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As Aston Villa prepare for a busy summer in the transfer market, how they would love to unearth a forward as prolific as Christian Benteke.

The Belgian striker scored 49 goals in just 101 appearances for the Villans, thereby averaging a goal every 172 minutes, despite the fact they were struggling throughout his time at the club.

Having arrived from Genk for just £7m in 2012, Benteke was sold to Liverpool for £32.5m three years later, quite the return on investment.

A decade on from his departure, could Villa be about to make a Benteke-esque striker move in this transfer window?

Aston Villa targeting new striker

According to a report by Football Transfers, Monchi has made Brighton & Hove Albion forward João Pedro a ‘high-priority’ target this summer, adding that the Brazilian is valued at around £58m by the Seagulls.

Pedro has not been seen since being sent off at Brentford on 19 April, first serving the customary three-match suspension.

However, despite then being available for Brighton’s final two fixtures of the campaign, Fabian Hürzeler chose not to select him.

This is because, as outlined by Pedro was involved in a ‘training ground altercation’ with teammate Jan Paul van Hecke, merely fueling speculation around his future.

Sam Dean of the Telegraph has previously documented that Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal are all ‘interested’ to Pedro this summer, but could Aston Villa position themselves at the front of the queue by acting swiftly?

Why Pedro would be a better signing than Rashford

Now that his loan spell has come to an end, there was always going to be much speculation about Marcus Rashford’s future.

In 17 appearances for Villa, he looked like a different player, enjoying a ‘career rehabilitation’ in the Midlands as he scored four goals and registered six assists, on target against Brighton and Manchester City in the Premier League, also bagging a brace at Preston North End in the FA Cup.

Nevertheless, Jamie Jackson of the Guardian reports that, even though he is contracted to the club until 2028, Rashford has no future at Manchester United, who value him at £40m, with reports in Spain documenting Barcelona’s long-standing interest.

However, rather than pushing to make Rashford’s deal permanent, would Villa be better served signing Pedro?

Well, let’s attempt to find out.

Pedro vs Rashford: 2024/25 PL season

Stat (per 90 mins)

Pedro

Rashford

Goals

0.46

0.38

Assists

0.28

0.19

Key passes

1.39

1.77

Progressive passes

3.61

2.15

Shot-creating actions

3.33

3.54

Successful take-ons

1.34

1.14

Progressive carries

3.06

2.66

Stats via FBref.

As the table outlines, Rashford and Pedro’s statistics this season are remarkably similar.

In around 300 more minutes across all competitions, the Englishman scored one more goal, registered two more assists and accumulated more shot-creating actions per 90.

Nevertheless, Pedro came out on top for carrying metrics across passing and dribbling, suggesting he’s even more of a livewire than Pedro in forward areas.

Presenter Sam Ucko labels the Brazilian a ‘special player”, while Liam Tharme of the Athletic praises his ‘technical prowess’, which enables him to drop deep and be involved in the build-up play.

So, the smarter business decision would be to spend big on the younger Pedro, rather than splurging on a 27-year-old whose best days could be behind them.

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Posts ByJoe Nuttall May 28, 2025

Arsenal are now preparing a very serious £84m offer for a striker, with Andrea Berta recently holding talks over a potential deal, according to a report.

Berta driving Arsenal's attacking summer transfer plans

Berta is approaching his first transfer window since being appointed as sporting director, and the Italian has grand plans, which could lay the groundwork for the Gunners to finally win the Premier League title next season.

The 53-year-old is personally keen on signing Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, who would be extremely interested in a move to the Emirates Stadium this summer, while Real Madrid star Rodrygo is believed to be at the top of his wishlist.

Talks have been opened over a deal for the Brazilian, who could join alongside RB Leipzig star Benjamin Sesko, with Berta now in concrete discussions over a deal for the Slovenian, who Mikel Arteta is believed to be a big admirer of.

There has now been a new update on Arsenal’s pursuit of Sesko, which suggests the talks may have gone very well, with a report from Spain revealing they are now preparing a very serious €100m (£84m) offer for the centre-forward.

