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With Jesse Marsch’s Leeds United heading into Wednesday’s Premier League meeting with Chelsea knowing that they had to pick up some kind of result at Elland Road in order to give themselves the best possible chance of avoiding the drop this season, the 48-year-old manager will be bitterly disappointed with the way the fixture panned out.

Indeed, the Whites found themselves trailing inside the opening five minutes of the match, with Reece James’ cutback finding Mason Mount on the edge of the box, before the 23-year-old emphatically curled his effort into the near top corner.

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Matters were made worse for Leeds around 20 minutes later, when Daniel James’ “reckless” – in the words of Graeme Souness – challenge on Mateo Kovacic saw the Wales international receive his marching orders from Anthony Taylor – representing the second time in as many fixtures the Whites have been reduced to 10 men before the break.

From that point on, the clash was something of a Chelsea procession, with Christian Pulisic and Romelu Lukaku both getting themselves on the scoresheet in the second half, and the meeting ending 3-0 to the visitors.

As is perhaps to be expected after such a lacklustre overall performance, a number of Marsch’s players endured individual displays to forget, with James, Jack Harrison and Pascal Struijk all being particularly below-par against the Blues.

However, while it is true that it was James’ red card that ultimately sealed Leeds’ fate on the night, it will undoubtedly have been the performance of Rodrigo that left the Elland Road faithful most enraged, as the 31-year-old was completely abject over the course of the 90 minutes.

After being handed a start up top – replacing Joe Gelhardt in the XI – the Spain international did very little to convince anyone that his heart is fully focused on helping Leeds retain their Premier League status, with the forward’s body language and effort very much being that of a man who has already thrown the towel in.

Indeed, this is reflected in his metrics, with the £13.5m-rated flop managing no shots at the Chelsea goal – either on or off-target – ceding possession on 11 separate occasions, losing six of his 10 duels – a failure rate of 60% – being beaten by an opponent twice, committing one foul and making one error which led to a Blues attempt at goal.

These returns saw the Whites’ £100k-per-week highest earner average an extremely disappointing SofaScore match rating of just 6.2, while Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross awarded the Spaniard a measly two in his own player ratings, as well as stating of the Spaniard’s performance:

“A dire display and poor body language to go with it. Basic passes went astray and was too often seen languidly walking after losing possession.”

As such, with speculation concerning whether or not Rodrigo will still be a part of the Leeds squad next season starting to mount, we would suggest that – regardless of whether Leeds stay up or go down – the 31-year-old who Cross dubbed “completely anonymous” should have already played his last game for the Whites, as his performance against Chelsea made it abundantly clear his heart is not in it.

AND in other news: Phil Hay drops exciting 5-word Leeds United transfer update, he’d be a huge upgrade

Bruno Lage could land a massive upgrade for Raul Jimenez as he aims to rebuild the spine of the Wolves side ahead of next season.

What’s the word?

Liverpool striker Divock Origi is out of contract at the end of the season and journalist Josh Holland believes Wolves should sign the player to boost the side for next season.

The journalist said: “I think he’s better than Jimenez. If they can bring Origi in and have him starting as their number nine going forward, I think that would be perfect.

“I think he is quality and has an eye for goal. He is always in the right place at the right time.”

Italian outlet Calciomercato have reported that AC Milan appears to be the frontrunner for the Belgian’s signature, but Wolves should also consider a move having been linked previously.

Whilst on £82k-per-week at Liverpool, there may be some room for negotiation and the likelihood is he will get more game time at the club compared to Klopp’s side, with Wolves having held an interest in Origi for a while now, a move could materialise during the summer.

Jimenez upgrade at Wolves

Origi is a man for big moments, think back to the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona in 2019 and even the final against Tottenham where he secured the trophy for Liverpool.

Holland has said that Origi “would be perfect” and believes he is better than Jimenez. The club has only scored 35 times in the Premier League this season, with the Mexican – the side’s main striker – grabbing only six of them, it clearly shows where the problem lies.

With Klopp dubbing him a “monster” before a Champions League tie against AC Milan last year, then Lage could well be getting themselves a player who could solve their goalscoring woes.

