All posts by n8rngtd.top

Everton have finally got their head above the water, and David Moyes is planning on strengthening his squad this summer to ensure Bramley Moore has a good chance of tasting more lucrative successes than Goodison Park has been treated to in recent years.

While fans will hope for a flashy new forward, a rock-sold defender with a modern twist, it’s important to remember that a couple of under-the-radar, pragmatic signings will be essential in establishing a balanced and dynamic team.

Central midfield probably needs the least amount of work, but Moyes is planning on signing a former favourite to complete his set.

Everton chasing PL midfielder

According to Wednesday’s edition of MF Dnes – via Sport Witness – Tomas Soucek has major reservations about continuing at West Ham United, given Graham Potter views him as a utility option.

Transfer Focus

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

The experienced star is seemingly keen to remain loyal to his current employers, with two years left on his current deal, although he seemingly won’t accept an ‘inferior’ role under the new Potter regime.

This opens the door for Everton, with Moyes taking the Czech midfielder under his wing for the lion’s share of his Premier League career.

However, newly-promoted Leeds United are also keen, so The Friedkin Group will need to act quickly to avoid any embarrassment in securing a shrewd summer signing.

Why Moyes wants Soucek at Everton

Hailed as a “machine” by former West Ham correspondent Tom Clark, Soucek has been a regular feature for West Ham across the 20s, signed by Moyes from Slavia Prague on loan in January 2020 before his signing was wrapped up on a permanent basis for about £19m at the end of that season.

The 30-year-old played a vital role in winning the Conference League and challenging in European competition across three seasons in Moyes’ system, scoring 39 goals across 240 Irons appearances, including seven in the Premier League this term.

In spite of his prolificness and strong presence in the middle of the park, Potter’s not convinced, and it seems like Everton are ready to pounce on this opportunity and sign a replacement for Doucoure, 32, who is indeed out of a deal this summer.

This is probably the right decision, given he’s the club’s top earner at £130k per week. Moreover, the well of goals, Doucoure’s trademark, has dried up, with just three Premier League goals to his name this season.

He knows how to find the back of the net, but Soucek, once remarked to be a “revelation” at West Ham by Sky Sports’ Jamie Carragher, certainly isn’t a one-trick pony, with his physicality and industriousness forging a complete midfielder, perfect for Moyes’ system.

It’s no surprise the Scottish manager wants his towering 6 foot 3 general back in his fold, and with the likes of Idrissa Gueye getting on a bit, making a summer move makes sense irrespective of the Moyes factor.

West Ham might not be the most exciting team in the Premier League this season but Soucek has retained his threatening presence in the final third nonetheless, with FBref ranking him among the top 5% of centre-midfielders in the division this term for goals scored and the top 1% for touches in the box per 90.

Given that the data-driven site list Doucoure as one of Soucek’s most statistically comparable players, it feels like something of a no-brainer, not least because Moyes knows Soucek well, trusts him.

Moreover, Soucek’s scoring knack from midfield offers shades of Tim Cahill.

Cahill is one of Everton’s most memorable stars of the Premier League era, having scored 56 goals from 226 matches for the Toffees, predominantly from an attacking midfield standpoint.

Despite his smallish stature, Cahill was something of an aerial monster, a further similarity to Soucek, who, albeit, is much taller.

It feels important that Everton address their goalscoring issues with a wider scope this summer, not just bagging a new centre-forward but indeed signing a player such as Soucek who could add a much-needed dimension from deeper, making those effortless runs into dangerous positions to emulate Cahill and add a string to the manager’s tactical bow.

Hailed as one of Europe’s “prolific central midfielders” by esteemed analyst Michael Cox, Soucek has the qualities to step into Cahill’s boots, so to speak, fuelled further by the past connection with Moyes.

The Malian’s offensive sharpness has waned in recent years, and Soucek could be the perfect addition to uphold Moyes’ values at Bramley Moore.

The Czech international has averaged 5.1 successful duels per game, as per Sofascore, and would freshen up the Toffees ranks for sure.

With Potter not all that enamoured, West Ham’s loss will prove to be Everton’s gain.

