All posts by n8rngtd.top

West Bromwich Albion fans would have been anticipating that their team would be participating in the drama of the Championship playoffs, but their team’s 2024/25 campaign didn’t quite go as smoothly as they would have hoped.

In the end, the Baggies would finish four points shy of Bristol City in that final playoff position, with Tony Mowbray actually facing the wrath of the Hawthorns hierarchy by losing his job for not steering the West Midlands side into the long-sought-after top six.

Alongside talk of a new manager coming in to replace the axed Mowbray, there are now murmurs of fresh faces entering the building to boost matters on the pitch, with the rumour mill churning out new potential bosses and players aplenty.

West Brom could sign Premier League youngster

With Albion in need of a new manager, the likes of Marti Cifuentes and Ryan Mason are now being linked to the Baggies vacancy, with Portsmouth manager John Mousinho also reportedly on the West Brom radar after successfully guiding Pompey away from Championship relegation danger.

Moreover, a slightly more left-field shout comes in the form of ex-Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay.

Transfer Focus

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

But, earlier talk suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur coach Mason could be handed the reins hasn’t died down completely, with the 33-year-old perhaps linking up with a Spurs youngster along the way if he does take on the second-tier job post.

Indeed, a report from Birmingham Live has stated that West Brom have lodged an enquiry over the loan signature of 20-year-old Jamie Donley, off the back of the exciting attacker starring on loan in League One this season with Leyton Orient.

Whilst the jump up is significant from League One to the EFL’s elite division, there will be a hope that Orient number 17 can dazzle defences moving up a league in a similar vein to standout Baggies ace Tom Fellows, with the pair constantly want to create openings to put their team on the front foot.

How Donley could be Fellows 2.0

The homegrown Baggies product will know all too well how formative a loan switch can be down to the lower reaches of the EFL, having once donned Crawley Town colours for a singular season.

This campaign so far for Richie Wellens’ promotion chasers, Donley has amassed a mightily impressive eight goals and ten assists from 47 overall contests, with Fellows amazingly finishing his sterling individual 2024/25 season on 18 goal contributions too.

Looking at their numbers in the EFL this term, both the 20-year-old and his Baggies counterpart have been massively influential for their sides this season in attacking areas, with a mammoth 30 big chances accumulated between them, indicating that they certainly love creating for others.

Hailed for his “sensational” form in the third-tier by scout Jacek Kulig, there is no doubt that the Spurs starlet will be able to take to the pressures of the Championship swimmingly.

After all, Fellows never looked frozen by fear when he was first given chances here and there in the senior mix at West Brom.

Therefore, if a loan switch does occur, those at the Hawthorns will pray Donley can also jump up to the standard required of him, with the promising number ten perhaps linking up with the entertaining 22-year-old winger very soon as his new employers hunt promotion once more.

West Brom now considering "unbelievable" 3-4-1-2 manager to replace Mowbray

The Baggies have identified a manager who has never finished outside the play-offs as a replacement for Tony Mowbray.

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By
Dominic Lund

May 6, 2025

It doesn’t take a genius to work out that the biggest weakness in Arsenal’s team this season has been in attack.

As things stand, there are three teams who have scored more goals than Mikel Arteta’s side in the Premier League, with Liverpool putting the ball in the back of the net 83 times to their 66.

So, while signing a new striker understandably seems to be the club’s top priority heading into the summer, they also have to go out and get at least one more winger to help bridge the gap to their rivals.

Fortunately, that appears to be the club’s ambition, as recent reports have touted a serial winner with a move to the Emirates, someone who’d be a massive upgrade on Gabriel Martinelli.

Arsenal's winger search

In the last few weeks, a plethora of incredibly exciting wingers, such as Nico Williams and Rodrygo, have been linked with Arsenal.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has racked up a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season and will be available for around £48m thanks to a release clause in his current deal with Athletic Bilbao.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, could cost up to a staggering £85m, but as he’s managed to score 13 goals and provide ten assists in just 50 games this season, there’s a valid argument to say he’d be worth the outlay.

