Manchester United made an approach to sign a “brilliant” player, but they were too late, with bitter rivals Liverpool winning the race for his signature.
Man Utd's summer signings under question after poor start
Despite a 3-2 victory over Burnley last time out offering some respite, Man United have undoubtedly made a poor start to the new campaign, having infamously been knocked out of the EFL Cup by League Two side Grimsby Town at the second-round stage.
As such, there are some justified concerns about some of the Red Devils’ summer acquisitions, not least Benjamin Sesko, who is yet to make his mark, having mainly been utlised as a substitute, and failed to open his goal-scoring account.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskoreacts
However, Sesko believes he will soon find his feet once he adjusts to the Premier League, recently saying: “The level of the matches is certainly much higher, the players and teammates are also at a higher level,”
“After all, English football is at the highest level in the world of football.
“But I am very much looking forward to the coming period, also because I am getting better and faster in every training session, and I am also progressing in my football mentality every day.”
Man Utd now plan to smash transfer record for £100m "powerhouse" in 2026
United are gearing up to make a huge bid for one of their prime targets next year.
ByDominic Lund Sep 3, 2025
The jury is still out on the Slovenian, but it has recently been revealed that Man United could’ve signed a different striker, who has made a flying start to life in the Premier League.
Indeed, according to a report from The Athletic, Man United made a late approach to sign Hugo Ekitike before his transfer from Eintracht Frankfurt to Liverpool, but the wheels were already in motion for a move to Anfield.
As such, United’s bitter rivals ultimately came out on top in the race for Ekitike’s signature, and he has since gone on to impress for Arne Slot’s side, although there are signs the Slovenia international could soon be capable of making a similar impact.
How Sesko's goal-scoring record compares to Ekitike's
The Frenchman, who is widely reported to earn £200k-a-week, has scored three goals in his first four games for Liverpool, with Jamie Carragher lauding the 23-year-old for the “brilliant” start he’s made to life in England.
However, Sesko actually had a slightly better goals-per-game record in the Bundesliga during his time with RB Leipzig, averaging 0.42, compared to 0.40 from Liverpool’s summer signing.
Player
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Benjamin Sesko
64
27
7
Hugo Ekitike
47
19
10
Carragher and Roy Keane also agreed that it is “too early to tell” whether Sesko will be a success, given that he is yet to be given a proper run of games, so he should not be judged properly until after the international break.
Nottingham Forest have made an offer to sign a new Brazilian forward who is also wanted by German giants Borussia Dortmund.
Nottingham Forest sign Jair Cunha after Igor Jesus
It has been an extremely eventful few days at the City Ground in the transfer market and in regards to their European spot for the 2025/26 season.
Anthony Elanga has joined Premier League rivals Newcastle United in a deal that could reach £55m, whereas Morgan Gibbs-White has been at the middle of a transfer saga involving Tottenham Hotspur.
There has been a new signing for the Reds, though, with defender Jair Cunha sealing his move to the Midlands from Botafogo. The 6ft 6 defender has been heavily linked with a move to Forest and now joins striker Igor Jesus at the City Ground, who also moved from the Brazilian side.
Nottingham Forest summer signings
From
Fee
Igor Jesus
Botafogo
£10m
Jair Cunha
Botafogo
£10m
Talking after the deal for Cunha was announced, Forest’s chief football officer Ross Wilson said: “Jair is a young talent who has shown quality during his time in Brazil, and we are happy to have secured his signature. Jair has flourished in Brazil and now has new ambitions as he moves to the Premier League. We know he will be warmly welcomed into the group here in Nottingham.”
Nottingham Forest make bid to sign 28 y/o who Spurs want with Gibbs-White
The update comes from the reliable David Ornstein.
ByHenry Jackson Jul 11, 2025
The 20-year-old has signed a five-year deal with Forest and could be an immediate part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting line-up next season. The Reds aren’t stopping there though when it comes to looking at the Brazilian market for new additions.
