Having already signed Fer Lopez, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly set their sights on welcoming a defensive reinforcement who current star Yerson Mosquera knows well.
Fer Lopez: Premier League is an "amazing opportunity"
After losing both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri in the early days of the window, Wolves were always likely to spend in the weeks that followed, and they did just that. Signing the young winger from Celta Vigo for around £19m, Lopez will arrive hoping to make an instant impact in the Midlands.
The 21-year-old is well aware of the opportunity that lies ahead too, telling Wolves’ official website after putting pen to paper: “It’s an amazing opportunity for my career to play in the Premier League, and I’m very happy.
“Vitor told me he thought I was a good fit in the squad and when it’s a club like this, you have little to think about. The team did very good when Vitor came and I think he is top, so I’m very excited to be with him.
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The midfield star is ready to leave his current club.
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“Jorgen told me that to play in the Premier League and with a team like Wolves, it’s amazing, and that the fans were incredible. He told me that I should come, and that with the gaffer and all the teammates, the style of play was going to be very good. We’re going to play good football, attractive football, and I think I can fit in there.”
After Lopez, however, Wolves still have money to spend and it seems as though their focus has turned towards strengthening their backline with the addition of an in-demand defender who Mosquera knows well.
Wolves join Lucumi race
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Wolves have now joined the race to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer as the defender’s £24m release clause approaches its July 10 expiry date.
Jhon Lucumi tackles Lionel Messi.
Joined by Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford, Wolves will have quite the battle on their hands if they decide to turn their interest into a formal offer for Vitor Pereira. Lucumi is a player who’d be worth the chaos, though. Mosquera’s Colombian teammate has enjoyed an impressive couple of years in Italy and has earned plenty of praise along the way.
Praised for his “excellent ball-security” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Wolves should do everything to land what would be a bargain deal for Lucumi this summer. The Midlands club have just over two weeks to sign the Bologna defender before his £24m release clause expires and the Italian club likely increase their asking price.
Next season is set to be another new dawn for Tottenham Hotspur.
Daniel Levy and Co. made what looks to have been the unpopular decision to sack Ange Postecoglou last Friday and, in his place, hire Thomas Frank.
While fans might’ve liked the club to back the manager who ended their trophy drought, the Danish coach is an exciting appointment, as he took Brentford up from the Championship and turned them into one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League.
Unsurprisingly, then, the North Londoners have been linked with one of the Bees’ best players, Bryan Mbeumo, but if reports are to be believed, they could decide to sign someone else, someone better.
Tottenham Transfer news
Before getting to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other talented players touted for a move to Spurs in recent weeks, like Eberechi Eze and Xavi Simons.
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 North Londoners, and while his £68m release clause would represent a significant investment, his tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in 43 games this season suggest he’d be more than worth it.
Likewise, the £67m it would reportedly take to secure Simons’ services this summer may sound like a lot – because it is – but when you consider he’s still just 22 years old and was able to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in just 33 games this year, it doesn’t sound so bad.
However, another Premier League-proven attacker has entered the frame for the North Londoners, someone who could be better than Mbeumo: Antoine Semenyo.
Yes, according to a recent report from Sky Sports, Spurs have maintained their intense interest in the Bournemouth star, even though that interest originated prior to Postecoglou’s sacking.
The report does not mention a potential price for the Cherries ace, but stories from earlier this month claimed that he could be available for close to £70m.
It would likely be a costly and complicated transfer to get over the line this summer, but given Semenyo’s immense ability, it’s one Spurs should be all over, especially as he could be an even better signing than Mbeumo.
How Semenyo compares to Mbeumo
Okay, so we know that Mbeumo is one of the most talked-about targets in England at the moment, and understandably so, as in 42 appearances this season, he was able to score 20 goals and provide nine assists.
AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on
But for our money, Semenyo would be the better signing, and there are several reasons why.
