All posts by z3u9t.icu

Celtic are interested in adding another centre-forward option to their squad during the summer transfer window, despite already bringing Callum Osmand in from Fulham.

Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph recently reported that the Hoops have made contact with Napoli to discuss a deal for Italy U21 international Giuseppe Ambrosino.

The 21-year-old marksman is said to be keen on a potential switch to Glasgow, which would be an initial loan move with the option for the club to make it permanent next summer.

However, the Napoli youngster is reportedly not the only striker on the radar of the Scottish Premiership champions, who are seemingly weighing up a number of options to potentially improve Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

Celtic have an interest in LaLiga forward

The Hoops are said to have an interest in a former Premiership striker who is now plying his trade in one of Europe’s major leagues, after leaving Scotland last year.

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 Macedonian outlet Gol Mk, Celtic’s interest and love for Girona centre-forward Bojan Miovski is ‘no secret’, as they are one of the teams in the race to land the attacker.

The report claims that Hamburg and Freiburg have both lodged enquiries about a potential deal to snap up the 26-year-old marksman before the end of the summer transfer window.

It adds that there is a chance that there will be a battle, though, between Celtic and Rangers, who are also interested in him, to sign the left-footed number nine in the coming weeks.

Why Celtic should sign Bojan Miovski

The Hoops should swoop to sign the striker, who was signed from Aberdeen for around £7m last year, because he could be an even better option than Ambrosino for Rodgers in the 2025/26 campaign.

Whilst the Italian ace, at the age of 21, is a young talent who may have the potential to be a star for Celtic, he has yet to prove himself on a regular basis at senior level.

The Napoli forward has yet to make his Serie A debut and has only scored ten goals in 83 matches in the Serie B across various loan spells, which shows that the Celtic target would arrive with no guarantees that he can deliver consistently in front of goal.

Miovski, meanwhile, is a proven performer in the Scottish Premiership who could be reasonably expected to come in and hit the ground running as a huge goal threat for the Hoops.

The former Aberdeen star scored four goals in nine games against Rangers and three goals in seven outings against Celtic during his two-year stint in Scotland, which shows that he has the quality to deliver in the big games in the division.

Appearances

37

38

Goals

16

16

Big chances missed

15

16

Big chances created

6

4

Assists

2

2

As you can see in the table above, the left-footed consistently scored goals in the league, with 16 each in both of his seasons for the Dons, and scored more goals than he missed ‘big chances’.

Pundit Kris Boyd described Miovski as a “refreshing” player because he is a goal-hungry forward who stays down the middle of the pitch to hunt goals, rather than looking to get involved all over the pitch.

That is backed up by his impressive goal return of 32 goals in 75 games in those two Premiership seasons with Aberdeen, and this is why he could be even better for Celtic than Ambrosino, who has only scored ten league goals in his entire career.

At the age of 26, Miovski is still in the prime years of his career and could bring almost guaranteed goals to the Celtic team, whilst the Italian striker would be a big gamble given his record at first-team level to date.

More exciting than De Haas: Celtic in talks to sign "creative" £5m star

Celtic are in talks to sign a star who would be even more exciting than Justin De Haas.

ByDan Emery Jul 8, 2025

Leeds United and 49ers Enterprises are “in negotiations” to seal a “complicated” transfer, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Leeds’ transfer plans after Nmecha and Bijol deals

The Whites have made a start on their summer business ahead of their Premier League return, with Daniel Farke bringing in forward Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg as the first addition of the summer.

Nmecha has since been joined by centre-back Jaka Bijol, who looks like he could go straight into Farke’s side after Leeds spent £15m and gave the Slovenia international a five-year deal at Elland Road.

The 49ers and co also want to bring in a goalkeeper, central midfielder and marquee striker, bolstering the spine of Leeds’ side in the process, and they are willing to spend big on each position.

A top goalkeeping target is yet to be indetifned, whereas in attack, Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz appears to be the priority. In midfield, Strasbourg captain Habib Diarra is viewed as an ambitious target, and there have been claims that Leeds have made two offers for the Senegal international.

Leeds open talks with agent of "talented" Champions League level star

The 49ers mean business this summer…

1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 27, 2025

Diarra appears to be keen on a move to England, however, whether that will be with Leeds remains to be seen, and Romano has shared what he knows about a potential transfer.

Leeds "in negotiations" to seal “complicated" Diarra deal – Romano

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that Leeds are “in negotiations” to seal a deal for Diarra, however, any move won’t be easy because of the valuation.

