a deal to land Chelsea star Nicolas Jackson, according to Ben Jacobs.
He claims that the Blues are looking to offload the Senegalese international this summer after already landing Joao Pedro and Liam Delap during the current transfer window.
Jacobs also states that Enzo Maresca’s side could demand a fee of up to £80m to part ways with the 24-year-old during the off-season, but Amorim’s side could yet make an approach in the coming weeks.
Why United’s latest target would be the perfect Sesko alternative
United’s recent bid for Sesko highlights that the hierarchy are willing to spend big on a striker this summer, but they need to ensure they splash such cash on the right option.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
In the past, the Red Devils have been guilty of wasting a lot of money on talents plying their trade outside the Premier League, leading to the recent cost-cutting operation at Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund is arguably the biggest example of their poor dealings, costing £72m from Atalanta back in the summer of 2023 and only netting 26 times in his 95 appearances for the club.
The Danish international has previously been touted as a potential bargaining tool in the Sesko deal, even being allowed to depart Amorim’s side for as little as £30m this window.
There’s no denying that Sesko would be a huge addition, but they could turn to Jackson should they fail to land him, with the Senegalese international a more Premier League-proven option for the club.
He’s also managed to outperform in numerous key areas throughout the 2024/25 campaign, arguably being the perfect alternative for the number nine position this summer.
Jackson, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the world” by Flamengo boss Filipe Luis, posted a better shot-on-target accuracy rate last season, providing a most consistent option when it comes to finishing within the final third.
Games played
30
33
Golas & assists
15
18
Shot on target accuracy
45%
43%
Pass accuracy
76%
67%
Key passes made
1.2
0.7
Progressive carries
1.9
1.7
Carries into opposition box
1.3
0.5
Shot-creating actions
2.8
1.9
The Chelsea star also managed to register a higher pass completion rate, whilst posting more key passes per 90, offering a more suitable option for link-up play – allowing the likes of Cunha and Mbeumo to also hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
His dominance doesn’t end there, completing more progressive carries and carries into the opposition’s box per 90, possessing an all-round skillset that would be beneficial to Amorim in attacking areas.
Whilst he may be an expensive addition to Amorim’s side, it’s one that would hand the 40-year-old the added attacking threat he craves in his quest for success.
The bid for Sesko showcases the ambition of the hierarchy, but ultimately, the fanbase shouldn’t worry about potentially missing out on his signature, with Jackson arguably a better option this window.
More crucial than Sesko: Man Utd prepare £26m bid for "phenomenal" star
Manchester United are making a move to land a star who’d be better than Benjamin Sesko.
There’s much fanfare around Liverpool’s pursuit of Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak, and rightly so.
Hugo Ekitike has left Eintracht Frankfurt and signed for the Premier League champions in a deal worth an initial £69m, but the hungry Reds want more, want to consolidate their imperious position at the summit of the mountain.
Isak, 25, has informed Newcastle that he wishes to pursue a move to Anfield, and with sales of stars like Luis Diaz, Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott, it might just be possible.
However, it’s not just the frontline that Arne Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes are hoping to improve before the window slams shut.
Liverpool's summer transfer plans
Away from the front of the ship, Liverpool also plan to add some depth at the back, with Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi having emerged as the top target over the past several weeks.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
However, Tottenham Hotspur are also eager to make their own bid, and so the Anfield side appear to have lined up a potential alternative who has taken his first strides onto the senior stage.
Indeed, as per Corriere dello Sport – via Sport Witness – Liverpool have initiated contact with Serie A club Parma as they look to swipe their rising defensive star Giovanni Leoni.
Napoli's Romelu Lukaku in action with Parma's GiovanniLeoni
Leoni, 18, exuded confidence and quality across his breakout campaign in Italy, and Inter Milan are also looking to sign him this summer.
Previous reports have suggested Leoni would be available for a fee of around €40m (£34m).
Why Liverpool want Giovanni Leoni
Liverpool made an attempt to sign Bournemouth’s Dean Hujsen in May, seeking to activate the young Spaniard’s £50m release clause.
He signed instead for Real Madrid, but Liverpool’s intent was clear.
Leoni fits a similar profile, and in this way, he could turn out to be an even more exciting talent than Guehi, who, aged 25, is one of the Premier League’s standout performers.
Though Liverpool wouldn’t be signing the same level of ability in the 6 foot 4 Leoni, he has the chance to leap ahead of the Palace captain, having been hailed by talent scout Jacek Kulig as “one of the most complete teenage centre-backs in Europe.”
That roundedness is better highlighted through data-led platform FBref, who ranked Leoni among the top 17% of centre-backs across Europe last season for goals scored, the top 38% for successful take-ons and the top 17% for passes blocked per 90, highlighting that blooming technical variation.
