All posts by n8rngtd.top

With Thierno Barry on his way, Everton are already considering their next move and could reportedly look to sign a familiar face at a bargain price this summer.

Everton set to sign Thierno Barry

Just days after Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced his departure from the club, Everton are set to welcome his replacement. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Toffees have reached an agreement to sign a talented forward worth €35m (£30m) plus add-ons to beat other Premier League sides to his signature.

An impressive coup, Everton have not only replaced Calvert-Lewin but the argument could be made that they’ve landed an instant upgrade in Barry. The Villarreal star scored 19 goals in all competitions last season and is now ready to take the Premier League by storm.

What’s most impressive is just how clinical Barry was in La Liga last season – scoring 16 goals from 12.5 expected goals. Calvert-Lewin, meanwhile, was anything but clinical after underperforming in XG by over three goals.

For just £30m, all signs are pointing towards a top signing, but the Toffees are far from done on the transfer front. Ahead of a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, Friedkin could yet reportedly move to sign the likes of Nicolas Tagliafico in a free deal as well as one other target that those around Merseyside already know well.

Everton considering Jack Harrison move

As reported by The Telegraph, Everton are now considering a move to sign Jack Harrison from Leeds United in a cut-price £7m deal. The winger spent the last two seasons on loan at the club and could now finally complete a permanent move to instantly reunite with David Moyes.

A permanent move to sign Harrison would certainly split opinions at Everton. The winger’s output never really stole the headlines during his two loan spells, in which he scored just five goals, but he could be a bargain worth chasing at just £7m.

Despite his poor record in front of goal, Moyes still took the time to praise Harrison when he got his name on the scoresheet for the first time, telling reporters: “I’m sure everybody knows his work rate is really high. He always does a good job for the team, but he’s got a lot to do. He’s still got a lot to improve on because we need more.

“One’s not enough for me, you know, we need [Harrison and Lindstrøm] to come up with more and more assists, but I’m pleased they got the goal tonight.”

Bigger talent than Barry: Everton chasing £28m ace with a "hint of Haaland"

Following Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s exit, Everton are set to sign Thierno Barry, but could they also target another striker who has a “hint of Haaland”?

By
Ben Gray

Jul 3, 2025

At a crossroads this summer, Harrison should take hold of the chance to rejoin Everton if they come calling as the Toffees potentially land his signature at a bargain price.

Celtic appear to be closing in on an exciting addition to their attacking arsenal as they pursue a deal for FC Nordsjaelland winger Benjamin Nygren.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph recently claimed that the Hoops are close to agreeing a fee to sign the Sweden international from the Danish outfit.

For a fee of around £2m, the 23-year-old attacker could be a very cost-effective and shrewd signing for Brendan Rodgers ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why £2m is a bargain fee for Benjamin Nygren

The Scottish giants appear set to land a bargain deal for the left-footed winger because his contract with Nordsjaelland is due to expire at the end of December.

This means that the Danish outfit have to cash in now, for a reduced fee, because they would otherwise risk losing him for nothing in the January transfer window at the start of next year.

It also looks to be a bargain because of the quality that he could provide at the top end of the pitch, after the flanker scored 15 goals in 30 league matches this season.

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?

The £2m fee also means that Nygren is set to be worth less than the majority of the Celtic squad, including centre-back Liam Scales, who the club have hit gold on.

Celtic have hit the jackpot on Liam Scales

The Hoops swooped to sign the Ireland international from Shamrock Rovers in the summer of 2021 for a reported fee of £500k, which has turned out to be a bargain fee for the defender.

Scales has scored six goals in 97 appearances for the Scottish giants in all competitions to date, and has been a regular starter at the back under Rodgers in the past two seasons.

The left-footed titan even made the PFA Team of the Year, alongside defensive partner Cameron Carter-Vickers, at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, thanks to his impressive showings in the Scottish Premiership.

Scales’ emergence as a regular starter, and excellent performer, for the Hoops in the last two seasons has caused his market value to soar way beyond the £500k they initially paid for him, and beyond the fee they are set to pay for Nygren.

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old defender’s value is now at a whopping £3.4m, which is significantly more than the £500k they invested in him four years ago.

It also means that Scales, who was dubbed “underrated” by Neil Lennon, is worth £1.4m more than a winger who scored 15 league goals this season, Nygren, which is still impressive in spite of the forward’s contractual situation.

His market value shows that Celtic hit the jackpot by snapping him up from Shamrock Rovers for a modest fee, as he has developed into a regular starter and a very valuable asset who could make the club a healthy profit in the future if they decide to cash in on him.

As exciting as Nygren: £7m star is now a target for Celtic this summer

Celtic are eyeing up another forward alongside the signing of Benjamin Nygren.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 17, 2025

Hopefully, Scales will continue to be a dependable figure at the back for the Scottish giants next season, which could lead to his value soaring even higher.

Liverpool plan on defending their newly claimed Premier League title next season, having defied expectations to dominantly dethrone Manchester City after four years, brushing injury-hit Arsenal aside in the race for the top spot.

