All posts by h716a5.icu

Birmingham City’s summer transfer activity looks as if it’s finally going to whir into hectic motion.

The runaway League One title winners have dominated so much of the EFL conversation this off-season regarding an ever-extending list of high-profile names being linked to St. Andrew’s, yet Phil Neumann is their only addition to date.

This will change very shortly, however, with Demarai Gray set to rejoin his hometown club imminently, as per an exclusive report by GIVEMESPORT.

Gray’s wealth of Premier League experience means this will be seen as a statement deal when it’s officially announced, but Chris Davies and Co. might not be done there when adding in midfield talents used to the luxuries of the top-flight, as another deal allegedly nears completion.

Birmingham close in on midfield signing

As per a report by Football League World, Birmingham could soon make it a duo of standout additions with Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Tommy Doyle joining the building.

The report states that both Sunderland and Wrexham were in the mix to land the former Manchester City man, but Birmingham have beaten all the competition to land the 23-year-old’s services initially on loan, with the proposed move on the table also giving the Blues an option to buy.

This potential future permanent deal could well mean Birmingham are about to land their next Jay Stansfield, with the Blues’ promotion hero once just a loanee himself at St. Andrew’s, before joining for good at around the £15m mark.

Moreover, much like the ex-Fulham attacker, Doyle has been viewed as a promising young talent for some time now, with Birmingham perhaps the best possible next location that can get even more out of him, having previously starred in the EFL’s top division before.

Why Doyle can be Birmingham's next Stansfield

After all, both Doyle and Stansfield have had to exercise plenty of patience across their unwinding careers to date, with the pair having to grow used to multiple different loan spells when on the books of Premier League sides.

Before the 22-year-old had the luxury of calling St Andrew’s his fixed address, he had to cut his teeth out on loan with League One outfit Exeter City, with Doyle also chucked out on loan to Hamburg, Cardiff City, and Sheffield United in quickfire fashion as a City youngster before settling at Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Stat – per 90 minutes*

Doyle

Games played

33

Goals scored

3

Assists

4

Touches*

43.3

Accurate passes*

24.5 (78%)

Big chances created

6

The season before Stansfield would begin to endear himself to the Birmingham masses with 12 goals in the Championship, Doyle was already beginning to strut his stuff in the EFL’s top league with the Blades, as can be seen glancing at the table above.

Indeed, whilst he has gone on to tally up 51 Premier League appearances since this glowing stint in South Yorkshire, the Manchester-born midfielder’s encouraging numbers from this spell will have surely grabbed the attention of Davies’ men even more as they embark on a Championship adventure, with Doyle’s three goals and four assists from the centre of the park helping United progress to the elite league that same campaign.

Before falling down the pecking order at Molineux, too, ex-Old Gold boss Gary O’Neil would also go out of his way to wax lyrical about the 5-foot-8 star, with the now-unemployed manager once labelling him as “unbelievable”.

Unfortunately, Doyle does now find himself at a crossroads, with the 23-year-old clearly capable at a top-flight level.

Stansfield must have felt he was in the same boat when returning to Fulham after his sparkling loan spell at St. Andrew’s.

Yet, with 24 goals under his belt on the way to promotion being sealed, it was very much the right decision for him to move back for good. Doyle will just pray he’s seen in the same eventual glowing light if his expected switch is completed.

After Kyogo: Birmingham want to sign new ST who's better than Stansfield

Birmingham are interested in signing a forward who would be even better than Jay Stansfield.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 26, 2025

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has a reputation for doing work on numerous transfer targets before eventually formalising that interest, and the Italian currently has many different avenues he’s exploring right now.

Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, as confirmed by the reliable David Ornstein and others, despite the player’s cryptic comments recently, is closing in on a move to Arsenal with all details of the deal agreed.

Star's agents fume over rejected Arsenal bid amid "constant contact"

The Gunners are in touch all of the time.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Arsenal regard the 26-year-old’s capture as “done and signed”, with Real Madrid posing no threat after all following their decision to back off in the race for Zubimendi, coming as fantastic news for Mikel Arteta.

