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Celtic’s hectic pre-season schedule continues.

First, Brendan Rodgers’ side enjoyed victories over both Queen’s Park and Cork City, with Johnny Kenny the only scorer at Lesser Hampden, before young defender Colby Donovan was the late match-winner at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Tuesday.

After that, the Hoops travelled to Portugal, defeated 3-2 by Estrela da Amadora in Seixal, just outside Lisbon, on Saturday; Reo Hatate and Adam Idah the goalscorers.

So, before facing Portuguese champions Sporting CP at Estádio Algarve on Wednesday, could the Celts add another Portuguese player to their squad?

Celtic's latest transfer target

Somewhat surprisingly, just three Portuguese players have ever played for Celtic and, as the table below notes, two are in the current squad.

Jorge Cadete

Sporting CP

1996-97

49

Jota

Benfica

2021-23 & 25-present

99

Paulo Bernardo

Benfica

2023-present

77

Jorge Cadete made an enormous impact at Celtic in the late-90s, scoring 38 goals in 49 appearances for the club, before being sold to Celta de Vigo.

Meantime, Jota and Paulo Bernardo remain key figures in the current Celtic side, even if the former is sidelined long-term due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury, so could another Portuguese youngster be about to arrive?

Well, according to a report by Portuguese newspaper Record, Celtic are ‘fighting’ to sign Flávio Nazinho this summer, with Roma and Real Sociedad amongst those also interested.

Nazinho is a 21-year-old left-back who began his senior career at Sporting CP, his debut coming against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League in November 2021.

Transfer Focus

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

However, after only accumulating 11 appearances for the Green and Whites, totalling 383 minutes, he joined Cercle Brugge, initially on loan, before the deal was made permanent for €1m (£860k) last summer.

Well, since then, according to Football Transfers, his value has increased exponentially, now worth around £3.2m, so could he join yet another side whose home kit prominently features green?

Why Flávio Nazinho would be a success at Celtic

The young defender’s career has really taken off since moving to Cercle Brugge, making 62 appearances for the Green and Blacks, a key figure as they qualified for a UEFA group stage for the very first time.

One content creator labelled him a “very exciting” full-back who is “quick” and “doesn’t shy away from a tackle”.

Meantime, Ross Pilcher of the Daily Record believes he would be the perfect deputy to Kieran Tierney at left-back, given the returning hero’s injury record, with Rodgers searching for a reliable back-up, following Greg Taylor’s move to PAOK.

Could Nazinho be just that? Well, let’s assess his statistics in last season’s Jupiler Pro League to find out.

Minutes

1,172

185th

Progressive passes

25

37th

Shot-creating actions

53

66th

Goal-creating actions

7

34th

Tackles

36

87th

% of dribblers tackled

68.8%

17th

Take-on success %

57.7%

29th

The table outlines that Nazinho is a well-rounded player, ranking generally highly in terms of passing, chances created, tackling and take-ons.

This is despite his limited minutes due to a hamstring injury, as well as the fact that he was playing for the team that ultimately finished third-bottom, only retaining their top-flight status by beating Patro Eisden Maasmechelen in a play-off; Nazhino scoring during the second leg at Jan Breydelstadion.

​​​​​​

When Jota arrived at Celtic, he had failed to make the breakthrough at Benfica and then endured a miserable loan spell at Real Valladolid, before only flourishing once he was signed by Ange Postecoglou.

Well, Nazinho has a lot more senior experience right now than Jota did when he first joined four years ago, suggesting the full-back could be the next young player to burst onto the scene in Glasgow’s East End.

Celtic could land better winger than Balikwisha in "electric" £3.5m star

Celtic could land an even better signing than Michel-Ange Balikwisha by swooping for this star.

1 ByDan Emery Jul 11, 2025

Aston Villa are leading the race for a promising young defender, who is expected to cost over £17m, and they are now pushing to get a deal over the line, according to a report.

Villa set to sell women's team amid PSR concerns

Premier League teams are having to come up with inventive new ways to get around PSR, and Villa now appear to have followed in Chelsea’s footsteps by agreeing to sell their women’s team.

As a result, Unai Emery should hopefullyhave more money to work with in the transfer window, and the manager is particularly keen to bolster his options in the middle of the park, with a £17m bid being made for Galatasaray’s Gabriel Sara.