Nottingham Forest make offer for 18 y/o Brazilian forward
According to reports from Brazil, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest have now made an offer to sign Santos forward Mateus Xavier.
The 18-year-old’s contract is set to expire in 2026, and it is claimed that he has also had enquiries from Borussia Dortmund, PSV Eindhoven and Zenit Saint Petersburg.
Forest are the ones who have made their move with an offer, though, and Xavier’s ‘representatives are considering the best option for him’. However, it is also claimed that Santos has made a new contract offer to Xavier and are confident of a renewal.
Called “highly rated” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Xavier is being backed to make the breakthrough into first team football and is capable of playing as a left winger, right winger or attacking midfielder.
He’s already made five senior appearances for Santos and has scored 10 goals in 36 games for their U20 side, and by the looks of things, Forest are looking to make him the third Brazilian through the door this summer.
Crystal Palace are now closing in on their second signing of the summer transfer window, with the “deal on the verge of being sealed” and personal terms agreed.
Crystal Palace chasing Diomande and Ndoye deals
The South Londoners have so far had a rather quiet transfer window, as they have brought in just one new addition, and that is goalkeeper Walter Benitez on a free transfer. Given the fact Palace are hopefully going to be playing in the Europa League this season, Oliver Glasner will be hoping for plenty more signings once they are given clarity over their continental status.
Crystal Palace now line up £27m swoop for "terrific" defender and "monster"
The Eagles are looking at making a double signing, having scouted two players at the U21 European Championships.
ByDominic Lund Jul 2, 2025
Captain Marc Guehi looks all but set for a move to Liverpool this summer, and Ousmane Diomande has been identified as a major target for the Eagles. It has even been reported they are now close to agreeing a deal in the region of £47 million.
But that is not the only major transfer Palace are looking to secure in this transfer window. According to a report from Italy, Palace have submitted a bid to sign winger Dan Ndoye from Bologna. It isn’t clear how much the Eagles have put on the table, but they do face competition for his signature, as Napoli and Borussia Dortmund are also keen on striking a deal.
Medical booked: Crystal Palace agree Sosa deal
Before the South Londoners get Diomande or Ndoye through the door at Selhurst Park, there is going to be a new arrival. According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Ajax defender Borna Sosa has been given permission to undergo a medical with Crystal Palace, which is now the only step left for the transfer.
Indeed, Fabrizio Romano has added the club and player are “in agreement on personal terms” with the “deal on the verge of being sealed”.
The 27-year-old has been at Ajax since 2023, when he joined the club from VfB Stuttgart. Sosa, who has earned 26 caps for his national team Croatia, played 16 times for Ajax in the Eredivisie during the 2023/24 season, but wasn’t in the club’s plans last term and was sent out on loan to Serie A side Torino, where he played 19 games in the league.
Apps
19
Starts
14
Clean sheets
1
Interceptions per game
0.7
Tackles per game
1.4
Balls recovered per game
2.8
Clearances per game
1.5
Duels won per game
2.7 (56%)
Sosa is a versatile defender, as he can operate at centre-back and left-back and can either play more advanced on the left-hand side if needed. His expected arrival at Selhurst Park is important, as Glasner’s options on the left-hand side of his defence were rather slim.
Tyrick Mitchell is the club’s only recognised senior left-back, and Sosa’s arrival provides competition and cover for the Englishman as well as the opportunity to cover other positions.
Rangers and Russell Martin have been given a transfer boost with one experienced target open to moving to Ibrox this summer.
Rangers line up more transfer targets after Cameron
The Gers’ transfer business ahead of the 2025/26 Scottish Premiership season is underway, with midfielder Lyall Cameron becoming the first official signing of the Martin era.
A pre-contract agreement was reached back in February before the 49ers took over and appointed Martin, but Cameron will look to become a key member of the new manager’s starting line-up.
Talking to Rangers’ official media after completing his move, Cameron said: “It is amazing to walk in the door, it is a privilege really. I have been looking forward to it for a long time.
