Forget Jackson: Maresca has found the new Drogba in 9/10 Chelsea star

Chelsea have done it. Enzo Maresca’s side have won the UEFA Conference League, beating Spanish outfit Real Betis 4-1 in Poland.

The Blues have made history in winning the title, becoming the first side to have won all three major European titles currently on offer, a historic achievement for the club.

In terms of the game, it got off to the worst start possible for Chelsea. Their LaLiga opponents took the lead just nine minutes into the clash, with left winger Abdessamad Ezzalzouli firing a well-struck effort into the bottom right corner past goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen.

It took Chelsea until the 65th minute to equalise. Cole Palmer set Enzo Fernandez up with a teasing ball. The Argentine midfielder ran onto his cross and headed home into the bottom left corner to score a crucial goal for his side.

From there, the floodgates opened. First, Nicolas Jackson struck, once again set up by the irresistible Palmer. Second-half substitute Jadon Sancho soon got in on the act to make it 3-1. His strike was sublime, bending a shot from the left-hand corner of the penalty area into the top right corner of the Betis goal.

Moises Caicedo’s strike from distance capped off the night for Chelsea, who were unstoppable once they got into their groove. One of the stars of the show was the scorer of the second goal, Jackson.

Jackson’s performance vs. Betis

When his side needed him most, Blues striker Jackson came up clutch with the goal which won them another European title. It was a hard-working night’s work for the Senegal international, who ran the channels diligently and looked to link up play all night long.

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His goal, which saw Chelsea take the lead in the game, was a smart finish. The 23-year-old miscued his effort, surely meaning to head Palmer’s cross home, instead bouncing the ball past Adrian off his chest. However, the run was clever, darting into the six-yard box to put the ball in the back of the net.

Jackson’s performance earned him a 7/10 rating from Standard journalist Malik Ouzia. He explained that, whilst the striker did take a ‘hideous touch’ when attempting to seal the deal late on, he ‘repaid the “debt” he owed his team-mates’ with his crucial strike, having missed the final two league games of the season through suspension.

It was certainly an impressive performance from Jackson, stepping up in a European final when his side needed to. However, he was perhaps overshadowed by another of his teammates.

The Chelsea player who outperformed Jackson

Just over 13 years ago, Chelsea legend Didier Drogba inspired his side to a heroic Champions League final comeback against Bayern Munich. He scored an 88th-minute header at the Allianz Arena, before sinking their opponents with the winning penalty in the shootout, to deliver Chelsea the Champions League.

Well, little more than a decade later, Palmer has just put in a performance worthy of rivalling Drogba’s iconic effort. His two assists breathed life into a flat Chelsea side, putting them into a title-winning position.

Those contributions will be remembered for the next decade, just like Drogba’s have been. His first assist was a delicate cross to Fernandez, who rose highest to nod home an inch-perfect cross.

The second was magical, teasing the Betis defenders, twisting on the spot before turning into space and delivering another perfect cross for Jackson to convert.

It was not just the assists that were exceptional from Palmer, but his overall performance. As the stats on Sofascore show, he ranked highly for several metrics on the night.

For example, no player completed more dribbles than his four, nor did they create as many as his two big chances.

Ground duels won

5/8

1st

Dribbles completed

4/6

1st

Assists

2

1st

Big chances created

2

1st

Key passes

2

3rd

Passes completed

32/38

7th

The Chelsea number 20 was so good, he earned himself a 9/10 for his efforts from Ouzia. The journalist was full of praise for Palmer, describing him as a ‘genius’ following the former Manchester City man’s two moments of magic.

So, the Blues have another European title to their name, and with it, another memorable performance from a genuine superstar. Perhaps Chelsea have found their new version of the legendary striker.

Palmer, player of the match, delivering a performance worthy of rivalling Drogba’s heroics 13 years ago. Sensational.

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Arsenal looking to sign £84m Rodrygo upgrade who's like an "early Henry"

When Bukayo Saka was ruled out following a nasty hamstring injury towards the back end of 2024, there was collective anguish amongst Arsenal supporters.

Saka is their star boy, a beaming ray of light in an otherwise struggling front line. Struggle, they most certainly did after his injury.

While it allowed Ethan Nwaneri a stage in which to consistently shine, their options on the left-hand side didn’t always deliver.