According to a report form France, Aston Villa are also leading the race for versatile Toulouse player Jaydee Canvot, who is able to play at both defensive midfield and centre-back, and they are now pushing to get a deal over the line.

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Toulouse are undecided about whether they are willing to cash-in on Canvot this summer, but should the French club choose to sanction a departure, it is expected that they will hold out for a fee of €20m (£17m).

The Villans are said to have had a scout at the Maurice Revello tournament, which was won by France U20s, and they were clearly impressed by the defender’s performances, although it remains to be seen whether they are willing to stump up £17m.

Canvot could be excellent long-term signing for Villa

The Toulouse ace is only 18 years old, so it is an impressive feat that he has already managed to force his way into the first team, making 20 appearances in all competitions last season, which indicates he may not be too far off Villa’s first-team level.

One scout was also left impressed after watching the teenager in a midfield role, praising him for his ability in possession of the ball.

It is too early to say definitively whether the youngster would be a success at Villa Park, but he is certainly displaying good signs, and the Frenchman’s versatility is an added bonus.

As such, it is promising news that Villa are pursuing a deal, but £17m would be a large fee to pay for a player yet to prove himself over a sustained period.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta’s most imperative task of the summer window is finally ending the club’s long wait for a prolific natural striker, and it’s been widely reported that two names are at the top of his shortlist.

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The men in question, of course, are Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

Over the last few weeks, many reliable media sources have shared that Berta is simultaneously working on deals for both Sesko and Gyokeres – before deciding which move would be best suited to Arsenal’s needs.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

However, given the sheer size of these transfers, talks are proving complex and don’t appear likely to be done any time soon.

Gyokeres is very keen on joining Arsenal and prioritising a move to the Emirates, according to Fabrizio Romano, but his situation at Sporting has grown toxic recently amid a public fallout with their club president, Frederico Varandas.

Sesko, meanwhile, is also eager to link-up with Mikel Arteta, as per recent reports, but there are discrepancies surrounding the cost of a potential deal – with Sky Germany even reporting he could be priced up to £85 million despite the presence of a release clause.

Given the deals for Sesko and Gyokeres are miles from straightforward, it is wise for Berta to have alternatives, with journalist Duncan Castles sharing a left-field striker who’s also on Arsenal’s radar.

Arsenal eyeing "surprise" Nicolas Jackson move

Speaking on The Transfers Podcast, Castles reports that the man is Chelsea forward Nicolas Jackson.

The Senegal international enjoyed an excellent start to 2024/2025, scoring nine goals in his first 15 Premier League games, but has tailed off since the turn of the year, partly due to injury.

Jackson was also sent off in Chelsea’s 3-1 Club World Cup defeat to Flamengo recently, just minutes after replacing Liam Delap, and the consensus is that he could be sold this summer.

Chelsea will demand up to £51 million to sell him (Fabrizio Romano), though, so he won’t be a cheap option.

In any case, Arsenal have identified Jackson as a “surprise” striker target, with Castles explaining exactly why.

“There’s one more name that I’ve become aware of this week, which may come as a surprise, which is Nicolas Jackson, the striker who’s had an interesting time in his two years at Chelsea,” Castles revealed, when discussing Arsenal’s striker plans.

“Chelsea have always been looking for either adding someone else in that position or replacing him totally. Chelsea say they’re not actively looking to sell Jackson in this window, but he’s not one of the untouchable figures within their squad.

“The guidance I have on where Arsenal are on this is that this broad range of options is deliberate. They want to ensure that they get a centre-forward for Arteta in this window and don’t feel like they did last summer.

“They will do one of these deals. They’re telling the representatives of the players involved that what it will come down to is the deal that they believe makes the best sense to the club.”

FSG’s transfer ethos – getting their work done nice and early – often leaves Liverpool somewhat in the corner of the room while rivals party late into the market, enjoying the thrill of Fabrizio Romano and the rest’s transfer updates.

There are worse problems to have, it must be said. And the real success is found on the field. Liverpool are on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez, having already added Jeremie Frimpong.

Now, it’s time to sign a centre-forward, for Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota left plenty to be desired as Arne Slot’s focal frontmen last season, actually paling in comparison to Liverpool’s wider forward.

