All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United’s situation on the pitch is one that needs a rapid change in the coming weeks, especially if boss Ruben Amorim is to save his job at Old Trafford.

The 40-year-old will mark a year in charge in just over a month’s time, but it remains to be seen if he will reach such a landmark given the Red Devils’ dismal displays in recent weeks.

His men have lost three of their first six Premier League matches in 2025/26, whilst also being knocked out of the Carabao Cup by League Two Grimsby Town.

Such results see the club occupy a place just above the relegation zone, just as they did last campaign, whilst already missing out on the opportunity to win a piece of silverware this season.

As a result, pressure has rapidly been building on Amorim’s shoulders, with numerous options already being lined up by the hierarchy should they decide to make a change of manager.

The latest on Man Utd’s shortlist of Amorim replacements

After winning the FA Cup and Community Shield within the last few months, Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner has emerged as one of the options United could turn to if Amorim is sacked.

Such a move would be an excellent appointment, but it remains unclear at this stage whether the Austrian would be open to a switch to Old Trafford given his recent success at Selhurst Park.

However, he’s not the only manager currently in their sights, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola another option under consideration, according to TEAMtalk.

Their report claims that the Spaniard “would love” to take over at the Theatre of Dreams, with such a move reflecting his rapid rise in his managerial career.

It also states that the 43-year-old only has one year left on his contract at the Vitality, with the Cherries potentially having no choice but to allow him to depart in order to gain a compensation package.

Why United’s manager hunt could see an Amorim upgrade arrive

After joining last November, it’s safe to say no United fan would have expected the club’s form to take a further nose-dive after Amorim filled the hot-seat after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.

The Portuguese boss arrived with huge expectations after winning two Liga Portugal titles during his spell in charge of Sporting CP – even beating Manchester City 4-1 in the Champions League prior to his move to England.

However, the 40-year-old has only achieved a 39% win rate in his 49 matches at the helm, with the defeat against Brentford last Saturday, the 21st of his tenure.

Such a result made it nine losses in the club’s last 15 league matches, with promoted sides such as Sunderland and Leeds United already ahead of them in the current standings.

A change is desperately needed, with a move for Iraola offering the Red Devils the fresh impetus they’ve desperately craved over the last couple of months.

Should he join the club, the first team would no doubt go back to a 4-2-3-1 system, something which Amorim has refused to do, but also offering the hierarchy an improvement on the man currently at the helm.

When comparing their respective stats in the Premier League, the difference is there for all to see, with the Spaniard a perfect option to right the wrongs of the last 12 months.

Games managed

94

49

Wins

38

19

Draws

22

9

Losses

34

21

Goals conceded

1.4

1.9

Points won

115

66

Points per game

1.5

1.3

Win percentage

40.4%

38.7%

Iraola, who in the words of journalist James Horncastle – via John Brewin of the Libero podcast – is the “best coach in the Premier League”, has achieved a 40% win rate at the Vitality, a rate higher than that of Amorim, winning 38 of his 94 matches in charge – subsequently doing so on a shoestring budget.

He’s also achieved a better point per game rate to date, with his side also conceding fewer goals per 90 – subsequently offering the Red Devils the needed defensive quality they’ve lacked.

The former Rayo Vallecano boss led the Cherries to a top-half finish last time around, something which Amorim was unable to do with a vastly more expensive squad at his disposal.

There’s no denying that the 40-year-old is on borrowed time, with the hierarchy desperately needing to make a decision soon to avoid another embarrassing campaign.

Should he be given his matching orders, it’s clear that Iraola would be a phenomenal option, with the Spaniard’s desire to make the move another reason why he should be the man to transform the club’s fortunes.

He's Klopp 2.0: "Incredible" boss is Man Utd's top target to replace Amorim

Manchester United now have a new option to replace Ruben Amorim as manager at Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 1, 2025

After making a slow start in front of goal this season, Newcastle United are reportedly ready to launch a 2026 move to sign a £40m+ striker who just humiliated Real Madrid.

Newcastle's goalscoring problem

It’s only natural that Newcastle are struggling in front of goal. They just lost one of the best strikers in the Premier League for a record deal in Alexander Isak. Replacing the Swede’s output was never going to be an easy task, but replacing his underrated creativity has so far proven to be even tougher.

