Attacking midfielder Djordje Mihailovic departed the club late in the season, but the front office has restructured on the fly
Colorado Rapids did not want to let Djordje Mihailovic leave. After all, he was their star player, the center of the franchise. A creative No.10 with a true eye for goal, he was the spark, the guy that made things tick.
But he walked into Team President Padraig Smith's office all the same, and made it clear: he wanted out. Smith didn't want to sell him, of course. And there were conversations, he said. But Mihailovic's mind was made up. Their main man was out the door. That was early August, and it left the Rapids in a difficult situation. The guy who was supposed to lead a postseason charge had one foot out of the door – effectively waiting for the Rapids to execute the right deal to move him on. And even in those circumstances, Smith was eager to come to an agreement that would keep him there until at least the end of the campaign.
"We felt it was going to be in his best interest and our best interest at the time that he did stay, and at least saw out the season," Smith told GOAL. "But he had made his mind up."
There were fewer than three weeks left in the transfer window. They did not necessarily plan to have to buy a attacking fulcrum. Meanwhile, they were in the thick of a playoff hunt, picking up pieces here and there, but confronting the fact that they might have to navigate the final few weeks of the season without the guy they rely on the most.
Fast forward to now, and the results are a little inconsistent. But the outlook is far sunnier in Commerce City – a Denver suburb where the Rapids call home. Mihailovic is gone. But they continue to focus on USMNT talent as the core of the team, with a shiny new franchise player in Paxten Aaronson, and the pieces of a plan that might just come together in time. What might have been a disaster has instead pivoted. The Rapids aren't perfect – they might not even make the playoffs – but they have reacted wonderfully to what, for most teams, would be a season-ruining scenario with an eye to building a strong future for the club.
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'Getting the best return you can'
This is not, it must be emphasized, the perfect scenario. Squad building tends to take time, pieces layered into place to form a cohesive unit. When Smith peered over the team he had assembled for head coach Chris Armas at the start of the 2025 season, he did not foresee it potentially operating without his best player.
But sometimes, Smith emphasized, you simply have to react.
"At that point in time, from our perspective, you're focused on two things. You're focused on getting the best return you can from him in the transfer. And then secondly, make sure that you're replacing him with players that are going to help the team get better. Ultimately, we achieved on both of those fronts," he said.
There were a few options out there for Mihailovic, scattered talk of MLS clubs interested here and there. Eventually, Toronto was the right fit, agreed by the club and player. But perhaps the biggest appeal? The up to $9 million of his sale to the Canadian club represented a club record fee for the Rapids – something that would come to be significant going forward.
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Colorado Rapids
'A player that we felt was better'
And it wasn't like they were short of options. This is modern football, of course. Clubs have to have targets here and there, players in mind. MLS scouting goes far beyond laptops and football manager. And the Rapids were no different. Their network was ready to react immediately, Smith said.
"I'll give real credit to our our kind of front office, our scouting team, and the guys there, you know, to make sure that we had targets that were lined up to replace [Mihailovic] in that situation, and that we were able to go down a number of different paths concurrently and ultimately identify a player that we felt was better," Smith said.
The man they settled on was Paxten Aaronson. He was in something of a state of flux in his career. A star season on loan at Utrecht would figure to have him in the mix at Frankfurt, his parent club. But his pathway into the first team was blocked by Mario Gotze.
"I just couldn't do 15-20 minutes a game because, as a person, for my headspace, it wouldn't have been good for another year," he told GOAL.
So, he started exploring options. Other clubs in Europe were interested, compelling options that many other players might have chosen. But Aaronson had something of an MLS connection already. A product of the Philadelphia Union academy, there were reasons for him to come back to America. His family still lives here. Europe was kind to him, but there was something to be said for a homecoming.
"Coming back to MLS, it's something I'm familiar with," he said. "I'll have friends and family close by. I haven't been anywhere where I could really establish a home or a lifestyle. I've been on the road every year for the three and a half years I was in Europe."
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'The option of coming back is appealing'
There was also, Smith explained, the appeal of the model Colorado had built. A look over the roster shows a mixture of foreign and domestic talent. But the Rapids, in particular, have made a conscious effort to find value in American players coming back from Europe. Starting goalkeeper Zack Steffen – someone Smith hails as one of the best shot-stoppers in the league – is perhaps the perfect example. He played at four European clubs, including Manchester City, with varying degrees of success, before returning to play for Colorado in 2024. The same goes for Mihailovic, as well as former USMNTer Reggie Cannon.
