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Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold looks almost certain to depart Liverpool this summer, with his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign.

The 26-year-old has largely been touted with a free transfer to join Real Madrid, with numerous publications already claiming that a deal is complete for him to join the LaLiga giants.

Such news has angered supporters, with his potential move leaving Arne Slot’s side shortchanged and unable to receive a fee for a talent who’s been a leading player in their success.

He’s made over 300 appearances for his boyhood side, playing a vital role in various levels of success, claiming one Premier League title, with another set to follow in the coming weeks.

The defender isn’t the only player to depart Anfield on a free in recent years, albeit in different circumstances to another player who captured the hearts of the fanbase during his spell on Merseyside.

Daniel Sturridge’s time as a player at Liverpool

Striker Daniel Sturridge formed a deadly partnership with Luis Suárez during his stint at Liverpool, with the pair firing the Reds to title contention under Brendan Rodgers over a decade ago.

The Englishman scored 67 times in his 160 appearances during his six-and-a-half years on Merseyside, producing countless moments of magic including his effort against former side Chelsea.

However, despite his goalscoring exploits, he was unable to prove his talent on a regular basis, with injuries massively plaguing his time and subsequently spending long periods on the sidelines.

During his stint on Merseyside, the now-retired striker suffered 15 separate injuries, missing a total of 121 matches – missing an average of 18.5 matches per season he was on the club’s books.

Such a record left the hierarchy with no choice but to offload him in the summer of 2019, but six years on, Slot has found a new version of the Englishman, desperately needing to offload him to avoid losing another talent for nothing.

Why Slot needs to sell Liverpool’s new Sturridge this summer

Despite Slot’s impressive first season in England, which has seen him take the top-flight by storm, he may have a job on his hands to sustain such a success next season.

Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah could all depart the club on a free transfer this summer, giving the Dutchman a huge task in replacing the trio given their importance to the side.

However, he may want to offload numerous other first-team members this summer, including Diogo Jota, who’s fallen well beyond the high standards he set for himself during his early days on Merseyside.

The Portuguese international joined the Reds in a £45m deal from Wolves in the summer of 2020, notching 34 goals during his first two years after his big-money transfer.

However, he’s struggled to achieve such levels in 2024/25, scoring just nine times across all competitions, with injuries starting to prevent his progress at Anfield.

Diogo Jota’s injuries since joining Liverpool in 2020

Season

Injury

Days missed

Games missed

2020/21

Knee

85

19

2020/21

Foot

12

4

2021/22

Ankle

15

4

2022/23

Hamstring

32

5

2022/23

Calf

117

24

2023/24

Calf

29

8

2023/24

Knee

52

13

2023/24

Hip

23

4

2024/25

Hamstring

54

14

2024/25

Fatigue

17

4

Total:

10

436

99

Stats via Transfermarkt

Jota has only been able to start 12 league outings so far during Slot’s reign, leading to reports that the club were willing to cash in on him this summer to fund a move for a new talisman.

The 28-year-old has two years left on his contract, but with the former Atlético Madrid ace now entering the latter stages of his professional career, the upcoming window could present the last opportunity to recoup the majority of the fee paid for his signature.

Given his injury issues and lack of form when fit, Slot must look to offload him this window, joining Trent in not featuring in his plans as he looks to continue his impressive start as the club’s manager next season.

It may seem a brutal call, but the football industry is an unforgiving one, with decisions needing to be made for the better of the club, subsequently leading to fresh blood arriving to fill the void.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Apr 9, 2025

Aston Villa are thought to be best placed to sign a star in a transfer that could cost a total of £130m over five years, according to a former scout.

Rashford impressing at Aston Villa as Romano shares update

Marcus Rashford has been catching the eye at Villa Park after joining Villa on loan with a £40m option to buy in the summer from Manchester United.

Under Unai Emery, Rashford has impressed enough to break back into the England side, now under Thomas Tuchel, and he recently scored his first goals for Villa against Preston North End in the FA Cup and followed that up with another against Brighton on Wednesday.