In 2022/23 Gabriel Martinelli scored as many as 15 goals. In 2023/24, Leandro Trossard found the net on 17 occasions. Yet, the season of 2024/25 was not as kind to the Brazilian and the Belgian, even if the former did score against Real Madrid.

Indeed, across 51 games and 56 games respectively, the pair of wingers only scored ten goals each. It’s safe to say this needed to be better with Saka out and the lack of a recognised centre forward.

So, it is unsurprising to learn that Mikel Arteta wants to strengthen his options on the flank this summer.

How Arsenal could strengthen out wide this summer

One of Arsenal’s priority targets this window appears to be Real Madrid winger Rodrygo with the Brazilian attracting serious interest from Andrea Berta and Co.

New reports over the weekend suggest that everyone at the club is aligned on the fact that the 24-year-old is the ‘ideal profile’ for Arsenal and as a result, they could launch a £59m bid in the coming weeks.

If a move fell through, then the Gunners do have other irons in the fire. One of them could be AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.

That’s according to Caught Offside, who, amid interest from Bayern Munich and Manchester United, suggest that Arsenal and Chelsea are also interested in signing the Portuguese winger this summer.

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Berta’s interest is not said to be serious yet but competition for a player valued at around £84m is evidently fierce. Chelsea have reportedly already held talks over a possible swoop.

How Leao compares to Rodrygo

From a goal threat alone, Rodrygo would be a better signing here. After all, in 2022/23, he scored as many as 19 goals, proving he knows what it takes to break down a defence.

Leao, on the other hand, has also been a consistent scorer of goals but is yet to truly explode, so to speak. Coincidentally, the best season of his career also came in 2022/23, where he beat the goalkeeper on 16 occasions.

Since then, the Milan forward’s form has been a little inconsistent, scoring 12 goals and supplying 13 assists this season, but his profile is truly scary, so much so that he reminds some of the great Thierry Henry.

Indeed, back in 2022, Milan coach Stefano Pioli said: “Leao reminds me a lot of the early Thierry Henry, who started wide then came inside.”

Possessing long strides and the ability to beat any defender in world football, Leao so often scampers down the left before cutting onto his favoured right foot and making something happen, just as Henry did when he first came to Arsenal.

It’s that sort of profile that makes him the dream alternative to Rodrygo.

Rodrygo vs Leao (2022/23-2024/25)

Stat (per 90 mins)

Rodrygo

Leao

Goals

0.34

0.40

Assists

0.24

0.31

Shot on target %

36%

36%

Key passes

1.91

2.06

Progressive passes

3.76

4.12

Shot-creating actions

4.71

4.60

Succesful take-ons

2.56

2.64

Progressive carries

5.63

5.20

Stats via FBref.

If we compare their numbers from the most successful seasons of their career to date to the end of the 2024/25 campaign, you do get a flavour for just how similar their playstyles are.

Rodrygo Birthname RodrygoBirthdate January 9, 2001Birthplace Osasco, SP, BrazilHeight 174Weight 69Profession Athlete

Pros & ConsStrong dribblerRegular trophy winnerCreativityConsistencyAerial duelsPhysicality Rafael Leão Birthname Rafael LeãoBirthdate June 10, 1999Birthplace Almada, PortugalHeight 189Weight 79Profession Athlete Pros & ConsDribblingKey passesTrickeryPaceDefensive contribution

As far as dribbling and creating opportunities go, there’s not much between them, with Rodrygo coming out slightly on top for progressive carries but Leao the better for progressive passes.

What does separate them, however, is that Henry-like style.

AC Milan's RafaelLeaocelebrates scoring their first goal

Standing at 5 foot 9, Rodrygo is the more diminutive of the two players and would be more of an Alexis Sanchez type. Leao, on the other hand, is 6 foot 2. Now, we all know Arteta loves someone of a taller build and thus, the Portugal international feels like a dream profile here.

That extra strength and pace is just what Arsenal need on the left flank.

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Dream Romero replacement: Spurs ready to launch bid to sign £70m "beast"

It has yet to be officially confirmed by the club, but Thomas Frank looks set to be Tottenham Hotspur’s new manager.

The Danish coach feels like a sensible choice to replace Ange Postecoglou, as since bringing Brentford up to the Premier League, he’s proven himself capable of achieving a lot with not much.

