Everton are now close to signing a “strong” £34 million player after agreeing personal terms, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
Everton set to turn to alternative targets after missing out on Tete
Signing a new right-back has become one of David Moyes’ priorities in this transfer window, as the club decided to let Ashley Young leave, following the expiration of his contract. Seamus Coleman has signed a new one-year deal to remain, but Moyes wants more competition in that area of the team and earmarked Fulham’s Kenny Tete as a target.
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The Toffees were confident of landing the defender after discussing details over a contract, but instead, Tete decided to sign a new contract at Fulham and remain at Craven Cottage. The right-back has extended his stay until 2028 and believes Fulham is a “special club where he can develop”.
This news means Everton have to continue their search for a new right-back, and the BBC have reported that alternative targets for the Toffees could include Kyle Walker-Peters, who is a free agent after leaving Southampton, or Vladimir Coufal, who is also a free agent and knows Moyes well from their time at West Ham.
While they assess their options for a new right-back, the Premier League side appear to be closing in on their second signing of the summer.
Everton close to signing £34m Barry after agreeing personal terms
According to Romano, Everton are now close to signing striker Thierno Barry from Spanish side Villarreal.
The Italian states that the deal has advanced, as the Toffees and the player have now agreed personal terms; all that remains are the final details, and then this transfer is complete.
It’s been widely reported that Barry has a release clause worth £34 million, and Villarreal’s sporting director, Fernando Roig Nogueroles, has been clear that if the player is to leave, it will be for around that price.
He said: “We want the player, and if he were to leave, it would have to be, if not for the release clause, something very close to it. If not, he won’t leave.”
Apps
35
Starts
25
Goals
11
xG
12.41
Goals per game
0.3
Shots on target per game
0.7
Goal conversion
15%
Assists
4
xAG
1.95
Big chances created
7
The Toffees are said to be prepared to pay that sum of money but may look to pay in installments to reach that figure in total. The arrival of Barry, who has been dubbed a “strong physique”, has just got more important for Everton, as on Monday, Dominic Calvert-Lewin announced that he was leaving the club following the end of his contract, meaning options at the top end of the pitch have just become even lighter.
Barry’s expected arrival will likely see him become Moyes’ regular striker, as his physical presence and stature make him the perfect striker in a Moyes team.
Tottenham Hotspur are in the market for another new forward this summer after sealing a permanent deal for Mathys Tel, with Thomas Frank reportedly eager to reinforce his brand-new squad ahead of the tactician’s debut campaign in the Champions League.
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It will be Frank’s first-ever season managing in Europe’s most illustrious competition, and far more eyes will be on the Dane in comparison to his successful stint at mid-table Brentford.
The pressure that comes with leading a ‘big six’ side will be very new to the 51-year-old, but it is something that Frank will need to take in his stride over the course of this three-year contract.
“Thomas Frank has done a brilliant job at Brentford, but this is a whole different kettle of fish,” said BBC Radio 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
“Because of the expectation at Tottenham, Frank won’t get time to get his feet under the table. He will be under pressure from the off. Postecoglou has just won them their first major European trophy for 41 years and has gone. So already you have to wonder what does Frank need to do this season to keep his job?
“The aim for Frank will be to keep them in the Champions League, and whether that is by making the top four or five, that is not going to be easy. That is a big ask for this squad, to compete on both fronts. We know this Tottenham team is better than 17th place, because they finished fifth in Postecoglou’s first year, but other Premier League teams have improved since then.”
Above all, Frank will need backing in the transfer market, and their indefinite deal for Tel simply won’t be enough.
Son’s very possible move to Saudi Arabia, which would put an end to his legendary 10-year stay at N17, has exacerbated Frank’s need for another proven winger, with Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo among their key targets in that regard.
Tottenham make contact over signing Antoine Semenyo
Tottenham have already been tipped to make a £65 million bid for Semenyo, but that won’t be enough, as journalist Pete O’Rourke explains to Football Insider this week.
