All posts by n8rngtd.top

Something feels different. For better or for worse (though usually better), Liverpool were tight-lipped on transfers with Jurgen Klopp at the helm.

It often felt like a contentious subject, but FSG’s savvy crew managed to make it work, combining with the German manager’s vision to drive Liverpool toward the full gamut of major honours.

However, something’s changed in this new iteration, this restructured hierarchy. Arne Slot, on the brink of winning the Premier League in his first season at the Anfield helm, has confirmed that Liverpool are planning for major investment this summer, with captain Virgil van Dijk echoing the sentiment as the final touches are placed on his expected new deal.

Liverpool are set to spend, all right. However, the Merseysiders will also want to cash in on a few to maximise the scope for investment.

Darwin Nunez is the anticipated surplus as plans are mapped for a new, more prolific centre-forward. However, the struggling Uruguayan isn’t the only forward at risk of being sold, with Luis Diaz also emerging as a candidate for sale.

And that’s despite his stunning recent form for the Reds.

Luis Diaz's late-season form

Liverpool are set to lift the Premier League title in the coming weeks, and Diaz has been instrumental in keeping Slot’s squad ticking over of late, rebounding from a frustrating patch of form to rack up the contributions in recent fixtures.

He’s scored 15 goals and laid on eight assists across all competitions for Liverpool this term, but Diaz may well be among those sold this summer.

Directly involved in goals during just one of Liverpool’s opening nine Premier League fixtures of 2025, a 2-1 victory over Wolves in February, Diaz has since registered a contribution across his past five outings, scoring in each of the Reds’ recent matches, having assisted in three successive games prior.

A man playing for his future? The winger has been routinely linked with a move to Barcelona over the past several years and Caught Offside have recently revealed that Liverpool would entertain offers in the £69m ballpark this summer.

Contrary to what the form book might suggest, Liverpool should indeed cash in on their Colombian maverick for maximum value this summer.

He’ll have turned 30 by the time his current deal expires in June 2027 and has ebbed and flowed in front of goal for much of his time at Anfield.

Liverpool could bank a pretty penny by selling him now, while his stock’s sky-high, and anyway, the Reds have identified the perfect successor to sign this summer.

Liverpool chasing Diaz successor

According to Football Insider, Liverpool may finally get their hands on Anthony Gordon this summer, with the Newcastle United winger among the most likely Magpies to be sold for a big profit.

Liverpool were in talks to sign the England international last summer but a deal came to nought when alternative means to circumvent PSR were struck.

It’s reported that Liverpool have retained a strong interest and, furthermore, cashing in on the winger would suit United more than their other big-money stars, Bruno Guimaraes and Liverpool-linked Alexander Isak.

Transfer Focus

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

Why Liverpool should sign Anthony Gordon

Having been awarded Newcastle’s Player of the Year for 2023/24, Gordon came close to moving back to Merseyside and linking up with Liverpool are being released from their academy as an 11-year-old.

Though it didn’t come to fruition, Liverpool have retained their interest in a “special” player – as said by producer Andrew Musgrove – who has been an essential part of Eddie Howe’s success at St. James’ Park over the past several years, indeed beating Slot’s Liverpool in last month’s Carabao Cup final.

He’s registered 44 goal involvements for Newcastle since the start of last season and has even seen club chiefs place a £100m price tag on him in the past to deter pesky suitors. However, now that United’s stance has changed, that lofty valuation may well be whittled down.

Playing into Slot’s tactical approach, Gordon is also a positionally flexible forward. Chiefly a left winger, the 23-year-old has featured regularly on the right to accommodate Newcastle’s needs while also finding prolific success from a more central berth.

Though Gordon’s arrival would see Diaz sold, this could allow him to work well with Liverpool’s Cody Gakpo, who is settled on the left flank, where his in-cutting shooting ability is best served.

While he’s been more potent in front of goal of late, the underlying data suggests Gordon, who is five years the South American’s junior, has the potential to outstrip him.

Gordon vs Diaz – Underlying PL Data (24/25)
Stats (* per game)	Gordon	Diaz
Shots (on target)*	2.0 (0.7)	2.0 (0.8)
Pass completion	80%	86%
Key passes*	1.9	1.6
Dribble (success)*	1.3 (45%)	1.5 (39%)
Ball recoveries*	3.3	3.0
Tackles + interceptions*	1.3	1.2
Duels (won)*	4.7 (51%)	3.8 (39%)
Stats via Sofascore

There’s also the case to be made that Gordon has failed to hit the same heights this year after his success in 2023/24, whereas Diaz has actually made improvements since Klopp stepped down at Anfield.

This might appear to sway things in the Liverpool man’s favour but it actually reinforces the argument for his sale this summer, replacing him with a younger star in Gordon, who mirrors many attributes and has the potential to go from strength to strength under Slot’s wing.

Given that Liverpool’s interest stretches back to last summer, there’s every reason that he could be a success in a title-winning Reds squad, and given that Diaz’s potential sale could make it possible, it might just be one to keep a close eye on as the market opens its stalls.