Few expected Arne Slot’s side to challenge this year, having just been dealt the bitter blow of Jurgen Klopp’s departure, the iconic manager stepping down after nearly nine years at the helm.

Football can be fickle, however, and the detractors will be out in force come autumn, waiting for the Merseysiders to stumble. That’s why FSG have moved incisively to back their head coach and strengthen a number of areas.

Liverpool’s full-back berths have been shored up, even with Trent Alexander-Arnold now playing in Real Madrid’s white jersey, and Florian Wirtz is on the brink of signing for the English giants.

Negotiations with Bayer Leverkusen have dragged on a bit, but all parties expect Wirtz to sign for the Anfield side, and for a British-record £120m fee at that.

And there’s even more still to come.

Liverpool's summer transfer plans

Wirtz is a one-of-a-kind attacking midfielder, regarded by sports media professional Cristian Nyari to be a “truly generational talent.”

However, he alone won’t restore the equilibrium of Liverpool’s frontline. Darwin Nunez is “planning to leave”, as per Fabrizio Romano, and Liverpool are doing due diligence on a number of strikers, the likes of which include Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike and Benjamin Sesko of RB Leipzig. Victor Osimhen’s name has also been mentioned.

Liverpool, furthermore, could lose one of their major attacking cogs, Luis Diaz, who is being courted by Barcelona and Saudi side Al Nassr. Barcelona have already seen an approach rebuffed.

Should Diaz, who is entering the second-to-last year of his contract, leave, Liverpool will need to source a replacement, and they might just have found the man for the job.

Liverpool plotting move for Premier League star

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are considering making their move for Newcastle United wide forward Anthony Gordon, who has been valued at £80m.

Transfer Focus

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

The winger is said to be ‘extremely happy’ at St James’ Park, although he would be ‘very keen’ on returning to Merseyside, with Liverpool ‘confident of striking a deal’, despite the lack of ‘club-to-club contact’ with the Magpies as yet.

It feels unlikely Gordon would arrive if Diaz stays put, but this could be a neat replacement for a 28-year-old who appears open to leaving, especially since, for Gordon, it would be a homecoming, having left Liverpool’s academy aged 11.

Liverpool will continue to prepare their offer until Diaz’s future is resolved, but should the Colombian leave, the Magpies ace is the top target.

Why Liverpool should sign Anthony Gordon

Last summer, Liverpool explored an opportunity to sign Gordon after his tremendous 2023/24 campaign for Newcastle, notching 28 goal contributions across all competitions.

However, the Magpies found alternative ways to avoid financial repercussions from the Premier League, and he stayed put.

Now, though, the potential sale of Diaz could see the Reds return, maybe enticing the boyhood Liverpool fan to make the move back to Merseyside and combine with a fellow new recruit in Wirtz, who might just hold the key to a new level of performance on the 24-year-old Gordon’s part.

Diaz can prove a tricky opponent for even the meanest of defences, and in that regard, Gordon could be the perfect replacement, having described himself as being “a nightmare for anyone”.

His pace and athleticism are exactly what Liverpool need to keep their left flank firing on all cylinders, and with Wirtz pulling the strings from the middle, it might be the start of a truly special partnership.

Wirtz’s blend of creativity, hard graft and dribbling is enough to raise the game of any forward teammates, including that of Gordon, who perhaps hasn’t reached the same heights on Tyneside across his second full season.

Injury and suspension have come together to prove a hindrance for the Three Lions star across the latter half of the season, but he’s now a Carabao Cup champion and played his part in pulling Newcastle back into the Champions League.

Moreover, there’s enough there to suggest Wirtz could elevate him to the next level. Indeed, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes has described the German international as being “probably the best midfielder in the world.”

So then, such a player would be perfect to bring Gordon back to life. The Leverkusen sensation, after all, ranked among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Bundesliga last year for assists, the top 6% for shot-creating actions, the top 5% for progressive passes and progressive carries, and the top 3% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The high-level consistency across so many different metrics really does make a conclusive comment on the calibre of player Liverpool could be getting with Wirtz, and if fielded alongside Gordon, Slot could have a duo for the ages, capable of leading the club to another sustained spell of glory, challenging every year for the biggest prizes.

For now, we can only wait for the movements concerning Diaz’s future at Liverpool. But given the proactive start to the summer that sporting director Richard Hughes is overseeing, you wouldn’t bet against levers having been put in place to make a move for Gordon in the coming weeks, bringing him back to Anfield after so many years.

Wirtz will make him world-class: Liverpool now targeting "the new Haaland"

Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 5, 2025

Manchester United may have won on Sunday, defeating Aston Villa to deny them Champions League football, but understandably, no one was in the mood to party at Old Trafford.

Having lost the Europa League final last week, Ruben Amorim stood on a wet Old Trafford turf to apologise to the supporters.

Behind him stood a crop of sorry-looking players. Rather than hiding in the comfort of the dressing room, they were made to stand in front of the fans, longingly wishing for better times.

