With Leeds United looking to solve their biggest problem this summer, one transfer target is now reportedly ready to quit his current Premier League club in favour of a move to Elland Road.
Leeds' goalkeeper problem
After winning the Championship title and sealing automatic promotion to the Premier League, Leeds still have one major problem to address this summer. And that comes courtesy of Ilian Meslier. The shot-stopper is at the centre of Leeds’ greatest weakness and very nearly derailed his side’s promotion until Daniel Farke ruthlessly replaced him with second-choice Karl Darlow.
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He could be a major upgrade.
2
By
Tom Cunningham
May 9, 2025
However, the current No 2 is far from a permanent solution ahead of the Whites’ return to the Premier League, and the 49ers seem to be well aware of that.
Already, a number of Meslier replacements have been mentioned as the summer transfer window approaches, and Leeds will have to narrow their shortlist down if they are to finally solve their goalkeeper problem.
Two names mentioned have been Caoimhin Kelleher and Djordje Petrovic in recent reports. Both goalkeepers have endured excellent seasons, with Kelleher often called in to replace an injured Alisson Becker at Liverpool as they secured the Premier League title, and Chelsea loanee Petrovic providing some standout numbers on loan at Ligue 1 side Strasbourg.
Both would be instant upgrades on Meslier, whose mistakes came around more and more often at Leeds throughout the campaign. They were mistakes that went unpunished eventually, but mistakes that could ultimately cost the Yorkshire side their Premier League place if repeated next season.
After dropping his goalkeeper for Darlow in April, Farke told reporters: “Obviously he was involved in both [Swansea] goals in the last game, and it was a shame because after the penalty save he was on his way to being man of the match.
“So it was clear we had to make a decision. And we had to make it early in the week, because in that position the players need clarity, and Karl [Darlow] needs the time to prepare.”
Leeds receive Sam Johnstone boost
Meanwhile, if it’s not to be Petrovic or Kelleher this summer, then those at Elland Road could reportedly turn towards another Premier League option.
According to Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, Sam Johnstone is now ready to quit Wolverhampton Wanderers to join Leeds this summer.
The experienced shot-stopper has often found himself behind Jose Sa in the pecking order in the Midlands and could now leave the club just one summer after arriving. Wolves’ No 2 could quickly become Leeds’ No 1 as a result, with the 49ers already thought to be plotting a move to sign the former West Bromwich Albion man.
Previously praised for a “sensational” save by Gary Lineker, Johnstone will be desperate to regain a starting place away from Wolves this summer and replacing Meslier would hand him the chance to do exactly that.
At 32 years old, however, there may be some concerns around Elland Road over the goalkeeper’s ability to become a long-term solution to their biggest problem ahead of a vital Premier League campaign.
Leeds United have now joined the race to sign a £20m Championship star, who amassed more goals than fellow target Gustavo Hamer across the 2024-25 campaign, according to a report.
Leeds looking to raid Championship clubs after promotion
With Leeds securing the 2024-25 Championship title, they are now at liberty to raid some of their former rivals for their best players, and it appears as though that could well be one of the strategies heading into the summer transfer window.
Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer is one of the potential targets, with the Whites now said to be plotting a move for the Brazil-born midfielder, who missed out on promotion in gutting fashion, courtesy of Tommy Watson’s last-gasp winner for Sunderland.
It is little wonder that Daniel Farke’s side are keen on the 27-year-old, considering the level of his performances for the Blades, with the maestro regularly chipping in with goals and assists to fuel his side’s promotion charge.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Championship
41
9
7
Play-offs
3
1
1
However, Hamer is not the only Championship attacker on Leeds’ shortlist, with a report from The Sun stating they have now joined the race to sign Middlesbrough star Finn Azaz, alongside AFC Bournemouth and Crystal Palace.
Michael Carrick will likely be unwilling to lose Azaz, given the level of his performances over the past two seasons, and he is thought to be valued at £20m, which means the Whites will have to shell out a sizeable fee for his services.
The Irishman is thought to be high on their shopping list, however, and a move to the Premier League could appeal to the attacking midfielder, given that he has certainly earned the chance to prove himself in the top flight.
