All posts by z3u9t.icu

Whilst a lot of the Sunderland conversation this summer has centred on the number of new signings arriving through the door, the crop of talent already at Regis Le Bris’ disposal before this whirlwind business kicked off will feel they have what it takes to compete in the Premier League as well.

The likes of Chris Rigg – who is nearing an extended Black Cats deal – will be raring to go up a league having already proven himself in the Championship as a bold 18-year-old asset, whilst French marksman Wilson Isidor will be aiming to add to his 13 second-tier strikes in the challenging division.

Of course, he will have plenty of competition in the attacking positions to contend with, as plenty more fresh recruits are expected to join the Stadium of Light ranks up top before the chaotic transfer window slams shut.

Sunderland showing strong interest in £22m attacker

Sunderland have never looked back this summer after both Jobe Bellingham and Tommy Watson deserted Wearside in quick succession, with more cash expected to be splurged soon to boost the newly promoted side even more.

Leicester City attacker Bilal El Khannouss is now reportedly on the Black Cats’ radar, with French outlet L’Equipe even going as far as to suggest that Le Bris’ men are out in front for the Moroccan’s coveted signature, ahead of the likes of West Ham United and AS Monaco.

Alongside shopping close to home, Sunderland also has their eye on some promising attacking talents in Ligue 1, with a report from journalist Graeme Bailey revealing that the Premier League new boys are showing a “strong interest” in OGC Nice forward Evan Guessand.

Both Leeds United and Brentford are also keen on the £22m-rated attacker’s services, with the report further revealing that Guessand would be tempted by a switch to England as he weighs up leaving his current employers.

Off the back of a promising season in France, Guessand might well explode into life even more under Le Bris’ tutelage on Wearside, as the Nice number 29 attempts to replicate Isidor’s rapid rise at the Stadium of Light, considering Isidor was also once viewed as being a slightly risky star to sign last summer.

How Guessand could be the next Isidor

In the end, Isidor would instantly settle in right at the top of the Championship, which was a surprise considering the Rennes-born forward never tasted the high intensity of the English game before linking up with Le Bris and Co last August, initially on loan.

Still, that wouldn’t matter as Isidor led the line with confidence for promotion chasers all season long, culminating in him collecting 13 Championship strikes. Before this breakout moment, however, the towering 24-year-old only had a mediocre 48 career strikes next to his name as a nomadic presence playing out in Russia and France.

24/25

42

13

9

23/24

38

7

2

21/22

25

1

3

20/21

3

0

0

19/20

1

0

0

Guessand had an equally formative experience with Nice this season just gone, with the powers that be at the Cote D’Azur club having to exercise plenty of patience before fully reaping their rewards, as seen in the 6-foot-3 striker registering a blistering 13 strikes in all competitions last campaign, after only eight goals had been tallied up over the prior three seasons.

Even more could soon come from Guessand, therefore, knowing what Le Bris has managed to do for a striker with a similar approach to himself in Isidor, with Isidor also a lofty presence coming in at 6-foot-1, but equally content with speeding through on goal to finish off a well-crafted counter-attack.

The £22m attacker has even been hailed as “electric” by U23 football scout Antonio Mango for his devastating burst of pace, which might well work in his favour in such a demanding and taxing league like the Premier League.

Le Bris will see Guessand as a project – much like he did with Isidor – and if the success story of the former Zenit St. Petersburg man is anything to go off, landing the Ivorian might well be deemed a capture as impactful as Habib Diarra and Enzo Le Fee joining for some mega bucks down the line.

Mepham upgrade: Sunderland plotting deal for "incredible" £18m star

Sunderland are reportedly interested in signing a star who would be a big upgrade on Chris Mepham.

ByDan Emery Jul 12, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur will be expected to be fighting for Europe once again next season, with Thomas Frank the man who’s been tasked with taking the side back up the table.

The Dane was appointed as the Lilywhites’ new boss last month after owner Daniel Levy decided to fork out £10m to prise him out of his contract at Brentford.

He’s showcased in the Premier League that he’s capable of overachieving, helping the Bees register a top-half finish despite losing top scorer Ivan Toney last summer.

He will likely have much bigger funds to spend after taking the reins in North London, needing to make the changes he desires if he is to be a success in the role.