Leeds’ second bid was thought to be worth around £24m, and if that isn’t enough, the Whites may soon be into the territory of their most expensive signings of all time in Georginio Rutter and Brenden Aaronson.

1

Georginio Rutter

€34m

Hoffenheim

2023

2

Brenden Aaronson

€32.84m

RB Salzburg

2022

3

Rodrigo

€30m

Valencia

2020

4

Dan James

€29.1m

Man Utd

2018

5

Rio Ferdinand

€26m

West Ham

2000

Still just 21 years of age, Diarra has already played more than 100 games for Strasbourg, something which Liam Rosenior hailed.

“For Habib it’s been amazing. At his age? To play 100 games for this club? A club that he’s been at since he was 14 years old? A club that he loves? For him to be captain at his age says a lot about his character and mentality.

“I think he’s going to have an amazing career. He’s been magnificent in my time working with him and it was nice to see him with his family celebrating a really special moment.”

Despite the addition of Florian Wirtz this summer, Liverpool have been aggressive in their efforts to improve Arne Slot’s backline.

The Reds certainly weren’t awful at the back in 2024/25, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold heading to Real Madrid, signing Jeremie Frimpong was a necessity.

At left-back, Milos Kerkez is set to arrive, replacing Andy Robertson whose best years look beyond him.

At centre-back, they may also require a replacement for French defender Ibrahima Konate. He’s wanted by Real Madrid and an exit grows more likely.

How Liverpool could replace Konate

Konate enjoyed a fabulous season for the Reds, partnering Virgil van Dijk in expert fashion.

While the Dutchman eventually signed a new contract at Anfield, he may not be joined by his partner in crime for too much longer.

Transfer Focus

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

Recent reports suggest that Real Madrid are interested in prising the French defender from Liverpool but there’s further interest from clubs in Saudi and Champions League winners, PSG.

So, with that in mind, Liverpool have been seeking alternatives. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi has been earmarked, as too has RB Leipzig’s Castello Lukeba.

That’s according to journalist Lewis Steele who revealed on his YouTube channel that “Lukeba at Leipzig could be one to watch, it’s clear Liverpool have kept an eye on him.”

Steele added: “I’ve been told Liverpool have had scouts at many RB Leipzig games this season. He could be one as well to watch in terms of Liverpool trying to get the best young defenders on the market.”

Why Lukeba could be better than Guehi for Liverpool

While Wirtz signing for Liverpool was certainly the biggest news of the week out of Merseyside, news that the Reds could also make a move for Guehi was the second hottest topic.

Towards the end of the week it was revealed that Richard Hughes and Co were set to launch a bid to sign the England international this summer, while reports since then note that Liverpool are now closing in on an agreement on personal terms. Whether or not he joins this summer remains to be seen.

Valued at £70m by Crystal Palace, he could be available for as little as £45m, considering he has one year left on his contract at Selhurst Park but Guehi is allegedly willing to wait a year and leave on a free transfer if he doesn’t get to move now.

Premier League proven and having captained the Eagles, there is very little risk attached to his deal. Yet, could Liverpool actually sign a player with bigger potential in Lukeba? Quite possibly.

Said to previously be among the “best U21 CBs in Europe’s top 5 leagues” and described as “one of the best defensive prospects in world football” by data analyst Ben Mattinson, the Frenchman, who is now still only 22, has a skillset that perfectly encapsulates a modern defender.

Like a Jorrel Hato, a Josko Gvardiol, Lukeba possesses the tools to be able to play as a hybrid centre-back and left-back. That level of versatility already trumps Guehi, who is more of a traditional centre-half.

The skillset that the 22-year-old provides, however, is also incredibly exciting. He possesses excellent ball-playing ability, ranking inside the best 20% of defenders in Europe’s big leagues for progressive passes. He’s supremely comfortable with the ball at his feet, also sitting among the top 1% of centre-backs for progressive carries.

He’s truly elite in this department already, ranking as the fourth most progressive U21 centre half in Europe during 2023/24.

Pass completion %

85.1%

83.5%

Key passes

0.23

0.47

Passes into final 3rd

5.14

3.91

Progressive passes

4.57

3.94

Progressive carries

1.03

0.65

Successful take-ons

1.14

0.35

Tackles won

0.97

1.00

Interceptions

0.97

0.82

Aerials won

1.49

2.00

When comparing the two defenders’ numbers, it’s clear to see just how much more progressive Lukeba is. Guehi is certainly comfortable on the ball, but the Leipzig star is next level when it comes to advancing forward with possession.