According to the reporter, Spurs have made contact over a deal for Semenyo, with the Cherries having placed a £70 million valuation on their star front man. However, if Frank’s side meet this price tag and make the Ghanaian their club-record signing, Bournemouth are confident they can sign a “swift” replacement and have a “contingency plan” in place.
O’Rourke adds that there is a “real possibility” that Bournemouth could lose Semenyo amid Spurs’ approach, and he could be their fourth high-profile exit of the window after Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez and potentially Illia Zabarnyi, who’s in advanced talks to join PSG.
The 25-year-old bagged 13 goals and seven assists in all competitions last season, playing a decent mixture of roles on the left and right-hand side.
Semenyo’s versatility and proven Premier League experience would be invaluable for Frank, but Daniel Levy will need to dig deep into his pockets.
Wrexham will no doubt be a busy club this summer as they attempt to tweak their personnel to fit into their fresh Championship surroundings.
The Red Dragons finally got the ball running with their first pick-up recently, with second-tier goal machine Ryan Hardie leaving Plymouth Argyle behind for a new adventure in Wales.
The now former Pilgrims number nine has an impressive 22 Championship strikes next to his name from 77 appearances at the level, with a hefty ten of those coming just last campaign, even as Argyle heartbreakingly slipped down to League One.
He will get more chances to strut his stuff in the EFL’s elite league with Phil Parkinson’s men, however, with this already bumper goal tally hopefully rising even more at the Racehorse Ground.
Hardie's reputation as a goal machine
The lethal Scotsman ended up being one of the very few select players to come out of Plymouth’s relegation season with their heads still held high.
Even if his individual season didn’t turn out to be that memorable, he still will have departed Home Park this summer as a modern icon of the club.
In total, Hardie bagged a colossal 74 goals from 248 appearances in Devon, with Wrexham excited to see what heights the 28-year-old can soar to as one of their main marksmen after promotion.
After all, with Paul Mullin rumoured to be off, the Red Dragons needed to bolster up top. But, the attacking signings might not be done just yet, as another statement deal involving a Championship regular could be in the offing to help Hardie become even more potent.
The "vital" star who could make Hardie even better
Whilst Hardie’s goal tally last season was seriously impressive, he might well have been hampered by the situation he found himself in at the foot of the second tier.
Wrexham will be aiming not to get sucked into any similar battles against the drop, and with potential signings such as Barry Bannan entering the door, no such dog-fights should be on the agenda.
On the contrary, Bannan’s potential arrival on the scene could have Wrexham dreaming of back-to-back promotions, with a report from football journalist Alan Nixon earlier this month talking up the prospect of the skilful 35-year-old midfielder swapping Hillsborough for pastures new in North Wales.
Of course, the Owls wouldn’t just let their long-standing servant leave so easily, but the Red Dragons have already poached one Championship superstar in Hardie, with Bannan perhaps the next to link up with Parkinson’s men to enhance the ex-Plymouth striker’s output.
Games played
374
77
Goals scored
18
22
Assists
51
7
Evidently a legend of the EFL now, even as he reaches the twilight years of his career, Hardie’s fellow compatriot continues to deliver the goods in terms of goals and assists in the taxing division, as seen in nine of his 69 overall goal contributions in the Championship coming in 2024/25 for Danny Rohl’s men.
Creating eight big chances along the way too, Bannan would be desperate to slot straight into his new Wrexham side and be as classy, with Hardie equally champing at the bit to line up alongside such illustrious company to try up his second-tier goal haul.
There has been talk to suggest that the much-loved figure at Hillsborough could opt to sign a new Owls deal before the month is out, with former Wednesday boss Darren Moore once labelling the diminutive ace as “vital” to the team’s cause.
But, if the clock continues to tick away and a deal isn’t struck, Wrexham will feel quietly confident that they could win his services for zilch, with Hardie potentially going on to be an even more effective goal machine partnered next to Bannan.
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Liverpool’s blooming transfer window has been dominated by noise surrounding the frontline.
Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz continues to be at the heart of discussions regarding a British-record transfer to Anfield, while the uncertain futures of Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa suggest a new forward could be signed. Luis Diaz is also of a vested interest in Barcelona and suitors in the Saudi Pro League.
Of course, Liverpool have already addressed two key concerns across Arne Slot’s defensive flanks. With Trent Alexander-Arnold now soaking up the Spanish sun, Jeremie Frimpong has been welcomed from Leverkusen, and Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez is entering the closing stages of a transfer to Merseyside.
The protracted bid for Wirtz rumbles on, but the expectation is that the elite German playmaker will sign. After this point, FSG will have sorted out the bulk of their transfer activity nice and early, with just one or two tweaks left to be made.
Florian Wirtz
There may be a ton of noise thundering from the attacking third, but Liverpool have already attempted to hitch a raid on Bournemouth for their now-sold star centre-back.
Why Liverpool need a centre-back
Last month, Dean Huijsen signed for Real Madrid after the La Liga superpower activated his £50m release clause. Analyst Ben Mattinson had declared the Spaniard was “the most in-demand centre-back in the world.”
AFC Bournemouth's DeanHuijsen
Liverpool, along with the rest of the Premier League, wanted to sign the 20-year-old, but Los Blancos’ calling cry is strong, and they have indeed prevailed.
However, there are other central defenders on the market, and Huijsen’s performances for Spain across their recent Nations League showdowns illustrate that he still has much to learn from the craft.
Minutes played
90′
120′
Goals
0
0
Assists
0
0
Touches
77
123
Accurate passes
58/66 (88%)
101/112 (90%)
Key passes
0
0
Long balls
1/4
4/10
Possession lost
8x
11x
Tackles + interceptions
4
3
Clearances
3
7
Duels won
1/3
1/4
Names such as Marc Guehi and Ousmane Diomande have been touted, but FSG might find the perfect new defensive force over in the Netherlands, with the club’s Dutch contingent widening apace.
Liverpool open talks for Huijsen alternative
It would have been nice to bring Huijsen into the fold, but missing out on a Real Madrid-bound player is hardly the be-all and end-all.
Especially when FSG have since moved for another elite young talent in Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, who, according to Caught Offside, is known to be on Liverpool’s radar after sporting director Richard Hughes made an approach to gather information concerning a deal for the dynamic defender.
Ajax Amsterdam's JorrelHatocelebrates after the match
Chelsea appear to be in the driving seat, having made contact with the player’s entourage in recent days, while Arsenal are also keen.
Ajax are resigned to selling their 19-year-old star this summer, but only for the right fee. The Eredivisie giants will hold firm on their €50m (£43m) asking price.
Why Liverpool want Jorrel Hato
All of a Liverpool persuasion breathed a collective sigh of relief when Netherlands icon Virgil van Dijk extended his stay on Merseyside by two more years.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk
Mohamed Salah takes the plaudits for his unrelenting attacking output, but the 33-year-old Van Dijk is every bit as influential, and finding a successor will be an onerous task indeed.
Well, it could be, if Hato isn’t brought into the fold. The teenage defender, also Dutch, has already made 111 senior appearances for Ajax, demonstrating a prodigious level of technical skill.
Jorrel Hato in action for Netherlands
Indeed, as per FBref, he ranked among the top 2% of full-backs across the Dutch Eredivisie for pass completion and the top 12% for assists per 90.
On that note, Hato might have spent the lion’s share of his 2024/25 season on the flank, but he’s naturally a central defender, and his positional fluency would only widen the scope of a prospective Liverpool career.
Talent scout Jacek Kulig has even gone as far as to say he’s “one of the most talented centre-backs in Europe in his generation”, putting him right up there with Real Madrid’s new recruit Huijsen.
Left-back
89
4
8
Centre-back
70
3
3
Centre-midfield
1
0
0
Given Liverpool are wrapping up a deal for Kerkez, Hato wouldn’t be welcomed into the fold with sights set on a wide berth, but Jarell Quansah has been linked with a transfer away from Anfield this summer and Hato could take his place, with the Liverpool prospect having filled in at right back on numerous occasions under Slot’s wing.