There have been rumours of a permanent move to the Midlands for the forward, and Fabrizio Romano recently shared what he knows about the situation.

“Aston Villa are very happy with Marcus Rashford in general,” said Romano.

“So I don’t think, in any case, if they decided to trigger the £40m option clause, I don’t think they would do that just to sell the player again. So in that case, I see Marcus Rashford staying at Aston Villa and having the opportunity to make something long-term with the club. What I can say about Marcus Rashford is that it’s going to be really important to understand financially what happens for Aston Villa.”

Now, another promising claim has been made on the 27-year-old sticking around at Villa Park.

Aston Villa in pole position to sign Rashford in potential £130m package

Ex-scout Mick Brown now believes that Aston Villa are in the best position to sign Rashford on a permanent transfer. There have been claims by Football Insider that a transfer could cost £130m due to Rashford’s £350,000-per-week wage over a five-year period alongside the £40m fee.

Rashford stats for Aston Villa

Games

11

Goals

3

Assists

4

Talking to FI, Brown said: “Marcus going out on loan has been a win-win. There was no way his situation at Man United was going to improve, so from that point of view he’s gone away and improved his position. There’s never been any doubt about Marcus’ talent, and now he’s found a platform to display that.

“Aston Villa have gained from it because they were brave enough to take him on loan. Now, I think they’ll be in the best position to keep him on a permanent deal even though there’s going to be interest from elsewhere.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham Apr 2, 2025

“He’s established there and it’s been a good deal for everybody involved. I think there’s more to come for him there now that he’s got his first couple of goals – that link up with Asensio has been excellent. If they can keep that going and Villa can keep him at the club they’ll be much better for it.

“Manchester United will no doubt benefit as well because they can maximise his price tag when if he had stayed he was a depreciating asset.”

Rashford is also of interest to Bayern Munich, with reports at the end of February saying that the German giants are going all in to sign the winger. However, Brown believes Villa are best placed to seal a transfer, although it could be very expensive for NSWE between now and 2030.

Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez is very keen for Diego Simeone to bring in one Chelsea star this summer, and has privately urged his club to do so, according to reports this week.

Enzo Maresca attracting criticism at Chelsea

Having led the club to just five wins from their last 16 Premier League games, it’s been a tough time for manager Enzo Maresca as of late, and this run of form has attracted criticism.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 17, 2025

While Maresca is believed to retain the backing of Chelsea’s board for now (The Mail), sections of supporters are starting to question the Italian’s leadership, with boos ringing around Stamford Bridge after their 2-1 defeat to Polish minnows Legia Warsaw in the Europa Conference League on Thursday.

Chelsea are in the Conference League semi-finals regardless, and remain firmly in contention to qualify for next season’s Champions League, but the manner of their recent performances are drawing some concern.

Speaking in a post-match press conference after their loss to Legia on Thursday, Maresca suggested he is fully aware of the dissatisfaction right now.

“No, for sure in terms of setback, for sure it’s a setback tonight for us, no doubt, first of all because we lost the game,” said Maresca.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

“But I said yesterday, I think probably the other clubs, as you said, in this moment they can feel more confidence around them, not only Aston Villa, Newcastle, all the clubs around us, but this is football and can change very quickly, so it depends a lot on us. As I said, Sunday for us is one of the finals, and winning that game can give us a final boost to reach our target.

“So in this moment, you win games, you see yourself and you are very happy. If you don’t win, no-one is thinking that you can finish in the right way, but for me it’s just how we manage the emotion.”

Despite an electric start to the campaign, when many viewed Chelsea as potential title contenders, Maresca’s side remain very much a work in progress.

They’ll need their star players to step up and take a leading role during this transition phase, but one of them already is.

Julian Alvarez urges Atlético Madrid to sign Enzo Fernández from Chelsea

Club-record signing Enzo Fernandez is well and truly justifying his price tag right now, becoming an indisputable member of Maresca’s team with some outstanding performances throughout 2024/2025.