Kepa Arrizabalaga is also poised to join Arsenal as David Raya’s understudy, and now that the Spanish duo appear on their way to N5, attention is turning to Berta’s pursuit of a winger and striker.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

Arsenal talks remain ongoing for RB Leipzig starlet Benjamin Sesko, while some reports claim the north Londoners are preparing another offer for Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, after their opening bid was rejected (Mais Futebol).

Berta has apparently been working to discover the conditions of deals for both Sesko and Gyokeres before deciding which deal would suit Arsenal best (BBC), so it is little surprise we’re seeing leaks of serious Arsenal talks for the strikers.

Arsenal are also chasing a new winger, and £170,000-per-week Athletic Bilbao winger Nico Williams remains on their agenda.

Arsenal approach Nico Williams with Berta ready to pay release clause

According to Spanish news outlet Sport, despite reports to the contrary, the 22-year-old’s release clause is actually £53 million.

Nevertheless, Sport’s information is that Arsenal are ready to pay the £53 million for Williams, and are making “real moves” by knocking on his door. Berta is also ready to offer the Spain international a marquee salary, but there is an err of caution, as Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich are prepared to do exactly the same.

Intriguingly, Williams’ ideal plan is to remain in Spain and join Barcelona. His agent, Felix Tainta, even held crucial talks with Barca sporting director Deco this week to explore a potential move to the Camp Nou.

However, while the Catalans were keen on Williams last summer, Sport suggests he won’t have much luck this time around, given Barca’s priority attacking signing is actually Liverpool star Luis Diaz.

Arsenal’s willingness to meet both Bilbao’s release clause and pay Williams a large salary could open the door for Arteta’s side to tempt the exciting wide player with a move to the Premier League instead, and former Chelsea boss José Mourinho’s plaudits suggest he could be worth the effort.

“Nico is unique, he is wonderful,” Mourinho said. “During the European Championship, people were talking a lot about Lamine Yamal, who is obviously another wonderful kid, but I personally prefer Nico.”

Nottingham Forest were one of the standout sides of the Premier League last season. The East Midlands club, under the tutelage of Nuno Espirito Santo, qualified for the UEFA Conference League after they finished seventh in the top flight. For much of the campaign, they were in the race for a Champions League spot.

Unsurprisingly, with all that success, there has been plenty of interest in some of their key players. Anthony Elanga is one man who has been linked with a move away, with reports suggesting a £50m bid from Newcastle United would be enough for the deal to go through.

If that move does happen, Forest will need a replacement and have been linked with a player who is, in many ways, a hybrid between Elanga and right-back Ola Aina.

Nottingham Forest’s latest transfer target

It would certainly be a huge blow if Elanga was to depart the City Ground. The relationship he has formed with Aina down that right-hand side has been formidable. The East Midlands side must get his potential replacement right.

Well, perhaps the man they could bring into the club is AC Milan winger Alexis Saelemaekers. According to a report from TEAMtalk, the club ‘have held talks’ with the Serie A giants over a potential move for the Belgian this summer.

This is a longstanding interest; Forest have reportedly been ‘in contact with the Belgian international’s entourage for over a year’. The two teams are apart in valuation at the moment, with Milan demanding £21m, just over £4m more than what Forest want to pay.

However, the fact that they’ve been interested in the winger for so long might suggest a deal can be completed.

Why Saelemaekers would be a good signing

The versatile Belgian star spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Milan’s Serie A rivals Roma. Whilst he struggled with an ankle injury at the beginning of the season, he enjoyed a strong second half to his spell in the Italian capital.

Saelemaekers played 31 games for Roma last season, grabbing an impressive 13 goals and assists in that time. Of those goal involvements, seven goals and three assists came in just 22 Serie A appearances.

One of the standout features about Saelemaekers’ game last season was, without doubt, his versatility. The 25-year-old played on both flanks and as a number 10, seeing success in all of those positions.