Ajax’s teenage sensation may only need the chance to flourish on English shores, having seen his stock rise considerably higher than Huijsen’s was when he was erroneously discarded by Juventus one year ago, finding a home at the Vitality Stadium, joining for a £15m fee (coincidentally, he was 19 when making the move).
As per Sofascore, Hato won 52% of his duels across the Eredivisie campaign, though given that he was playing out wide, this is a more than respectable success rate, especially as he averaged 1.9 tackles per game.
Bournemouth's Dean Huijsen.
Huijsen wasn’t all that better at centre-back in the Premier League, winning 56% of his duels and averaging just 1.1 tackles per game.
With tireless energy, a robust physicality and indeed a ball-playing game that rivals Huijsen’s, Hato might just be the perfect signing for a Liverpool side in need of a bit more defensive depth.
Is it any wonder the aforementioned Mattinson has singled him out as an “exceptional athlete”?
Would Liverpool be taking a risk forking out more than £40m on a teenage defender? Probably not, given Hato is the real deal and would be able to nestle into a team bearing superstars in Van Dijk and Konate, who could help him rise to the fore.
Worst sale since Mane: "World-class" Liverpool star now in talks to leave
Liverpool may be set to lose one or two of their first-team regulars this summer.
Aston Villa have now submitted an enquiry over a deal to sign a “highly-talented” midfielder, according to reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter on X.
Villa's summer transfer plans taking shape
Villa’s summer transfer business could be significantly hampered by their failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League, following Thomas Bramall’s controversial decision to rule out Morgan Rogers’ opening goal at Old Trafford last Sunday.
Missing out on the top five may also be a double whammy for Unai Emery, as the manager could now find it more difficult to hold on to some of his better players, with Emiliano Martinez looking like he could be heading for the exit door this summer.
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As such, signing a new goalkeeper is on the agenda for the Villans in the upcoming window, while they are also clearly keen on bringing in a new central midfielder, having been linked with a range of different targets in both positions.
Target
Current club
Potential cost
Aaron Ramsdale
Southampton
£25m
Joan Garcia
Espanyol
£25m
Mateus Fernandes
Southampton
£30m
Angel Gomes
Lille
£0
Caoimhin Kelleher
Liverpool
£40m
Fernandes and Gomes could be able to make an instant impact at Villa Park, given that the former has experience in the Premier League, while the Lille star’s performances in Ligue 1 last season earned him a first England call-up from Lee Carsley.
However, there have also been reports that Aston Villa and NSWE could be willing to take a risk on more of an unknown quantity, with Toubache-Ter taking to X to reveal Emery’s side have now made an enquiry about “highly talented” Lens midfielder Neil El Aynaoui.
A further report goes on to state that Italian giants Juventus have also expressed an interest in El Aynaoui, who is now looking likely to leave Lens this summer, having previously been close to joining AS Monaco before failing a medical.
El Aynaoui impressing in France
Gomes may be the more well-known Ligue 1 central midfielder, but the Lens star was arguably just as impressive last season, putting in some particularly solid performances in an attacking sense, having picked up eight goals and one assist in 24 games.
The Nancy-born midfielder routinely finds the back of the net for Lens, but he is also clearly a well-rounded central midfielder, considering he places in the 95th percentile for interceptions and blocks per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.
Olympique de Marseille's Quentin Merlin in action with RC Lens' NeilElAynaoui
As such, while El Aynaoui, 23, wouldn’t be the most high-profile of signings for Aston Villa, there are plenty of indications that he could be a shrewd acquisition this summer, and it is promising news that steps are being taken to assess a potential deal.
With the 49ers Enterprises looking to make their mark, Rangers are now reportedly set to sign a versatile forward who has become convinced by the Ibrox project ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 49ers' Rangers project
Set to complete their takeover of the Scottish giants, the 49ers will be hoping to turn things around at Rangers and transform the Gers into the dominant champions they once were. As seen at Elland Road and Leeds United already, too, the American owners are perfectly capable of leaving their mark on a club and achieving their goals.