Berta has been in direct talks with RB Leipzig over a summer deal, and there is a feeling Sesko would be interested in becoming a part of Arteta’s project, despite interest from a number of other European clubs.

The Gunners are prepared to go all out to win the race for the 21-year-old, but Leipzig are in no rush to sell, with the 21-year-old under contract until 2029. However, there have been other claims suggesting there is a €80m summer release clause, so Arsenal could be willing to go above and beyond for Sesko following the claim from Spain.

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Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025 "Extremely quick" Sesko could be excellent signing

The lack of a centre-forward has arguably been costly for the Gunners this season, with both Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus spending lengthy periods on the sidelines, and a new striker could be the final piece of the jigsaw for Arteta.

Manchester City brought in Erling Haaland back in the summer of 2022, which enabled Pep Guardiola’s side to finally get over the line in the Champions League, and there are indications the Leipzig star could have a similar impact on the Gunners.

The “extremely quick” forward, who has been compared to Haaland in the past, enjoyed an impressive 2024-25 season, regularly contributing goals and assists for Leipzig across all competitions.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

33

13

5

DFB-Pokal

4

4

1

Champions League

8

4

0

That said, Jamie Carragher has suggested that whichever striker Arsenal sign may remain behind Havertz in the pecking order, given how important the German is to Arteta’s play-style.

However, even top coaches have to make tweaks sometimes, with Guardiola managing to accommodate Haaland, and Arsenal changing their tactics to suit Sesko may enable them to finally win the Premier League title next season.

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke followed in Marcelo Bielsa’s footsteps this season by becoming the latest boss to win the Championship title for the club.

The Whites recorded a club-record 100 points in the second tier with a 2-1 win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day of the season, to earn their promotion to the Premier League.

Bielsa, of course, then went on to keep the team in the top-flight with a top-half finish in the 2020/21 campaign, before he was relieved of his duties midway through the following season.

Farke will now be hoping to follow in the Argentine great’s footsteps once again by coaching the team to avoid relegation from the Premier League at the first time of asking, something that he was unable to do in two attempts at Norwich City.

Recruitment in the upcoming summer transfer window will be key to the success or failure of the German head coach next season, as shown by how important Bielsa’s signings in 2020 were.

Victor Orta and the board backed the manager by making several significant signings to bolster the squad, including high-profile forward Rodrigo from Valencia.

Why Rodrigo was a key signing for Leeds

Leeds pushed the boat out to smash their transfer record with a £30m deal to sign the Spain international ahead of the 2020/21 campaign to back Bielsa.

Rodrigo had already been capped 22 times by his country and had scored 59 goals and delivered 41 assists in 220 appearances for Valencia in all competitions, which meant that the Whites were signing an experienced player at the top level in Europe.

The West Yorkshire outfit knew that they had to add proven quality to their squad to handle the jump from the Championship to the Premier League, so they went out and signed a player who had been there and done it, albeit in Spain instead of England.

Rodrigo delivered seven goals and two assists in 26 matches in the Premier League in his debut season with Leeds to steer them clear of relegation, which was then followed up with six goals and one assist in 31 games in the 2021/22 campaign under Jesse Marsch.

The Spanish star’s haul of 13 goals and one assist in 31 matches in the Premier League during the 2022/23 campaign was not enough to prevent relegation back down to the second tier, but there is no doubt that he played a role in their survival in his first two years at Elland Road.

Rodrigo was, therefore, a key signing for Leeds because he brought proven quality and made an instant impact at the club in the top-flight, which is why the club should try to repeat that masterclass this summer.

Leeds eyeing deal for Serie A striker

The Whites could be on their way to finding their next Rodrigo in the upcoming summer transfer window, as they are reportedly eyeing a new centre-forward.

According to an Italian journalist, Leeds United are lining up a move to sign Lecce number nine Nikola Krstovic to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Transfer Focus

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

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Farke already has Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph, and Patrick Bamford vying for one place in the starting line-up, but it is seemingly looking to add even more quality to his attacking arsenal.

Krstovic will not come cheap, though, as the reporter adds that Lecce, who are at risk of being relegated from the Serie A, are set to demand a fee of around €25m (£21m).