Origi has scored 68 matches in that time.

Another advantage is he has time on his side, he just turned 27 in April and could arguably be said, is still to hit his peak.

Lage needs to build a solid spine to the Wolves team ahead of next season in order to achieve European qualification and Origi must be a key target as the transfer window looms.

AND in other news, Big boost: Major Wolves transfer development emerges that’ll leave Lage ecstatic – opinion

This forms part of our Loan Watch series, where The Transfer Tavern analyse how a player is doing on loan from a club based on a recent performance.

The Lowdown: ‘Special’ player

Elliot Anderson is a player who is going from strength to strength at Bristol Rovers, where he has scored seven goals and supplied a further three assists in 20 games in League Two on loan from Newcastle United (Transfermarkt).

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He has received many plaudits for his performances – indeed, Northampton manager Jon Brady even went as far as to claim in recent weeks that the 19-year-old is ‘special’.

His latest cameo has ensured at least a play-off place for the Gas, who have one more match left to play in the regular League Two season and could still go up automatically.

The Latest: Anderson’s winning goal

Anderson scored the winning goal deep into injury time as Bristol Rovers beat Rochdale 4-3 at Spotland on Saturday afternoon.

The 19-year-old won eight of his individual duels in total, the second-most of any player on the pitch. He also recorded three shots, one successful dribble, one clearance, three tackles, two key passes, one accurate cross and two accurate long balls, achieving an impressive 90% pass success rate (SofaScore).

The Verdict: Exciting

It certainly is exciting for the Toon Army to see one of their own in Anderson doing so well out on loan.

Eddie Howe must surely be considering keeping him in the squad next season, despite the wealth of talent that Newcastle could end up buying with their riches in the summer transfer window.

Nonetheless, the midfielder is thriving in League Two for now, and he will be hoping to catch the eye again as he aims to get his team promoted.

In other news, find out who NUFC have now ‘made contact’ over possibly signing

Former Celtic forward Simon Donnelly has earmarked the selection dilemma facing Ange Postecoglou following injury updates on Giorgos Giakoumakis and Kyogo Furuhashi. 

The lowdown: What’s at stake…

The Hoops could take a firm grip of the Scottish Premiership trophy with a victory over Rangers at Celtic Park on Sunday.

Going into the match, Postecoglou’s side are six points clear at the top of the table and hold a superior goal difference over their Glasgow rivals, meaning a win would effectively put them out of sight.

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However, the 56-year-old Greek-Australian does have some big decisions to make for the mouthwatering clash at Parkhead…

The latest: Donnelly cites ‘headache’

Speaking to Sky Sports, the man who made 146 appearances as a Bhoy suggested that Postecoglou may struggle to decide upon who plays at centre-forward with the news that Giakoumakis and Kyogo are both now fit and available.

“They are two very different strikers. This is the first time that Ange is going to have a real decision to make because they are both fit now.

“Obviously, Giakomakis came in at the turn of the year and his goal ratio is brilliant, 12, 13 goals, two hat-tricks in there. He really filled that void that Kyogo created coming out with that injury on Boxing Day.

“Now Kyogo is back, he’s scoring goals at Dingwall last week

“It’s a headache but it’s a good one. It’s one manager’s want. It’ll be interesting to see who leads the line.”

The verdict: Go Kyogo

Although Giakomakis has been sensational since arriving at Paradise with 13 goals and one assist in just 25 appearances, the 27-year-old Greek frontman can make a bigger impact from the bench should it be required.

Kyogo has already proven to be a ready-made big-game player with a Scottish League Cup final brace and 22 direct goal contributions from 29 total outings for the Hoops.

Although both frontmen have shown a clinical eye for goal, the fluidity offered by the 12-cap Japan international – highlighted by an ability to play on either wing – causes different types of issues for opposition defenders and it’s likely to be the deciding factor when the starting lineup is announced.

Ultimately, having these quality options at Postecoglou’s disposal illustrates the excellent work done by the boss in the transfer market in his short reign at Parkhead so far.