Crucially, that doesn’t come at the expense of his defensive duties either. Despite not ranking highly for aerials won, as far as tackles are concerned, there’s not that much of a difference. Lukeba even makes more interceptions per 90 minutes.

So, while Guehi might well be a proven England international with Premier League experience, Lukeba has a special profile and boasts all of the talent to become one of the finest centre-backs in Europe.

He's a dream Isak alternative: Liverpool exploring move for £160m forward

Liverpool are hoping to sign a new centre-forward to replace the outgoing Darwin Nunez.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 19, 2025

When Liverpool renewed Virgil van Dijk’s contract, they did more than just tie their star defender down to a new two-year deal.

Van Dijk is more than a world-class centre-back; he’s more, even, than a peerless skipper. The Netherlands icon has transcended his post as one of Liverpool’s star players, immortalising his name in Liverpool lore, right up there alongside Alan Hansen.

Yes, yes, he turns 34 next month. And, well, yes, Liverpool will need to be more careful in managing their captain’s minutes as he reaches the autumn days of his illustrious Premier League career.

But Van Dijk leads by example, and that’s on and off the field. He’s more than a defender; he’s a leader and rousing force. Tune in to Liverpool on the television, and you’ll hear the 6 foot 4 star baying at his teammates before heading out of the tunnel, switching them into gear.

Let’s enjoy him while we can, because FSG’s transfer chief, Richard Hughes, is already hard at work trying to secure a long-term heir.

Liverpool's efforts to sign the next Van Dijk

Dean Huijsen was written in the stars to succeed Van Dijk at Anfield. After a stunning breakout campaign at Bournemouth last year, the 20-year-old became one of the most sought-after young players in Europe, hailed for his incredible potential.

Van Dijk left Southampton to sign for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool, and Huijsen could have followed a similar path, each proving a cut above. Moreover, Huijsen, while a Spanish international, was born and reared in Amsterdam to Dutch parents before relocating to Spain when he was five.

It felt like the perfect move for the player, moving to Liverpool, emulating one of the greatest defenders of his generation – and technically a countryman at that.

Well, Real Madrid clearly turned a blind eye to such a poetic story, for they brushed Premier League competition aside to activate the prodigy’s £50m release clause and bring him home.

Arne Slot still needs a new central defender, and while Huijsen is a one-of-a-kind talent, there might just be an alternative option waiting across the continent, having been of a vested interest to Liverpool in the past.

Liverpool enter race for new centre-back

Huijsen’s off the cards, yada yada, but he’s not the only talented centre-back looking to take the next step in his career.

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 Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Liverpool are interested in Sporting Lisbon’s Goncalo Inacio, 23, once again, having been routinely linked with the dynamic defender across the past couple of years.

The left-footed defender has a €60m (£50m) release clause in his contract, but suitors are optimistic that they can engineer a more agreeable figure.

However, with Manchester United and Newcastle United thought to be interested too, FSG will need to up the ante if they wish to find a fitting long-term Van Dijk heir.

What Goncalo Inacio would bring to Liverpool

Inacio has yet to compete away from his Portuguese homeland, but he hasn’t exactly done that badly in Portugal, appearing 213 times for Sporting after graduating from their academy.

Journalist Antonio Mango has drawn attention to Inacio’s “insane” range of passing, and that’s corroborated by the data, for Inacio has completed an average of 89% of his passes across his senior career, as recorded by WhoScored.

Moreover, Inacio’s aerial ability suggests he could offer a similar level of ability in that regard as Huijsen, whose rangy frame and composure, leading to expert timing, is something that would have seen him exceed expectations when stepping into Van Dijk’s boots at Liverpool.

His modern-tailored style is exactly what Liverpool are looking for, and he’s a left-sided centre-back besides. To add further substance to the argument, this is a player who has been tracked by Liverpool for a number of years, and he’s only got better and better.

Having been an influential member of a two-time Liga Portugal-winning backline in recent years, Inacio has fostered the perfect mentality for a place in Liverpool’s first team, and he’s also blessed with a technical level that most other central defenders across Europe can only dream of.

Most, but not all. Huijsen can certainly throw down with the Portuguese ace on that front, and when racking up the respective players’ skills against each other, you can see that both offer similar qualities.

Goals + assists

0.20

0.19

Touches

91.48

74.94

Pass completion

89.7%

83.4%

Passes attempted

83.61

60.26

Progressive passes

7.34

4.89

Progressive carries

1.28

1.52

Shot-creating actions

1.72

1.59

Ball recoveries

4.67

3.89

Tackles + interceptions

2.75

3.23

Clearances

2.91

7.34

Blocks

1.08

1.48

Aeriel duels won

2.04

2.52

Huijsen is a strong defender, but his range of passing and creativity, his ability to play through the lines, are the facets which define him as a future superstar.

