All posts by z3u9t.icu

West Ham United are now battling a rival Premier League club for the signature of a goal-scoring midfielder, according to a report.

Hammers set sights on midfield rebuild

West Ham signed off the season with a 3-1 victory over Ipswich Town, but in truth the 2024-25 campaign was very underwhelming, finishing in just 14th place, and Graham Potter may feel that his squad needs major surgery in the summer transfer window.

Potter has now brought in Kyle Macaulay as his head of recruitment, who the manager worked with at Brighton, and the new arrival has wasted no time identifying potential targets, with a deal for a new midfielder now believed to be edging closer to completion.

Indeed, the Hammers have now reached an agreement for the signing of Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika, with the Nigerian now in line to move to the London Stadium in a deal worth around £20m, but he is not the only midfielder they’ve set their sights on.

According to a report from Claret & Hugh, West Ham are now in a straight shoot-out with Everton for the signature of Burnley star Josh Brownhill, with former Irons boss David Moyes known to be a long-term admirer of the 29-year-old.

Brownhill is out of contract with the Clarets, meaning he will be available on a free transfer this summer, should his current employers be unable to tie him down to a new deal, although their pursuit of Rennes midfielder Jordan James suggests they’re not holding out much hope.

Leeds United are also named as potential suitors for the midfielder, who certainly caught the eye with some of his performances for Burnley during their promotion-winning 2024-25 campaign.

Romano: West Ham "deal done" to sign new forward with "medical complete"

The Hammers are close to their first summer signing…

BySean Markus Clifford May 30, 2025 "Out of this world" Brownhill played major role in Burnley promotion

The Manchester-born midfielder was a key player for the Clarets, displaying his versatility by regularly featuring in both defensive and attacking midfield roles, but his performances on the front foot were particularly impressive.

In 42 Championship outings, the Englishman collected 24 goal contributions, picking up 18 goals and six assists, and he certainly stood out to commentator Phil Bird, who singled the Burnley star out for praise after scoring a brace against Millwall last month.

The fact a transfer fee will not be required could make signing the former Bristol City man an attractive proposition for West Ham, but there are doubts over whether he would be able to make a similar impact at the London Stadium.

Brownhill has 111 Premier League appearances to his name, during which time he has picked up just six goals and six assists, so while the maestro could be a good squad player for Potter, given his versatility, he is unlikely to take West Ham’s midfield to the next level.

Chelsea have been handed a boost in their pursuit of a new striker, as a key target of theirs would apparently love to join them regardless of whether they achieve Champions League football for next season.

Chelsea seal huge Man United win in race for Champions League place

Marc Cucurella’s strike twenty minutes from full-time sealed a precious three points for Enzo Maresca on Friday night, with the Spaniard scoring Chelsea’s only goal of the game in a 1-0 win over Man United.

Chelsea have held talks with £70m rival forward who allegedly wants to join

The west Londoners could go for him this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini May 14, 2025

The victory at Stamford Bridge puts Chelsea in a very good position heading into their final Premier League game of the season against Nottingham Forest, and even if Nuno Espirito Santo’s side beat West Ham on Sunday, Maresca knows that a win at the City Ground would guarantee Champions League football next season.

“Very important. At this stage of the season it’s important to win games,” said Maresca about Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Man United.

2. Arsenal

68

3. Newcastle United

66

4. Chelsea

66

5. Aston Villa

66

6. Man City

65

7. Nottingham Forest

62

“We also pay attention in the way we win the game. I think tonight we struggled on the ball because we didn’t expect them to be so aggressive man-to-man. I used to watch five, six, seven games of the other team. I’ve never seen them so aggressive man-to-man. So they surprised us a little by that.

“I think between the first half and the second half we created enough chances to deserve to win the game.

“It’s very important for sure, but the reason why I was so happy at the end is because United beat City away, drew with City at home, drew with Liverpool, drew with Arsenal. So they know how to play against a big team. So I expected, drew with us away, so I expected a very tough game.

“The reason why I was happy was especially because we beat a team that against Arsenal, Liverpool, City, it was difficult to beat them.”

The importance of a top five finish cannot be understated, especially when it comes to the club’s transfer plans, and Maresca has already confirmed their European status will have a direct effect on their summer recruitment.

Victor Osimhen keen to join Chelsea regardless of Champions League football

That being said, there is one target who’d be eager to make the move to west London anyway – Napoli outcast Victor Osimhen.