Whilst Nick Woltemade has so far ticked the box for goals on his own – scoring three goals in his first four Premier League games – the likes of Anthony Gordon and Anthony Elanga have still struggled to contribute around him.

Minutes

392

269

329

Goals

3

0

0

Assists

0

0

0

In total, Newcastle have scored six Premier League goals. Only Nottingham Forest and bottom side Wolverhampton Wanderers have managed less and there’s no denying that it’s a problem that Eddie Howe must solve.

That said, the manager is far from panicking, having told reporters earlier this season: “I’m excited by the team we can be. We have certainly got things to learn about each other and formulas to try and generate that we know will work.

“The biggest thing is the foundation is solid. The team’s playing at strength, but we’re just missing that X-factor that I think will come. With the players that we have, some are guaranteed goals and have done that historically.”

What could certainly help find that “X-factor” is the January transfer window. After such a chaotic summer, the Magpies are reportedly ready to go again in the hope of boosting their attacking options even further this winter.

Newcastle readying Sorloth offer

According to reports in Spain, Newcastle are now readying an offer to sign Alexander Sorloth from Real Madrid in a deal worth €50m (£44m). The Atletico Madrid forward has started just three La Liga games so far this season and may be forced to look elsewhere for consistent game time in the near future.

Newcastle should be well aware of the 29-year-old’s situation after sending scouts to watch him in action against Real Madrid as he scored the equalising goal in a 5-2 thrashing of Atletico’s rivals.

Whether Diego Simeone and the Atletico sanction Sortloth’s exit in 2026 is the big question.

The iconic manager was full of praise for the forward when he scored the fastest hat-trick in La Liga history against Real Sociedad last season, saying: “I was very happy with the team’s first half in general.

“Alex, of course, is a whole different matter. He had a fantastic night, especially those first 45 minutes, where he decisively finished every ball that came his way.”

PIF have overpaid for "mega-money" Newcastle signing & it's not Woltemade

One of Newcastle’s key signings over the summer may well have an “inflated valuation” & it’s not Nick Woltemade.

ByJoe Nuttall Oct 9, 2025

If there is a chance for Newcastle, then turning towards Sorloth wouldn’t be a bad idea. He’s a proven striker at the top level these days and has unfinished business in the Premier League after previous struggles at Crystal Palace.

There is one story that has been dominating the Newcastle United headlines throughout the summer transfer window, and it is showing no signs of stopping.

Will Alexander Isak remain at St. James’ Park or is he going to complete a British record transfer to Premier League champions Liverpool before September’s deadline?

The Athletic’s David Ornstein revealed that Newcastle turned down an offer from Liverpool on Friday, and that the Sweden international did not accept the club’s proposal to sign a new contract with a release clause that activates next summer.

Daily Mail’s Craig Hope then added that the offer from the Reds was worth around £110m, which fell well short of the club’s valuation of £150m.

As you can see in the post above, Eddie Howe is leaving the situation down to the people above him at the club, but he would like to see Isak back in his squad.

Why selling Alexander Isak would be a big blow for Newcastle

It does not take a genius to work out that the Swedish centre-forward is an incredibly important player for the English head coach heading into the 2025/26 campaign.

Only Mohamed Salah (29) scored more goals than Isak (23) in the Premier League last season, as the Newcastle man outscored Erling Haaland (22), Cole Palmer (15), Ollie Watkins (16), and Bryan Mbeumo (20), among others.

This shows that the former Borussia Dortmund marksman is one of the best goalscorers in the top-flight, and potentially the best number nine in the division, given that Salah is a right-sided attacker.

Isak also scored 21 goals in 30 Premier League matches in the 2023/24 campaign for the Magpies, which shows that his form last season was not just a flash in the pan. He is a consistent performer who has proven that he can score goals in the league at an exceptional rate.

xG

20.42

Top 4%

Goals

23

Top 1%

Shots on target

46

Top 4%

xA

3.60

Top 4%

Assists

6

Top 6%

Successful dribbles

42

Top 6%

Touches in the opposition’s box

211

Top 1%

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old sensation is not just a prolific goalscorer, he is also excellent for the Magpies in their build-up play with his ability as a dribbler and as a creator.