Mohamed Salah

38 (38)

29

18

Luis Diaz

36 (28)

13

7

Cody Gakpo

35 (23)

10

5

Diogo Jota

26 (14)

6

4

Darwin Nunez

30 (8)

5

3

Federico Chiesa

6 (1)

0

0

Luis Diaz was even called into play as a makeshift number nine for much of the campaign, his false-nine-type qualities proving invaluable for the Reds as they marched toward the Premier League title.

Who, then, to sign? Targets like Hugo Ekitike, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen would all do a job, but Alexander Isak is the cream of the crop, and sporting director Richard Hughes would rake in the plaudits if he got that one over the line.

The latest on Alexander Isak to Liverpool

It’s pretty clear Liverpool will sign a striker this summer. However, who that player might be is less certain. Liverpool can dream, though, and signing Isak would be an incredible way to cap off a wonderful summer.

As per transfer insider Ben Jacobs for GIVEMESPORT, Liverpool are prepared to break the British transfer record to sign Isak this summer, with Newcastle United valuing their striker at over £150m.

The “unstoppable” Isak, hailed by pundit Ally McCoist as “the best out-and-out forward in the league”, was outscored only by Mohamed Salah in the Premier League last season, his 23-goal return illustrating his elite ability.

However, Newcastle’s position on their talisman’s unavailability has been absolute (insofar as any stance can be absolute in the transfer market). Liverpool can dream, and it appears they will try, but don’t hold your breath.

Luckily, Liverpool are one of the most astute transfer operators, and they’ve already lined up the perfect alternative.

Liverpool line up Isak alternative

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool have sounded out a potential move for Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez this summer, and while the La Liga side would be looking for an unrealistic £160m figure, Anfield hold a trump card.

Indeed, Diego Simeone is interested in bringing Nunez to the Wanda Metropolitano this summer, and previous reports even suggest personal terms have been agreed for around a month. As a result, TEAMtalk suggest that a swap deal is an avenue they are exploring this summer.

This would no doubt be a difficult one to get over the line, but Liverpool’s interest is long-standing and the Argentina forward would be perfect for Slot’s system.

Why Julian Alvarez would be perfect

Alvarez had been tracked by Liverpool during his time at Manchester City, where he scored 36 goals and laid on 19 assists across two trophy-laden campaigns, earning an £81.5m transfer to Atletico Madrid last summer.

His first term in Spain was his finest yet, posting 29 goals and seven assists across 55 matches, blending newfound potency with his robust and dynamic attacking style. Making a direct comment on his exploits in Spain, journalist Roy Nemer even described the player as “the best forward in the world.”

As per FBref, he ranked among the top 6% of strikers across Europe last year for passes attempted, shot-creating actions and progressive carries, the top 8% for progressive passes and the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90.

Already something of a nomad, the 25-year-old has demonstrated continual development and would now prove the perfect alternative to Isak, who is actually considered by the data-driven site as being one of Alvarez’s most comparable players.

River Plate

122

54

31

Manchester City

103

36

19

Atletico Madrid

53

29

6

Argentina

44

12

33

Liverpool need a new goalscorer to perch at the front of their ship, but they also need a centre-forward who will play with flair and bring the attacking players together.

One of the Merseysiders’ attacking staples is that when the frontline clicks, they perform in concert, effectively unplayable. Isak aligns perfectly in this regard, but Alvarez too could dovetail into Slot’s set-up and provide a higher level of goalscoring threat while using his technical skills and off-the-ball intelligence to open up a new dimension.

Isak’s completeness is echoed by Alvarez, but the roots of the South American’s style are shaped by a natural quality in front of goal. As per Sofascore, he only missed seven big chances in La Liga last season, scoring 17 goals and creating nine big chances too.

And this isn’t a simple anomaly. Across his two campaigns in the Premier League, the 2022 World Cup winner scored 20 goals from 44 starts, only missing 14 big chances.

It’s pretty clear he’d prove an upgrade on Nunez, and while Isak is FSG’s first-choice pick, Alvarez might just be the perfect fallback if ambitious efforts to bring Isak over from St. James’ Park don’t pull through.