However, Arteta and Co might want to save some money on a winger to spend more up top or elsewhere, which would help explain the situation around Leroy Sané.

According to a recent report from Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna, Arsenal are now a potential destination for the German international next season.

Alongside the Gunners, he revealed that the winger has been offered to Chelsea, Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, and others in the UK.

The Bayern Munich star’s contract expires at the end of the season, so he’d be available for free and, thanks to his immense ability and experience, could represent a sensational transfer and a massive upgrade on Martinelli.

How Sané compares to Martinelli

Now, while Sané has spent much of his recent career playing off the right, he’s actually spent more time off the left since making his debut, and with Bukayo Saka being as important as he is, that’s almost certainly where he would play for Arsenal.

Therefore, his biggest competition for game time would be Martinelli, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes to their output, it’s the Bayern ace who comes out on top, as in 44 appearances this season, totalling 2348 minutes, he’s scored 13 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.31 games, or every 123.57 minutes.

In contrast, the Brazilian has scored ten goals and provided six assists in 49 appearances, totalling 3403 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.06 games, or every 212.68 minutes.

It’s just as one-sided a comparison when we take a look at their underlying numbers as well.

The “world-class” Bayern ace, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, comes out on top in almost all metrics, including but not limited to expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes, passing accuracy, key passes, passes into the final third and penalty area, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Finally, on top of having the better numbers in all departments, the “incredible” international, as dubbed by former manager Pep Guardiola, also knows what is needed to get over the finishing line.

On top of winning two Premier League titles with Manchester City, he’s also won four Bundesliga titles, one Champions League, and a host of other cups with FC Hollywood.

Ultimately, Martinelli could remain a valuable squad member, but it’s clear that Sané would be a massive upgrade; therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

He'd be amazing with Rodrygo: Arsenal close in on signing £60m "monster"

The sensational talent will be a game-changer for Arsenal.

By
Jack Salveson Holmes

May 16, 2025

Most clubs across the Premier League terrain must watch Liverpool’s cool-headed transfer operation with envy. Last summer, FSG were ridiculed for failing to back Arne Slot in the market.

Who’s laughing now? Not only have Liverpool bagged themselves a Premier League title, dethroning Manchester City and always proving too good for injury-hit Arsenal, but they’ve done it with a lack of investment they were so mocked for one year ago.

Now, though, Liverpool are employing a defence-by-attack strategy in the transfer market, having signed Jeremie Frimpong to fill the Trent Alexander-Arnold-shaped hole at right-back.

Milos Kerkez is also being targeted on the left side of defence, and, barring a crushing change of the wind, Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz will be playing at Anfield next season too.

The latest on Florian Wirtz to Liverpool

Though it might feel like negotiations between Leverkusen and Liverpool are becoming protracted, we’re talking about a player who will likely break the British transfer record, valued at as much as €150m (£126m), and thus lengthy discussions are to be expected.

The main thing is Liverpool expect to complete the signing of the German playmaker this summer, marking a stunning coup after Manchester City and Bayern Munich were beaten in the race last month, Wirtz stating his preference to move to the red half of Merseyside.

A second official offer worth around £110m has been rejected, but FSG are calm and composed, with all parties looking to get the deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Wirtz will revolutionise Liverpool’s attacking midfield, reorienting the creative centre following Alexander-Arnold’s departure. Make no mistake, this is a significant statement of intent.

Wirtz isn’t the only prodigious attacking star Liverpool are interested in buying this summer, though, with FSG supposedly joining the race for one of English football’s most sought-after teenagers.

Liverpool join race for English prodigy

As per Football Insider, Liverpool have entered the race for Southampton prospect Tyler Dibling, who exploded onto the major stage this season and is now being courted by a wide range of clubs.

The 19-year-old is expected to leave Saints after their relegation from the Premier League, and Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen.

Initial Southampton demands of £100m have fallen flat, and it’s expected Dibling would be available for something in the ballpark of £55m, so whether Liverpool wish to go forward depends on their stance.

What Tyler Dibling would bring to Liverpool

There’s no way Liverpool could have justified paying £100m for Dibling, and some will feel that even that figure is rather steep for a teenager who’s only played 43 matches as a professional.