Amorim suggested that success would return, but the task at hand is colossal, perhaps one of the biggest in elite football right now.

Coincidentally, this all came in a week where one of their former players, a certain Scott McTominay, held aloft the Serie A title.

How Scott McTominay helped Napoli to a historic league title

Almost a year ago now, Man United decided to cash in on homegrown product, McTominay.

The Scot had attracted his fair share of criticism in English football for a heap of inconsistent displays, but he did depart for Naples as their joint-third highest scorer in 2023/24, having bagged ten times, the same number as Alejandro Garnacho.

Well, it’s safe to say they have missed the 28-year-old this term, with his £25m fee last summer now looking like a bargain.

In Italy, he’s been nothing short of a revelation, now being uttered in the same breath as Napoli club legend, Diego Maradona.

Only four Napoli sides have ever been crowned champions of Italy and McTominay had a huge say in their success this term.

The Scotland international was named the division’s official MVP for his performances, scoring 12 goals and registering six assists during the league campaign.

Now, United must learn from that mistake. While it’s unlikely that too many of this floundering squad will take the eye of other teams, there is a scenario where United head into next season without Bruno Fernandes.

The latest on Bruno Fernandes' future

The United skipper has been somewhat of a one-man band this season considering his form but due to United’s horrific plight, he could depart.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s been no secret in recent weeks that he is attracting interest from the Saudi Pro League, but whether or not he’s tempted by the riches in the Middle East remains to be seen.

Remarkably, he could now exit in what would be United’s second most expensive departure ever, surpassing Romelu Lukaku but slightly lagging behind the great Cristiano Ronaldo deal to Real Madrid.

That’s according to reports in Spain, who claimed over the weekend that Al-Hilal are set to step up their pursuit of the Old Trafford captain.

They have already presented what is described as a ‘significant’ sum to INEOS, lodging a ridiculous €100m (£84m) offer for the attacking midfielder.

They are also prepared to pay an enormous salary to Fernandes that exceeds €77m (£64m) per year. For context, the playmaker currently earns £15.6m-per-year.

Despite the fact that United would rake in a fair sum of cash, something that’s particularly important given they haven’t qualified for Europe in 2025/26, losing the Portuguese sensation this summer would be nothing short of disastrous.

In a bleak old season for Amorim’s men, Fernandes has been the rare bright spark, the constant beam of light.

Across 57 games, he scored 19 goals and supplied 20 assists, with 12 of those involvements coming in the club’s run to the Europa League final.

Losing those numbers would be horrendous for United. Their highest scorers after that are Garnacho and Amad on 11 each, while their second-highest assister is Garnacho, but he is ten behind his skipper.

With the Argentine winger also looking likely to depart, not even part of the squad on Sunday, the numbers Amorim would be losing from his squad would be hard to stomach.

McTominay’s situation a year ago was very different, of course it was, but they’ve been left to rue selling him and despite the riches on offer here, selling Fernandes would be a very similar story in terms of regret.

Of everyone in the squad, he is the only true irreplaceable figure. INEOS must keep him at United at all costs.

Man Utd agree personal terms to sign "amazing" Garnacho replacement

With Man Utd’s season at an end, all eyes turn toward the summer window and the future of Alejandro Garnacho

2

By
Robbie Walls

May 26, 2025

Sunderland enjoyed a brilliant day out at Wembley last month when they beat Sheffield United in the play-off final to secure promotion back to the Premier League.

Despite their promotion to the top-flight, the Wearside outfit are still having to contend with interest from elsewhere in some of their best players in the summer transfer window.

Sky Sports claims that Borussia Dortmund are in advanced talks over a deal to sign central midfielder Jobe Bellingham from the newly promoted outfit.

Fabrizio Romano has also reported that the midfielder has given his priority to making the move to the German side, but the Black Cats will not allow him to leave for less than his £33m release clause.

It now remains to be seen whether or not Dortmund will be able to agree a deal around that £33m release clause in order to bring him to Germany, but Jobe may not be the only Sunderland star on his way out of the Stadium of Light.

Premier League clubs eye Sunderland star

The club’s successful 2024/25 campaign, earning promotion to the Premier League via the play-offs, has attracted plenty of interest in their players from elsewhere, with top-flight teams now eyeing up one of Regis Le Bris’ defenders.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Sky Sports, Sunderland full-back Trai Hume is a target for Premier League sides Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers, who are settled top-flight teams.

As explained in the clip above, a host of teams in Spain are also interested in taking the Northern Ireland international away from the Stadium of Light before the end of the summer transfer window.

The report does not, however, mention how much money it would take for Sunderland to sell him. If they were to lose Hume, though, it would be an even bigger blow than losing Jobe.

Why losing Trai Hume would be a big blow

Whilst Jobe is a top talent, as evidenced by Dortmund’s interest in him, his exit may not have a huge bearing on Sunderland’s chances of avoiding the drop next term.