The winds of change are blowing at Anfield, all right, but there’s more still to come for the Premier League champions, who are packaging a proven squad with exciting additions who might just solidify Slot’s early success, shaping it into a dynasty.

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ByMatt Dawson Jun 19, 2025

Leeds United have now made an initial approach to sign a £17m midfielder, with talks over personal terms currently ongoing, according to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri.

Leeds eyeing attacking midfielder amid doubts over Aaronson

It is clear that Leeds want to bring in at least one new central midfielder this summer, having now made offers for both Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra and Besiktas’ Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and the 49ers were willing to bet heavily on the former, submitting a £22m bid.

The eagerness to strengthen in the engine room comes amid Paul Robinson’s suggestion that one of Daniel Farke’s midfielders may not be good enough to make the step-up to the top flight: “Leeds are going to have to replace players.

“They came out of the Premier League with a similar squad, and players in that squad weren’t good enough. To mention two: Brenden Aaronson and Junior Firpo weren’t good enough for the Premier League.”

Aaronson regularly featured in an attacking midfield role last season, but it now appears as though the Whites are keen to bring in another number 10, who could be capable of pushing for the American’s starting spot.

According to Tavolieri (via Sport Witness), Leeds have now made an initial approach to sign RSC Anderlecht’s Mario Stroeykens, who could be available for around €20m (£17m) this summer, as per reports from elsewhere.

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Farke’s side are yet to make an offer for Stroeykens, but talks over personal terms are currently ongoing, so there is serious interest on their behalf, although there may be competition from soon-to-be Premier League rivals West Ham United.

With the attacking midfielder’s contract set to expire in 2026, the Belgian side may be forced to cash-in this summer, as they will be eager to avoid losing him on a free transfer, potentially opening the door for a move to Elland Road.

"Absolute hero" Stroeykens impressing in Belgium

The Anderlecht youngster is still only 20-years-old, but he has been impressing in the Jupiler Pro League for quite some time, with scout Jacek Kulig singling the starlet out for praise after scoring two goals as a substitute.

Since then, the Belgian has managed to kick on, collecting five goals and seven assists for Anderlecht in all competitions last season, featuring regularly as his side went on to finish in fourth place.

Stroeykens is yet to prove himself in a major European league, which may be a cause for some concern, but he is still very young, and the maestro’s performances in Belgium suggest he could soon be capable of pushing for Aaronson’s starting spot.

Rangers have now sent one of their club scouts to South America to watch a 6-cap international live in action today, according to a recent report.

Russell Martin named new Rangers manager

After being linked with several different candidates, Rangers announced on Thursday that former Southampton manager Russell Martin is their new head coach, joining on a three-year deal. Steven Gerrard and Carlo Ancelotti’s son Davide were both linked with the role, but it is Martin who has been given the job, replacing Barry Ferguson.

The new boss had a spell at Ibrox during his playing career, spending five months on loan in 2018, and he now returns as manager. Speaking for the first time since his appointment, Martin has vowed to give supporters a Rangers team they can be “proud of”.

“The supporters are the most important people at any football club. My job is to give them a team they identify with, and they are proud of. A team that wins.

“A team that’s going to give everything. One thing that’s always overlooked with our teams is they always run the most out of possession, because they have to if they want to dominate the ball and be aggressive.

“It’s not a given; it’s an attribute – you need to work hard; not everyone has that. We want people like that to come to the club.

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“To the fans, I have to win. I don’t think I’ve been the number one choice at any club I’ve been at. By the time we’ve left every team I’ve been at, we’ve formed a real connection with the supporters. I hope this will be the same. My whole playing career was based on hard work and resilience. It was not done on talent.”

Rangers official in South America today to watch Chile international

As the Gers announce the arrival of Martin, the club could already be lining up his first summer signing, as according to En Cancha, relayed by Sport Witness, a Rangers official has been sent to South America to watch midfielder Vicente Pizarro live in action today.

The 22-year-old, who currently plays for Chilean side Colo-Colo, has been called up to the Chile national team for the World Cup qualifiers against Argentina and Bolivia, as he looks to add to the six caps he has already won. Chile face Argentina late on Thursday evening, and it is a match that could be crucial to Pizarro’s future.