“It was a no-brainer as soon as Rangers came in, I was desperate to be here. It is obviously a massive club and the history and everything about it is just amazing. Being from Scotland, I know what the club stands for, so I just wanted to jump at the chance.”
Following on from Cameron, Rangers now appear to be turning their attention to defensive additions, with Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons a target at Ibrox.
A player who Martin is well aware of from his time managing in England, Aarons actually spent the second half of the 24/25 campaign on loan at Valencia and looks to be surplus to requirements at the Vitality Stadium.
Contact has been made by Rangers over a loan move, however, Bournemouth would prefer a permanent exit for the defender they spent £7m on.
Another target at the back is Leicester City central defender Conor Coady. An approach has also been made for the experienced centre-back, with Rangers are “very keen” to sign the Foxes man.
Joe Aribo repeat: Rangers star agrees terms to leave Ibrox for £30k-a-week
Rangers could repeat their Joe Aribo masterclass as one of their stars looks set to move on from Ibrox.
ByDan Emery Jun 19, 2025
Leicester, following their relegation from the Premier League, are also open to selling Coady, and another promising development over a move to Scotland has now emerged.
Conor Coady open to signing for Rangers
According to Rangers Review, Coady is a personal target for Martin and new sporting director Kevin Thelwell, who worked with the 32-year-old at Wolves and Everton.
In the report it says Coady is ‘keen on a move to Ibrox – with initial contact established and a move having been explored last summer’. This comes as a boost for Martin and Rangers chiefs, and with Coady once valued at £38m during his time at Wolves, could be on to a shrewd signing.
Due to still being under contract at the King Power Stadium, a transfer fee will be required for the England international and a deal ‘could still drag on into next month’.
Should Rangers get their man in Coady, they will be getting an experienced centre-back who has been hailed by former Everton teammate Abdoulaye Doucoure.
“He is going to help us a lot this season. All the times I have played against him, he was a good character and very consistent. We are very happy to have him in our team – he is a leader.”
Birmingham City’s move for a “technical” player is now as much as “95%” complete, according to a positive update from journalist Sebastiao Sousa-Pinto.
Who do Birmingham want to sign?
The Blues know the importance of building on their League One title win and cementing their place in the Championship next season, with new signings required to take Chris Davies’ side to the next level, perhaps following Ipswich’s lead after their back to back promotions.
The financial influence of Tom Wagner and Tom Brady has aided Birmingham greatly in recent years, and supporters are understandably excited to see what the next step will be at the club this summer.
Luton Town centre-back Teden Mengi has been linked with a move to St Andrews in recent days, following a solid 2024/25 season from the former Manchester United player that saw him average 3.9 clearances per game across 20 Championship appearances.
Meanwhile, NEC winger Sontje Hansen has also been mentioned as an exciting target for Birmingham in the summer window, with the 23-year-old representing the Netherlands across five different youth age groups, winning a combined tally of 46 caps. Now, it looks like one player is very close to securing a move to the Midlands.
Birmingham's move for midfielder "95%" done
Speaking on his YouTube channel [via Sport Witness], Sousa-Pinto claimed that midfielder Kanya Fujimoto’s move to Birmingham from Gil Vicente is nearly complete, with the Japanese set to join on a free transfer.
“I’m talking about Kanya Fujimoto, the midfielder whose contract with Gil Vicente ended and who is now a free agent and, as far as I can tell, 90%, 95%, has been agreed with Birmingham City. The clock is still ticking to seal the deal. We’ll have to keep waiting, but the feeling has been very positive for a few weeks now.
“The feeling is still very positive for the transfer to be completed, but we’re still taking it one step at a time until we can close this deal, and Kanya Fujimoto can then join the Championship team as a free agent, once again after his contract with Gil Vicente ended.”
This is great news for anyone of a Birmingham persuasion, with Fujimoto a player who has now proven himself at a high level, making 156 appearances in the Primeira Liga.