Moyes' biggest star since Rooney: Everton leading race to sign £38m star

Everton appear to be making moves to land a talented youngster ahead of this summer.

By
Ethan Lamb

Apr 24, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers are brimming with confidence under Vitor Pereira and could now be set to take a step towards landing a summer bargain, according to reports.

Wolverhampton Wanderers on the up under Vitor Pereira

Incredibly, the Old Gold have won six Premier League matches on the trot and are unbeaten in seven top-flight encounters as optimism reaches new levels at Molineux.

Pereira has brought a sense of pride back to Wolves that had evaporated earlier in the season under Gary O’Neil. This could see them push to finish above Crystal Palace and Brentford by the end of play.

Not too long ago, the threat of relegation seemed like a realistic prospect at Molineux, but they are now one of the top-flight’s in-form sides and look destined for a bright future should they secure some smart additions in the summer window.

Flamengo midfielder Evertton Araujo is on Wolves’ wishlist to strengthen their impressive engine room, while Joao Felix could emerge as an unlikely capture if he fancies another shot at Premier League stardom.

On the other hand, Matheus Cunha is a leading target for Manchester United, and Pereira may have work to do should his star man leave for his reported £62.5 million release clause.

Movement in both directions is just part of the reality for most Premier League sides in the off-season. PSR regulations are another caveat to potential business, though financially advantageous deals are a way to avoid market damage limitation.

With that in mind, Wolves have now held internal talks to sign a talented winger who would cost them nothing in transfer fees this summer.

Wolves hold internal talks to sign Grady Diangana

According to Birmingham World, Wolves have held internal talks about signing West Bromwich Albion winger Grady Diangana on a free transfer from their bitter rivals.

The 27-year-old is on course to leave the Hawthorns upon the expiry of his contract, and the Old Gold now have his situation under surveillance alongside a host of other targets.

80% duels won: Wolves star is now as undroppable as Cunha

Wolverhampton Wanderers have now won their last six Premier League games in a row after convincingly beating Leicester City 3-0.

By
Kelan Sarson

Apr 27, 2025

Whispers have indicated there is further interest in his services from Leeds United and the United States. Diangana isn’t seen as a regular starter at Molineux, though he has desirable qualities that could offer something tangible from the bench.

Labelled “special” by Carlos Corberan, the former West Ham United star has registered four goals and three assists in 34 appearances across all competitions this season.

Free transfers can never be sniffed at when the risk of PSR is alive and kicking, so Wolves may view an opening to bring in an inexpensive homegrown option as a low-risk market opportunity ahead of the new campaign.

That being said, Diangana departing West Brom for one of their adversaries would create an intriguing reception were both sides to face off in the next few years.

After tying both Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah down to new deals, Liverpool are now reportedly set to offer another star man a fresh contract in the hope that he stays put.

Liverpool still trying to convince Alexander-Arnold

Although the Reds have plenty to celebrate with Van Dijk and Salah staying put before they sealed their status as Premier League champions last weekend, there still remains questions to be answered in the coming weeks. And the first on everyone’s mind will undoubtedly surround Trent Alexander-Arnold and his future at the club.

Yet to follow in his teammates’ footsteps by putting pen to paper, it seems likely at this stage that the academy graduate will be off to Real Madrid as a free agent when the summer arrives. Liverpool, however, are reportedly yet to give up hope and after Alexander-Arnold received a reminder of what Anfield glory truly feels like, perhaps they are right to hold onto that belief.

Alexander-Arnold, himself, chose to remain reserved when questioned about his future following his winning goal against Leicester City, meanwhile. He told reporters: “I have said all season that I am not going to speak on my situation. I am not going to go into the details.

“But days like today are always special. Scoring goals, playing games, winning games, winning titles — they are special moments for me and I am glad to do my part.”

Revealed: The "exciting" 9-goal winger Liverpool chiefs have enquired about

The Premier League champions could swoop in…

By
Tom Cunningham

Apr 29, 2025

With that said, the right-back isn’t the only Anfield star who has found himself at the centre of contract headlines, with one of Liverpool’s most important players now reportedly set to be offered a fresh deal in Merseyside.