Former Southampton boss Russell Martin said in an interview with Gary Lineker that Dibling is “the most talented player” he’s ever worked with, and while the 39-year-old will be biased in his assessment, there’s little question Dibling is the real deal.

Having started 20 Premier League fixtures this term, Dibling made quite the impression, finishing the campaign ranked among the top 13% of the division’s attacking midfielders and wingers for successful take-ons completed per 90, as per FBref, as well as the top 19% for pass completion.

Dibling also won 4.2 duels and one tackle per top-flight game, as per Sofascore, which illustrates his tenacious athleticism. Not just a silky, fleet-footed winger, the English talent is a committed and driven individual, willing to put in the hard yards.

Not many players exude such precocity in their teenage years, but Dibling is certainly one of them. Wirtz is another. Germany’s playmaking poster boy has been hailed as “the best midfielder in the world” by former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes, having overcome adversity in his fledgling years to establish himself as one of the best in the business.

He’s still only 22, remember, but Wirtz made his name as a true prodigy several years ago, regarded by talent scout Jacek Kulig to be “one of the most exciting prospects in the world” when he was a teenager.

Wirtz overcame the agony of an ACL injury in his maiden stage and has bounced back to look as good as ever, if not more so. The two-time Bundesliga Player of the Season has bounced back and then some, and he could surely enter Ballon d’Or conversations with a continuation of his journey under Slot’s wing at Anfield.

The Liverpool hothouse is adding some new quality, all right, and Dibling could be the next to join the fold. Like Wirtz, he’s distinctly brilliant in his early career stage, standing out above his peers.

Moreover, the doom of relegation this season has given Dibling a setback to learn from as he looks to make his name, further suggesting he offers shades of the Germany sensation, but in a different way, a way in which both variations of the silky profile could play in Liverpool’s starting line-up for years to come.

Hailed by Saints correspondent Alfie House for his “incredible” start to life in the Premier League, Dibling has got the pick of several high-profile suitors, it seems, but it’s hard to argue against Liverpool being the perfect place for him to move to, serving as Salah’s understudy and following Wirtz in moving to Slot’s project.

An amazing Mane repeat: £40m star has now "agreed" to sign for Liverpool

Liverpool are set to bid for another star after signing Jeremie Frimpong, and he could be a Sadio Mane repeat.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 2, 2025

Being a Leeds United supporter has certainly been somewhat of a rollercoaster over the last couple of years, with the club always in the middle of some form of drama on or off the pitch.

From big-money departures to Wembley defeats and title victories, the fans have truly been through it all, with another new chapter appearing on the horizon in the coming months.

After promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League, it hands the Whites a fresh opportunity to create new history and cement themselves as one of England’s greats.

They will face a huge task to beat the drop, given the gap between the two divisions, but after their ninth-placed finish back in their previous return to the top flight is evidence that they can defy the odds.

If they are to break the mould, investment is needed, but it’s also pivotal that players who are not required are moved on to provide boss Daniel Farke with added funds to make changes.

The latest on Leeds players who could leave Elland Road this summer

Striker Patrick Bamford has failed to deliver throughout 2024/25, not scoring a single goal across all competitions, leading to rumours about his future in Yorkshire.

He’s been linked with a move to newly promoted Championship side Wrexham, which could lead to a permanent move away, looking to cash in given the fact he has just one year left on his current deal.

The 31-year-old won’t be the last player to depart Elland Road this window, with full-back Junior Firpo also touted with an exit, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

He confirmed that the Dominican international has been approached by his former side, Real Betis, over a return to the LaLiga outfit, with his contract set to expire in just over two weeks.

The Whites have made an offer to extend his stay in Yorkshire, but as of yet, no agreement has been reached, with the defender looking more likely to leave given the time remaining on his deal.

Why Leeds’ £60k-p/w star could be a repeat of Summerville

Crysencio Summerville captured the hearts of the Leeds fanbase during his spell at Elland Road, producing numerous moments of magic after breaking into the first team setup.