The £172,000-per-week marksman, currently on loan at Galatasaray, was a top target for Chelsea last summer before his temporary switch to the Turkish Süper Lig giants, but a move ultimately failed to materialise.

As per journalist Simon Phillips, Chelsea remain in the race for him this year, and it is believed that Osimhen would still love to join the Blues, even if they don’t end up qualifying for Europe’s most prestigious competition.

“Chelsea are ‘still there’ for Napoli striker Victor Osimhen,” said Phillips. “The player has always been keen to join Chelsea regardless of Champions League football, and he is still keen now. The deal was worked on hard last summer, and the belief from our insiders is that his wage demands would not be as astronomical as the media are portraying.

“Chelsea can easily go back into the deal and our sources believe that it wouldn’t even be that difficult to come to an agreement.”

The 26-year-old would still be expensive, though, and Chelsea would still have to break their wage structure to seal a deal, Phillips later explained.

Even so, Osimhen’s goalscoring form over the last few seasons heavily suggests he’d upgrade Maresca’s striker options.

This summer is huge for Liverpool if they are to maintain the success they’ve endured throughout Arne Slot’s first season in charge of the football club.

His side claimed the Premier League title with multiple games to spare, but the real challenge will come next campaign, with a real battle expected at the top end of the table.

Manchester City and Arsenal are likely to spend big this summer to try and close the gap produced by the Reds in recent months, which could bring a tasty battle for the title in 2025/26.

However, if Slot’s men aren’t to get left behind by their rivals, they too will have to enter the transfer market and make key reinforcements in numerous areas across the pitch.

In recent weeks, one player has constantly been touted with a switch to Anfield, with another update in recent days shedding light on the situation in such a department.

Liverpool’s hunt for defensive reinforcements this summer

Dean Huijsen is the man most linked with a summer move to Liverpool, after previously holding talks with his representatives over a switch to join the Reds.

The Spaniard has a £50m release clause within his current deal at Bournemouth, but LaLiga giants Real Madrid have now made their own move for the 20-year-old sensation.

It remains to be seen if Slot’s men can complete a deal for him, turning their attention to another target in the form of Benfica star Tomas Araujo, according to Anfield Watch.

The report claims that the Reds’ hierarchy are keen on a move for the 22-year-old, who could also cover at right-back if needed, with Manchester United and Chelsea also keen on his signature.

It also states that the Portuguese youngster currently has a €80m (£67m) release clause in his deal, but it’s unclear whether a deal could be done for less than such a fee.

Talks have also allegedly been held with the player’s agent, Ali Barat, who coincidentally is also advising Huijsen. While Barat is driving Huijsen’s move to Stamford Bridge, discussions have also been held between Liverpool and the agent regarding a move for Araujo.

Why Liverpool’s £67m target would be the dream Huijsen alternative

Slot has done an excellent job in creating a seamless transition between taking the reins last summer from Jürgen Klopp, putting them level with Manchester United on 20 league titles in their history.

Their defensive department has played a key role in achieving such a record, conceding just 37 times in their 36 outings to date – the second-best record of any side in England’s top-flight.

The likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate have played a key role within the backline this campaign, with a move for any of the aforementioned targets adding further depth to the defensive unit.

Huijsen would undoubtedly be the supporters’ first choice given his rise in the Premier League with the Cherries, but a deal for Araujo could prove to be an excellent one should he move to Merseyside.

When comparing his stats to those of the Spaniard, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – showcasing how much of an excellent addition he would be to Slot’s squad.

Araujo, who’s been labelled “complete” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, whilst completing more take-ons, handing the side the added ball-playing option within the backline.

He’s also managed to win more tackles and come out on top in more of the aerial battles he’s entered – offering a superb option within the backline to further bolster their defensive quality.

Games played

27

30

Minutes played

2239

2324

Progressive passes

5.3

4.9

Pass accuracy

85%

83%

Tackles won

1.7

1

% of tackles won

75%

64%

Take-on success

55%

40%

Aerials won

61%

60%

His dominance over Huijsen is there for all to see based upon the stats produced by the pair, undoubtedly being the better option when pursuing a move for another centre-back this summer.

Whilst Araujo would cost a little bit more than the Spaniard, it’s a worthwhile investment, having all the tools to develop further, given his tender age of just 22.

If the club are to maintain the success endured this campaign, added squad depth is certainly needed, with a big-money deal for Araujo undoubtedly handing Slot just that.

Better signing than Frimpong: Liverpool ready bid for "world-class" talent

Liverpool are looking to make sweeping changes to Arne Slot’s squad this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 14, 2025

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola faces one of the most important summer transfer windows since he arrived at the club nine years ago.