Liverpool set to offer Ryan Gravenberch fresh contract

According to The Boot Room, Liverpool have now made contact with Ryan Gravenberch’s camp over a fresh deal at the club, as they look to tie down yet another one of Arne Slot’s key men.

The Dutchman, who is currently on £150,000-a-week has been a revelation under Slot, converting from a struggling midfielder to Liverpool’s unlikely solution in the No.6 role – replacing Fabinho at long last.

The Liverpool boss has rarely hidden his admiration for the former Bayern Munich star either, telling reporters earlier in the campaign after his side drew against Fulham: “Impressed, like everyone who was in the stadium or saw the game. Ryan did outstanding again today.

“Without the ball, he was mostly in our last line, had to play sometimes against a nine, against wingers who are really fast. And with the ball, he came into the midfield. An outstanding performance from him.”

With three years left on his current deal, it looks as though Liverpool are keen to ensure that Gravenberch is at the heart of their midfield for years to come and even beyond those three years.

Arsenal have moved in to make one highly-rated player an offer to join them, sensing an opportunity, with La Liga giants Real Madrid stalling on a potential deal.

Arsenal go trophyless after Champions League semi-final defeat to PSG

Mikel Arteta was cut a frustrated figure after PSG knocked his side out of the Champions League semi-finals.

Arsenal make offer to £30m star after Berta successfully convinced Arteta

The Italian and Arsenal’s manager are already working on the club’s transfer plans this summer.

9

By
Emilio Galantini

May 9, 2025

PSG’s 3-1 win on aggregate means Arsenal are set to go trophyless for yet another campaign, with attention now turning to the summer window again as the Gunners seek to mount a more successful push for silverware next term.

While injuries to key players arguably crippled Arsenal’s chances this season, it is becoming a real worry for Arteta that the club have precious little to show for their £500 million net spend on transfers since the Spaniard took charge.

“It depends,” said Arteta on whether Arsenal can win a trophy soon.

“This squad, two years ago, nobody believed that we could even qualify for the Champions League, or even think that we could finish second or compete in the league. Or have the amount of points that we had that in any other year you are a champion. Or have the run and the results and the performances that we had in the Champions League. But the reality at the end is that you need something to lose, and that trophy with all the work that we do, and disappointment is that it’s not going to happen.”

New sporting director Andrea Berta’s arrival at the Emirates Stadium is a major boost for Arteta ahead of next season, as the astute transfer operator is expected to seriously back him in the transfer market this summer.

According to widespread reports, Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen is a top target for them after his very impressive debut season in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

As per the reliable David Ornstein, Arsenal have already held talks with Huijsen’s representatives and are ready to pay his £50 million release clause, but competition for his signature is fierce to say the least.

Arsenal make "formal" offer to Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen

As per Cadena SER, Arteta’s side will have to contend with Chelsea, Tottenham and Liverpool for the 20-year-old, not to mention Real Madrid.

However, in a bid to get ahead of Los Blancos, it is believed Arsenal have presented a “formal” offer to Huijsen and his representatives, while Real are forced to delay their proposal due to complications.

They’re waiting on the potential appointment of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso before making any approaches, as they need to gauge what the Spaniard would want in terms of players to improve his Real squad for next season.

This gives Premier League sides like Arsenal a chance to swoop in and tempt the player first, but Huijsen has every intention of giving Real a chance to present their offer, as his team have hired a law firm to negotiate with the Spanish heavyweights on the “sensational” defender’s behalf.

Liverpool typically sought to strengthen with untapped potential when under the wing of Jurgen Klopp. But Klopp has left his long-held manager’s post last year, and things feel different at Anfield.

That’s not to discredit the German’s dynasty, taking the reins on Merseyside when the Reds were a pale shadow, reduced to a colourless, rudderless state. Klopp made Liverpool whole again, winning a fair amount of silverware along the way.

However, FSG have undergone a refurb and are now looking to strengthen Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning squad with some of the finest that Europe has to offer.

