All posts by z3u9t.icu

Arsenal have been graced with the presence of some of the finest attacking midfielders of the last few generations.

When Arsene Wenger first arrived in north London, he had Dennis Bergkamp at his disposal, one of the most technically gifted artists we’ve ever seen in the Premier League. So good was the Dutchman that he’s now cast in bronze outside the Emirates Stadium.

In more modern times, we’ve seen Mesut Ozil – the king of assists – feature in Arsenal red and white, while Martin Odegaard, one of the most hyped up wonderkids of this era, is stamping his authority on Mikel Arteta’s side.

Yet, with the Norwegian enduring a bit of a tricky season throughout 2024/25, suffering with an ankle injury, perhaps Andrea Berta and Co will look at signing a new creative maestro.

Arsenal looking at Dutch superstar

The biggest priority for Arsenal this summer is to sign a new centre-forward but Berta must not neglect other areas of the pitch and could strengthen in the attacking midfield spot too.

Previous reports have suggested that the Gunners are keen on Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers but he could cost in the region of £100m, making any deal nigh on impossible.

Instead, they could turn their attention to RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons. That’s according to German publication BILD, via Sport Witness.

They reported on Thursday that Simons is attracting interest from a number of English clubs, including Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United.

Transfer Focus

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

It’s stated that the player’s brother, Faustino, has been in talks with top clubs already but the Premier League’s elite will also face competition from Barcelona.

To conclude a deal, it may take around €70m (£60m), which would mark a healthy outlay for the Gunners, considering their priorities largely lie elsewhere this summer.

How Xavi Simons could fit into Mikel Arteta's Arsenal side

While Arsenal don’t play with an out-and-out number 10 at the moment, Simons would still be a fabulous capture considering the form of Odegaard this season.

Sustaining an ankle injury during the first international break of the term, the club captain struggled to rediscover himself during a rugged old year for him in Arsenal red.

Odegaard ended the campaign with six goals and 12 assists in all competitions. Only three of those goals came in the league which is a far cry from the 15 he registered in 2022/23. That season, no midfielder scored more than him in the Premier League.

So, the Nordic playmaker needs to improve big time and the addition of a new centre-forward could well help him recapture his best form.

However, some healthy competition wouldn’t go amiss and in the shape of Simons, they could sign an Emile Smith Rowe-like figure capable of challenging Odegaard for a role as Arsenal’s chief creator.

In the latest season, the Netherlands international was sublime, scoring 11 goals and supplying eight assists, adding to the ten goals and 15 assists he registered in 2023/24. Those numbers showcase why, in the words of one data analyst, he is “one of the best 10s in the world.”

That’s fine praise and showcases precisely why Arsenal have cast their eyes in the direction of Simons. So, beyond just goals and assists from midfield, what else makes him similar to Smith Rowe?

The Hale End starlet left Arsenal behind for Fulham last summer after struggling with a succession of injuries, but on his day he was one of the most exciting attacking midfielders in the top-flight.

His numbers from the 2021/22 season show precisely why.

Goals

0.42

0.47

Assists

0.25

0.09

Shots

2.09

1.88

Progressive passes

5.86

3.99

Successful take-ons

1.38

1.50

Progressive carries

3.56

3.05

Carries into final 3rd

2.97

2.07

Progressive passes received

7.74

6.53

Ball recoveries

5.36

4.93

In the metrics analysed, Simons comes out on top in nearly every category, but it’s important to note that in most areas, there isn’t a lot to separate the Dutchman and the Arsenal academy graduate.

They scored a similar number of goals per 90 minutes, arriving late into the penalty area to wreak havoc, while their carrying ability, perhaps the biggest similarity, is pretty much on par.

The duo possess this amazing low centre of gravity, a trait that helps them evade the press and weave their way past defenders with ease. It also enables them to grab the ball between the lines on a regular basis, with the pairing receiving a similar number of progressive passes every 90 minutes.

That attribute captivated the masses at the Emirates Stadium and it’s one Simons could bring back should he sign this summer.

He's more proven than Gyokeres: Arsenal in talks to sign £63m "monster"

Arsenal could sign a proven elite striker instead of Viktor Gyokeres.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 15, 2025

To describe Tottenham Hotspur’s campaign this year as a rollercoaster would be a massive understatement.

For most of the Premier League season, Ange Postecoglou’s side were nothing short of terrible – which would explain the club’s decision to sack him.