So often the dominant club in England, as evidenced by their six Premier League titles since 2017, the 2024/25 campaign has been one of disarray.

Indeed, their only chance of silverware rests with the FA Cup. Guardiola has won this tournament twice since 2016 and will be out to make up for the defeat to Manchester United last season.

Kevin De Bruyne will depart City in the summer, and the club will need to find a replacement when the transfer window opens in a few weeks.

Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White has been targeted as a possible arrival, with the Daily Mail even claiming that the Etihad side are currently the frontrunners for his signature.

His club have placed a staggering £100m valuation on the former Wolves starlet. Might this deter City from making a potential move?

They have also been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen youngster Florian Wirtz ahead of next season, and perhaps he would be the better option out of the two players.

Latest on Man City's interest in Florian Wirtz

According to Football Insider, Wirtz remains the number one target to replace De Bruyne this summer.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are also keen, but it appears as though Guardiola will do everything to ensure the German international signs for City when the window opens.

It would be a sensational move, that’s for certain. Since making his senior debut for the club during the 2019/20 campaign, Wirtz has already amassed over 190 first-team appearances for the club, scoring 56 goals and grabbing 63 assists in the process.

Remarkably, he is still only 21, and if he did join City, the German could be the focal point of a new era under Guardiola.

When compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues, Wirtz ranks highly across a range of attacking metrics. Indeed, the attacking midfielder ranks in the top 7% for shot-creating actions, progressive passes, and successful take-ons per 90 over the previous 365 days.

2023/24

49

18

20

2022/23

25

4

8

2021/22

31

10

14

2020/21

38

8

8

2019/20

9

1

0

These statistics certainly prove that he is among one of the finest in his position on the continent, and given the fact that he hasn’t even hit his peak yet, Guardiola must do everything in his power to bring the player to England.

Florian Wirtz’s market valuation at Bayer Leverkusen

Whatever happens, Leverkusen stand to make an enormous profit on the player who came through their youth system.

According to Football Transfers, Wirtz is currently valued at €116.4m (£100m) at the time of writing. There is no doubt the club will be seeking a transfer fee higher than that should he express his desire to leave Germany.

If he continues on his current upwards trajectory, Wirtz’s value will only soar. City do have a couple of players in their first-team squad who have a higher market valuation, however.

One such player has done so much for the club since he arrived in the summer of 2019 – Rodri.

How much Man City paid to sign Rodri

Having just won their second league title in a row, Guardiola was keen to keep the momentum going as the club headed into the 2019/20 campaign.

This saw them splash out a then club-record transfer fee of £62.8m to sign Rodri from Atlético Madrid.

“Rodri has proven himself as a hugely talented, young midfielder,” said director of football Txiki Begiristain.

“He has as all the attributes we are looking for.”

Six years later, the Spanish midfielder has proven why he might just be one of City’s finest signings under Guardiola.

Rodri has been a major success at Manchester City

Across his first three seasons in England, the midfielder missed just 12 Premier League matches for City, winning two league titles in the process.

The 2022/23 season was arguably his finest since making the move from Spain to Manchester. City finally claimed their first Champions League trophy, which was won alongside the domestic title and the FA Cup to complete a stunning treble.

He made a total of 56 appearances, registering 11 goal contributions for City throughout the entire season, and was the fulcrum of the side.

When compared to his positional peers in the Premier League that season, Rodri ranked in the top 1% for passes attempted (92.35) and pass completion percentage (91.2%), which showcased how effective he was at controlling matches from the heart of the midfield.

Following a stunning 2023/24 campaign, which culminated in the player helping Spain win Euro 2024, he was awarded the 2024 Ballon d’Or last October for his performance throughout the calendar year.

Kyle Walker lavished plenty of praise on his teammate in the aftermath, saying: “For him, it’s absolutely fantastic. I think he’s been nothing short of probably perfect in the last couple of seasons. You can see what he means to Man City.”

How much is he currently worth, however?

Rodri’s market valuation at Manchester City

According to Transfermarkt, Rodri is now valued at a whopping €130m (£111m), and this could even rise further should he return to the player he was before suffering an ACL injury last September.

Indeed, this value is even higher than Wirtz’s value and proves just how excellent a signing the Spaniard has been for the club over the previous six years, showing that City have hit the jackpot with him.

It may not be a coincidence that City’s performance levels declined, missing out on the title for the first time in five years, when they couldn’t call on the 28-year-old after his injury.