The Black Cats will be in a relegation scrap where they will need outstanding defensive work and players who can make a difference with goals and assists in the final third.

Jobe did not end up in the top four players for Sunderland for goals (four), assists (three), tackles per game (1.8), or assists per game (0.8) in the Championship, which shows that he is more of an all-rounder, rather than a player who is likely to make a significant impact at either end in the Premier League.

Hume, on the other hand, was among the top players at the club in a host of offensive and defensive statistics from a right-back position and could be crucial to their efforts to avoid the drop.

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old full-back was the most creative player in the squad, with the most xA and ‘big chances’ created, whilst also making the most tackles in the team.

These statistics show that Hume, who was hailed as “outstanding” by journalist Josh Bunting, will be an incredibly key player for Sunderland in the Premier League because he can combine defensive strength with attacking quality down the right flank as an outstanding performer for the Black Cats.

Losing him to Wolves or Everton would be an even bigger blow than losing Jobe because the statistics suggest that he has more potential to be influential at both ends of the pitch in the top-flight next term.

Big O'Nien upgrade: Sunderland targeting move for "freak" £20m "monster"

Sunderland might look to upgrade on Luke O’Nien when venturing up to the Premier League.

By
Kelan Sarson

May 30, 2025

It is now down to the club to hold firm and turn down any offers that may come in for his services, whilst convincing the defender to remain on Wearside.

Celtic romped to a 5-1 win over Aberdeen in their final away match of the Scottish Premiership campaign on Wednesday night, despite playing a much-changed side.

Brendan Rodgers opted to hand opportunities to several players in the comprehensive victory for the Hoops, including the likes of Viljami Sinisalo, Paulo Bernardo, Luke McCowan, Johnny Kenny, and Maik Nawrocki, among others.

Nawrocki made just his third appearance in the Premiership this season and scored the opening goal in the match with a fine header, and he made five clearances, two blocks, and two interceptions.

Rodgers was also quick to point out how well the Polish colossus performed in possession, as the boss said: “I thought he (Nawrocki) played through the lines really, really well, defended well, and obviously, he was very dangerous in the box.”

The former Legia Warsaw central defender was not the only rarely-seen star who caught the eye for the Northern Irish head coach, though, as Irish striker Johnny Kenny made his first senior start for the club and impressed against the Dons.

Why Johnny Kenny could be a future star for Celtic

The Celtic manager was “pleased” for the 21-year-old centre-forward after the reserve striker scored his first goal for the club with a fine header in the second half.

Rodgers said: “Johnny, we’re also pleased for because he works so hard, he is a natural goalscorer. I think when you see his movement for the goal, it’s so, so good and everyone was delighted for him.”

The young attacker did brilliantly to get across his man to redirect the header into the opposite corner from Luke McCowan’s cross to make it 4-1 on the night.

That was one of the five shots that Kenny managed against Aberdeen, which shows that he provided a constant threat in front of the opposition goal, whilst it was one of two shots on target for the forward.

The Celtic striker, who had only made six substitute appearances in the league prior to that game, had not made a single first-team appearance for the club prior to his return from Shamrock Rovers in January.

Kenny did, however, showcase his potential whilst on loan in his home country, with a return of 26 goals and eight assists in 76 matches for Shamrock Rovers in all competitions.

As you can see in the table above, the Irishman caught the eye in the Conference League during the first half of this season, scoring five goals in six matches, before his return to Celtic at the turn of the year.

Kenny is a young talent who has shown potential to shine in the future for the Hoops, given his performance against Aberdeen and his goalscoring record in Ireland, but he is also 22 this summer and potentially at a crossroads in his career, where he will have to decide whether it is worth fighting for a spot at Parkhead or going elsewhere to be guaranteed regular game time.

Chalkboard

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

Meanwhile, Celtic could unearth an even bigger talent than the 21-year-old Irishman by continuing to integrate 17-year-old Sean McArdle into the first-team.

Why Sean McArdle could be an even bigger talent than Johnny Kenny

It took Kenny until the age of 21 to make his senior bow for the Hoops. McArdle, on the other hand, has made his Scottish Premiership debut before turning 18.

The teenage talent has come off the bench in the last two matches, since the club were confirmed as champions of the division, as Rodgers has decided that he is ready to play in the first-team.

McArdle made his debut against Hibernian at Parkhead last week before coming on for the final nine minutes against Aberdeen away from home on Wednesday night.

The 17-year-old Scottish ace was praised by Rodgers after his debut, as the head coach said: “I like him, he’s got decent legs, he’s got a nice football brain, left-sided, he’s got culture when he plays, and now he’s got the best role models you can have in some of the players that we have here, like Callum and these guys, to learn from.”

As you can see in the table above, McArdle followed up on that praise by delivering an impressive cameo off the bench against Aberdeen, completing 92% of his chances and showing a few nice touches, creating one chance in the process.

After that display, Rodgers praised the teenager once again: “Yes, I liked him when he came on. I like the young players, and any player that you play for Celtic, you have to have personality. And you could see at 17, he comes into the game, he takes the ball, he passes the ball. He’s got a wee edge to him as well that I like.”