However, even with injuries severely hampering them on the domestic front, the North Londoners were brilliant in the Europa League, and with most of their squad back for the climax of the campaign, they ended up winning it all in Bilbao.

One of the team’s stars in the semi-finals and final was Cristian Romero, yet there is a distinct possibility that he could leave this summer, although based on the latest player touted for a move to the Lilywhites, that might not be such a problem.

Tottenham transfer news

While he’ll likely go down as a Spurs legend for his efforts in the Europa League this season, it is now starting to feel like Romero could be at a different club entirely by the end of the summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

A few months ago, stories came out linking him with a move to Real Madrid, but since then, the most prominent links have been to their city rivals, Atlético Madrid.

In fact, in April, reports were suggesting that the Argentine had already spoken to his compatriot, Diego Simeone, and as recently as late last month, more stories emerged claiming that the player had informed the Lilywhites that he wanted to join the Spanish giants.

While losing the World Cup winner would be far from ideal, there is a chance he could fetch the club a fee of around £60m, and that could help them sign a replacement or even upgrade, like Wilfried Singo.

According to a recent report from Caught Offside, the Europa League winners are among several teams interested in signing the AS Monaco star this summer.

Alongside Tottenham, the report claims that Arsenal, Atlético, Newcastle United and Napoli are all keen on the player, who’s set to cost around €35m – £29m – and talks are expected to progress soon.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Singo’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he could actually be an upgrade on Romero.

How Singo compares to Romero

Now, unlike with strikers, wingers and even some midfielders, where you can just look at their goals and assists, it can be rather difficult to cast any significant judgment over a defender without watching them for quite some time.

However, there are some ways in which we can still gauge how Singo stacks up against Romero, and the best is to take a deep dive into their statistics and compare their underlying numbers.

Interestingly, when we do this, it becomes clear that not only would the 6 foot 3 “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, be a good replacement for the possibly departing Argentine, but he could even end up being something of an upgrade.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.13

0.06

Progressive Passes

5.06

4.52

Progressive Passes Received

1.16

0.19

Progressive Carries

1.50

0.76

Key Passes

86.2%

89.5%

Shot-Creating Actions

0.82

1.27

Tackles

1.59

2.23

Shots Blocked

0.39

0.19

Interceptions

1.85

1.34

Clearances

4.72

3.63

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.09

0.13

Successful Take-Ons

0.26

0.06

Ball Recoveries

5.92

5.73

Aerial Duels Won %

63.8%

60.3%

For example, per FBref, the Ivorian international comes out ahead in the majority of relevant metrics, be that the attacking ones, like progressive passes and carries, or the defensive ones, like interceptions, clearances, blocked shots or percentage of aerial duels won, all per 90.

Moreover, the 24-year-old has another trick up his sleeve: positional versatility.

While he is primarily a centre-back, the Moncao gem can and has played at full-back and even right-midfield before, meaning he could provide the next Spurs boss with so many more tactical options.

Ultimately, Romero is an unreal player, but if he does leave, then Singo could be the perfect replacement and maybe even an upgrade.

Dream Maddison upgrade: Spurs make £68m "superstar" their top target

The special player could help take Spurs to the next level.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 6, 2025

Barcelona’s treble-winning 2008-09 team is often considered the greatest club side of all time, as they won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.

The best football team of all time

Spain dominated football between 2008 and 2012. The Spanish national side achieved a historic three-peat of consecutive major international tournaments, being crowed European Champions in 2008 and 2012, either side of their success at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Legendary players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique weren’t satisifed with only international success however. Barcelona won four La Liga titles in a five-year period between 2008 and 2013, while also wining the Champions League twice, in 2009 and 2011.

Barcelona's 2008-09 team in pictures

Central to both teams’ greatness was the iconic midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, which formed the model for how managers across the globe tried to build their midfields for years to come.

The elegance and playmaking of Iniesta combined with Xavi’s control and tempo along with the security of Busquets, who was simulataneously suave and destructive, seemed virtually impossible to beat or replicate.

One of the only teams who gave Barca a run for their money during the late 2000’s was Manchester United, led by one of the greatest managers of all time in Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Red Devils had won the Champions League title in the 2007-08 season, beating Chelsea in the final on penalties, and made their way to the last two again the following year, only to fall 2-0 to goals from Messi and Samuel Eto’o.