This is where the Elanga and Aina hybrid idea comes in. Not only is Saelemaekers able to play as a right-winger, thus replacing Elanga directly, but he can also slot in as a right-back.

As per Transfermarkt, he has played that role 14 times in his career, as well as featuring at right wing-back.

Replacing Elanga next season, if he leaves, will not be easy. The Sweden international was a standout player in Garibaldi Red last term, with six goals and 11 assists in 38 Premier League games, mainly operating on the right-hand side. However, Saelemaekers certainly has the ability to do so.

The similarities between the duo are clear to see. Both are right-footed wingers operating on the right and had a hand in a healthy number of goals.

In fact, both of them averaged 0.61 goal involvements per 90 minutes, as per FBref, with Saelemaekers playing more progressive passes than Elanga each game, with 3.48 to 2.27.

Goals and assists

0.61

0.61

Key passes

1.59

1.8

Progressive passes

3.48

2.27

Shot-creating actions

3.9

3.67

Ball recoveries

4.82

3.2

Saelemaekers can certainly be an apt Elanga replacement, and will be hoping he can form a deadly partnership with Aina, just as the Swede has done. They have played 57 times together, even combining for a goal away to West Ham United in 2022/23, in what ended as a 3-2 loss.

He could also provide cover, or even competition as a flying full-back, for a player Jamie Carragher said “could play for a team who expects to be in the Champions League every season”.

There is no doubt that Saelemaekers could be a fantastic member of the squad at the City Ground. He is a player with reams of “quality” as football talent scout Jacek Kulig said, and with the abilities he possesses, can surely be considered a hybrid of Elanga and Aina, two of Forest’s most important players.

Better than Jesus: Nottingham Forest still targeting "unbelievable" PL star

Nottingham Forest could land an even brighter talent than Igor Jesus by signing this unbelievable attacker.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 5, 2025

Chelsea have been one of the busiest Premier League clubs in the transfer window over the last few summers. The Blues have become notorious for signing lots of players in the summer window, and 2025 will seemingly be no different. A deal for Liam Delap is all but confirmed.

Now, it seems they have moved on to new targets, including one at the other end of the pitch. Fabrizio Romano exclusively revealed on Tuesday morning that they have contacted AC Milan over a potential move for goalkeeper Mike Maignan. The France international is thought to be a player high up on their list of targets for a new shot-stopper.

However, Maignan is not the only Frenchman linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this summer.

Chelsea's search for a new striker

As it has been over the past few years under Todd Boehly, it will be a busy summer for Chelsea. They have identified some key targets and are working on bringing them in, or, in Delap’s case, have done so already.

Transfer Focus

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

Next on the list is Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike. The 22-year-old has been repeatedly linked with a move to Chelsea this summer, most recently by journalist Florian Plettenberg.

The Sky Germany reporter claims the Blues ‘remain very active in the race’ for the Frenchman this summer, with talks having ‘taken place’ already.

However, the West London outfit are not the only club targeting a move, with Plettenberg explaining that ‘more teams are showing interest’ in Ekitike, although he does not name them. As for the price, the transfer insider confirms the £84m package still remains for the attacker.

Why Ekitike would be a good signing

It has been a strong season for Ekitike in 2024/25. He has left a great impression, reminding European football how good he is after a tough spell the previous campaign for Paris Saint-Germain.

Very much a revitalised star at Frankfurt, the 22-year-old has scored 22 goals and grabbed a further 12 assists in 48 appearances across all competitions for the club this season. That included 15 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga games.

The Frenchman has shown he has the ability to score goals in important games. This term, he has bagged against Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund in the top flight of Germany, and against eventual winners Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League.

This signing feels similar in many ways to that of Kai Havertz. Chelsea signed the German from Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen back in 2020 for a fee of £71m. He went on to make 139 appearances for the club.

Although the 25-year-old burnt his bridges at Chelsea by joining major rivals Arsenal, he will surely go down in folklore in West London.