His first major moment came back in October 2022, coming off the bench to score the winner against Liverpool at Anfield – in a game which was undoubtedly the highlight of the 2022/23 campaign.

The Dutchman would become a key member of the side after relegation to the Championship, scoring 20 times and registering nine assists, but it wasn’t enough as the club lost in the play-off final against Southampton.

He would subsequently depart and join West Ham United in a £25m deal last summer, banking a huge profit but losing one of their shining lights in the process.

Whilst Firpo would be leaving for nothing, it could see a repeat of a deal for Summerville, with both players moving on after impressive years in the second tier, with the defender notching 14 goal contributions this season.

The defender, who also earns £60k-per-week, has matched the Dutchman in struggling in the top flight previously in Yorkshire, leading to many fans previously voicing their displeasure over his performances, with such a move freeing up money off the wage bill.

The winger has struggled with injuries since his subsequent move to the top tier, starting just seven league games this season, with the deal now favouring the Whites despite the disappointment at the time.

Such a deal allowed for Manor Solomon to move to the club, handing Farke an added talent whilst banking good money, something which could replicate itself with Firpo this summer.

Understandably, given his form at Elland Road, no fan would want to lose the defender, with continuity crucial if the side are to beat the drop throughout 2025/26.

However, if the full-back doesn’t want to stay, it would be best to part ways this month and make a move for a player who could fill the void in Yorkshire.

Should he struggle to make an impact away from the club like Summerville, it would be a good decision to allow him to depart, putting trust in the hierarchy to recruit a suitable replacement in the coming months.

Their new Klich: Leeds submit offer to sign £22m star with a "huge future"

Leeds United have reportedly made an official offer to sign a star who could be Mateusz Klich 2.0.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 10, 2025

After announcing the return of Kieran Tierney on a free transfer, Celtic and Brendan Rodgers are now reportedly plotting another bargain move to sign an impressive playmaker.

Celtic seal first major summer signing

Six years on from swapping Glasgow for North London and Arsenal, Tierney is officially a Celtic player for the second time. The Scotland left-back initially got off to an excellent start in the Premier League, but injuries soon struck and eventually controlled the narrative of what was ultimately a frustrating six-year period at The Emirates. Now back where he burst onto the scene, however, Tierney will be desperate to put those problems behind him.

After putting pen to paper to officially seal his return, Tierney told Celtic’s media channels: “Everybody’s known for a few months and just to be here with the Celtic strip on again just feels amazing.

“I spoke with the manager, and obviously I had worked with the gaffer before and I’ve always kept in touch with him. He’s one of the best so I’m so lucky and grateful that he’s given me the chance to come back again.

“He never had to convince me much but it’s just a huge bonus that he’s the manager because I loved working with him. He knows how to get the best out of me, and I just loved my time under him.

“He’s a great person that I’ve always kept in touch with, John Kennedy as well, who is also someone I’ve kept in touch with and who I still meet regularly when I’m back, and Cal and Jamesy, who I’ve been close with now since I was 17.”

Even after Tierney, though, Celtic could just be getting started with their summer business, having also reportedly set their sights on an impressive 16-goal playmaker.

Rodgers personally plotting Nygren move

As reported by The Scottish Sun, Brendan Rodgers is now personally plotting a Celtic move to sign Benjamin Nygren from Nordsjaelland this summer. The winger has just six months left on his current deal and is not set to put pen to paper on fresh terms, meaning a departure from the Danish club is likely in the coming months.

Celtic begin negotiating personal terms with £4.2m target who Rodgers loves

The Bhoys could reignite their interest…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 11, 2025

Celtic could land their target for a bargain price as a result of his contract situation too. Reports suggest that Nygren could leave Nordsjaelland for just £2m this summer in what would be an excellent deal for a player who scored 16 goals in the 2024/25 campaign.

After already signing Tierney on a free, signing a player who has been praised for an “incredible” season by a Danish scout for just £2m would represent another piece of excellent business from Celtic this summer.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to build on winning the Europa League last term and could turn to a recognisable face in their hunt to strengthen their defensive line.