He will return shortly, and a solid pre-season will ensure the player returns to full fitness ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, that’s for sure.

Wirtz would make for a sublime signing if Guardiola can stump up the cash, but his business in the past suggests he has struck gold on someone like Rodri.

Man City have struck gold on "exceptional" gem worth more than Kerkez

City have hit the jackpot on a current academy graduate who is starring under Guardiola.

ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2025

Manchester City have really turned a corner in the Premier League with Pep Guardiola’s men entering back into their groove in the top-flight at just the right time.

The rejuvenated Citizens have won four of their last five games in the elite league to now only six points off Champions League semi-finalists Arsenal occupying second place.

A place amongst Europe’s elite is the obvious objective for Guardiola and Co come the end of the sobering campaign, with City then aiming to be a title challenger once more down the line by snapping up exciting targets.

Man City line up £102 move for "superstar in the making"

As per reports from Spain over the weekend, City are preparing to bid a club-record £102m for Paris St Germain ace Desire Doue this summer.

The report states that the 19-year-old attacker has caught the eye of Guardiola who is looking to add even more exceptional youth to his City ranks, having given the likes of 21-year-old sensation Savinho plenty of game-time this campaign.

Winning the signature of Doue – who has already been heralded as a “superstar in the making” by French journalist Julien Laurens – would be a massive statement buy, with that £102m price-tag showing off how much PSG currently value him.

The eight-time Premier League title winners could also gain their very own version of Bukayo Saka with the promising Frenchman, with both attackers in question patrolling the right wing with ease so far this campaign.

Why Doue could be Man City's very own Saka

Saka has been able to show off his class down the right channel for the Gunners over many seasons now, despite being naturally left-footed in approach.

This season alone, the academy product turned North London royalty has managed to tally up a sizeable 25 goal contributions across 31 clashes, including scoring away at Real Madrid to help his team reach the coveted Champions League semi-finals.

Doue has also been unfazed by the big occasion lining up for Luis Enrique’s outfit, with the one-time senior France international actually matching Saka for goals and assists at 25 himself, albeit from a heftier 47 games.

Six of those have actually come about in Europe’s elite competition too, as Doue aims to spoil Arsenal’s mood when the two teams clash this mid-week at the Emirates for a place in the illustrious final.

Total shots

2.94

3.14

Shot-creating actions

5.26

5.35

Progressive passes

6.55

3.54

Progressive carries

5.59

4.64

Successful take-ons

2.98

2.04

Touches in attacking penalty area

5.77

7.94

Progressive passes received

10.92

12.66

Equally adept at using his left-foot whether that be down the left or right wing or even through the middle as a number ten, Doue’s general numbers across the last year for PSG are also similar to Saka’s for Mikel Arteta’s side.

The £102m-rated attacker, whose fifth-most similar player in European football is Saka, via FBRef, even betters his English counterpart when it comes to progressive passes and carries.

Not far off the blistering number seven in other aspects of their games, City will be hopeful that they can win their very own version of Saka if a move was to get over the line, with Doue only likely to get better as he progresses much like the 23-year-old has managed for the Gunners.

Of course, there will be a worry that splashing the cash in such a lavish way could backfire on City, but having proven himself already with PSG on some of the biggest stages, this switch might be just what Guardiola’s men need to further rebuild their elite reputation and get back to being stylish title candidates.

Man City have hit gold on £111m-rated star who is worth more than Wirtz

Man City have hit the jackpot on a signing made in 2019

1 ByRoss Kilvington Apr 26, 2025

With the clock ticking down towards the final ten minutes at Craven Cottage, it looked as if Chelsea were hurtling towards a grim 1-0 defeat to near neighbours Fulham.

However, the Champions League chasing outfit managed to conjure up a dramatic fightback instead to win the tight Premier League clash 2-1, which has now sent Enzo Maresca’s Blues up to fifth in the ever-changing league standings.

With the likes of Nicolas Jackson suffering from an off-day, Maresca and Co had to rely on the heroics of faces such as Pedro Neto over the misfiring striker to secure the golden win, with the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers winger scoring the game-clinching strike right at the death.

Neto's performance in numbers

Indeed, Neto stepped up to the mark valiantly when other Chelsea forwards decided to duck away from the spotlight, with Jackson only managing one meagre effort on goal before he was hooked off on the 73rd-minute mark.

Away from the Chelsea number 15’s uninspired showing, however, the Portuguese attacker would send the away masses packed into Craven Cottage into delirium when his fierce effort was smashed home past a startled Bernd Leno.