The manager was not the only person impressed by McArdle, though, as teammate and experienced midfielder McCowan described him as a “great” player.

This shows that he has gained respect from the manager and at least one of the senior players in the first-team with his performances in training and in Premiership matches, despite being just 17.

McArdle, who scored five goals in 25 Lowland League games this season, could, therefore, be an even bigger talent than Kenny because he has already made more progress than the Irishman did at his age.

Kenny is five years older than the Scottish midfielder and only made his Premiership debut for Celtic at the start of this year, whilst the teenager has played twice in the division already and could establish himself as a regular in the coming years, potentially before he gets to the age the Irish striker is at now.

Dream Jota replacement: Celtic line up move for "wonderful" £10m-rated star

Celtic could land a dream replacement for the injured Jota by signing this star.

By
Dan Emery

May 14, 2025

To make his breakthrough at such a young age, whilst earning plaudits from Rodgers and McCowan, speaks to his potential and suggests that he could be a future star for the Hoops for many years to come if he continues his progression.

It’s been a strange old season for Liverpool, who have been crowned Premier League champions but feel to have faced an inordinate amount of adversity for a team succeeding in winning the country’s biggest prize.

For most of the campaign, Arne Slot’s side have resembled the committed, composed and cultured team of champions, beating off so many opponents and looking, even before Christmas, to be nailed on for a first-place finish.

Mohamed Salah has been the architect, rampaging his way through the season as he made good on a promise and delivered another top-flight title to the Reds fanbase. Excitingly, the story’s not over after his two-year contract extension.

Sadly, Trent Alexander-Arnold will not be joining the rest of Anfield’s superstars for the next phase of the Slot era. Instead, the vice-captain is leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season, with Real Madrid the destination.

Liverpool's painful divorce

Maybe you could argue Alexander-Arnold represented the totemic image of the Jurgen Klopp era; you could stake compelling cases for Virgil van Dijk and Salah too.

This has been a season of many parts for those paying attention at Anfield. Last summer’s upheaval threatened everything, but a Salah-led season has reaped the biggest reward, with the Egyptian King incredibly scoring 33 goals and providing 23 assists across all competitions.

But now Alexander-Arnold’s legacy has been shifted and swirled into a new pattern, one which, for some supporters, is irretrievably broken, unalterably damaged by the decision to leave for Real Madrid and conduct his business, in the long, quiet build-up, with the undeniable air of slyness.

Ah well, we’ll get over it. The fact that Slot has won the Premier League trophy in his first season helps, after all. But the coach will hardly want his own legacy to be defined by a flash-in-the-pan title success, driven by Salah’s absurd season. This is a long-term project.

FSG have their foibles, but they are swift and shrewd and savvy in the transfer market. Is it any surprise that Alexander-Arnold’s successor is already being lined up?

Liverpool open talks for Trent successor

Recent reports suggest that Salah’s set to have a new partner down the right flank, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong emerging as the primary target to bolster Liverpool’s looming gap at right-back.

It’s claimed that an agreement (in principle) is in place with the Netherlands international regarding a transfer this summer, with a five-year contract slated.

Sky Germany have corroborated the claims, revealing that the 24-year-old’s release clause in the region of €40m (about £34m) should see a deal run smoothly if Liverpool are indeed ready to replace Alexander-Arnold with a new right-sider.

Why Jeremie Frimpong would suit Liverpool

Conor Bradley tempers the need for an Alexander-Arnold replacement, but the Northern Irishman is raw and lacks completeness. However, he has the properties to reach that level.

Frimpong would simply add a string to the bow, one which Slot could use to fire his Liverpool team further into the ascendancy by adding a very unique dimension.

As per FBref, Frimpong ranks among the top 6% of full-backs across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal involvements, the top 2% for progressive carries and the top 20% for crosses per 90. He has the talent to succeed Alexander-Arnold, not least because he won an invincible domestic double under Xabi Alonso’s wing last year.

His progress in Germany has been quite a thing, leaving Celtic in January 2021 and since becoming “one of the best wing-backs in Europe,” as commented by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

Operating within Slot’s system would also dispel the myth that he’s deficient in a defensive capacity. While Frimpong’s bursts of pace and almost possessed hunger for goals and assists suggest he lacks at the back, there’s evidence to point toward the contrary.

Picture this: it’s Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga, before Alonso took over and lifted the club to heights simply unimaginable, even from the most optimistic of ultras. Under Alonso, Frimpong has played a half season, and then a full one, and now he’s a few months deep into his second.

At this stage, the Dutchman plays a more conventional full-back’s role, settled onto the right wing of the backline but with a license to dart forward with menace when chances arise.

Hailed as a “flying machine” by journalist Kevin Hatchard and described as an “insane” player in the final third by analyst Ben Mattinson, the concerns relating to the defensive issues that may arise from Frimpong’s signing, especially in piling a defensive burden back onto Salah, are understandable, but the wing-back will likely prove a few wrong if he winds up on Merseyside.