Firstly, while he wasn’t able to produce quite as many goal involvements, the Ghanaian international was still an incredibly effective attacker, scoring 13 goals and providing seven assists in as many appearances for Bournemouth.
Moreover, as we all know, a winger is and should be judged on more metrics than just his goals and assists in the modern game, and when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers, the Cherries ace starts to come out on top.
For example, while the former Troyes gem does better in some metrics like shot and goal-creating actions as well as progressive passes, the former Bristol City star comes out on top in the majority of relevant metrics, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, progressive carries, shots and shots on target, passing accuracy, tackles and more, all per 90.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.44
0.42
Progressive Passes
3.06
3.72
Progressive Carries
3.93
3.43
Shots
3.49
2.08
Shots on Target
1.11
0.94
Passing Accuracy
73.4%
66.1%
Non-Penalty xG
0.28
0.20
Shot-Creating Actions
3.71
3.80
Goal-Creating Actions
0.37
0.53
Tackles
1.54
1.29
Blocks
1.88
0.69
Successful Take-Ons
1.94
1.37
Ball Recoveries
4.44
4.12
Aerial Duels Won
1.85
0.90
Moreover, on top of being the more statistically well-rounded player, the 25-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is incredibly versatile.
For example, thanks to him being ambipedal – equally able to use both feet – he’s more than happy playing off the right as he is on the left and can even play up top or in midfield if he’s needed to.
Therefore, the dynamic “maverick,” as dubbed by Mattinson, could come in and fill in wherever he’s needed, in turn giving Frank far more tactical flexibility than he’d get from someone only dangerous off the right.
Ultimately, either Mbeumo or Semenyo would be excellent additions for Spurs, but thanks to the latter having the more impressive and promising underlying numbers, combined with his ability to play almost anywhere, we reckon he would be the better signing for the North Londoners.
Alongside Son: Frank must axe £165k-per-week Spurs "monster"
It would be best for Spurs to cash in and help Frank kickstart his time at the club.
Leeds United have now joined the race to sign a “spectacular” goalkeeper, having missed out on Caoimhin Kelleher, according to a report.
Leeds looking to sign new GK amid Meslier concerns
Some of Meslier’s performances in the 2024-25 campaign were cause for major concern, with the Frenchman making a number of key errors, which could’ve been costly in Leeds’ push for promotion, although they were ultimately able to get over the line.
Perhaps most memorably, the 25-year-old made a huge blunder to gift Sunderland a late equaliser at the Stadium of Light back in October, while there were also suggestions his time at Elland Road could be over after being dropped for Karl Darlow in April.
Daniel Farke ultimately opted to give Darlow the nod in goal for the remainder of the campaign, highlighting a lack of trust in Meslier, and with the Whites going on to achieve promotion, they have set out to sign a long-term replacement between the sticks.
A report from Leeds United News has revealed that a new target has entered the frame, namely Santos goalkeeper Brazao, with Farke’s side now making efforts to try and sign the Brazilian shot-stopper.
The 24-year-old only returned to his home country in 2024, leaving Inter Milan, but he could now be set for a return to Europe, although Leeds are not the only English club in the race for his signature.
Santos' GabrielBrazaoreacts during the match
Indeed, Chelsea have also set their sights on the goalkeeper, with the Blues expected to make a formal offer for his services in the near future, which could pose a problem for the Championship winners.
Leeds now "one to watch" in race for "outstanding" £25m Premier League ace
The Whites are in the running for a midfielder, who has a plethora of Premier League experience.
ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025 "Spectacular" Brazao could be Meslier upgrade
Once lauded as “spectacular” by former coach Carlos Amadeu, the Santos shot-stopper has put in some impressive performances since returning to his home country, keeping 21 clean sheets in 57 matches.
Not only that, but there are signs the former Inter Milan man could be an upgrade on Meslier, having maintained a better save percentage per 90 than the former Lorient man over the past year.