In other news, pundit claims Celtic are working on behind the scenes transfer deal. Find out who it is here.

For the first time in a long time, potentially ever, there is a strong argument to be made that Arsenal are the best team in the world at the moment.

Mikel Arteta’s side are clear atop the Premier League table and, following their 3-1 win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night, are now clear atop the Champions League table as well.

This incredible run of form probably shouldn’t come as a surprise, though, as the club have built a squad full to bursting with world-class talent, and even then, their most important player, Bukayo Saka, is yet to find his best form.

At his best, the Hale Ender is a total game-changer, and so fans should be hugely excited about reports linking Arsenal to another attacking monster who has been compared to him.

Arsenal target another Saka-type star

With the winter transfer window now rapidly approaching, Arsenal have started to be linked with a host of brilliant players.

Transfer Focus

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

Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, for example, has been touted for a £100m move to the Emirates, as has Porto’s £79m Samu Aghehowa.

Yet, while both of these brilliantly talented players would improve the Gunners’ squad, neither one can be compared to Saka, unlike Michael Olise.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spain, Arsenal are now one of a few teams plotting to sign the Bayern Munich monster next year.

Alongside the North Londoners, Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly keen on the French international, who has been nothing short of world-class since his move to Germany.

However, on top of the immense competition, the Gunners will have to stump up a massive fee of up to €140m to get their man, which is about £123m.

With that said, while it would be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line, Olise’s immense ability and similarity to Saka make it one Arsenal should fight for.

How Olise compares to Saka

One of the most significant comparisons between Saka and Olise comes from FBref, which ranks the Englishman as the eighth-most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Frenchman across Europe’s top five leagues.

The best way to understand how this conclusion has been reached is to examine the underlying numbers in which the pair rank closely.

In this instance, the metrics include non-penalty expected goals, progressive carries, shot-creating actions, successful take-on percentage, and more, all per 90.

Progressive Passes Received

12.5

12.4

Goals per Shot

0.14

0.11

Goals per Shot on Target

0.30

0.22

Key Passes

2.53

2.21

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.42

0.35

Tackles Won

0.53

0.58

Carries into the Final Third

2.84

2.56

On top of these statistical similarities, they are both seen as two of the best players for two massive clubs.

However, while it’s great that the former Crystal Palace star can be compared to the Gunners’ talismanic number seven, there are other reasons the North Londoners should be looking to sign him, such as his output.

For example, while he failed to score on Wednesday night, the 23-year-old has racked up a tally of nine goals and ten assists in 19 appearances this season, totalling 1538 minutes.

That comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every game, or every 80.94 minutes, which more than justifies Oliver Glasner’s former claim that he’s “one of the best talents in the world.”

It’s not just this year that the 13-capped international has been an output machine, though, as last year he was just as dangerous.

In 55 appearances across all competitions, totalling 3842 minutes, he produced 43 goal involvements, which comes out to an average of one every 1.27 games, or every 89.34 minutes.

Ultimately, it would cost an arm and a leg, but Arsenal should be doing all they can to sign Olise next year, as, like Saka already is, he could be a real game-changer.

Arteta now has an even better duo than Gabriel & Saliba at Arsenal

Mikel Arteta has created an Arsenal team full of incredible partnerships, including one better than Saliba & Gabriel.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 27, 2025

Aston Villa’s start to the Premier League season has been anything but smooth.

Off-the-field uncertainty dominated their summer, and the hangover has been felt on the pitch.

The club only recorded their first league win of the season against Fulham on Sunday, lifting them out of the bottom three and into 16th place.

Their negative goal difference reflects a side still finding its rhythm, and the early results suggest that pressure is quickly building on Unai Emery’s squad.

The turbulence began with financial concerns. Villa’s transfer activity was clouded by PSR restrictions, which made it unclear whether they could reinforce without significant sales.

Star goalkeeper Emi Martínez came close to leaving for Manchester United, while Ollie Watkins also attracted interest from other top-flight clubs.

Somehow, Villa kept hold of both – as well as their brightest talent, Morgan Rogers – but the distractions were evident.