Guehi is, of course, riding the crest of a wave as one of Europe’s most talented defenders, but Leoni would be cheaper and could be shaped by Slot’s coaching expertise over the next several years, absorbing the fruits of Virgil van Dijk and Konate’s labours (should the latter stay put).
League Stats 24/25 – Marc Guehi vs Giovanni Leoni
Stats (* per game)
Guehi
Leoni
Matches (starts)
34 (34)
17 (14)
Goals
3
1
Assists
2
0
Touches*
64.9
46.9
Pass completion
84%
89%
Key passes*
0.5
0.1
Ball recoveries*
4.3
2.0
Dribbles*
0.4
0.2
Tackles + interceptions*
2.6
1.7
Clearances*
4.6
3.6
Duels (won)*
4.9 (59%)
2.5 (61%)
Errors made
2
1
All data via Sofascore
As you can see, Guehi far outstrips his younger positional peer, but there’s a lot to like from the Italian, who has established himself as a crisp passer and a defender who is strong in the duel.
Also, Leoni made just one error across the campaign, which bespeaks his composure and coolness under pressure. A calm head is something that has proved a staple of Guehi’s skill set over the past few years.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
Leoni is a work in progress, but Slot is a master at bringing up-and-coming prospects to the fore. Given the cheap price tag and the existing completeness about Leoni, he might just come to prove the bigger talent in the long run.
Isak's new Gordon: Liverpool lining up "explosive" £51m Diaz replacement
Liverpool are still ready to be active in the summer transfer market.
Legspinner vows to carry on as wise head, especially now that Moeen Ali has retired
Vithushan Ehantharajah23-Sep-2024
Adil Rashid claimed his 200th ODI wicket when he removed Glenn Maxwell•Getty Images
Fresh from bringing up 200 ODI wickets at Headingley on Saturday, Adil Rashid says he has the hunger to continue playing international cricket, dismissing talk that retirement may be on the horizon.Rashid broke new ground as the first English spinner to reach the milestone, albeit one brought up in a second consecutive defeat to Australia. It was England’s 10th loss in their last 14 ODIs. Another at Chester-le-Street would consign the hosts to a series defeat with two matches still to play. Poor weather, which forced training indoors on Monday, may end up saving their blushes, even if it does remove a series win from the equation.That this is a transitional squad, shorn of a handful of senior players, including captain Jos Buttler, has already been offered as mitigation for the missteps so far. Nevertheless, a new era – initially under interim coach Marcus Trescothick before Brendon McCullum assumes the limited-overs job in the new year alongside his Test commitments – has had an ignominious start.Yet, even with the onus on refreshing tactics and personnel, Rashid remains an integral part of the future of England’s limited-overs teams. February’s Champions Trophy, the 2026 T20 World Cup and 2027’s 50-over World Cup signpost the next three years, and the 36-year-old, currently in possession of an ECB central contract that takes him through to the end of the 2025 summer, has designs on being around for all of them.”I have not thought about it [retirement] yet,” said Rashid, speaking before Tuesday’s third ODI at Chester-le-Street. “Keep playing, enjoy it, stay fit, bowl well, contribute to wins, hopefully World Cups and Champions Trophies – that is my ultimate aim.”I’m playing each game and each series as it comes and if I’m still enjoying it and performing well, I’ll keep carrying on.”To play for this long and take the wickets I have, I’d never, ever dreamt of that, so hopefully I can carry it on. It’s been an enjoyable ride with ups and downs, and hopefully I can stay on the up for the remainder of my career.”I’ve got no eye yet on retiring or anything like that – that’s not even crossed my mind. It’s about enjoying the game and still giving it everything I’ve got.”Related
Brendon McCullum to combine Test and white-ball coaching roles in new England deal
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Could more crushing ODI failure be just what England need?