Slot can axe Jota for Liverpool teen who's a "better finisher than Nunez"

Liverpool’s centre-forward options have left plenty to be desired this season.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 15, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur now want a manager with “star status” to replace Ange Postecoglou, according to a former employee of the Premier League club.

Ange Postecoglou heading towards Spurs exit after disappointing season

According to reliable media sources, like journalist Matt Law of The Telegraph, a parting of the ways with Postecoglou is growing more and more likely – even if Spurs do end up winning the Europa League and their first piece of silverware in 17 years.

Levy set for "big decision" as Tottenham look at hiring "master" £8m manager

Ange Postecoglou is increasingly likely to leave at the end of 24/25.

3

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 23, 2025

The north Londoners face off against Norwegian minnows Bodo/Glimt in the Europa League semi-finals after beating Eintracht Frankfurt in the last round, and if they get past this year’s fairy-tale overachievers, then Postecoglou will be just one game away from ending Tottenham’s trophy drought.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures	Date
Liverpool (away)	April 27th
West Ham (away)	May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)	May 10th
Aston Villa (away)	May 18th
Brighton (home)	May 25th

It would be the perfect end to an otherwise disappointing domestic campaign, with Spurs on course for their worst ever finish in the Premier League and just one match away from equalling their record for most defeats in a single season.

Postecoglou has been dealt a plethora of injuries to key players throughout 2024/2025, which undoubtedly crippled Spurs’ chances of success, but there is a serious argument that 16th in the league still simply isn’t good enough.

Unrest surrounds the club right now, not just regarding Postecoglou, but also the current running of Tottenham by chairman Daniel Levy and ENIC, with disgruntled supporters protesting against their ownership on a consistent basis.

Whoever potentially succeeds Postecoglou will have a mighty job on their hands, and Levy needs to get this appointment amid mounting pressure.

Tottenham are believed to be targeting Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola and Fulham’s Marco Silva, according to multiple reports, while the likes of Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner and Brentford’s Thomas Frank have also been linked.

Tottenham want "star status" manager to replace Ange Postecoglou

However, while these names have performed impressively on shoe-string budgets, the aforementioned tacticians boast just one major trophy between them.

Some critics may be underwhelmed by this, but according to former Spurs scout Mick Brown, Tottenham are looking at a “higher profile” manager with “star status” to come in and “transform” them into a winning team.

“There’s no doubt Frank has done a fantastic job at Brentford,” Brown told Football Insider, commenting on the links to the Bees boss.

“But’s a completely different job to managing Tottenham Hotspur. His job at Brentford cannot be questioned, he’s done better than many others would have, and everybody I speak to has a lot of respect and admiration for him.

“The issue is, Tottenham have had about 15 well-respected managers who have done jobs elsewhere.

“I think they’re looking at higher-profile managers to come in and transform them into a winning outfit.

“I don’t know whether Frank meets that star status they’re looking for.”

According to some reports, Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi has admirers at Spurs, and the Italian would definitely fall into the high-profile category after three successful years at the San Siro.

Tottenham Hotspur and their search for a new manager continues to take plenty of twists and turns, with a big-name now under discussion in N17 as chairman Daniel Levy plans for life without Ange Postecoglou.

Tottenham's reported candidates to replace Ange Postecoglou

Spurs are staring down the barrel of their worst domestic season in decades, and are just one game away from equalling their record number of league defeats in a single campaign since the Premier League’s inception.

Title-winning manager would love to join Tottenham with Daniel Levy "aware"

He’s apparently pretty keen.

7

By
Emilio Galantini

Apr 25, 2025

Liverpool host the Lilywhites at Anfield on Sunday, where Arne Slot’s side could officially be crowned champions of England, so Postecoglou can expect them to throw the kitchen sink at his vulnerable Spurs team during a difficult afternoon on Merseyside.

Tottenham’s next five Premier League fixtures	Date
Liverpool (away)	April 27th
West Ham (away)	May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)	May 10th
Aston Villa (away)	May 18th
Brighton (home)	May 25th

Meanwhile, in the background, uncertainty continues to surround Postecoglou and his long-term future.

Tottenham’s dismal domestic campaign could spell the end for him, even if they end up winning the Europa League and clinching their first major trophy since 2008 (The Telegraph).

Following 18 league defeats, with Postecoglou’s men sitting a lowly 16th in the table, it is widely believed Levy and co are already doing their due-diligence on potential replacements for the former Celtic boss.

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) are all managers on Tottenham’s rumoured shortlist, while the likes of Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi and Borussia Dortmund’s Niko Kovač have been linked from further abroad.

Spurs are admirers of Inzaghi (Fabrizio Romano) and some contact has also been held with Kovac (Bild), while it is believed that former boss Mauricio Pochettino would love a return to Tottenham, and he’d be Levy’s personal first choice.

Tottenham hold internal talks over appointing Jürgen Klopp

More recently, a report from GiveMeSport has lifted the lid on Tottenham’s wish to be more ambitious in their chase for Postecoglou’s replacement.

As per their information, former Liverpool boss Jürgen Klopp, who guided them to their first Premier League title in decades during his tenure in charge, as well as a Champions League triumph, is now being considered.