Tottenham look to bring in more reinforcements after Mathys Tel

Spurs fans will be heading into the new week with a spring in their step after the club announced Mathys Tel on a long-term deal that will run until the summer of 2031 following his loan spell.

Kevin Danso has also completed his move to North London from Lens, signaling that Thomas Frank is keen to stockpile high-pedigree stars to max out squad depth to cope with a heavy fixture schedule to come.

Speaking after selling Tel to Tottenham permanently, Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl said: “Mathys Tel came to FC Bayern as a very young player and took his first steps into top-level international football here.

“He was a popular figure in our team, always giving his all for the club and the team. It has become clear that the move to Tottenham was the right one for his development.”

Looking to strike while the iron is hot, Tottenham are preparing a surprise bid for Brentford captain Christian Norgaard as Frank looks to reunite with an old flame in North London.

Tottenham star very close to Spurs exit after receiving £195k-p/w proposal

Spurs could be set to let an iconic figure depart…

1

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 15, 2025

Despite his familiarity with the man in charge at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, it may prove to be a difficult deal to pull off as the Bees hold out to retain their captain.

Frank is ready to put his own stamp on Spurs once he fully gets his feet under the table, and what better way to do that than raid his former club for a number of stars?

Tottenham Hotspur enter race to sign Nathan Collins

According to TBR, Tottenham have entered the race to sign Nathan Collins from Brentford in another swoop that could see Frank link up with one of his former men in North London.

Arsenal are also said to be keen admirers of the Republic of Ireland international, as are Liverpool, though Spurs see the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man as a potential replacement for Cristian Romero if the Argentina international departs this summer.

Commended for his “fantastic” work ethic by former Ireland Under-21 boss Jin Crawford, Collins registered an impressive two goals and five assists last term under Frank across all competitions.

Admittedly, the battle for his signature may become heated, but the advantage Spurs hold in the dugout could well be enough to tip the scales in their direction if Brentford are willing to come to the table.

Now, it remains to be seen if the Dane can force a deal over the line to bring the Irishman to N17, which would be a statement early into his reign at Tottenham.

Newcastle United are at a bit of a crossroads this summer. The Magpies’ latest transfer target was clear: sign a right winger.

Yet, their reported number one target, Bryan Mbeumo, rejected Eddie Howe’s side, as well as North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, in favour of a move to Manchester United, as per David Ornstein.

The North East giants were forced to move on to their next target, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. However, their bid for the Sweden international, worth a reported £45m according to Ornstein, was rejected by the City Ground side, although they could return with a new offer.

So, that leaves Newcastle somewhat in limbo, although they have been linked wth a few more players who could become their new right-winger.

The latest on Newcastle's pursuit for a winger

Finding a new right-sided attacker has certainly been a frustration for the Magpies. They have missed out on two primary targets and must now go back to the drawing board to figure out their next move.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has recently broken the news that they are ‘exploring other options’ with regards to wide options. Two of those include PSV Eindhoven starlet Johan Bakayoko and West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus.

If the Magpies are to move for Bakayoko this summer, it seems like it could be a bargain move. According to reports, the Eredivisie side could accept as little as £17m for their winger this summer.

He has just one year left on his contract, and a move seems inevitable, which could give Newcastle a perfect opportunity.

How Bakayoko compares to Kudus

At just 22 years of age, Bakayoko has already made a great impression across Europe. He is clearly deemed Premier League quality by some sides, after a move to Brentford fell through a couple of years ago.

Now, two years on from that potential move, he is still making waves in the top flight of the Netherlands. Last season for PSV, the Belgium international played 47 times across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and grabbing three assists.

However, that is not Bakayoko’s best season for PV, whose academy he is a graduate of. His quality was really on show in the 2023/24 campaign. The winger featured in 33 Eredivisie games that season, and scored 12 goals, whilst grabbing nine assists.

Of course, the Magpies might pursue a move for Kudus, but there is no guarantee that they will secure the services of the Ghanaian international. He has been offered to other clubs, including Chelsea, as recently as the 6th of June, according to Sky Sports.

He certainly has a good record in the Premier League for West Ham. The 24-year-old has made 65 appearances in the English top flight, scoring 13 goals and grabbing 12 assists in that time. His best season came in 2023/24, when he contributed eight goals and nine assists.