It now remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are prepared to pay the £21m that the Italian team want for their star striker, but they should consider doing so because he could be their next Rodrigo.

Why Krstovic could be Rodrigo 2.0 at Leeds

The 49ers should swoop to sign the £21m-rated striker for Farke because he has proven his quality in one of Europe’s major leagues and would be a player who could make an instant impact in the Premier League, rather than a player from the lower leagues in England or a young player with it all to prove.

Like Rodrigo, Krstovic would arrive at Elland Road as a seasoned international footballer. He has scored six goals in 24 caps for Montenegro to date, which shows that he has performed well on the international stage for his country.

The 25-year-old star made a name for himself in Slovakia with Dunajska Streda by scoring 37 goals in 66 matches in all competitions, an unbelievable return in front of goal for the striker, which earned him a move to Lecce in the summer of 2023.

Krstovic, who former manager Roberto D’Aversa claimed has a “hunger for goals”, did not take much time to adapt to life in one of Europe’s major leagues, with a return of seven goals in 35 games in the 2023/24 Serie A campaign.

Nikola Krstovic (Serie A)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

35

36

Goals

7

11

Right-footed goals

4

7

Left-footed goals

1

3

Headed goals

2

1

Big chances created

4

4

Assists

1

4

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Montenegro international has showcased his quality in front of goal, with 18 goals and eight ‘big chances’ created, in his two seasons with Lecce in the Serie A to date.

A return of 11 right-footed goals, four left-footed goals, and three headed goals also shows that he is a versatile goalscorer who can thrive off a variety of service, rather than being limited to one way of scoring goals.

His statistics for Lecce perfectly illustrate why he could be Rodrigo 2.0 for Leeds because he has proven that the quality is there for him to make an instant impact in the Premier League as a goalscorer, given what the forward has already achieved in Italy.

This is why Farke must push the board to get a deal over the line for the £21m marksman, because Krstovic could bolster the club’s hopes of avoiding relegation from the top-flight by providing a big goal threat throughout the campaign.

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Posts ByDan Emery May 25, 2025

There may still be two Premier League games left to play, but silly season is almost here, and Arsenal look set for a busy one.

Mikel Arteta’s side failed to pick up a trophy for the fifth campaign on the bounce this year, so it’s hardly been a surprise to see them linked to a host of tremendously exciting attackers over the last few weeks.

Perhaps the most exciting of the lot has been Real Madrid’s Rodrygo, who would be an incredible statement signing for new Sporting Director Andrea Berta to make in his first summer at the club.

However, the Brazilian isn’t the only game-changing attacker touted for a move to the Emirates, with recent reports now claiming that the Gunners are close to completing a deal for an international who’d be an ideal teammate for the Champions League winner.

Arsenal close in on new striker signing

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other exciting goalscorers touted for moves to N5 in recent weeks, such as Nico Williams and Leroy Sane.

Transfer Focus

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

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The former has a release clause worth around £48m in his current deal, and while it would have to be paid in full, his output of 11 goals and seven assists in 44 games this season suggests he’d be worth it.

Sane, on the other hand, would be free thanks to his current deal expiring at the end of the season, and as he’s racked up 13 goals and six assists in just 44 games this year, signing him feels like a real no-brainer.

However, to really get the most out of Rodrygo next season, Arteta and Co will need to ensure they have a prolific number nine leading the line, someone like Viktor Gyokeres.

Fortunately, it looks like they will do so, as according to reports via an outlet from Spain, negotiations between Arsenal and Sporting CP for the player are ‘well advanced’ at this stage.

In fact, the report goes a step further, claiming that the deal, which is worth around €71m – £60m – is all but done and that the Swedish international ‘is poised to become a new player’ for the Gunners.

It’s certainly not a cheap transfer, but given Gyokeres’ incredible ability in front of goal, it looks like it’ll be well worth it, especially as he could help get even more out of Rodrygo should the Brazilian join as well.