The German is currently Red Bull’s head of Global Soccer, earning around £192,000-per-week in his new role and contributing towards his £39 million net worth. Klopp will go down as one of the Premier League’s greatest ever coaches, and now Spurs are thinking about tempting him back to England.

GMS report that Tottenham have held internal talks over appointing Klopp, alongside other prestigious names, with the board determined to be “bold” and go after a proven winner.

The jury is out on whether he’d even consider leaving Red Bull so soon, and for one of Liverpool’s Premier League rivals, but there is little doubting he’d do an excellent job there based off his phenomenal CV working with fairly limited budgets.

“The reason why I give incredible credit with the five Premier Leagues we won is because we were battling with unbelievable football club like Liverpool,” said Pep Guardiola on Klopp.

“Incredible manager and his staff and incredible players. I will never forget these battles, never ever in my life. It’s an honour, for all my career everybody knows Klopp made me a better manager and Liverpool made me a better manager. There is no doubt about that.”

Rangers have tasked new sporting director Kevin Thelwell with finding a new permanent manager this summer, and one of the candidates has confirmed a positive conversation with the incoming Ibrox chief.

49ers expect Thelwell to begin work 'as soon as possible'

Rarely will we see an Old Firm fixture with so little on the line, as the Gers welcome Celtic to Ibrox on Sunday with nothing to play for but professional pride and local bragging rights. Their arch-rivals will put their title celebrations aside to try and redeem the consecutive defeats suffered in the previous two derbies, but for Rangers nothing is more important right now than their search for a new permanent manager.

Barry Ferguson’s intermin bounce was short-lived, and 49ers Enterprises have tasked incoming sporting director Thelwell with finding the next permanent man in charge. According to a report by The Daily Mail, the American investors expect a significant summer rebuild at Ibrox and want the former Everton chief to get a new man in the dugout as soon as possible.

Dream XI Mourinho could build at Rangers: No Tavernier & £8.5m star signs

Mourinho could build a solid starting XI should he take the Rangers job

1

By
Ross Kilvington

Apr 22, 2025

The rumour mill is of course already churning, with perhaps the most exciting link so far the enigmatic and decorated Jose Mourinho. The infamous Portuguese tactician has admitted he would be open to managing one of the two great Scottish clubs, but would demand serious backing from the Ibrox boardroom.

Steven Gerrard still feels like the most likely arrival, given the Liverpool legend’s previous success in the role and current availability, with the club thought to be considering moves for both Gerrard and former RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose.

The dark horse in the race is Ferguson, who despite winning just three of his seven Premiership matches so far would do his chances no harm with another victory over Celtic this weekend, and has confirmed in the build-up to Sunday’s action that he has already held conversations about the role with Thelwell.

Ferguson holds 'private' talks with new Rangers chief

Speaking to the press on Friday, via The Daily Record, the 47 year-old revealed what sounds like positive discussions with Thelwell: “I had a long meeting with Kev. It was good. it’s the first time I’ve sat down with him, I was impressed by him. Obviously, what was said will remain private, you know I’m going to say that.

“It was great to bang heads together. He got my feelings, he totally understood them. Very impressive and it’s something that I think will work really well for the club. Are plans starting to take shape? They need to,” said the interim boss.

In truth, the former Gers captain probably needed to make a serious charge at the Europa League to properly get his hat in the ring, with 49ers Enterprises likely wanting Thelwell to make a splash with a big name like Gerrard or Mourinho.

That said, the stand-in boss has done okay with a team he didn’t build, and with several incomings and outgoings expected this summer, perhaps someone who knows the club inside out could be exactly what’s needed to steady the ship and get things moving in the right direction.

Aston Villa made it five wins from their last six games in the Premier League when grinding out a determined 1-0 victory away at AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.

This win – which was clinched courtesy of Villa’s new all-time top-flight scorer Ollie Watkins – guarantees at least Conference League football for Unai Emery’s Villans next campaign.

But, the main prize of Champions League football is still very much up for grabs for the in-form outfit sat in sixth spot.

It wasn’t the prettiest performance by Villa on the South Coast, but at his crunch stage of the season, any win will do, with a big team effort needed to clinch the three points, especially after Jacob Ramsey was dismissed.

Aston Villa's best performers vs Bournemouth

Villa really had to dig deep during the last ten minutes of the clash after homegrown attacker Ramsey was shown his second yellow.

Thankfully, Emery’s visitors were already hanging onto a slim lead courtesy of the aforementioned Watkins, who once again came up trumps for the Villans in their moment of need.

The potent number 11 would find himself in the right place at the right time yet again to fire home his 75th career goal in the big time, with this effort ultimately being the difference-maker to the annoyance of Andoni Iraola’s frustrated hosts.

The Cherries just couldn’t find a breakthrough, with the likes of Emiliano Martinez having to stay very alert throughout with four saves made, alongside both Matty Cash and Lucas Digne down the flanks who won a combined 11 duels on the day.