So, it’s exciting to see what he’ll be able to do at one of the wealthiest clubs in the league after what should be a summer with at least a few offensive signings.

That said, reports have recently linked the club to a tremendously promising player who could be the ideal replacement for Cristian Romero, who could be on his way out of the club.

Tottenham eyeing Romero replacement

So, while the exciting rumours have seen Spurs linked with attacking talents like Bryan Mbeumo and Antoine Semenyo, there have been some worrying reports concerning Romero’s future in recent weeks and months.

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For example, in early April, the Argentine international was being linked with a move to European royalty Real Madrid.

Then later that month, into May and right up until this week, Atlético Madrid have emerged as the team who seem most intent on signing the World Cup winner for around £60m, and there have even been stories claiming that the players have already spoken with Diego Simeone.

In all, it feels like a distinct possibility that the 27-year-old could leave North London this summer, which might help explain the links to Jarrad Branthwaite.

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Spurs are now ‘considering a bold move’ for the Everton star this summer.

The story claims that the North Londoners are ‘huge fans’ of the young Englishman and that Frank sees him as ‘a cornerstone for Tottenham’s ambitions to compete for Champions League football.’

However, to get their man, the Lilywhites will have to stump up at least £70m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given his ability and potential, it’s one Spurs should pursue, especially if Romero leaves.

Why Branthwaite would be an ideal Romero replacement

Now then, the first thing to say, and it’s important, is that if this deal were to go through, and Branthwaite was signed to replace Romero, fans should not expect him to come in and be just as good right away.

The Englishman is still just 22 years old, and while he’s hugely promising, with respected analyst EBL claiming he “ticks every box,” he’s not going to be at the level of a seasoned 27-year-old.

With that said, when we take a look at the pair’s underlying numbers from this season, the good news is that the Carlisle-born titan doesn’t fare too badly at all and actually comes on top in several defensive metrics.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.07

0.06

Progressive Passes

2.14

4.52

Progressive Carries

0.06

0.76

Passing Accuracy

79.8%

89.5%

Tackles

1.91

2.23

Blocks

1.47

1.15

Interceptions

1.34

1.29

Clearances

4.71

3.63

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.06

0.13

Miscontrols

0.58

0.64

Dispossessed

0.06

0.32

Aerial Duels Won %

68.6

60.3

Aerial Duels Won

2.72

2.61

For example, when he ranks higher than the World Cup winner for things like blocks, interceptions, clearances, and the percentage of and outright number of aerial duels won, all per 90.

Moreover, the England U21 star makes fewer errors leading to a shot, miscontrols the ball less, is dispossessed less often, commits fewer fouls and has a higher success rate when tackling opposition players in a dribble, also per 90.

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

It’s not just the statistical side of the game that makes the former Carlisle United gem such an appealing prospect, but also his physicality.

Standing at a massive 6 foot 5, the “ball-playing physical beast,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, would add some serious heft to the North Londoners’ backline that the 6 foot 1 Argentine just doesn’t.

Ultimately, while keeping Romero and him staying fit would likely be the best bet for improving Spurs’ defence next season, Branthwaite certainly wouldn’t be a bad replacement, and if they can get him as well as keeping the Cordoba-born titan, then even better.

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Man Utd hold secret talks to swap Sancho for "generational" £75m PL forward

Manchester United have held talks over a swap deal to sign a “generational” Premier League forward, with Jadon Sancho potentially being sent in the opposite direction, according to a report.

Sancho's future remains up in the air

Last week, it was revealed that Sancho was in discussions over a permanent move to Chelsea, having put in some improved performances towards the back end of the campaign, most notably scoring in the UEFA Conference League final.

Fabrizio Romano has since revealed the winger will not be making a move to west London, meaning the Blues had to pay Man United a £5m penalty clause. However, that does not mean he will remain at Old Trafford beyond the summer.

With Sancho’s future very much up in the air, the Red Devils are now exploring different ways to get him off the books, and secret talks have even been held over a swap deal for West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus.

That is according to a report from United in Focus, which reveals Kudus was ready to make the move to Old Trafford, with his West Ham career coming to an end, but the deal currently remains on hold.

That is because the Ghanaian is not Ruben Amorim’s number one priority, having set out to sign Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, who recently made it clear he wants to join United this summer, despite interest from Arsenal.