One of those targets is Florian Wirtz, 22, whose playmaking quality knows no bounds. Bayer Leverkusen’s talisman will fetch a considerable figure this summer, but Liverpool are very much intent on staying in the race.

Why Liverpool want Florian Wirtz

At the start of the season, former Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes claimed Wirtz is “probably the best midfielder in the world,” with his vision, awareness, and magic touch proving invaluable for Xabi Alonso’s side over the past few years.

He might not have hit the same stratospheric heights of last year, but Wirtz has retained his world-class level across the 2024/25 campaign, outperforming Liverpool’s positionally similar players.

With Trent Alexander-Arnold joining Real Madrid when his contract expires, Liverpool are going to need to find a new way to maintain their matchless creative flair in the Premier League.

As you can see below, no English team has created more than Liverpool across the past five campaigns. Trent played a defining role in achieving this.

Liverpool want to reinforce their successful season by bringing in new signings, and Slot’s aiming for the best. Though it would require another significant outlay, the Reds are also planning to move for a new name at number nine.

With Darwin Nunez set to be sold, this is one to start getting excited about.

Liverpool make contact to sign prolific striker

Liverpool desperately need a more reliable marksman. Nunez is consistently inconsistent, while Diogo Jota’s long injury issues have finally seeped into his game this year.

FSG are ready to move incisively. According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have opened contacts with Sporting Lisbon regarding the potential transfer of Viktor Gyokeres, though Arsenal are favourites in the race.

It’s felt the Gunners are closing on a £9m-a-year agreement with the Sweden striker, but that Liverpool – and Manchester United – have shown strong interest and are ready to pounce on any opportunity, should Mikel Arteta’s side fumble.

Gyokeres has been one of the most prolific players in Europe over the past several years, and Sporting are looking to fetch £60m for his sale.

Why Viktor Gyokeres could be a great signing for Liverpool

When Sporting signed Gyokeres from Coventry City for £20m after a failed promotion push to the Premier League, it was felt that English football had lost an interesting attacking profile capable of playing at the top level.

Two years later, the 25-year-old may return to English soil as “one of the best strikers in Europe,” as he has been described by Fabrizio Romano.

Across 100 matches for Os Leões, the one-time Brighton prospect has scored 95 goals and laid on 28 assists. Powerful and athletic, he’s surely tailor-made for a role at one of the Premier League’s top competitors.

The £62k-per-week star has bagged 52 goals from 50 matches in all competitions this season alone, meaning he’s significantly outscoring Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak.

Isak is an incredible goalscorer and very much on Liverpool’s shopping list, but with a £150m price tag, it’s hrd to argue that he, with 27 goals from 41 games in 2024/25, would be the more prudent signing at an outlay some £90m more than Gyokeres. Liverpool have work to do across a number of positions, after all.

Only a few weeks ago, Gyokeres netted four goals in a single game for the Liga Portugal champions, who are level in first place with Benfica, superior goal difference owing largely to the centre-forward’s clinical shooting.

Given that he’s scored 57 league goals across his two terms in the Iberian division, Gyokeres has proven himself capable of leading the line at Liverpool, for sure. And when you consider he’s missed only 34 big chances in that timeframe, as per Sofascore, the argument only strengthens.

As per FBref, Gyokeres ranks among the top 1% of forwards this season in divisions similar to the Portuguese top flight for goals scored, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 3% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for assists per 90. Not bad at all.

Now think of all this, think of how efficient and deadly and “insane” all this is, as the 6 foot 2 striker has been praised by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Now imagine all that with Wirtz in behind him.

The fusion of skill sets could take a Premier League-winning Liverpool team to a whole ‘nother level entirely. Indeed, with Wirtz’s remarkable supply line finding Gyokeres, whose movements and intelligence get him in perfect positions from which he can let his predatory instinct take over, would allow Slot to challenge for the biggest trophies once again.

There was a decided lack of impetus across tournamental fronts this season: in the FA Cup, a rotated Liverpool fell to Plymouth Argyle, who have just been relegated from the Championship; after a dominant Champions League group phase, PSG got the better over two legs in the last 16; Liverpool did reach the Carabao Cup final, but were turned over by Newcastle.