For example, his ground duel success in the German top flight is 45% this season, 49% across the last Bundesliga term (as per Sofascore). However, given he spends most of his time in the attacking half, he wouldn’t be expected to win the lion’s share of his challenges.

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka, who bears a similar heatmap this year, has won 51% of his ground battles, regarded as one of the most combative attacking profiles in the business.

Back in 2021/22, the last full season Frimpong spent as an actual full-back, he won 59% of such duels, of which he averaged five per game. He averaged two tackles and interceptions per fixture too.

He could prove a few wrong as the new star of the show at right-back, a bit like when Salah arrived in 2017 and took Phil Coutinho’s mantle as Liverpool’s star attacker. Of course, it’s not quite the same, for the Brazilian playmaker completed half a season alongside Salah, but he tried to force his way out in the summer of the 32-year-old’s arrival.

Losing Coutinho was a bit like losing Trent. It felt like the world was ending for Liverpool, who had just started to really get going for Klopp and had lost one of their prized and unique superstars.

Liverpool endured and ended up being better for it. But therein lies the point of difference. Alexander-Arnold is leaving on a free transfer, and the only benefit FSG are receiving is the easing of the wage bill after Van Dijk and Salah’s bumped-up salaries.

Salah’s commitment to the cause is one of the principal reasons behind his matchless standing within the Liverpool community. Bringing in a personality such as Frimpong could certainly help the Reds forget about Alexander-Arnold and advance Slot’s vision.

The £65k-per-week Frimpong really could prove to be Slot’s very own Salah signing, replacing a club icon and actually going on to help Liverpool reach the next level. While it’s unlikely Frimpong would reach the same giddy heights as his predecessor, he could thrive in a tussle for the top spot with Bradley.

Liverpool have struck gold on star who's worth far more than Zubimendi

Liverpool already have the Premier League’s “outstanding midfielder”…

By
Robbie Walls

May 12, 2025

The mood at Liverpool right now is pretty good. Arne Slot’s side have been crowned Premier League champions, after all.

However, now that Trent Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave his boyhood club has been confirmed, that same mood has unquestionably soured, with the vice-captain expected to join European rivals Real Madrid when his contract expires in less than two months.

Monday morning’s announcement took the wind out of the fanbase’s sails; even the most optimistic of supporters will have known deep down that the 26-year-old was likely to join the Spanish giants, but FSG have the chance to make it all better in the coming weeks.

Yes, Liverpool are gearing up for a summer of significant spending, bolstering Slot’s squad ahead of next season’s title defence. The Reds are hoping to challenge for silverware across other fronts too.

The best way to help fans forget about the heartbreak of losing Trent to Jude Bellingham and Real Madrid? Bringing in some top-brass signings.

Sadly, Alexander Isak isn’t likely to be among such arrivals.

Liverpool's interest in Alexander Isak

With Darwin Nunez reportedly expected to be sold this summer, Liverpool are in need of a new striker. Newcastle United’s Isak is right at the top of the shopping list, but if financial plates fail to shift, FSG simply aren’t going to lodge a formal offer.

Mohamed Salah is the only player in the Premier League to have outperformed Isak in front of goal this season, so you can imagine how good Liverpool would be with both players combining for the same cause.

However, Liverpool’s interest is unlikely to advance to something more concrete, with reports suggesting that the Magpies will look for a payment in the £150m ballpark.

Liverpool need to strengthen across a range of areas, and signing Isak would be to the detriment of the greater vision. Jurgen Klopp’s decision to drop out of the race for Jude Bellingham and instead target multiple midfield additions would be something to recall at this point.

And anyway, it’s not like Isak’s the only exciting striker on the market.

Liverpool scouting new striker

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are among the clubs interested in signing RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko this summer, though Arsenal and Chelsea are also keeping close tabs on him.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s understood that Liverpool had scouts present during Leipzig’s recent draw against Bayern Munich, in which Sesko scored, and though the Gunners have conducted extensive groundwork into the potential signing, a move to Merseyside definitely can’t be ruled out.

Indeed, it’s alleged that Liverpool and Arsenal have held talks with the player’s camp ahead of a possible summer switch.

Valued at £70m, Sesko – labelled “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig – might be a raw talent but he’s one who could be willed into a world-class shape under the wing of Slot.

Why Benjamin Sesko is perfect for Liverpool

Sesko is only 21 but has already been making waves in the Bundesliga, hitting 27 goals and seven assists across his first 62 appearances.

In fact, Sesko has clinched 39 goals and eight assists across just two campaigns for Leipzig, hitting 21 goals in all competitions this year.

He’s got the trappings of something special, and it’s hardly surprising that FSG should want to pursue his signature instead of that of Isak, who would cost around £80m more than the Slovenia international.

Harking back to that earlier point concerning Bellingham: Liverpool pulled out of the race for Borussia Dortmund’s prodigious midfielder in April 2023, a decision met with dismay from many of a Reds persuasion.