However, with a new manager needed and Celtic’s Scottish Premiership dominance only growing stronger, the extent of the 49ers’ task at Rangers cannot be overstated. And they must get things right this summer.
To that end, a number of names have already been linked with the job at Ibrox. The likes of Rafael Benitez represent the experienced choice, whilst Steven Gerrard would perhaps be the one that splits the most opinions after how he left Rangers for Aston Villa in 2021. Meanwhile, other names such as Danny Rohl and Davide Ancelotti would certainly be intriguing to watch in their own right.
Sheffield Wednesday manager DannyRohl
With the Scottish Premiership now concluded for another season too, the Gers may have their answer sooner rather than later over just who steps into the role. The end of the campaign also means the end of Barry Ferguson’s interim role in charge of the club, but he has reiterated his desire to take the permanent role more than once.
The interim boss told reporters in recent weeks: “Everybody’s got an opinion, I don’t care about people’s opinion, I know I can do the job. I know I’ve got a real good staff behind me. I’ve been asked this question two or three weeks in a row, I think it’s clear, it doesn’t scare me one single bit.”
Meanwhile, away from the dugout, it almost goes without saying that a large part of the 49ers’ project will be the recruitment that they go in pursuit of this summer, which looks set to start with a Paris Saint-Germain talent.
Rangers set to sign versatile PSG forward Oumar Camara
According to RMC Sport’s Fabrice Hawkins, Rangers are now set to sign Oumar Camara from PSG this summer, with the versatile young forward convinced by the project in Glasgow. The teenager has captained PSG’s U19 side this season, but is set to secure a surprising move to Scotland in the coming months – likely becoming the first signing of the 49ers era.
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At just 18 years old, whether Camara would make an immediate impact at Ibrox remains to be seen. The winger, who can play on both sides, has enjoyed an impressive season at youth level, scoring nine goals and setting up another four in 25 games in all competitions. After failing to feature for the first team, however, the young Frenchman looks set to leave in pursuit of senior football.
Whether Camara’s reported arrival is a sign of things to come at Rangers will also be interesting to watch, as the 49ers attempt to build their project and turn things around at the Scottish club.
Everything now rests on Manchester United lifting the Europa League in Bilbao to salvage some pride.
The Red Devils’ abysmal domestic season in the Premier League – away from potential European success – continued last time out versus Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca’s Blues dishing out a dire 18th loss of the league campaign.
A major revamp is needed at Old Trafford this summer, therefore, with Ruben Amorim needing to get this summer’s vital transfer window spot on.
Man United's busy summer ahead
It won’t just be hectic with a whole load of incomings entering through the door, with reports suggesting that Rasmus Hojlund could be on his way out of the Theatre of Dreams alongside Marcus Rashford.
Transfer Focus
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But, away from ongoing talk involving who will be leaving the red half of Manchester, and the excitement levels begin to be raised, with both Matheus Cunha and Viktor Gyokeres routinely linked to Amorim’s men to spice up the attacking personnel.
The flashy names being linked don’t stop there though, with a new report from journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that United hold ‘substantial interest’ in 17-year-old River Plate hotshot Franco Mastantuono and have held talks with the player’s representatives this week.
This could be a tricky deal to get done this summer, however, with United having to fork out a high £38m to activate the South American’s release clause, amidst additional interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool and various other keen onlookers.
How Mastantuono could be Man United's own Lamine Yamal
If United were successful in their pursuit of the enthralling teenager, Amorim and Co could be about to land their very own version of Barcelona superstar Lamine Yamal, with the Argentine winger also making insane waves in his native country.
Much like Yamal at the Camp Nou, Mastantuono has been heavily in the spotlight at River Plate from a very early age.
After all, the Buenos Aires-born attacker is immortalised forever now into the South American club’s rich history, with Mastantuono going down as the team’s youngest ever goalscorer when firing home a strike last year at just 16 years of age.
