Tag Futebol

Tottenham Hotspur are now plotting a surprise move for an “eye-catching” former player, who would be open to a January return to north London.

Frank stresses the importance of defensive solidity

During the Ange Postecoglou era, Tottenham received widespread criticism for their lack of defensive solidity, but Thomas Frank has made immediate improvements, with his side conceding just one goal in their opening three Premier League games.

Speaking after the impressive 3-0 victory at West Ham United, the Spurs boss said: “It’s hugely important that we are good defensively. Obviously, we want to score, we want to play forward, want to play offensive football, we’ve scored eight goals, clearly we want to score goals, but over so many, many games, that foundation, being able to get clean sheets is key.”

Left-back Djed Spence is one of the players to have made a solid start to the season, with the 25-year-old receiving his first England cap in the recent international break and becoming the first Muslim Three Lions star in history.

However, according to a report from Football Insider, Tottenham remain keen on bringing in another left-back, with Sunderland’s Dennis Cirkin being targeted for a “surprise” return to north London.

Cirkin is said to be open to re-joining his former club during the January transfer window, and bringing in defensive reinforcements is of key importance to Spurs, given that they still remain a little light on options at the back in case of injury.

There are also issues with Spurs’ European ‘locally trained’ quota, which is viewed as a key reason why Frank was forced to submit a 22-man Champions League squad for the league phase whilst leaving out the likes of Mathys Tel, Kota Takai and Yves Bissouma.

Transfer correspondent Pete O’Rourke added: “He would provide a boost to their homegrown quota, and they have had a few issues with that homegrown quote for their Champions League squad this year.

“So the deal could make sense if they want to bring him in to boost that. He definitely would provide cover for left-back if Tottenham were to make a move for him.”

"Eye-catching" Cirkin could be solid option for Frank

A deal for the 23-year-old would not break the bank, with widespread reports suggesting Sunderland would accept a bid of £20m, and there are clear indications he could be a solid option for Frank, at least as a back-up option.

Since leaving Spurs back in 2021, the Dublin-born defender has gone on to prove himself at Sunderland, making 36 league appearances for the Black Cats en-route to promotion last season.

"Shocker" – £170k-p/w Tottenham star left furious despite win at West Ham

A Tottenham Hotspur player was left fuming, despite his side recording a comfortable victory at the London Stadium.

ByDominic Lund Sep 14, 2025

During that time, former Championship striker Sam Parkin also singled out the left-back for praise, saying: “I think he has been one of the most outstanding players in the division this season.

“When you watch him live, he is a very good athlete. I think he gets up and down; it is eye-catching the way he moves with the ball, but his decision-making on the ball and his ability on the ball have been top-class this season.”

Cirkin clearly has the talent to succeed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, but there are some doubts over whether the Sunderland defender would be a necessary signing, given that Frank already has Spence and Destiny Udogie to choose from at left-back.

Manchester City stand accused by La Liga president Javier Tebas of “losing money and cheating” for 10 years. The Premier League heavyweights currently find themselves at the centre of a long-running Financial Fair Play (FFP) saga, with serious questions being asked of whether rules were breached. Tebas is less than impressed with goings on in England, while he has also taken aim at Champions League title holders Paris Saint-Germain.

Man City FFP case: Regulations in place around the world

Tebas has worked hard to stabilise finances in Spanish football, with rules that were agreed in collaboration with clubs helping to ensure that the playing field remains somewhat level. Real Madrid and Barcelona will always be special cases in La Liga. That approach has not been mirrored around the world.

FFP does not sit alongside PSR, with teams in the Premier League having to abide by those regulations, but some clubs are considered to have found ways of bending the rules. Tebas sees City sitting in that category, with there 115 charges hanging over the Etihad Stadium as Pep Guardiola’s side wait on a final ruling that could deliver any number of punishments.

AdvertisementGetty Images SportLa Liga president Tebas takes aim at Man City and PSG

City are backed by billionaire owner Sheikh Mansour, allowing them to spend heavily, while Ligue 1 giants PSG have the support of Qatar Sports Investments behind them. Tebas has taken aim at those who boast the deepest pockets.