"We think there's just a wealth of talent that's going over to Europe from the U.S. and Canada at the moment. But we're also acutely aware that as MLS continues to grow and as this league continues to improve, the option of coming back is one that's more and more appealing to some of these young players," Smith said.
They're not alone in this sense. Transfers are far more back-and-forth over the Atlantic than they used to be. But Aaronson is the perfect case study as to how it might all work. It was, in the end, part of the pitch to the player. After all, it had worked before.
"Steffen and Mihailovic mentioned it when we brought them in… They kind of ran each other and asked, Hey, are you going to Colorado? I'm thinking about it. And then it snowballs. It's a wonderful thing," Smith said.
Smith sees it as an ideal way to continue to attract talent.
"There are other players as well that have had maybe the opportunity to go to Europe; we were able to show them that there's a real pathway here to an incredible career for each of them, both on and off the field, by staying here in MLS and ultimately staying here in Colorado. And I think it's going to be a big part of our strategy going forward," he said.
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IMAGN
Adding center back help
As the story goes, Rob Holding really liked country singer Zach Bryan.
The former Arsenal defender had fallen out of favor at Crystal Palace. New manager Oliver Glasner had made it clear that the one-time England youth international was not part of his plans. Holding was looking for a new home. The Rapids had checked in a few years before, hoping to use their affiliation with as a way to attract Holding to the States (both franchises are principally owned by the Kroenke family). At the time, he said no, hoping to fight for his place in the Premier League (still in his mid-20s, it made sense).
But this summer, when they checked in again, the center back was far more eager. He loved country music. He had been to the famed Red Rocks Amphitheater for concerts. Somehow, there was a bit of Colorado in this bruising defender from Greater Manchester.
"He had a really strong desire to come to the U.S. and to play in MLS," Smith said. "He was 29 when we signed him, a player with still plenty of time left and plenty of good career left. It was just a really interesting opportunity for us to bring someone like that in, a leader who's played in FA Cup final-winning teams, played in really talented Arsenal groups at the very highest level."
And so they added Holding, a fine defender turned country boy primed to perform at this level.
كشف تقارير صحفية، عن تطورات مستقبل المهاجم الدولي البولندي روبرت ليفاندوفسكي، لاعب الفريق الأول لكرة القدم بنادي برشلونة، حال رحيله عن الفريق.
وشارك ليفاندوفسكي في مباراة بولندا، أمس، ضد ليتوانيا في تصفيات قارة أوروبا المؤهلة إلى كأس العالم نسخة 2026، حيث فاز منتخب بلاده بهدفين وسجل هدفًا.
وتزداد التكهنات حول مستقبل ليفاندوفسكي، خلال الفترة المقبلة، حيث من المقرر أن ينتهي عقده الصيف المقبل.
وقدم ليفاندوفسكي مستويات متميزة مع برشلونة خلال السنوات الماضية، ولعب صاحب الـ37 عامًا دورًا كبيرًا في حصول الفريق الكتالوني الموسم الماضي على ثلاثية الدوري الإسباني وكأس السوبر الإسباني وكأس ملك إسبانيا.
اقرأ أيضًا | سبورت توضح حقيقة رحيل ليفاندوفسكي عن برشلونة
وقالت مصادر لموقع Football Insider إن روبرت ليفاندوفسكي سيكون أمام قائمة طويلة من الفرق التي ترغب في التعاقد معهم، في حال رحيله عن برشلونة.
وينتهي عقد المهاجم البولندي البالغ من العمر 37 عامًا مع النادي الكتالوني في صيف 2026 المقبل.
وفقًا للموقع فإنه في أغسطس المقبل، سيبلغ ليفاندوفسكي 38 عامًا لكنه أظهر في الآونة الأخيرة أنه لا يزال يمتلك الجودة المطلوبة ليكون مهاجمًا على أعلى مستوى.
لم يلعب ليفاندوفسكي، طوال مشواره في بطولة الدوري الإنجليزي الممتاز “بريميرليج” ورغم بلوغه سن الـ37 إلا أن هناك أندية إنجليزية ترغب في التعاقد معه.