At the start of April, it was revealed the Leeds goalkeeper had single-handedly cost his side 10 points, which could’ve been extremely damaging in their quest for promotion, and he simply cannot be trusted in the Premier League.
Farke’s side may have gotten away with slipping up in the Championship, but with the Whites looking to avoid relegation next season, every single point will be valuable.
As such, Brazao could be an upgrade on Meslier, having impressed for Santos in recent times, but there may be some concerns over the fact he is unproven in a major European league, and Leeds will undoubtedly be disappointed to have missed out on Brentford-bound Kelleher.
Leeds United will have to be ambitious and clear in what they want if they want to be successful in building a squad that can avoid instant relegation from the Premier League.
The facts are there for all to see. The last six teams to be promoted from the Premier League have all been relegated in their first season in the top-flight, which means that it is going to be incredibly difficult for the Whites to beat the drop.
Daniel Farke knows more than most about how difficult it is, because he managed Norwich during their relegation in the 2019/20 campaign, and was relieved of his duties before they succumbed to another relegation in the 2021/22 season.
One route the West Yorkshire outfit could go down is to sign players with Premier League experience, as they know the division and know what it takes to avoid relegation.
There are several former Leeds players who now fall into that category of star, although some of them are now beyond the club’s reach, including Nottingham Forest centre-forward Chris Wood.
Why Chris Wood is unattainable for Leeds
The New Zealand international is now unattainable for the Whites because there is a chance that Nottingham Forest could be playing in the Champions League next season, and they will be playing in a European competition no matter what.
Wood played for Leeds in the Championship between 2015 and 2017, after joining from Leicester City, and caught the eye with his goalscoring exploits in the second tier.
As you can see in the graphic above, the towering striker averaged a goal every other game for the Whites, before being sold to Burnley for £15m.
Wood has gone on to cement himself as a reliable and consistent Premier League goalscorer throughout his career, playing in the top-flight in every season since his exit from Elland Road in 2017.
24/25 (Nottingham Forest)
35
20
23/24 (Nottingham Forest)
31
14
22/23 (Newcastle United)
18
2
21/22 (Newcastle United)
17
2
21/22 (Burnley)
17
3
20/21 (Burnley)
33
12
19/20 (Burnley)
32
14
18/19 (Burnley)
38
10
17/18 (Burnley)
24
10
As you can see in the table above, the impressive marksman was remarkably consistent for Burnley up until the 2021/22 campaign, in which he joined Newcastle United in the January transfer window.
His time with the Magpies did not go to plan, with four goals in 35 Premier League appearances, but his previous form for Burnley was clearly enough for Forest to put their faith in him, and he has paid them back in a big way.
His incredible form for Forest, with 34 goals in 66 league matches to date, illustrates why he is beyond the club’s reach at this moment in time, but that does not mean that Farke cannot sign his own version of Wood.
Leeds considering deal for Premier League star
According to Football Insider, Leeds United are considering a bargain swoop to sign Callum Wilson from Premier League side Newcastle United in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Whites are looking to add Premier League experience to their squad, and the England international would fit the bill for the newly-promoted side.
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 the Championship champions are exploring the possibility of a deal to bring the experienced centre-forward to Elland Road ahead of the 2025/26 campaign to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.
Football Insider reveals that Wilson is poised to walk away from St. James’ Park at the end of his current contract, which expires at the end of June, and that Leeds view him as potentially smart business on a free transfer.
With this in mind, the 49ers must act upon this interest to snap up the 33-year-old veteran, because he could arrive as Farke’s own version of Chris Wood in the 2025/26 campaign, to bolster the team’s chances of avoiding an instant relegation from the top-flight.
Why Callum Wilson could be Chris Wood 2.0
As aforementioned, Nottingham Forest hit the jackpot with Wood because they were willing to overlook his struggles in the 2021/22 and 2022/23 campaigns.
They banked on him being able to recapture the form he displayed at Burnley earlier in his career, and his 20 Premier League goals this season at the age of 33 prove that they made the right decision.