He said at a conference organised by Expansion and PKF Attest: “Football is global, and in these European competitions, you have to face clubs that have a different system. Either they don't have financial control, or it's different. But in England, they're already worried about the level of debt in English football. It's a competition that constantly goes into losses. You can lose one, two, or three years, but not four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or 10 like Manchester City, who have been losing money and cheating since Manchester City came into existence with their new owners… or PSG, who have had losses of €200 million for seven consecutive years . But we compete, the results are there. We're 30 European titles ahead of the Premier League this century.”

Can La Liga compete with the Premier League?

Tebas added on trying to compete with the Premier League and Bundesliga when it comes to generating revenue: “We're in a good place, but we have some significant shortcomings. We need to address these shortcomings to generate more revenue and be competitive. There's also an issue in the world of matchday and ticketing. We have a deficit of around €600 million each season compared to the Premier League and Bundesliga. The biggest gap is in VIP boxes or special experiences. Spanish stadiums have 4.3% of VIP boxes, Bundesliga stadiums have 9%, and Premier League stadiums have 11.5% . We have to address that, and it's one of the reasons for the CVC money. It will generate a much greater amount of revenue for all of them to be able to sign players. We have a deficit that we have to wait for the stadiums to be built. I estimate that it will be resolved in four years.”

Tebas went on to say of helping to clear much of the debt that existed in Spanish football, outside of Barcelona, as clubs operate on a more stable footing: “When centralized sales began, a temporary Financial Fair Play system was implemented. We managed to bring in an additional 500 million in one year, and that allowed us to begin implementing the debt restructuring plan and, at the same time, implementing Financial Fair Play. Because if Financial Fair Play hadn't existed, those 500 million would have gone to the players, the Ferraris, the Porsches, the boats, and not to paying off public debt.”

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

Getty ImagesReal Madrid and Barcelona remain a big draw for superstar playersLa Liga is still able to attract top talent, with Kylian Mbappe becoming another ‘Galactico’ at Real Madrid in the summer of 2024. There has been talk of late regarding supposed interest from Barcelona in prolific England international striker Harry Kane, with it possible that he will be on the move around the time of the 2026 World Cup.

Liverpool are enjoying the fruits of a bold transfer window while simultaneously trusting in their academy.

Under Arne Slot, the Reds have seamlessly balanced blockbuster arrivals with the promotion of youth talent, echoing the philosophy that served them well under Jürgen Klopp.

The summer business was headline-grabbing.

Florian Wirtz joined from Bayer Leverkusen for a British-record £116m fee, only for Alexander Isak to eclipse that figure with his £125m move from Newcastle on deadline day.

Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, Geovani Leoni and Hugo Ekitike also arrived, while Luis Díaz, Darwin Núñez and Jarell Quansah were among those to depart.

Despite those upheavals, Liverpool began their Premier League defence with three straight wins – 4-2 at home to Bournemouth, 3-2 away at Newcastle, and 1-0 against Arsenal at Anfield.

Slot has rotated his stars while showing a willingness to reward academy prospects. Against Newcastle, that faith paid off spectacularly when a debutant stole the headlines.

Rio Ngumoha: A star Rises

Rio Ngumoha had been on Liverpool’s radar for months before his 2024 switch from Chelsea’s academy, but few predicted the immediate impact he would make.

Introduced in the 96th minute at St James’ Park, the then 16-year-old marked his Premier League debut by scoring in the 100th minute – becoming the youngest goalscorer in the club’s history.

1

James Vaughan

16 yrs, 8 months, 27 days

2

James Milner

16 yrs, 11 months, 22 days

3

Wayne Rooney

16 yrs, 11 months, 25 days

4

Rio Ngumoha

16 yrs, 11 months, 26 days

5

Cesc Fabregas

17 yrs, 3 months, 21 days

Now 17, Ngumoha is regarded as one of England’s brightest talents.

A skilful and creative forward, he combines flair with composure beyond his years. His market value, via Transfermarkt, already stands at €10m (£8m), reflecting his rising reputation.