Why Gyokeres would be a dream for Rodrygo

Now, while there will undoubtedly be a plethora of reasons on and off the pitch as to why Gyokeres would be an ideal teammate for Rodrygo, the most important one, and the one all others will stem from, is his raw output.

For example, it doesn’t really matter how many chances the Brazilian creates from the left if the centre-forward to his right can put them away.

Fortunately, that’s not the case for the Sporting CP star, and it is, in fact, quite the opposite, as it almost feels like the Swedish international couldn’t stop scoring even if he wanted to.

For example, in 50 appearances last season, the goalscoring “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, put the ball in the back of the net 43 times and provided 15 assists for good measure, which comes out to an average of 1.16 goal involvements per game.

Somehow, the former Coventry City star has become even more effective this year, and in 50 appearances, totalling just 4038 minutes, he’s managed to score 52 goals and provide 13 assists.

Gyokeres’ unreal record

Season

23/24

24/25

Appearances

50

50

Minutes

4169′

4038′

Goals

43

52

Assists

15

13

Goal Involvements per Match

1.16

1.3

Minutes per Goal Involvement

71.87

62.12′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

In other words, the 26-year-old “powerhouse,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is currently averaging 1.3 goal involvements per game, or one every 62.12 minutes, which is simply outrageous.

Now, just imagine how goof Rodrygo could be with a striker that prolific to his right. Not only would he see his goal and assist tallies explode, but he’d probably have more room to work in as opposition defenders focus their energy on stopping the Swedish goal machine from scoring.

Ultimately, it might be a costly deal to get done, but Gyokeres looks like he’ll be incredible for Arsenal next year, and if Berta and Co can sign the Real Madrid star as well, we struggle to see how anyone will be able to contain the Gunners next year.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 15, 2025

Crystal Palace have now held talks with the agents of a Leeds United defender as they look to win a hotly contested race and secure his signature, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace set for Eze fight as they identify suitable replacement

This summer looks to be another transfer window where the Eagles are going to have their work cut out in keeping hold of their best players. Palace lost Michael Olise last summer, and it is anticipated that they may find it hard to keep hold of Eberechi Eze, who is wanted by several top clubs.

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Posts ByBrett Worthington May 6, 2025

It was reported last week that Eze has now told Palace chiefs that he is ready to leave Selhurst Park, as he believes this is the right time for a new challenge. Manchester United are hopeful they can sign Eze this summer, but they face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, who consider Eze as someone who can replace Son Heung-min.

However, both these teams appear to be behind in the race, as Premier League champions Liverpool are considered to be leading the way when it comes to signing the Englishman.

As Eze makes his feelings clear, the Premier League outfit are on the lookout for a potential replacement, and according to The Boot Room, Palace are pushing to sign Jobe Bellingham from Sunderland.

The Black Cats are demanding at least £20 million for the young star, and Palace also face the hurdle of Man United again, as they are also keeping a close eye on Bellingham heading into the summer.

Crystal Palace hold talks with agent of £60k-p/w Leeds ace

As well as looking to strengthen their midfield, the Eagles are also in the market for a new left-back, and according to TBR Football, Crystal Palace have held talks with Junior Firpo’s representatives over a move to Selhurst Park.

Firpo is coming to the end of his contract at Elland Road, and while Leeds are open to the idea of him staying beyond this season, this report states that he is looking at other options. Palace, Everton and West Ham have all made contact with Firpo’s representatives.

However, there is genuine interest from Italy and Spain, as his former club Real Betis are interested in a deal, as well as Atlético Madrid. Firpo, who earns £60,000 a week at Elland Road, has been one of Leeds’ standout performers this season, grabbing 10 assists in the Championship, which means he’s in the 99th percentile for assists as a full-back in comparable leagues.

Junior Firpo’s 24/25 Championship stats for Leeds United

Apps

32

Goals

4

Assists

10

Firpo, who has been dubbed a “leader” by Leeds boss Daniel Farke, has been with the Whites since July 2021, and during his time in England, he has played 43 games in the Premier League. He didn’t have the same effect going forward in the top flight as he did in the Championship, but the Eagles obviously feel he can improve their options in the left-back spot.