Frank has already wasted no time in identifying key options to help him in his quest at the club, already edging ever closer to landing his first signing since replacing Ange Postecoglou.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player of huge interest in recent weeks and a deal for the West Ham United star was officially confirmed by the club on Thursday evening.

£55m appears to be the golden number between the two clubs, with the Ghanaian now arriving as Frank’s first addition this summer.

However, other moves have also been made in recent days, with Morgan Gibbs-White set to put pen to paper after the Lilywhites activated his £60m release clause at Nottingham Forest.

Another Premier League star could be inbound too, with Yoane Wissa potentially following Frank to Spurs, according to BBC Sport.

They claim that talks have been held over a deal to land the Congolese international striker, who managed to score 19 times in his 35 league appearances last campaign.

The report also states that the player himself is extremely keen on a move to link up with his former boss, but they are demanding a fee in the region of £50m to part ways with the 28-year-old this summer.

Why Spurs’ £50m target would be the dream CF for Kudus

Soon-to-be Spurs star Kudus is a player who will undoubtedly bring excitement to the fanbase in North London, given his spell in England with West Ham.

The 24-year-old has registered 19 goals over the last two years since his move from Ajax, often catching the eye with his mazy runs and incredible solo efforts.

He’s often scored numerous times after dribbling past the opposition effortlessly, but arguably his best strike was his bicycle kick against Manchester City in the 2023/24 campaign.

His pending move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium would be a big-money one, no doubt, but one that would be worth every penny if he can replicate his form from the London Stadium.

Kudus could also link up with Wissa if he also completes a move, with the pair having the prospect of helping the Lilywhites rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

The Brentford star, who’s been labelled “remarkable” by journalist Zach Lowy, managed to score four goals with his head last campaign, something which could fall perfectly into the Ghanaian’s hands given his cross success rate of 26% last season.

Wissa also managed to register 1.3 shots on target per 90, able to link up with the £55m addition next season, especially considering his tally of 1.2 chances created per 90.

Games played

35

Goals scored

19

Shots on target per 90

1.3

Aerials won

46%

Pass accuracy

80%

Touches in opposition box

5.2

Fouls won

1.6

The Congolese star has further impressed by winning 46% of the aerials he’s entered, a superb record considering he’s not the tallest of players, standing at just 5”9.

Whilst it may be an expensive addition at around £50m this summer, it’s evident that Wissa would be a phenomenal addition given his previous spell in England’s top-flight.

The prospect of the Brentford talent linking up with Kudus in North London is one for the fanbase to get excited about, with the club potentially possessing two of the division’s leading talents going into 2025/26.

A better signing than Eze: Spurs set to make bid for "magical" £20m star

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have ended their pursuit of Eberechi Eze with a move for another talented star.

ByEthan Lamb Jul 10, 2025

Leeds United have officially confirmed that central midfielder Joe Rothwell and left winger Manor Solomon have moved on from the club at the end of their respective loan deals.

They both spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Elland Road and contributed to the team winning the Championship title, earning promotion to the Premier League in the process.

Rothwell will not be returning to West Yorkshire on a permanent deal, though, as Rangers have reportedly agreed a deal with Bournemouth to sign the midfielder on a permanent basis.

The central midfielder played 36 times in the Championship for Leeds last term, and the club are reportedly eyeing up a midfield replacement who would come in as an upgrade for Daniel Farke.

Leeds eyeing Serie A midfielder

The Whites have set their sights on a former Premier League star who could come in and be an upgrade on Rothwell in the middle of the park next season.

According to Tutto Mercato Web, Leeds United are one of the teams pursuing in a deal to sign Juventus central midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The report claims that there are several Premier League sides keen on a swoop for the former Aston Villa man, but the Whites are the only team to have made an official enquiry at this moment in time.

Juventus are said to be exploring their options as they look to shed some wages during the summer transfer window, and a loan with an obligation to buy appears to be on the cards for Luiz.

The Brazil international is reportedly valued at £30m by the Italian giants, though, and it remains to be seen whether or not Leeds are willing to pay that price, even in an initial loan with an obligation for next summer.

Why Luiz would be a Rothwell upgrade for Leeds

Described as “one of the best [midfielders] in the world” by Sky Italia, if the Championship champions can get a deal over the line for the Brazilian midfielder, then they could land a big upgrade on what they had with Rothwell, who has yet to prove himself at Premier League level.