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ByDominic Lund May 27, 2025 Azaz outperforming Hamer in the Championship
Indeed, at 24-years-old the maestro could be entering his prime years, and his performances in the Championship last season suggest he could make a real impact at Premier League level, collecting 12 goals and 11 assists in 45 outings.
The Ireland international outperformed Hamer in terms of attacking numbers, while also placing in the 83rd percentile for assists per 90 over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.
As such, there was some controversy that the London-born attacker was overlooked for the end-of-season awards, but his omission likely relates to the fact that Middlesbrough finished in 10th place.
While Azaz’s attacking quality wasn’t enough to secure Boro a play-off spot, he could be a real difference-maker in Leeds avoiding relegation next season.
In what would be quite the move, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly expressed interest in hijacking a move to sign 19-year-old talent who has already held talks with Arsenal.
Wolves searching for Cunha replacement
Top of Wolves’ wishlist remains signing a replacement for Matheus Cunha this summer. The Brazilian is reportedly set to join Manchester United, who will trigger his £63m release clause, even after they lost the Europa League final and failed to qualify for the Champions League as a result. Left with money to burn, those at Molineux will have quite the task on their hands in the coming months.
With Premier League safety long confirmed, Wolves have at least had the luxury of turning their attention towards the summer transfer window before the season has even reached a conclusion.
As a result, names such as Yuri Alberto have been back in the headlines as of late. According to recent reports, Vitor Pereira has now requested a reunion with the Corinthians star in the coming months and he could yet arrive to become Wolves’ Cunha replacement.
It would be a fitting reward for Pereira, who has transformed Wolves ever since arriving to replace Gary O’Neil to earn a nomination for the Premier League Manager of the Season award in the process.
He will undoubtedly be one to watch next season in his first full year in charge in the Midlands. Whether the summer transfer window only boosts expectations remains to be seen, but even if it’s not Alberto, a Cunha replacement seems top of Wolves’ list of priorities.
Wolves interested in hijacking Carrizo deal
If it’s not Alberto then it could be a surprise candidate who replaces Cunha this summer. According to Velez Sarsfield journalist Martin Etcheverry, Wolves are now interested in hijacking a deal to sign Maher Carrizo, who has already held talks with Arsenal, Manchester United and Manchester City.
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Still just 19 years old, Carrizo has a promising future ahead of him and one which could, ultimately, lie away from Argentine club Velez. With a release clause worth just £14m, a deal would certainly be feasible for Wolves, who wouldn’t be outspent by those in the Premier League’s top six on this occasion.
A “superb prospect” according to scout/analyst Jacek Kulig, Wolves would be welcoming a player who could step into Cunha’s role for years to come if they have the right patience. The Midlands club will have money to spend this summer and Carrizo should be among the players they attempt to splash out on this summer.
Liverpool football club has been the home to countless attacking talents over the years, helping numerous managers claim various levels of success at Anfield.
Roberto Firmino will undoubtedly go down as one of the most underrated strikers in Premier League history, thriving beyond all imagination on Merseyside after joining from Hoffenheim back in 2015.
The Brazilian forward managed to notch a total of 111 goals in his 362 appearances for the club, helping the side win the Premier League back in 2020 under former boss Jürgen Klopp.
However, fast forward to the present day, current manager Arne Slot lacks that centre-forward presence, with current options Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota likely to be moved on during the summer.
Such dealings would leave a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, which would see the Dutchman need to dip into the transfer market to bolster his forward line during the transfer window.
The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Given the achievements Liverpool have claimed in 2024/25, it’s no surprise to see countless players linked with a switch to join the club to aid their ambitions of replicating the success next season.
Jonathan David, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with a move to join the Reds over the last couple of weeks – with all three undoubtedly offering Slot a new dimension in the final third.
Galatasaray's VictorOsimhencelebrates scoring a goal that was later disallowed
However, another name has been thrown into the mix, in the form of Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Joao Pedro, that’s if Ben Jacobs’ latest update is to be believed.
He states that the hierarchy has been monitoring the 23-year-old star, who’s netted ten goals for Fabian Hurzeler’s outfit across all competitions this campaign.
Jacobs also confirmed that the Brazilian star has constantly impressed behind the scenes, which could lead to a move being prepared ahead of the upcoming window.
Why Liverpool’s latest target would be Slot's own Firmino
Given Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker, Pedro isn’t the only name to be linked with a switch to Merseyside, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké another name previously mentioned.