Away from this last-gasp moment of quality, the Blues number seven was constantly involved in play in a positive manner, with the 25-year-old firing two other efforts at the German’s net away from his 93rd-minute winner, alongside winning four ground duels when attempting to launch attack after attack.

Having also looked likely in the Ipswich Town draw in the league before this win on the road – with five key passes tallied up against Kieran McKenna’s challengers – Neto will pray he can nail down a starting spot down Chelsea’s left flank off the back of his further standout display against Marco Silva’s hosts.

He isn’t the only figure who could now be deemed as undroppable in the eyes of Maresca, considering one of Neto’s attacking teammates was equally as energetic and impactful in steering the Blues to their 16th league win of the entertaining campaign.

8/10 Chelsea star now as undroppable as Neto

Maresca will still feel irked that it took his team until the 83rd minute to turn the tie around with a number of his key first team personnel letting him down.

But, a major plus for the ex-Leicester City boss to cling onto will be the energy and drive shown by Tyrique George when he entered into the contest, with the homegrown Chelsea product only needing to amass four touches before he left a lasting impact on proceedings.

Fresh off scoring his first ever senior goal for his boyhood employers in the Europa Conference League, George would get his fading team back on level terms versus the Cottagers with a confident and assured finish trickling in after the ball was flicked it into the teenager’s path.

With Jackson’s wastefulness in front of goal well documented, alongside the ongoing struggles of Christopher Nkunku in West London, the answer for Maresca up top between now and the close of the season could be persisting with the Camden-born starlet.

Minutes played

75

12

Goals scored

1

1

Assists

0

0

Touches

46

4

Accurate passes

31/35

2/2

Shots

1

1

Showing off his ability to be a livewire from the start when bagging one of Chelsea’s three goals in Poland in mid-April, George does look ready for more first-team opportunites moving forward, with his cameo against Fulham – which saw him complete 100% of his passes – resulting in a high 8/10 post-match rating being awarded to him by The Express’ Fraser Watson.

Bold calls such as these might see Chelsea sprint ahead to secure Champions League football, with Maresca needing everyone in his camp to be playing at their optimum to get over the line.

Jackson upgrade: Chelsea to make £59m bid for "one of the best strikers"

Chelsea are gearing up to sign a new centre-forward in the transfer market this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 19, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are now leading the race for an “unbelievable” Premier League forward, who could be a “key player” for Ange Postecoglou’s side, according to former scout Mick Brown.

Tottenham set sights on new winger

Tottenham’s injury crisis this season, which could arguably be attributed to Postecoglou’s style of play, underlined the need for the manager to bring in more strength in depth this summer, should he remain in his post beyond the end of the campaign.

With Son Heung-Min’s contract set to expire at the end of next season, it may be particularly important for Spurs to bring in a new winger this summer, and a number of targets have now been identified.

Most recently, Bayern Munich forward Kingsley Coman was added to the shortlist, with Florian Plettenberg revealing the Lilywhites would like to sign the Frenchman, although a move to Arsenal is more likely, and there are some concerns over his potential wage demands.

Tottenham: Barcelona in early talks with £50m Spurs star as contact made

The Catalans are looking to poach a key Lilywhites player.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 13, 2025

Postecoglou’s side are also eyeing wingers from within the Premier League, and they have now joined the race for West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus, while Chelsea’s Noni Madueke has previously been named as a potential target.

There has now been a new update on Tottenham’s pursuit of Madueke, with a report from Football Insider revealing they are now leading the race for the winger, and there is a belief they will be able to convince him to move across the capital this summer.

The report goes on to relay quotes from former scout Brown, who says: “Tottenham are one of the teams who have been looking at him, I think Aston Villa have been too.

“From what I hear, Tottenham believe they can tempt him to make that move because they’re prepared to offer him regular playing time.

“He’ll be given the opportunity to make a name for himself and establish himself as a key player.

“If he can play regularly at Tottenham, there’s no reason why he can’t do that.”

"Unbelievable" Madueke could be quality addition for Spurs

It would be a little strange for Chelsea to consider selling the 23-year-old this summer, given that he has shown clear signs of development this season, picking up seven goals and three assists in 25 appearances in the Premier League.

In light of the right-winger’s impressive performances, he received his first cap for England against Finland back in September, assisting Harry Kane’s second goal in the 2-0 triumph.