Both players played in the English top-flight, for Bournemouth and Aston Villa respectively, in the 2023/24 campaign and it was night and day between their performances.

Luiz, who was hailed as “phenomenal” by pundit Lee Hendrie, showcased his quality at the very top level for the Villans that term, and that earned him a move to Juventus in the summer of 2024.

The 27-year-old talent only started three of his 19 appearances in the Serie A last season, though, and that appears to have opened the door for Leeds to improve their squad.

Appearances

11

35

Sofascore rating

6.55

7.27

Goals

0

9

Assists

0

5

Tackles + interceptions per game

0.9

2.4

Duels won per game

1.5

4.1

As you can see in the table above, there is no debate over who the better Premier League central midfielder is between Rothwell and Luiz, as the Brazilian offers far more to the team in possession and defensively.

That is why Rothwell was loaned out to Southampton in the Championship for the second half of the season, before joining Leeds on loan in the summer, and why Luiz ended up at Juventus.

He is a proven Premier League performer who has the ability to hit the ground running at Elland Road as a star who has been there and done it at that level.

Therefore, Leeds could significantly improve their squad and provide the likes of Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka with real competition for their places in the XI by signing the Old Lady midfielder on loan for next season.

He'd be the next Chris Wood: Leeds pushing to sign £21m star after Bornauw

Leeds United are set to sign Sebastiaan Bornauw, and are also pushing to land a new striker.

ByDan Emery Jul 1, 2025

Liverpool are in a ruthless mood this summer and after welcoming Florian Wirtz for a British-record fee, Richard Hughes is reportedly set for talks to sell one of Arne Slot’s star and has already contacted his potential replacement.

Liverpool not done after record Wirtz deal

Unlike in the past, Liverpool are not just sitting back and admiring their silverware. They’re gunning for more. Jeremie Frimpong arrived first to replace Trent Alexander-Anrold, but the biggest headlines were still to come as Wirtz followed his former Bayer Leverkusen teammate to Anfield in a British-record £116m deal.

The German is ready to take the Premier League by storm too, telling Liverpool’s official media channels: “I’m really excited to have a new adventure in front of me. This was also a big point of my thoughts: that I want to have something completely new, to go out of the Bundesliga and to join the Premier League.

“I will see how I can perform there. I hope I can do my best. I spoke also with some players who played there and they told me that it’s perfect for me and every pitch is perfect, you can enjoy every game. I’m really looking forward to playing my first game.”

Even after Wirtz, however, Liverpool are not done there. It has been a summer full of business for Richard Hughes, who is making up for lost time following a quiet debut year in Merseyside. Up next looks set to be Milos Kerkez, whilst reported talks to sell one star man could lead to another big-money incoming.

Liverpool set to hold talks to sell Nunez

According to Fabrizio Romano, reporting on Saturday afternoon, Liverpool are set to hold talks with Napoli next week over the sale of Darwin Nunez. The Italian club reportedly see the forward as their dream target and are now looking to learn more about the details of a potential move.

The sale of the struggling forward could be good news for those in Merseyside, who have reportedly already contacted Hugo Ekitike over a deal to replace Nunez this summer.

Liverpool hold talks to sign "fantastic" star loved by Jordan Henderson

The Reds are making more moves on the market.

2 BySean Markus Clifford Jun 21, 2025

When speaking about the Frenchman, Romano recently told the Market Madness Podcast: “Well, I think for Ekitike this could be a possibility to go to Liverpool, because there were calls from Chelsea two weeks ago. Man United, in recent days, also made contact with the agents to understand the situation.

“But for Liverpool, this is also a possibility. Liverpool also spoke to the agents. Also, Liverpool considered Ekitike an interesting opportunity. And so that’s the name I would keep in their shortlist.”

Minutes

2,563

1,133

Goals

15

5

Assists

8

2

Expected Goals

21.6

5.8

As the numbers show, Liverpool would once again be landing an instant upgrade this summer to continue what is likely to go down as their best-ever transfer window, even if the Frenchman could cost £85m.

With Junior Firpo currently set to leave as a free agent later this month, Leeds United have reportedly joined the race to sign a Bundesliga standout who’s worth just £8m this summer.