However, he hasn’t hit the heights for the Hammers that Bakayoko did for PSV a couple of years ago. This certainly suggests that the Belgian could be an excellent alternative to Kudus if the Magpies decide to move for him instead.

The underlying stats on FBref also suggest that it is the case, too. When looking at their numbers from 2023/24, Bakayoko averaged 0.76 goals and assists and 7.11 progressive carries per 90 minutes.

In comparison, Kudus averaged 0.54 goals and assists and 4.32 progressive carries each game.

The stats are there to suggest that, if they bring Bakayoko in this summer, he would be an excellent alternative to Kudus. Not only is he a “clinical” goalscoring winger, as Antonio Mango described him, but he is a fantastic ball carrier too, as the stats show.

For just £17m, this could be one of the bargains of the summer for Newcastle. It hasn’t been an easy summer so far, with the rejections they have faced, but this could be a huge turning point and key addition.

Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m "goal machine"

Newcastle plan to make a series of attacking signings this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 25, 2025

Glasgow Rangers have less than two weeks to prepare for their first competitive match of the 2025/26 season.

Russell Martin’s side fought back to draw 2-2 against Club Brugge last week, with the second-half performance more in line with what the manager wants to see from his squad this term.

The clash against Panathinaikos will be a much tougher affair, however, but the former Southampton boss has wasted no time in signing the players that will fit his tactical system.

Indeed, Max Aarons, Joe Rothwell, Thelo Aasgaard, Emmanuel Fernandez and Nasser Djiga have all made the move to Ibrox in recent weeks.

It is a solid start, but there are still other areas which require improvement. Martin has been linked with making a move for Brighton and Hove Albion goalkeeper Carl Rushworth recently in a bid to challenge Jack Butland between the sticks.

Martin also appears keen to bring in a couple of wingers to the squad during the transfer window. At the time of writing, only Ross McCausland, Oscar Cortes and Rabbi Matondo are available to the manager on either flank.

As such, several names have been linked with a move. Djeidi Gassama looks close to sealing a switch to the Light Blues, but just what can he offer the club?

Rangers closing in on signing Djeidi Gassama

Adding two or three high-quality wingers this summer could make all the difference for Rangers throughout the season.

Transfer Focus

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

If you take away the 18 goals and nine assists notched up by Vaclav Cerny, the remaining widemen in the squad registered just nine goal contributions between them.

Another campaign without greater contributions from the wingers will see the Gers finish second behind Celtic once again.

As such, a move for Gassama sounds promising indeed, especially judging by his performances for Sheffield Wednesday.

The left-winger came through the PSG youth system, before making the move to Belgium in 2022. A year later, the Owls came calling and the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and grabbed four assists across 84 matches for the club.

Amid the links to the exciting youngster, content creator and scout, Kai Watson, profiled Gassama, saying:

“He’s capable of producing moments of brilliance although hasn’t quite hit a consistency level with his end product yet. He loves carrying the ball, running at defenders and has great close control in tight areas.

“Sheffield Wednesday fans have suggested that he’s unstoppable on his day but can be frustrating at times.”

Depending on the fee, this move could either turn out to be a masterstroke, or it will end in disappointment.

Given the need for wingers to arrive and settle straight into the first-team squad, if Gassama does wrap up a move soon, he will need to lay down a marker swiftly.

He isn’t the only winger being linked with a move to Ibrox, as Martin has clearly targeted several in the hopes of signing two or more this summer.

Latest on Rangers' search for a winger

As well as Gassama, the Light Blues have been touted as making moves for David Brooks, Thierno Ballo and even Josh Windass in recent weeks.

It is clear the Ibrox side aren’t going to be able to sign every winger they are linked with. That’s for sure.

According to Sky Sports reporter Sahil Jaidka, the Light Blues are seemingly “weighing up” a move for Hull City star Abu Kamara in the coming days.

Kamara has been with the Tigers since last summer, but it looks as though he wants out of the club. They are suffering financial issues, which could open the door for Martin to perhaps seal him for a knockdown price.