Maresca has entrusted the captain’s armband to him this term, with former Chelsea midfielder John Obi-Mikel praising Fernandez and stating he’s “becoming” a true leader at Cobham.

Some members of the media have even called the Argentine’s contribution “underrated”, but his quality isn’t lost on international teammate Alvarez, who is desperate for Atlético to strike a deal for the midfielder this summer.

That is according to reports out of Spain, which state that Alvarez has privately urged Atlético to sign Fernandez from Chelsea, amid claims the west Londoners will demand a minimum of £69 million to let him go.

However, it is believed that even this figure is beyond Atletico’s capabilities right now, so a transfer is unlikely, even if Maresca’s side entertained the notion of parting company.

After a tough start to life in west London, the player has now fully found his feet, with Fernandez even attracting praise from Lionel Messi during his time at Chelsea.

Last night’s Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain was a game to forget for Arsenal fans.

While Mikel Arteta’s side are still just about in the tie, they were incredibly disappointing against the French Champions, and failed to show any of the grit and determination that saw them get past Real Madrid earlier this month.

There were lacklustre performances across the pitch from the hosts, but arguably the most underwhelming starter was Martin Odegaard, who picked up a 4/10 match rating from the Independent’s Jamie Braidwood and amassed a combined expected goal plus assists figure of just 0.08, which is unacceptable from the team’s supposed chief creator.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports that have linked the club to one of the most exciting players in Europe, someone who could be a massive Odegaard upgrade.

Arsenal could sign £30m Odegaard upgrade

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other midfield talents linked with a move to Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window, such as Oihan Sancet.

Transfer Focus

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

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The Athletic Bilbao ace was touted for a move to the Emirates earlier this month, and it’s not hard to understand why he’d interest the club, as in just 32 appearances this season, he’s scored 17 goals and provided three assists.

In what would be a summer-defining move, the Gunners have also been linked with Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz this month.

The German international has already racked up a sensational haul of 15 goals and 13 assists in just 42 games for the reigning champions of Germany, although, with a reported price tag of at least £111m, this feels like more of a pipe dream than a realistic transfer, unlike stories around Rayan Cherki.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of several sides interested in signing the French phenom, including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Aston Villa and more.

While the level of competition is far from ideal, the good news is that this wouldn’t be a particularly expensive transfer to get done, with the report claiming that Lyon value their star at up to €35m, which is about £30m.

It could be a complicated deal to get over the line, but given Cherki’s immense ability and potential, it is one worth fighting for, especially as he could be the perfect Odegaard upgrade.

How Cherki compares to Odegaard

So, the first thing to say is that while Cherki has primarily played off the right this season, his most played position across his whole career is attacking midfield, and with Bukayo Saka currently Arsenal’s best player, the Frenchman would almost certainly join the club to play in the middle of the park.

Therefore, his primary competitor for game time would be Odegaard, but how do the pair stack up against one another?

Well, when it comes to their pure output, it’s hardly fair to call it a competition, as the Lyon gem comes out miles ahead.

For example, in just 41 appearances, totalling 2894 minutes, the 21-year-old has scored 12 goals and provided 19 assists, which comes out to a sensational average of a goal involvement every 1.32 games or every 93.35 minutes.

In contrast, the Gunners’ captain has scored five goals and provided ten assists in 40 appearances, totalling 3072 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.66 games, or every 204.8 minutes.

Things don’t get any better for the Norwegian international when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers either.

For example, in practically every metric, the “future Ballon d’Or winner,” as dubbed by The Athletic’s Alex Barker, comes out on top.

Delving into the other stats, Cherki also comes out on top in metrics such as progressive carries, shot and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90 minutes.