Junior Firpo set to depart Leeds

After four years at Elland Road, Firpo has just 24 days remaining as a Leeds player unless anything dramatic happens between now and the end of the month. With his contract expiring, the Whites have missed their chance to cash in and will now watch on as one of their most experienced players departs as a free agent. With or without the chance to cash in, however, Leeds must find a replacement this summer.

Daniel Farke is one of many who are well aware of Firpo’s importance in Yorkshire, having told reporters when asked about the defender’s contract situation at the start of last season: “If I’m honest I haven’t thought about this scenario so far because it was such a difficult summer for other things.

“You know how much I rate Junior [Firpo] and Sam [Byram] and how important they are for us. Junior played a really good game against Burnley, after long travel, improved defensive skill and turning into a leader. Great will to improve further.”

49ers lining up summer swoop to sign "resilient" relegated star for Leeds

He could get an instant return to the Premier League.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 6, 2025

Set to lose one of his leaders nonetheless, Farke must ensure that his replacement, whoever that is, steps up in Firpo’s place. Those at Elland Road cannot afford to get things wrong this summer with the Premier League looming.

None of the last six promoted clubs have survived their first season in the Premier League, but Leeds will be desperate to end that trend. The 49ers look likely to back them in pursuit of that too, given recent links to the likes of Gustavo Hamer and now a talented Bundesliga star who would replace Firpo.

Leeds racing to sign Anthony Caci

According to Foot Mercato, Leeds are now racing Borussia Dortmund to sign Anthony Caci from Mainz 05 this summer. The full-back, who can play on both sides of the defence or even in midfield, has been a standout in the Bundesliga across the last eight months and has more than played his part in Mainz’s shock sixth place finish.

Valued at just €10m (£8m) by Mainz, Leeds would be landing a bargain deal by beating Dortmund to Caci’s signature this summer. There’s even a strong argument that the Whites would be landing an upgrade on Firpo and not just a replacement.

Minutes

2,684

2,616

Assists

7

10

Tackles Won

40

34

Ball Recoveries

131

114

Whilst keeping up with Firpo on the creativity front, Caci outperformed the Leeds man in a number of key areas. Having proven himself in Germany’s top flight, the Frenchman has more than earned the opportunity to do the same in England’s top division.

At just £8m, Caci would undoubtedly be a bargain buy and one that the 49ers should do everything to seal should Firpo depart this summer.

Will Chelsea spend big again this summer?

Since being taken over by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital three years ago, the Blues have signed over 35 senior first-team players for in excess of £1bn, but are showing no signs of slowing down.

The Blues have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m, meaning he will be eligible to feature at the Club World Cup, with Enzo Maresca’s side kicking off their campaign against LAFC next Monday.

Before that match in Atlanta, could Chelsea sign another young attacker?

Chelsea's search for a new wide-attacker

BlueCo are incredibly busy trying to improve the squad before the Club World Cup gets underway with Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan reportedly closing in on a move to Stamford Bridge.

Yet, he’s not the only player who could arrive before Chelsea’s American adventure.

According to a report by RMC Sport, Chelsea have agreed personal terms with Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens on a whopping seven-year contract.

Transfer Focus

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

This comes after David Ornstein of the Athletic reported that the Blues have submitted an official bid, although Florian Plettenberg of Sky Sports Deutschland claims that Chelsea’s initial bid of €29.5m was “rejected”, with die Schwarzgelben “demanding” closer to £51m.

Jacob Steinberg of the Guardian has previously documented that adding a ‘right-footed left-winger’ to their squad, having previously assessed Nico Williams and Alejandro Garnacho, but Gittens has emerged as the first-choice target.

So, it appears to be just a matter of time until this deal gets done, although they only have until 7pm (BST) on Tuesday to finalise the transfer, if Gittens is going to feature at the Club World Cup.

How Jamie Gittens could unleash Liam Delap

Neel Shelat of Total Football Analysis outlines how Delap has all the attributes to be a top-class penalty box poacher, so why would Gittens’ arrival be the dream signing for him?

Well, Felix Johnston describes the 20-year-old winger as “electric”, praising his “variation with crosses” and ability to make threatening “back post” runs.

Meantime, Lebohang Mwamuka of Breaking the Lines believes Gittens has the ability to become a ‘regular creator from wide areas’, given that he is “strong with both feet… dynamic” and possesses “remarkable dribbling’.