One of the 32 goals Havertz scored in that famous Blue shirt was the winner in the 2021 Champions League final, delivering the club their second title in the famous competition.

The are similarities between that deal and the one for Ekitike, with the fact that both have performed superbly in Germany’s top flight, a key likeness. In his final year as a Leverkusen player, Havertz bagged 12 goals and six assists in the league.

There are also similarities between Havertz and Ekitike’s numbers on FBref during their most recent Bundesliga season. For example, the German attacker averaged 0.66 goal involvements per 90 minutes during 2019/20, compared to 0.81 each game last term for Ekitike.

Goals and assists

0.81

0.66

Key passes

1.54

2.16

Shot-creating actions

3.55

4.47

Goal-creating actions

0.42

0.48

Ball recoveries

3.05

3.66

Ekitike was described as a “world-class” operator earlier in the season by football talent scout Jacek Kulig. Even though they are signing Delap, having depth up front will be important, and Ekitike will bring goals and assists to the side, too.

His all-round play is certainly similar to Havertz’s. If he can match the ultimate high of scoring in a Champions League final that the German had in a Chelsea shirt, then he will surely be a successful addition to the club.

He’s Cole Palmer 2.0: Chelsea ready to bid for "unstoppable" £100m star

Chelsea might be looking for a new versatile attacker this summer

1 ByJoe Nuttall Jun 3, 2025

David Moyes took the reins in January and guided Everton away from certain peril. Goodison Park was sinking, but instead, the Scottish coach has made a positive impact and ensured the club parted with their historic home in a good position, set for future success.

With the 2024/25 Premier League season wrapped up, Everton finishing 13th, Moyes and The Friedkin Group have turned their attention to the summer transfer window, releasing a number of loanees as well as first-team mainstays such as Abdoulaye Doucoure.

Whether players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Michael Keane will be playing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium remains to be seen, but The Toffees are preparing to add some genuine quality to the starting line-up.

On that note, let’s have a look at how Moyes could apply his expertise over the summer, bringing in a few fresh faces who could make a big difference for a team hoping to challenge for a place in the top half.

1 GK – Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford has now completed 319 matches for Everton, keeping 89 clean sheets. He’s been a pillar of strength and a source of leadership for so many years.

He’s going nowhere; what else is there to say?

2 RB – Jake O'Brien

Joining from Lyon last summer, Jake O’Brien didn’t start a Premier League game until Moyes’ second game, filling in at right-back during the thrilling 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur at Goodison Park.

He’s since been a regular feature in the starting line-up, hailed as an “absolute revelation” by TNT Sports commentator Adam Virgo.

3 CB – Yann Bisseck

While the currently injured James Tarkowski will still be on the books, Everton could move to sign a long-term heir, with Inter Milan’s Yann Bisseck being ambitiously targeted for the role.

Bissesk is a monstrous defensive star, playing a prominent role in the Serie A side’s ongoing Champions League campaign.

As per TEAMtalk, Everton have been informed they could bring him over to Bramley-Moore if they meet the £30m asking price.

4 CB – Jarrad Branthwaite

Will Jarrad Branthwaite be an Everton player come September? Only a few months ago, the powerful defender was reported to be considering his options after being overlooked by Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel for the March camp.

Tuchel has opted against picking him once again. Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United are rumoured to be keen, but Moyes will certainly want to keep hold of his star centre-back.

5 LB – Vitalii Mykolenko

Solid and largely dependable, Vitalii Mykolenko has another gear to raise in his development, but has definitely made gains, speaking of his enjoyment in embracing a more attacking role since the managerial change in January.

Mykolenko has six goal involvements across 110 matches in the Premier League, half of which have been posted over his last 11 matches, with Moyes at the helm.

6 CM – Tomas Soucek

Moyes wants to sign Tomas Soucek this summer, having enjoyed the fruits of the Czech midfielder’s labours for over four years at West Ham United.