The England international also received high praise from former manager Mauricio Pochettino near the back end of last season, with the Argentine saying: “Noni Madueke, unbelievable. He did a fantastic job with the ball and without the ball.”

The former PSV Eindhoven man, who cost Chelsea £30m in 2023, could be an excellent signing for Tottenham this summer, so it is promising news that they are now leading the race for his signature.

Tottenham Hotspur are in the midst of a transitionary period.

We might be nearing the end of Ange Postecoglou’s second season in charge of the North Londoners, but it would be disingenuous to suggest the squad is anywhere near where he’d like it to be.

Now, the Australian has been backed in the market thus far, with the likes of Micky van de Ven, Dominic Solanke, and Brennan Johnson all important first-teamers, but the reality is that to take the club to the next level, he needs even more attacking firepower.

Fortunately, recent reports suggest Daniel Levy and Co are trying to sort that out for him, although the player touted for a move to N17 could spell trouble for club captain Son Heung-min.

Spurs' attacking targets

They say the best defence is a good offence, and based on the reports we’ve seen in recent weeks, that seems to be something Spurs have taken to heart.

Transfer Focus

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

For example, despite the North Londoners’ apparent problems at the back, they have been linked with a whole host of sensational forwards, such as former Everton flop and current Fiorentina star Moise Kean, who’s racked up a sensational haul of 24 goal involvements this term.

Closer to home, the Lilywhites are also said to be incredibly keen on Wolverhampton Wanderers and Premier League star Matheus Cunha, who has a release clause of £62.5m in his contract.

However, Levy and Co are not just trying to lure centre-forwards to the capital.

According to a recent report from journalist Graeme Bailey, they are incredibly interested in Bayern Munich winger Leroy Sané.

In fact, the report goes a step further, revealing that, alongside fierce rivals Arsenal, the Lilywhites have already held talks with the player’s camp, while Liverpool, Manchester United, Aston Villa and Newcastle United have also been approached.

While the level of competition is far from ideal, the good news is that, due to his £321k-per-week contract coming to an end this summer, he’ll be available on a free transfer.

It could be a complicated deal to get over the line, but given Sane’s immense ability and experience, it is worth pursuing, even if it could be bad news for Son’s game time.

How Sane compares to Son

Now, while Sane has an impressive ability to play on either wing, he’d likely get most of his game time off the left at Spurs, as that remains his primary position and with Postecoglou spending £47.5m on Brennan Johnson in his first summer at the club, we can’t see him taking him out of the first team already.

Moreover, with Mikey Moore still too young to start regularly, Mathys Tel potentially not staying, and Wilson Odobert being relatively unproven, there is a lack of competition for an ageing Son off the left.

With all that said, though, how do the pair stack up against one another? Well, when it comes down to their raw output from this season, it’s the Bayern ace who just about comes out ahead when broken down by goal involvements per minute of action.

Appearances

36

40

Starts

19

33

Minutes

1827′

2834′

Goals

11

11

Assists

4

12

Goal Involvements per Match

0.41

0.57

Minutes per Goal Involvements

121.8′

123.21′

In 36 appearances, totalling just 1827 minutes, the “world-class” German, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has scored 11 goals and provided four assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.4 games, or more importantly, every 121.8 minutes.

In contrast, the South Korean superstar has scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 40 appearances, totalling 2834 minutes, which comes out to an average of one every 1.73 games, but crucially, only every 123.21 minutes.

What about their underlying number, then? Who comes out ahead when we take a look under the hood?

Well, once again, it is reasonably close, but in the majority of relevant metrics, it’s the former Manchester City ace who comes out on top, including, but not limited to, expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes received, passing accuracy, successful take-ons, shots and shots on target, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.88

0.63

Non-Penalty G+As

0.95

0.73

Progressive Passes

3.09

4.61

Progressive Passes Received

14.3

11.3

Progressive Carries

3.60

3.93

Shots

3.45

2.42

Shots on Target

1.32

1.11

Passing Accuracy

82.4%

79.2%

Key Passes

1.91

2.38

Live Passes

47.2

37.0

Shot-Creating Actions

4.18

5.28

Successful Take-Ons

1.91

1.36

Carries

42.4

32.9

Carries into the Final Third

2.43

2.09

Ball Recoveries

4.71

3.64

Aerial Duels Won

0.44

0.29

Ultimately, Son is a Spurs and Premier League icon, but he’ll be 33 years old at the start of next season, so Postecoglou will need a more dynamic winger to rely on, and it looks like Sane could be the perfect option.