Isak is the total package as a Premier League number nine, hence why Newcastle want a British record fee of £150m from Liverpool to tempt them into cashing in on him.

This is why losing him would be such a big blow for Howe and his team this summer, although it would provide them with funds to bring in new additions.

Newcastle in talks to sign Premier League forward

According to The Boot Room, Newcastle United are eyeing up a number of potential forward signings to ease the possible blow of losing Isak before the end of the window.

The report claims that the Magpies are in talks to sign Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig, but they would also like another striker alongside the Slovenia international.

Transfer Focus

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

It states that the Premier League side are also in talks over a possible deal to sign Senegal international Nicolas Jackson from rivals Chelsea.

Newcastle are pursuing a deal to bring the Blues number nine over to Tyneside in the coming weeks, and he is viewed as an option to come in alongside Sesko, not instead of him, should Isak depart.

Jackson reportedly has a £60m price tag over his head at Stamford Bridge, though it remains to be seen whether or not the Magpies are willing to pay that to snap him up this summer.

Why Nicolas Jackson could be an underrated signing for Newcastle

Supporters may look at the Chelsea striker and see that he scored ten goals from 12.34 xG in the Premier League last season, and be underwhelmed by this potential signing.

The 24-year-old marksman could be an underrated signing for the Magpies, though, because he has the potential to be an Isak clone at St. James’ Park, as outlandish as that may seem right now.

As per FBref, Isak is the most similar player, statistically, to Jackson in the Men’s Top 5 Leagues and European competitions over the last 365 days.

As you can see in the chart above, they are similar in a lot of ways, particularly at getting into high-quality goalscoring positions and creating chances for their teammates.

Like Newcastle’s £150m-rated superstar, Jackson is a well-rounded centre-forward who offers quality in build-up as a dribbler and a creative presence, but he has yet to show the brutal efficiency that Isak has in front of goal as a finisher.

xG

12.34

Top 16%

Goals

10

Top 28%

xA

1.92

Top 22%

Assists

5

Top 10%

Successful dribbles

18

Top 20%

Touches in the opposition’s box

153

Top 14%

As you can see in the table above, the Chelsea forward ranks highly among his positional peers in the division at creating chances, beating opposition players with dribbles, and getting touches in the box.

Jackson, who was described as a “monster” of a striker by John Obi Mikel, has a similar play style to Isak, as they are both strikers who want to get involved in the game beyond just scoring goals.

But, of course, the Newcastle man is significantly better at scoring goals at this moment in time, as evidenced by his return of 13 more league goals than Jackson last term.

If Howe can work with the Senegalese forward to improve his finishing and his composure in front of goal, the Magpies could end up with an incredibly underrated signing by bringing the Chelsea man in as a potential Isak clone due to his all-round game and what he offers as a striker.

Upgrade on Sesko: Newcastle considering move for £23m “nuisance”

Newcastle eye Premier League alternative to RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Šeško

ByWill Miller Aug 1, 2025

Whilst Newcastle and their supporters will not want to lose Isak to Liverpool in the coming weeks, signing Sesko and Jackson as a pair could soften the blow somewhat.

Sunderland are continuing to break the bank as they go about assembling a Premier League-ready squad.

At the time of writing, an estimated £104m has already been spent on improving the quality of players Regis Le Bris has at his disposal, with £30m on its own being splashed on new club-record purchase Habib Diarra.

Staggeringly, although Diarra’s addition already significantly bolsters the Black Cats in the middle of the park, Granit Xhaka also appears to be on the ambitious shopping list, with his Premier League experience on the books of Arsenal one major factor as to why he’s potentially being pursued.

Sunderland's ongoing hunt for Xhaka

Xhaka would enter the building with a mammoth 225 Premier League games next to his name, with a further 17 goals and 24 assists coming his way as a fiery, but attack-minded midfielder at the Emirates.

Therefore, it does feel like a no-brainer on Sunderland’s end to try and win the Switzerland international’s signature, considering reports seem to suggest that Bayer Leverkusen are open to selling Xhaka this summer.