An industrious and physical player with a shrewd eye for goal, Soucek would dovetail right in. And according to Football Insider, he’s keen on the move.

7 CM – Idrissa Gueye

TFG are fighting tooth and nail to tie 35-year-old Idrissa Gueye down to a new contract, as per TEAMtalk. He might be getting on, but the Senegalese midfielder was a tough-tackling menace in the centre of the park this season, so important for Moyes’ side.

1)

Idrissa Gueye

133

2)

Daniel Munoz

123

3)

Joao Gomes

116

4)

Noussair Mazraoui

115

5)

Moises Caicedo

114

Everton will need to retain his services. Gueye instils a calming effect while bringing the thunderous storm to his opponents, and it will be hard to replace that.

8 RW – Ben Doak

According to reports, Everton are talking internally about a jaw-dropping swoop for Liverpool talent Ben Doak, who has enjoyed a productive loan spell with Middlesbrough, scoring three goals and supplying seven assists from 24 games in the Championship.

Valued at £30m, the Scotland international wouldn’t come cheap, but he’s explosive and electric and definitely an upgrade on the outgoing Jack Harrison.

Former Tartan Army boss Craig Levein has touted him to become a “world-class player,” after all.

9 AM – Charly Alcaraz

Everton might be parting with most of their loan contingent, but they are in talks with Flamengo to sign Charly Alcaraz on a permanent basis.

The Argentina talent is tenacious and dynamic, and will give Dwight McNeil a run for his money for the number ten berth, especially now that Doucoure has played his final game in Merseyside blue.

10 LW – Iliman Ndiaye

What a player. Iliman Ndiaye missed a sizeable chunk of the season after Moyes replaced Sean Dyche, but who can deny he’s been a show-stopping signing?

Arriving from Marseille for a £15m fee, Ndiaye, 25, finished the campaign as the club’s top scorer, with 11 goals from 37 matches in all competitions.

Tottenham Hotspur are looking to finish the season on a high and could land a summer coup involving one of Europe’s highly-rated young defenders, according to a report.

Tottenham Hotspur prepare for Europa League date with destiny

There are no two ways about it; Spurs face arguably the biggest week in their modern existence as Ange Postecoglou prepares his side to take on Manchester United in Wednesday’s UEFA Europa League final.

Financially, the winners of the competition stand to earn £10.95 million for a victory in the final, which has created a unique sense of jeopardy between two of England’s most reputable clubs.

Factor in money accumulated across the course of their run to Bilbao and subsequent qualification for the Champions League, there could be a bounty exceeding £80 million in store for either Tottenham or Manchester United.

However, Spurs may have to navigate the showdown without Pape Matar Sarr after he was taken off during their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa last Friday.

Speaking about his latest injury scare, Postecoglou stated: “Pape felt something in his back, so we took him off as a bit of a precaution. I don’t think it’s anything too significant, speaking to him afterwards but he just felt something in his back.”

Tottenham Hotspur's most expensive sales of all time

A look at Spurs’ record departures in their history.

ByCharlie Smith Oct 7, 2025

Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison will miss the final for Tottenham, who know the implications of Wednesday’s final and what it could mean when it comes to attracting potential recruits this summer.

Ultimately, having the Champions League carrot ready to dangle could be a key advantage in the race for talent, though they are now reportedly looking at signing a Paris Saint-Germain star who has earned intriguing recognition.

Tottenham Hotspur looking to sign PSG defender Axel Tape

According to Sports Zone, Tottenham are circling for Paris Saint-Germain defender Axel Tape this summer amid his reported decision to leave the French giants on a free transfer.

Bayer Leverkusen are said to be in ‘pole position’ to sign the 17-year-old, while Bournemouth and Chelsea are also in the hunt to offer a Premier League avenue to the youngster.

Likened to Dean Huijsen by Rising Gems, Tape has made three first-team appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this campaign and primarily features as a central defender.