Rogers himself did little to dampen speculation, hinting in one interview that a move could be on the horizon.

Late in the window, Villa scrambled to bring in reinforcements, completing deals for Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho on deadline day.

It was a clear attempt to steady the ship and add creativity ahead of a campaign that will also see them compete in the Europa League.

A sixth-place finish last season raised expectations, but early form suggests off-field issues have seeped into the squad’s performances.

Why Morgan Rogers is synonymous with the malaise

No player better symbolises Villa’s current struggles than Rogers.

The 23-year-old attacking midfielder enjoyed a breakthrough last season, making 54 appearances across all competitions, including 37 in the Premier League, where he produced eight goals and 11 assists.

That form subseuqently saw him win the PFA Premier League Young Player of the Year award.

His European contribution was also vital: four goals and three assists helped Villa reach the Champions League quarter-finals.

That productivity feels like a distant memory this term. Rogers has looked short on confidence and, crucially, short on decisiveness in possession.

In the defeat to Bologna, he played the full 90 minutes but registered 50 touches, completed just ten of 24 passes, and failed to record a shot on target. He attempted two dribbles and succeeded with neither, while losing possession a staggering 29 times.

For a player once celebrated for his dynamism and flair, those numbers are the starkest evidence yet of his current malaise.

The sense among supporters is that Rogers has become too predictable. Opponents now know his threat and actively look to smother him.

Some Villa fans have called for him to be dropped, suggesting that a spell out of the spotlight might help him rediscover his spark.

His recent form for England, where he registered an assist against Serbia, shows the talent is still there, but he has not been able to translate that into club form.

Aston Villa's Rogers replacement waiting in the wings

Waiting in the wings is Jadon Sancho.

The 25-year-old winger arrived on loan from Manchester United on deadline day, carrying a market value of around £25m.

This is a long way from the £125m peak valuation that this “crazy talent” – in the words of scout Jacek Kulig – held in 2020.

Matches Played

26

Goals

8

Assists

11

Progressive Carries

114

Progressive Passes

178

His fall from grace has been steep.

At Chelsea last season, his loan spell ended so unconvincingly that the club even paid United to release them from the obligation to make the move permanent.

Now at Villa Park, Sancho has featured three times, though he was an unused substitute in the win against Fulham.

This loan could represent the last chance for him in English football.

He will hope to reignite his career under Emery, with the Europa League providing additional opportunities for minutes and form.

His past record shows what he is capable of: a £73m transfer to Manchester United in 2021 was fuelled by dazzling performances at Borussia Dortmund, where his creativity and ball-carrying made him one of Europe’s hottest properties.

Internationally, Sancho still harbours ambitions of returning to the England setup, having already been capped 23 times.

With Thomas Tuchel putting together his squad for the World Cup, a run of form at Villa could put him back in contention.

More immediately, his arrival puts direct pressure on Rogers. If Emery decides to rotate, Sancho could step straight into the starting XI, offering pace, invention, and – if he can recapture even some of his Dortmund-era form – a cutting edge Villa desperately lack.

For now, Emery has been cautious, perhaps waiting for Sancho to fully adjust.

But the contrast between Rogers’ wastefulness and Sancho’s potential upside is difficult to ignore.

In many ways, Sancho embodies Villa’s gamble: if he thrives, he could spark their attack into life; if he fails, it could be another symbol of a club whose questionable off-field decisions continue to cloud their season.

Aston Villa heading for Benteke repeat over "top talent" & it's not Watkins

Aston Villa face echoes of the past as one of Unai Emery’s crop hints at an exit

ByWill Miller Sep 22, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have made a strong start to the Thomas Frank era, and a win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League on Saturday would consolidate the feel-good feeling down N17.

However, Bournemouth claimed themselves three points when visiting north London earlier this year, and Spurs failed to make their dominance count in a 2-2 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex last week, albeit pulling back from a two-goal deficit.

No such stumbles can be afforded in this one, though Wolves languish in the division’s bottom spot and without a point on the board.

And, moreover, the in-form Richarlison is up against one of his favourite opponents once again.