The England youth international had been gradually integrated into senior training last season, appearing on the bench in an EFL Cup tie against Southampton before making his professional debut in January’s 4-0 FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley.

That appearance made him the youngest Liverpool player to start a first-team game, and the youngest to feature in the competition for the Reds.

Ngumoha’s rapid ascent has naturally drawn comparisons with other academy graduates who once carried a similar weight of expectation.

For Liverpool, there is a recent example that provides both inspiration and caution.

Liverpool's original Ngumoha

Kaide Gordon was once Liverpool’s golden boy, described by Klopp as a “special talent.”

Signed from Derby County in 2021 for £1m, he was earmarked for a swift breakthrough.

The right-winger wasted little time making an impression, debuting in an EFL Cup win at Norwich and scoring his first senior goal against Shrewsbury in the FA Cup.

A Premier League debut soon followed in 2022, and Gordon looked set to carve out a long-term role in Liverpool’s attack.

But progress stalled. Persistent injuries disrupted his momentum and halted his development at a crucial stage.

Last season brought loan spells at Portsmouth and Norwich in the Championship, intended to reignite his trajectory having not played in the Slot era to date. In fact, he’s not been seen in Liverpool red for 18 months.

While those experiences offered game time, they also highlighted the gulf between potential and consistency.

Gordon was linked with another temporary move this summer, but a deal failed to materialise, leaving him to fight for minutes at Anfield.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Now 20, Gordon’s story serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of academy prospects. For every breakthrough like Ngumoha, there are setbacks like Gordon’s. The path from prodigy to first-team regular is rarely linear.

That juxtaposition makes Ngumoha’s situation fascinating. The youngster’s debut winner has elevated him into the spotlight, but Liverpool will be keen to manage his development carefully, avoiding the pitfalls that befell Gordon.

With Slot’s track record of nurturing talent, there is optimism that Ngumoha can continue his upward curve without being burdened by premature expectation.

Ngumoha may be Liverpool’s present and future, but his progression must be handled with care.

The contrast with Gordon illustrates both the opportunity and the risk of investing in youth.

For Slot, the challenge is to integrate Ngumoha while continuing Liverpool’s title defence – a delicate balancing act that could shape the club’s future as much as its present.

Not Ngumoha: Liverpool's exciting 17-year-old could become the next Isak

Liverpool have refined every level of their squad this summer, from youth to senior standard.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 4, 2025

Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has made no secret of his desire for further offensive reinforcements before the end of the summer transfer window.

After the 0-0 draw with Newcastle United in the Premier League, the manager said: “In defence and midfield, goalkeeper position and full-back position, we’ve done really good business. But we spoke quite open and honest about it, we would need to add some more quality up front.”

The Championship champions have only scored one goal in their first three matches back in the top-flight, which has placed further emphasis on the need for new attacking talent to arrive at Throp Arch.

Leeds in talks to sign new winger

With only a few hours left before the deadline passes, the club are reportedly looking to sign a player from one of their Premier League rivals.

Transfer Focus

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

According to journalist Graham Smyth, Leeds United are in talks with Fulham over a potential deal to bring Harry Wilson to Elland Road in the coming hours.

The reporter does not reveal whether it would be a permanent or loan move for the former Liverpool man, who signed for the Cottagers for £12m in the summer of 2021.

Smyth adds, though, that he expects the club’s business to be done for the summer if they are able to get a move for Wilson over the line in this last-ditch approach.

What Harry Wilson could bring to Leeds

The Wales international is a proven Premier League performer who could slot straight into the side on the right wing as an upgrade on Daniel James.

Farke’s current Welsh winger has failed to create a ‘big chance’ or register a shot on target in any of his three starts in the Premier League so far this term, and only managed two goals and one assist in 24 outings in his last season in the top-flight with Fulham in the 2022/23 campaign, per Sofascore.

These statistics suggest that Leeds should not expect the former Manchester United man to deliver much in the way of quality at the top end of the pitch this season.

Appearances

35

25

xG

3.38

4.21

Goals

4

6

Big chances created

5

2

Key passes per game

0.7

0.8

Assists

6

1

As you can see in the table above, Wilson has delivered ten goals and seven assists in his last two seasons in the Premier League with Fulham.