Palace took Ben Chilwell on loan in January and also have Tyrick Mitchell coming to the end of his contract, so the need for a left-back may be great this summer.

Manchester United are in the market for some statement arrivals this summer and could take a step closer to landing one of their primary targets, per reports.

Man Utd look to tool up for next season

The Red Devils’ prospects this season hang in the balance as the curtain starts to come down on a disappointing Premier League campaign. However, they could still make a forgettable year a memorable one by winning the Europa League.

Ruben Amorim has endured a baptism of fire since entering the dugout at Old Trafford and will need time to piece together a squad worthy of challenging for domestic honours.

Improving a forward line that has failed to yield enough goals is a priority. Manchester United have made contact over a move for Crystal Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta to try and solve that problem.

Villarreal’s Alex Baena has a £50 million release clause that the Red Devils could look to take advantage of during the summer window, though he is more likely to take up a berth behind the main striker at Old Trafford.

One thing is clear: United need reinforcements, and a sea change is expected in the off-season to prevent another below-par Premier League campaign in 2025/26.

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Posts ByBrett Worthington Apr 27, 2025

INEOS will hope that winning the Europa League can strengthen returns to reinvest in prospective targets. That remains to be determined, but plenty of work is already ongoing in the infancy of their latest recruitment drive.

Stepping up their pursuit of fresh blood, Manchester United have now put forward a significant proposal to a talented striker who is on their radar.

Man Utd offer five-year contract to Matheus Cunha

According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United have now submitted a five-year contract to Wolverhampton Wanderers striker Matheus Cunha as they look to get a deal over the line for the Brazil international.

Despite some ends needing to be ironed out regarding his salary structure, a new meeting has been scheduled between his entourage and the Red Devils to smooth over the fine details.

Matheus Cunha’s impressive Premier League campaign for Wolves

Appearances

29

Goals

15

Assists

6

Shots on target

40

Chances created

52

Successful dribbles

57

Cunha’s £62.5 million release clause could be paid by Manchester United, though they would prefer the fee to be spread across three or four years to avoid conflict with PSR regulations. There is a feeling of confidence from all sides that a deal can be agreed, while Rasmus Hojlund is set to be made available should a deal come to fruition.

Labelled “absolutely sensational” by Micah Richards, Cunha is exactly the type of inventive presence Manchester United need in the final third to unlock defences under Amorim next season.

Now, it remains to be seen whether a transfer can be pushed over the line or whether any complications present themselves in negotiations.

The summer transfer window is fast approaching, and Liverpool are set to spend big as they prepare for Arne Slot’s second, Premier League title-defending season at the helm.

Of course, the top-flight trophy isn’t yet wrapped up, but the Reds need just two wins from their remaining six fixtures to put things beyond Arsenal’s reach.

Sporting director Richard Hughes has wrapped up Mohamed Salah’s new contract; captain Virgil van Dijk’s fresh deal is soon to follow. Now, focus can be turned to the upcoming transfer window, with Liverpool expecting flurries of activity through the summer months.

While signing a centre-forward, left-back and central defender are the priorities for the Reds, Slot would be wise not to neglect his midfield.

Liverpool – Remaining Premier League Fixtures 24/25

Date

Venue

Opponent

20/04/25

King Power Stadium

Leicester City

27/04/25

Anfield

Tottenham Hotspur

04/05/25

Stamford Bridge

Chelsea

11/05/25

Anfield

Arsenal

18/05/25

AMEX Stadium

Brighton & Hove Albion

25/05/25

Anfield

Crystal Palace

Liverpool’s midfielders have been immense through the 2024/25 campaign, but they aren’t infallible. There’s been a lack of bite and physicality at times of late that suggests a new addition to the engine room could go down a treat.

Why Slot shouldn't neglect Liverpool's midfield

When Liverpool fell from grace under Jurgen Klopp in 2022/23, the German manager knew he needed to repackage his side’s long-serving midfield.

Jordan Henderson was a first-standard leader but was starting to look a weak link from a technical standpoint, while Fabinho’s legs had gone after so many years serving as a world-class anchor at the heart of one of the highest-octane squads on the globe.