The report states that Rangers are one of a few clubs who are sending a scout to watch the midfielder in action, and while he is under contract until December 2027, Pizarro could leave Colo-Colo this summer.

Apps

150

Goals

8

Assists

3

The Scottish side do already have a few options in the middle of the park, but with doubts surrounding the future of Nicolas Raskin, Pizarro could arrive as a direct replacement for the Belgium star.

Although their Champions League fate remains in question, Aston Villa have already reportedly entered talks to sign a rising star who could become a crucial part of Unai Emery’s side for years to come.

Aston Villa's final UCL push

It certainly hasn’t been for the want of trying, but Aston Villa still need help from elsewhere to grab a place in the Premier League’s top five. Emery’s side have lost just one of their last nine league games and enter their trip to Manchester United on Sunday knowing that just one Chelsea slip up against Nottingham Forest or Newcastle United against Everton will leave them with a golden opportunity.

Liverpool (C)

83

45

Crystal Palace (H)

Arsenal

71

34

Southampton (A)

Manchester City

68

26

Fulham (A)

Newcastle United

66

22

Everton (H)

Chelsea

66

20

Nottingham Forest (A)

Aston Villa

66

9

Manchester United (A)

Nottingham Forest

65

13

Chelsea (H)

Anything could still happen in the Champions League race, with the top five the only real remaining drama when the final day arrives. Emery is well aware of just how important it is that his side focus on their own task at hand, too.

The Spaniard told reporters after victory over Spurs on Friday: “I am very happy. Today, we closed out our season here with our supporters trying to transmit our energy. We won, but there is still work to do to have a chance to play in the Champions League. We have to try and keep the inconsistencies down and focus.”

Whether their fate changes their summer ambitions is the big question for Aston Villa, of course. Their PSR concerns are no secret these days, but that hasn’t stopped them from reportedly opening talks to potentially secure an early incoming this summer.

Aston Villa open talks to sign Zepiqueno Redmond

According to Fabrizio Romano, Aston Villa are now in talks to sign Zepiqueno Redmond are in pole position to welcome the 18-year-old Feyenoord sensation to the Midlands this summer. The young forward could be the first striker that Villa sign since losing Jhon Duran in January and may well have finally found their replacement for the Al-Nassr forward.

Villa’s pursuit of Redmond should come as little surprise. The teenager has enjoyed a promising season in the Netherlands, scoring twice for the senior side in their domestic cup, the Toto KNVB Beker, and three more times for Feyenoord’s youth side.

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Dubbed “powerful and quick” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Redmond may not steal the same headlines as others this summer, but there’s no denying that Aston Villa would have a rising star on their hands.

An “incredible” £100m midfielder who is among Liverpool’s top targets is now open to leaving his club this summer, according to a report.

Reds set sights on new midfielder

It has been an unbelievable first season in the Anfield dugout for Arne Slot, with the Dutch manager securing the Premier League title despite making very few additions to the squad he inherited from Jurgen Klopp.

However, it appears as though Slot is now looking to put his own stamp on the squad, and bringing in a new midfielder seems to be of particular interest as we approach the summer transfer window.

The Reds are now preparing to submit a £34m offer for Barcelona’s Frenkie De Jong, whose future at the Camp Nou is now uncertain, while they are also in the race for Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, although it will take £80m to prise the Englishman away from the Eagles.

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Earlier this year, it was reported that Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White is a top target for Slot, and there has now been a positive update on the Merseysiders’ pursuit of the central midfielder.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Gibbs-White is now open to leaving Nottingham Forest this summer, with the Englishman set to consider his options if the Tricky Trees fail to secure a place in next season’s Champions League.

Forest are keen to keep hold of the 25-year-old, but there is growing interest in his signature, with Manchester City and Newcastle United also in the race alongside Liverpool, which could make it difficult to keep hold of him if they fail to finish in the top five.

However, a deal will not be cheap, as Forest may only be willing to sanction a departure for a fee in the region of £100m.

"Incredible" Gibbs-White deserves big move

Despite a stellar campaign, it is looking increasingly likely that Forest will miss out on Champions League football, having now fallen to sixth place after a poor run, which could cause Gibbs-White to look for the exit door, and there are plenty of signs he could be a solid signing for Liverpool.