It is a vital statement from Rashid given the lay of the land. Though the likes of Joe Root (rested) and Ben Stokes (undecided) are expected to return to the limited-overs set-up in some capacity – the Champions Trophy works for both given England’s first Test in 2025 comes at the end of May against Zimbabwe at Lord’s – the set-up has lost a lot of experience and knowledge in the last six months.Of those moved on, Moeen Ali is the one Rashid will feel the most. The former vice-captain announced his retirement earlier this month after missing out on both T20 and 50-over assignments against Australia. And as a long-time friend, inseparable at home and aboard, the fear was that Rashid may soon follow suit. Those fears, for now, have been allayed. On Tuesday, the Yorkshireman will earn his 138th ODI cap – the figure Moeen finished on.Of course, the team environment is a little different for Rashid. Not only will he not have his usual confidant for company, but he also now has more responsibility to assume as the go-to wise head in the dressing room, particularly for young spinners as England prepare for life after Rashid. The former will take getting used to, but the latter role is something he is keen to embrace.”He’s a big miss for the team and a big miss for me because we’re really good friends on and off the pitch,” Rashid said. “He’s made that decision and got another chapter of his life with the remainder of his career and I’m sure he’ll do wonders.”With Mo not being there my input will obviously be a little bit more, speaking to the youngsters and them coming to me,” he added.”That’s the ultimate aim. Whatever I’ve got in terms of experience, form, ups and downs, the knowledge I have, I can pass that on. It could be in terms of mindset or technical things. I’m trying to do that now as well, with the youngsters I’m working with.”I’ve worked with Rehan Ahmed, I’ve worked with Jafer (Chohan) at Yorkshire. There’s a few around the circuit, they’re in competition, which is healthy, and they can compete to become that No. 1 spinner.”Easier said than done, of course. Rashid’s evolution into a world-class operator was aligned with a consistency of selection and schedule. Between the 2015 and 2019 50-over World Cups, he played 76 out of a possible 81 ODIs under Eoin Morgan. In turn, England emerged during that period as a ground-breaking white-ball outfit. The demands and opportunities of the modern game mean the next generation does not have the benefit of that level of continuity.As such, England’s route back to the top of the pile after botched defences of the ODI and T20I titles in 2023 and 2024 will require a different path on less certain terrain. But in Rashid, they can still call upon someone who knows, and – crucially – still has, what it takes to push them on.
Liverpool don’t want to sell Luis Diaz this summer, but they might have to. Keeping a player on the books whose heart is set elsewhere is an ill-fated move, and the Colombian wants to leave Anfield.
You can see his case. Aged 28, Diaz is one of the finest wingers in the game, but he earns a comparatively modest salary at Liverpool and has entered the second-to-last year of his contract.
Diaz wants a pay rise, but Liverpool aren’t inclined to give him one, instead willing to see out his contract.
1
Mohamed Salah
£400,000
£20,800,000
2
Virgil Van Dijk
£350,000
£18,200,000
3
Florian Wirtz
£195,000
£10,140,000
4
Andrew Robertson
£160,000
£8,320,000
=5
Alexis Mac Allister
£150,000
£7,800,000
=5
Alisson
£150,000
£7,800,000
=5
Ryan Gravenberch
£150,000
£7,800,000
=5
Federico Chiesa
£150,000
£7,800,000
16*
Luis Diaz
£55,000
£2,860,000
He was a crucial part of last season’s success. Diaz scored 17 goals and supplied eight assists across all competitions for Liverpool, his best return for the club.
His electric pace, tenacious fight and versatility proved perfect for Arne Slot as the Dutch coach led the Reds to the Premier League title.
Luis Diaz
But Bayern Munich are persistent in their bid to sign the Colombian winger, having already seen a £58.5m bid knocked back this summer.
However, Sky Germany confirm that the Bundesliga champions continue to push, and with Liverpool set to sign a new striker, perhaps his sale for a mammoth fee wouldn’t be such a bad thing in the long run.
The latest on Hugo Ekitike to Liverpool
Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike has been one of the more coveted names on the market this summer. Manchester United and Newcastle United have both shown an interest, but it’s the Reds who will likely prevail, the Frenchman submitting a transfer request on Thursday to seal a deal with the Anfield side.
Valued at €100m (£85m) Ekitike will cost a pretty penny, all right, but he’s worth it, already regarded “one of the best strikers out there” by analyst Ben Mattinson.
While Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak has been sporting director Richard Hughes’ first choice, the Magpies have rejected Liverpool’s advances, so the Reds have stolen their top target instead.
He’s not as good as Isak, but the 23-year-old does have sky-high potential, the genuine chance to make headway over a number of years at Liverpool and reach that pedestal.
While Diaz spent a fair share of time as a makeshift striker in 2024/25, he is at his core a left-sided forward. With Darwin Nunez supposedly off as well, Liverpool might need to sign a winger to go alongside Ekitike.
Liverpool line up Luis Diaz heir
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Liverpool have retained an interest in signing Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon, having come close to signing him one year ago.
The England international, 24, is valued at £75m and any concrete move is dependent on Diaz’s future. However, the long-standing interest and Gordon’s Merseyside affiliation could see him push for a return to Anfield, having left Liverpool’s academy as an 11-year-old.
While Real Madrid’s Rodrygo is also on Liverpool’s radar, with preliminary talks having taken place, Gordon might be the man to go for.
Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon
In Cody Gakpo, Liverpool have a prolific and proven left winger. However, Diaz’s departure would call for a direct replacement, and while Rodrygo would be a stunning signing, Arsenal also have a vested interest, and Real Madrid are seeking upwards of £87m.