Cherki vs Odegaard

Statistics per 90

Cherki

Odegaard

Progressive Passes

9.31

10.2

Progressive Carries

4.17

3.48

Key Passes

3.33

2.47

Shot-Creating Actions

6.23

4.95

Goal-Creating Actions

0.93

0.57

Ball Recoveries

3.92

3.79

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

Finally, the Lyon-born dynamo is ambipedal, meaning he can use both feet, so he’d be able to effect play across the entire frontline from the attacking midfield role, which in turn could see Gabriel Martinelli get better service out on the left.

Ultimately, Cherki is younger, has better underlying numbers, is an output machine and has the added benefit of being able to use both feet, so if Arsenal have the opportunity to sign him this summer, they should, as he’d be an incredible Odegaard upgrade.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 29, 2025

Fulham and Marco Silva are now interested in signing a “terrific” £30,000-a-week player as a possible alternative to the heavily linked Kyle Walker-Peters, according to Sky Sports.

Fulham stepping up transfer plans as they eye Walker-Peters deal

The Cottagers are still very much in the hunt for a European spot, but with only four games left in the league, they are running out of time to close the gap. Therefore, while they will want to finish the season as best as possible, attention from Silva and the club’s hierarchy may be slowly turning towards next season and what they hope to do in the summer.

Related Talks held: Fulham discussing move for £50m ace with 3 UCL goals this season

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Posts 1 ByDominic Lund Apr 30, 2025

It was reported last week that Fulham made contact with Juventus regarding a deal for Nicolo Savona. The Italian has emerged on Fulham’s radar, but they are not alone in the race, as several other teams from England are also keen on signing the versatile defender.

He is not the only defender on their list of targets, as according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Cottagers are keen on signing Kyle Walker-Peters once his contract at Southampton expires. The Premier League side plan to open contract talks with his agents once the campaign comes to a close.

The transfer news doesn’t stop there for Silva’s side, as while Liverpool are in talks over signing Antonee Robinson, Fulham have put forward the idea of re-signing Harvey Elliott in a partial swap deal, who looks set to leave Anfield at the end of this season. The Englishman is looking for more regular game time, and a return to Craven Cottage could be on the cards.

Fulham add Ipswich star Ben Johnson to full-back shortlist

But strengthening in defence seems to be more of a priority for Silva, as the Cottagers have their eye on a player who could be considered an alternative to Walker-Peters. According to Sky Sports, Fulham are keen on signing Ben Johnson from Ipswich Town this summer.

He is one of a number of right-backs that the club are looking at, but it is reported that Johnson doesn’t have a release clause, and given he has three years remaining on his contract, he remains a key part of Kieran McKenna’s plans.

Johnson, who has been described as “terrific” by football scout Antonio Mango, joined the Tractor Boys in the summer transfer window on a free transfer after leaving West Ham. The England under-21 international, who can also cover at centre-back and left-back, has played 22 times in the Premier League for Ipswich so far, scoring one goal and registering two assists.

Ben Johnson’s 24/25 Premier League stats

Apps

22

Starts

14

Minutes per game

62

Touches

29.9

Big chances created

4

Interceptions per game

0.6

Tackles per game

1.7

Balls recovered per game

2.6

Clearances per game

2.4

McKenna is likely to want to keep hold of Johnson, who is on a weekly wage of £30,000 at Portman Road, but the offer of staying in the Premier League and playing for a team that isn’t expected to be in relegation trouble may be too good to turn down.

As Rangers look to end their search for a new manager as early as possible this summer, the 49ers could reportedly join the race to hire an exciting young manager who learned his trade at Bayern Munich.

Rangers' search for a new manager

Ever since sacking Philippe Clement, it’s been a waiting game for Rangers in their search for a new manager. In place in the meantime has been interim boss Barry Ferguson, who has likely failed to convince enough at Ibrox to seal the job on a permanent basis. What his spell in charge has done, however, is highlight the extent of the task ahead for whoever arrives next.

On that front, several names have already received a mention in recent months, including Steven Gerrard who would have to get fans back onside following a frustrating departure to join Aston Villa in 2021. Meanwhile, if the Gers are looking for a more experienced option then Rafael Benitez could be the man to turn to this summer.