These statistics show that the left-footed star, who was once hailed as “incredible” by Jurgen Klopp, can provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals on the right wing.

The Fulham forward has shown that he can score and assist goals at a decent rate in the Premier League and could, therefore, hit the ground running at Elland Road as an upgrade on Dan James, who has consistently struggled to deliver in front of goal at that level.

He has shown that he can make a bigger impact in front of goal than the current Leeds winger and that is why a move for the £12m forward could be a shrewd last-minute move.

Better than Buonanotte: Leeds eyeing Deadline Day move for £11m star

Leeds United could make a late move for a star who is even better than Facundo Buonanotte.

3 ByDan Emery Sep 1, 2025

Manchester United are now in talks to sign an “exciting” forward, who has even been likened to former Liverpool man Sadio Mane, according to a report.

Man Utd eyeing low-cost additions to the squad

After missing out on the Champions League last season, Man United will have to err on the side of caution in the transfer market, and having already shelled out around £133m this summer, they may not have much room left to manoeuvre.

New signing

Position

Transfer fee

Bryan Mbeumo

Winger

£65m

Matheus Cunha

Second striker

£64m

Diego Leon

Left-back

£3.5m

The Red Devils were also left frustrated by Brentford playing hardball over the transfer of Mbeumo, with their Premier League rivals raising their asking price during negotiations, which means they may have ended up paying slightly over the odds.

As a result, it would make sense if the remaining additions to the squad were on the cheaper side, and United have now entered talks for a forward, who is set to be available for a bargain fee.

That is according to a report from France (via Sport Witness), which states Man United have entered negotiations with the entourage of FC Metz forward Idrissa Gueye.

Gueye is expected to leave Metz this summer, despite the French side achieving their goal of promotion to Ligue 1 last season, and they are looking to receive a fee close to €15m (£13m), amid widespread interest in his signature.

Man Utd believe they can strike deal for "unstoppable" £40m Bayern target

The Red Devils could hijack Bayern Munich’s move for a forward.

ByDominic Lund Jul 24, 2025

The Metz ace is thought to have 10 or more suitors, including the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Southampton, so the Red Devils could have a battle on their hands trying to get a deal over the line.

"Exciting" Gueye likened to Mane

While he enjoyed the best years of his career at United’s bitter rivals, Liverpool, there is no denying that Mane was a top-quality forward, scoring 120 goals in 269 games for the Reds, and there is a belief the 18-year-old is a similar type of player.

The teenager has been likened to his compatriot, with journalist Alan Nixon adding the youngster is “rated as highly as Sadio Mane was”, indicating he could be capable of going on to be one of the Premier League’s top forwards.

Unlike Mane, however, the Senegalese starlet’s main position is striker, and he enjoyed an impressive debut campaign with Metz in Ligue 2, picking up five goals and one assist in 17 games, with scout Ben Mattinson lauding him as “exciting”.

Given that Gueye is yet to prove himself at a high level, however, Man United will also need to bring in a proven top-level striker, and they have now opened talks to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Portugal manager Roberto Martinez was full of praise for captain Cristiano Ronaldo after he scored in Tuesday's World Cup qualifying win over Hungary.

Ronaldo scores penalty for PortugalHelps secure 3-2 win over HungaryMartinez hails veteran after victoryFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?

Ronaldo was on target yet again for Portugal on Tuesday, earning and scoring a penalty in a 3-2 win over Hungary. The 40-year-old's goal was his 39th in World Cup qualifying, meaning he is now the joint-highest scorer ever alongside Guatemala's Carlos Ruiz. He's also now three clear of eternal rival Lionel Messi.

AdvertisementAFPTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Ronaldo boasts an impressive record on the international stage after scoring 141 goals in 223 appearances for the Portugal national team. The veteran striker may have celebrated turning 40 back in February, but he's shown he's still capable of banging in the goals on the international stage. Portugal manager Martinez is in no doubt about his enduring qualities and was effusive with his praise for his captain after the win.