ولم تكشف الشبكة عن ماهية تلك الأندية ولكنها أكدت أن ليفاندوفسكي سيكون هدفًا لعدد من أندية الدوري الإنجليزي وكذلك السعودي والأمريكي.
كانت صحيفة “سبورت” قد نشرت في وقت سابق أن الاتجاه الأقرب لإدارة برشلونة هو عدم تجديد عقد ليفانكوفسكي وترك مهاجم بايرن ميونخ السابق يغادر في صفقة انتقال حر.
The striker situation at Newcastle United has developed into one of the defining sagas of their summer window.
Alexander Isak’s desire to leave the club has left Eddie Howe and the recruitment team scrambling for solutions, with each failed pursuit only heightening the sense of urgency.
Newcastle have already missed out on Liam Delap, Hugo Ekitike, João Pedro, and Benjamin Šeško – all of whom might have paved the way for Isak’s departure had they been secured.
As things stand, the Swede’s future remains unresolved.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsakcelebrates scoring their second goal
He has made it abundantly clear he does not wish to reintegrate with the squad, even if no sale materialises.
A move to Anfield remains his desired outcome, but Newcastle have been equally firm: no replacement, no transfer.
Newcastle's new contender
That replacement hunt has taken them down multiple avenues. Brentford’s Yoane Wissa has long been admired, but negotiations have stalled.
The Congolese’s absence from Brentford’s win over Aston Villa raised eyebrows, though nothing concrete has yet been agreed.
Jørgen Strand Larsen of Wolves has also been sounded out, though Vítor Pereira’s reluctance to part with the Norwegian makes that transfer unlikely.
With time ticking down, Newcastle have turned their attention to a different profile of forward.
According to Craig Hope of the Daily Mail, Newcastle hold an interest in Atlético Madrid striker Alexander Sørloth.
Hope stated: “He has been discussed. He is the latest one in the orbit of players they could move for. It’s Alexander Sorloth at Atletico Madrid. His goal record is quite incredible. Absolutely in the mold of his countryman, Strand-Larsen. Sorloth is one of the names being considered and there are others too.”
The 29-year-old Norwegian is a familiar name to Premier League fans, though his first spell in England was far from remarkable.
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Signed by Crystal Palace from FC Midtjylland in 2017, Sørloth failed to score in 16 appearances before eventually being moved on.
Described as “phenomenal” by Diego Simeone, any deal would likely be complicated. Newcastle would need to convince the Spanish club to part with him, likely at a fee north of his current market value of £30m.
But with Isak’s situation dragging on and the clock ticking, pragmatism may force their hand.
Newcastle's new Andy Carroll
After leaving the south-east London club, Sørloth established himself at Real Sociedad, and then flourished at Villarreal, where his goalscoring exploits earned him a move to Atlético last summer.
Standing at 1.95m, he offers the kind of aerial dominance and physical presence that Newcastle fans associate with Andy Carroll.
His numbers back up that comparison.
Andy Carroll
In La Liga last season, Sørloth scored 20 goals in 35 appearances, a remarkable tally that underlines his development into one of Europe’s most reliable finishers.
Alexander Sørloth – La Liga – 2024/25
Matches
35
Minutes
1,566
Goals
20
Assists
2
Progressive Carries
32
Progressive Passes
31
The advanced metrics paint an even clearer picture of his value: according to FBref, he ranks in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 (0.90), 97th for total shots per 90 (4.29), and 94th for aerials won per 90 (5.05).
Far from being just a target man, Sørloth also excels in his movement inside the penalty area, ranking in the 93rd percentile for touches in the opposition box.
This blend of attributes would address one of Newcastle’s most glaring issues.
Against Villa, Howe’s side controlled large periods of the game but lacked the cutting edge to make their dominance count.
With Isak unavailable for selection, there was no focal point to convert their possession into clear chances.
Atletico Madrid's AlexanderSorlothcelebrates scoring their second goal
Sørloth, who already played at St James’ Park this summer in a pre-season friendly, could provide precisely that.
For Newcastle supporters, the prospect of Sørloth evokes memories of Carroll, who embodied the traditional number nine spirit with his strength, aerial ability, and goalscoring instinct.