The former Liverpool and Real Madrid manager has been linked with the job in recent months and would be making his first return to the technical area since leaving Celta Vigo last March.

It’s worth noting that Ferguson also still wants the role on a permanent basis no matter how unlikely it seems. He recently told reporters: “I know what this club needs. I want what’s best for Rangers Football Club.

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Posts ByTom Cunningham May 7, 2025

“I got an opportunity I never thought I would get, and I’ve enjoyed every single second of it. Some of the results I’ve not enjoyed, they have hurt me. I enjoy the challenge of it, because it is a big challenge. I always will back myself. I might not be everybody’s cup of tea, but I know I can do the job alongside the staff that I’ve brought in, but we just need to wait and see.”

It may not be any of those aforementioned options that arrive this summer, though. Instead, reports have recently suggested a new name in Rangers’ search to finally replace Clement.

Rangers could join Danny Rohl race

According to The Daily Record, Rangers could now join the race for Danny Rohl, who is reportedly set to leave his role as Sheffield Wednesday manager at the end of the season. Still just 36 years old, the Owls boss is one of the most exciting young coaches in Europe – something that has been reflected by the clubs interested in his signature in recent months.

If Rangers are to chase his signature then they could reportedly have to fend off interest from the likes of RB Leipzig, Southampton, Crystal Palace and others in a frantic battle.

Rohl’s rise should come as no real surprise. After all, this is a coach who learned his trade at Bayern Munich as both Hansi Flick and Niko Kovac’s assistant, before using the knowledge that he gained to take Sheffield Wednesday away from the dropzone despite financial restraints.

If Rangers are to turn things around and build a long-term project, then Rohl should sit at the very top of their wishlist this summer.

In an ideal reality, West Bromwich Albion would find themselves competing in the upcoming Championship playoff final after Tony Mowbray’s return had gone down as a rip-roaring success.

Unfortunately, that script hasn’t come to life, with Mowbray actually finding himself out of a job again after a dismal run of just five wins from 17 games led to the Baggies falling short of those coveted playoff spots.

West Brom do have plenty of time on their hands to assess who they would like to bring in as the 61-year-old’s successor now as the ongoing search shows no real signs of coming to a halt.

West Brom's list of manager targets

It’s been nearly a month since Mowbray was abruptly axed from the Hawthorns hot seat, meaning plenty of names have been linked to fill the vacancy.

Indeed, faces such as Stockport County manager Dave Challinor have been tipped to take on the reins, alongside ex-Southampton boss Russell Martin potentially getting back on the horse after his Saints dismissal.

Moreover, former Manchester United coach turned Minnesota United manager Eric Ramsay has also been regularly thrown about as a successor to Mowbray, but there’s one other name that looks to be the likeliest option away from any other rumoured bosses.

Indeed, journalist Graeme Bailey has revealed recently that West Brom still ‘really like’ Tottenham Hotspur background figure Ryan Mason, with his young and fresh approach one factor that ticks a lot of boxes for the Baggies hierarchy.

Ramsay is the same age as Mason – with both the fresh-faced managers only being 33 years of age – but the Spurs coach arguably has more experience of the hustle and bustle of the English game, meaning he might well be viewed as an upgrade on the left-field Minnesota boss.

Why Mason is an upgrade on Ramsay

There is a logic behind West Brom wanting to go down the route of appointing a youthful new manager, having been burnt by the experienced Mowbray returning and ultimately failing.

On top of that, the likes of Liam Manning – who is only six years older than Mason – managed to steer Bristol City to the playoffs just this season, whilst the equally blooming Danny Rohl improved on a near escape from relegation at the helm of Sheffield Wednesday by guiding them to a comfortable mid-table finish.

Whilst both of those figures will likely go on to achieve far more in their careers, Mason does hold an advantage over both of them currently – on top of also bettering Ramsay in this department – with the 33-year-old gaining experience on the job of what it’s like to be an interim boss of a Premier League team with Spurs.