As such, while the West Ham star is expected to move on this summer, he may not join the Red Devils, with the move further complicated by the fact Graham Potter’s side are reluctant to sign Sancho.

Deal for "generational" Kudus could break the bank

Mbeumo appears to be United’s priority target, but should they switch their focus to the 24-year-old, a deal could be on the expensive side, as the forward has a £75m release clause in his contract with the Irons.

As such, it does not seem likely that Amorim’s side will sign the Ghana international this summer, with West Ham uninterested in Sancho, but he could be a fantastic signing if they do manage to facilitate a deal.

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The Accra-born attacker has been described as a “generational talent” by journalist Gary Al-Smith, and he has impressed in the Premier League in the past, picking up eight goals and nine assists in the 2023-24 campaign.

That said, Mbeumo has been far more prolific than Kudus in recent times, reaching the 20-goal mark this season, so it is clear to see why the Cameroonian is the preferred option for Man United.

'Everything pointed towards Agar' – Marsh on Starc's omission against Afghanistan

Coach Andrew McDonald also stands by the decision: “Ashton was suited to these conditions and we needed to make room”

Matt Roller23-Jun-20243:23

Moody: These were ideal conditions to trouble Australia

Australia’s captain and coach defended the “tough decision” to leave Mitchell Starc out for their defeat to Afghanistan, which has left them reliant on other results ahead of their final Super Eight fixture against India in St Lucia on Monday.On a slow, turning pitch in St Vincent, Australia opted to play only two frontline seamers – Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood – and brought Ashton Agar into the side in Starc’s place, as a second specialist spinner alongside Adam Zampa. Agar bowled tidily, taking 0 for 17 in his four overs, but Afghanistan’s 118-run opening stand brought Starc’s absence as a new-ball strike bowler into focus.”It’s always a tough decision to leave Mitch Starc out of a team,” Andrew McDonald, Australia’s coach said. “But from the way that the game unfolded, Ashton was suited to these conditions and we needed to make room. We knew we were going to need more than eight overs of spin on that surface and it’s probably something we’ve been planning and preparing for once we knew we were at this venue.Related

Naib orchestrates Afghanistan's historic win over Australia

Marsh confident Australia will be 'up and about' for India challenge after Afghanistan loss

“It’s always a difficult decision. You never know whether you’re right or wrong, but I thought Ashton bowled incredibly well today, used his skill, some good arm-balls, found some purchase early and he made it tricky to navigate through those first few overs. We got two [overs] out [of him] in the powerplay which then set up the bowling for that end with him and Zamps operating. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to take those early wickets.”Mitchell Marsh, Australia’s captain, said Starc had been “unlucky” to miss out but added: “We’ve said right from the start of the tournament that we’ve got 15 guys here, and we’ll pick a team that we think can win us the game in those certain conditions, and everything pointed towards Ash… The reality is, when you’ve got this much talent, someone’s always unlucky to miss out.”Despite Agar’s two tight powerplay overs, Afghanistan made a steady start to their innings, scoring 40 for 0 in the first six. It stood in contrast to Australia’s own start, losing Travis Head, David Warner and Marsh himself to be 33 for 3 after six. But Marsh insisted: “I don’t think the game was won or lost in the powerplay tonight.”Ashton Agar bowled tight but couldn’t get early wickets•ICC/Getty Images

McDonald said that there was no point trying to work out what might have happened if Starc had been selected against Afghanistan, and said that conditions in St Vincent had been as Australia expected. They had long earmarked the game as a potential scare given the strength of Afghanistan’s spin attack and the nature of the pitch at the Arnos Vale Ground.”When you’re hopping around the islands, the conditions change dramatically, and we got what we expected,” McDonald said. “I was comfortable with that decision and now we’ve got to turn our focus to India: a totally different line-up on a totally different surface, and we’ve got to make good decisions at the selection table.”That’s part of the art of navigating through a World Cup, to get those decisions right – and you can’t play the same game twice. You can’t put Mitchell Starc in there, or Nathan Ellis, and work out what the game would have looked like. We went to Ash and backed him in, and we’ve got full trust in whoever we call on in that 15 to get a job done and we’ve got a task ahead.”