Across two spells at the club, Carroll made 134 appearances, scoring 34 goals and adding 26 assists.
His big-money move to Liverpool in 2011 highlighted just how much Newcastle relied on his presence at the time.
Sørloth is not a like-for-like replacement, but the comparison is clear. Both men stand at virtually the same height, both are capable of bullying defenders, and both bring a blend of physicality and technical competence.
Where Carroll was at times let down by injuries, Sørloth has shown resilience in rebuilding his career after early setbacks.
His resurgence in Spain suggests he could thrive in the right system, and Eddie Howe’s structured, attacking side might be the perfect environment.
There is also a strategic angle.
Newcastle’s summer recruitment has been careful, even cautious, reflecting the club’s need to stay within the boundaries of the Premier League’s financial regulations.
Having already brought in Jacob Ramsey, Anthony Elanga, Malick Thiaw, and Aaron Ramsdale, the addition of a proven goalscorer would bring balance to the squad.
Sørloth, available for a fraction of the fee Isak might command, would also represent value in a market where reliable strikers are scarce.
But above all, Sørloth’s candidacy illustrates Newcastle’s willingness to adapt.
Their pursuit of Wissa and Strand Larsen indicates they are exploring different striker types: mobile forwards who press aggressively, and more traditional target men who can hold up play.
Sørloth sits firmly in the latter camp, a player who could give Howe a tactical alternative while easing the transition away from Isak. Whether he is the long-term solution or a stop-gap remains to be seen, but the logic is hard to ignore.
Newcastle’s aspirations extend beyond domestic stability; they are preparing for another European campaign and require depth to compete on multiple fronts.
Sørloth offers something they currently lack: presence, pedigree, and proven productivity at the top level.
Their answer to Guehi: Newcastle weigh up late move to sign £30m "monster"
Newcastle aren’t just looking at forwards as the transfer window enters the final stretch.
Real Madrid want Franco Mastantuono to miss out on the Under 20 World Cup with Argentina, with Xabi Alonso saying he will stay with the La Liga side.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Los Blancos are determined to prevent Mastantuono from joining Argentina’s U-20 squad for the World Cup in Chile. The 18-year-old youngster only arrived at the Santiago Bernabeu this summer after the club triggered his €45 million (£38m/$49m) release clause at River Plate, signing him on a six-year deal. Argentina’s federation have been pushing to secure his participation, but Alonso has shut the door on any chance of a call-up.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
If released, Mastantuono would miss up to seven matches for Madrid in La Liga and the Champions League. The winger is viewed as one of Madrid’s brightest long-term investments, having already been handed starts in La Liga this season. Argentina see him as a natural fit for their youth setup, but Madrid believe keeping him in Spain is vital for his development. This tug-of-war reflects a wider trend, with elite European clubs increasingly reluctant to release teenage stars for youth tournaments that clash with the senior calendar.
WHAT XABI ALONSO SAID
“If it’s up to us, he’ll stay with us,” Alonso told reporters ahead of the clash with Real Sociedad.
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TELL ME MORE…
Despite being left out of Diego Placente’s preliminary U-20 squad, Argentine newspaper suggest officials are ready to travel to Europe in a last-ditch attempt to convince the club. The Albiceleste are desperate to include the teenager, especially after he made his international debut earlier this year in Messi’s potential farewell game against Venezuela.
Glasgow Rangers continued their preparations for the 2025/26 campaign with a behind-closed-doors friendly clash at St. George’s Park on Saturday.
The Light Blues were held to a 1-1 draw, as Danilo scored the only goal for the Ibrox side.
There is still plenty of work left to be done before Rangers face their Champions League qualifiers later this month, not least on the transfer front.
Sheffield Wednesday winger Djeidi Gassama looks set to be the next player through the door. When asked about the forward’s arrival, Russell Martin said: “We’re waiting on their end to be sorted but we fully expect Gass to be our player hopefully fairly, very, very soon. We need to try and strengthen as many areas as possible.”
The 21-year-old attacker, who predominantly plays on the left flank, appears to be on the verge of joining the likes of Thelo Aasgaard, Nasser Djiga, Joe Rothwell, Emmanuel Fernandez, Max Aarons, and Lyall Cameron at Ibrox.