Their replacements, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, have been immense this season (and last) as Liverpool’s mainstays in the middle, but there’s no denying Liverpool have lacked a combative sheen and that extra bit of dynamism at times recently, namely being overrun by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Newcastle United at Wembley.

Liverpool have won more duels than their opponents in just one of their past 11 matches across all competitions, denoting fatigue and a lack of sharpness that opponents are capitalising on.

Though packing quality across more needy areas will ultimately hold sway for Liverpool, there’s no question that a high-class midfielder would elevate an already immense team.

It’s something FSG are bearing in mind.

Liverpool lining up marquee midfielder

According to Italian outlet InterLive.it, Liverpool’s interested in signing Nicolo Barella this summer is said to be ‘serious’, with Inter Milan anticipating offers for their midfield linchpin after yet another standout campaign.

Now, Barella, 28 years old, is contracted to the San Siro until 2029 and thus Inter are in a commanding position regarding his future and have listed him at €100m (about £87m).

Liverpool’s interest is confirmed to be serious, however, and given the Serie A leaders are keen on Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa, a deal wouldn’t be out of question.

What Nicolo Barella would bring to Liverpool

Described as “the best Serie A midfielder of the 2020s” by journalist Zach Lowy, Barella has already won two Scudettos and two Coppa Italia titles with Inter Milan, joining from Cagliari in 2019.

Having featured 277 times for I Nerazzurri, Barella has scored 25 goals and supplied 59 assists. He’s not the most prolific of midfielders, but then that’s not really his jurisdiction.

With Simone Inzaghi’s side battling it out with Napoli for the Italian title, Barella has been the architect of his team’s challenge, averaging 1.9 key passes, 4.7 successful duels and 5.2 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, illustrating his wide range of quality.

Of course, the Italian has also been immense in Inter’s quest for the Champions League trophy, with outlets stating that he delivered a career-defining performance at the Allianz Arena last week, taking a 2-1 lead over Bayern Munich back to the San Siro.

Talent of this level suggests that Liverpool could be getting their mitts on one of the most gifted midfielders in many years, one who could stand out above the current Anfield crop.

He might even prove to be Liverpool’s best midfielder since Fabinho.

For the uninitiated, Fabinho was absolutely spellbinding in his role as Klopp’s number six, so cultured and commanding as he held together a hard-grafting midfield that worked around the clock to facilitate the attacking successes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Bobby Firmino.

Once hailed as “one of the best in the world” by Klopp, Fabinho truly was a core part of the most illustrious era in Liverpool’s modern history, joining from Monaco for roughly £40m in May 2018 and going on to play 219 times for the Reds before his legs finally failed him.

When in his pomp, the Brazilian was truly one of the most dominant forces out there, and now Barella could emulate him and become Liverpool’s new centrepiece, perhaps unlocking the next level in Slot’s existing options.

Tough-tackling, tenacious and iron-willed, Fabinho performed dutifully and blended his natural qualities with a sharpness of mind and quickness of reaction that differentiated him from his positional rivals.

The Italy international has the experience and the multi-skilled ability to be a real standout for Liverpool over the next several years, with his FBref data discussed above suggesting the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Pedri are among his most statistically similar players.

Such ball-playing specialists, maestros and conductors wrapped into one, would fit snugly into Slot’s system – just look at how Gravenberch has got on this term.

Barella, then, would fit right in. He’s a world-class player, dubbed a “genius” on the pitch by sports editor Mike Pielluci, and a trophy winner besides, and if Inter are willing to discuss deals containing the likes of Nunez and/or Chiesa, Liverpool might just sign their best midfielder since Fabinho.

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair Apr 14, 2025

It was another tough day at the office for Ipswich Town last Sunday but it was shaping up to be a remarkable one for the relegation candidates.

For a while, it looked as if Kieran McKenna’s side would come away from their game against Chelsea with all three points and close the gap on survival.

Julio Enciso and Ben Johnson had given the Tractor Boys hope of pulling off a remarkable league double against the Blues but an own goal from Axel Tuanzebe and a strike from Jadon Sancho meant they had to settle for a point.