Real Madrid's Rodrygo
Gordon would be a more than acceptable fallback. A high-speed runner with a dogged approach to his football, the Newcastle star has bloomed into one of the Premier League’s finest over the past couple of years, with teammate Bruno Guimaraes describing him as “special”.
Technically sharp and physically robust, he certainly fits the mould that Diaz would leave behind, and this dynamic skill set could be the perfect thing for a young striker in Ekitike, who will need support as he steps into the cauldron of fire that is the English top flight.
Ekitike will, of course, have the likes of Mohamed Salah and Florian Wirtz to lead the supply line, but in Gordon, Liverpool could retain the sense of energy and completeness that Diaz brings to the table.
And anyway, the Toon talent has already demonstrated in the Premier League that he’s capable of throwing down with the likes of Diaz, and indeed Rodrygo, whose skill has led Luka Modric to describe him as a “world-class superstar” in La Liga.
Anthony Gordon
Let’s dig a little deeper. Now, we’re going to skew the data a tad. Gordon’s 2024/25 campaign left plenty to be desired, but he was a force to be reckoned with the season prior.
Looking at that 2023/24 term, comparing it to Rodrygo and Diaz’s league efforts last term, we can see that he’s got the potential to make quite the impression at Liverpool.
Matches (starts)
35 (34)
30 (22)
36 (28)
Goals
11
6
13
Assists
10
5
5
Shots (on target)*
2.3 (0.9)
1.8 (0.7)
2.0 (0.8)
Big chances missed
9
1
11
Pass completion
82%
91%
86%
Big chances created
16
5
8
Key passes*
1.6
1.6
1.6
Dribbles*
1.5
1.6
1.5
Ball recoveries*
3.6
2.4
2.9
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
1.1
1.3
Duels won*
5.3
3.8
3.8
Quite the effort. Gordon’s performances, notching 21 goal contributions across Newcastle’s injury-hit year, led to the honour of the club’s Player of the Year. It was his first full season on Tyneside, and an illustration of his capacity for high-level performances.
And while his high duel rate, creativity and potency in the final third would elevate Ekitike as he makes his maiden way in England, the centre-forward could certainly return the favour, with a style of play that is truly layered and vast.
Indeed, as per FBref, Ekitike ranked among the top 10% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, and the top 4% for both progressive carries and successful take-ons per 90.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Whichever way you look at it, it’s hard to imagine Liverpool’s transfer window being anything other than a success. Slot proved his worth last season, and now he’s being rewarded with the parts to create a lasting squad of champions.
Better than Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool make £142m "monster" a dream target
Liverpool have two primary candidates to bolster their forward line; Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike.
Scottish boss Russell Martin has plenty of things to deal with early on in his tenure as Glasgow Rangers’ new head coach ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The former Southampton manager has to build a squad that can challenge for the Scottish Premiership title, and has already had Lyall Cameron added to his midfield options.
However, Martin will also have to deal with the prospect of some of his best players moving on from Ibrox if teams come in with big-money offers for them during the summer transfer window.
Fiorentina and Marseille are reportedly keen on Nicolas Raskin, who is valued at £20m by the 49ers, and up to six English teams are said to be eyeing up Mohamed Diomande ahead of a possible swoop for his services.
Nicolas Raskin
The Light Blues are no stranger to cashing in on their top talents over the years, though, as players have moved on from Glasgow to pursue other options in Europe many times in recent seasons.
One deal that the Scottish giants hit the jackpot with, though, was the sale of Joe Aribo to then-Premier League side Southampton in the summer of 2022.
Why Rangers hit the jackpot with Joe Aribo
The Nigeria international was a terrific player for Rangers during his time at Ibrox, having spent three years at the club after joining from Charlton in the summer of 2019.
Aribo racked up 26 goals and 25 assists in 149 appearances in all competitions for the Light Blues in those three seasons, and his final goal contribution was a goal in the Europa League final against Eintracht Frankfurt.
The left-footed star’s form for Rangers attracted attention from down south and he sealed a move to then-Premier League outfit Southampton in the summer of 2022.
A reported fee of £10m was agreed between the two clubs for the attacking midfielder, who was reportedly being eyed up by other teams in the English top-flight, and that has turned out to be a brilliant deal for the Gers.
Date
Market valuation
July 2022
Reported £10m deal
November 2022
£12.8m
June 2023
£9.4m
October 2023
£6.8m
December 2023
£5.1m
May 2024
£4.2m
December 2024 – present
£5.1m
Valuations via Transfermarkt
As you can see in the table above, Aribo’s value has plummeted down to just £5.1m, as per Transfermarkt, in the three years since the midfield star decided to move on from Ibrox.