What Djeidi Gassama could bring to Rangers
Gassama is far from the finished article and supporters should not expect him to immediately be an incredible talent who is going to produce 20 goals and assists in his first season.
At the age of 21, he has plenty left to learn and plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve, which means that the winger will be a long-term signing for the Gers on a permanent deal from the Owls.
Djeidi Gassama
However, that does not mean that Gassama will not be a useful player for Martin to call upon at Ibrox next season, because he produced a decent amount of quality in the final third in the Championship last season.
In the 2024/25 campaign, the French dynamo scored seven goals and provided one assist in 43 appearances for Sheffield Wednesday, who were not competing for promotion from the division.
24/25 Championship
Gassama
Percentile rank vs wingers
xG
5.92
Top 16%
Goals
7
Top 14%
Shots on target
23
Top 14%
Chances created
38
Top 23%
xA
2.54
Top 32%
Assists
1
Bottom 27%
Touches in the opposition box
153
Top 6%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, he ranked well among his positional peers as a goalscorer and was unfortunate to only have one assist, as his teammates let him down with wasteful finishing.
These statistics suggest that he could be an exciting player for supporters to watch as a winger who constantly gets himself into high-quality goalscoring positions by taking plenty of touches in the opposition’s box.
Gassama will not be the only winger to arrive at Ibrox this summer, though, and the Light Blues are reportedly eyeing a forward who is even better than the Owls sensation.
Rangers battling to sign Premier League forward
According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers are one of the teams eyeing up a deal to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi before the end of the summer transfer window.
The report claims that Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers have joined the race to land the left-footed forward, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield United.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that Wolves are looking to reinvest some of the cash that they brought in from the sale of Matheus Cunha to Manchester United, and they have identified the Eagles youngster as a target.
The Scottish Sun reveals that Rangers, who are now battling the Old Gold for the winger, would like to bring the 22-year-old star to Ibrox on a season-long loan, as they are not prepared to pay the £10m asking price for a permanent move.
However, it remains to be seen whether or not Wolves will stump up the £10m required to sign Rak-Sakyi, which means that the Gers are still in the race at this moment in time.
Why Rak-Sakyi is even better than Gassama
The English forward would be an even better signing for Rangers next season than Gassama with the immediate future in mind, as he could hit the ground running as a star for the Light Blues in the coming months.
Rak-Sakyi, who was hailed as “wonderful” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, only started 22 games in the Championship for Sheffield United last term, but racked up seven goals, 3.48 xA, and two assists for the promotion-chasing Blades.
Despite his limited game time, the right-sided winger showed that he can make a big impact in front of goal, which suggests that he could thrive at Ibrox as a regular starter under Martin if he arrives in Glasgow this summer.
The £10m-rated star, who delivered 15 goals and nine assists for Charlton in the 2022/23 campaign, could offer more in the final third than Gassama at the start of next season, as he heavily outperformed the Sheffield Wednesday man in the Championship when on the pitch.
24/25 Championship per 90
Djeidi Gassama
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
xG
0.18
0.32
Goals
0.21
0.36
xA
0.08
0.18
Assists
0.03
0.10
Chances created
1.14
1.51
Dribbles completed
1.99
2.44
Touches in the opposition box
4.60
7.69
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi outperformed the French whiz as a scorer, a creator, and as a dribbler in the second tier of English football, in terms of what he offered per 90.
These statistics suggest that the left-footed star is more likely to offer consistent quality in front of goal as a scorer and a creator of goals for Rangers if given regular game time than Gassama is next season, given their respective performances at the same level last term.
Therefore, Rak-Sakyi could be a terrific signing for Rangers to immediately add goals and assists to the team on the right flank ahead of the Champions League qualifiers later this month.
Bad news for Souttar at Ibrox: Rangers plotting move to sign "great leader"
Having already made six summer signings, plenty more are forecast to follow at Rangers, so will they secure a deal to sign a “great leader”?
By
Ben Gray
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It is now down to the Gers, though, to convince Palace to send the winger to Ibrox on loan for the season, despite interest from Wolves in a permanent deal for the young attacker.
Tottenham Hotspur salvaged their 2024/25 campaign when a goal from Brennan Johnson was enough to secure the Europa League against Manchester United.