In the Bundesliga this season, Wirtz might not have succeeded in defending Leverkusen’s title, but he has given a stellar account of himself once again. As per Sofascore, he’s hit 22 goal contributions from only 24 starts, creating 17 big chances and averaging 2.7 dribbles and 5.3 successful duels per game.

Last season’s Bundesliga Player of the Year knows his stuff, all right, and still so young in his career, he’s got the world at his feet.

The prolific performances of Gyokeres alongside Wirtz’s creative mind would surely spark the kind of success Slot is searching for next season, allowing Liverpool to take their fantastic campaign and shape it into a period of sustained, trophy-winning success.

He'd be amazing with Wirtz: Liverpool enter race for "magical" £100m star

Liverpool are looking to make sweeping changes in the transfer market this summer.

1

By
Angus Sinclair

May 15, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have held negotiations over signing a colossal centre-back in the last few days, according to reports, with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange working to strengthen the squad.

Spurs win Europa League but end Premier League season in 17th

Ange Postecoglou’s future hangs in the balance after what was a very mixed season for the Lilywhites.

£165k-a-week Tottenham star has told Levy he's quitting despite Europa win

He’s informed the Spurs chairman directly.

3

By
Emilio Galantini

May 25, 2025

According to reports, Tottenham chiefs are currently ’50/50′ about sacking Postecoglou, with the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy whilst also leading them to a record-breaking 22 Premier League defeats this campaign, resulting in a lowly 17th-placed finish.

The emotional high surrounding their first European triumph since 1984 in the Europa League, coupled with Postecoglou’s rousing speech at the trophy parade, will be firmly stuck in Levy’s mind – and the chairman is now faced with an almighty conundrum ahead of next season.

“As much as you try to understand what a trophy would mean to these people, seeing them out there today, is why we do what we do,” said Postecoglou after their Europa League final win.

“That’s the priceless bit, for this feeling. I’m super pleased that these boys could deliver. All good things come through hard work, toil, perseverance and belief. This group have that in spades and I’m so pleased that we could crack that stone and now everyone can enjoy it.

“We had to dig deep, for sure, but what the history books will say is that we’re the Europa Cup winners, and it doesn’t say how we did it, just that we did it. I made family a theme from when I got here because I felt that we needed something to bring us all together and look further than just what everybody wanted. We had to form some sort of unity and the lads have been brilliant. They’ve shared their stories and got closer through the tough times like all families and now they share the reward.”

A decision on Postecoglou will need to be made and quickly, with the first of two 2025 summer transfer windows set to open imminently.

Tottenham hold "negotiations" over signing Pisa defender Francesco Coppola

Tottenham’s qualification for the Champions League gives Levy and Lange an almighty boost when it comes to the club’s recruitment drive, with reports suggesting Spurs are more confident they can tempt players like Marc Guehi as a result.

The Crystal Palace star isn’t their only defensive target, either, with Pisa Sporting Club’s rising star Francesco Coppola also on their radar.

The Italy Under-20 international spent 2024/2025 on loan at Serie C side Vis Pesaro, but his performances in the third tier have apparently impressed Spurs scouts – so much so that they’ve approached Pisa over signing him.

That is according to La Nazione, who write that Tottenham held “negotiations” over Coppola in the last few days, but these talks ended pretty swiftly.

Pisa are said to have rebuffed Levy’s advances for the towering 6 foot 5 defender, as they appear determined to keep hold of their highly-promising centre-back. If Spurs are to be successful in their pursuit, they may have to go back in with an offer which proves too good to resist.

Celtic are taking some time to assess where they need to strengthen in the transfer market and are now looking to close in on a talented young star who could improve their backline, according to a report.

Celtic's left-back situation remains in a state of flux

Although there hasn’t been an official parade of Kieran Tierney back at Parkhead yet, the Scotland international is returning to Celtic on a free transfer after his Arsenal contract expires.

Brendan Rodgers will be delighted to secure the services of a modern-day club icon who won eight trophies during his first spell at the reigning Scottish Premiership champions, but who will provide competition for the 27-year-old next season?