But, it was once again Morgan Rogers who stood out in attack for Emery and Co, with the electric number 11 understandably a wanted man heading into the hectic transfer window.

Morgan Rogers' transfer value continues to soar

Rogers isn’t the only face that could soon be waving Villa Park goodbye, with Watkins – who the ex-Manchester City man set up for the winner at Bournemouth – also reportedly keen on a move away amidst interest from Arsenal.

For the 22-year-old, however, according to other reports, Chelsea and Stamford Bridge might well be his next onward destination, but off the back of a seriously impressive campaign for Emery’s men, the 6 foot 2 attacking midfielder won’t be exiting the building for cheap.

Indeed, it’s now being speculated that Villa would only consider parting ways with Rogers if a bumper £90m bid was put on the table, with the exciting forward menace arguably deep in the best form of his career at this point in time.

In all competitions this campaign, Rogers has notched up a ridiculous 14 goals and 14 assists from 52 overall games, leading to Jamie Carragher even hailing the four-time England international as an “unstoppable” force, on top of Villa thanking their lucky stars now that they won the 22-year-old for a modest £15m just last year.

Rogers’ numbers at Villa
Stat	Rogers
Games played	68
Goals scored	17
Assists	15
Original fee	£15m
Value now	£90m
Percentage increase	500%
Sourced by Transfermarkt

Emery’s side have had to exercise patience with the 22-year-old, considering he only chipped in with three goals and one assist last season after a January move, but it’s clear that he is destined for greatness now, whether that be with the Villans long-term or with Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.

Further lauded as “magnificent” by scout Antonio Mango after his assist away at Bournemouth, his current employers will just pray that Rogers sees Villa as his home for the foreseeable.

But, with his value increasing by that whopping 500%, Emery and Co would be mad not to sell up, particularly if that £90m does fall into their bank account soon.

Same agent as Asensio: Aston Villa join race for "outrageous" 15-goal ace

He’s a Champions League finalist.

By
Tom Cunningham

May 10, 2025

Leeds United’s frontline has played a huge role in their success throughout the Championship in 2024/25, undoubtedly contributing to their ability to claim the title.

The Whites registered a staggering tally of 95 goals in their 46 league outings – the highest tally in the division, scoring 24 more than the next highest team in Norwich City.

Joel Piroe was the club’s highest goalscorer during the title-winning campaign, with his tally of 19 goals also the most of any player in the second-tier, claiming the Championship’s Golden Boot award.

However, if the club are to survive in the Premier League next time around, they will need added reinforcements to hand boss Daniel Farke with the tools to improve the squad.

With the transfer window just around the corner, work has already been done behind the scenes to ensure a quick start is made this summer, leading to numerous names linked with a switch to Elland Road.

The latest on Leeds’ move to sign Callum Wilson this summer

Over the last couple of days, Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has been the latest name linked with a move ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The 33-year-old, who’s out of contract this summer, has spent the last five years at St James’ Park, registering 49 goals and playing a key role in their transformation over recent seasons.

However, they don’t appear to be alone in their chase for the former Bournemouth star, with West Ham United also said to be in the race for his signature.

His goalscoring record in England’s top-flight would undoubtedly be a key point for Farke in their pursuit, but Wilson has endured a torrid run with injuries that has restricted him to just two league starts this campaign.

Such a deal would likely be a risk, with the centre-forward likely to command a hefty wage given his experience, which could result in the Whites targeting other attackers this summer.

The former Leeds star who is now way better than Wilson

Undoubtedly, despite Piroe’s success in the Championship this campaign, Leeds will be targeting a talisman who is capable of stepping up to the plate in the Premier League.

The Dutchman has never featured in England’s top-flight, leading to question marks whether he will be able to cut it and be a success in such a division.

Wilson could be an attractive option given his current contract status, but his injury record should see the hierarchy steer clear of any potential move this summer.

They may have been better off keeping hold of Spanish talent Rafa Muijca, with the 26-year-old taking his career to the next level after departing Elland Road back in 2021.

He spent two years in Yorkshire, linking up with the youth setup after joining from Barcelona B, but was unable to break through the ranks and subsequently joined Las Palmas.

Fast forward to 2025, the striker is currently plying his trade for Qatari outfit Al-Sadd, currently enjoying one of the best goalscoring patches of his career – showcasing what the Whites are missing out on.

Mujica has registered 20 goals in his 27 appearances for his new outfit, offering a clinical edge that could’ve been of use to the Whites had they kept hold of him.

When comparing his stats from the current campaign, he’s massively outperformed transfer target Wilson, highlighting how big of a mistake the hierarchy made in allowing him to depart.

The Spaniard has not only massively outscored the Englishman, but has managed more shots on target per 90 along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – such a record that would’ve bolstered Farke’s attack.

How Rafa Mujica compares to Callum Wilson in 2024/25
Statistics (per 90)	Mujica	Wilson
Games played	18	17
Goals scored	18	0
Shot-on-target accuracy	44%	17%
Shots on target per 90	1.8	0.3
Pass accuracy	79%	75%
Take-on success	41%	14%
Aerials won	31%	11%
Stats via FBref

He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, as well as more aerials won, with his skillset potentially offering an all-around option in the final third had they kept hold of him.