The 25-year-old has scored 12 goals and registered 20 assists in Portugal’s top league, while analyst Ben Mattinson has hailed his “technical” quality.
Fujimoto has represented Japan in six age groups, further highlighting his pedigree, and he is a player who could be an instant hit for Birmingham, adding so much quality in midfield areas.
Birmingham City showed this time last summer that they are content with punching above their weight when a dramatic transfer window is open.
Indeed, it was somewhat of a shock to see Chris Davies’ men win the services of Jay Stansfield, considering the Blues had just been relegated all the way down to League One. Still, at a price tag of £15m, Birmingham sent shockwaves through the third tier with this statement purchase.
Birmingham will likely try to operate in a similarly flashy fashion moving up a division, with that approach clear for all to see again as Demarai Gray is now tipped to make a dramatic return to St. Andrew’s.
Gray's potential return to Birmingham
Gray isn’t the only former Birmingham player on the club’s radar this summer with Che Adams’ name having also been thrown out as another high-profile face who could soon return to their boyhood employers as Birmingham aim to take their new league by storm.
Gray is the latest rumour in this regard, with journalist Ben Jacobs taking to social media earlier this month to confirm the Blues’ interest and even reveal an enquiry had been made.
It would take around a fee of £8m for Birmingham to win back their former homegrown product, which is a steep amount to fork out, irrespective of his previous blistering eight-goal stint in the West Midlands.
Indeed, the 28-year-old has only tallied up a meagre nine goal contributions from 50 games for current employers Al-Ettifaq.
Off the back of this, Davies and Co might set their sights elsewhere.
The "special" target who is more exciting than Gray
The concern would be that the 28-year-old flounders back on the St. Andrew’s stage and tarnishes his reputation in the process.
On the other hand, an alternate target in attack in the form of NEC Nijimegen ace Sontje Hansen would have nothing to lose on his arrival in Birmingham.
Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph recently revealed that the newly promoted outfit has expressed an interest in landing the entertaining Dutchman.
Much like Gray, Hansen has been under an intense spotlight most of his senior career, having initially exploded onto the scene as a promising young starlet at Eredivisie behemoth Ajax.
He would only go on to make two first-team appearances in Amsterdam, but he has more than made a name for himself at Nijimegen in the here and now, as seen in the breathtaking solo goal above and when further assessing his standout numbers in the table below.
Games played
33
32
Goals scored
6
6
Assists
4
4
Big chances missed
4
2
Big chances created
7
7
Hansen has been very consistent for his Dutch top division employers over the last two seasons, with a hefty 20 goal contributions picked up across his last two league campaigns.
To add context, despite Gray being able to boast Premier League experience with Everton, he has only been able to collect a flat seven goal contributions over the same period, even whilst plying his trade out in the weaker Saudi Pro League.
Hansen has even been branded as a “special” talent in the past by his former U17 coach in Peter van der Veen, with plenty more to come from the 23-year-old potentially if he uproots to the Blues shortly.
Whereas Gray has arguably had his moment in the sun at St. Andrew’s, with more exciting, up-and-coming stars now needing to be prioritised.
Birmingham could sign a big upgrade on Paik in "first-class" £2m sensation
Birmingham City could now win themselves a new midfield talent to upgrade on Paik Seung-Ho.
Leeds United face the unenviable task of having to recruit for a season in the Premier League after they won the Championship title to earn promotion to the big time.
The last six teams that were promoted from the second tier were all relegated in their first seasons in the top-flight, which speaks to how difficult the task ahead will be for the Whites.
However, Leeds already know what it takes to achieve survival in their first season back in the Premier League, because they finished in the top-half under Marcelo Bielsa in the 2020/21 campaign.
The West Yorkshire outfit lost 4-3 to Liverpool in a thrilling match on the opening day of the term, before they went on to comfortably avoid relegation.
Exceptional recruitment work done by Victor Orta and Bielsa underpinned their success that season, as they made several key signings to bolster the squad.
Arguably, the most successful signing that the Whites made ahead of the 2020/21 campaign was the addition of Raphinha from Rennes on a permanent deal.