Ange Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a trophy by winning that game, securing Champions League football in the process, and was subsequently relieved of his duties.
Daniel Levy has, since, replaced the Australian head coach with former Brentford boss Thomas Frank, who will now be looking to kick the team on to win even more silverware in the years to come.
The Danish manager could look to the transfer market to bolster his squad, although deals for Mathys Tel and Kevin Danso have already been agreed and will be made official at the start of July.
Spurs bringing in new recruits to improve the team could help them to kick on in the Premier League, after finishing closer to relegation than the top four, but it could also mean that some members of the current squad could have to make way.
One player whose future remains up in the air is Dejan Kulusevski, who is a reported target for Italian giants AC Milan and Napoli in the summer transfer window.
Why Spurs should cash in on Dejan Kulusevski
The 25-year-old star joined the club on loan from Juventus at the start of 2022 before eventually signing on a permanent deal, and has been a solid performer over the years for Spurs.
To date, Kulusevski has racked up 25 goals and 30 assists in 146 appearances in all competitions for Tottenham, which is a very respectable return and shows that he can provide quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals.
However, the Sweden international is one of the top earners in the squad and has not delivered enough consistent quality in the final third to justify that.
Tottenham’s top earners (excluding loanees)
Player
24/25 weekly wage
Heung-min Son
£190k
Cristian Romero
£170k
James Maddison
£165k
Dejan Kulusevski
£110k
Dominic Solanke
£90k
Richarlison
£90k
Pedro Porro
£85k
Radu Dragusin
£85k
Ben Davies
£80k
Rodrigo Bentancur
£75k
Wages via Capology
As you can see in the table above, Kulusevski is one of only four players in the squad who earn more than £90k-per-week, on a weekly wage of £110k, which suggests that he should someone the team can rely on week-in-week-out.
The left-footed forward, though, has never produced more than eight goals or eight assists in a single Premier League season for Tottenham, failing to hit double digits in either type of goal contribution.
Therefore, Spurs should look to cash in on this reported interest from Napoli and Milan in order to make room for a new attacker to come in this summer, with a view to them delivering more quality, through goals and assists, in the Premier League next season.
In fact, Tottenham are already reportedly eyeing up a Bundesliga star who could come through the door as an upgrade on Kulusevski in the coming months.
Spurs eyeing deal for Bundesliga star
According to GIVEMESPORT, Tottenham Hotspur have identified RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons as one of a number of targets in the summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Netherlands international, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain and Barcelona, is on the club’s radar as they consider their options in the number ten role.
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It adds that Tottenham are also among a number of teams keeping tabs on Harvey Elliott’s situation at Liverpool, and are interested in Crystal Palace attacking midfielder Eberechi Eze.
Simons represents a slightly more left-field option, as he is unproven in the Premier League, and the Dutch playmaker is said to be open to a move to the English top-flight this summer.
Leipzig failed to qualify for any European competition ahead of the 2025/26 campaign and are reportedly looking for a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with the 22-year-old talent.
Why Spurs should sign Xavi Simons
Described by one data analyst as “one of the best 10s in the world”, the Lilywhites should press ahead with a deal to sign the young attacking midfielder because he is a player who has the potential to deliver goals and assists more frequently than Kulusevski has for Spurs to date.
Simons could come in as a big upgrade on the Swedish forward in the attacking midfield and wide areas, if he can translate his form for Leipzig in the Bundesliga over to the Premier League in North London.
The Dutch starlet, who was once described as a “pocket rocket” by analyst Raj Chohan, has hit double figures for goals in each of the last three seasons for Leipzig and PSV combined, and racked up double figures for assists in two of the last three seasons.
Simons produced ten goals and 13 assists in all competitions in the 2023/24 campaign, creating 14 ‘big chances’ and averaging 2.5 key passes per game in the Bundesliga, which speaks to the kind of quality he can provide in front of goal on a regular basis.
24/25 season
Simons (Bundesliga)
Kulusevski (Premier League)
Appearances
25
32
xG
5.11
4.23
Goals
10
7
Big chances created
12
9
Key passes per game
2.0
2.1
xA
5.98
3.94
Assists
7
4
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman’s form in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season also suggests that he has more to offer to Tottenham than Kulusevski moving forward, with more xA, more assists, more ‘big chances’ created, and more goals, despite playing seven fewer matches.