Daniel Levy is well-known for his penchant to facilitate the arrival of young talent to develop into first-team stars, which is a brief Spurs could look to fill once again should the Bondy-born man arrive in London.

Prodigious figures such as Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore have all been given senior minutes this term, even if the root cause of their frequent involvement has been an injury crisis.

Looking to the future, Tape could be the latest to join a conveyor belt of youthful assets who are only going to multiply in value under Postecoglou’s watch.

The Wolverhampton Wanderers hierarchy have now held internal talks over signing a “clinical” £15 million player instead of the rumoured move for Jamie Vardy, according to a reliable reporter.

Wolves keen to land a new striker this summer

Thanks to the work that Vitor Pereira has done since arriving at Molineux, Wolves have another season in the Premier League to look forward to. However, despite avoiding relegation, the Midlands side look set to lose star player Matheus Cunha. That is because the Brazilian is reportedly closing in on a move to Manchester United, with the Red Devils now working on a deal that they hope can be wrapped up soon.

Reliable reporter suggests Wolves could sign £30m Chelsea ace this summer

Wolves could have their eyes set on signing a player who looks set to be available for a transfer this summer.

ByBrett Worthington May 1, 2025

That would leave Wolves with Jorgen Strand Larsen, Hee-chan Hwang and Sasa Kalajdzic as their only recognised senior strikers, and it seems Pereira wants to have more options at his disposal. Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is one option under consideration, as he is set to become a free agent at the end of the campaign, and he’s yet to agree a new contract with the Toffees.

It’s also been reported by Football Insider that the Midlands side are keeping an eye on Phil Harres, who has been performing well for struggling Bundesliga side Holstein Kiel. However, these links have all come after it was claimed that Wolves are keen on signing Jamie Vardy, as he is also set to become a free agent and thus would be a cheap option to add experience and depth.

Wolves hold internal talks over signing Cameron Archer

But a move for Vardy may not be on the cards for Pereira’s side, as according to reporter Ben Jacobs, via Molineux News, Wolves could look to sign Cameron Archer from Southampton instead of Vardy this summer.

Speaking on The Wolfpack podcast, Jacobs revealed that the Premier League side may not be interested in a deal for Vardy after all and instead have held internal discussions over a move for Archer, who is also liked by Leeds United.

As quoted by Molineux News, Jacobs said: “It’s not a deal that Wolves are looking to do (Jamie Vardy). They’ll buy younger. One of the names I’ve heard out there for Leeds and Wolves – it’s more like an internal conversation than necessarily a player Wolves are actively approaching or working on – but they like the profile of Cameron Archer at Southampton.”

Apps

70

Goals

6

Assists

2

Archer, who has been described as “clinical” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, joined the Saints last summer from Aston Villa in a deal worth £15 million, and it’s been a transfer that hasn’t really gone to plan.

The centre-forward has played 31 games in the Premier League this season but has only started 13 of those games. Meanwhile, he has scored just two goals, and they came early in the season in back-to-back defeats against Arsenal and Leicester.

Archer is under contract until 2028, but given Southampton are heading back to the Championship, the striker could be available on the cheap.

Arne Slot revealed in his pre-match press conference on Friday morning that he will finally enforce some rotation across Liverpool’s final four Premier League matches of the season.

It’s taken him long enough, but then who can blame the Dutch manager for sticking to his guns, now crowned the division’s champion in his maiden year on English soil?

The business end of the 2024/25 league campaign has been navigated with a confident swagger for those of a Liverpool persuasion, with their team strutting far out ahead of second-place Arsenal, who themselves have held a healthy advantage over the rest of the Champions League hopefuls.

For those looking at the Anfield side from an outside perspective, it might seem like there’s a lot of work that needs to be done: Andy Robertson has faced criticism for his performances, Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer and Slot’s frontline hasn’t always fired across every cylinder.

While Mohamed Salah has been a true talisman, posting 33 goals and 23 assists across all competitions, his attacking partners have flattered to deceive at times, with none more culpable than Darwin Nunez.