Crystal Palace now ahead of Leeds in race to sign £20m Championship ace

Crystal Palace have now moved ahead of Leeds United in the race to sign a Championship playmaker, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace receive UEFA Europa League boost

Not only did the Eagles secure their first major trophy in their history by winning the FA Cup, but they also booked a place in next season’s Europa League. This is unprecedented for Palace, but since that famous FA Cup win, their participation in the Europa League has been under threat due to multi-club rules.

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John Textor’s Eagle Football Group also has a controlling stake in French side Lyon. Both clubs are in the Europa League next season, and things heated up this week as Premier League rivals Nottingham Forest wrote to UEFA over an alleged breach of multi-club rules.

CrystalPalace's Joel Ward and Marc Guehi hold the trophy with teammates during the Victory celebrations

However, according to talkSPORT, UEFA don’t see Textor as someone who has a controlling influence at Selhurst Park, and they recognise the value of having the South Londoners in the competition next season due to their FA Cup win. Therefore, as it stands, UEFA are in favour of keeping Palace in the competition.

Crystal Palace ahead of Leeds in race to sign £20m Championship ace

So, as Palace receive a Europa League boost, they can now concentrate on building a squad that is capable of competing in the Premier League as well as Europe. According to the Irish Examiner, relayed by Football League World, Crystal Palace are now leading the race to sign Finn Azaz from Middlesbrough.

The Eagles are looking to bulk their squad up for the 2025/26 campaign and have identified Azaz as a potential target. It’s already been reported that Palace chiefs have been keeping an eye on the attacking midfielder but face competition as Leeds United and AFC Bournemouth have also registered their interest in the Boro man.

The 24-year-old joined Boro in January 2024 for a fee of £2.5 million, and it’s now been claimed that were he to leave the Riverside Stadium, he would cost any team interested around £20 million. Indeed, he is still under contract until the summer of 2028, has been capped seven times by the Republic of Ireland and has just come off the back of a season in which he scored 12 goals and assisted 11 in 45 Championship games.

Apps

45

Starts

43

Goals

12

xG

9.53

Assists

11

xAG

7.62

Big chances created

10

Key passes per game

2.0

It is looking very likely that Palace could lose Eberechi Eze this summer, as he continues to be linked with a move to some of the biggest clubs in England. So, while Azaz won’t be seen as a like-for-like replacement, Oliver Glasner may see him as someone who could help fill the void left by the Englishman.

Spurs have struck on "frightening" star who's worth way more than Mbeumo

It’s all going on at Tottenham Hotspur this summer.

The North Londoners moved quickly to fire Ange Postecoglou earlier this month and then, in a relatively quick fashion, appointed Thomas Frank to lead the club into the next season.

However, that’s only the start of the business the North Londoners will be doing this season, as recent weeks have seen them linked to a plethora of talented players, from Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo to RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts

Yet, perhaps the most interesting and exciting link has been to Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo, even though his valuation is currently lower than that of a current Spurs star.

Why Spurs want Mbeumo

As things stand, it would appear as if Spurs and Manchester United are the two teams most interested in signing Mbeumo this summer, and while the fee required to do so is still in the air, Football Transfers has valued the Cameroon international at around €58m, which comes out to £49m.

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Now, that is still a lot of money, but it would be hard to make a genuine argument against him being worth that and more.

For example, in 42 appearances for the Bees this season, totalling 3577 minutes, the former Troyes gem scored 20 goals and provided nine assists.

That means the 25-year-old phenomenon managed to maintain an average of a goal involvement every 1.44 games, or every 123.34 minutes, which is undeniably sensational and the sort of output that would seriously help the North Londoners next year.

Furthermore, the Avallon-born monster is reasonably versatile, as while his primary and best position is off the right, he has spent a not-insignificant period playing up top and as a second striker during his time in the capital.

Brentford's BryanMbeumoin action with Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly and Gabriel Magalhaes

Finally, while there might be cheaper and more exciting options elsewhere in Europe, the 22-capped international is Premier League-proven and, therefore, should easily slot into the Tottenham squad next season.

However, he will have to hit the ground running to see his valuation surpass one of his potential new teammates.

The Spurs star worth more than Mbeumo

So, even though Spurs endured a diabolically poor domestic campaign this season, the club is still blessed with an abundance of talented players, like James Maddison, Dejan Kulusevski and Micky Van de Ven.