Leeds hit the jackpot with Raphinha
Leeds swooped to sign the Brazilian attacker from the French side in a deal that was reported to be worth £17m plus add-ons, and it turned out to be a huge bargain.
Coming up from the Championship, Bielsa’s side needed an injection of quality to bolster their efforts to stay in the Premier League, and that is exactly what Raphinha provided with his quality at the top end of the pitch from a right wing position.
Appearances
30
Goals
6
Big chances created
12
Key passes per game
2.1
Assists
9
Dribbles completed per game
1.9
As you can see in the table above, the Brazil international made an instant impact in the top-flight with a return of 18 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 30 appearances.
Raphinha was not done there, though, as the left-footed magician scored 11 goals and created ten ‘big chances’ in 35 appearances in the Premier League in the 2021/22 campaign to steer Jesse Marsch’s team clear of relegation.
Raphinha’s incredible form for Leeds in the Premier League in his two seasons at Elland Road, unfortunately, attracted interest from elsewhere, and he signed for Barcelona in a deal worth a reported £55m in the summer of 2022.
In the present day, the former Whites star has scored 34 goals and provided 25 assists in 56 matches for the Spanish giants this season, in what has been a phenomenal campaign for him on an individual level.
Whilst Raphinha has kicked on to become a superstar in European football with Barcelona, Leeds are still looking for their next winger to shine on the Premier League stage.
Leeds United's wingers since Raphinha left
Leeds United were relegated from the Premier League in the season after the Brazilian sensation moved on from Elland Road, which points to how important he was to the side.
Raphinha-Leeds-Stats
The Whites ended that term without any of their wingers scoring more than five goals or assisting more than seven goals in the top-flight, which shows that they failed to adequately replace Raphinha’s impact at the top end of the pitch.
24/25 (Championship)
Dan James (12)
Manor Solomon (13)
23/24 (Championship)
Crysencio Summerville (21)
Crysencio Summerville (10)
22/23 (Premier League)
Luis Sinisterra (7)
Jack Harrison (10)
As you can see in the table above, Dan James hit double figures for goals and Manor Solomon hit double figures for assists, but it remains to be seen how that translates to the top division, after Crysencio Summerville’s struggles this term.
The Dutch forward, who left Leeds to sign for West Ham last summer, only scored one goal and provided one assist in 19 Premier League games for the Hammers this season, which suggests that he has failed to make the step up to the top tier as of yet.
Leeds, therefore, have not had a winger who has had the quality to make a consistent impact at the top level since Raphinha left, but they could change that by signing reported transfer target Dazien Maeda, who is reportedly valued at £25m.
Why Leeds should sign Daizen Maeda
The Whites should swoop to sign the Celtic superstar in the upcoming summer transfer window because he could be their best winger signing since they brought Raphinha in from Rennes in the summer of 2020.
Daizen Maeda
Maeda, dubbed an “amazing role model” by Brendan Rodgers, just ended his 2024/25 campaign with the Scottish giants and enjoyed an unbelievable year on a personal level.
The 27-year-old sensation scored a staggering 33 goals and provided 12 assists in 53 appearances in all competitions for the Hoops, which means that Raphinha only outscored him by one goal for Barcelona, and he has scored at least 12 more goals than any other Leeds winger has in one season in the last three years.
These statistics show that the Celtic star has the potential to be an exceptional addition to the Leeds squad as a winger, who typically plays on the left flank, with the quality to score and create goals at an incredible rate.
Some supporters may question the quality of Scottish football and how it translates to the Premier League, as is the case with the Championship, but Maeda also showcased his quality on the biggest stage of all in the Champions League.
Appearances
9
xG
2.80
Goals
4
Conversion rate
27%
Big chances created
1
Assists
0
As you can see in the table above, the Hoops star outperformed his xG to score an impressive four goals in nine Champions League games, which included goals against German giants Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund.