Newcastle striker Callum Wilson
Wilson could be a similarly successful signing for Leeds after a difficult season with the Magpies on Tyneside, as he has failed to score in 17 Premier League appearances this term, albeit with only two starts to his name.
The veteran striker, once described as “incredible” by manager Eddie Howe, would be arriving at Elland Road off the back of a poor campaign, just as Wood was when he left St. James’ Park to sign for Forest.
Newcastle United's Callum Wilson.
Just like the New Zealand international, though, Wilson also has an impressive history of scoring goals in the Premier League for Newcastle and Bournemouth that predates the current term.
24/25
2
0
23/24
9
9
22/23
21
18
21/22
16
8
20/21
23
12
19/20
32
8
18/19
29
14
17/18
23
8
16/17
16
6
15/16
9
5
As you can see in the table above, the English marksman has, typically, scored goals on a regular basis when given plenty of starts by his manager.
These statistics show that he knows how to find the back of the net at an impressive rate in the Premier League, which is why he could be an excellent and much-needed signing for a Leeds squad that are looking to avoid relegation at the first time of asking.
They also show that Wilson has the potential to be Farke’s own version of Wood as an experienced and Premier League-proven striker who could come in and make a big impact in the final third if given enough game time to shine, as the ex-Leeds striker has been at the City Ground.
Leeds make enquiry to sign Premier League star who'd leave Bogle worried
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As a potentially free agent signing, he could be a shrewd addition to the group for Farke and a player who could pass on his experience to the younger players in the squad, which is another reason why this could be an excellent piece of business.
West Bromwich Albion fans would have been anticipating that their team would be participating in the drama of the Championship playoffs, but their team’s 2024/25 campaign didn’t quite go as smoothly as they would have hoped.
In the end, the Baggies would finish four points shy of Bristol City in that final playoff position, with Tony Mowbray actually facing the wrath of the Hawthorns hierarchy by losing his job for not steering the West Midlands side into the long-sought-after top six.
West Bromwich Albion managerTonyMowbraybefore the match
Alongside talk of a new manager coming in to replace the axed Mowbray, there are now murmurs of fresh faces entering the building to boost matters on the pitch, with the rumour mill churning out new potential bosses and players aplenty.
West Brom could sign Premier League youngster
With Albion in need of a new manager, the likes of Marti Cifuentes and Ryan Mason are now being linked to the Baggies vacancy, with Portsmouth manager John Mousinho also reportedly on the West Brom radar after successfully guiding Pompey away from Championship relegation danger.
Moreover, a slightly more left-field shout comes in the form of ex-Manchester United coach Eric Ramsay.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
But, earlier talk suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur coach Mason could be handed the reins hasn’t died down completely, with the 33-year-old perhaps linking up with a Spurs youngster along the way if he does take on the second-tier job post.
Indeed, a report from Birmingham Live has stated that West Brom have lodged an enquiry over the loan signature of 20-year-old Jamie Donley, off the back of the exciting attacker starring on loan in League One this season with Leyton Orient.
Whilst the jump up is significant from League One to the EFL’s elite division, there will be a hope that Orient number 17 can dazzle defences moving up a league in a similar vein to standout Baggies ace Tom Fellows, with the pair constantly want to create openings to put their team on the front foot.
How Donley could be Fellows 2.0
The homegrown Baggies product will know all too well how formative a loan switch can be down to the lower reaches of the EFL, having once donned Crawley Town colours for a singular season.
This campaign so far for Richie Wellens’ promotion chasers, Donley has amassed a mightily impressive eight goals and ten assists from 47 overall contests, with Fellows amazingly finishing his sterling individual 2024/25 season on 18 goal contributions too.
Games played
40
45
Goals scored
8
4
Assists
10
14
Touches*
45.9
27.2
Shots*
1.4
1.0
Accurate passes*
20.5 (70%)
12.5 (87%)
Big chances missed
4
7
Big chances created
17
13
Looking at their numbers in the EFL this term, both the 20-year-old and his Baggies counterpart have been massively influential for their sides this season in attacking areas, with a mammoth 30 big chances accumulated between them, indicating that they certainly love creating for others.