Consequently, it now is really starting to look like next season will see the Suffolk side return to the Championship.

However, they certainly have the players to bounce right back, and if they are forced to sell, they’ll make a pretty penny, especially off one star who’s been compared to an international ace valued at over £100m.

Ipswich's biggest sales

So, before talking about the player who could easily become Ipswich’s biggest-ever sale, it’s worth examining those who currently make up the list, such as Tyrone Mings.

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The Aston Villa star joined the club for just £10k from non-league Chippenham Town in 2013 and would go on to make 63 appearances for the Tractor Boys, scoring once and providing eight assists.

Then, in the summer of 2015, Bournemouth paid a whopping £8m for his services, which equates to a massive 79900% increase on what he originally cost the Suffolk side – talk about wheeling and dealing.

One of the other most expensive sales in the club’s history was of striker Connor Wickham.

The Englishman was an academy product and, after making his first team debut in the 08/09 season, went on to score 15 goals and provide four assists in 72 appearances.

Wickham’s Ipswich career

Appearances

72

Minutes

4165′

Goals

15

Assists

4

Goal Involvements per Match

0.26

Minutes per Goal Involvement

219.21′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

It was in the summer of 2011 that Sunderland paid an initial fee of around £8.1m for the centre-forward’s services, which, again, netted the Blues a hefty profit.

However, if the club are forced to sell some of their stars this summer, then there is one who, thanks to his form and comparisons to other top players, could net them a fortune.

The star who could be Ipswich's biggest sale

While there are several top-quality players in Ipswich’s squad, it will likely come as no surprise that the one we are talking about is Liam Delap.

While he didn’t start the game against the Blues due a lack of training in midweek, one does wonder what the result may have been had he begun the game, notably scoring against Enzo Maresca’s side in the reverse fixtures.

The former Manchester City star joined the club for around £20m in the summer and has since racked up a sensational haul of 12 goals and two assists in just 30 Premier League games.

Such a brilliant rate of return has not only caught the interest of other top sides, like Manchester United, but also seen the 22-year-old “wrecking-ball,” as dubbed by Sky Sports reporter Lewis Jones, compared to another of Europe’s most exciting strikers, Benjamin Sesko.

The comparison stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Slovenian is the ninth most similar striker to the Englishman.

The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected goals plus assists, key passes, crosses, goal-creating actions, ball recoveries and more, all per 90.

Delap & Sesko

Statistics per 90

Delap

Sesko

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.36

0.40

Shots on Target

1.01

1.13

Key Passes

0.78

0.72

Expected Assists

0.05

0.06

Crosses

0.16

0.14

Goal-Creating Actions

0.27

0.36

Ball Recoveries

2.13

2.49

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

However, while the comparison to a Champions League striker is nice in and of itself, it’s also encouraging regarding Delap’s value.

For example, the CIES Football Observatory values the former RB Salzburg star at a whopping €116.6m, which converts to about £100m, and if the Blues’ ace is so statistically similar, why shouldn’t his price tag be?

Ultimately, while going down and losing their best player is far from ideal, Ipswich can at least rest assured that if they sell Delap this summer, he will undoubtedly become their most expensive departure of all time.

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Newcastle United will be keen to end the season on a high and could begin the summer window on the same footing after being offered a chance to sign a talented star from the continent, per reports.

Newcastle United look to make summer window statement

With the end of the Premier League season around the corner, the Magpies will maintain the hope that they can finish in the Champions League slots to set up a statement window under Eddie Howe.

Making an early start, Newcastle are reportedly keen on Liverpool forward Diogo Jota and Besiktas star Semih Kilicsoy to strengthen their forward line.

West Ham United, Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest are also keen on the latter, while the former could be used as a makeweight in any deal involving Alexander Isak heading in the other direction.

Lyon’s Rayan Cherki could add some creativity at St James’ Park and is set to leave Ligue 1 for less than £25 million after striking an agreement with his current employers. Unsurprisingly, a clutch of top-flight sides are also keeping tabs on his situation, creating the potential for a chase that could go the distance.