No road back for Darwin Nunez

Tough season for Nunez. In fact, the 25-year-old has looked so far away from the vision that Slot wants from his striker that his exit is all but confirmed this season, with Liverpool actively planning to cash in while already searching for potential heirs.

Nunez has only returned seven goals this year, and it’s a bleak indictment of his performances that 37 of those 43 matches he has featured in have returned blanks. That is not the form of a club-record Liverpool striker, one whose total payment could reach £85m.

While Slot was quick to dismiss claims that Nunez is being repeatedly benched due to a clause that means his 50th Premier League start would impel Liverpool to pay Benfica an additional £5m sum, the fact remains that the Uruguay international has been used sparingly this season.

In fact, he’s only started once in the top flight since Boxing Day.

Frankly, it’s hard to envisage a world where Nunez lines up as Anfield’s chief centre-forward next season, not after falling heavily by the wayside under Slot’s wing.

Liverpool, for sure, are ready to sign a new forward.

Liverpool ready to sign new forward

Liverpool have identified a new attacking star, and while he might not be an out-and-out frontman, Daizen Maeda has all the qualities to become a valued part of Slot’s frontline.

That’s according to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, making the claim that the 27-year-old, who can play across the frontline, is attracting interest from both Arsenal and Slot’s Reds ahead of the summer transfer window.

Valued at £25m, Maeda has been scouted by Liverpool across the campaign and would certainly be curious at a transfer to Anfield, having been quizzed on a potential transfer away from Scotland in March and responding that it was a “difficult question.”

Daizen Maeda would be perfect for Slot

Discovered by Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou, who signed Maeda from Yokohama F Marinos on an initial loan in December 2021 before the deal was made permanent the following summer, it’s been a profitable few years in Scotland for the Japan international.

Described as an “absolute nuisance” of a forward by pundit Rio Ferdinand, Maeda’s ability to provide danger from every angle is something that differentiates him from most other forwards, having also been noted as a “physical beast” by his former coach John Hutchinson.

This season alone, he’s posted 33 goals and 11 assists across 47 appearances for the Hoops, which curiously means he has outscored Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, who has posted 26 goals this term and is on Liverpool’s list as a potential Nunez replacement, albeit an unlikely signing given he is valued at £150m.

His ability to step up in the Champions League, scoring four times in the competition this season, including against Bayern Munich in the first knockout round, makes a firm comment on his capacity for success at Liverpool, with the physicality to serve as Slot’s next version of Nunez, one who might provide a more clinical output.

While he hasn’t always been the most consistent in front of goal, Maeda is a tireless performer and possesses fleet feet besides.

Matches (starts)

31 (27)

Goals

16

Assists

9

Shots (on targets)*

1.8 (0.6)

Big chances missed

16

Pass completion

83%

Big chances created

10

Key passes*

1.3

Dribbles*

0.7

Tackles + interceptions*

1.7

Duels won*

3.1

Some would point toward Maeda playing in a division of objectively inferior quality, but the fact that he has converted 16 goals and missed as many chances bespeaks his natural goalscoring ability, something that has been hardened under Brendan Rodgers’ wing to be sure.

Nunez, for reference, has scored 25 goals across his three years in the Premier League, rather shockingly missing 53 big chances.

Though Maeda isn’t the natural central striker that Liverpool fans hope to walk through the door this summer, he has clinched 14 goals and four assists from just ten matches as Celtic’s striker.

Slot has already demonstrated his willingness to use such a dynamic profile across different attacking roles through the deployment of Luis Diaz across the campaign, with the Colombian having featured routinely in a central berth to accommodate Cody Gakpo and create an electric sense of fluency.

Transfer Focus

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

Maeda would merely strengthen this exciting thread of attacking players, with the confidence and completeness to effectively step into Nunez’s boots and take Liverpool’s project to the next level.

Slot's own Xabi Alonso: Liverpool learn conditions to sign £80m "machine"

Liverpool would take their midfield to the next level by sealing this ambitious signing.