Spurs' award-winning CF was ahead of Kane, then Poch sold him for £208k

The promising forward wasn’t able to reach his potential at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Mar 28, 2025

Manchester City are the closest challengers to Arsenal in the 2025/26 Premier League title race. We are only 11 games into the new season, with Pep Guardiola’s side four points behind that of his protege Mikel Arteta.

Last Sunday’s 3-0 thrashing of Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium was a performance which emphasised how deadly the Citizens can be at their best. It was certainly a statement to the Gunners, who might not have as much of easy a run at the title as one might think.

With the January transfer window around the corner, City might well look to add to their squad to boost their title hopes. Here is a look at their dream lineup if they manage to bring a few new faces into the club in January.

1 GK – Gianluigi Donnarumma

One of City’s marquee summer signings was Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite signing James Trafford as well, the Euro 2020 winner has been Guardiola’s first choice.

He’s played 12 times so far for the East Mancunian outfit, keeping an impressive six clean sheets and conceding just seven goals. Standing at six-foot-five, he has a large wingspan, which makes it nigh on impossible to score past him.

This save against Bryan Mbeumo’s strike in the Manchester Derby, his debut for the club, was an example of how colossal he is.

2 RB – Ben White

The first hypothetical new addition to this City side comes at right-back, and, interestingly, from their title rivals Arsenal. Journalist Graeme Bailey recently revealed that City are “keeping tabs on his situation” at the Emirates Stadium. A price was not named by Bailey.

It has not quite been the season the England international may have expected. White has struggled for regular game time under Arteta, with Jurrien Timber the first-choice at right-sided full-back.

White has only played six games across all competitions, with just one of those appearances coming in the Premier League. The 28-year-old is incredibly comfortable on the ball, averaging 5.99 progressive passes per game in the last 365 days. He seems like an archetypal Guardiola full-back and could bring plenty of quality in that position.

3 CB – Ruben Dias

One of the two first-choice centre-backs under Guardiola this season has been Ruben Dias. The Portuguese star has played 15 games across all competitions, and it is no secret the quality that he brings.

Composed on the ball, exceptional out of possession, and a brilliant leader, the 28-year-old has long been one of Guardiola’s most trusted lieutenants. City Director of Football, Hugo Viana, called him “the ultimate professional” in the summer, highlighting his importance to City.

4 CB – Josko Gvardiol

The other half of City’s centre-back pairing is Josko Gvardiol. The Croatian star can also operate left-back, but this term, he has found himself alongside Dias at the heart of the Citizens’ defence.

It is a role he has excelled in, too. Gvardiol is one of the best ball-playing defenders in the league, averaging 5.62 progressive passes and 1.03 progressive carries per 90 minutes, which really highlights his on-ball quality.

5 LB – Nico O’Reilly

It has been a breakthrough campaign for the versatile Nico O’Reilly. He has cemented his place in the City side at left-back, despite being a number ten by trade, and has made 14 appearances across all competitions.

Naturally an attacking player, the City academy graduate has chipped in with one goal and four assists, so he is having a productive season going forward.

This might be one of the things that caught the eye of Thomas Tuchel. The defender has been named in the last two England squads, amid hopes of securing a World Cup place next summer.

6 DM – Nico Gonzalez

Figuring out how to cope without Rodri in the side has been a conundrum for Guardiola over the last year. However, the form of Nico Gonzalez over the past few weeks has been a huge bonus. The Spaniard is finally starting to show why City paid £50m to get him from Porto last winter.

Once the best midfielder on the planet, the last 12 months have not been easy for Rodri, who suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the start of last season. He’s only played 415 minutes this term as he continues to be plagued by injuries.

Gonzalez has stepped up in his countryman’s absence. Guardiola clearly sees a lot in his talent, having described him as a “mini Rodri” last season. The former Porto star has played 16 games across all competitions, and it will be hard to displace him from a side in great rhythm.

7 CM – Phil Foden

This season, one of City’s academy graduate gems, Phil Foden, is thriving in a new role. Previously operating as a winger, the England star has excelled in a deeper number eight berth, with Guardiola giving him more responsibility in build-up and from deeper areas of the pitch.

In that deeper role, BBC Sport analyst Umir Irfan said he has “been one of the best players this season.”

Goals & assists

0.5

7

Key passes

3.1

38

Dribbles completed

0.8

10

Tackles and interceptions

1.5

19

Expected goal involvements

0.44xGI

532xGI

The stats from this season highlight how well the midfielder has played. For example, he averages 3.1 key passes and 1.5 tackles and interceptions per 90 minutes.