Eintracht Frankfurt's HugoEkitikecelebrates
The 22-year-old has been an all-round threat in the Bundesliga this year, notching 33 combined goals and assists in his 46 appearances for the German side.
Such form has put multiple clubs on red alert, including the Reds, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal also previously in the race to land his signature.
However, Ekitike could cost a small fortune during the summer, with Frankfurt demanding a fee in the region of £80m to part ways with the French international.
When comparing his stats to those of Pedro throughout 2024/25, the Brighton gem has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – potentially being Slot’s own Firmino, given the Brazilian connection, but also their similar playstyle.
The Seagulls star, who’s been labelled “sensational” by talent scout Antonio Mango, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, thus able to follow his compatriot given his clinical edge in attacking areas.
He’s also completed more passes into the final third, whilst winning more aerial duels – handing Slot a superb option like Firmino given Pedro’s ability to drop into pockets whilst still offering a threat in the 18-yard box.
Games played
27
31
Goals & assists
16
22
Progressive passes
3.6
1.9
Shot-on-target accuracy
38%
37%
Passes into final third
1.9
0.8
Aerials won
48%
47%
Fouls won
2.1
0.5
Pedro has also completed more through balls per 90, allowing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to further improve their own tallies, which will certainly bolster the chances of retaining the Premier League.
Whilst both options would be stellar signings for the Reds this summer, it’s clear that the Brighton star would be the better out of the two names – already having the experience of featuring in England’s top-division.
It’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back, but it would be worth every penny, having all the tools to emulate Firmino’s success on Merseyside and take the side to new heights.
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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.
Liverpool head coach Arne Slot
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.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
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.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister
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.
Brighton striker Joao Pedro
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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The 2024/25 season has seen a number of clubs break long-standing trophy droughts. February saw Newcastle United end decades of waiting for a major trophy as they took home the EFL Cup at the expense of would-be Premier League champions Liverpool.
Their 2-1 win over the Reds brought an end to the longest trophy drought of any 2024/25 Premier League club, with the Toon’s previous triumph coming in 1969 when they won the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup, the predecessor to the UEFA Cup and Europa League.
Three months later, Crystal Palace created history by securing their first major trophy in the FA Cup final after a 1-0 victory over Manchester City, who failed to win any major silverware in a season for the first time since 2016/17.
They join Premier League champions Liverpool as cup winners, with the Reds now having won a major trophy in five of the last seven seasons.
Meanwhile, Tottenham finally ended their wait for major silverware as they lifted the Europa League in May 2025, defeating Manchester United for their first trophy in 17 years.
Rank
Club
Last trophy
Year
Trophy drought
Southampton
FA Cup
1976
Wolves
League Cup
1980
Ipswich
UEFA Cup
1981
Nottingham Forest
League Cup
1990
Everton
FA Cup
1995
Aston Villa
League Cup
1996
Arsenal
FA Cup
2020
Leicester
FA Cup
2021
Chelsea
Club World Cup
2022
West Ham
Conference League
2023
Man City
Premier League
2024
Man Utd
FA Cup
2024
Newcastle
League Cup
2025
Liverpool
Premier League
2025
Crystal Palace
FA Cup
2025
Tottenham
Europa League
2025
Here, we take a deeper look at the longest trophy droughts among 2024/25 Premier League clubs. To qualify for this list, they must have won at least one major trophy, so no room for Community Shields or Intertoto Cups here.
16 Tottenham Hotspur 2024/25 Europa League winners
You can’t say we weren’t warned. Ange Postecoglou ALWAYS wins in his second season at a club – even Tottenham.
However, if their league form was anything to go by – Spurs went into their 2024/25 Europa League final in 17th place – you’d have thought there was no chance of the Lilywhites going all the way in Europe.
But after 17 years and several false dawns – particularly after the 2019 Champions League final defeat under Mauricio Pochettino – the Australian boss finally delivered a trophy to Spurs. Their long trophy drought is no more.
15 Crystal Palace 2024/25 FA Cup winners
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
Crystal Palace headed into the 2025 FA Cup final looking to win a major piece of silverware for the first time. It was their third FA Cup final since their first in 1990, and after successive defeats to Manchester United at the showpiece event, it was neighbours Manchester City who stood in their way this time around.