ByAngus Sinclair May 2, 2025

Fresh from their Premier League title celebrations following a 5-1 thrashing of Tottenham Hotspur, it seems as though Liverpool have already turned their attention towards the summer and one particular winger.

Liverpool crowned Premier League champions

When Jurgen Klopp bellowed Arne Slot’s name in front of an emotional Anfield this time last year, not even those in attendance would have believed that his Liverpool side were champions in waiting. One year on, however, the Reds have done what Manchester United failed to do and Slot has done what David Moyes failed to do by keeping what is now officially England’s most successful club on their perch.

Whilst there’s plenty to celebrate, however, there’s also still plenty of work to do at Anfield this summer. And that should only excite those around the club. Slot’s champions, who rarely looked unlikely to take their crown, still have clear levels to reach which could see them endure a busy transfer window.

The likes of Alexander Isak and Jonathan David have been names mentioned in recent months, which should indicate the attacking overhaul that the Reds are looking to complete this summer.

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Isak, given his outstanding Premier League record at Newcastle United, should be the dream move for Slot. Amid the Swede’s hefty £100m+ valuation though, David wouldn’t be a bad second choice. The LOSC Lille forward is set to become a free agent when the summer arrives, allowing his next club to land one of the bargains of the window.

Strikers aside, meanwhile, it looks as though Michael Edwards is also looking to sign another winger when the summer arrives, reportedly turning towards Ligue 1 and a frustrated player.

Liverpool make first Seghir enquiry

According to L’Equipe, Liverpool have made their first enquiry over signing Eliesse Ben Seghir from AS Monaco this summer. The winger is reportedly valued at just €30m (£25m) and is becoming frustrated by his game time in France, where he has started just 18 of 31 Ligue 1 games.

At 20 years old, Monaco’s caution would be seen as understandable if it wasn’t for Ben Seghir’s impressive form throughout the current campaign, which has seen him score nine goals and assist a further four in all competitions despite those limited starts.

Dubbed an “exciting” player by scout Jacek Kulig earlier this season, Liverpool’s interest should come as no surprise and their status as champions may yet go a long way towards beating Manchester City to Ben Seghir’s signature, with the Blues also showing some interest.

A young talent frustrated by his game time at Monaco, the 20-year-old is certainly one to watch as the summer transfer window approaches, having already drawn in a sponsorship deal with Adidas, who are soon to return as Liverpool’s chief kit manufacturer.

With Real Madrid’s season in danger of completely derailing, the powers that be at the club could opt to rip everything up and fire Carlo Ancelotti.

Los Blancos are about to head into their crunch second leg against Arsenal in the Champions League requiring a three-goal win, while their La Liga title challenge is no longer in their hands at this late stage, trailing Barcelona by four points.

As a result, reports in Spain have suggested that former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp could be considered by the Madrid hierarchy to replace the Italian.

Pundit Simon Jordan has had his say on the rumours, with the businessman backing the German to control the likes of Kylian Mbappe at the Bernabeu.

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ByStephan Georgiou Apr 15, 2025 What did Simon Jordan say about Klopp?

Following reports from Spanish outlet Sport that Klopp could emerge as an option for Los Blancos, Jordan backed the Premier League and Champions League winner to be a success in the Real dugout.

He told TalkSport: “I think it would be a perfect fit. He’s the perfect character to manage a club like Real Madrid in the style of football he plays, the character that he brings, how he embraces the culture of the club he moves into.

Could Klopp take over at Real Madrid?

Klopp has only recently taken over at Red Bull as their Head of Global Football. While there is thought to be a clause that would allow him to take the Germany job, there doesn’t appear to be a clear path to a huge club like Real Madrid.

Klopp had also previously stated that he was finished as a coach, having run out of energy at the end of his time at Liverpool.

Therefore, a return to the dugout so soon after beginning his new role in the new year would be a surprise, though clubs don’t come much bigger than Real Madrid, so could he be tempted?