Inacio perhaps outperforms him in that regard, and if placed in Slot’s high-flying Liverpool system, you can only imagine the progress he could make, following the likes of Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch in making remarkable progress under the Dutchman’s wing.

Further to the point, Inacio made only one defensive error across his 28 top-flight appearances last term, whereas Huijsen made four playing for Bournemouth in the Premier League, albeit playing at what is considered a higher level, in more intense and rigorous conditions.

He’s not perfect, but the Portugal international has the making of an elite-level defender, and he could prove the dream Huijsen alternative if signed this summer, learning from Van Dijk over the next couple of years before breaking away from the Reds legend’s shadow and becoming a sensation in his own right down the line.

The dream XI Liverpool could build: Wirtz signs & "the next Mbappe" arrives

Liverpool are making sweeping changes in the transfer market as Slot prepares to defend his PL title.

3 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

We don’t know exactly when, but in the near future, Liverpool could welcome three stunning acquisitions to Arne Slot’s title-winning squad.

The defensive flanks will be restored through deals for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Dutch speedster Jeremie Frimpong, while Florian Wirtz is on the verge of becoming Anfield’s record signing, looking likely to join Frimpong in moving from Bayer Leverkusen.

The Premier League champions have scarcely strengthened at all across the past three transfer windows, making their 20th top-flight title all the more sweet, but it has been tainted with some poignancy, with Trent Alexander-Arnold leaving next month.

Trent's emotional goodbye

Alexander-Arnold has been criticised on social media for his supposed lack of emotion in the build-up to his show-stopping finale at Anfield on Sunday, but the 26-year-old has never really been one to wear his heart on his sleeve.

However, who could say he was not freighted with ruefulness after Liverpool drew with Palace to wrap up the title, then finally lifted the league trophy in front of their fans?

The vice-captain will relinquish his position next month when he joins Real Madrid on a free transfer, his £180k-per-week contract set to expire.

At the end of the day, Alexander-Arnold’s rise from the academy has been synonymous with the period of sustained success across nearly a decade.

He made his professional debut, under Klopp’s wing, in the League Cup, starting during a 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the fourth round.

Alexander-Arnold has since swept up the lot with his boyhood club, leaving the Premier League with more assists than any other defender in the division’s history. He’s won it twice, and indeed departs with a gold medal around his neck.

Premier League

259

18

67

Champions League

60

2

13

FA Cup

13

1

3

League Cup

10

–

6

Europa League

5

–

2

Community Shield

2

1

–

CL Qualifiers

2

1

–

FIFA Club World Cup

2

–

1

UEFA Super Cup

1

–

–

Trent’s glittering Liverpool legacy is incontrovertible, set in stone. However, it’s been dulled just a bit by his actions.

Indeed, there’s been a certain slyness to the way he’s ducked interviews across the year, his abject performance against Manchester United, his pointed celebration at West Ham United, retorting to fans questioning his love for the club.

Chalkboard

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

Had he shown more candour from the beginning, the whole fiasco might have been avoided. Alexander-Arnold, for sure, could have taken a leaf from Caoimhin Kelleher’s book, for the shot-stopper should also leave this summer but will do so having given his all and with transparency.

Liverpool must part ways with Kelleher

Out of contract at the end of next season, it looks like Kelleher is going to leave Liverpool this summer, having clearly expressed his desire to take a more senior role to “be a number one”.

Aged 26, the Republic of Ireland international has featured 67 times for Liverpool’s first team, with his efforts as Alisson Becker’s deputy leading skipper Virgil van Dijk to hail him as a “world-class” player.

Alisson is widely considered to be one of the greatest goalkeepers of his generation, but his biggest weakness has been his inability to tread water on the fitness front.

24/25

20 (10)

1,800′

23/24

26 (10)

2,400′

22/23

4 (1)

360′

21/22

8 (2)

750′

20/21

5 (2)

450′

19/20

4 (0)

360′

In truth, the fact Kelleher has enjoyed such regularity of action across his years as a Liverpool player underscores why Slot needs a steady number two to challenge Alisson for that top spot between the sticks.

Kelleher has performed the role incredibly well, with Jurgen Klopp even declaring him “the best number two in the world” after winning the Carabao Cup against Chelsea in February 2024.