Jeffrey Schlupp has held discussions over a permanent Celtic transfer following his loan spell in Glasgow and is available for nothing due to his time at Crystal Palace drawing to a close.

However, the Ghana international earned £60,000 while on the books at Selhurst Park, which may complicate matters if the Bhoys decide he is the man to strengthen their left-hand side of defence.

Another player set to be a free agent before too long is long-serving Celtic full-back Greg Taylor. After six years as first-choice, it appears he may move on this summer despite Rodgers’ desire to retain the Greenock-born man.

Dream XI Celtic could build: Idah axed for "sensational" CF, Tierney starts

The dream starting XI that Brendan Rodgers could build for Celtic next season.

2

By
Dan Emery

May 31, 2025

Time is on Celtic’s side as they plot how best to proceed with adequate cover for Tierney, who has played just 20 matches this season following a spate of injury issues over the last few years.

Now, the Bhoys have reportedly made an approach for an exciting talent that could deputise when needed under Rodgers’ stewardship.

Celtic make approach for Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills

According to Football League World, Celtic have made an approach for Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills, and Fulham have also previously offered £1 million for his services.

Spending the first half of the campaign on loan at Enfield Town, he shot to prominence after returning to Posh due to scoring a delightful free-kick in their famous Vertu Cup final victory over Birmingham City earlier this year at Wembley Stadium.

Lauded for his ‘wand of a left foot’ by Darren Ferguson, the youngster has completed 66.7% of his dribbles and won the same percentage of tackles on League One duty this term.

Admittedly, his inexperience may be cited by some as a point of contention. Still, Celtic have identified gems such as Moussa Dembele and Matt O’Riley from the lower leagues of English football, so it may not be a total surprise that the Scottish champions could repeat the trick.

In more recent times, Finnish goalkeeper Viljami Sinisalo was signed from Aston Villa after a productive loan spell at Exeter City, demonstrating that the Bhoys have their ear to the ground regarding emerging talent.

Ultimately, the ball is now in Peterborough’s court. Mills has the offer of a fresh contract on the table at the Weston Homes Stadium, but he only has 12 months remaining on his current terms and seems to be exploring his options.

Celtic will be going in search of the domestic treble in the 2025/26 campaign after they failed to secure all three Scottish trophies in the last two seasons.

Brendan Rodgers returned to Parkhead in the summer of 2023 and has won two domestic trophies in each of his first two terms back in Glasgow so far.

The Northern Irish head coach won the Scottish Premiership title and the SFA Cup in his second season, before losing to Aberdeen on penalties in the final of the SFA Cup.

Celtic also got through to the play-off stage of the Champions League, losing to Bayern Munich over two legs, and they may target more progress on the European stage.

The Hoops will need to be active in the summer transfer window in order to bolster their squad to kick on next season, and they already have one deal over the line.

Kieran Tierney will officially re-sign for the Premiership champions at the start of July after his contract with Premier League side Arsenal expires at the end of this month.

Why Kieran Tierney is an exciting signing

The Scotland international is an exciting addition for Rodgers and Celtic this summer because he is a proven performer who could come in and hit the ground running next term.

Tierney came up through the youth ranks at Paradise and made his breakthrough at first-team level with the Hoops before his big-money move to the Gunners back in 2019.

As you can see in the graphic above, the Scottish defender won five Premiership titles with the club and made the best part of 200 appearances before moving down south.

Six years on from his Parkhead exit, Tierney is now set to return to Glasgow and will provide Rodgers with a reliable option at left-back when fit and available, because he has been there and done it in the league and with Celtic, which is why this is an exciting deal.

However, there is also cause for concern with the 28-year-old star’s arrival this summer, because he has consistently suffered with injury problems throughout his career.

As you can see in the table above, the experienced ace has only missed fewer than 16 matches through injury in a season twice in the last nine campaigns for Celtic and Arsenal combined, which suggests that he is not likely to be available week-in-week out for the Hoops next term.