Whilst Ramsay does have an impressive 24 wins under his belt in charge of Minnesota, he has no experience of what it’s like to be thrown into the deep end of Premier League action, having only ever watched from afar when situated at the Red Devils.

Mason’s overall record as Spurs interim manager

Stat

Mason

Games managed

13

Wins

6

Draws

1

Losses

6

Goals scored

26

Goals conceded

21

Biggest win

4-0 H (Sheffield United H)

Biggest loss

3-1 L (Leeds A)

Sourced by Transfermarkt

On the contrary, Mason has briefly shone when handed the reins of the North Londoners, with six wins collected during some testing and turbulent times after some notable managerial exits.

He could be what West Brom needs, therefore, to recover from the popular figure of Mowbray flopping, with Ange Postecoglou even going out of his way recently to label Mason as “outstanding” for his work at the Premier League side.

Clearly, the Baggies need to think somewhat outside of the box to bring success back to the Hawthorns after the tried and tested route of Mowbray unravelled.

Whilst Ramsay would fit that unorthodox label, he might well flounder attempting to adapt to the Championship. Whereas, the time could be just right for Mason to prove himself after a worthwhile education at Spurs.

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Posts ByCharlie Smith May 15, 2025

The season is over and attention will now turn to what Celtic are going to do in the upcoming summer transfer window to improve their playing squad.

Brendan Rodgers already has one new addition lined up to come in this summer, as Kieran Tierney will join on a free transfer at the end of his contract with Arsenal.

As you can see in the graphic above, the Scotland international enjoyed an incredibly successful first spell at Parkhead after coming up through the academy system, winning five Scottish Premiership titles before his £25m move to Arsenal in 2019.

He is now set to return on a free transfer to bolster the manager’s options at left-back as the first signing of the summer transfer window for the Hoops.

Whilst there will be a focus on incoming signings and how the Premiership champions can strengthen their squad, Celtic also have to be wary of losing their top talents.

They sold Matt O’Riley to Brighton & Hove Albion last summer and Kyogo Furuhashi to Rennes in January, and Nicolas Kuhn is one star who could follow them out of the door.

Why Nicolas Kuhn could leave Celtic this summer

Writing for Sky Sports last weekend, journalist Anthony Joseph claimed that there is ‘plenty of interest’ in the left-footed wizard after his impressive season for the club.

Crystal Palace, Everton, and Leeds United have all been credited with an interest in the German attacker this year, but it remains to be seen whether any of them are prepared to make a tangible move for him this summer.

This interest in his services, though, does suggest that there is a chance that the former Rapid Vienna winger could move on from Parkhead ahead of next season, if offers start coming in for him.

Clubs being keen on snapping him up should not come as a surprise to anyone, though, because Kuhn enjoyed a terrific season for Celtic across all competitions.

24/25 Premiership

Nicolas Kuhn

Appearances

32

Goals

13

Big chances created

11

Key passes per game

1.6

Assists

9

Dribbles completed per game

1.8

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 25-year-old wizard delivered brilliant performances in the Scottish Premiership during the 2024/25 campaign, with 24 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 32 appearances.

It would be a big blow to lose Kuhn from the squad, because of the goals and assists that he can provide from the right flank, but the Hoops are reportedly looking at a star who could be a dream replacement for him.

Celtic eyeing move for new winger

According to GIVEMESPORT, Celtic are one of a number of clubs interested in a deal to sign Peterborough United forward Kwame Poku in the upcoming summer transfer window.

The report claims that there are up to a staggering 26 teams eyeing up the Ghana international, whose contract with the Posh is due to expire at the end of next month.

Transfer Focus

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

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It reveals that the Hoops have sent scouts to watch the attacker on a regular basis this season, with a view to potentially swooping for him in the coming weeks.

GIVEMESPORT adds that Celtic and Rangers are both in a strong position to sign the winger because they would not have to pay as much money in compensation as English teams, due to UEFA’s cross-border compensation rules, which would allow them to offer a more attractive contract.