Rising through the academy ranks after joining way back in 2015, leaving Ringmahon Rovers in his Irish homeland, Kelleher has now completed, instrumental in winning, notably, two League Cup titles and more besides.

However, he wants first-team football this summer and Liverpool cannot offer him that. He must be sold, with recent reports suggesting the likes of Aston Villa are interested in making their move as Emi Martinez prepares to leave for pastures new.

With FSG having acted pre-emptively last summer, agreeing a £29m fee with Valencia for Georgian goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, 24, there simply isn’t room for Kelleher anymore.

As per FBref, Kelleher ranks among the top 1% of goalkeepers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for clean sheet percentage (50%), but only among the top 38% for save percentage, making a comment on the strength of Liverpool’s backline.

He’s still a good goalkeeper, one with the potential to achieve greatness, but he pales in comparison to Alisson, and that’s not to his discredit.

Valencia’s star in front of the net, however, has been cherry-picked due to his potential to reach Alisson’s level. Indeed, having been described as an “absolute monster” of a shot-stopper with a commanding presence by Spanish journalist Paco Polit, capable of making “impossible saves.”

He proved his worth and then some during EURO 2024, a veritable wall for a Georgia side whose success in reaching the quarter-finals after beating Portugal led to him being awarded the Best Goalkeeper accolade, and deservedly so.

Already believed to be “one of the best shot-stoppers in Europe” by hawk-eyed talent scout Jacek Kulig, Liverpool might be onto a winner with this one, and it’s understandable that Kelleher should be allowed to search for a new chapter in his career, FSG playing a long game which might just see fans nodding their heads in appreciation of their owners’ shrewdness down the line.

Liverpool ready to launch £58m bid to sign a "magical" Nunez upgrade

Premier League champions Liverpool are looking to sign a new centre-forward this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair May 26, 2025

Regis Le Bris has now joined an exclusive club when it comes to Sunderland managers who have triumphantly secured Premier League football for the Black Cats.

The last successful boss to guide the Wearside outfit up to the big time was Roy Keane all the way back in 2007, with Sunderland managing to consolidate themselves as a top-flight worthy club from that point onwards until their demise ten years later.

The former Lorient head coach will be desperate to return the Black Cats to their former glories as a Premier League staple, therefore, but he will have to likely stomach Jobe Bellingham’s departure if he is to excel in the elite division.

The latest on Bellingham's future at Sunderland

Breaking down at the close of the dramatic playoff final, Bellingham must have realised that this unbelievable day out at Wembley could be the final ever time he dons Sunderland colours.

The teenage sensation could well be foolish not to move on whilst he’s a hot commodity, seen in new reports that he is in Germany for talks with Bundesliga titans Eintracht Frankfurt over a potential summer switch.

Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig are also keen on the Sunderland starlet, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, with his promising return of four goals and three assists this season clearly catching many an eye.

This isn’t the only crushing development with Tommy Watson – who scored the crucial winner at Wembley to down Sheffield United – also leaving the Stadium of Light behind soon to join Brighton and Hove Albion for £10m.

Yet, all this bad news coming through doesn’t have to completely demoralise the newly promoted team, considering the Black Cats have an impressive reputation for homegrown youngsters coming good.

This could be the case once more when potentially bumping up a promising 20-year-old prodigy who might well be a savvy Bellingham replacement if all goes to plan.

The Sunderland "diamond" who could replace Jobe

Of course, nobody will be expecting a youngster coming into a harsh Premier League environment to be an instant, rip-roaring success.

But, much like the patience that was exercised with Bellingham when he first broke through, the same should be applied to young midfielder Harrison Jones if he’s deemed worthy now of being handed over the baton by the Frankfurt-linked star.

After all, Jones has already been launched into the senior side six times during his fledgling career to date, with his gleaming numbers for both the U18s and U21s showing off his keen eye for a goal and assist much like Bellingham.

In the Premier League 2 alone this campaign, the Sunderland-born star has picked up five assists and three strikes, with his ability to shine both as a central option or down the wings making him very comparable to the soon-to-be departing Watson, away from any lofty comparisons to the in-demand number seven.

U18s

15

1

5

U21s

40

11

7

First team

6

0

0

Of course, Bellingham can also slot into the side down the flanks if needed, with a real hope in the air on Wearside that the homegrown “diamond” – as he has been lauded previously by youth coach John Hewitson – can have a formative season to come to try dress up the wounds of any major exits.

There will have to be a sense of realism over Jones hitting the ground running, though, as the Premier League is a testing beast, but if he can show glimpses of quality and learn off the likes of Enzo Le Fee, he could have a very bright future at his hometown club.