Despite being heavy underdogs, a brave, accomplished performance from Oliver Glasner’s side saw Eberechi Eze’s first-half strike prove to be the difference, with City culpable of fluffing huge chances, including a missed penalty from Omar Marmoush.
The result means Palace can join most of their Premier League rivals as trophy winners, and go for more glory next season in the 2025/26 Europa League.
14 Liverpool 2024/25 Premier League winners
While they haven’t officially got their hands on the trophy, Liverpool were confirmed as the new kings of England in April 2025 following a dominant campaign they never looked like slipping up in.
The previous few years have been incredibly kind to the Anfield faithful, winning a raft of honours under the leadership of Jürgen Klopp. A sixth European Cup was won in 2019 before the Reds finally ended a 30-year league title drought by claiming the Premier League.
Many felt Slot would have a difficult time of things during his maiden campaign on Merseyside, but the Dutchman has ushered the club into a new era easier than many anticipated.
13 Newcastle United 2024/25 EFL Cup winners
Newcastle United'sAlexanderIsak
Eddie Howe truly earned his hero status on Tyneside by ending almost 60 years of hurt with victory in the 2025 EFL Cup final against Liverpool.
Goals from Dan Burn and Alexander Isak handed glory to the Toon at Wembley, securing European football and potentially setting up a new era of challenging at the top end of the Premier League once again.
Now a force to be reckoned with, it would be a huge surprise if they take another 56 years to win another trophy.
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ByStephan Georgiou Feb 8, 2024 12 Manchester United 1 year (last trophy: 2023/24 FA Cup)
Manchester United may be going through their toughest period since Sir Alex Ferguson’s time in charge, but it hasn’t diminished their ability to win trophies.
The Premier League title has eluded the Red Devils since 2013, but the club have managed to win two League Cups, two FA Cups and a Europa League crown in the previous 11 years – but their defeat in the most recent Europa League final left them trophyless in 2024/25.
11 Manchester City 1 year (last trophy: 2023/24 Premier League)
Until their takeover by Sheikh Mansour in 2008, Manchester City had not won a major trophy since winning the League Cup during the 1975/76 season.
However, since 2008, the Etihad outfit have claimed eight Premier League titles, three FA Cups, six League Cups and a coveted Champions League title in 2023 as part of a historic treble.
Pep Guardiola has transformed the side into a winning machine, and despite enduring a poor season by their high standards, City will always be in the hunt for silverware.
However, their 2024/25 campaign came to a disastrous conclusion when they failed to take home any major trophy, with defeat in the FA Cup final to Crystal Palace rather summing up their season.
It marks their first trophyless campaign since Guardiola’s first in 2016/17, when they finished third and only made the semi-finals of the FA Cup.
Nobody expects their ‘drought’ to last long, though it does leave the team in an incredibly unfamiliar position.
10 West Ham United 2 years (last trophy: 2023 Conference League)
Due to West Ham United winning the Conference League in 2023, their ‘drought’ is only a single year. David Moyes had led his club to the semi-finals of the Europa League a year prior, but they went one step further in Europe’s third-tier competition.
Can Graham Potter lead them back onto the continental stage? Only time will tell.
9 Chelsea 3 years (last trophy: 2021 Club World Cup)
Chelsea’s two-year trophy drought must feel like a lifetime for the supporters, especially due to the problems they have endured on the pitch since the start of the 2022/23 season.
Their last trophy came in February 2022, with the Blues taking part in a pandemic-delayed edition of the Club World Cup following their 2021 Champions League triumph.
Chelsea are now on their fourth permanent manager since August 2022, but signs do look positive that Enzo Maresca will eventually get the club back in the winner’s circle.
Much will depend on whether he is given the time required to build his team into one that can return to the Champions League. If so, the Stamford Bridge side could prove to be challengers at the top once again.
8 Leicester City 4 years (last trophy: 2021 FA Cup)
Leicester City’s fairytale Premier League title triumph in 2016 was their first major trophy since winning the League Cup in 2000.
Indeed, with the money involved in the game these days, the likelihood of a club like the Foxes claiming the Premier League title is as unrealistic as ever.