Undoubtedly, it’s frustrating that the club made such a mistake in allowing the talisman to depart, with their loss now appearing to be Al-Sadd’s gain in 2025.

Whilst they won’t be able to get him back this summer, other targets will need to be explored, but given Wilson’s measly record and injury history, the Whites should be steering clear of a move for the Magpies star.

He's shades of Kalvin Phillips: Leeds plot move for "phenomenal" PL star

Leeds United are set for a big summer as they return to the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 season.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 20, 2025

The Champions League final is the pinnacle of any football season. With the showpiece finale set to bring the curtain down on another dazzling European campaign, it brings around a chance to look back at some of the best finals from years gone by.

While finals can often be drab affairs – the last four editions have all been decided by a single goal – the Champions League final has been no stranger to some of the most dramatic affairs over the years. Here is Football FanCast’s attempt at ranking the very best finals since the first one in 1956, based on the drama and significance of each match.

The top Champions League goalscorers of all time

Who has been the best in front of goal in the famous club competition?

By
Charlie Smith

May 14, 2025

Best Champions League finals
Rank	Final	Year
1	Milan 3-3 Liverpool	2005
2	Man Utd 2-1 Bayern Munich	1999
3	Man Utd 1-1 Chelsea	2008
4	Benfica 1-4 Man Utd	1968
5	Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid	2014
6	Bayern Munich 1-1 Chelsea	2012
7	Real Madrid 7-3 Frankfurt	1960
8	Celtic 2-1 Inter	1967
9	Steaua Bucharest 0-0 Barcelona	1986
10	Bayern Munich 0-1 Aston Villa	1982
11	Milan 4-0 Barcelona	1994
12	Liverpool 1-1 Roma	1984
13	Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Real Madrid	2002
14	Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool	2018
15	Barcelona 3-1 Man Utd	2011

15

Barcelona 3-1 Man Utd (2011)

Guardiola's stars beat United in the final again

Barcelona’s class of 2011 are considered one of the greatest club sides of all time, with the likes of Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta bringing Pep Guardiola’s tiki-taka philosophy to life.

The 2011 final, held at Wembley Stadium, pitted the same finalists as in 2009, when Barca overcame United 2-0 in Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.

First-half goals from Pedro and Wayne Rooney suggested this would be a more even contest, but the second half saw Barcelona’s star men come alive.

Messi put Barcelona back in front shortly after the interval, while David Villa sumptuously curled home to seal the match and the Catalans’ third Champions League triumph in six seasons. The only surprise is that their dominance didn’t exactly endure after this.

Barcelona 3-1 Man Utd (2011)
Date	28th May 2011
Venue	Wembley Stadium, London
Attendance	87,695
Goalscorers	Pedro 27′, Messi 54′, Villa 69′ / Rooney 34′

14

Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool (2018)

Karius clangers and Bale wonder-strike completes Euro hat-trick

While maybe not the most spectacular of matches, this game did provide one of the most spectacular goals in a Champions League final, while also including one of the most bizarre. Liverpool goalkeeper Loris Karius gifted Karim Benzema the opener in Kyiv by inexplicably rolling the ball into his path before Sadio Mane equalised for the Reds.

Gareth Bale came off the bench to score an incredible overhead kick, before the Welshman finished the job with the help of another Karius mistake. It was a third consecutive Champions League triumph for Real Madrid – a feat that hadn’t been achieved for over 40 years.

Real Madrid 3-1 Liverpool (2018)
Date	26th May 2018
Venue	NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kyiv
Attendance	61,561
Goalscorers	Benzema 51′, Bale 63′, 83′ / Mane 55′

13

Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Real Madrid (2002)

Zidane's worldie wins Los Blancos' ninth CL

Another sensational Champions League final goal; another sensational volley and another Madrid victory. This time it was Zinedine Zidane who scored one of the most iconic goals in the competition’s illustrious history, sending a luscious, looping effort into the top-left corner from just inside Leverkusen’s penalty area at Hampden Park. Zidane’s goal on the stroke of half-time proved the winner, with Lucio having cancelled out Raul’s early opener.

Bayer Leverkusen 1-2 Real Madrid (2002)
Date	15th May 2002
Venue	Hampden Park, Glasgow
Attendance	50,499
Goalscorers	Lucio 14′ / Raul 8′, Zidane 45′

12

Liverpool 1-1 Roma (1984)

Reds win on penalties to upset hosts and favourites Roma

It won’t have been often that Liverpool headed into a European Cup final as underdogs, but Joe Fagan’s Reds were up against it as they prepared to take on Roma in their own backyard, in what was just the hosts’ second European final, having won the Fairs Cup in 1961.

Phil Neal put Liverpool ahead before Roberto Pruzzo levelled things up before half-time. The teams could not be separated, leading to a penalty shootout. It is perhaps best known for Bruce Grobbelaar’s ‘spaghetti legs’ antics in goal, with Francesco Graziani blazing his effort over, handing the Reds match point.