The Leipzig star is also on a reported wage of roughly £98k-per-week, per Capology, which suggests that he could arrive on similar wages to the Sweden international, unless he demands a significant pay hike to make the move.
Xavi Simons celebrates
If Spurs can bring Simons to the club on a similar wage to Kulusevski, the Dutch star’s performances for Leipzig in recent seasons suggest that he would arrive as a big upgrade on what Frank currently has to work with.
The 22-year-old maestro has the potential to provide more goals and more assists as an attacking midfielder, as a player who can finish his chances with more efficiency, whilst also creating more high-quality opportunities for his teammates.
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1
By
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Jun 29, 2025
Therefore, Spurs should sign the £60m-rated star to bolster Frank’s squad before the summer transfer window slams shut, to improve their options at the top end of the pitch.
Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta is personally leading the charge to sign a “powerful” player, with an offer now ready to be submitted, according to a report.
Berta taking hands-on role at the Emirates
Having laid the foundations, the Arsenal hierarchy believes now is the time for the team to start winning silverware, and Berta has a big role to play, with the Italian regarded as a master negotiator, capable of being involved in multiple deals at once.
The 53-year-old is taking a hands-on role at the Emirates Stadium, attending training sessions and press conferences, while also putting in work behind-the-scenes to secure agreements for the likes of Kepa Arrizabalaga, Christian Norgaard and Martin Zubimendi.
There have been some disagreements with Mikel Arteta, however, especially when it comes to which striker they should bring in, with Berta keen to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres, while the manager would prefer to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates their second goal scored by Lukas Klostermann
Berta is simultaneously working on moves for both strikers, indicating a decision is yet to be made as to which striker is the preferred option, and the north Londoners are also keen to strengthen at the opposite end of the pitch.
That is according to a report from Super Deporte (via Sport Witness), which states Berta is now leading the charge for Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera, who has recently been identified as a key target by Arteta.
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Such is Arsenal’s level of interest, they are now ready to submit an offer in the region of €20m – €25m (£17m – £21m) for Mosquera, with around €3m – €5m (£2.6m – £4.3m) of the higher amount based on bonuses relating to performance.
Berta is said to be key to the deal, with the sporting director retaining a long-term interest in the 21-year-old, having also targeted him during his time with Atlético Madrid.
"Powerful" Mosquera could be ideal centre-back signing
With any new centre-back signing unlikely to immediately take Gabriel or William Saliba’s spot in the starting XI, it would make sense to bring in a younger centre-back, capable of replacing one of the first-choice options on a long-term basis.
The Valencia star is showing very promising signs in La Liga, having now established himself as a key player, missing just one La Liga game last season, while the defender has also received high praise from former youth coach Miguel-Ángel Angulo.
Angulo said: “He’s characterised by a physical condition and good technical qualities, powerful in the air, and mature for his age.”
Having also received plaudits from Statman Dave, Mosquera is clearly an exciting young player, who could provide Arsenal with the depth to compete on all fronts next season, before going on to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.
Chelsea remain active in the transfer market after a busy window for the Blues so far, with Enzo Maresca’s side fully expected to add more star quality to their squad before the next summer deadline day on September 1.
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BlueCo added both Mamadou Sarr and Liam Delap to their contingent of stars for the Club World Cup, taking advantage of the pre-CWC window which closed on June 10, only to reopen again on Monday.
Cole Palmer
7.33
Moises Caicedo
7.02
Enzo Fernández
6.95
Nicolas Jackson
6.88
Noni Madueke
6.82
via WhoScored
This mini-window allowed clubs like Chelsea to bolster their sides in preparation for the tournament, with FIFA appearing determined to ensure that some of world football’s finest are on display over the next few weeks.
Chelsea kicked off their CWC campaign on Monday with a 2-0 win over MLS side Los Angeles FC, but showcased their skills in front of a largely empty Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with just 22,137 fans in attendance for the clash.
Delap made his debut and grabbed an assist, with goals from Pedro Neto and Nicolas Jackson making sure Chelsea got off to the perfect tournament start in Atlanta.
The CWC is rather controversial considering the complete absence of rest for these players. Pre-season for 2025/2026 is set to begin immediately after the competition ends, and given the 2026 World Cup is next year, Chelsea players won’t be resting much next summer either.