Jacek Kulig of Talent Football Scout agrees, believing Gittens’ ‘potential is extremely high’, noting that his primary strengths are dribbling, ‘decision-making and movement’.

So, let’s analyse Gittens’ statistics in the Bundesliga this season.

Minutes

1,776

149th

Goals

8

32nd

Assists

3

71st

Progressive carries

113

4th

Attempted take-ons

171

1st

Successful take-ons

77

2nd

Carries into penalty area

63

1st

As the table outlines, there are few better dribblers in the Bundesliga than Gittens, ranked first for attempted take-ons and carries into the opposition penalty area, behind only Liverpool-bound Florian Wirtz for successful take-ons.

In fact, across Europe’s big five leagues, the Englishman ranks seventh for attempted take-ons as well as seventh in the Champions League for the same metric. Thus, Gittens’ dribbling and creative abilities would surely get the best out of centre-forward Delap.

The duo have actually played together on nine occasions before, seven of which have been with England’s U21s, while they were briefly teammates in Manchester City’s academy too, with Delap assisting Gittens for a goal against Liverpool’s U18s in September 2019.

Thus, if the pair are reunited in West London later this summer, they could form quite the devastating attacking duo.

Talks ongoing: Chelsea mainstay could be forced out if they sign "elite" player

There is set to be real shake-ups at Stamford Bridge this summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 8, 2025

Arsenal once again failed to get over the line in the Premier League or Champions League this season, so to ensure they achieve their goals next year, the club look set for an incredibly busy summer.

For example, while no signings have officially been announced, it’s been widely reported by the likes of Fabrizio Romano that Martin Zubimendi is incredibly close to joining the North Londoners in the coming weeks.

The Spanish international has been a key component of Real Sociedad’s midfield for years, played a crucial role in Spain’s European Championships triumph last year, and is still just 26 years old.

In short, the San Sebastian-born international will be an excellent addition to the Gunners’ squad, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now targetting someone who’d be even more exciting.

Arsenal transfer news

The good news is that, over the last few weeks, Arsenal have been linked with a host of incredibly exciting players, so before getting to the star in question, it is worth examining a few of them, like Benjamin Sesko and Antoine Semenyo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has been a long-term target for the Gunners and is reportedly available for close to £70m, which might end up being a bargain for someone described as “the new Erling Haaland” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 games this season.

Semenyo, on the other hand, may cost just as much as the Slovenian and managed to rack up a reasonable enough tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances for Bournemouth this season.

However, it now looks like the North Londoners are interested in an even more prolific Premier League-proven attacker: Bryan Mbeumo.

According to a recent report from transfers expert Romano, Arsenal are now one of several English teams seriously keen on the Brentford star.

Romano claims that alongside the Gunners, Manchester United and Newcastle United are also big fans of the Cameroonian international, who, according to other stories from the last few weeks, could be available for around £60m.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but one well worth fighting for, especially as Mbeumo would be a more exciting addition than Zubimendi.

Why Mbuemo would be a more exciting signing than Zubimendi

Okay, so the first thing to say is that for the aforementioned reasons, like his experience and track record of performing in big moments, Zubimendi would be an important and exciting signing for Arsenal.

However, it’s also true that Mbeumo would be an even more exciting addition to the team this summer for a host of reasons, chief among them being his unreal output.

For example, despite playing for a mid-table – at-best – team, and who were without their star striker for half of last year, the former Troyes star managed to end the 23/24 season with an impressive haul of nine goals and seven assists in 27 appearances, totalling 2079 minutes.

That means the Avallon-born dynamo managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.68 games, or every 129.93 minutes, which is undeniably impressive.

Yet, somehow, instead of plateauing or even regressing, the often “unplayable” international, as dubbed by manager Thomas Frank, did even better this season.

Appearances

27

42

Minutes

2079′

3577′

Goals

9

20

Assists

7

9

Goal Involvements per Match

0.59

0.69

Minutes per Goal Involvement

129.93′

123.34′

In 42 appearances, totalling 3577 minutes, the 25-year-old phenomenon scored 20 goals and provided nine assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 123.34 minutes.

On top of his outrageous output, the 18-capped attacker can also play up top or as a second striker, and if there is anything we know about Arteta, it’s that he likes players who can excel in more than one position.