The 28-year-old, who has scored nine goals and provided one assist in 109 games for Southampton, has not kicked on during his spell in England, which suggests that the Gers hit gold with the deal they got for him in 2022.
Rangers could repeat that masterclass this summer amid speculation that another one of their forwards could leave the club in the coming weeks.
Rangers striker set to move on from Ibrox
According to Soccernet.ng, Cyriel Dessers is poised to complete a permanent exit from Rangers before the end of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Nigeria international is ‘set’ to sign for Greek giants AEK Athens, after he ‘set sights’ on a move away from Ibrox ahead of next season.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Soccernet.ng adds that the striker has already verbally agreed to sign for the Greek team and has mapped out a £30k-per-week contract to sign if the transfer goes through this summer.
The outlet reveals that the two teams still need to come to an agreement on a transfer fee for the player before a deal can be finalised, and it does not mention how much money it would take to get it done.
However, The Scottish Sun recently reported that the Gers are holding out for a fee of around £5m for the striker, who they paid £4.5m to Cremonese for in 2023.
If the Light Blues can agree a £5m deal to sell Dessers to AEK Athens, who Soccernet.ng claims is set to join them, then it could be an Aribo repeat.
Why Dessers could be an Aribo repeat
The 30-year-old number nine could follow in Aribo’s footsteps as another star performer who could decrease in value after leaving the Scottish giants.
His value has already dropped from £4.2m at the time of his Ibrox arrival to £3.4m at the time of writing (19/06/2025), as per Transfermarkt, which immediately suggests that a fee of £5m would be a great deal for Rangers.
That is in spite of a very respectable goalscoring return of 51 strikes in 109 matches for the Light Blues in all competitions over the past two seasons.
His value at AEK Athens, should a transfer go through this summer, could fall even further on Transfermarkt, despite a potential fee of £5m, because he may not have the chance to score as many goals.
The Greek side finished fourth in the Super League and only scored 48 goals, whilst Rangers finished second in the Premiership and scored 80 goals.
Cyriel Dessers (European comps + Premiership)
23/24
24/25
Appearances
47
46
Goals
21
18
Shots
110
103
Shots on target
52
51
Big chances missed
29
31
Assists
6
4
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Nigerian striker missed a staggering 60 ‘big chances’ in the Premiership, Europa League, and Champions League combined in his first two seasons at Ibrox.
Dessers, who journalist Josh Bunting claimed is “awkward” to play against due to his physicality, scored a decent number of goals for Rangers because he was in a team that was constantly creating chances for him, as evidenced by how many huge opportunities he spurned.
Rangers' CyrielDesserscelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
Therefore, he may struggle to have the same impact in an AEK Athens team that did not create or score anywhere near as much as Rangers did in the 2024/25 campaign, which could expose his wasteful finishing in a side that does not create loads of ‘big chances’.
This means that Dessers’ output in front of goal could diminish as a result of signing for the Greek side, which is why his value could also plummet as a result of the move, particularly now that the striker is also in his 30s and heading into his latter years.
He's Vaclav Cerny 2.0: Rangers are now set to sign "unplayable" star
Rangers are reportedly set to complete a deal for a star who could be Vaclav Cerny 2.0.
By
Dan Emery
Jun 16, 2025
Selling the experienced forward to Athens for £5m, if a deal can be agreed at that price, could be an Aribo repeat for Rangers as another player whose value could plummet after leaving.
Liverpool lost their second away game in a row at the AMEX, Arne Slot’s side letting a 2-1 lead slip against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League ahead of this weekend’s final fixture, eventually losing 3-2.
Ah well. Liverpool will lift the trophy at Anfield on Sunday, having dominated the season with a dynamic boss in Slot, whose coaching and presence have seen him defy the odds to succeed Jurgen Klopp in the hot seat.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
Mohamed Salah had another tough time at the office, missing a sitter, but the Reds flattered to deceive in defence and Jarell Quansah will surely be frustrated with another struggle to make an impression for his coach.
Jarell Quansah's struggles for Liverpool
In keeping with his luckless campaign, Quansah was adjudged to have played match-winner Jack Hinshelwood onside in the late stage, though his overall efforts proved something of a mixed bag, only winning one of three ground duels but making a whopping ten clearances, as per Sofascore.
After a storming breakthrough season for Klopp last year, instrumental in winning the Carabao Cup and restoring Champions League pedigree, Quansah has plateaued out.
He started Liverpool’s opener against Ipswich Town last August but was hooked at half-time, with the debuting gaffer stating he was unhappy with his side’s lack of success in the duel and felt compelled to change things up.