This shows that the Japanese ace, who has been described as a “machine” by coaches, has the quality to make a big impact in the final third against some of the biggest teams in Europe, which suggests that he could adapt to the level of the Premier League.
“Top class” star is absolutely finished at Leeds if the 49ers sign Wilson
This Leeds United star’s career at Elland Road could be over if Callum Wilson signs.
ByDan Emery May 20, 2025
Therefore, Leeds could sign their best winger since Raphinha by splashing £25m on Maeda in the upcoming summer transfer window, because he has the statistics and the performances at the top level to suggest that he would be a high-quality addition to Daniel Farke’s squad.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca looks set for a busy summer indeed. He may be close to leading the Blues to their first trophy since 2021, but the Italian is already thinking ahead to next season.
There has been no shortage of big-name players being linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks.
Real Madrid superstar Rodrygo is one trending target, with reports coming from Spain that the club would love to sign the Brazilian.
Hugo Ekitiké has emerged as another potential option to bolster Maresca’s frontline this summer. Journalist Simon Phillips claimed that Chelsea had been scouting the Frenchman ahead of the summer transfer window following his excellent campaign for Eintracht Frankfurt.
While the need for attacking players is obviously key for Maresca, especially if the club secures Champions League qualification for 2025/26, bringing in another centre-back or two is equally important.
Across all competitions this season, the club have conceded 57 goals, including 43 in the Premier League.
37
19
14
4
71
37
20
6
11
66
37
19
9
9
66
37
19
9
9
66
36
19
8
9
65
37
19
8
10
65
They will face tougher competition in Europe certainly, heightening the need for a defender capable of stepping up to the plate.
It looked as though they were frontrunners to sign Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen, but that plan was scuppered recently…
Chelsea have missed out on Dean Huijsen
Following an excellent season for the Cherries, Huijsen certainly attracted attention from elsewhere, and it appeared as though he would be leaving the south coast sooner rather than later.
According to the Mail, Chelsea were targeting a swoop for the Spanish defender, with the report claiming fellow admirers Liverpool, believed that the Blues were leading the chase.
Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen.
Recent developments, however, now mean that the youngster won’t be making the move to London this summer.
Real Madrid activated the £50m release clause in his contract in order to secure his services at the end of the season.
This is a big blow for Maresca, as capturing Huijsen, especially with clubs such as Arsenal, Bayern Munich and Liverpool showing interest, would have signalled a statement of intent.
Now, the Italian will have to turn to other defensive targets ahead of the transfer window opening on June 1. By that time, the Blues will know which European competition they will be playing in next season.
Could this allow the club to sign more high-profile players?
Chelsea keen to open talks with teenage defender
Maresa could turn to Premier League defenders Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite as potential alternatives this summer, according to Sky Sports.
It is likely both Crystal Palace and Everton will attempt to put Chelsea off by placing huge price tags on their prized assets. If so, the Blues could well turn to the continent for another centre-back.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
According to TEAMtalk, with Huijsen now unavailable, Chelsea are reportedly keen on opening talks with Ajax defender Jorrel Hato.
The 19-year-old is a sought-after player, with the likes of AC Milan, Liverpool and Arsenal all showing interest in prising him away from the Netherlands.
Ajax have set an asking price in the region of €45m-€50m (£38m-£42m), meaning if the Blues were to sign him, he would be cheaper than Huijsen.
The report claims that talks are set to begin soon between the Premier League side and Hato. If so, Maresca will be looking to get this deal over the line as quickly as possible.
Why Chelsea must sign Jorrel Hato
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig is used to waxing lyrical about young talent, but his praise for Hato back in 2023 proves just how highly-rated he really was.
“17 years of age. De Toekomst’s Finest. One of the most talented CBs of his generation in Europe.” Said Kulig and the youngster has gone from strength to strength since.
Player
Year joined
Hakim Ziyech
2020
Daishwan Redan
2017
Juan Familia-Castillo
2016
Per Weihrauch
2006
Moubarak Boussoufa
2002
Jesper Gronkjaer
2001
Mario Melchiot
1999
Despite only turning 19 in March, the Ajax sensation has already racked up 111 competitive appearances for the club, registering 13 goal contributions in that time.