8 CM – Aleksandar Pavlovic

Partnering Foden in this City dream lineup could be Bayern Munich and Germany midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic, the second new signing. The 21-year-old is reportedly a key target for City, as they look to boost their midfield stocks, amidst Rodri’s injury issues and Bernardo Silva’s contract, which will expire this summer.

The midfielder, who could be worth as much as £43m, is well thought of around Europe. Journalist Manuel Veth has even suggested he can follow in the footsteps of a German legend and be “the next Toni Kroos,” which would surely appeal to City fans.

Despite being so young, he is well-trusted by City great and current Bayern coach Vincent Kompany. The Belgian has played Pavlovic 14 times this season. As for the Kroos comparison, well, that stems from his excellent passing ability. In the last year, Pavlovic has averaged 7.59 progressive passes per 90 minutes, ranking him in Europe’s top 8%.

9 RW – Rayan Cherki

The summer was a busy period for City, who looked to enhance the quality of the squad. In signing Rayan Cherki, it is fair to say they did just that. The Frenchman only cost £34m from Lyon, but has taken to life at City like a duck to water.

The France international is a versatile attacker who can play as a number 10 or off the right. Wherever he is operating, though, Cherki has shone this season despite injury issues. He already has six goals and assists in nine games, averaging a goal involvement every 535 minutes.

10 LW – Jeremy Doku

Last Sunday, against Arne Slot’s Liverpool, the Etihad Stadium witnessed one of the best performances in a long while from Jeremy Doku. He scored the third goal and completed seven dribbles, terrorising the Liverpool defence.

Already this season, the tricky Belgian winger has chalked up seven goals and assists this term. He has shone under Guardiola, with Irfan even going as far as saying he is “one of the best in the world” right now.

Leeds United have their eyes on a tricky January transfer to sign a new forward who has been compared to Crysencio Summerville.

Leeds’ lack of goals in Premier League as 49ers eye forward

The Whites have struggled in front of goal so far following their return to the Premier League, with centre-back Joe Rodon the club’s joint top scorer in the top flight.

Joe Rodon

2

Lukas Nmecha

2

Noah Okafor

2

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

1

Anton Stach

1

Brenden Aaronson

1

Sean Longstaff

1

Daniel Farke’s side have only scored 10 goals in 11 games, with bottom of the table Wolves the only team to score fewer (7).

Only three attacking additions were made over the summer, two of which were free transfers in Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin. It is looking like a decision the 49ers Enterprises could live to regret, but they do have their eyes on attacking reinforcements in the New Year.

Brazilian forward Jhon Jhon is one name that has emerged in recent weeks, and he already has Red Bull links at RB Bragantino in the Brazilian Serie A. Journalist Graeme Bailey said:

“He’s a fascinating player. Very interesting. A bit of an attacking midfielder, can play as a forward. His name has come up in conversations with Red Bull, and he’s within the Red Bull name. He’s a good age, good player. Ticks a lot of boxes.

“Leeds aren’t the only ones looking. He’s come up in conversations, and one I’d not heard before until recently.”

Leeds set to make imminent bid for Real Madrid ace after Farke convinces 49ers

The Whites are looking to bring in a new forward, having not scored enough goals so far this season.

ByDominic Lund Nov 21, 2025

Domestically, Coventry City’s Haji Wright is another attacker who has been linked with a move to Elland Road in recent months, and there has been a fresh claim regaring the Whites taking the USA international in the New Year.

Update on Leeds’ move for Haji Wright

According to TEAMtalk, Leeds have four attacking targets who they could move for in January, one of which is Wright.

It is stated that the Whites ‘have a genuine interest in signing Wright’ and ‘the club are considering a concrete move for a player they have tracked since the summer’.

A deal is viewed as tricky with Coventry top of the Championship, however, Wright’s contract is set to expire in 2027.

Despite the difference in size, Wright has been compared to former Leeds attacker Summerville due to his ability to play off the left.

Roony Bardghji

Barcelona

Marcus Edwards

Burnley

Crysencio Summerville

West Ham

Sadio Mane

Al-Nassr

Borja Sainz

Porto

Primarily a centre-forward, though, the 27-year-old has scored eight Championship goals in 14 appearances so far this season.

Labelled as a “constant problem” for defenders to keep tabs on by his manager Frank Lampard, it has previously been suggested that an offer of £20m could be required to sign Wright.

How Leeds believe they'll convince Raheem Sterling to join with move in the works