The report does reveal, though, that Birmingham City, who have been promoted to the Championship in England, have already submitted their contract offer to the left-footed star.

With this in mind, Celtic must press ahead with their interest in Poku to challenge Birmingham for his signature, because he could be a fantastic replacement for Kuhn.

Why Celtic should sign Kwame Poku

If the club’s German wizard does move on from Parkhead in the weeks or months to come, Rodgers will need a new left-footed right winger who has the potential to deliver goals and assists on a regular basis.

Poku’s performances for Peterborough in the third tier of English football suggest that he could be an ideal signing to replace the impact that Kuhn has at the top end of the pitch.

Whilst some may question the standard of League One, it is worth remembering that Matt O’Riley produced seven goals and five assists in 27 League One matches for MK Dons before his move to Celtic.

Poku could follow in his footsteps by making the move to Glasgow to be a star for the Hoops as an exciting attacking force on the right wing, coming in to replace the productivity that Kuhn provides.

The 23-year-old sensation, who was described as “unplayable” by manager Darren Ferguson, has provided goals and assists on a regular basis in England over the past two seasons.

Kwame Poku (League One)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

37

27

Goals

11

12

Big chances missed

11

3

Big chances created

10

9

Key passes per game

1.5

1.2

Assists

7

8

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Poku has delivered 23 goals and 19 ‘big chances’ created in 64 appearances in League One for Peterborough, which shows that he has the potential to make a big impact in the final third.

Like Kuhn, the Posh star is also a left-footed attacker who predominantly plays on the right flank, cutting in onto his stronger foot to cause problems for opposition defenders as both a scorer and a creator of goals.

With this in mind, Poku could come in as a dream replacement for the Celtic number ten, if he does move on this summer, because he is similar in style whilst also having the potential to provide goals and assists at a similar rate.

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Posts ByDan Emery May 26, 2025

It is now down to the Hoops to submit a contract offer of their own in an attempt to convince the winger to turn down the chance to sign for Birmingham.

West Ham United are reportedly leading the race to sign a “phenomenon” for Graham Potter in a £25m transfer, according to one journalist.

West Ham transfer rumours after big 2024/25 spending spree

It is fair to say that the Hammers didn’t live up to expectations in the 2024/25 Premier League season, finishing 14th with 43 points from 38 games.

That came after a big spending spree in the summer under the guidance of ex-technical director Tim Steiden and former boss Julen Lopetegui. They also brought in Evan Ferguson on loan from Brighton in the January transfer window after parting ways with Lopetegui and bringing in Potter.

West Ham 2024/25 signings

From

Fee (Transfermarkt)

Max Kilman

Wolves

€47.5m

Crysencio Summerville

Leeds United

€29.3m

Niclas Fullkrug

Borussia Dortmund

€27m

Luis Guilherme

Palmeiras

€23m

Mohamadou Kante

Paris FC

Undisclosed

Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Man Utd

€18m

Wes Foderingham

Sheffield United

Free transfer

Guido Rodriguez

Real Betis

Free transfer

Jean-Clair Todibo

Nice

Loan transfer

Carlos Soler

PSG

Loan transfer

Evan Ferguson

Brighton

Loan transfer

This summer, the Irons may have to look at sales alongside signings, with teenage striker Daniel Cummings already agreeing to join the club from Celtic on July 1.

Mohammed Kudus is the West Ham star who is being linked with a move away from the London Stadium, being offered to Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

In discussions between the Hammers and their London rivals, West Ham asked about the availability of goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, a player Potter knows well from his time at Brighton.

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A new shot-stopper to replace the departing Lukasz Fabianski and rival Alphonse Areola is therefore on the to-do list, and an update has emerged on West Ham’s pursuit of Aaron Ramsdale.

West Ham “favourites to sign” £25m Ramsdale

Talking to TBR Football, journalist Graeme Bailey provided an update on Ramsdale’s future with a move expected following Southampton’s relegation.