He hasn’t looked back since that landmark goal, with the left-footed ace now up to seven goals and nine assists in the senior team at River Plate, which included a sublime free-kick finding the back of the net against arch rivals Boca Juniors back in April.
Yamal – who operates down the same right-hand side as Mastantuono – is way out ahead with 24 goals and 34 assists next to his name in Hansi Flick’s starting XI in Spain, but it’s undeniable how similarly electric the two young attackers are, considering the amount of havoc they are both capable of with their dynamite left foot.
Player
Age at debut
Ayden Heaven
18
Chido Obi-Martin
17
Harry Amass
18
Tyler Fredricson
20
Heading to Old Trafford could also be a worthwhile environment for Mastantuono if he wants to advance his game, with a whole host of youngsters developed at the Red Devils for some time now handed their first senior opportunities this campaign under Amorim.
Moreover, the Portuguese boss has also taken a shine to Amad Diallo since arriving, meaning the “crazy” 5 foot 10 attacker – as he’s been labelled by Thierry Henry – could stand a chance at immediate first-team action with both the Ivorian and the South American blistering in style down the right flank.
FrancoMastantuonoduring the match
Winning such a sought-after starlet could also boost United’s reputation after such a harrowing 2024/25 campaign, with Amorim’s approach of shifting on deadwood allowing the Red Devils to hopefully enter into a new era spearheaded by some immense future talents.
Amorim's own Wirtz: Man Utd chasing "future Ballon d'Or winner"
Man United are ready to make wholesale improvements in the transfer market this summer.
Arsenal are reportedly nearing a potential agreement for one marquee transfer target this summer, with all parties on the same page when it comes to personal terms.
Arsenal urged to sign forward and replace Kai Havertz
Eyes are already cast on new sporting director Andrea Berta as the highly-rated chief gears up for his debut transfer window at N5.
£42m Chelsea target now privately imagining a transfer to Arsenal instead
The Gunners are emerging as favourites.
ByEmilio Galantini May 6, 2025
Mikel Arteta and the Gunners lost out on the Premier League title to Liverpool by some distance this season, and a few critics have blamed their failed challenge on Arsenal’s lack of a potent centre-forward.
Liverpool (away)
May 11th
Newcastle United (home)
May 18th
Southampton (away)
May 25th
Gabriel Jesus enjoyed a real purple patch of form before his season-ending ACL injury, and Kai Havertz has put in some excellent displays in a makeshift striker role. However, neither man is seen as a guaranteed 20-plus goals-per-season style of forward for the long-term, with pundit Ally McCoist claiming Arteta is crying out for a prolific number nine up top.
“I think it’s a crying shame, actually,” McCoist said to talkSPORT earlier this year.
“The amount of games I’ve been at, particularly at the Emirates, and I see that ball flashing across the six-yard box. I think Havertz is an excellent footballer, I really do. But I think Havertz would score the same amount of goals whether he plays centre forward, number ten or comes off the side.
“I think he’ll get 10 goals, whereas a centre forward playing in that position gets you 20, 25 (goals).”
The signing of a striker is one of Arsenal’s top priorities for the summer, according to various reports, and a succession of high-profile names have already been linked with moves to the Emirates.
One of them is Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, who is widely expected to depart the Primeira Liga after yet another exceptional campaign. The Sweden international has scored 52 goals across 49 appearances in all competitions this term, and regardless of what league you play in, numbers like that are guaranteed to turn many heads.
Arsenal "edging closer to finalising" deal for Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres is a top target for Arsenal heading into the summer, with some reports claiming Berta is personally driving a move for the ex-Coventry City star (GiveMeSport).
Now, Football Transfers claim good progress is being made on a potential swoop, and Arsenal have scheduled fresh talks with Sporting, which will take place after the Portuguese Cup final later this month.
What’s more, it is believed Arsenal are “edging closer to finalising an agreement” for Gyokeres, with the Gunners and his camp “already aligned” on personal terms and the contract package he would receive in north London.