Richarlison could be key vs Wolves

Dominic Solanke has scarcely had a sniff throughout the opening weeks of the Premier League season, with his injury issues compounded by Richarlison’s resounding form.

The Brazilian, 28, was rumoured to be on the move after lifting the Europa League under Ange Postecoglou, but here he remains, and he’s repaying the faith, with three goals and one assist from four appearances in the top flight so far.

Pundit Alan Shearer has praised the one-time Everton striker for his “phenomenal” start to the campaign, having struggled for form and with injuries over the previous two years in white.

And it would hardly be a surprise to see him continue his purple patch against the Old Gold.

Wolves

12

6

Leicester

15

6

Everton

7

5

Southampton

12

5

Leicester

13

5

Supplementing Richarlison, Xavi Simons might be gunning for a starting berth on the left flank after a promising start to life in London, the 22-year-old playmaker joining from RB Leipzig for £51m in the summer.

However, Frank should unleash Brennan Johnson if he wants to ensure victory against a Wolves backline that is currently there for the taking.

Why Frank should unleash Brennan Johnson

It was Johnson, 24, who bundled in the winning goal as Tottenham defeated Manchester United to lift the Europa League, and after scoring in successive league matches to start the Premier League season, it looked like he might be taking his game to the next level.

However, he was hooked before the hour mark against the Cherries, having made some poor decisions and drifted through a painful defeat. The Welshman is yet to return to the starting line-up.

However, he scored 18 times across all competitions last year and has a natural instinct for goal to combine with his “frightening” pace, as noted by content creator HLTCO, who also described the versatile winger as a “nightmare to defend against”.

With Richarlison seemingly determined to star as Tottenham’s chief goal-getter this term, Johnson could add an impactful dimension by taking his place back on the left flank, ranked as he is among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for non-penalty goals scored per 90, as per FBref.

And that’s not to say that Simons cannot enter the fray and make an impression, perhaps operating from deep, pulling strings and opening up passing lanes for the goalscoring duo if the Lilywhites need to press for a late winner.

In any case, Tottenham have plenty of tools to secure all three points against struggling Wolves.

Worth even more than Kudus: Spurs have struck gold on "phenomenal" talent

Tottenham Hotspur have demonstrated their excellent work in the transfer market in recent years.

ByEthan Lamb Sep 26, 2025

With money to spend following the departure of Jobe Bellingham to Borussia Dortmund, Sunderland have reportedly joined a hectic race to sign a Premier League rival this summer.

Sunderland commence search to replace Bellingham

Even after earning promotion to the Premier League, Bellingham’s decision was made up when Borussia Dortmund came calling in a deal that is now official. An exit that could reportedly see Sunderland bank as much as €40m (£34m) if add-on bonuses are reached in the coming years, the Black Cats have instantly turned towards the market in pursuit of a replacement.

It’s a search that won’t be easy given just how talented Bellingham is at just 19 years old, but Sunderland must make sure that their young midfielder is replaced by the time that the Premier League campaign gets underway.

On that front, names such as Tommy Doyle have recently threatened to steal the headlines. The 23-year-old is a Manchester City graduate, but completed a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer.

Swapping Manchester for the Midlands hasn’t accelerated his development that many would have hoped, however, and after just three Premier League starts, Doyle could be on the move again.

Sunderland now plotting 8-figure move for hugely in-demand Asian talent

He could become a star at the Stadium of Light.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 9, 2025

Sunderland could be the ideal place to get his career back on track too. The Stadium of Light has become the breeding ground for young talent to thrive in recent years, from Manchester United’s Amad Diallo to, most recently, Bellingham. Now, Doyle desperately needs to follow a similar path if he is to finally realise his potential in the Premier League.

Of course, though, it’s not just young talent that Sunderland have set their sights on this summer. The Black Cats have also gone in search of experience and could yet welcome a Premier League rival for Regis Le Bris.

Sunderland join race to sign £5m Alex Moreno

According to reports in Spain, Sunderland have now joined the race to sign Alex Moreno from Aston Villa this summer. Those in Wearside are reportedly joined by Real Sociedad, Real Betis and fellow promoted side Burnley in a hectic battle to sign the Spanish left-back.