He has plenty of experience down south. The question is, would he be a better signing than Gassama for the manager?

Why Rangers must sign Abu Kamara

Throughout his embryonic career thus far, Kamara has already racked up 95 senior appearances for Hull, Portsmouth and Norwich, scoring 16 goals and grabbing 15 assists for these clubs.

He shone for Portsmouth during the 2023/24 campaign, recording 18 goal involvements in League One as the club secured a place back in the second tier.

Kamara returned to the Championship last season and performed fairly well for Hull, chipping in with eight goal contributions.

The 21-year-old also managed to create seven big chances for the Tigers in the Championship, while also grabbing three assists and finishing the season with a 14% goal conversion percentage.

In comparison, Gassama could only create three big chances, recorded a single assist and finished the campaign with a 10% goal conversion percentage.

Furthermore, Kamara also delivered more crosses into the attacking penalty area last season compared to Gassama (55 vs 44), while he also registered more goals and assists per game (0.32 vs 0.24) than the Sheffield Wednesday starlet.

These statistics show that there is not much between the pair of wingers. Ideally, Martin would look to sign both in the coming weeks, really giving his Rangers squad a boost heading into the Champions League qualifiers.

The £5k-per-week winger has been lauded for his ability in the past, with former teammate Conor Shaughnessy lavishing the most praise on his talents, describing him as a “dangerous” talent on the right wing.

Kamara has the potential to truly shine in Scotland should he secure a move to Ibrox this summer. The chance to challenge for trophies and play European football should be enough of an enticement for the youngster.

If so, Martin would be bolstering his options on the right flank. That much is certain.

Better signing than Aasgaard: Rangers exploring move for "incredible" star

With Russell Martin having already made six summer signings so far, Rangers are now targeting an “incredible” talent on loan.

By
Ben Gray

Jul 11, 2025

Liverpool have forked out over £200m on new first-team signings this summer, and there’s more still to come from sporting director Richard Hughes, whose task is a significant one.

Last summer, the former Bournemouth technical director came under fire for his supposed hesitance in the transfer market. Liverpool had clawed their way back into the Champions League and had won the Carabao Cup, but Jurgen Klopp had managed his last and signings were needed, were they not?

But Federico Chiesa was the only man added to the ranks, joining from Juventus for a cut-price £12.5m (aside from Giorgi Mamarashvili, who has now completed his £29m move from Valencia after spending the 2024/25 campaign back on loan with the La Liga side).

But Hughes’ long-term plan was vindicated when Arne Slot led Liverpool to the Premier League in his first season, almost nine years after Klopp replaced a bruised Brendan Rodgers.

The Reds finished ten points ahead of second-place Arsenal, and now they are showing their hand; now they are spending. Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Milos Kerkez have reshaped the squad – and there’s more still to come.

The latest Liverpool transfer news

Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez remain the most likely Liverpool stars to complete high-profile exits, with the former coveted by Barcelona and Bayern Munich, the latter by the Saudi Pro League.

Liverpool want to sell Nunez, who hasn’t worked out three years on from his big-money move from Benfica. Diaz, however, is set to stay put unless a mammoth bid comes in.

Should the Merseysiders be roped into selling, however, they want to set themselves up. As such, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon has been earmarked, one year after a saga emerged concerning the Magpies winger and the Reds.

Rodrygo, otherwise, would be the dream, albeit the Brazilian is worth €100m (£85m) and is fixed in Arsenal’s sights.

Who knows which way the wind will blow with those murmurings? However, Nunez is set to leave, and Liverpool had wanted another Newcastle sensation to replace him: Alexander Isak.

However, the Toon closed that door, and Liverpool have instead moved for another, and he wants to join.

Liverpool on the brink of signing

According to Sport BILD, Liverpool are edging closer toward signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike, though the German club are holding out for €100m (£85m).

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However, the French forward wants to sign for the Anfield side and has even submitted an official transfer request to manoeuvre the discussions into the closing stages.

Personal terms are all but finalised, no problem there. However, the outfits need to iron out the details, with an official proposal now imminent.