That comes amid further claims earlier in the week that Black Cats officials had been in talks with Leverkusen concerning a deal for the midfielder.

Despite Xhaka’s emergence as a box-crashing midfielder during his final year with the club, it wasn’t always rosy for the 32-year-old in North London, with a poor disciplinary record of four red cards and 57 yellow cards sticking out when assessing his previous Premier League numbers in more detail.

Moreover, whilst he has shone out in Germany with Leverkusen over his past two seasons – as a Bundesliga title even came his way – it’s not a given that he will be able to dust off the Arsenal cobwebs effectively back in an environment he has found previously challenging, particularly if he now finds himself even more up against it in a relegation dog-fight.

Whilst on the surface, this looks as if it would be a sublime capture, Sunderland could shift their focus away from the 32-year-old by exploring another move.

Sunderland's big-money Xhaka alternative

This alternate target is able to boast Premier League experience too, albeit just from far fewer games than Xhaka managed for the red half of North London.

Indeed, according to Fabrizio Romano via X, Sunderland made direct contact earlier in the week over a deal for ex-Fulham midfielder Frank Zambo-Anguissa, off the back of the 29-year-old continuing to stand out at Napoli with his consistent midfield displays.

Once upon a time, Anguissa called Craven Cottage home, with a mere three assists from 58 top-flight matches coming the Cameroonian’s way before Italy came calling.

Now, he has become a first-team regular in Naples, with his numbers from last season putting him on the same pedestal as Xhaka as a fierce, yet goal-hungry midfielder.

Games played

35

33

Goals scored

6

2

Assists

4

7

Touches*

55.0

94.5

Accurate passes*

36.0 (85%)

75.8 (91%)

Key passes*

0.7

1.5

Ball recoveries*

4.3

5.4

Total duels won*

3.9

3.9

Amazingly, despite never finding the back of the net for Fulham, Anguissa actually bettered Xhaka in this department last season for Antonio Conte’s title-winners, alongside matching up to the 32-year-old’s attritional side with the same amount of duels won on average.

This bite in Anguissa’s game in Serie A was evident during his Premier League stay too, winning a high 7.3 duels per game across his final top-flight campaign for the Cottagers, which should stand him in good stead for a potential basement battle back on English shores.

Whilst the “monster” Anguissa – as he’s been glowingly labelled by analyst Raj Chohan – might cost a bumper £38m to get through the door, owing to his release clause, it feels as if this could be another golden signing from Europe that sends out a statement to the rest of the Premier League.

On the other hand, Xhaka feels like a far safer signing, as the Black Cats attempt to flex their muscles even more with sprinkles of immense quality.

The next Bellingham: Sunderland eyeing £30m "top talent" alongside Xhaka

Sunderland could finally win their next Jobe Bellingham by securing a deal for this top talent.

1 ByKelan Sarson Jul 16, 2025

After finally agreeing a deal to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now set to intensify their efforts to sign another impressive attacking addition.

Man Utd reach agreement to sign Mbeumo

After a long few weeks, United are finally set to get their man after reportedly agreeing a deal worth as much as £70m+ all-in to sign Mbeumo. INEOS had been spending recent weeks attempting to get that price tag down, but Brentford’s stubborn stance soon forced their hand. Putting the hefty fee aside for the moment, however, there’s no denying that Mbeumo will be an instant upgrade at Old Trafford.

The forward’s arrival will take United’s spending to around the £133m-mark after welcoming Matheus Cunha for a reported fee of £63m at the start of the summer transfer window. For all the criticism that they have received, INEOS have so far backed Ruben Amorim in the summer transfer window.

Starts

38

29

Goals

20

15

Assists

7

6

Expected Goals

12.3

8.6

Not only did Mbeumo and Cunha score a combined 35 Premier League goals last season, but they also stood out for how they outperformed their expected total. Their records suggest that Manchester United are set to welcome two much-needed clinical finishers to their side.

To give context for just how much of an upgrade they’ll provide Amorim, Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund managed a combined seven Premier League goals last season.