WHAT MARTINEZ SAID

He told a post-match press conference: "Cristiano Ronaldo? I'm not just highlighting individual performances, but the fact is that Cristiano scored three goals in two games for the national team. He has an exemplary attitude and behavior. A performance worthy of a team captain."

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

DID YOU KNOW?

Ronaldo has now scored 11 goals in his last 12 games for Portugal, who are sitting top of their World Cup qualifying group with six points, three ahead of second-placed Armenia.

After welcoming veteran defender Ashley Young, Ipswich Town are now reportedly prioritising a summer swoop to sign a La Liga forward and welcome a much-needed replacement for Liam Delap.

McKenna: Young's "achievements speak for themselves"

At 39 years old, Young has made the latest move in a career that has seen him with the Premier League, Serie A, and become one of the most experienced players that English football has to offer. Dropping down to the Championship, the former Inter Milan man will be hoping to ensure that Ipswich complete an instant return to the Premier League.

Speaking to the club website after welcoming Young, Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said: “Ashley has had a fantastic career and his achievements speak for themselves. He has maintained an extremely high level of professionalism and competitiveness through his career and he is still playing at a very good level.

“We feel his leadership and experience will be valuable to the group this season and he is very hungry to contribute on and off the pitch. It’s a very strong signing for the group and the club.”

The defender himself, meanwhile, also had plenty of praise for McKenna after putting pen to paper. He said: “He’s a winner and you see that on the training pitch.

Ipswich Town now in advanced talks to sign "strong" £10m star after Kipre

The Tractor Boys are set to commence their business.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 11, 2025

“On the sidelines at the games, I get to see that day in, day out. He was a massive pull. Obviously, I worked with him at [Manchester] United. I knew his beliefs, I knew what he wants to do with the club, I’ve seen what he’s done with this club as well.”

After adding crucial experience to their side, however, Ipswich’s summer business looks unlikely to end there. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve set their sights on a replacement for ex-star striker Delap.

Ipswich prioritising Romero move

According to reports in Spain, Ipswich are now prioritising a deal to sign Isaac Romero, who would be arriving to replace the departed Delap this summer. Sevilla are reportedly open to the forward’s departure, which should hand those at Portman Road the chance to come swooping in at the right price.

The 25-year-old striker struggled to adapt to La Liga last season after scoring 11 goals in 15 games in Spain’s second tier in the campaign prior and could now be on his way out of the club.

If his agent’s eye for marketable talent is anything to go by he’s certainly got potential however – his AS1 group also represent £115m Chelsea star Moises Caicedo, Liverpool winger Luis Diaz and Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes.

On paper, his arrival would be a risk for Ipswich but perhaps one worth taking. At his best, Romero starred in Spain’s second division and a return to a similar level may yet see him rediscover that clinical form.

Whilst Romero won’t steal the same headlines as Delap’s arrival did last summer, he could prove to be the clinical goalscorer that McKenna desperately needs in the Championship next season.

Despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back option, Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspur are now reportedly preparing an offer to re-sign a Premier League defender.

Daniel Levy: "Failure is not an option"

The biggest decision of Tottenham’s summer so far has undoubtedly been the appointment of Thomas Frank after showing Ange Postecoglou the door. The decision to sack Australian is one that split opinion just weeks after the Lilywhites ended their trophy drought by winning the Europa League against Manchester United.

Levy has since spoken for the first time since sacking Postecoglou, revealing that it was a difficult decision emotionally. He told reporters: “I don’t regret appointing Ange, I’m very grateful to Ange. In his first season we finished fifth and in his second we were over the moon to win a trophy.

“But we need to compete in all competitions, and we felt that we needed a change. Emotionally it was difficult but we feel that we’ve made the right decision for the club. “I’ve got very broad shoulders. Failure is not an option, the desire [is] to succeed. And because it’s so difficult, I want to succeed even more.”

Frank green-lights move for "decisive" star to replace Tottenham forward

The Dane is “crazy” about signing him.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 21, 2025

Whether those in North London agree with the decision or not, Postecoglou’s departure has since opened the door for Frank to step into the hot seat for the biggest job of his career.