United’s famous ‘class of 92’ were coming to the end of their period of dominance, and one of their greatest ever players, then 34 year-old Paul Scholes, was only able to play the final 15 minutes of the final as a substitute. That may have been a big let off for the Spanish giants, as Xavi once claimed Scholes was the best and most complete midfielder he has ever seen.

Xavi: Scholes was the best midfielder in the world

Speaking in 2011, Xavi heaped praise on Scholes, revealing the England international was on a par with the iconic Spain and Barcelona trio.

Appearances

716

Goals

155

Assists

82

Yellow Cards

145

Red Cards

9

Major trophies

20

Scholes won 11 Premier League titles with Manchester United, and is widely regarded to be one of the best midfielders in Premier League history.

20 Best Midfielders in Premier League History Ranked

Where does Man City icon Kevin De Bruyne rank?

ByCharlie Smith May 8, 2025

Many have argued over the talent in midfield of England’s ‘golden generation’, with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Chelsea goal machine Frank Lampard often put on a pedestal alongside Scholes. One thing is for sure though, there is only one of them who Xavi wanted alongside him in Catalonia.

Liverpool’s title success may have been unexpected at the start of the campaign, but it highlights the excellent work done by Arne Slot in his first year at the helm.

The Dutchman has created a seamless transition after taking the reins from the departing Jürgen Klopp, claiming the club’s second-ever Premier League title.

Whilst they’ve failed to win any of their last three outings after claiming the trophy, the hard work in the early stages has allowed them to enjoy the last few weeks of the season.

However, with just one game left in 2024/25, attention will now undoubtedly switch towards the transfer market, with key additions needed in multiple areas to aid the manager in replicating the success.

The manager has already wasted no time in strengthening his squad, with Jeremie Frimpong edging ever closer to a switch to Anfield, potentially being joined by various other stars in the coming months.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new signings

Alexander Isak has been a name constantly touted with a switch to Liverpool this summer, understandably so given his record of 23 goals in 33 league outings this campaign.

However, such a player comes at a premium, with Eddie Howe’s side demanding a fee in the region of £150m to part ways with their star attacker during the off-season.

Such a figure could lead the hierarchy to different targets ahead of the summer, with work already being done to land RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko, according to DAVEOCKOP.

The report states that the Reds have been in talks with the Bundesliga outfit over a move for the Slovenian international, who currently has a £84m release clause in his contract.

It also claims that the 21-year-old would be open to a move to Merseyside, but no formal approach has yet been made despite the keen interest in his signature.

Why Liverpool’s £84m target could be Slot’s own Firmino

Brazilian forward Roberto Firmino was an unknown quantity to many Liverpool supporters before his switch from Hoffenheim back in 2015, but it didn’t take long for him to adhere himself to the fanbase.

The Reds forked out £28m for his services, a fee that proved to be a bargain given his stint at Anfield, registering over 100 goals in his 362 appearances.

He often operated in a false nine position, with his best campaign coming in 2017/18, when he registered 27 goals and 16 assists in his 54 appearances across all competitions.

However, he departed in the summer of 2023 on a free transfer, joining Saudi side Al Ahli, with the Reds desperately missing a centre-forward of his calibre since his move away from Merseyside.

That could all be about to change this window, with Slot able to replicate such a move if they land the services of Sesko – following suit of Firmino in joining the club from a Bundesliga outfit.

If he manages to get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Brazilian for the Reds, he would be one hell of an addition, already showcasing his talents despite his tender age with Leipzig this campaign.

The 21-year-old, who’s been labelled a “monster” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has registered 21 goals in all competitions this season, with four of which coming in the Champions League – highlighting his ability to thrive at the top level.

Arnaud Kalimuendo

Stade Rennais

33

17

Hugo Ekitiké

Eintracht Frankfurt

33

15

Emanuel Emegha

Strasbourg

27

14

Benjamin Sesko

RB Leipzig

33

13

Mika Biereth

Monaco

16

13

Liam Delap

Ipswich Town

36

12

Thierno Barry

Villarreal

34

11

Joao Pedro

Brighton

27

10

His underlying stats have been just as impressive, registering 1.2 shots on target per 90 and a dribble success rate of 55%, handing Slot an excellent all-round option in the final third.

Sesko has also won 57% of the aerial duels he’s entered, handing the side the focal point they’ve often lacked despite their success throughout 2024/25.

It’s likely that the club would be able to negotiate a deal below his £84m clause, with the youngster having all the tools to develop further and become a leading player for the side for many years to come.