Although the club collapsed over the final few games, allowing PSV Eindhoven to steal the Eredivisie title away from them, Hato enjoyed a wonderful campaign.
His 90% pass accuracy in the top flight was third-best in the squad, behind only Youri Baas and Josip Sutalo, while he ranked first for tackles (1.9), fifth for interceptions (0.7) and third for clearances (2) per game for Ajax.
He also won 4.1 total duels per game – a success rate of 52% – while recovering 4.2 balls per game in the Eredivisie this term.
These performances led Kulig to hail him for his “immense quality” and for having an “excellent season” for the Dutch club.
Huijsen may be on his way to Madrid, but is there a case for Hato to perhaps turn out to be the better long-term prospect for Chelsea?
Why Jorrel Hato can be a better signing than Dean Huijsen
While Huijsen is a superb centre-back, Hato offers positional flexibility which could see him thrive under Maresca.
Not only is he an excellent ball-playing centre-back, but Hato is also just as comfortable at full-back, particularly on the left side of the defence.
Domestically this season, the Dutch youngster has registered eight goal contributions for Ajax, along with recording 0.45 goal-creating actions, winning 36 tackles, making 33 carries into the final third and taking 413 touches in the final third.
Compare these statistics to Huijsen, however, and it is clear who could fit into Maresca’s style better.
The Spaniard has recorded four goal contributions for the Cherries this term, while he also recorded 0.12 goal-creating actions, wins 26 tackles, made 29 carries into the final third and has taken only 137 touches in the opposition’s final third in the top flight.
Hato’s ball-playing ability in advancing out of his own half could give Chelsea a new dimension next season.
Jorell Hato for Ajax.
Huijsen may have been flavour of the month for a while, but for a cheaper transfer fee, Maresca could sign a defender who has the potential to be even better.
Tosin upgrade: Chelsea eyeing £25m Huijsen alternative as priority target
Chelsea are eyeing up a Dean Huijsen alternative who could be even better than Tosin Adarabioyo.
With the summer transfer window fast approaching, Manchester City are now reportedly readying a formal proposal to sign a talented South American defender for Pep Guardiola.
Pep reveals Man City's FA Cup pride
Whilst it’s been a fairly disappointing season in the Premier League and arguably Guardiola’s toughest, Manchester City still have the FA Cup final to look forward to this weekend. In what is the third year in a row that the Citizens have reached the final at Wembley, they will be desperate to avoid an upset against Crystal Palace and fall at the final hurdle for the second consecutive year.
Perez willing to sell: Man City now in talks with "special" Real Madrid ace
He could ditch the Bernabeu this summer…
ByTom Cunningham May 15, 2025
Guardiola knows exactly what the occasion means and spoke about how proud he and his side are of their FA Cup achievements in recent years. The Spaniard told reporters earlier this week: “I say it every time we are in this position, but I will say it again: it is such a privilege to be able to play in this incredible stadium and have a chance to win this beautiful trophy,” said Guardiola, ahead of his squad’s trip to north-west London.
“This is our third year in a row in the FA Cup Final, which is something we are very, very proud of. In the FA Cup, you play all the top teams from the Premier League and the Championship and always there are times when it is difficult.
Manchester City managerPepGuardiolacelebrates after the match
“To have made three Finals in a row shows how consistent we have been. It says everything about this generation of players and the club itself. The FA Cup is the most challenging and beautiful domestic cup competition in the world, there is no doubt about that.”
Away from their potential Wembley success this weekend, meanwhile, those at The Etihad have already reportedly set their sights on welcoming a defensive reinforcement when the summer transfer window arrives.
Man City readying Wesley proposal
According to Coluna do Fla, as relayed by Sport Witness, Manchester City are now readying a formal proposal worth €35m (£29m) to sign Wesley Franca from Flamengo this summer. The Brazilian right-back is reportedly keen on a move to Man City, but has also attracted interest from Manchester United and Liverpool as a result of his impressive campaign.