This means that the Scottish giants could need to bring in another left-back to play when the Bhoys academy graduate is unavailable, and the club have been linked with an interest in a teenage defender who could be an even more exciting signing than Tierney.

Celtic's interest in teenage full-back

At the end of last month, Sponichi Soccer, as relayed by The National, reported that Celtic are one of a number of teams interested in a deal to sign Djurgardens left-back Keita Kosugi in the summer transfer window.

The outlet claimed that Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain and Italian side Atalanta are also eyeing up a swoop for the 19-year-old defender, as they look to bolster the depth in their respective squads.

Transfer Focus

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

It did not reveal, however, how much money it would take to convince the Swedish side to part ways with their impressive Japanese left-back this summer, so it remains to be seen how much the Hoops would have to pay for his services.

The interest from PSG and Atalanta does show, though, that Celtic could find it difficult to get a deal done for the defender because they would have to convince him to turn down the chance to play in one of Europe’s major leagues.

It is now down to the club to press ahead with a swoop for the Djurgardens star, because he could be an even more exciting signing than Tierney this summer.

Why Kosugi would be more exciting than Tierney for Celtic

Whilst the Scotland international is a proven Premiership performer who could come in to make an instant impact as a known quantity for Celtic, he represents the past more than he does the future.

Tierney, although he still has some years ahead of him at the age of 28, has shown that he cannot be consistently available due to his constant injury problems, which means that the club may not be able to rely on him moving forward as a go-to option every week.

Kosugi, meanwhile, is 19 and has the majority of his career ahead of him and could go on to be Celtic’s first-choice left-back for many, many, years to come.

He has also yet to suffer a significant injury in his career, with no injury absences listed on Transfermarkt, which suggests that the youngster is more likely to be available week-in-week-out in comparison to Tierney.

Kosugi, who was dubbed “impressive” by video scout Elijah Michiels, also showcased his quality in the Conference League for the Swedish club in the 2024/25 campaign, as shown in the clips above.

The 19-year-old defender, as shown in the statistics above, is a full-back who has shown that he can combine offensive output with defensive strength, particularly in Europe.

Kosugi, who was described as a “standout” in the Conference League by Jacek Kulig, can provide goals and creativity whilst also making plenty of tackles, interceptions, and clearances each match.

Meanwhile, Tierney averaged 0.7 tackles and interceptions per game and created two ‘big chances’ in 13 appearances in the Premier League for Arsenal this season.

Overall, Kosugi could be a more exciting signing than the Scottish defender because of his potential to play week-in-week-out, coupled with his age profile and his superior performances in comparison to Tierney during the 2024/25 campaign.

Celtic could sign Matt O'Riley 2.0 in swoop for "unplayable" star

Celtic could repeat their Matt O’Riley masterclass by swooping to sign this star.

By
Dan Emery

Jun 5, 2025

That is why the board must push to win the race for the 19-year-old starlet’s signature ahead of PSG and Atalanta, as difficult as that may seem, this summer.

Nottingham Forest have acted swiftly in the 2025 summer transfer market. With European football taking place at the City Ground for the first time this century, Nuno Espirito Santo is eyeing deals for Jair Cunha, Cuiabano, and Igor Jesus from Brazilian side Botafogo.

This certainly appears to be a wonderful piece of business for the club, especially given the success of South American talents such as Murillo and Danilo at the City Ground.

Santo won’t be resting on his laurels, however, especially with the chance to attract high-profile players this summer.

With that in mind, he will be keen to recruit smartly. As such, might the former Wolves boss be looking at someone who shone in the Championship last term?

Nottingham Forest eyeing Championship star

According to Football Insider, Forest are now looking to ramp up their interest in Norwich City winger Borja Sainz during the summer transfer window.

Porto and Athletic Club are also eyeing a move for the 24-year-old sensation, suggesting Santo has plenty of competition, after his performances in the Championship.

While signing players from Brazil and further afield appears to be the club’s philosophy, there is some value to be had from the second tier of English football.

Of course, success in the second tier doesn’t mean a player will explode in the Premier League. Sainz, however, does look like he could be a fine addition to most clubs in the top flight.