As well as stating the goalkeeper’s £25m release clause, Bailey said that West Ham like the keeper “a lot” and named the Irons as “favourites to sign” Ramsdale ahead of Leeds United and Newcastle United.

On £120,000-a-week at St Mary’s, Ramsdale, called a “phenomenon” by Ian Wright during his time at Arsenal, would bring plenty of top-flight experience to the London Stadium.

However, the Englishman has been relegated from the Premier League on three separate occasions. In 2020, Ramsdale went down with Bournemouth and a year later, suffered the same fate with Sheffield United.

Should West Ham secure his services, they’ll be hoping it’s not four relegations come the summer of 2026.

Birmingham City stole most of the headlines in League One last season by sealing a title success on a gigantic 111 points, but Wrexham also gained plenty of airtime themselves when clinching yet another promotion.

This was the Red Dragons’ third promotion success in a row, unbelievably, with Phil Parkinson the manager who has amazingly steered the Welsh giants back into the spotlight away from non-league obscurity, to now being one division below the Premier League.

Wrexham will know that their next step up to the Championship will be their most difficult jump to navigate so far, with plenty of new signings ready to enter the building to ensure the next step-up isn’t so difficult, which includes this exciting striker target potentially joining Parkinson’s ranks.

Wrexham now interested in former PL ace

As per an exclusive report from football journalist Graeme Bailey, Wrexham are now in the race to land Leeds United attacker Joe Gelhardt this summer.

Unfortunately, they aren’t just a lone suitor having a peek at the two-time Premier League goalscorer, with Chris Davies’ Birmingham also keen on landing a loan deal for the explosive centre-forward, as Leeds look to get rid temporarily after sealing their own dramatic promotion.

Whilst the 23-year-old has found himself stuck on the periphery at Elland Road as of late, he still has plenty of plus points next to his name that will intrigue Parkinson and Co.

He could even be viewed as a better signing for Wrexham to make than the newly promoted side going after an injury-prone Danny Ings, with the soon-to-be free agent forward more known now for his lengthy absences away from the first-team, than his clinical finishing ability.

Ings’ G/A record for West Ham

Season

Games played

Goals scored

Assists

24/25

17

1

2

23/24

30

1

1

22/23

22

3

2

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Why Gelhardt would be a better signing than Ings

Indeed, the table above makes for some pretty grim reading on the ex-Liverpool striker’s end, with Ings only managing five goals for West Ham over his last three unmemorable seasons.

Whereas, in Gelhardt’s defence – despite tumbling down the pecking order in West Yorkshire as of late – he has still proven he can cut it in the Championship when handed a chance to impress out on loan at Hull City last season.

This spectacular effort back in January would get the ball rolling for Gelhardt in his fresh location, with the ex-Hull number 30 going on to bag another four strikes in league action, away from just this wild shot looping over Paul Nardi’s head.

This will instantly put Wrexham at ease about whether the 23-year-old is well-suited to the demands of the Championship after barren patches of form at Leeds. On the contrary, Ings last played at the demanding level all the way back in 2014, with a concern brewing that he just doesn’t have the legs required to kick back into gear in the EFL.

Gelhardt’s league numbers for Hull (24/25)

Stat – per 90 mins*

Gelhardt

Games played

22

Goals scored

5

Assists

0

Big chances missed

1

Big chances created

5

Total duels won*

5.2

Stats by Sofascore

To Wrexham’s relief, Gelhardt showed he has plenty left in his tank at Hull last season, with a bite present in his game too when winning 5.2 duels on average per Championship clash, away from also creating five big chances on top of his goal tally of five.

The newly promoted side have also been there and done that when it comes to veterans leading the line, as seen in Steven Fletcher being on their books last campaign, with the loan capture of the 23-year-old “wrecking ball” – as he was once labelled by Jamie Redknapp for his aggressive approach – signalling a newer approach centred on the future.

While Ings’ name might be more instantly recognisable, his best years seem to be behind him now.

When it comes to Gelhardt, however, plenty more could still be in the offing.

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