Quansah didn’t start a top-flight fixture again until December, a 3-3 draw at St. James’ Park. His two starting berths since have come before defeat.
Jarell Quansah for Liverpool
Potential suitors will no doubt have taken note of the 22-year-old’s performance on the south coast, with Football Insider publishing a claim that Slot is open to letting him leave on loan.
Though previous reports suggest Newcastle United would be interested in signing Quansah for a transfer fee, Liverpool do feel the young defender’s long-term future is at Anfield, with his “monster” performances, as claimed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, last season drawing plaudits.
Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah
But if Liverpool sign a centre-back this summer, it might be a prudent option for him to take, however, another member of the backline may well be facing a permanent sale.
Liverpool must now sell Kostas Tsimikas
If this is the end, Tsimikas will leave Liverpool with a Premier League winner’s medal around his neck, having also whipped in the corner for Virgil van Dijk’s last-gasp Carabao Cup-winning goal last season.
Kostas Tsimikas – Premier League Career by Season
Season
Apps (starts)
Goals
Assists
24/25
13 (4)
0
1
23/24
13 (8)
0
3
22/23
20 (9)
0
4
21/22
13 (9)
0
2
20/21
2 (0)
0
0
Stats via Transfermarkt
Playing his 115th game for Liverpool since joining from Olympiakos in a £12m deal four years ago, Tsimikas may well have started his last game for the club, with Andy Robertson likely to play from the outset on the final fixture of the season against Crystal Palace.
The 29-year-old applied himself well enough defensively, winning three of five ground duels and making two tackles, as per Sofascore, but a lack of athleticism was exposed as he was dribbled past twice while also failing to offer meaningful creative support, failing to make a key pass and missing with all three cross attempts.
Football Insider also learned at the start of the month that FSG are open to selling the veteran at the end of the season. Liverpool writer Leanne Prescott remarked it’s “so funny to watch” Tsimikas in action at points, though fans likely wouldn’t see the amusement if he was still on the books next season, and a younger upgrade was not brought in.
Kostas Tsimikas in action for Liverpool
It wasn’t actually the worst display in the world, with The Liverpool Echo handing the Greek full-back a 6/10 match rating and writing: ‘Did well to deny Welbeck a free header for what should have been an equaliser. Was unable to add much going forward.’
But Liverpool’s interest in Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez has been widely reported in recent days, with Fabrizio Romano stating that “talks are advancing.”
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
Kerkez is an up-and-coming talent whose potential could see him take his predecessor’s torch and become a real asset over the coming years for Slot, with Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley hailing his “absolutely exceptional” displays.
Robertson, 31, is one year away from reaching the end of his contract, but has started 28 Premier League matches this season and has spoken of his desire to extend his stay at Anfield.
Though he’s been a dependable servant for Liverpool, the £75k-per-week Tsimikas will have little luck if he serves as Slot’s third-choice option next season, and must be sold.
He'd be incredible with Kerkez: FSG want to sign £50m "tank" for Liverpool
Liverpool are looking to make sweeping changes in the summer transfer market.
Why don’t we park the negativity for a moment: Liverpool have won the Premier League in Arne Slot’s season, and with plenty of time to spare at that.
You may have seen on social media that Slot is partying out in Ibiza, while Virgil van Dijk has taken the lads off to Dubai for a mini-break to celebrate Trent Alexander-Arnold before his contentious move to Real Madrid as a free agent.
This is amusing to watch, not least because the Reds still have to play Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX on Sunday before the culminating game of the campaign against Crystal Palace at Anfield in two weeks. But it highlights the club’s staggering success this year, so dominant throughout.
To think that FSG’s new iteration achieved league gold with only Federico Chiesa added to the first-team squad. Signings are needed now, and no mistake, with sporting director Richard Hughes acting swiftly to seal a deal for Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool’s right-back-in-waiting.
Why Liverpool are signing Jeremie Frimpong
Frimpong has scored 30 goals and supplied 44 assists across 190 matches for Bayer Leverkusen. The 24-year-old is rapid, physically robust and dynamic, and if Liverpool’s data-driven team are convinced, fans should be too.
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies in action with Bayer Leverkusen'sJeremieFrimpong
According to Fabrizio Romano, advanced discussions are underway, with details pertaining to the structure of the €35m (about £30m) release clause being ironed out.
Frimpong differs greatly from Alexander-Arnold but he will add an attacking dimension to Liverpool’s backline, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues this term for goal contributions and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.
24/25
48
5
12
23/24
47
14
12
22/23
48
9
11
21/22
34
2
8
20/21
13
0
1
The Netherlands star will be a great addition, one who will tussle with Conor Bradley for that number one spot. However, Liverpool are planning surgery across three quarters of the backline, and there’s an even better deal currently in the works.
