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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

Wolverhampton Wanderers showed just what they are capable of during their 4-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend.

Of course, it was just Spurs, but Vitor Pereira has a talented bunch of players at his disposal and if he could keep them ahead of next season, might a top-half finish be on the cards?

One thing that Pereira will be hoping is Matheus Cunha stays at the Old Gold for their assault up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

Given the interest in him, though, that is looking fairly unlikely.

The latest on Matheus Cunha's future

The Brazilian is enjoying an excellent campaign, summed up with his goal against Spurs on Sunday.

With the Molineux side 3-2 ahead and Spurs pushing for an equaliser in the dying minutes, Cunha netted the clincher that saw the club take home all three points.

In the process of doing so, he ran over to the Wolves crowd and appeared to apologise for his actions over the weekend.

Indeed, the forward landed himself in hot water after an Instagram post, which he later deleted, ended up in him ranting at supporters.

Well, he responded in the best possible way on Sunday by letting his football do the talking. No action will be taken by the club, as confirmed by Pereira post-game at the weekend.

“I didn’t speak to Cunha about the social media post.” the Wolves boss admitted. “I let him do the talking on the pitch. He’s committed, he’s a special player. He needs the energy of love. He went to the pitch not to think of himself, but the team. I understand the fans, but he’s part of our family.”

Chalkboard

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

Overall, Cunha has scored 16 times and grabbed four assists for the club in 2024/25, so without his goal involvements, they would likely be in the relegation places, such is his importance.

When he signed a new deal, a release clause of £62.5m was inserted, and it looks like it could be activated this summer, especially with Manchester United keen on a move for him.

This money could go a long way to securing a replacement; no doubt about that.

But, is there perhaps someone who has become more important than the former Atlético Madrid star?

Wolves star is now more important than Cunha

Should Cunha leave for big money, Jorgen Strand Larsen will be ready to slip into his shoes and take on the mantle of Wolves’ talisman.

Signed initially on a loan deal, the Norwegian made the deal permanent at a fee worth around £23m in January as certain conditions were met.

Since scoring against Southampton midway through March, Larsen has now found the back of the net in four consecutive Premier League games.

It’s safe to say he’s in the best form of his career at Molineux.

His 12 goals and three assists are just five goal involvements off Cunha’s mark. With more responsibility, he could turn into a vital player for the Old Gold next term. That’s a certainty.

He ranks second in terms of goals scored in the top flight for Wolves (12), while also ranking second for shots on target (1.1) per game and fourth for big chances created (four), behind Cunha in all these metrics.

Journalist Josh Bunting was impressed with his abilities way back at the start of the season, saying: “His movement off the ball really stands out to me, sharp on the ball.”

The previous few months have certainly proved that the club were right to secure his signature permanently, especially for a fee in the region of £23m.

If he begins next season the way he is ending the current one, Larsen will undoubtedly become the club’s most important focal point.

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By
Robbie Walls

Apr 7, 2025

England and India drew 2-2 after a nerve-shredding end to an amazing series. Alan Gardner catches up with Andrew Miller and Sid Monga to pick through all the Test match goodness

ESPNcricinfo staff04-Aug-2025The fifth and final Test between England and India went down to the 25th and final day of the series, with Mohammed Siraj emerging as the hero in a dramatic six-run win for the touring side. How did India pull it off? And how did England fail to seal a chase that seemed in their hands? On the pod, Alan Gardner was joined by Andrew Miller and Sid Monga to go over a dramatic final day at The Oval. Was 2-2 a fair result? Should Siraj have been Player of the Series? And how did it all compare to 2005? Enjoy.