Forget Jobe: Sunderland may have their next Jordan Henderson in 8/10 star

Sunderland are finally back in the Premier League after a dramatic 2-1 victory over Sheffield United.

ByKelan Sarson May 25, 2025

If Glasgow Rangers are going to topple their arch-nemsis next term, the new owners are going to have a job on their hands to appoint the right successor to Barry Ferguson at Ibrox.

Given their cross city rivals’ recent success, the Light Blues need to find somebody who can come in and install a playing style that will see Rangers win trophies and progress in Europe. That simply hasn’t happened in the last few years.

Steven Gerrard managed to do all those things and more during his three-and-a-half-year reign between 2018 and 2021. Could he be an option this summer for a second stint in Glasgow?

The latest on Steven Gerrard's future

According to the Daily Record over the weekend, Gretar Steinsson from the 49ers and sporting director Kevin Thelwell have reportedly narrowed down the list to the final couple of targets.

A new manager could be announced by the end of next week if all goes to plan and Gerrard could certainly be on this list.

2021/22

22

12

1.86

2020/21

56

44

2.52

2019/20

54

36

2.17

2018/19

60

32

1.9

The Englishman led the club to their first Premiership title since 2011 during the 2020/21 campaign, going through the league season undefeated.

Of course, it wasn’t all sunshine under Gerrard. The first two seasons saw plenty of tough defeats and post-Christmas collapses, but he would be a solid option to restore the sinking ship.

However, the 49ers must take a strategic gamble on the next manager. It looked as though Davide Ancelotti was going to get the role, but ultimately, nothing came to pass with the coach set to follow his father, Carlo, to Brazil.

The ideal alternative to Gerrard and Ancelotti

So, who could they go after instead? Well, Italian manager Francesco Farioli announced his decision to leave Ajax after just a single season in the Netherlands.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

It would certainly be a major statement of intent if the 49ers could entice him to Ibrox this summer, that’s for sure.

Farioli left after failing to win the Eredivisie for Ajax, despite leading by nine points with seven games left.

It was a dismal collapse, no doubt about that, but any hopes of the club looking to go close again next season with Farioli at the helm have been dashed as the manager announced he was leaving Amsterdam.

“Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful,” said director Alex Kroes. He was also dubbed “unique” by journalist Lars Jesse following the news.

The 36-year-old tends to utilise an attacking 4-3-3 system, which could be a good fit for several players at Rangers.

Across his 54 matches in charge of the Dutch side, Farioli’s side scored 115 goals – 2.1 per game – while he accumulated 2.09 points per game.

One of the most overlooked aspects was just how well the Italian improved their defence. In the 2023/24 campaign, Ajax conceded a staggering 61 goals.

This season, they conceded only 32, having the best defensive record in the top flight. It wasn’t enough to seal the title, however.

For someone aged just 36, the boss has managed 167 games across his four club sides. It would be a risk, but the way he approaches the game with an impressive attacking philosophy, plus a resolute defence, could transform the fortunes of Rangers.

While the last player to come from Dutch football in Gio van Bronckhorst ultimately ended up being given the boot, his immediate success, winning the Europa League, proves that the adaptation period from the Netherlands might not be too challenging.

Goldson 2.0: Rangers "interested" in signing £2m star from England

Rangers have earmarked a Premier League defender as a potential new signing.

ByRoss Kilvington May 18, 2025

It is set to be a busy summer for Celtic.

A week on Saturday, the Hoops could secure a sixth domestic treble in nine seasons, but it is their European exploits that will have pleased Brendan Rodgers the most, reaching the Champions League knockout stages for the first time in 12 years, narrowly beaten by Bayern Munich.

The Scottish Premiership champions will enter next season’s Champions League in the play-off round, set for a very tough two-legged tie, given that Bodø/Glimt, Crvena zvezda, København, Dinamo Zagreb or Ferencváros are currently forecast to be their potential opponents.

Thus, with two huge games to come on 19/20 and 26/27 August, Rodgers will want Celtic’s summer transfer business to be completed quickly and efficiently, so, how could the Hoops go about replacing Kyōgo Furuhashi in a bid to do just that?

The legacy Kyogo left at Celtic

When Kyogo joined Celtic from Vissel Kōbe for a reported fee of £4.5m in the summer of 2021, becoming one of the first signings of the Ange Postecoglou-era, few could have forecast he would become a club icon.