Better signing than Watkins: "Phenomenal" £78m star now wants Man Utd move

Manchester United appear to be making a move to land a new striker for Ruben Amorim this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 19, 2025

After Mbeumo and Cunha, however, the Red Devils are reportedly not done there in the summer transfer window.

Man Utd set to intensify Sesko move

According to TeamTalk, Manchester United are now set to intensify their move to sign Benjamin Sesko, who is valued at a hefty £67m by RB Leipzig this summer.

The 6 foot 5 Slovenia star initially caught United’s eye in 2022, when they first contacted the forward whilst he was still at Red Bull Salzburg. And, having worked on their relationship with player and camp ever since, the Red Devils are in position to step up their interest and complete their attacking overhaul in style.

Starts

30

23

14

Goals

13

4

3

Assists

5

0

1

Expected Goals

10

5.3

4.8

Like Mbeumo and Cunha, Sesko outperformed Zirkzee and Hojlund last season, with his clinical nature in front of goal also standing out when compared to their underperformance. If Sesko arrives to join the incoming duo then United could be going from one of the most disappointing frontlines to one of the most promising in the Premier League.

Described as a “menace” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, the 22-year-old is ready to take the Premier League by storm after stealing countless headlines in the Bundesliga.

Manchester United are looking to add to their squad while not overstepping the mark financially, and they have now reportedly made an enquiry for a Brazil international, according to reports.

Man Utd eye shock Dominic Calvert-Lewin deal

The Red Devils and INEOS are looking to add to the pack after Matheus Cunha’s arrival from Wolverhampton Wanderers and find themselves pushing to land Bryan Mbeumo from Brentford. Diego Leon has also finalised his move to the club.

Reports suggest a deal could be finalised by Monday that would see the Cameroon international head to Old Trafford. At the same time, Juventus striker Dusan Vlahovic, Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins and Nigeria hitman Victor Osimhen have also been touted as potential offensive recruits.

However, Manchester United could sign free agent Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a squad rotation option. However, journalist Ben Jacobs believes he may need to lower his wage demands before a deal for the ex-Everton striker can become viable.

He stated: “Calvert-Lewin’s wage demands are very high, and therefore it is unlikely that Man United will move in that direction unless the demands decrease or they have a hole in the squad later in the window. As a free agent, the player will be rigid on his demands.”

Premier League experience will become paramount for the Red Devils in their rebuilding phase. Ruben Amorim is likely to have one game a week to manage most weeks, offering the possibility of focusing solely on the club’s league position without external commitments.

INEOS make £320m: AI predicts players Manchester United will sell this summer

It could be a busy summer ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge.

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 21, 2025

Cup football will also present a chance at silverware. Nevertheless, there is plenty of work to be done in the market before Manchester United are back challenging for honours, though their latest pursuit wouldn’t be a bad step in the right direction.

Man Utd make Douglas Luiz enquiry

According to reports relayed by FootballTransfers, Manchester United and therefore INEOS have submitted an enquiry regarding Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz’s availability following a frustrating campaign that has seen the Brazil international be placed on the transfer list.

Everton and Fulham are also in pursuit of the ex-Aston Villa man, who made 27 appearances across all competitions for the Old Lady last season.

He has previously been lauded as a “very underrated” engine room presence by Paul Merson, with the former Arsenal man claiming Luiz was every bit as good as the likes of Declan Rice and Rodri while he plied his trade in the West Midlands.

Douglas Luiz in 2024/25 – key statistics in Serie A (Fotmob)

Tackles won

8

Duels won

36

Pass accuracy

90.4%

Recoveries

31

Long ball accuracy

75%

Earning £138,000 per week in Turin, there is also talk that Luiz could be used as a part of a swap deal that would see Juventus land Jadon Sancho, albeit aforementioned striker Vlahovic is also mentioned, making the saga a possibility and nothing more.

Injury problems hampered the 27-year-old last term, and a return to the English top-flight could now be on the cards, though there would be other considerations to take into account for Manchester United.

Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte are two existing deeper-lying midfield options, while Kobbie Mainoo can also operate in the six, so Amorim would potentially need to think about cutting someone loose to ensure his side had the space to acquire Luiz.

Having already welcomed Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol, Leeds United are now reportedly targeting a move to sign an alternative option to recent target Noah Sadiki.