Ultimately, Zubimendi could be an incredibly important cog in the machine next season, but goals and dynamic attacking phases of play are what get fans on their feet, and for that reason, Mbeumo would undoubtedly be the more exciting signing for Arsenal.

He's like Van Persie: Arsenal hold secret talks to sign "the new Haaland"

Arsenal could sign a similar striker to Robin van Persie this summer.

ByMatt Dawson Jun 2, 2025

If there is one position that Arsenal desperately need to address this summer, it’s centre-forward.

Mikel Arteta might want to add other players to his team as well, but ask the fans, and we reckon the vast majority will want the club to add a reliable goalscoring nine to the squad, someone who can put away the chances created by the likes of Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli.

The board appear to share this opinion, as the last few months have seen a slew of top-quality forwards linked with the North Londoners, with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko perhaps being one of the most consistent and significant of the lot.

However, while the Slovenian would be a fine addition to the Gunners’ squad, recent reports have now touted another, far more impressive centre-forward for a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal's striker search

As there have been so many strikers linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, it’s only right we go over a couple of them, like Ollie Watkins and Viktor Gyokeres, before getting to the player in question.

Transfer Focus

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

The Gunners made an offer for the former during the winter window but failed to match Aston Villa’s £60m valuation, and even if they want something similar again in the summer, it might be a deal worth revisiting, as in 53 appearances he has scored 17 goals and provided 14 assists this season.

On the other hand, while Gyokeres isn’t Premier League-proven, his incredible tally of 53 goals and 13 assists in 51 games this season suggests his upside may be far higher than the Englishman’s and more than justify the reports that he could cost the North Londoners around £55m.

However, if Arteta and Co want to sign a better alternative to Sesko, they might want someone younger than the aforementioned strikers and who is proven in a top-five league, someone like Hugo Ekitiké.

Fortunately, according to a recent report from French publication RMC Sport, Arsenal are indeed interested in the Eintracht Frankfurt star.

The report has revealed that, alongside fellow Premier League sides Chelsea and Liverpool, the Gunners have already approached and held talks with the player and club.

However, on top of dealing with the competition, Andrea Berta and Co will have to stump up a fee of up to €100m – £84m – to get their man.

It would be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Ekitiké’s unreal ability and potential, it’s one worth pursuing, especially as he’d be a way better signing than Sesko.

How Ekitiké compares to Sesko

So, if the choice for a new striker this summer comes down to Ekitiké and Sesko, who should Arsenal sign? Who comes out on top when we compare them?

Well, when it comes down to their raw output – what matters most for a striker – it’s the Frankfurt star who comes out on top.

For example, in just 48 appearances, totalling 3645 minutes, the “incredible” Frenchman, as dubbed by teammate Rasmus Kristensen, has scored 22 goals and provided 12 assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.41 games, or every 107.20 minutes.

In contrast, the former RB Salzburg gem has scored 21 goals and provided six assists in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

What about their underlying numbers, then? Who comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Unfortunately for the Slovenian international, this is once again another area in which the comparisons heavily favour his competition.

For example, the 22-year-old comes out on top in almost all relevant metrics, including but not limited to actual and expected non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive passes and carries, key passes, passing accuracy, shots and shots on target, shot and goal-creating actions, successful take-ons and more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.91

0.40

Non-Penalty G+As

0.77

0.61

Progressive Passes

1.86

1.74

Progressive Carries

3.26

1.78

Shots

4.00

2.50

Shots on Target

1.55

1.10

Passing Accuracy

75.5%

67.6%

Key Passes

1.54

0.72

Shot-Creating Actions

3.55

1.93

Goal-Creating Actions

0.42

0.34

Successful Take-On %

1.82

1.48

Aerial Duels Won

1.82

2.65

Ultimately, it’s abundantly clear that Ekitiké is a significantly better striker than Sesko, even notably described by journalist Graeme Bailey as “the next Mbappe”, and therefore, Arsenal should do all they can to sign him this summer.

He's like Isak: Arsenal plan talks to sign £105m Gyokeres alternative

The free-scoring forward would be perfect for Arsenal.

ByJack Salveson Holmes May 22, 2025

As Manchester United romped to a brutal first-leg victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League on Thursday evening, the performance of a certain Rasmus Hojlund quietly went under the radar in that semi-final clash.