Available for just £5m this summer, Moreno represents an option that could quickly turn into the ultimate bargain, given how he played a part in Nottingham Forest’s unexpected Europa Conference League finish last season. Starting 11 games for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side, the 32-year-old proved that he is still more than capable of playing at this level.

Although no longer part of Unai Emery’s plans, the £35,000-a-week defender still made his mark at Aston Villa during the 2022/23 campaign, when he earned the praise of both Ian Wright and Alan Shearer following a frantic draw at West Ham United.

The pair were both left in awe of Moreno’s assist for Ollie Watkins’ goal, with Shearer saying on Match of the Day: “But what a ball in, it’s dreamland for a forward. You are saying ‘go on and get on the end of that’ and Watkins did. It was a great cross and a fantastic header.”

Wright then went on to dub Moreno’s involvement as “brilliant” in the type of quality that Sunderland fans could be enjoying next season if the Black Cats decide to make their move.

Leeds United did manage to seal the Championship title with a bumper 100 points come the end of the 46-game marathon, but Daniel Farke’s side certainly made life a lot harder for themselves in the goalkeeper department.

Illan Meslier’s error-prone performances between the sticks nearly proved costly, resulting in the German having to bring in stand-in keeper Karl Darlow for the final few tense clashes of the second-tier campaign.

Whilst the ex-Newcastle United stopper did prove himself to be a solid performer in goal, it’s unlikely that Farke will solely rely on the Wales international to be his outright number one in such a daunting division.

Therefore, a whole host of new faces are being linked to step up and take on the first team mantle in goal, with this alternative target now being tipped to make the switch to Elland Road over the heavily fancied Caoimhin Kelleher.

Leeds' pursuit of a new keeper

Kelleher is one of the main names being touted to become Farke’s brand-new number one ahead of Premier League football returning to West Yorkshire, with the Irishman reportedly available for around the £30m mark.

He is mentioned as a possible Meslier replacement by the Daily Mail too, but the new report from the Mail does suggest that other top-flight experienced ‘keepers are on the Leeds agenda, such as ex-Arsenal man Aaron Ramsdale.

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ reserve keeper Sam Johnstone is also floating about as a potential number one option, but if Leeds want to land an even more impressive buy than Kelleher, they should be going all in for Ramsdale over other figures.

The 27-year-old has suffered from shaky performances here and there, but he was once Mikel Arteta’s concrete first-team choice at Arsenal, where he proved himself as a top performer at an intimidating level.

Why Ramsdale would be even better than Kelleher

Of course, Kelleher has never been able to prove himself as a number-one option at Anfield, having always played in the shadows to the likes of Allisson.

But, regardless of whether he’s been given a fair crack under Arne Slot and other Reds bosses or not, if Leeds can land a far more experienced keeper at the level in Ramsdale for a slightly cheaper £25m, it feels like a pick-up they should prioritise over the promise of the 26-year-old coming good as a main starting presence.

At one point during his topsy-turvy Gunners career, Ramsdale was on cloud nine with his imperious displays in between the sticks, with this unbelievable save coming during the 2021/22 campaign that saw the ex-Sheffield United stopper collect an impressive 12 clean sheets from 34 league outings.

Heralded as “phenomenal” by ex-Arsenal legend David Seaman off the back of his glimpses of quality at the Emirates, it will just be up to Ramsdale to try and reach these lofty heights once more, donning a Leeds strip.

After all, he is well accustomed to the trials and tribulations of a relegation battle, having just accumulated a high 4.2 saves per Premier League tie for basement side Southampton.

Games played

183

Matches won

70

Losses

89

Saves made

595

Penalties saved

3x

Errors leading to goals

6x

Goals conceded

278

Clean sheets

41

The table above definitely reinforces how experienced Ramsdale is in the Premier League, despite only being a year older than Kelleher, with a near 200 games now played in the elite division. To add context, as a back-up face at Liverpool, his Cork-born counterpart has barely hit 30 clashes at 25 overall.