What Leeds are planning next after Bijol

After splashing out to sign Bijol from Udinese, reports suggest that the 49ers are not done. Names such as Habib Diarra and Sadiki have found themselves on Leeds’ radar as of late and it looks as though adding another midfielder to Daniel Farke’s squad will be among the priorities in the coming months.

The Whites have even reportedly made an official offer worth as much as £24m to sign Diarra and could be closing in on their target sooner rather than later if reports are to be believed. Meanwhile, Sadkiki has also been the subject of a reported bid with the 49ers clearly ready to follow up the signing of Bijol by spending big again.

The Union St.Gilloise star would be another impressive signing and could partner Ao Tanaka at the heart of Farke’s side to form a midfield duo capable of achieving Premier League survival and more next season.

What may help their pursuit to sign Sadiki is the news that rivals Lyon have been relegated to Ligue 2 amid financial problems. Without a direct rival for the midfielder’s signature, those in the Midlands could have a simple route towards his arrival.

He'd be unstoppable with Tanaka: Leeds make offer to sign "complete" star

Leeds are looking to sign a new midfielder this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 26, 2025

If that does not prove to be the case, however, then it could be another interesting midfield talent who arrives to offer those at Elland Road an instant boost.

Leeds targeting Mahdi Camara

According to Footen France, the 49ers and Leeds are now targeting a summer move to sign Mahdi Camara, who could arrive as an alternative to Sadkiki. The Stade Brest midfielder is reportedly available for as little as £13m this summer in what could quickly turn into a bargain deal in Yorkshire.

Minutes

3,584

2,659

Goals

5

5

Progressive Passes per 90

7.04

3.76

Ball Recoveries per 90

5.90

3.32

Whilst Camara struggled to match Tanaka in possession last season, the Frenchman did showcase his goalscoring ability from midfield in what could offer Farke an unexpected threat going forward.

Forming a midfield partnership capable of scoring 10 goals between them would certainly go a long way towards survival for those at Elland Road given how the Premier League has a history of blunting previously sharp Championship frontlines.

What’s more, the fact that Camara is represented by the same agent as Sadiki may help any deal this summer. If the latter fails to complete a summer move to Elland Road, then it could be an easy transition to negotiate for Camara, who would be an excellent alternative option.

The season proper might have come to an end in European glory for Chelsea, but Enzo Maresca’s men have a busy summer ahead of them.

The West Londoners will be looking to keep the good times rolling by winning the revamped Club World Cup and heading into next season’s Premier League in red-hot form.

However, to ensure the squad can build upon their top-five finish and make it deep into the Champions League, the board need to keep up their efforts in the transfer window and bring in even more talent.

Fortunately, recent reports have now linked the Blues with a talented goalscorer who could be an even better signing than Jamie Gittens.

Chelsea transfer news

Chelsea have already been incredibly busy this summer, securing the services of Ipswich Town star Liam Delap, Strasbourg’s Mamadou Sarr and Sporting CP’s Dário Essugo, yet they look likely to sign more talents in the coming weeks.

Transfer Focus

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

One of the names most heavily touted for a move to the Blues has been Borussia Dortmund star Gittens, with reports linking the Englishman with the club dating back as far as October last year, but seriously heating up in recent weeks.

In fact, stories from this week claimed that the winger was now a top priority for the West Londoners, and yet, as things stand, he is still very much a player for the German giants.

Now, while he would undoubtedly be an exciting addition to Maresca’s squad, another player has now been touted for a move to Stamford Bridge, a player who’d be an even better signing: Joao Pedro.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now interested in the Brighton & Hove Albion star, who is “highly appreciated” by many at the club.

Furthermore, the Italian journalist claims that initial contact has already been made and that the player will be allowed to leave this summer.

However, it might not be all that straightforward, with Newcastle United also said to be interested, while other reports claim that it’ll take a fee of around £70m for the Seagulls to let him go.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but with Pedro’s ability, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a better signing than Gittens.

Why Pedro would be a better signing than Gittens

So, the first thing to make clear is that both Gittens and Pedro would be great signings for Chelsea this summer, but there are a couple of reasons why, at the moment anyway, the latter would be the better acquisition for the Blues.