Hailed for his “sensational” form in the third-tier by scout Jacek Kulig, there is no doubt that the Spurs starlet will be able to take to the pressures of the Championship swimmingly.
After all, Fellows never looked frozen by fear when he was first given chances here and there in the senior mix at West Brom.
Therefore, if a loan switch does occur, those at the Hawthorns will pray Donley can also jump up to the standard required of him, with the promising number ten perhaps linking up with the entertaining 22-year-old winger very soon as his new employers hunt promotion once more.
West Brom now considering "unbelievable" 3-4-1-2 manager to replace Mowbray
The Baggies have identified a manager who has never finished outside the play-offs as a replacement for Tony Mowbray.
Newcastle United are now considering a move for a £27m striker, who could be brought in to partner Alexander Isak, according to a report.
Race for Isak heating up
It is no surprise that so many clubs are keen on signing Isak this summer, given just how impressive the Swedish forward has been this season, most notably scoring against Liverpool in the EFL Cup final to help end Newcastle’s 70-year wait for a trophy.
Competition
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Premier League
33
23
6
EFL Cup
6
3
0
FA Cup
2
1
0
Arsenal are now ramping up their pursuit of the striker, with a jaw-dropping £127m offer now being prepared, while he has also been identified as a dream signing for Liverpool, having left manager Arne Slot impressed at times this season.
That said, the Magpies remain in a strong negotiating position, with the 25-year-old contracted until the summer of 2028, so they may be able to retain his services beyond the end of the campaign.
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However, according to a report from Spain, Newcastle are now considering a move for Atletico Madrid striker Alexander Sorloth as a potential replacement for Isak, should their talisman move on this summer.
Alternatively, the report adds Sorloth could be brought in as a partner for the Sweden international, should Eddie Howe’s side secure a place in the Champions League, with the Tynesiders weighing up the possibility of forming a top-level attacking duo.
There is a belief that the Atletico forward would be able to adapt to life in the Premier League, and his qualities make him a good fit for Howe, who is looking for a strong and aerially dominant forward.
"Stellar" Sorloth impressing in La Liga
The Norwegian has not been at Atletico for long, arriving in a €32m (£27m) deal last summer, but he has certainly caught the eye during his debut campaign with the Spanish side, netting 21 goals in all competitions, including 17 in La Liga.
The 29-year-old didn’t manage to make the desired impact in the Champions League, with Atletico exiting the competition at the hands of Real Madrid, but the Spanish side should be encouraged by his first season in Spain.
Atletico Madrid's AlexanderSorlothcelebrates scoring their second goal
The Norway international ranks in the top 1% for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, when compared to other strikers, while also placing in the 95th percentile for aerials won, showcasing the threat he poses in the air.
Lauded as “stellar” by journalist Zach Lowy, there are signs that Sorloth could be a fantastic signing for Newcastle this summer, but it seems unlikely that Atletico would be willing to cash-in, given his exploits in his first campaign with Atletico.
And just like that, Tottenham Hotspur’s worst season in a generation is just one game away from becoming their most memorable.
Last night, Ange Postecoglou’s side travelled to the Arctic Circle to play the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt, and while they were still favourites, all the ingredients for an upset were there.
However, as they have in so many of their European games this season, the North Londoners rose to the occasion and ran out comfortable winners in the end.
While practically the entire team did themselves and the manager proud last night, two players, including Pedro Porro, really stood out.
Porro's performance vs Bodo/Glimt
While Porro has come in for plenty of criticism for his defensive failings this season, much of which has been justified, the Spanish full-back has massively stepped up both legs of this semi-final.
He was instrumental in the home win, providing a perfect pass for James Maddison to score the side’s second goal, and he was arguably even better last night.