If the Reds are to take the next step under Slot and maintain their first-season success, additions will need to be perfect, with the Slovenian offering the manager a sensational option in forward areas.

Time to forget Kerkez: Liverpool chasing "one of the best young talents"

Liverpool are moving fast to wrap up some statement signings after a title-winning campaign.

ByAngus Sinclair May 20, 2025

Aston Villa remain in the fight to secure a place in the Champions League for the 2025/26 campaign after their 1-0 win over Fulham last time out.

Youri Tielemans scored the only goal of the game to propel the Villans up to seventh in the Premier League, only three points behind Chelsea in fifth place.

Despite not yet knowing which European competition they will be competing in next season, Unai Emery and Monchi are already reportedly looking at players to bolster the squad, including one star from Scottish football.

Aston Villa eyeing raid on Scottish giants

According to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa are one of the clubs lining up a move to sign Rangers central midfielder Nicolas Raskin in the summer transfer window.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that the Villans and Leeds United are both interested in a swoop for the Belgium international, and it reveals that Emery views him as a player who would fit in well as part of his high-pressing midfield set-up.

TEAMtalk, who previously claimed that the Gers value him at £20m, adds that Rangers do not want to cash in on the former Standard Liege star, though, and it could be a fight for Villa to land a deal for him.

Monchi must, now, stump up the £20m required to acquire Raskin’s services ahead of the 2025/26 campaign because he could come in as an upgrade on Boubacar Kamara in the middle of the park.

What Nicolas Raskin would bring to Aston Villa

As the TEAMtalk report outlines, the Belgian star would fit the high-pressing system put in place by Emery because he is an energetic midfield player who likes to get around the park in and out of possession.

Raskin is an all-action star who can contribute with goals and assists at the top end of the pitch, whilst also making tackles and interceptions on a regular basis to cut out opposition attacks.

The 24-year-old star, once dubbed “unbelievable” by Kris Boyd, has delivered consistently brilliant performances for Rangers in the Premiership this season, and could arrive at Villa as an even better option than Kamara.

Appearances

23

30

Goals

0

2

Assists

0

7

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.8

3.6

Dribbled past per game

1.1x

0.8x

Ground duel success rate

54%

58%

Aerial duel success rate

43%

57%

As you can see in the table above, Raskin has offered more to his team both in and out of possession than the Frenchman has for the Villans in the Premier League, albeit at a different level in Scotland.

The Belgian star did, however, average a staggering 5.0 tackles and interceptions and 7.4 ball recoveries per match across 12 appearances in the Europa League. This shows that he has the tenacity, the energy, and the defensive awareness to suit a high-pressing game.

Whereas, Kamara only averaged 2.5 tackles and interceptions and 4.0 ball recoveries per match in four Conference League games last season, and 3.0 tackles and interceptions and 4.6 ball recoveries per game in ten Champions League outings this term.

This shows that Raskin has outperformed him, certainly from a defensive perspective, on the European stage, which suggests that he does have the quality to translate his form from Scottish football over to the Premier League.

Aston Villa can forget Asensio by unleashing their very own homegrown Nypan

Aston Villa could decide to move on from both Marco Asensio and Sverre Nypan by unleashing this homegrown gem.

ByKelan Sarson May 8, 2025

Therefore, Monchi could land an even better midfielder than Kamara by splashing £20m on the Rangers star for Emery, because of his ability to make an impact in the final third whilst also being more effective out of possession to thwart opposition attacks.

West Bromwich Albion are now considering a move for an “unbelievable” manager as a replacement for Tony Mowbray, according to transfer expert Graeme Bailey.

West Brom searching for Mowbray replacement

West Brom were in a strong position to reach the Championship play-offs for much of the season, but they endured a torrid run of form during the business end of the season, with the Mowbray era coming to an end after a 3-1 home defeat against Derby County.

Ultimately, the Baggies ended up finishing in ninth place, four points below the top six, which indicates a play-off finish could be possible next season if they appoint the correct successor to Mowbray, and they have a number of potential options in mind.

Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason has been reported to be the top target, while the Albion board could also look at bringing in Steve Cooper or Russell Martin, who are both out of work after being sacked by relegated Leicester City and Southampton this season.

Their own Parker: West Brom looking at "outstanding" Cifuentes alternative

West Bromwich Albion look to have a new top candidate to replace Tony Mowbray.