It has been a long time coming for the Dane, who took Brentford to new heights despite often lacking in resources. Now at Tottenham, he has the chance to prove that he belongs at the very top by turning things around in North London.

That turnaround must start away from the pitch and in the transfer window, however, with names such as Antoine Semenyo alongside a name that Spurs fans know well already among the headlines on that front.

Tottenham preparing offer to re-sign Cirkin

According to reports relayed by The Northern Echo, Tottenham are now preparing a formal offer to re-sign Dennis Cirkin despite missing the deadline to trigger their buy-back clause from Sunderland.

The left-back has blossomed into an impressive talent since swapping Spurs for Wearside and now finds himself back in the Premier League with the Black Cats. That return has not gone under the radar, however, and Levy now has his sights set on a reunion.

Cirkin would not only hand Frank an instant boost in his backline but also help Spurs to fill their homegrown quota in the Champions League next season. On all fronts, it is a deal that may make sense for the Lilywhites.

Sunderland are reportedly eager to keep hold of Cirkin and tie their defender down to a new contract. Whether they are able to convince their defender to ignore the interest of his former club remains to be seen, though.

Alas, having already lost Jobe Bellingham for big money, the Black Cats have proved their ability to drive a hard bargain and with no buy-back clause to fall back on, Spurs could yet face some tough negotiations.

Arsenal have agreed to tie rising star left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly down to a new long-term deal, in what is a major boost for Mikel Arteta, but according to Fabrizio Romano, he’s not the only one poised to commit his future at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal offered 21-goal striker who's a "priority signing" for Tottenham

The north London clubs could go head-to-head.

2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 19, 2025

The teenage defender enjoyed a stellar breakout season over the course of 2024/2025, cementing himself as Arteta’s preferred left-back option with a string of impressive displays, which included excellent showings against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.

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

He also scored his first senior goal for Arsenal during their 5-1 win over Man City, and his big-game displays have earned Lewis-Skelly an official nomination for this year’s PFA Young Player of the Year award.

Lewis-Skelly earned his first senior caps for England at international level along the way too, so you’d be hard-pressed to find another player who’s enjoyed the 2025 this young man has.

The versatile full-back/midfielder was so convincing, in fact, that Real started to express an interest in Lewis-Skelly amid their repeated links to fellow star Gunners defender William Saliba.

His contract was set to expire in 2026, which would’ve undoubtedly piqued Xabi Alonso’s interest further, but according to reliable media sources, Lewis-Skelly won’t be going anywhere any time soon.

The Athletic claim these fresh terms could see Arsenal’s sensation become “one of the best-paid young players in the world”, and you can argue this lucrative new pay-packet is very much deserved.

News of Lewis-Skelly’s extension comes as more welcome news for Arteta, who recently saw Gabriel put pen to paper on a new deal until 2029.

Talks are ongoing over more new contracts, with Bukayo Saka, William Saliba, Leandro Trossard, and Ethan Nwaneri all set to be rewarded with new offers to remain in N5 for the foreseeable (Charles Watts).

Ethan Nwaneri set to sign new Arsenal deal with Myles Lewis-Skelly

According to Romano, Lewis-Skelly’s new contract could be immediately followed by Nwaneri penning new terms.

According to the reliable transfer journalist, it is merely a “matter of time” before Arsenal’s fellow PFA Young Player of the Year nominee also signs his extension, following Nwaneri’s own impressive campaign.

The 18-year-old became Arsenal’s youngest-ever debutant in 2022, and he’s followed up that early promise with an array of convincing outings across 2024/2025.

Nwaneri scored nine goals and notched more assists over 37 appearances in all competitions last term, and he’s likely to play an even more regular role in 2025/2026, as Arteta seeks to end the club’s long wait for a league title.

“That’s what we love about him – he’s very aggressive. Before that [goal], he had another action where he made the right choice, he went for it,” said Arteta after Nwaneri scored his first ever Champions League goal in January.

“He never [looks nervous], he’s so composed, calm and confident in his ability. At 17, scoring a really important goal in the Champions League is not very common.”

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