Five years after this triumph, the club won the FA Cup courtesy of a 1-0 win over Chelsea, winning the competition for the first time in their history after losing four finals on the spin.
7 Arsenal 5 years (last trophy: 2020 FA Cup)
For all that Mikel Arteta has done since taking over Arsenal at the end of 2019, the FA Cup won in August 2020 remains his only trophy.
The Gunners have made strides in the top flight, finishing second in the previous two seasons – the first time they have managed back-to-back top-two finishes for 20 years.
Liverpool ran away with the title this season, but the club appear to be on the right trajectory having qualified for the Champions League once again and been one match away from the final in 2024/25.
Chelsea’s eventful summer window so far has produced plenty of different stories emerging from behind-the-scenes, with Enzo Maresca still looking to bolster his squad further and preferably in time for the Club World Cup later this month.
BlueCo have just two more days to register new players before the competition begins, and with £97 million worth of prize money on the line, it is little surprise that Stamford Bridge chiefs want to take it seriously.
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Striker Liam Delap has already been signed from Ipswich for around £30 million, the value of his release clause, and he’s set to snub a spot in Lee Carsley’s England Under-21 squad for the Euros so he can feature at the CWC for Chelsea.
“I am definitely not disappointed,” said Carsley on Delap not leading the line for England.
“I am delighted for Liam and his family. I think it is a brilliant thing for an English centre-forward to play in the Premier League at such a prestigious club like Chelsea. Hopefully he will do really well there and push for the senior team. We will move on, we moved on quite quickly.
England's LiamDelapin action with Portugal's Francisco Chissumba
“I think we have always known that two or three of the players could move to clubs that were playing in the Club World Cup and we have been preparing for this for a while.”
In terms of who could join Delap in time for the CWC, Chelsea have a number of different plates spinning.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea
8.08
Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town
8.05
Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa
8.04
Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton
7.83
Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town
7.55
via WhoScored
Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké continues to among Chelsea’s top priorities, while new talks have been held over a move for Ajax defender Jorrel Hato this week (Simon Phillips). Chelsea also have a number of rumoured top targets for the wing, including Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.
AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract, remains high on the agenda as well.
AC Milan's MikeMaignanreacts
Chelsea opened talks with Milan over signing Maignan, and the France international is believed to be equally keen on a move to Stamford Bridge. However, as Milan demand around £25 million to sell their captain, with Chelsea only wanting to pay £10 million (Sky Sports), they are looking to find common ground on his price tag.
Chelsea could force Robert Sanchez out if they sign Mike Maignan
According to journalist Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider, if they do seal a deal for the 29-year-old, it could spell trouble for Robert Sanchez in particular.
The mainstay keeper started 32 Premier League matches under Maresca last term, but it is believed Maignan’s potential arrival could push Sanchez out of the Chelsea exit door, alongside fellow shot-stopper Djordje Petrovic.
Chelsea’s extensive backlog of keepers, which still includes £150,000-per-week outcast Kepa Arrizabalaga, needs to be trimmed.
Maignan is a truly “elite” keeper, as described by Liverpool star Alisson, so he’s definitely worth having for a cut-price fee, but it is a given that Chelsea will have to find new homes for half of the shot-stoppers in their squad as well.
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.
Karl Darlow
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.
Liverpool's CaoimhinKelleher
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.
Manchester City are getting through plenty of work at an early stage of the transfer window and could now pounce for one of Europe’s brightest attacking talents, according to a report.
Manchester City look to push Rayan Ait-Nouri deal over the line
While Rayan Cherki and Tijjani Reijnders look set to join Manchester City from Lyon and AC Milan, respectively, there may be more good news on the way for Citizens’ supporters if David Ornstein’s latest update on business at the Etihad Stadium is anything to go by.
With the Club World Cup approaching and the need for signings to help Pep Guardiola evident, Rayan Ait-Nouri is closing in on a move to the blue half of Manchester from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Manchester City's Omar Marmoush in action with Wolverhampton Wanderers' RayanAit-Nouri
Although a full agreement has yet to be reached between all parties, there is an expectation that the Algerian left-back will head to Manchester City shortly to compete with Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake on the left-hand side of defence.
Intriguingly, Guardiola has admitted he wants to run with a small squad to ensure he is able to allocate minutes appropriately rather than harbouring fringe stars with no realistic prospect of first-team football.