Might he even be an upgrade on Callum Hudson-Odoi?

Why Nottingham Forest must sign Borja Sainz

Hudson-Odoi played all but seven Premier League matches for Forest last term, scoring five goals and grabbing three assists in the process.

Solid, if unspectacular, numbers by the former Chelsea sensation. Could these be improved upon next season?

Last season for Norwich, Sainz netted 19 times and registered four assists across 43 matches for the Canaries in all competitions. This works out as a goal contribution every 1.8 matches.

These sorts of numbers would give Santo a major boost on the left wing, as the aforementioned statistics suggest that he has the potential to deliver even more quality than Hudson-Odoi in the final third as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

Sainz also created nine big chances for his teammates last term, along with averaging 1.2 key passes per match and succeeding with an impressive 2.4 dribbles per game for the Canaries.

As such, he was dubbed “ruthless” by pundit Don Goodman, who also said: “You could see there was a really good player in him last season, despite scoring six goals and registering just two assists.

“He’s gone to another level this season, though.”

When compared to his positional peers in the second tier last term, Sainz ranked in the top 3% for both non-penalty goals (0.45) and successful take-ons (2.47), but he also ranked in the top 6% for total shots (2.94) per 90.

Another level indeed. Compare this to Hudson Odoi’s stats, and there is a clear difference. The Englishman fails to rank in the top 30% for any of the statistics listed above.

Of course, Sainz’s were recorded in the Championship, but if given the chance, he can sparkle in the top flight, no doubt about that.

Nottingham Forest now rivalling Chelsea to sign "complete" £25m midfielder

He’s a wanted man…

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 20, 2025

Sunderland are back by popular demand and are now closing in on a statement signing to bolster their engine room, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Sunderland plan ambitious moves ahead of Premier League return

Ambition is the watchword for Regis Le Bris, as his side prepare to do battle in the Premier League and avoid the unfortunate fates of many newly-promoted sides over the last few years.

Looking to add solidity between the sticks, Sunderland are reportedly close to bringing in OGC Nice goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, which may cast some doubt on Anthony Patterson’s long-term future as number one.

Journalist Loic Jego added some context to the situation on social media platform X, stating: “Imminent agreement between OGC Nice and Sunderland for the transfer of Marcin Bulka! A deal facilitated notably by the good relationship between Franck Haise and Regis Le Bris.”

Moving on, Sunderland are also interested in Empoli defender Saba Goglichidze. However, Nottingham Forest and the Black Cats’ arch-rivals Newcastle United are also looking to land the Georgian.

Habib Kieta could strengthen Le Bris’ midfield if the Wearside giants can come to an agreement with Clermont Foot, though he is one of many names that could arrive if circumstances align in their favour.

Romano: Sunderland in talks to sign "superb" player loved by Luis Enrique

The Black Cats are in the hunt for a new stopper.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 26, 2025

Steel is necessary to make Sunderland a difficult outfit to take on, with their form at the Stadium of Light likely to be decisive in whether they manage to avoid the drop in their first season back in the top-flight since 2017.

Enjoying a full-circle moment after years in the doldrums, they could now be about to make a headline addition ahead of their return to the Premier League.

Romano: Sunderland set to sign Strasbourg's Habib Diarra

Taking to social media platform X, Romano, echoing other reports, has also confirmed that Sunderland have agreed a package worth just over £30 million plus add-ons to sign Strasbourg midfielder Habib Diarra.

Delivering his trademark ‘Here We Go’ tagline, the Senegal international’s current employers will include a sell-on clause in the deal, and he is now set for a medical in the North East.

Dubbed “magnificent” by Liam Rosenior, Diarra registered four goals and five assists in 36 appearances across all competitions last term as Strasbourg secured a place in the Europa Conference League.

Making his presence known in a variety of roles across the engine room, the 21-year-old won 99 duels on Ligue 1 duty and also created 27 chances, illustrating that he can perform several functions.

Sunderland appear to have pulled off a coup should the deal go through without a dramatic last-minute hitch, and supporters will hope for more of the same on the recruitment front over the next few months.