However, in this context, the player in question is fellow right-winger Brennan Johnson, who, according to Football Transfers, is currently worth €66.5m, which converts to about £57m, or £8m more than Mbeumo’s valuation.

Now, that might sound like a lot to some of you, but the Welshman actually enjoyed a pretty impressive season with the North Londoners this year.

For example, he ended the campaign as the club’s top scorer, with 18 goals and seven assists in 51 appearances, totalling 3316 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.04 games, or every 132.64 minutes, which isn’t much worse than the Brentford star.

Moreover, he scored arguably the most important Tottenham goal in a generation in the Europa League Final last month.

On top of that, he stacks up reasonably well against the Cameroonian superstar when we take a look at their underlying numbers from this season.

For example, the 25-year-old comes out ahead in some metrics, such as progressive passes and carries, shots on target and shot and goal-creating actions per 90.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.51

0.42

Non-Penalty G+As

0.61

0.58

Progressive Passes

2.69

3.72

Progressive Carries

2.21

3.43

Shots

2.13

2.08

Goals per Shot

0.23

0.18

Shots on Target

0.84

0.94

Goals per Shot on Target

0.58

0.41

Passing Accuracy

69.2%

66.1%

Shot-Creating Actions

1.72

3.80

Goal-Creating Actions

0.27

0.53

Tackles

1.42

1.29

Tackles Won

0.90

0.85

Blocks

0.97

0.69

However, the “frightening” former Nottingham Forest gem, as dubbed by content creator HLTCO, comes out ahead in just as many other areas, including expected and actual non-penalty goals plus assists, shots, goals per shot and shot on target, tackles and tackles won, blocks and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, Mbeumo might be the more exciting player at the moment, but Johnson fully deserves the valuation he has, and should the North Londoners get their hands on the Brentford star, there could be a fierce battle for that right-wing position next season.

He's like Isak: Spurs make contact to sign £47m Premier League "monster"

The reliable goalscorer would make Spurs far more dangerous.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 20, 2025

Spurs eyeing dream £60m Son replacement who's "tailor-made for a big team"

The summer transfer window is here, and Tottenham Hotspur need to get moving.

The North Londoners may have broken their title drought in the Europa League, but it cannot be forgotten just how diabolically poor they were in the Premier League.

So, to ensure things improve next season, Daniel Levy and Co need to provide Ange Postecoglou – or whoever takes his job – with the right players.

Fortunately, recent reports have linked the Lilywhites with someone who’d be the ideal replacement, Son Heung-min, who may be on the way out.

Tottenham transfer news

Back in January of this year, Tottenham announced that they had extended Son’s contract for another year, and while it looked like he’d fulfil that extra season, things have changed.

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On Tuesday afternoon, Sam Wallace of the Telegraph revealed that the North Londoners captain, who has been at the club since 2015, could be ‘another high-profile departure this summer.’

He explains that, with interest from the Saudi Pro League, there is a real chance for the club to fetch a decent fee for the South Korean ace and that, following the club’s victory in Bilbao, he’d be going on a high and as an undisputed legend.

While selling the 32-year-old might not be a popular idea with all fans, it might explain the club’s interest in Antoine Semenyo.

Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Dean Jones, Spurs are one of several clubs in the picture for the Bournemouth star this summer.

Jones does not mention how much the international might cost, but a story from earlier this week that also linked Manchester United with the 25-year-old claimed that the Cherries might demand around £60m for their dynamic attacker.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Semenyo’s ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a great replacement for Son.

Why Spurs should sign Semenyo

While it would represent a significant investment, there are a few reasons why Spurs should be going out to sign Semenmyo this summer, starting with his output this season.

Antoine Semenyo for Bournemouth.

Despite playing for a midtable side, the Ghanaian international managed to rack up a pretty impressive haul of 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3562 minutes.

In other words, the former Bristol City gem averaged a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or 178.1 minutes this season.

Semenyo’s 24/25

Appearances

42

Minutes

3562′

Goals

13

Assists

7

Goal Involvements per Match

0.47

Minutes per Goal Involvement

178.1′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

On top of that, the Chelsea-born “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, is incredibly versatile, and while he would be an excellent replacement for Son on the left, he’s ambipedal and just as comfortable playing off the right and even up top, which would give whoever is in the dugout next season, more tactical options.