Therefore, whilst he will have an error in his back locker like Meslier, Leeds fans would surely feel more confident that the 27-year-old would come good over the gamble of Kelleher at £30m.

It will be fascinating to see who the Whites do eventually pick up in his vital position, knowing they cannot rely on Meslier if they are to beat the drop.

Gnonto 2.0: Farke continuing Leeds talks to sign £10m “physical monster”

Leeds United might secure their next Wilfried Gnonto by purchasing this £10m-rated youngster.

ByKelan Sarson May 30, 2025

Throughout the 2024/25 Premier League campaign, Arne Slot has utilised a strong core of players to help his Liverpool side claim the Premier League title.

The Reds have to ensure that work is done over the summer to bolster the squad and ensure that he has enough depth to mount another charge for top spot.

It was unthinkable that the Dutchman would be able to achieve such a feat during his debut campaign at the helm, especially after taking over from fan favourite Jürgen Klopp.

However, next season presents a whole new prospect, going from the hunters to the hunted, with the former Feyenoord boss setting the bar as to what’s expected during his spell in charge.

With the transfer window now just around the corner, work has already commenced behind the scenes to hand the manager the best chance of retaining their crown.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new talent this summer

Left-back Milos Kerkez has been on their radar over the last couple of months, with the Hungarian enjoying a season to remember in the Premier League with Bournemouth.

It’s been confirmed in recent days that talks are progressing for the 21-year-old star who could be available for around the £45m mark during the off-season.

However, the defender isn’t the only player in England’s top-flight that’s caught the hierarchy’s attention, with Brighton’s Joao Pedro a target, according to Ben Jacobs.

The journalist confirmed that the Reds are big admirers of the 23-year-old forward after notching ten goals and six assists in just 27 games for the Seagulls.

He also stated that the Brazilian is seen as a potential replacement for Darwin Núñez, who’s been linked with a move away from Anfield, but any transfer could set them back around £60m.

Why Liverpool’s £60m target could be Slot’s next Mac Allister

Midfielder Alexis Mac Allister has been a key component to Liverpool’s success this campaign, cementing his place at the heart of the side alongside Ryan Gravenberch.

The Argentinian international has featured in 35 of the 37 league outings to date, having a huge impact in attacking areas – as seen by his tally of five goals and five assists.

However, he’s also starred without the ball, winning 61% of the tackles he’s entered, along with 5.9 duels won per 90 – offering Slot the perfect box-to-box option in his midfield.

Such performances have led to calls for him to be included in the division’s Team of the Season, highlighting the impact he’s had in the Reds’ title triumph.

His £35m deal from Brighton in the summer of 2023 now appears to be a bargain, with Slot having the opportunity to replicate such a deal with Pedro this summer.

The Brazilian, who’s been labelled “ridiculous” by one analyst, has been a key reason in the success endured under Fabian Hürzeler this campaign, able to transfer such a skillset to Anfield.

His underlying stats highlight how impressive he’s been at the AMEX, registering 2.2 shots per 90, with one of which per game directed on target – handing the manager the added attacking presence he desires.

Games played

27

Goals scored

10

Assists

6

Pass accuracy

75%

Shots taken

2.2

Shots on target per 90

1

Chances created

1.4

Dribbles completed

1.4

Aerials won

1.9

The Brazilian also managed to complete 75% of the passes he’s attempted, along with 1.4 chances created per 90, offering other attacking players around him the chance to thrive.

Pedro’s talents don’t stop there, completing 1.4 dribbles per 90 and winning 1.9 aerial duels per 90, with his all-round talents aiding the club in their quest to retain the title in 2025/26.

£60m may seem a hefty fee for the striker, but he’s already showcased that he’s capable of being a success in the Premier League – subsequently not needing to adapt to the demands it presents.

Should he get close to the levels produced by Mac Allister on Merseyside in recent months, it would be yet another super deal and one that could be a key factor in any future success.

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Liverpool could land a star who could replicate the talents of Roberto Firmino at Anfield.

ByEthan Lamb May 21, 2025