Liverpool lead race for new defender
While Milos Kerkez remains the top target at left-back, it’s unlikely Liverpool will advance their intrigue, given Bournemouth still have it all to play for in the Premier League.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Dean Huijsen also plays for the Cherries, but the young centre-back is being pursued by almost every top team worth their salt, with a £50m release clause that demands a decision on his future in the coming weeks.
Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool are ready to lodge an official bid for Huijsen to trigger that clause, though Real Madrid are interested too and it’s felt the young star would be interested in moving to the Spanish capital.
Of course, Liverpool are an interesting destination themselves. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, not only is a decision is forthcoming, but Liverpool are alongside Arsenal in leading the race.
A decision will indeed be made soon, and FSG must surely be ready to seal the deal with a first major central defensive signing since Ibrahima Konate arrived from RB Leipzig for £36m in May 2021.
Why Dean Huijsen would be Slot's perfect signing
Romano’s revelation suggests a conclusion to this saga will be found soon, and FSG must ensure they are doing all they can to complete Slot’s backline with the young star.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen
Huijsen really is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” as has been noted by analyst Ben Mattinson. At the moment, the race is absolutely open, and Liverpool can only do all they can to convince the Spain international that Anfield presents the best step forward in his career.
Joining Bournemouth from Juventus in a deal worth £15m last summer, Huijsen has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout young stars, playing every minute of his side’s past 23 fixtures.
Would it be fair to say he’d be a better signing than Frimpong for Slot’s trophy-winning Reds? In fairness, Huijsen is regarded as the “ultimate modern-day centre-back” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, and he’s got the statistics to back it up.
As per Sofascore, the 20-year-old has averaged almost three tackles and interceptions per game this term, winning 61% of his aerial battles and keeping seven clean sheets for Andoni Iraola’s side. It’s hardly surprising he’s been named a “world-class” star in the making by one analyst.
Honestly, there’s no question really that he’d be a better signing than Frimpong, not least having proven himself in the Premier League, while bearing all the traits needed to become a superstar in Slot’s Liverpool set-up. Who knows, given his left-footed inclination, maybe Huijsen could even succeed Van Dijk on the left side.
Bournemouth's DeanHuijsencelebrates after the match
As per FBref, Huijsen ranks among the top 7% of defenders in the Premier League this season for goal involvements, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, effectively illustrating a technical aptitude and athletic ability that marry into his core defensive quality.
Given the uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate, who has been confirmed to have seen contract talks stagnate with just one year remaining on his current deal, Liverpool must surely accelerate their plans to sign Huijsen, insofar as such efforts will hold any sway. Of course, they can canvass a proposal for the ages, one which promises a standout role in a standout team.
Jeremie Frimpong
We’d love to watch Huijsen spray balls out into the path of an electric-bursting Frimpong next season, but there’s no question the Spanish man is the one that FSG should go for, should they need to prioritise.
A Salah-esque signing: Liverpool agree personal terms with "insane" target
Liverpool are ready to begin their summer shopping spree.
Is there anything Cameron Carter-Vickers can’t do? Celtic’s centre-back sensation showcased another string to his bow during Saturday’s thumping 5-1 win over Kilmarnock, with the United States international rifling home in stunning fashion for the game’s third goal.
Having driven forward with the ball from deep, the former Tottenham Hotspur man unleashed a simply remarkable strike from range that soared into the roof of the net, with the 27-year-old arguably bettering the effort of teammate, Reo Hatate, which opened the scoring.
Previously described as potentially the “best centre-back outside of the top five leagues” by The Athletic’s EuroExpert, the towering defender has proven to be a simply masterful signing following his initial loan arrival back in the summer of 2021.
After a string of temporary spells away from Spurs, the Southend-born titan has found a real home for himself at Parkhead, having now racked up 154 appearances for the Hoops to date, scoring eight times in the process.
The key man at the heart of the backline, the only issue has been finding a permanent partner to Carter-Vickers in recent times, with Rodgers still seemingly yet to settle on the likes of Auston Trusty and Liam Scales in that left-sided berth.
Celtic's centre-back conundrum
Recent weeks, in particular, have seen real rotation and alteration in the centre-back ranks, with Maik Nawrocki handed rare starts against both Rangers and Hearts, while Trusty and Scales have since featured against St Johnstone and Kilmarnock, respectively.
Liam Scales
For Carter-Vickers to have had three different partners in just the last three games is far from an ideal scenario, with that epitomising the unsettled nature of the backline of late.