Not only was he pretty solid in defence, but he was a complete menace in attack, testing the keeper with a brilliant free-kick in the first half and then getting his just rewards with a cross-come-shot that sailed into the top corner in the second 45.
It was practically the complete performance from the former Sporting CP star, which explains the 9/10 match rating Alasdair Gold gave him at full-time.
It might sound hyperbolic, but we can assure you it’s not, as exemplified by his statistics from the game.
Minutes
95′
Expected Goals
0.11
Goals
1
Expected Assists
0.12
Clearances
3
Interceptions
1
Dribbled Past
0
Ground Duels (Won)
3 (2)
Fouls
0
Key Passes
2
Shots on Target
2
Dribbles (Successful)
1(1)
In 95 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goals plus assists figure of 0.23, made three clearances, won two of three ground duels, made one interception, wasn’t dribbled past, played two key passes, took two shots on target, was successful in 100% of his dribbles, won one foul and didn’t give any away himself.
Overall, it was a superb display from Porro, but there was another starter who might just have pipped him.
Performance in Numbers
Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.
Spurs' best player vs Bodo/Glimt
Now, there are certainly a few players you could pick from for this title, like Dominic Solanke, Micky van de Ven or even Rodrigo Bentancur.
However, for our money, the player who really stood up and stood out last night was Cristian Romero.
The Argentine international has not had a great season, with constant injuries and the odd mistake defining it thus far, but just like he was in the first leg, he was sensational for Postecoglou last night.
It goes without saying that the World Cup winner is undoubtedly built for big games, and from the first to the last minute, he was incredible in the Arctic Circle.
On top of being a wall at the back and cheering every block or tackle like it was a title-winning goal, he also managed to provide the assist for Solanke’s opener, which all but ended the tie then and there.
Unsurprisingly, Gold was just as impressed, awarding the centre-back a 9/10 match rating at full-time, while Spurs fan and content creator Ben Bowman simply described him as “unreal.”
Such appraisals are more than backed up by his statistics as well, as in 95 minutes of action, he made five clearances, blocked one shot, wasn’t dribbled past even once, made one interception, won three of four ground duels, lost the ball only once, completed 96% of his passes, played one key pass, was accurate in 100% of his long balls and created one big chance.
Minutes
95′
Clearances
5
Shots Blocked
1
Dribbled Past
0
Interceptions
1
Ground Duels (Won)
4 (3)
Lost Possession
1
Passing Accuracy
26/27 (96%)
Key Passes
1
Long Balls (Accurate)
2 (2)
Big Chances Created
1
Ultimately, the entire team played well last night, but Porro and particularly Romero were even better, so much so that the latter may now be the club’s best player.
Dream Son heir: Spurs racing to sign “England’s best winger” for £59m
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Leeds United can somewhat relax across their final two Championship games, knowing their position in the Premier League for next campaign is already set in stone.
Of course, there is still the tantalising prize of the title, but it won’t be the end of the world for Daniel Farke and Co if this isn’t won with the hard work already done.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkecelebrates after the match
Farke will hope – regardless of recent rumours popping up surrounding his future – that he is backed in the transfer market ahead of Leeds voyaging up to the big time, with the Whites already being linked with this Premier League regular.
Leeds eyeing up move for top-flight stalwart
As per a report from Football Insider, Leeds are eyeing up a move for West Ham United stalwart Tomas Soucek, with experience added into the building seen as key, who could be signed for a fee of up to £15m.
Indeed, the report states that Soucek is viewed as an ‘ideal’ option in terms of giving Farke some more seasoned Premier League heads, with the long-standing Hammers servant also keen on a move away, having found his game-time as of late limited under Graham Potter.
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek.
Soucek has also been linked with a move to Everton to reunite with former West Ham boss David Moyes, but Leeds will pray the Czech enforcer chooses Elland Road over Merseyside, knowing that the 30-year-old could potentially strike up a healthy relationship with Ao Tanaka in the holding midfield positions.