1 ByKelan Sarson May 5, 2025

It could make sense to bring in a manager with Premier League experience, but with West Brom looking to secure a top-six finish next season, there may be nobody better suited to the task than Stockport County boss Dave Challinor.

According to EFL Analysis correspondent Graeme Bailey, West Brom are now considering a move for Challinor, who may be capable of leading The Hawthorns outfit to the top six, considering he has never finished outside the play-offs in his career.

The Stockport manager has been shortlisted by the Baggies, having caught the eye by leading his side to a third-placed finish in League One this season, while also leading the Hatters to promotion from the National League and League 2.

"Unbelievable" Challinor could be exciting appointment

The 49-year-old is yet to manage a club the size of West Brom, but he has managed to impress everywhere he’s been in the lower leagues, achieving a total of seven promotions and most recently leading Stockport to League 1.

Wrexham may dominate the headlines, but what the former Tranmere Rovers man has achieved at Stockport is just as impressive, with his side finishing third in their first season in League 1, just five points below the Welsh side.

The Chester-born manager, who often deploys a 3-4-1-2 system, also received high praise for his achievements during his time with Hartlepool United, leading them to promotion from the National League in 2021.

It would be a gamble to appoint Challinor, given that he has no experience as a manager at Championship level, but his stellar record of leading teams to the play-offs indicates he could be an exciting appointment for West Brom, who will have aspirations of returning to the Premier League next season.

Everton have improved since David Moyes replaced Sean Dyche at the helm, but recent results have underscored the need for new attacking quality.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is expected to leave as a free agent at the end of the season, while Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja’s loan deals all conclude in two months.

However, while The Friedkin Group are going to sign forwards of various shapes and sizes, Moyes is also keen to strengthen his midfield, already focusing on a specific profile.

The target in question has plied under the Scotsman’s leadership for several years, and could prove an astute piece of business.

Everton transfer news

Despite the transfer window not yet open for business, the Toffees have already started putting plans into motion with the likes of Monaco’s striking sensation, Mika Biereth, linked with a move to Goodison Park.

Also on their radar is Liverpool’s Ben Doak, yet on this occasion, it looks as though Moyes is targeting experience.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, as per Football Insider, Moyes is targeting a reunion with West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek, having fielded the 30-year-old 207 times during his time at the Irons helm, more than any other player.

Though newly-promoted Leeds United are also chasing a deal for Soucek, who is valued at £10m, it’s understood that Everton have the lead in the race given the Czech international’s relationship with Moyes.

Why Tomas Soucek would be perfect for Everton

Soucek has been at West Ham for half a decade, signing on an initial loan from Slavia Prague in January 2020 before completing a £19m deal that summer.

The 6 foot 3 ace would bring physicality to the Everton midfield and might prove to be the perfect replacement for Amadou Onana, who was sold to Aston Villa for £50m last summer.

Described as a “midfield powerhouse” by journalist Antonio Mango, Onana’s presence has been missed on Merseyside, but Soucek could bring his own take on the role next year, working hard in the duel while making darting runs into the danger area to complement the frontline.

Matches (starts)

31 (26)

22 (17)

Goals

8

3

Assists

1

0

Touches*

37.6

40.2

Pass completion

75%

89%

Key passes*

0.5

0.3

Dribble success

55%

79%

Ball recoveries*

1.7

2.9

Tackles + interceptions*

1.9

3.2

Duels (won)*

5.2 (54%)

4.8 (60%)

As you can see, Onana might be more rounded than Soucek, but the latter man has a killer instinct in the final third, which scant few Toffees players have showcased with regularity this year.

West Ham have only created 50 big chances in the Premier League this season, with just the relegated trio making fewer. This actually shines a positive light on Soucek, whose skill at finding space and striking true has seen him score eight times.

It’s no surprise he’s been called a “machine” by former West Ham correspondent Tom Clark, adding intensity and initiative to his fold.

In fact, the £90k-per-week talent ranks among the top 2% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored and the top 1% for aerial duels won per 90, as per FBref, further illustrating his combativeness and indeed goalscoring strength.

Everton fans have tasted first-hand the midfielder’s goalscoring ability and must now forge ahead to make a shrewd signing which might just pay dividends, adding an Onana-esque presence at Bramley Moore.

Soucek may not be the fluid ball player that Graham Potter wants at the heart of his West Ham system, but Moyes enforces a different type of brand, one which the veteran midfielder would dovetail right into if Everton make their move in the coming months.