Where was the ambition? How were Liverpool so resigned to their slumped position? After all, the 2022/23 campaign was one of endurance for a Liverpool side falling apart, ultimately failing to qualify for the Champions League.

But, FSG stuck by their guns and their decision proved the right one. Liverpool welcomed Alexis Mac Allister, Dominik Szoboszlai, Ryan Gravenberch and Wataru Endo instead, four stars who have each played instrumental roles in winning the Premier League this season.

Back to the present, moving for Isak would leave to similarly anticipated financial ramifications, limiting Liverpool’s scope for improvement this year. And change is needed.

Not only is Alexander-Arnold’s departure going to raise questions about right-back depth, but Liverpool need a left-back, maybe a central defender too.

Moreover, with Diogo Jota joining Nunez in falling by the wayside this season, it wouldn’t be remiss for FSG to consider more than one attacking addition.

Sesko, have no doubt, would be Liverpool’s main man if he signed, though. The 21-year-old has already been remarked to be “rewriting the laws of physics” by talent scout Jacek Kulig for his extraordinary power and precision with both feet.

Sesko, as per FBref, ranks among the top 8% and 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for successful take-on and aerial duel success rates, his “elite athleticism,” as has been praised by analyst Ben Mattinson, and tenacity lending itself to such metrics.

Not just a sharpshooter, and further evidence as to why he could be the perfect Isak alternative, who has been described as “the complete striker” by Newcastle legend Alan Shearer.

The Sweden star’s pace and link-up play is second to none, also ranking among the top 7% of strikers for progressive carries and the top 15% for shot-creating actions per 90.

While moving for Sesko would be something of a risk, he’s scored 13 Bundesliga goals this season having missed just ten big chances. He’s powerful and purposeful and intelligent besides, the perfect Isak alternative and for less than half the cost.

Kerkez upgrade: Liverpool could sign £21m star who's a left-footed Trent

Liverpool are looking to sign a left-back in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 4, 2025

Gary O’Neil’s reign as Wolverhampton Wanderers manager must feel like a distant nightmare to the Molineux masses as Vitor Pereira’s stint in charge continues to go swimmingly well.

Indeed, the popular Old Gold boss has more than breathed life into the West Midlands outfit since his arrival, with the once relegation-threatened team now a staggering 20 points clear of the drop zone after a sixth Premier League victory in a row versus Leicester City.

Of course, there is Matheus Cunha’s situation to still sort out, with the Brazilian superstar perhaps heading for the exit door soon, but the sensational Wolves attacker managed to play a starring role in the 3-0 win despite speculation.

Matheus Cunha's performance in numbers

The Manchester United-linked forward let his football do the talking at Molineux, with Cunha involved in every single goal that hit the back of Mads Hermansen’s constantly bombarded net.

The explosive number ten would open the scoring for Pereira’s in-form hosts on the 33rd minute mark, with one of Rayan Ait-Nouri’s trademark bursts forward confidently finished off by the clinical South American.

He would then turn to being a provider after bagging his 15th Premier League goal of the campaign, with a defence-splitting pass early into the second half allowing Jorgen Strand Larsen to fire home, before then playing Rodrigo Gomes into space to kill the game off after Jamie Vardy cruelly missed from the penalty spot.

Whilst Cunha rightly lapped up most of the praise at the full-time whistle, there were other standout performers on the day that have gone about their business in an understated manner all season long, including one formidable defender.

The Wolves star who is now as undroppable as Cunha

Wolves have really shored up at the back since Pereira’s inspired appointment, with April to date seeing the stern Old Gold only ship three goals in league action.

The more defensively sound performances seem to coincide with Emmanuel Agbadou’s emergence onto the scene, with the Ivorian colossus joining for £16.6m back in January proving to be another golden pick-up, like the Portuguese boss.

Looking at the table above, it’s clear that Agbadou put in another well-drilled display defensively, with the 6 foot 4 centre-back managing to come away from the 3-0 victory with an 80% duel win rate intact.

Moreover, he also managed to complete all his defensive dirty work successfully with five clearances registered, alongside three interceptions.

Yet, the imposing number 12 would also show off his composure on the ball during the routine win, with Agbadou ending the match with an impressive 89% pass accuracy next to his name from 92 total passes.

At this point in time, Agbadou’s starting spot under Pereira is now as concrete as Cunha’s, with the 27-year-old titan only tasting defeat once since coming into the Old Gold first team fold after his move from Reims.

Both the impressive defender and the spellbinding attacker will hope their continued excellent performances see more wins be tallied up as the season begins to near to its May conclusion, with a top-half finish in the Premier League now in their sights, away from looking nervously down at the relegation spaces once upon a time.

Exciting Cunha replacement: Wolves want to sign £45m star on loan

Wolves could lose Matheus Cunha in the summer transfer window.