Alan Kennedy netted the winning spot-kick, making Liverpool European champions for a fourth time.

Liverpool 1-1 Roma (1984)
Date	30th May 1984
Venue	Stadio Olimpico, Rome
Attendance	69,693
Goalscorers	Neal 13′ / Pruzzo 42′
Liverpool won 4-2 on penalties

11

Milan 4-0 Barcelona (1994)

Johan Cruyff's Barcelona swept aside by brutal Milan display

Johan Cruyff’s swashbuckling Barcelona side were expected to wipe the floor with a Milan team shorn of several key players, including Marco van Basten and Franco Baresi, due to injury.

Those expectations could have not ended up being further from the truth, with the Rossoneri delivering one of the finest team performances in a single game in the history of the competition to win 4-0 and claim their fifth European crown. Dejan Savicevic’s exquisite lob over a helpless Andoni Zubizarreta was the pick of the goals as Milan ran riot in Athens.

Milan 4-0 Barcelona (1994)
Date	18th May 1994
Venue	Olympic Stadium, Athens
Attendance	70,000
Goalscorers	Massaro 22′, 45′, Savicevic 47′, Desailly 58′

10

Bayern Munich 0-1 Aston Villa (1982)

Peter Withe winner upsets odds as Villans reign in Europe

Not very often does the European Cup final pit a David and Goliath together, but that’s what we got in 1982 when an unfancied Aston Villa set up a grand finale against Bayern Munich.

Bayern were three-time European Cup winners and boasted international stars such as Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and Paul Breitner in their starting XI.

In contrast, Villa had somewhat surprisingly won the First Division a year prior, and were forced to substitute their first-choice goalkeeper nine minutes into the final, leaving Nigel Spink – who had one first-team appearance to his name – to make his European debut for a Villa side decidedly lacking in star names.

That did not deter them, and they made the breakthrough midway through the second half through Peter Withe’s strike from Tony Morley’s cross, sparking jubilant scenes on the pitch and in the stands.

Bayern then had a late equaliser ruled out for offside as Tony Barton’s side held on to create history.

Bayern Munich 0-1 Aston Villa
Date	26th May 1982
Venue	De Kuip, Rotterdam
Attendance	46,000
Goalscorers	Withe 67′

9

Steaua Bucharest 0-0 Barcelona (1986)

Duckadam saves four in incredible shootout

You’re probably wondering what a goalless draw is doing in a best finals piece. Well, in a great example of not needing goals to have drama and heroics, Steaua Bucharest’s only European Cup triumph can be put down to an unbelievable goalkeeping display from Helmuth Duckadam.

The Romanian saved all four of Barcelona’s spot-kicks to win the European Cup for his team. The shootout itself ended 2-0 in favour of Steaua after a goalless draw, with each of the first four attempts saved before Marius Lacatus finally converted.

Granted, some of the penalties weren’t the best, but there’s no denying the greatness of Duckadam’s exploits.

Steaua Bucharest 0-0 Barcelona (1986)
Date	7th May 1986
Venue	Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Seville
Attendance	70,000
Goalscorers	None
Steaua Bucharest won 2-0 on penalties

8

Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (2014)

Real blitz Atletico in extra time to earn La Decima

Madrid had to wait 12 long years to claim ‘La Decima’, their tenth top-level European crown. They got the job done in style in 2014, though, beating city rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1.

Diego Godin put Atletico ahead, but Diego Simeone’s stubborn rearguard was not enough. Sergio Ramos sent the game to extra time with a last-minute equaliser, in which Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo scored to complete the rout for Carlo Ancelotti’s team.

Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (2014)
Date	24th May 2014
Venue	Estadio da Luz, Lisbon
Attendance	60,976
Goalscorers	Ramos 90′, Bale 110′, Marcelo 118′, Ronaldo 120′ (p) / Godin 36′

7

Celtic 2-1 Inter (1967)

Lisbon Lions come from behind to become first British champs

The famous Celtic side of 1967, dubbed ‘The Lisbon Lions’, triumphed over Inter to become the first British side to win the European Cup.

Celtic went behind through an early penalty, but from then on, it was an onslaught of green and white, with goals from Tommy Gemmell and Stevie Chalmers getting the job done. Incredibly, all but two of Celtic’s squad were born within a 10-mile radius of the club’s ground – just one of the reasons that team is still revered today.

Celtic 2-1 Inter (1967)
Date	25th May 1967
Venue	Estadio Nacional, Lisbon
Attendance	45,000
Goalscorers	Gemmell 63′, Chalmers 84′ / Mazzola 7′ (p)

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6

Real Madrid 7-3 Eintracht Frankfurt (1960)

Ten-goal final hands Madrid fifth European crown on the spin

We’ll level with you: we didn’t watch the 1960 European Cup final. But its significance remains, as does its status as one of the greatest football matches of all time.

High-scoring games weren’t as rare back in the day, with both Real Madrid and Frankfurt reaching the final having put 12 goals past the likes of Jeunesse Esch and Rangers respectively – the latter coming in two brutal semi-final demolitions.