The 23-year-old should sign as Liverpool’s new number nine, and in doing so, may emulate Virgil van Dijk, in a sense.

Why Liverpool are signing Hugo Ekitike

It’s not over till the fat lady sings. A saying that’s well worth remembering in football. Take Van Dijk. Liverpool signed him for £75m in late December 2017 – some Christmas present, that.

But months earlier, Liverpool had been left hot under the collar after Southampton put paid to their advances, ending the building saga in June 2017 after an alleged illegal approach. FSG apologised for “any misunderstanding” and put their bid on hold.

But Van Dijk had caught a whiff of Klopp’s project and was sold. Well, he was several months on, in any case. The Netherlands international handed in a transfer request later in the 2017 summer window and informed Saints he wanted to sign for Liverpool.

The rest is history, with Van Dijk, now 34, one of the most decorated and accomplished defenders of his generation. Ekitike is no doubt eager to take a leaf from the centre-back’s book, having established himself in the Bundesliga, posting 40 goal contributions from 64 matches in a season-and-a-half with Frankfurt.

Make no mistake, we’re not claiming Ekitike will be utilising his 6 feet and 3 inches to protect the box, rocketing up with steely headers and flying this way and that with tough challenges. This, clearly, isn’t Slot’s Van Dijk heir.

But there’s a pattern to the respective deals which highlights FSG’s method, having identified one of Europe’s most exciting up-and-comers and spent the big bucks on reeling him over to Anfield.

Early into his career, Ekitike – described as “unreal” by analyst Ben Mattinson – has demonstrated growth and ability, which has already led to a €35m (£30m) transfer from Reims to Paris Saint-Germain.

Sure, Isak would have been nice. The 25-year-old is, after all, “the best striker in the world”, as analyst Raj Chohan put it last season, but Hughes’ contacts with Newcastle turned up nought. We’d have been looking at something in the £200m ballpark, which is a nonsensical figure.

But in Ekitike, Liverpool have a rising phenom, the perfect profile. He’s mobile, slippery and intelligent, a fierce and constant pepperer of the goal. His finishing leaves something to be desired, but this can be worked on. FBref record that Isak is one of his most statistically comparable players, after all.

Journalist Graeme Bailey has even called the France talent “the next Mbappe”, with his creativity, pace and dynamism making him more than just a player of French likeness.

Was Van Dijk the finished product when he first alighted in Liverpool? Were the detractors not vocal in their scorn? Liverpool paid over the odds for some half-decent defender, they claimed.

The Reds skipper is now considered one of the finest players of his generation, one of many cases of FSG’s data department coming up trumps.

With Ekitike, they may well strike gold once again.

Better than Isak & Ekitike: Liverpool make £142m "monster" a dream target

Liverpool have two primary candidates to bolster their forward line; Alexander Isak & Hugo Ekitike.

1

By
Matt Dawson

Jul 17, 2025

Barcelona wonderkid Lamine Yamal has been sent a “lost along the way” warning, with Rodri passing on words of advice.

• Teenager is starring on a global stage
• Being tipped to reach the very top
• Colleagues help to keep him grounded

• WHAT HAPPENED?

  At just 18 years of age, Yamal has become one of the most exciting talents in world football. He made his senior bow at 15 and now has La Liga and European Championship titles to his name.

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Many are predicting the teen sensation to come into Ballon d’Or contention, with Rodri aware of what it takes to land that prestigious crown. The Manchester City midfielder is looking to pass words of wisdom on to less experienced team-mates.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  He was caught on camera telling Yamal during the Euro 2024 final: “Keep working brother… Keep working because you can achieve whatever you want.” Others have echoed those sentiments, with there plenty of distractions for modern day players.

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  WHAT RODRI SAID

  Rodri told reporters when asked about his interactions with Yamal and efforts to keep the hottest of prospects on the right track: “I didn’t want to be caught on camera. It’s sort of a reflection of the fact that they have to put their tremendous talent at the service of the team and football. We’ve seen many such cases get lost along the way. Lamine is an immense talent and an exceptional case. I see him happy and doing things well.”