By
Connor Holden

Apr 24, 2025

At some point this week, Liverpool could be crowned champions of the Premier League, should Arsenal lose at home against Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening or Anfield claim three points against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Of course, neither juncture could turn the Reds toward the title, but there’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Redmen’s romp toward the finish line has turned into a procession.

The Premier League is lauded by many as the toughest, most competitive and most prevalently entertaining division in the world, and while some would claim that the top flight has lulled this term, Liverpool have capitalised emphatically to defy pre-season predictions and move Arne Slot within touching distance of the crown in his first year.

It’s quite the feat, especially since he entered an outfit dealing with three contractual conundrums which have itched at Liverpool’s campaign all year long.

Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah have penned extensions, but there’s been radio silence from Trent Alexander-Arnold.

However, noise from the media suggests that his move to Real Madrid on a free transfer is a matter of when, not if.

What Liverpool will miss when Alexander-Arnold leaves

Alexander-Arnold scored the winner against Leicester City at the weekend, and his celebration felt like a farewell of sorts, hanging his shirt on the corner flag.

While the most optimistic Liverpool supporters are holding onto hope that the 26-year-old will pen a new deal with his boyhood club, Fabrizio Romano and the rest have confirmed that Trent’s camp and Los Blancos are working toward an agreement on a summer move.

He will be missed. Not only is the emotional connection strong, but Alexander-Arnold is one of the most distinctive players in the game.

The unique advantage that the right-back offers, sparking attacking play with such frightening consistency from an unconventional ball-playing position, has helped Liverpool maintain their place as the Premier League’s most creative team for the past five seasons.

Conor Bradley may well get the nod as Slot’s first choice at right-back next season, but Liverpool are going to need to replace Alexander-Arnold’s ball-playing genius somehow.

Liverpool lining up potential Trent replacement

Reports in recent weeks have suggested that Liverpool could make a move for two full-backs, namely Jeremie Frimpong of Bayer Leverkusen and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina.

Yet, could Slot replace Trent’s creativity from a different area of the pitch instead?

Transfer Focus

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

Well, according to Spanish sources, Liverpool are ready to compete with Manchester United for the signing of Xavi Simons this summer, with the RB Leipzig magician now said to be a ‘top target’ for the Reds.

A transfer fee might prove a sticking point, though, with the Germans looking to bank around €100m (£87m) for the 21-year-old this summer, just one year after buying him from Paris Saint-Germain for a €50m (£43m) fee.

However, if sporting director Richard Hughes can move discussions into a more agreeable zone, this could be a stunning capture for Liverpool.

What Xavi Simons would bring to Liverpool

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting Simons could take Alexander-Arnold’s berth at full-back. However, the little Dutchman is one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the business, and he’s still got plenty of development left to complete.

However, the Netherlands international does have a similar sort of ball-playing strength that could be utilised and unleashed to preserve Liverpool’s slick offensive play, maybe even unlocking a new dimension.

He’s a complete midfielder, capable of shifting into flanking positions too. Simons’ 2.2 key pass average this term actually stands taller than Alexander-Arnold’s 1.9 average, further evidence that he has what it takes to thrive at Anfield.

But to emphasise it more clearly, the Dutchman ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for passes attempted, the top 19% for shot-creating actions, the top 10% for progressive passes and the top 7% for ball recoveries per 90, as per FBref.

There’s a reason Simons is shaping up to be such a hot commodity with his talent for picking at the seams of opposition defences, something Liverpool could make good use of, especially if Alexander-Arnold leaves.

Simons’ playmaking superiority over the Liverpool man may in part be down to positional placement but it doesn’t detract from his being a high-level “game-changer” with his passing and flair, as has been said by talent scout Jacek Kulig.

It’s exactly the kind of quality that Liverpool will need. Trent has scored 23 goals and racked up 90 assists across his 350 career appearances as a Liverpool player, described as a “genius” by reporter Neil Jones.

Simons may still be young, but his 41 goal involvements across 72 Leipzig games, partnered with the underlying creative metrics that speak in his favour, do suggest that Slot could make good use of his countryman’s qualities, transferring Liverpool’s playmaking hub to a more central area.

It’s possible that Liverpool have accelerated their plans to sign Simons due to the growing sense that Alexander-Arnold is going to leave the club this summer. Maybe, tacitly, those in FSG’s head offices already know the outcome.

With plans already being drawn up for a new centre-forward, it might be worthwhile to sign such a player to sit in behind, jockeying with Dominik Szoboszlai for a regular starting berth and enhancing the overall fluency of the Anfield side.

In any case, it might be good for Slot to steer the creative heartbeat toward the middle of the park, with Simons, who has been described as a “superstar” in the making by analyst Ben Mattinson, capable of anchoring Liverpool’s inventiveness behind the frontline, reorienting toward a more conventional well of supplementation.

Truth is, though, it’s far simpler: the Dutchman is a brilliant young player, one who could do really well in Slot’s Liverpool team.

As big a blow as Trent: Liverpool will rue selling "world-class" star

Trent Alexander-Arnold isn’t the only Liverpool star potentially on the move this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 22, 2025