However, they’re yet to reach any agreement with Sporting themselves, prompting the imminent negotiations in late May. Rui Borges’ side are expected to demand a large chunk of Gyokeres’ transfer fee up front, though, or even the full amount.
The 26-year-old’s contract includes an £85 million release clause, and Portuguese news outlet A Bola recently reported that the presence of Real Madrid, Barcelona, PSG, Bayern Munich and English rivals in the race for Gyokeres’ means Sporting could demand close to that figure.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokerescelebrates scoring their third goal to complete his hat-trick
Arsenal may have to make Gyokeres one of their most expensive ever signings as a result, but he could well be worth the investment.
“I have said this before, and I will continue to say it: he brings a lot to the team, and his teammates are aware of what he contributes, which is why they look for him during games,” said Borges about Gyokeres.
“The collective effort also plays a role, as no one can succeed alone. Viktor is a game-changer, and he will continue to be, whether with us or elsewhere. His quality is undeniable; it is phenomenal.”
Manchester United just about managed to salvage a share of the points away at AFC Bournemouth on Sunday as Rasmus Hojlund broke free of his wretched luck in front of goal in the Premier League to rescue a 1-1 draw.
The Cherries were hanging onto their 1-0 slim lead after Evanilson saw red on the 70th minute mark and must have thought United’s wastefulness in attack was going to be their saving grace, only for the usually misfiring Dane to level the game right at the death.
Whilst the 22-year-old was the unlikely hero come the full-time whistle, a draw might still be deemed as an unsatisfactory result based on the away side’s lack of composure up top ,robbing them of a much-needed victory.
Man United's wasteful attackers vs Bournemouth
In total, Ruben Amorim’s men would notch up a hefty 25 shots on the Cherries’ goal, with Hojlund’s effort amazingly the only one that ended up beating the consistently switched-on Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Away from accumulating a stunning seven key passes to try and set up his teammates for opportunities, Bruno Fernandes will feel irked that he didn’t manage to beat Kepa like his Danish teammate, with three efforts unfortunately passing him by on the South Coast.
Likewise, Hojlund will feel somewhat annoyed that he couldn’t pick up a whole host of strikes, with the goal-shy number 9 failing to get involved in the contest for large portions of the 90 minutes, leading to his only effort on the day being the golden one that trickled in.
But, there was a far worse culprit than both of these attackers when it came to squandering chances against Andoni Iraola’s open hosts, with Amorim now clamouring for Wolverhampton Wanderers superstar Matheus Cunha’s signature even more so off the back of this underperformer lacking a clinical edge.
5/10 Man Utd could soon be replaced by Cunha
Whilst United’s wastefulness reared its ugly head once more during the 1-1 draw, Cunha showed off his spellbinding ability in attack again for Wolves at the weekend, with the ex-Atletico Madrid ace picking up a goal and two assists in his side’s convincing 3-0 takedown of Leicester City.
With it reported that the Brazilian could be on his way to Old Trafford, Fernandes would likely not be sacrificed for Cunha to take up a first-team spot.
As a result, his comrade in the attacking positions in Alejandro Garnacho could be the casualty, with his showing against Bournemouth leaving a lot to be desired.
As is outlined above, Garnacho is now up to a dire 14 big chances missed this season, with his game in the forward areas against Iraola’s men screaming of an attacker low on confidence when the heat is ramped up.
The South American forward ended the game having been handed a low 5/10 rating post-match by Manchester Evening News journalist Samuel Luckhurst and it was unsurprising to see why.
He fired a mammoth eight shots at the Cherries net without ever beating Kepa, meaning his goal count for the season in the Premier League is stuck at a paltry five. Furthermore, he won just four of his seven duels and gave away the ball 13 times, once every 3.7 touches.
Games played
33
29
Goals scored
5
15
Assists
1
6
Expected goals (xG)
7.02 xG
7.86 xG
Goalscoring frequency
411 mins
156 mins
Big chances missed
14
2
Big chances created
3
12
Whereas, moving back to Molineux, Cunha finds himself on a mightily impressive 21 goal contributions for the campaign from 29 clashes, with Amorim well aware that the Brazilian’s arrival onto the scene would see Garnacho instantly drop out of the XI.