The first is that he’s simply the more productive attacker and, therefore, is more likely to come in and hit the ground running in West London.

For example, in 30 appearances, totalling 2136 minutes, the “insane” Ribeirão Preto-born monster, as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored ten goals and provided seven assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.76 games, or every 125.64 minutes.

Appearances

30

49

Minutes

2136′

2803′

Goals

10

12

Assists

7

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.56

0.34

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.64

164.88′

In contrast, the Englishman scored 12 goals and provided five assists but did so in 49 appearances, totalling 2803 minutes, which comes out to a significantly less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.88 games, or one every 164.88 minutes.

On top of him simply being more effective than the 20-year-old, the former Watford ace has also got far more experience, and most crucially, the experience of playing and thriving in the Premier League.

Now, that might sound like an unfair stick to beat the Dortmund star with, but as the Blues will be looking to do better than simply qualifying for the Champions League again next season, they’ll need attackers who can come straight into the team and impress from the word go, which might not happen for someone coming from another league.

Ultimately, while both Gittens and Pedro are talented players who could bring a lot to Maresca’s squad this summer, the latter’s experience and proven level of output mean he’d be the better signing.

Chelsea open discussions over signing £86m Club World Cup sensation

He’s emerged as an intriguing target for BlueCo.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

Yet to complete their first move of the summer, Leeds United and the 49ers are now reportedly lining up a deal to sign a relegated Premier League defender for Daniel Farke.

Leeds set to commence summer business

Whilst those at Elland Road are yet to welcome their first summer arrival, it’s not been for the want of trying. Several fresh names have been linked with a move to the Yorkshire club in recent weeks, but it remains to be seen just who arrives. Among those names is Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope, who would be an instant upgrade on Illan Meslier this summer.

The veteran shot-stopper is an England international and the type of arrival that Farke desperately needs if he is to navigate survival at the first time of asking. Pope is not the only one on Leeds’ reported radar, however.

Gustavo Hamer has also found himself in the headlines as of late. The Sheffield United star suffered playoff heartbreak courtesy of Sunderland at the end of the season, but could yet step into the Premier League without the Blades.

Leeds chairman Paraag Marathe had his say on the club’s potential transfer activity this summer when speaking to reporters last month, saying: “I’m not really ready to go into that, but yes, your speculation is probably right.

“It’s going to be a mix of seeing if there are inbounds along with outbounds. And that’s probably, that’s probably accurate, but really not ready to go into more detail than that. But we are looking at maximizing what we can do, and so that involves the whole bag, ins and outs.”

Of course, one market that the Whites could take full advantage of is relegated stars who will be desperate to regain their Premier League place, and that could yet include one impressive defender.

Leeds lining up Dara O'Shea move

According to The Sun, Leeds and the 49ers are now lining up a summer swoop to sign Dara O’Shea from Ipswich Town. The relegated Tractor Boys have already lost Liam Delap, but could still be picked apart even further.

Despite his side’s relegation, O’Shea still impressed at Portman Road and may have done enough to keep hold of his place in the top flight. If that does prove to be the case courtesy of Leeds, then Farke would instantly have impressive defensive depth to choose from in Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk and the Ipswich star.

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Kieran McKenna will be desperate to keep hold of the 26-year-old, however, having told reporters earlier in the season: “His character and his nature is always going to be beneficial in times of struggle and challenge because he’s a resilient person, he’s a fighter and he’s got character.

“I haven’t had many conversations with him about his experiences (of relegation) with Burnley and West Brom. But I’m sure those experiences have really helped him with us.”

With former club Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers also reportedly interested in a move to sign O’Shea, Leeds should make their move as soon as possible and get their summer business underway.

It is the start of a new era at Ibrox after Glasgow Rangers confirmed that Russell Martin is their new head coach, which came shortly after their takeover was finalised.

They also have a new sporting director, in Kevin Thelwell, and will be attacking the summer transfer window with a view to creating a team that will compete for trophies next season.

Martin and Thelwell are tasked with making changes to a squad that ended the 2024/25 campaign without a single trophy to show for their efforts.