The Japanese forward scored 85 goals in 165 appearances for the Celts, winning eight major honours, meaning he ranks right up there when it comes to modern-day great strikers that the club have enjoyed, as the table below highlights.

Kyōgo Furuhashi

165

85

8

126

Odsonne Édouard

179

87

7

140

Moussa Dembélé

94

51

7

121

Leigh Griffiths

261

123

3

118

Gary Hooper

138

82

5

136

According to Graeme Macpherson of the Scotsman, Kyōgo is Celtic’s best striker since Henrik Larsson, an assertion the table above supports, while Charlotte Cohen of BBC Sport adds that the Japanese international will always be a ‘fans’ favourite’ who thrived in the big occasion.

However, given that the 30-year-old joined Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais for £10m in January, Celtic are in the market for a replacement, so have they identified a striker who has the potential to become even better?

Celtic's hunt for a new striker

As has been widely reported since January, including claims from Denmark earlier this month, Celtic are pushing to sign Brøndby striker Mathias Kvistgaarden.

However, the Premiership champions are not the only club interested, with Bundesliga side Eintracht Frankfurt having ‘intensified its pursuit’ of the 23-year-old, who is valued at €13m (around £11m).

Football Insider even reported back in February that Celtic are working hard to finalise this deal, claiming that the Danish U21 international is Rodgers’ ‘number-one option’ to replace the departed Kyōgo.

So, why is Kvistgaarden in such high-demand? Well, let’s assess his statistics to help answer this question.

Appearances

124

Minutes

6,961

Goals

46

Assists

18

Minutes per goal

151

Well, Kvistgaarden is currently the second-highest goalscorer in this season’s Danish Superligaen with 16, bagging 22 across all competitions, while he ranks top for goals-per-90 minutes as well as first when it comes to shots on target-per-90.

Scout António Mango describes him as “absolutely sensational”, Chris Beaumont of Total Football Analysis labels him a ‘quick and agile striker’, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout asserted that he is ‘only getting better’.

So, could he actually be better than Kyōgo? Let’s compare the duo to try and find out.

Appearances

165

101

Minutes

10.741

6,233

Goals

85

42

Mins per goal

126

165

Assists

19

17

Shots on target %

45.5%

48.8%

Shots per 90

3.34

3.14

Shots on target per 90

1.52

1.53

Big chances missed

69

32

As the table outlines, Kyōgo’s statistics are generally more impressive than Kvistgaarden’s, but this should not be too surprising, given that the Japanese forward arrived in Glasgow at 26-years-old, while the Dane celebrated his 23rd birthday just last month, having only, somewhat recently, established himself in Brøndby’s first-team.

What is clear is that Kvistgaarden is a top-quality player, not just now but set to be in the future too, scoring goals at a high level; according to Global Football Rankings, the Superligaen is the 13th strongest league in the world, with the Scottish Premiership down in 43rd.

Thus, if Celtic are able to get their hands on Kvistgaarden, they should absolutely do so, even if it means breaking their transfer record, which currently stands at £11m.

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Crystal Palace are believed to be interested in completing the signing of a “wonderful” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new report.

Crystal Palace set for busy summer

The Eagles will hopefully finish this season by winning the FA Cup, with Oliver Glasner’s side preparing to take on Manchester City in the final later this month, but either way, a busy summer is expected at Selhurst Park. Young Eintracht Frankfurt defender Tamiou Kpebane has been linked with a move to Palace at the end of the season, likely being seen as one for the future rather than an immediate key player.

With Eberechi Eze potentially moving on in the summer, a top-quality replacement could be needed for the Englishman, and Lyon star Rayan Cherki has been mentioned as a target. The 21-year-old has scored 29 goals and registered 44 assists for the Ligue 1 side.

Burnley have sealed promotion from the Championship to the Premier League, incredibly conceding just 16 goals in their 46 league matches, and centre-back Maxime Esteve has been a big reason for the Clarets’ success. Palace are said to be interested in signing the 22-year-old, as Glasner looks to bring in defensive reinforcements.

Crystal Palace set to move for "wonderful" Jobe Bellingham

According to The Boot Room, Crystal Palace ‘will push’ to sign Sunderland star Jobe Bellingham once the window opens in the coming weeks, with Manchester United also battling to acquire his signature. His current club are demanding at least £20m for him.

The 19-year-old has enjoyed a superb season for the Black Cats, helping them reach the Championship playoffs and winning the league’s Young Player of the Season award.

Bellingham stands out as a hugely exciting option for Palace, as the teenager looks to forge his own impressive career alongside his brother Jude.