Sealing the £15m signature of the ex-Slavia Prague man could also see Leeds move away from attempting to bring Kalvin Phillips back to West Yorkshire, with Soucek a definite improvement on the hot-and-cold Ipswich Town loanee.
Ipswich Town'sKalvinPhillipslooks dejected after the match
What Soucek would offer Leeds
Gaining a player of Soucek’s calibre would undoubtedly help Leeds navigate the choppy waters of the Premier League, considering the 30-year-old has tallied up 189 top-flight appearances for Potter’s side.
Across 240 games in total, Soucek has also been a constant, reliable, source of goals and assists for the Hammers, with 39 strikes and 13 assists notched up proving his importance to the cause over many seasons.
Therefore, winning such a comfortable performer in the tricky division is a no-brainer move for Farke, with Soucek able to gift Leeds grit and quality in equal measure alongside the likes of Tanaka in the midfield areas.
After all, the Japan international will be beaming at the prospect of challenging himself in England’s elite league having impressed throughout the Whites’ promotion success story, seen in the new fan’s favourite picking up four goals and two assists across 41 Championship encounters.
But, away from his impressive output, Tanaka is also tuned into his dogged game as much as Soucek, with the number 22 winning 4.5 duels per league game this season on average. To add context, his potential new Czech teammate playing in the division above has won 5.1 on average.
With seven goals under his belt too in the Premier League for 2024/25, Soucek is more than proving – despite talk of him exiting the London Stadium – that he is still a composed performer at the level deep into his playing days, with another of Leeds’ targets in Phillips unfortunately not able to boast such glowing numbers donning Ipswich blue.
Games played
30
18
Goals scored
7
0
Assists
1
0
Touches*
37.5
42.7
Accurate passes*
19.9
23.2
Total duels won
5.1
3.6
Playing a background role in Ipswich’s fight against the drop, Phillips is now way off what his previous best once was at Elland Road, with Soucek way more effective and impactful in games compared to the former England international.
Therefore, gambling on him to come good again would be an almighty risk, away from any sentimental reasons for a move being back on the table.
Winning Soucek would show that Leeds are serious about staying put in the top-flight, meaning his signature should be a top priority to obtain.
20 summer transfer window targets Leeds United are linked with (2025)
The 49ers could spend big looking to keep Leeds in the Premier League.
The race to finish inside the coveted Champions League spaces in the Premier League is really starting to heat up with Chelsea staring down the barrel of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Sunday.
Thankfully for the Blues supporters who made the short journey over to Craven Cottage, their side managed to dramatically fight back to pick up a crucial three points.
That was thanks to 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George making himself an instant hero off the bench with the equaliser before Pedro Neto thumped home the last-gasp winner.
Chelsea fans packed into Fulham’s home ground would have been largely impressed with the showing of Cole Palmer too, away from Neto and George stealing the limelight, with the ex-Manchester City attacker guilty of putting in some rather subdued displays prior to this 2-1 victory being clinched.
Chelsea's Palmer problem
Amazingly, the once unplayable 22-year-old is now without a Chelsea goal since netting versus AFC Bournemouth all the way back in January.
But, he was still lively in spurts versus Fulham to show Maresca that he warrants a first team spot, with Palmer involved in the slick passing move that resulted in the 20-year-old forward grabbing his side’s much-needed equaliser.
Moreover, the hot-and-cold number 20 would trudge off the Craven Cottage turf at the close of the dramatic victory with only six misplaced passes, alongside firing two efforts of his own at Bernd Leno’s goal to try and guide his team to a less nervy win.
Of course, Palmer is stil some way off the blistering best that has seen him tally up a stunning 14 goals and eight assists overall this season in league action, but there is enough on show to indicate that other underperformers are costing Enzo Maresca more dearly.