Internally, Howe could be set to wave goodbye to several experienced stars who have yet to commit to new deals in the north-east. Sean Longstaff is a target for Everton and may follow the crowd through the exit door should circumstances align.

Newcastle United’s expiring contracts in 2025

Callum Wilson

Jamal Lewis

Jamaal Lascelles

Mark Gillespie

John Ruddy

Fabian Schar has committed his future for another year to solidify the backline. Per recent developments, he could now be set to compete with one of Serie A’s most recognisable defenders for his place in the side.

Newcastle United to be offered Juventus star Federico Gatti

According to Chronicle Live, Newcastle have been offered the chance to sign Juventus star Federico Gatti for £20 million as the cash-strapped giants look to raise money to put towards summer reinforcements.

Intriguingly, Juve are due to pay £20 million for Lloyd Kelly if they qualify for Europe, which could create a scenario where two players are effectively exchanged without either club losing financial capital.

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Newcastle scouts are said to be excited by Gatti’s versatility and ability to feature in a back three. Unfortunately, the Italy international has been ruled out for the remainder of this term due to a knee injury.

Labelled “unique” by Leonardo Bonucci, the Rivoli-born man has registered one goal and two assists in 40 appearances across all competitions.

Imposing himself in the Italian top flight, Gatti has also won 90 duels and 23 tackles within the Juventus backline, helping his side stay alive in their hunt for a Champions League slot.

However, financial problems could gift Newcastle the perfect chance to swoop in, providing they can navigate their own collision course with PSR regulations.

Jackson Bird was subbed into the game when Aidan O’Connor suffered a head knock

AAP22-Nov-2025

Kurtis Patterson helped give New South Wales a solid foundation•Getty Images

Kurtis Patterson led the way for New South Wales on a dominant first day of batting in their rainy Sheffield Shield clash with Tasmania at Cricket Central.A day after the Australian batting order’s lean start to the Ashes, Patterson sent a reminder why he was considered an out-of-the-box option for a Test recall at the beginning of the summer.Patterson, the 32-year-old left-hander, will resume unbeaten on 79 next to Lachie Shaw with NSW 214 for 2 and seemingly in a commanding position after being made to bat.”It was a bit of yucky day, I didn’t feel like I had a lot of rhythm for most of the day, to be honest,” Patterson told AAP. “The wicket looks OK, there’s a little bit of grass there, it actually probably played a bit better than we thought. 2/200-odd, we would’ve taken that at the beginning of the day.”Axed Test opener Sam Konstas made a positive start but was trapped lbw by Riley Meredith’s yorker and is still searching for his first big score of the home summer.Konstas came to the crease with his trademark positive intent, though opted for more conventional cricket shots over off-side rather than the eye-catching fare of his debut Test series.He pushed Aidan O’Connor past long off for two fours in the second over, and had two more off fellow opener Gabe Bell in the next.Konstas fell just after the second of Saturday’s three rain delays and is now averaging an underwhelming 22.67 across nine Shield knocks this summer.But Patterson saw good signs from his young teammate.”Today was probably the first time those pre-meditated moments that can kind of creep into his game haven’t been there,” he said. “He looked like he just watched and reacted to what was sent down and reacted in a really positive way. I thought every ball up until he got out was a big tick.”Jackson Bird had the next breakthrough for the visitors after replacing O’Connor, who suffered a head knock sliding into the fence as he attempted to save a boundary.”I was looking forward to putting my feet up for a few days, actually,” Bird joked. “With this new rule, you’ve got to be ready if you do come away on tour.”Bird caught and bowled Ryan Hicksjust after Konstas’ fellow 20-year-old opener brought up a maiden first-class half-century.Bird could have had Patterson caught behind for 0, but Mitch Owen spilt the tough chance at second slip in the first over after lunch.Patterson made the visitors pay, bringing up a 40th first-class half-century with two runs past midwicket off Bird.His 100-run partnership with highly-rated young gun Shaw came up just before bad light forced the teams off the field yet again, with play unable to resume thereafter.