“I said to the club I don’t want that (a large squad). I don’t want to leave five or six players in the freezer. I don’t want that. I will quit. Make a shorter squad, I will stay.”
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His comments indicate that a quality over quantity approach may be the method of action taken to streamline his group after a trophyless season. Putting emphasis on the ‘quality’ he craves, Guardiola could now move for one of Europe’s most explosive young talents to provide a fresh injection on the flanks.
Manchester City line up swoop for Bradley Barcola
According to CaughtOffside, Manchester City have extensively scouted Paris Saint-Germain star Bradley Barcola during his excellent campaign for the French giants.
The outlet claim the 22-year-old could be a long-term replacement for Jack Grealish at the Etihad, though the Champions League holders are said to value the winger at around £101 million.
Bradley Barcola’s superb campaign for PSG – Ligue 1 (Fotmob)
Completed dribbles
34
Successful crosses
7
Shots on target
39
Chances created
50
Expected goals
13.58
Touches in opposition box
228
Becoming a force on the flank, Barcola registered 21 goals and 19 assists in 58 appearances across all competitions for PSG, which has also seen Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur coming to the table for his signature.
Nevertheless, Luis Enrique isn’t keen to lose one of his star men and is set to offer the Lyon-born star a contract that would see him remain at the Parc des Princes until 2030.
Manchester City are on the lookout for talent to shape the next few years of silverware they hope to achieve and Barcola would be someone who could thrive under Guardiola’s tutelage if he were to pitch up on English shores.
Aston Villa have opened direct transfer talks with one player over joining Unai Emery next season, according to reports, as the Premier League top five contenders attempt to build upon another impressive campaign.
Aston Villa seal vital win over Tottenham in Champions League race
Nerves were rife throughout Villa Park in their crunch encounter against Tottenham on Friday night, before their opening goal 30 minutes from full-time, with defender Ezri Konsa breaking the deadlock before Boubacar Kamara doubled their advantage.
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Villa eventually ran out 2-0 victors over Ange Postecoglou’s side and cemented a crucial win in their chase for Champions League qualification.
Ezri Konsa
The result means Emery’s side are still right in the thick of it, as they contend for a top five finish heading into the Premier League final matchday, and it is shaping up to be a dramatic last game with six teams involved in the battle for Europe.
Race for Champions League qualification
Points
2. Arsenal
68
3. Newcastle United
66
4. Chelsea
66
5. Aston Villa
66
6. Man City
65
7. Nottingham Forest
62
Emery, speaking after their victory against struggling Spurs, heaped praise on his players for making their home ground a serious fortress.
“I’m very grateful for the supporters,” Emery said. “Here, we are feeling strong and we’re feeling comfortable. We only lost one match here in the Premier League, the first match against Arsenal. Progressively, we were getting better. Of course, we drew some matches in the way, and now we are missing some points from those moments, but we have to accept it.
“We have to accept the 37 matches we’ve played being consistent, more or less, and getting the moment we are in now, feeling good and in our best moment. We’re achieving the challenges we are facing. We enjoyed in the FA Cup and in Carabao Cup, but mostly our moment in the Champions League.
Aston Villa manager UnaiEmerybefore the match
“The Premier League is the most important competition we are facing because through it we are getting again our main objective, and the objective is to be in Europe.
“We are in Europe next year, but we are in the running for the Champions League positions, and we can have chances in the last match in Manchester to get it.”
Aston Villa open talks with Axel Disasi over joining next season
The result of their Champions League chase will have direct effects on their recruitment plans off the field, but that hasn’t stopped NSWE and Monchi from making moves behind-the-scenes.
Chelsea loanee Axel Disasi could remain beyond 2024/2025, with the Frenchman very highly-rated by Emery, his coaching staff and Villa’s transfer chiefs.
That is according to Foot Mercato, who state that Villa have already opened talks with Disasi over joining them next season.
The 27-year-old cost Chelsea £39 million to sign from Monaco in 2023, and Fabrizio Romano recently claimed that they’re keen to sell him for profit this summer. It is unclear how much Villa would be willing to pay to keep Disasi in the Midlands, but he could be a significant addition.
The defender has been called a “leader” at times, and his experience at the top level could be invaluable for Emery.