With all the talk centred around the experienced trio of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Harry Maguire, the lively display of United’s number nine was easy to overlook, with the towering Dane notably winning the penalty that proved a key turning point in the tie.

Speaking after that bright performance, manager Ruben Amorim suggested that it was the 22-year-old’s “best game” since he took charge at Old Trafford, with the struggling number nine perhaps beginning to find his groove after netting at the death against Bournemouth last week.

That recent revival could prove vital if United are to claim European glory come the end of May, although in the long term, the fact remains that the former Atalanta man has scored just four Premier League goals all season – a simply dismal return for a striker.

Whether the £64m signing stays or goes this summer, a real upgrade is needed at the top end of the pitch ahead of next term – the Red Devils simply can’t afford a Hojlund repeat.

Man Utd's search for a striker

Amorim has gone from witnessing the heroics of Viktor Gyokeres – who scored 66 goals under his watch in just 68 games – back at Sporting CP, to now having to witness his goal-shy group toil in Manchester.

It is then no surprise that United have been heavily linked with a move to reunite the 40-year-old coach with his former talisman, while recent reports have also suggested that Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick could represent a wildcard option this summer.

With Victor Osimhen also reportedly in the frame, as the Nigerian gets set to enter the final year of his Napoli contract, there are proven targets out there for United to consider, as they seek a new centre-forward for the third summer in succession.

Transfer Focus

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

Frustratingly, however, it would seem that the man that INEOS have actually identified as the leading candidate is Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Old Trafford outfit are making a ‘huge effort’ to bring the 22-year-old to the club.

As per the report, Everton have now joined the race to sign the £30m-rated ace, alongside Chelsea, albeit with there said to be ‘hope’ at United that they will emerge victorious in their pursuit.

A player known well to technical director Jason Wilcox, amid his previous stint at rivals Manchester City, the England U21 international would be an exciting addition – but is he really what Amorim needs?

Why Man Utd could be set to sign another Hojlund

There appears to have become a growing obsession in the modern game with adopting a youth-centric approach in the transfer market. Take Chelsea, for example, whose oldest outfield player this season has been Tosin Adarabioyo, who is still only 27.

Even at United under the INEOS regime, every signing made since last summer has been aged 25 or under, excluding Noussair Mazraoui. Ironically, it would not be difficult to argue that the now 27-year-old has proven to be the best of the bunch.

Equally, Thursday’s triumph away in the Basque Country indicated the benefits of the older heads, with Fernandes and Casemiro proving to be “the difference again”, in the words of journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

United have no doubt been stung in the past by short-term, high profile signings – with transfer fees for those players also likely to prove more costly – although in the case of centre-forward, in particular, the club can’t afford to skimp this summer.

Cast your mind back to 2023, for instance, when Erik ten Hag set his sights on Tottenham Hotspur’s 280-goal hero, Harry Kane, only for the club to instead fork out for a 20-year-old Hojlund, who had scored just ten goals in all competitions for his former employers.

Last summer, meanwhile, another ‘cheap’ option was pursued in the form of Joshua Zirkzee, with the Dutchman available due to a £36.5m release clause in his Bologna contract. After netting just 12 goals last term in Italy, only a further seven have followed in Manchester.

To then consider moving for another young, inexperienced, but affordable forward in Delap could represent a real mistake, with the Englishman not exactly setting the world alight this season. 12 top-flight goals for a now-relegated side is nothing to turn your nose up at, although it’s hardly spectacular.

The Man City academy graduate, as he has shown in 2024/25, is an undoubted talent, with his bulldozing displays for the Tractor Boys seeing him lauded as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones.

And yet, it was only last season that the in-demand marksman had scored just eight league goals while on loan at Hull City in the Championship, with the question there to be asked over whether he is indeed ready to make such a seismic, pressurised step up.

Non-penalty goals

0.37

0.21

Assists

0.07

0.00

Total shots

2.30

1.55

Shot-creating actions

2.23

2.17

Pass completion

61%

76.7%

Progressive passes

1.11

0.83

Progressive carries

2.19

1.34

Touches in opposition box

1.41

2.99

Aerial duels won

1.93

1.19

What will also be of concern is that Delap is actually noted as a statistically similar player to Hojlund among those in their position in the Premier League, as per FBref, with it looking as if Amorim could be handed almost a carbon copy of what he already has at his disposal.