However, with £97 million worth of prize money on offer if Maresca’s side win the competition, it is no shock at all that Stamford Bridge chiefs are keen for them to take the CWC as seriously as possible.
To lighten the load, Chelsea could add new signings to their squad midway through, with a unique player registration window open from June 27 to July 3.
That being said, if you already play for a rival team in the CWC, you’re unable to swap clubs – so Chelsea wouldn’t be able to register top transfer target and Borussia Dortmund sensation Jamie Gittens.
Chelsea talks "to follow" for Jamie Gittens after player agreement
Chelsea had three bids rejected for Gittens before the CWC in a desperate attempt to get him over the line in time before 7pm on June 10 (Florian Plettenberg), ultimately failing to reach an agreement with Dortmund.
Jamie Gittens
Since then, it’s been reported that Chelsea are still expected to go back in for the 20-year-old, even if he can’t play a part for them during the CWC, with Fabrizio Romano sharing another update on the saga.
Romano writes via X that Chelsea are set for new talks to sign Gittens, who’s already agreed to join Maresca’s side.
While some reports have suggested that Dortmund value him at around £60 million, the reliable Ben Jacobs has now shared that he could leave for £47 million, in what is a boost for Chelsea.
“Eventually, this deal is expected to get done because Gittens wants to move, and they [Chelsea and BVB] are not actually far apart as some had suggested,” he told The Football Terrace.
“We heard €70m or more, but the number I’m told is €55m, up by €5m from what Chelsea originally thought would get the deal done. And it’s not just the number but the structure of that deal as well.”
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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Today is the day that Celtic could be crowned champions of the Scottish Premiership if they manage to avoid a defeat to Dundee United at Tannadice Park.
The Hoops only need a point to claim the title for the fourth year running, beating their city rivals to the crown once again, in the early kick-off this afternoon.
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
Brendan Rodgers is looking to seal his second title in as many seasons since his return to Parkhead, and could be ruthless with his team selection by dropping Adam Idah to the bench.
Why Adam Idah could be dropped
The Ireland international was given the nod from the start to play as the number nine against St. Johnstone at Hampden Park, with Daizen Maeda and James Forrest on the wings.
Idah got on the end of a perfect cross from Reo Hatate to bundle the ball in from close range in the 5-0 win over the Saints in the SFA Cup semi-final.
However, the former Norwich City attacker has failed to provide a goal or an assist in his last seven appearances in the Premiership, which shows that he has not been good enough at league level in recent weeks.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
With this in mind, Rodgers could ruthlessly ditch the striker from the team, despite his goal against St. Johnstone, and that would open up space for Jota to come back into the side on the wing.
Why Celtic should unleash Jota
The Northern Irish head coach could move Maeda back into the number nine role and that would free up the Portuguese attacker to play on the left side of the front three.
Jota, who came off the bench to score the fifth goal against the Saints, re-joined the Scottish giants in the January transfer window when he signed from Rennes on a permanent deal.
Since his return to Parkhead, the 26-year-old wing wizard, who Michael Stewart claims “raises the bar” and is a “game-changer” for the club, has hit the ground running with a return of four goals, three ‘big chances’ created, and two assists in six starts in the league.
This shows that, unlike Idah, Jota has been in fine form in the Premiership of late, with his ability to score and create goals on a regular basis from a wide position.
24/25 Premiership
Jota (per 90)
Percentile rank vs wingers
Goals
0.67
Top 3.9%
Expected Goals
0.51
Top 3.9%
xG on target
0.72
Top 1%
Shots on target
1.51
Top 1%
Assists
0.34
Top 17.6%
Expected Assists
0.39
Top 7.8%
Chances created
2.01
Top 21.6%
Stats via FotMob
As you can see in the table above, the former Al-Ittihad forward stacks up incredibly well against his positional peers in the Scottish top-flight, due to his impressive return of goals and assists.
These statistics show that Jota is an attacker who can make a big impact on a regular basis at the top end of the pitch, which is why Rodgers should bring him into the starting XI for this clash with Dundee United today.
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He has the game-changing quality that Celtic could need to get the point that will seal the Premiership title, which would be the Portuguese star’s third in his Hoops career.