He was worse than Harrison: 5/10 Everton dud proved that TFG need to spend

Everton have lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 28, 2025

La Liga leaders and Champions League semi-finalists Barcelona are readying a £30m+ offer to sign a Manchester United player.

Players who could leave Man Utd this summer

It has been a difficult 2024/25 campaign for the Red Devils and Ruben Amorim, who are looking to rescue their season by winning the Europa League.

Man Utd are set to take on Athletic Club in the semi-finals after a dramatic quarter-final triumph over Lyon, however, it is promising to be a busy summer in the transfer market ahead of Amorim’s first full season in charge at Old Trafford.

Previous reports claimed that Man Utd and INEOS could move on up to 10 Red Devils players who currently pick up £1.8m per week at the club.

Casemiro (£350,000-a-week), Marcus Rashford (£300,000-a-week), Mason Mount, (£250,000-a-week), Jadon Sancho, (£250,000-a-week), Antony (£200,000-a-week), Christian Eriksen (£150,000-a-week), Victor Lindelof (£120,000-a-week), Rasmus Hojlund (£85,000-a-week), Jonny Evans (£85,000-a-week) and Tom Heaton (£45,000-a-week) may all exit Old Trafford, with some out of contract and others out on loan.

Man Utd in regular contact with agents of £60m physical specimen striker

United are in desperate needs of reinforcements.

ByBarney Lane Apr 21, 2025

Rashford is one of those currently out on loan and has been impressing at Aston Villa, which has led to plenty of praise from Unai Emery.

“He is a good guy – humble, a very good professional, and he is really happy with his teammates. He is being demanding on himself and with everything we want to work on with him, with the team. He is playing free, he feels comfortable and this is the most important thing.

“We try to connect with him as a person first of all, and afterwards as a player. His process here is getting better, playing in two different positions. He started with us as a left-winger and now he is playing more as a striker. It’s about how he can exploit his qualities as well as he can.”

Aston Villa have an option to sign Rashford on a permanent basis for £40m but are yet to make up their mind, and it looks as if Barcelona are readying their move as a result.

Barcelona ready £30m+ bid to sign Rashford from Man Utd

According to reports in Spain, Barcelona are preparing a €40m (£34.4m) offer to sign Rashford from Man Utd this summer. The Spanish giants are ‘willing to make a significant move’ to bring Rashford to the Nou Camp, and it is added that Rashford has dreams of playing for Barcelona.

Games

24

16

Goals

7

3

Assists

3

6

Minutes played

1,500

864

The report also claims ‘the Red Devils would have to seriously consider’ an offer of €40m as Barcelona look to take advantage of Rashford’s situation.

Rashford has starred for Villa since joining on loan in January, and by the looks of things, a move to Spain could be one to keep an eye on for the England international, especially if Villa decide against signing him permanently.

The wait to clinch the Scottish Premiership title will have to drag on even longer, with league leaders Celtic missing the chance to close in on that crown following Sunday’s shock defeat to bottom side St Johnstone.

A victory for the visitors would have ensured that a further win against Kilmarnock next week at Parkhead would have been enough to seal the deal, yet a rare off day for those in green and white has now delayed that title party.

Right from the off, Brendan Rodgers’ side didn’t appear to be at the races, with the hosts grabbing what was a deserved lead following a fine flicked header from centre-back, Daniel Balodis.

Typically, the Hoops tend to find a way in such fixtures, even when falling behind, yet up against an inspired Andrew Fisher in the home goal, the Old Firm side were unable to break down their stubborn opponents, with the Englishman notably keeping out James Forrest and Luke McCowan in expert fashion late on.

While that result matters little in the grand scheme of things, not least with title ‘rivals’ Rangers losing at home to Hibernian, there are some worrying signs creeping in among the high profile stars in Rodgers’ ranks.

Celtic's worst performers vs St Johnstone

The dismal nature of Celtic’s display was epitomised by the Northern Irishman’s decision to hook both Jeffrey Schlupp and Nicolas Kuhn at the break, with the latter man having been particularly poor once again amid his ongoing woes in 2025.

While the German winger still boasts 32 goals and assists in all competitions in 2024/25,he has now gone seven Premiership games without scoring for the champions elect.