Indeed, there has been a real merry-go-round of centre-backs at Celtic Park in recent years, with the decision to fork out £4.3m on Nawrocki and £3m on Gustav Lagerbielke backfiring, with the former having made just 17 appearances for the club, while the latter man is now on loan at FC Twente.
Meanwhile, the likes of Nat Phillips and Yuki Kobayashi have come and gone over the last year or so, while academy graduate Stephen Welsh finally secured a long-awaited move away from the club to join Belgian side Mechelen on a temporary basis in January, with the Scotsman enduring a bit-part role prior to that.
A resurgent Scales was the main man last term – following his return from Aberdeen – after making 45 appearances in all competitions, although the £6m signing of Trusty in the summer has altered the pecking order, with the American starting nine of his side’s ten Champions League games.
That said, the ex-Sheffield United star has hardly been perfect, as the defeat to St Johnstone showcased, with Rodgers also branding his display “a bit soft” following the 3-3 draw with Dundee in January.
This season could still end with a domestic treble, following an encouraging European run, so there are little in the way of complaints. That said, Rodgers may now be regretting selling a potential centre-back upgrade…
Celtic have already sold an upgrade on Trusty & Scales
As Rodgers walked back in the door as the successor to Ange Postecoglou in the summer of 2023, the Northern Irishman was dealt a notable blow amid the £25m sale of talisman, Jota, with the Hoops also losing Aaron Mooy amid the Australian’s shock decision to retire.
Where Are They Now
Defensively too, it proved to be a summer of change as first-choice centre-back, Carl Starfelt opted to join LaLiga side, Celta Vigo, with Rodgers suggesting the club had found it “hard…to compete” financially, amid the lure of Spanish football.
Signed initially from Rubin Kazan on a £4m deal in 2021, Starfelt endured a shaky debut away at Hearts after being thrust straight into the action by Postecoglou, with the experienced Swede lining up alongside the makeshift presence of Nir Bitton on the day.
Celtic defender Carl Starfelt.
Despite that iffy beginning, the towering defender went on to fashion a remarkably solid partnership with Carter-Vickers over the next two years, with John Hartson describing him as a “pivotal” presence in the centre of defence.
Equally, another former Parkhead hero – Chris Sutton – felt that Starfelt remained unfairly judged for his early woes, with the striker-turned-pundit describing him as an ‘absolute giant’ and ‘every bit as important to Celtic’s defence as Carter-Vickers’.
Carter-Vickers – record with Celtic centre-backs
Player
Games together
Points per game
Record
Carl Starfelt
64
2.59
W – 53, D – 7, L – 4
Liam Scales
57
2.51
W – 46, D – 5, L – 6
Nir Bitton
30
2.50
W – 24, D – 3, L – 3
Auston Trusty
25
2.32
W – 18, D – 4, L – 3
Stephen Welsh
16
2.31
W – 12, D – 1, L – 3
Moritz Jenz
14
2.29
W – 10, D – 2, L – 2
Maik Nawrocki
6
2.50
W – 5, D – 0, L – 1
Yuki Kobayashi
1
3.00
W -1, D – 0, D – 0
Nat Phillips
1
1.00
W – 0, D – 1, L – 0
Stats via Transfermarkt
As the table above showcases, it is Starfelt who remains the best partner that Carter-Vickers has had during his time in Glasgow, with the pair enjoying the best points-per-game ratio – excluding Kobayashi – having lost just four times in 64 games when paired together.
That illustrates why the now 29-year-old remains an upgrade on the likes of Scales and Trusty, as too does his current form back in LaLiga, with the 14-cap Sweden international coming out on top across a string of metrics, including tackles, interceptions and pass accuracy.
Starfelt vs Scales & Trusty – League stats (24/25)
Stat (*per game)
Starfelt
Scales
Trusty
Games (starts)
28 (26)
22 (17)
20 (20)
Goals
1
2
1
Assists
0
3
1
Pass accuracy*
94%
92%
94%
Tackles*
1.4
0.9
1.8
Interceptions*
1.1
0.8
0.6
Clearances*
4.6
4.4
3.5
Total duels won*
58%
74%
64%
Aerial duels won*
55%
75%
63%
Possession lost*
4.0
8.7
8.1
Stats via Sofascore
To put that form into greater perspective too, the Celta man also ranks in the top 4% among his European peers for pass completion, as well as in the top 18% for interceptions, as per FBref, thus highlighting his quality both in possession and at regaining possession.
While Starfelt may not have been the most glamourous defender to have graced the Parkhead turf, the unsung hero has arguably not truly been replaced as yet, with the wait still on for someone to nail down that starting berth next to Carter-Vickers.
155 touches, 100% dribbles: Celtic hero proved he's as undroppable as Maeda
Celtic edged ever closer to the title following Saturday’s thumping win over Kilmarnock