Yes, Delap is of far greater status right now, but it wasn’t too long ago that the speedy Hojlund was also earning rave reviews of his own. Who can forget his debut cameo against Arsenal, when the Denmark international ran William Saliba and Gabriel ragged.

As perhaps to be expected of a young striker, the pressure and expectation of leading the line for Manchester United has weighed heavy on Hojlund, culminating in his current woes.

Amorim is then in need of a Gyokeres, an Osimhen, who will shoulder that burden with ease, having repeatedly proven themselves over a number of seasons. Can the same really be said of Delap?

Approaching yet another pivotal summer window at Old Trafford, the club can’t afford any further mistakes. Of course, the tight budget must be considered, although the desire for affordability should not come at the expense of the need for ready-made quality.

Imagine him & Bruno: Man Utd make £68m bid for "one of the best" talents

Manchester United could be about to land a star who would be perfect alongside Bruno Fernandes.

ByEthan Lamb May 3, 2025

Glasgow Rangers delivered a resolute display in their Europa League quarter-final first leg tie against La Liga side Athletic Bilbao, despite being reduced to ten men early on.

Robin Propper was sent off after he was deemed to have prevented a scoring opportunity and from then on, it looked as though the Spanish side would go on to score a few goals.

Bilbao had 19 shots throughout the match, yet couldn’t find the back of the net. They even had a penalty saved following a decision by the referee after a VAR review and this set up the match nicely ahead of the second leg.

One person who will miss that game, however, is Propper. Perhaps this could work wonders as the Light Blues look to reach the semi-finals.

Why Robin Propper was sent off against Athletic Bilbao

Prior to being dismissed, the Dutchman had yet to win a single duel contested while he lost possession twice, failed to deliver an accurate long ball from two attempts, and took just 16 touches.

After fouling Nico Williams on the edge of the penalty area, Propper was initially given a yellow card for his troubles.

Metric

Highest-ranked

Accurate passes

Daniel Vivian (84)

Key passes

Nico Williams (6)

Tackles

James Tavernier (5)

Shots on target

Oihan Sancet, Maroan Sannadi and Alex Berenguer (1)

Ground duels won

James Tavernier (7)

Following a VAR review, however, referee Istvan Kovacs upgraded this yellow to a red card for denying a clear goalscoring opportunity.

According to IFAB rules, denying an opportunity outside the box results in a red card, although the sentiment wasn’t quite shared by the Ibrox crowd.

Thankfully, the Gers were able to secure a 0-0 draw that puts them in a solid position heading into the second leg.

Propper hasn’t exactly enjoyed the best maiden season at Ibrox. Did the club sell a player last year who is better than the former FC Twente captain?

The former Rangers star who is miles better than Propper

After spending six seasons with Rangers, making 309 appearances for the club in that time, Philippe Clement sold Connor Goldson last summer to Aris Limassol.

The timing was right, as the centre-back wasn’t at his best throughout 2023/24, but there is no doubt he still would have been a better option than Propper.

Hailed by former manager Steven Gerrard as being “an absolute mountain” back in 2021, Goldson’s influence waned, hence his move to Cyprus.

The English titan averages a 90% pass success rate this season in the Cypriot top flight, along with winning an impressive 75% of his aerial duels and succeeding with 53% of his long ball attempts.

Comparing this to Propper, who has an 89% pass success rate domestically, while winning 64% of his aerial duels and succeeding with 48% of his long ball attempts, proves that Goldson is enjoying the best campaign from a statistical viewpoint.

Furthermore, Propper simply cannot handle the physicality of Scottish football, as opposition attackers can get the better of him, having been dribbled past ten times in the Premiership so far.

Of course, I’m not saying Goldson is the answer to the club’s prayers, but given the choice, he appears to be a better option in comparison to Propper, based off their respective form this season.

As bad as Propper: Ferguson must axe Rangers dud who made just 4 passes

Having battled to a goalless draw at Ibrox, Rangers manager Barry Ferguson must axe his “frustrating” star at San Mamés in next Thursday’s second leg.

Apr 11, 2025

This is why the Gers messed up when they cashed in on the former Brighton man last year because he is currently miles better than the Dutch dud, who is yet to prove his worth at Ibrox.