That theme continued into the final, with four-time winners Madrid – who had won every edition of the competition to this point – responding to Frankfurt’s opener by striking six times, while there was still time for Erwin Stein to bag a consolation double either side of Ferenc Puskas’ fourth goal of the final.

Alfredo Di Stefano also netted a hat-trick for Los Blancos as they stretched their historic run in front of well over 100,000 fans at Hampden Park. As the highest-scoring final, it just had to be on this list.

Real Madrid 7-3 Frankfurt (1960)
Date	18th May 1960
Venue	Hampden Park, Glasgow
Attendance	127,621
Goalscorers	Di Stefano 27′, 30′, 73′, Puskas 45′, 56′ (p), 60′, 71′ / Kress 18′, Stein 72′, 75′

Despite losing sporting director Paul Mitchell, Newcastle United are pushing on with their summer transfer plans and could now sign one of their top targets for £65m when the window swings open.

Paul Mitchell to depart Newcastle

After just one season at the club, Mitchell has made the decision to leave St James’ Park and hand Newcastle the job of finding a new sporting director this summer. In truth, Mitchell never truly made his mark in Tyneside and always had a tough job on his hands after replacing Dan Ashworth, only to enter a club desperately looking to comply with PSR regulations.

The sporting director released a statement after his departure was confirmed, saying: “I’d like to thank everyone at Newcastle United for their support over the last year, including Eddie Howe, Becky Langley, the players, staff, owners and fans. It has been an honour to be part of the club and to work with some incredible people.

“I’m leaving at a time that is right for me and the club, particularly with Darren Eales – someone who I have worked so closely with in my career – moving on soon. The club is in great hands on and off the pitch, and is in a fantastic position to continue building. I’d like to wish everyone connected with Newcastle United a bright and successful future.”

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Off the pitch, the Magpies will suddenly be an intriguing side to watch this summer as they look towards the market not just for fresh arrivals for Eddie Howe’s squad, but also a new name behind the scenes.

With Champions League qualification only boosting their spending power ahead of the window too, whoever comes in to replace Mitchell could have quite the job on their hands. Their first move, no matter the new name, may even be to sign a Premier League rival for a hefty price.

Newcastle could now sign Kudus for £65m

According to Football Insider, Newcastle could now sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United for £65m this summer, with the London club ready to sell one the Magpies’ top targets for a hefty fee in the coming months. However, it is a fee that his £20m less than the attacker’s release clause, which should come as a boost to PIF.

It’s a deal that PIF have already explored and one that certainly seems feasible following the Hammers’ disastrous season. As Kudus eyes bigger and better things, those at St James’ Park could spend big to come swooping in.

Despite enduring a frustrating season in a poor West Ham side, Kudus has still found himself at the centre of Graham Potter’s praise. The 50-year-old manager told reporters at the end of March: “I think Mo has had probably a season that, from his perspective, would be a little bit disappointing, not because of his lack of effort or anything like that, but sometimes these things happen.

“Speaking personally, he’s been great with us in terms of how he’s worked every day, fantastic. He has built his fitness up, built his condition up to the point where he can sustain things a lot better now.”

Having reportedly explored a deal to sign the winger, whether Newcastle decide that Kudus’ £65m valuation is worth pursuing will be the big question when the transfer window opens.

After sealing the appointment of Thomas Frank to replace Ange Postecoglou, Tottenham Hotspur are now set to tackle the transfer market in preparation for an all-important campaign where they’ll be back in the Champions League.

Tottenham agree deal with Thomas Frank to become new manager

Earlier today, respected journalist Fabrizio Romano gave his famous ‘here we go’ to Frank joining Spurs, with the Lilywhites triggering his £10 million release clause and agreeing terms on the Dane’s contract.

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The 51-year-old’s move to Spurs comes just five days after chairman Daniel Levy’s decision to sack Postecoglou was announced, despite the Australian ending their 17-year wait for a major trophy and guiding them back to Champions League football.

Tottenham cited their woeful domestic form last season as the main reason behind Postecoglou’s dimissal, regardless of certain squad members like James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, Archie Gray and Pedro Porro publicly speaking out in his defence and wanting the 59-year-old to continue.

Taking this into account, Frank could now be set to inherit an awkward atmosphere, and the Premier League-proven boss has an intriguing task on his hands to carry on the club’s momentum after their Europa League triumph in Bilbao.

Following their well-documented injury crisis last term, it is also imperative for Levy to back Frank in the summer transfer market.

Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge recently claimed that Tottenham want to ideally strengthen all areas bar their goalkeeper, and Frank has reportedly already recommended Spurs move for Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze in particular (GiveMeSport).

A new wide-attacker is on the agenda, especially on the left, with out-of-favour winger Timo Werner returning to parent club RB Leipzig, despite Postecoglou initially holding high hopes for the German and calling him a “quality player”.

Tottenham hold "genuine" Jack Grealish interest

According to reliable transfer reporter Ben Jacobs, writing in a column for talkSPORT, Tottenham are targeting £300,000-per-week Man City forward Jack Grealish as an option to replace Werner on that side.