Their £29m proposal will reportedly fall short of Flamengo’s valuation, however, with the Brazilian club demanding as much as €45m (£38m) to sell Wesley before the Club World Cup begins.
Dubbed “pacy” by South American football expert Nathan Joyes, Wesley looks set to have quite a decision to make this summer. With a whole host of Premier League clubs chasing his signature, the 21-year-old looks destined for England and may well end up in a Manchester City side who desperately need a right-back.
It would be fair to say that prior to last night, this had been Tottenham Hotspur’s worst season for a generation.
However, now that Ange Posteocoglou’s side have secured a place in the Europa League final, there is a chance to make history.
One of the stars of both legs was Dominic Solanke, who scored a crucial penalty in the first game and then slotted home the opener last night.
The Englishman has come in for some criticism since joining the club, but with his goal tally starting to rise, it feels like he’s justifying his club-record fee.
Yet, even still, Daniel Levy and Co may regret selling a former academy gem who’s outscoring him and another of the club’s transfer targets.
Where Are They Now
Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.
Spurs' striker search
With the domestic season going the way it has this year, Spurs have understandably been linked with a number of exciting strikers in recent weeks, from LOSC Lille’s Jonathan David to Borussia Mönchengladbach’s Tim Kleindienst.
However, one of the more exciting and just as realistic targets the North Londoners have been linked with has been Liam Delap.
According to reports from earlier this week, the club have been considering a move for the Ipswich Town star, who has a release clause worth £30m in his contract now that the Tractor Boys have been relegated.
While that certainly isn’t cheap, it would probably represent good value in the current market, as the Lilywhites would be getting a young, Premier League-proven striker who’s homegrown and has arguably been one of the Suffolk sides’ best players.
For example, even though he’s been playing for the third-worst team in the competition, the Winchester-born marksman has managed to rack up a decent tally of 12 goals and two assists in 37 appearances, of which 34 have come in the Premier League.
Yet, as with Solanke, the former Manchester City prospect is being outscored by a forward sold by Levy and Co.
The former Spurs gem sold by Levy
So, while the player in question joined a club abroad, he’s actually faced Tottenham three times this season, coming out on the losing side each and every time.
We are, of course, talking about Troy Parrott, who is a product of Hotspur Way and even has four Spurs appearances to his name, but he currently plays his trade in the Netherlands for AZ Alkmaar.
The Irish international joined the Dutch outfit last summer for a fee of around £6.7m after a stellar 23/24 campaign on loan with Excelsior Rotterdam, in which he scored 17 goals and provided five assists in just 32 games.
This season has been just as successful for the “phenomenal” forward, as dubbed by former manager Ryan Lowe, aside from the games against the Lilywhites, that is.
For example, in 45 appearances, totalling 3411 minutes, the 23-year-old dynamo has scored 20 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 136.44 minutes.
Appearances
45
42
37
Minutes
3411′
3221′
2569′
Goals
20
15
12
Assists
5
8
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.55
0.54
0.37
Minutes per Goal Involvement
136.44
140.04
183.5
For comparison’s sake, Solanke has managed to score 15 goals and provide eight assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3221 minutes this term, which comes out to a slightly worse average of a goal involvement every 1.82 games, or every 140.04 minutes.
Now, to be clear, we are not suggesting that the Dublin-born poacher would outscore the former Bournemouth star in the Premier League, but it does raise a question about how he might have fared as Postecoglou’s second-choice striker, as Richarlison’s hardly done much when he’s played.
Troy Parrott scores for Ireland
Ultimately, hindsight is a wonderful thing, and selling Parrott to AZ was probably the right thing to do for his career, but we can’t help wondering how he would have fared in North London this season.
Forget Porro: 9/10 star with 96% passing is looking like Spurs' best player
It was a sensational performance from the Spurs star.