The former Scotland international has already confirmed, though, that James Tavernier will retain the captaincy, and that a change in management will not result in a change in leadership.

Of course, the English defender keeping his role as the club captain does not mean that he is guaranteed to start week-in-week-out next term.

Why James Tavernier's position could be in danger

The veteran full-back should not be a guaranteed starter at right-back under Martin because of his defensive deficiencies that have cost Rangers on many occasions.

As recently as April, broadcaster Graham Spiers posted this on X: “The criticism that has been cast at James Tavernier all his career – defensive negligence – strikes again.”

That comment was in reaction to the goal in the clip above, as Athletic Bilbao forward Nico Williams ghosted in behind the Rangers skipper to score at the back post.

Tavernier, who former Gers full-back Steven Whittaker once claimed “needs to look” at the defensive side of the game, did not enjoy the best season in the Scottish Premiership from a defensive perspective either.

Appearances

33

Goals

4

Assists

8

Dribbled past

17x

Error led to shot

4

Duel success rate

56%

As you can see in the table above, the 33-year-old captain made four errors that directly led to shots for the opposition, which is twice as many as any other Rangers defender made in the division this season.

Errors have simply become too commonplace for the English full-back, whether that is giving the ball away to set up a shot for the opposition or by failing to track a runner at the back post, and that is why his spot as a regular starter should be in danger heading into next season.

Rangers are now reportedly eyeing up a new right-back to bolster their squad, and it could mean that Tavernier starting regularly next term is even less likely.

Rangers eyeing deal for new right-back

According to Hull Live, Rangers are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Hull City right-back Cody Drameh in the summer transfer window, which reopens next Monday.

The report claims that the Gers are ‘huge admirers’ of the English defender, as they line up a swoop to sign him from the Championship side ahead of next season.

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It adds that Derby County, who are also in the English Championship, have already had one bid turned down for the former Leeds United full-back, but they remain determined to snap him up.

The outlet reveals that as many as nine clubs are eyeing up moves to sign Drameh this summer, with Preston North End and Strasbourg named alongside Derby and Rangers.

Hull Live reveals, though, that the Tigers are not ‘actively’ looking to cash in on the defender, although they would be prepared to consider offers in excess of £1m for his services.

Rangers should, now, push hard to win the race for Drameh’s signature before the end of the summer transfer window, because he could improve Martin’s options at right-back.

Why Cody Drameh could be an upgrade on James Tavernier

As aforementioned, Tavernier’s defensive work has left a lot to be desired for Rangers and bringing in the Hull star could improve the team defensively because of the qualities that he can provide down the right flank.

The 23-year-old star, who was once described as a “Duracell bunny” by former Cardiff City boss Steve Morison, is a solid defender who can lock up opposition wingers week-in-week-out.

Ex-Leeds player Ben Parker previously hailed the full-back’s defensive qualities, saying: “Cody Drameh, his strength is one v one defending. He loves defending. There has not been too many players I’ve seen this season that gets the better of him in a one v one duel. I love to see that.”

Drameh has averaged 3.9 tackles and interceptions per game across his entire club career to date, compared to Tavernier’s 3.1 per match, and his defensive statistics in the 2024/25 campaign in particular suggest that he could be a terrific addition for Rangers.

Tackles

4.04

Top 1%

Tackles in defensive third

2.57

Top 1%

Dribblers challenged

4.15

Top 1%

Dribblers tackled

2.46

Top 1%

Tackles + interceptions

5.08

Top 1%

Errors

0.0

Top 23%

As you can see in the table above, the Hull star ranked incredibly highly among his positional peers in the Championship in a host of key defensive metrics, winning tackles and challenges in his own half and preventing wingers from getting by him with dribbles.

He also ended the Championship season without a single error that directly led to a shot or goal for the opposition, compared to Tavernier’s four, which suggests that he would be far more reliable in the right-back slot.

As Parker claimed, Drameh ‘loves defending’ and the same could not be said of Tavernier after aforementioned his mistakes for the Gers, which have cost them, particularly in the Europa League.

The Hull defender is also ten years younger than the Rangers captain and could be the long-term option for Martin in the right-back position, as a big defensive upgrade on the former Newcastle man.

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