Jacobs reports that Tottenham hold a “genuine interest” in signing Grealish, but they face competition from Everton, AC Milan, Napoli, Borussia Dortmund, Inter Milan, Bayer Leverkusen and Saudi Pro League side Al Qadsiah.

His sky-high salary is a major stumbling block for any suitor, meaning a permanent sale is made all the more challenging given City value their man at around £50 million.

Realistically, a loan deal where City pay a fair percentage of Grealish’s wages is perhaps the most likely avenue for Spurs to explore a potential deal here.

Grealish would be competing with Mathys Tel for a regular starting berth on that side, with Jacobs also reporting that the Frenchman is expected to remain in north London.

The England international wants regular game time to force his way into Thomas Tuchel’s plans in time for the World Cup next year, and Tottenham could be an ideal landing spot in that regard.

Even though Arsenal are blessed with an abundance of talented players, it’s not hard to pinpoint their most important: Bukayo Saka.

The Hale End icon has become a talisman for the club and a constant source of goals and assists from the right-hand side, racking up a sensational haul of 26 goal involvements in 37 games this season.

Yet, as unbelievably talented as the Englishman is, he cannot drag the Gunners to glory on his own, as even Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has an incredible supporting cast, including the likes of Diogo Jota, Luis Diaz and most crucially, this season, Cody Gakpo.

So, fans should be excited about recent reports linking Arsenal to an attacker who’s been compared to Saka and the Flying Dutchman.

Arsenal's winger search

With their attack letting them down on several occasions this season, it’s not been a surprise to see Arsenal linked with a host of talented wingers this summer, such as Karou Mitoma and Rodrygo.

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 could be available for around £80m and was able to rack up a tally of 15 goal involvements in 41 games this season, while the latter might cost as much as £77m but was even more effective, racking up a haul of 14 goals and 11 assists in 52 games.

Yet, there is another name that has entered the frame, a player who has Premier League experience and has been compared to Saka and Gakpo: Noni Madueke.

According to a recent report from the Telegraph, Arsenal are now one of several teams in the picture to sign the former Spurs academy star and Chelsea forward this summer.

The report claims that while the Blues do not want to sell the Englishman, there is a distinct possibility that he would be let go for the right price.

While that price is not mentioned in the story, reports from earlier this month claimed that a fee in the region of €60m, which is about £51m, could do the trick.

It might not be a transfer that is immediately popular with Arsenal fans, but Madueke has shown glimpses of quality in the Premier League, and the fact he’s been compared to Saka and Gakpo is undoubtedly intriguing.

How Madueke compares to Saka & Gakpo

So then, before going over some of the other reasons why Arsenal might want to sign Madueke this summer, it’s important to examine these comparisons and where they stem from.

Well, they both stem from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in the Premier League this season before making a list of the ten most comparable for each.

According to this list, Gakpo was the seventh most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Chelsea this season, while Saka was the tenth most similar.

Madueke & Saka
Statistics per 90	Madueke	Saka
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.61	0.71
Shots	3.54	3.44
Passing Accuracy	77.4%	75.5%
Passes into the Final Third	0.71	0.78
Tackles Won	0.80	0.78
Clearances	0.49	0.42
Successful Take-On %	44.1%	45.6%
Aerial Duels Won	0.49	0.52
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season

Now, the best way to understand how these conclusions were reached is by looking at some of the underlying numbers in which the players rank closely, and in the case of the Gunners’ talisman, that includes things like non-penalty expected goals plus assist, passing accuracy, passes into the final third, clearances, tackles won and more, all per 90.

In the case of the Eindhoven-born maestro, similar metrics include expected assists, live passes, carries, ball recoveries, goal-creating actions, and more, all per 90.

Madueke & Gakpo
Statistics per 90	Madueke	Gakpo
Non-Penalty Expected G+As	0.61	0.53
Passing Accuracy	77.4%	75.7%
Expected Assists	0.14	0.18
Crosses into the Penalty Area	0.35	0.37
Live Passes	29.2	28.7
Goal-Creating Actions	0.35	0.37
Carries	28.4	28.1
Ball Recoveries	3.72	3.58
All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 PL Season

However, it’s not just the comparisons to two of the best wingers in the league that should excite fans, as the “unbelievable” dynamo, as dubbed by former manager Mauricio Pochettino, has also been a relatively reliable source of goals and assists for the West Londoners.

For example, in 42 appearances this season, totalling 2513 minutes, the 23-year-old “mentality monster,” as dubbed by personal coach Saul Isaksson-Hurst, scored 11 goals and provided five assists, which comes out to a goal involvement on average every 2.62 games, or every 157.06 minutes.

In comparison, Gabriel Martinelli racked up as many goal involvements in 51 appearances, totalling 3564 minutes, which comes out to a significantly worse average of a goal involvement every 3.18 games, or every 222.75 minutes.

Ultimately, while the price might be a little high, Madueke has the raw ability to make a difference for Arsenal, and the fact he’s been compared to players like Saka and Gakpo this season suggests as much.

Therefore, if the fee can be reduced somewhat, then this looks like a transfer worth chasing.

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