It remains to be seen whether United can win their desired man away from rampant speculation, but if they are successful in their pursuit, he could be one piece of the jigsaw that enables Amorim’s Red Devils to recapture their former glories.
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Manchester United could land a star who would be perfect for Matheu Cunha this summer.
If, and it’s looking more and more like it’s a big if, Ange Postecoglou is still manager of Tottenham Hotspur at the end of this season, he’ll need a monumental summer to set the club on the right path.
To ensure the North Londoners don’t finish in the bottom half of the Premier League, the Australian will need to overhaul large parts of the squad, from the attack to the defence.
Fortunately, Daniel Levy and Co do seem set on signing some exciting players when the window opens, with one of the most significant links in recent weeks being to Bournemouth’s incredible Dean Huijsen, who has a £50m release clause in his current deal.
Bournemouth's DeanHuijsencelebrates after the match
However, if the Spaniard does make his way to N5 in the coming months, he’ll have to hit the ground running to see his valuation even match one of his new teammates.
Why Spurs want Huijsen
There are really two reasons why Spurs want to sign Huijsen this summer, and the first is fairly obvious: he’s an exceptionally talented defender.
Despite being just 19 years old, the former Juventus gem has made 30 first-team appearances for the Cherries this term, scoring two goals, providing one assist, and averaging 1.63 points per game, which is undeniably impressive.
Moreover, according to FBref, he sits in the top 1% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues for interceptions, the top 2% for non-penalty expected goals plus assists, the top 5% for key passes, the top 9% for progressive carries and more, all per 90.
Interceptions
2.10
Top 1%
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.17
Top 2%
Key Passes
0.61
Top 5%
Clearances
6.78
Top 5%
Shot-Creating Actions
1.64
Top 5%
Progressive Carries
1.45
Top 9%
Passes into the Final Third
5.98
Top 9%
However, on top of his impressive performances and statistics, one of the other key reasons why Tottenham may be so keen to sign the Amsterdam-born prospect is that with each passing week, it seems more and more likely that Cristian Romero will be leaving the team in the summer.
At first, there were links to Real Madrid, and now, in the last month or so, the links to Atlético Madrid have become stronger and stronger, with some reports suggesting talks have already taken place between the player and Diego Simeone.
So, if the World Cup winner does leave, the North Londoners will need another starting centre-back, although Huijsen would have to be imperious from the word go to match the valuation of his potential new partner.
The Spurs star worth millions more than Huijsen
Now, while there are a few other centre-backs in Spurs squad, like Kevin Danso and Radu Dragusin, it will likely come as no surprise that the defender in question is Micky van de Ven.
Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven
The Flying Dutchman joined the North Londoners from VfL Wolfsburg in the summer of 2023 for a fee of around £43m, but according to the CIES Football Observatory, is now worth €70.4m, which converts to about £60m, or £10m more than Huijsen’s release clause.
This is a rather substantial rise in valuation, but it would be hard to deny that it’s not justified, as when the 23-year-old international is fit and available, he’s undoubtedly one of Spurs’ best and most important players.
The Wormer-born titan has a brilliant sense of danger and where he needs to be on the pitch, but perhaps even more important than that, he is unbelievably rapid.
It was in a game against Brentford last season that he set a new Premier League record for the fastest sprint, clocking in at an incredible 37.38 km/h, and it’s this outstanding speed which helps him snuff out so many counter-attacks before they have the chance of developing into something more substantial.
Appearances
45
Starts
44
Minutes
3730′
Goals
3
Assists
2
Goal Involvements per Match
0.11
Minutes per Goal Involvement
746′
Finally, the “complete & dominant” centre-back, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, is also able to contribute at the sharp end of the pitch and currently has a tally of three goals and two assists in 45 games for the Lilywhites.
Ultimately, Spurs should sign Huijsen if they can, but in Van de Ven, they already have a defender who could go on to be a true superstar.
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