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At just 19, he already has 87 appearances to his name for Sunderland, performing with maturity at the heart of their midifeld and being hailed by teammate Luke O’Nien.

“Listen, Jobe’s a wonderful player. I’m one of his biggest fans, more than his dad. Don’t tell him that. I think Jobe’s wonderful. He’s a wonderful addition. He even comes in at half-time to give his perspective. That’s how much he’s grown into the game. Even though he’s not playing, he’s in at half-time. We’re asking for his perspective on the game because he’s a leader in our team.”

If Palace could pip United to Bellingham’s signature, it could be a major coup, with the midfielder having the potential to be a key man for the next decade, even though future interest could admittedly emerge from huge clubs.

While their Premier League form remains inconsistent at best, there is an undeniably positive sentiment around Arsenal at the moment.

This is, of course, thanks to the club’s upcoming Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain, which they demolished Real Madrid in the quarter-finals to qualify for.

Mikel Arteta’s men were utterly superb home and away against the Kings of Europe, but if we had to single out one player, it’d have to be Declan Rice, who scored two unreal free-kicks at home and then bossed the midfield at the Bernabeu.

There is no doubt that the Englishman is currently playing the best football he has since his £105m move to the Emirates in 2023, so fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal to a young midfielder who could be the next Rice.

Arsenal looking to sign new midfielder

Plenty of incredible stars are already being linked with moves to Arsenal this summer, so before looking at the player in question, it’s worth looking at a couple of them, such as Florian Wirtz.

Transfer Focus

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

The Bayer Leverkusen gem is one of the most exciting talents in world football and has already racked up a tally of 15 goals and 13 assists in 41 games, but with a reported £111m price tag, we’d be surprised to see the Gunners act on this rumour.

An altogether more affordable target might be Anthony Elanga.

The former Manchester United prospect has been linked with a £43m move to N5 this summer, and considering he’s managed to rack up a haul of 16 goal involvements in 37 appearances for Nottingham Forest this year, that might not be a bad deal.

However, perhaps one of the most intriguing emerging links is to Andrey Santos despite Arsenal’s plans to sign fellow midfielder Martin Zubimendi.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are now one of several sides who are on ‘alert for a surprise potential transfer raid’ and are ‘interested’ in signing the Chelsea loanee this summer.

The Brazilian midfielder is currently thriving on loan with Strasbourg and, per the report, is not ‘entirely committed to going back to Chelsea next season.’

This means there is now a chance that the Blues could be willing to sell the youngster for a fee of up to €50m, which is about £43m.

It might be a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Santos’ ability and potential, it’s one Arsenal should fight for, especially as he could be another Rice in the making.

Why Santos might be the new Rice

Okay, so before getting into some of the other reasons why Arsenal might want to go out and sign Santos this summer, it’s worth going over his similarities to Rice and why he could develop into another version of the Englishman.

So, the first and most obvious point of comparison is that, like the former West Ham United captain, the Chelsea loanee can comfortably play as either a defensive or central midfielder but has found more success this season as the latter, racking up ten goals and five assists in 30 appearances.

On top of this positional versatility and eye for goal, the Rio de Janeiro-born gem is tenacious in the middle of the park, with respected football analyst Ben Mattinson describing him as a “duel monster” who is “brilliant at screening the backline” and possesses real “aerial prowess” – who does that sound like?

Furthermore, like the Gunners’ number 41, Mattinson also praises the Brazilian for how he “progresses the ball,” the fact he frequently “wins 2nd balls”, and, finally, that he “crashes the box” from his deeper position on the pitch, which once again sounds alarmingly similar to the player Arteta has coached Rice into since he arrived in North London.

Finally, away from the glaring similarities to the North Londoners’ own midfield monster, the 20-year-old has some seriously impressive underlying numbers to his name.

Goals per Shot

0.25

Top 1%

Tackles Won

2.25

Top 2%

Non-Penalty Goals

0.32

Top 2%

Goals

0.32

Top 3%

Tackles

3.33

Top 4%

Goals + Assists

0.41

Top 6%

Long Pass Completion

79.2%

Top 6%

Dribblers Tackled

1.46

Top 10%

Ball Recoveries

6.24

Top 12%

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for goals per shot, the top 2% for non-penalty goals and tackles won, the top 3% for overall goals, the top 4% for overall tackles, the top 6% for long pass completion, the top 10% for dribblers tackles and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it might be a lot of money to spend on someone so young, Santos looks like a genuine superstar in the making, so Arsenal should do what they can to bring him to the Emirates this summer, as he might just develop into another Rice.

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