Finally, the dynamic attacker, who Mattinson claims “is tailor-made for a big team”, has some impressive underlying numbers to his name, numbers which show he also puts a real shift in when it comes to his defensive duties.

According to FBref, he sits in the top 3% of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for blocks, the top 4% for passes blocked, the top 5% for total shots, the top 8% for aerial duels won, the top 10% for shot-creating actions from take-ons and shots, the top 12% for successful take-ons percentage and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while it is a lot of money, Spurs would be wise to sign Semenyo this summer as he would not only add some real quality to the squad in his own right, but he’d also be an ideal replacement for Son.

Shades of Dembele: Spurs make "generational" £60m star a priority signing

The sensational gem could develop into something truly special at Spurs.

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Jack Salveson Holmes

Jun 4, 2025

Nmecha upgrade: Leeds make contact to sign a star who "bullied" Van Dijk

As soon as promotion to the Premier League was officially confirmed earlier this year, the powers that be at Leeds United knew that they would need to be busy this summer.

The Whites have been fairly quick out of the blocks so far, as they have wrapped up the free transfer signing of Lukas Nmecha and signed Jaka Bijol on a permanent deal from Udinese.

Improving the team’s options at the top end of the pitch is a priority for the Championship champions, and they have already started their efforts to do that by signing Nmecha.

In May, Football Insider claimed that the club have doubts over whether or not Joel Piroe has what it takes to make the step up to the Premier League next season, and that they are not going to build their attack around the Dutchman.

Joel Piroe

This suggests that the former Swansea star is unlikely to be the first-choice number nine option for Daniel Farke when the new campaign gets underway.

However, the only new centre-forward signing so far has been Nmecha, and he does not appear suited to firing the team to safety as a regular starter next term.

Why Lukas Nmecha may not be a regular starter for Leeds

The Whites have taken a gamble on the former Manchester City academy prospect on a free transfer, after a rough few seasons for the former Germany international.

Since the start of the 2023/24 season, Nmecha has only played 24 games in all competitions for Wolfsburg in Germany, scoring five goals in that time.

Lukas Nmecha’s recent struggles

Season

Games missed through injury

Appearances (all comps)

Goals

24/25 (Wolfsburg)

8

20

3

23/24 (Wolfsburg)

39

4

2

22/23 (Wolfsburg)

17

18

4

21/22 (Wolfsburg)

9

31

10

20/21 (Anderlecht)

0

37

18

19/20 (Wolfsburg + Middlesbrough)

4

25

0

18/19 (Preston North End)

0

41

4

Stats via Sofascore & Transfermarkt

As you can see in the table above, the 26-year-old striker has consistently struggled with injury issues over the past four seasons, missing far too many games and not delivering enough quality on the pitch.

These statistics suggest that Nmecha is unlikely to be available to be a regular starter for Farke, nor does he have the goal return to suggest that he can step up to be a regular goalscorer in the Premier League.

Therefore, the German forward may be more suited to being a squad option, who can come off the bench or start the odd game, rather than being the replacement for Piroe as a regular in the XI.

That thought process is further backed up by a new report that claims that the Championship champions are eyeing up another number nine signing.

Leeds make contact to sign Premier League striker

According to iNews writer Mark Douglas, Leeds United are one of the teams interested in a deal to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer before the end of the summer transfer window.

The reporter writes that the Whites have already made initial contact with the former England international to discuss a possible move to Elland Road when his contract at Everton expires at the end of this month.

Transfer Focus

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

Douglas adds, however, that his future at Goodison Park is not set in stone as of yet, as the striker wants to remain at the club, but has yet to agree to an extension on Merseyside.

The journalist reveals that West Ham United and Leeds are both looking to take advantage of his potential availability, as they have both picked up the phone to make contact.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin in action for Everton.

However, neither team have progressed anything beyond that at this point, which may suggest that they are waiting for final confirmation on his future at Everton before taking it any further.

Why Leeds should sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The Whites should push to win the race for the English striker’s services if he becomes available on a free transfer this summer because the forward would come in as an immediate upgrade on Nmecha at Elland Road.

Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Calvert-Lewin does not have the best injury record out there, having missed 21 games since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, but Nmecha has been absent for 16 more matches in the same period, suggesting that the Everton man is likely to be more reliable as an option for Farke.

The Toffees marksman has played 38 games or more in five of the last eight seasons. Meanwhile, Nmecha has only played more than 25 times in three of the last eight seasons, and has only featured in more than 37 matches once in his career, in the 2018/19 season with Preston.

As well as potentially being available more often, Calvert-Lewin could also be an upgrade on the German striker because of the proven Premier League quality that he would provide.

The 28-year-old star has been a staple of the English top-flight over the last eight seasons or so, and has proven that he can score goals at that level.

Stats

Calvert-Lewin (Premier League)

Nmecha (Bundesliga)

Appearances

239

71

Goals

57

16

Games per goal

4.19

4.44

xG per 90

0.47

0.51

xA

14.85

3.09

Assists

15

0

Stats via UnderStat

As you can see in the table above, Calvert-Lewin has scored goals and created goals more regularly than Nmecha has in the Bundesliga, which suggests that he would offer more to Farke’s team in front of goal next season.

As well as his ability in the final third, the Everton forward also provides physicality up front. Just last year, journalist Connor O’Neill claimed that the “sensational” striker “bullied” Liverpool defenders Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate with his physical play.

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk

Calvert-Lewin won 51% of his aerial battles in the 2024/25 campaign, winning 3.3 per match, which further speaks to his ability to hold his own in contests with Premier League centre-backs, something that will be important to the Whites as they battle relegation.

Overall, Leeds should sign the Toffees frontman because he is a known quantity who would give Farke a reliable, proven, top-flight striker as an upgrade on what he already has.

Best signing since Raphinha: Leeds close to landing "exceptional" £21m star

Leeds United are closing in on a deal for a star who would be their best signing since Raphinha.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 23, 2025

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

Liverpool have been the team to watch in the transfer window so far and could now look to strike for a star who has previously been labelled “fantastic” by Jordan Henderson, according to reports.

Liverpool march on in the transfer window

Exciting times are on the horizon at Anfield and Jeremie Frimpong is set to be joined by Milos Kerkez at Liverpool as the latter edges closer to signing on the dotted line for a move to Merseyside, as per David Ornstein and Fabrizio Romano.

AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez

Florian Wirtz is also signing for Liverpool for a record fee, creating a triple-axis of exciting transfers that have placed Arne Slot and his side in a great position to retain their Premier League title.

Incredibly, The Reds are said to be plotting a blockbuster bid for Newcastle star Alexander Isak in a deal that could be worth £100 million and add-ons, exceeding any fee paid for Wirtz.

Nevertheless, that is likely to be contingent on whether Darwin Nunez leaves the club, albeit there is plenty to marvel about regarding Liverpool’s commitment to conducting smart business.

Club could allow "special" £85k-a-week Premier League winner to join Leeds

It’s a potential big boost for Daniel Farke.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 20, 2025

There is plenty of speculation surrounding the reigning champions, and nobody is expecting that to slow down anytime soon. The dust has now settled on their title victory, and hard work is well underway ahead of another campaign fraught with excitement.

Now, there is another name on their radar that could stir up headlines across Europe if Liverpool are able to push a deal over the line.

Liverpool hold talks over move for Jorrel Hato

According to journalist Duncan Castles on the Transfers Podcast, Liverpool are in talks to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato and could face competition from Arsenal and Chelsea for the versatile Netherlands international.

He stated: “There have been direct conversations between Liverpool and Hato over joining the Premier League champions this summer, and those talks are taking place with the knowledge of Ajax, who are open to selling the player.”

Five similar players to Jorrel Hato (FBRef)

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Cincinnati

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Mazatlan

Later, he added: “Now we have a situation where Liverpool are looking at the player, with Arsenal and Chelsea also seriously interested in him.”

Labelled “fantastic” by former teammate Jordan Henderson, Hato registered three goals and six assists across 50 appearances in all competitions last campaign, and can play left-back or centre-back.

Intriguingly, this news comes as Atletico Madrid begin to step up their interest in Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, potentially offering a clue into who his replacement will be alongside Kerkez.

As talks continue, Reds supporters will hope they come to a satisfactory conclusion as the club look to stock up with elite arrivals ahead of the new campaign.