Against the Saints, the former Rapid Vienna star was notably denied in the first half with the goal gaping, while also at one stage producing what Sky Sports commentator Ian Crocker described as an “awful” wayward attempt after cutting in onto his favoured left foot.

It would be unfair to suggest that the 25-year-old was the only villain on the day, however, with 30-goal man Daizen Maeda also rather muted after registering just 19 touches in total, as per Sofascore, while fellow forward, Jota, was far from at his brilliant best after completing just one of his six attempted crosses, and completing just two of his five attempted dribbles.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, club-record signing Arne Engels also failed to grab a foothold in the game prior to his withdrawal just after the hour mark, while the returning Auston Trusty endured a difficult afternoon after winning just seven of his 12 total duels.

Touches

Trusty (144)

Accurate passes

Carter-Vickers (119)

Key passes

Hatate (4)

Duels won

Carter-Vickers (11)

Aerial duels won

Carter-Vickers (9)

Possession lost

Fisher (27)

Defensive actions

Balodis (15)

Dribbled past

Kuhn (4)

The American centre-back may find himself ousted by the resurgent Maik Nawrocki next time out, with Reo Hatate another figure who should finally find himself on the substitutes bench.

The Celtic star who now needs to be dropped

It’s fair to say that Hatate looked like a player who has only scored once in his last 11 league outings, with the Japanese playmaker having been particularly profligate in front of goal at McDiarmid Park.

While the 27-year-old did pose a threat at times for the Hoops, he was simply far too wasteful, having fired three shots off target in total as the away side went in search of an equaliser.

In truth, the midfield maestro may have been somewhat fortunate not to be among those replaced by Rodgers in the second half, with Hatate’s woes particularly laid bare as he lost the ball on 20 occasions from his 82 touches – effectively losing the ball once every four touches.

That erratic display on the ball did yield four key passes for the diminutive playmaker, although little came of those openings, as he also failed to attempt a single dribble during his 90-minute outing.

With young Paulo Bernardo now waiting in the wings, it does beg the question as to why Rodgers continues to put faith in Hatate instead, with this stage of the season perhaps offering the ideal chance to shuffle the pack and experiment.

With the aforementioned McCowan – who replaced Engels in the centre of the park – putting in another lively cameo, including his late prod towards goal, it could well be that both the Scotland star and Bernardo come into the side next weekend.

As for Hatate, if the £16k-per-week star continues to blow hot and cold, he could find himself on borrowed time at Celtic Park, having showcased a real lack of urgency and athleticism on Sunday afternoon.

Chalkboard

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

Kuhn, it must be said, is the obvious figure in decline at present, yet it could be argued that Hatate is quietly proving even more disappointing in the engine room.

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Newcastle United have now reportedly set their sights on signing a Ligue midfielder if they fail in their pursuit to welcome young star Kees Smit in 2026.

Newcastle set to make Kees Smit move

It’s a fairly open secret that Newcastle are after a midfield reinforcement in 2026. The trio of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali is undoubtedly impressive, but as Joelinton continues to struggle, Eddie Howe could certainly do with some quality in depth to make a change.

Names like Alex Toth have emerged on the Magpies’ radar in recent months as a result, though it seems like Smit remains top of their midfield shortlist.

Reports have even claimed that Newcastle are set to make their move to sign the AZ Alkmaar star, despite competition from the likes of Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Such interest could hand those at St James’ Park some fresh Déjà vu after missing out on several big names in the summer. It’s only now that Howe is beginning to get his full squad together following the chaos of the summer window and instant injury to Yoane Wissa.

The Newcastle boss welcomed his forward into the squad for the first time on Saturday, telling reporters: “He’s got a lot more work to do to get to the very best level that he can. We hope to keep him available by managing correctly.

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With Wissa back, the Magpies and their manager can turn their full attention towards avoiding a repeat of the summer chaos even if they miss out on Smit.

Newcastle eyeing move to sign Kevin Danois

According to the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle have now set their sights on signing Kevin Danois if they fail to sign Smit in 2026. The AJ Auxerre midfielder has emerged as an ideal alternative as the Tyneside club continue to plan ahead.

Compared to Joao Neves and dubbed “intelligent” by Como scout Ben Mattinson, Newcastle would be wise to instantly move for Danois if they miss out on their Smit next year.

The Magpies have seemingly learned from last summer and have identified a cheaper alternative who is yet to attract the same intense interest as their main target. Whether they’re forced to turn towards the Ligue 1 star remains to be seen, however.

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