Instead, there is a bigger problem right now at the Bridge…
4/10 Chelsea star is becoming a problem
The Champions League chasers haven’t been the most front foot team in recent matches, considering Maresca’s side have only bagged five Premier League strikes across April to date.
Nicolas Jackson, unfortunately, finds himself deep in a barren spell up top, with the low-on-confidence forward now up to 13 games without a goal after firing even more blanks away at Fulham. Considering they rely on him so much to find the net, one could argue that he’s becoming a bigger problem than the aforementioned Palmer.
Minutes played
78
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
21
Accurate passes
12/16 (75%)
Shots
1
Big chances missed
1
Total duels won
1/4
Jackson just never looked confident leading the line for the Blues against Silva’s tricky hosts, with the Senegalese attacker failing to find the back of the net again by mustering up just one effort all contest.
He was also anonymous in large patches in an attacking capacity when attempting to find openings, with just 12 accurate passes accumulated, alongside weakly winning just one of his four duels.
Amazingly, within five minutes of the number 15 coming off the pitch, the Blues would celebrate hitting the back of the net through the aforementioned George, leaving Maresca with an almighty conundrum as to who he should select here moving forward.
Of course – much like Palmer – Jackson has displayed his class in the not so distant past at Stamford Bridge with nine goals powered home this campaign alone, but the scathing post-match reaction to his shoddy showing says it all, with London Evening Standard journalist Malik Ouzia dishing out a low 4/10 rating to the striker who he labelled as a “shadow” of his former lethal self.
There were jubilant celebrations at the final whistle as Chelsea picked up their 16th league victory of the season, but if they are serious about cementing a spot inside the top five, blindly sticking by a wasteful Jackson might prove to be a costly call.
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Manchester United appear to be advancing in their move to replace Andre Onana with a top goalkeeper target following a new transfer update.
Man Utd regret signing Onana and are looking to sell goalkeeper
The Red Devils decided to replace David de Gea with Onana back in 2023, however, that has been a decision that has arguably been the wrong one with the way things have gone for the Cameroon international at Old Trafford.
The former Inter Milan shot-stopper, who helped the Serie A side to the Champions League final against Manchester City, is thought to be unsettled in Manchester and has been for a long time.
In fact, there have been claims that Man Utd regret signing Onana and he is on course to be sold this summer with interest from Saudi Arabia.
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The 29-year-old has still been a regular under Ruben Amorim, however, with Onana looking likely to exit Old Trafford, a replacement will be required.
Again, it looks as if the Red Devils could go shopping in Italy for a number one and in Milan specifically, but this time with AC Milan.
Man Utd progressing in talks to sign £67m Mike Maignan
According to a report from Spain, Man Utd have taken a ‘giant step’ to sign Mike Maignan from AC Milan.
It is believed that the Frenchman is the ‘top priority’ to replace Onana and that ‘negotiations’ between the player and the Red Devils have ‘progressed significantly’.
France's Kylian Mbappe, Jules Kounde andMikeMaignanduring the national anthems before the match
Now, United are planning to make contact with AC Milan to discuss the terms of a transfer, but it looks as if Maignan is keen on swapping Milan for Manchester.
Previous reports have valued Maignan at £67m, although there could be a 50% discount if he refuses to sign a new contract over the coming months, with his current deal set to expire in 2026.
AC Milan signed the ‘keeper back in 2021 from Lille and he has gone on to make more than 150 appearances for the Italian giants.
Maignan is also France’s first-choice goalkeeper and recently starred in a penalty shootout against Croatia to help his country qualify for the Nations League semi-finals.
Kylian Mbappe was quick to praise Maignan, saying: “We know we have a goalkeeper who makes the difference in penalties, so we’re at an advantage.”
Meanwhile, France boss Didier Deschamps added: “The French national team players know very well that Mike is very effective in penalties. He has that quality, the better. It’s a technical skill. He’s a goalkeeper who performed well in this penalty series, we owe him our qualification. It would have been frustrating to lose because we had the opportunity to have a bigger gap earlier.”