The former Wolverhampton Wanderers man has excelled since signing for Forest, most notably impressing in an attacking sense, picking up five goals and nine assists in 30 Premier League outings this season.

ESPN’s Janusz Michallik was also left impressed by the Forest star’s work rate in their 2-1 victory against Tottenham Hotspur last month, taking to X to single him out for high praise.

At 25-years-old, there is every sign that Gibbs-White is now entering his prime, and he could be a top-quality addition to Liverpool’s midfield, but Forest are in a strong negotiating position, with the midfielder contracted until 2027, and shelling out £100m would be a risk.

Liverpool football club has been the home to countless attacking talents over the years, helping numerous managers claim various levels of success at Anfield.

Roberto Firmino will undoubtedly go down as one of the most underrated strikers in Premier League history, thriving beyond all imagination on Merseyside after joining from Hoffenheim back in 2015.

The Brazilian forward managed to notch a total of 111 goals in his 362 appearances for the club, helping the side win the Premier League back in 2020 under former boss Jürgen Klopp.

However, fast forward to the present day, current manager Arne Slot lacks that centre-forward presence, with current options Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota likely to be moved on during the summer.

Such dealings would leave a huge hole at the top end of the pitch, which would see the Dutchman need to dip into the transfer market to bolster his forward line during the transfer window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Given the achievements Liverpool have claimed in 2024/25, it’s no surprise to see countless players linked with a switch to join the club to aid their ambitions of replicating the success next season.

Jonathan David, Viktor Gyokeres and Victor Osimhen have all been linked with a move to join the Reds over the last couple of weeks – with all three undoubtedly offering Slot a new dimension in the final third.

However, another name has been thrown into the mix, in the form of Brighton and Hove Albion talisman Joao Pedro, that’s if Ben Jacobs’ latest update is to be believed.

He states that the hierarchy has been monitoring the 23-year-old star, who’s netted ten goals for Fabian Hurzeler’s outfit across all competitions this campaign.

Jacobs also confirmed that the Brazilian star has constantly impressed behind the scenes, which could lead to a move being prepared ahead of the upcoming window.

Why Liverpool’s latest target would be Slot's own Firmino

Given Liverpool’s hunt for a new striker, Pedro isn’t the only name to be linked with a switch to Merseyside, with Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitiké another name previously mentioned.

The 22-year-old has been an all-round threat in the Bundesliga this year, notching 33 combined goals and assists in his 46 appearances for the German side.

Such form has put multiple clubs on red alert, including the Reds, with the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal also previously in the race to land his signature.

However, Ekitike could cost a small fortune during the summer, with Frankfurt demanding a fee in the region of £80m to part ways with the French international.

When comparing his stats to those of Pedro throughout 2024/25, the Brighton gem has managed to match or better him in numerous key areas – potentially being Slot’s own Firmino, given the Brazilian connection, but also their similar playstyle.

The Seagulls star, who’s been labelled “sensational” by talent scout Antonio Mango, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has notched a higher shot-on-target rate, thus able to follow his compatriot given his clinical edge in attacking areas.

He’s also completed more passes into the final third, whilst winning more aerial duels – handing Slot a superb option like Firmino given Pedro’s ability to drop into pockets whilst still offering a threat in the 18-yard box.

Games played

27

31

Goals & assists

16

22

Progressive passes

3.6

1.9

Shot-on-target accuracy

38%

37%

Passes into final third

1.9

0.8

Aerials won

48%

47%

Fouls won

2.1

0.5

Pedro has also completed more through balls per 90, allowing the likes of Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz to further improve their own tallies, which will certainly bolster the chances of retaining the Premier League.

Whilst both options would be stellar signings for the Reds this summer, it’s clear that the Brighton star would be the better out of the two names – already having the experience of featuring in England’s top-division.

It’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back, but it would be worth every penny, having all the tools to emulate Firmino’s success on Merseyside and take the side to new heights.

He's just like Alvarez: Liverpool make contact to sign the 'world's best'

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ByEthan Lamb May 9, 2025

Crystal Palace are now in a fight with fellow Premier League side Wolves over the signing of an £8.5 million striker, according to a recent report.

Crystal Palace's summer plans become clearer

Oliver Glasner has not only stabilised the situation at Selhurst Park and led the Eagles out of relegation trouble, but he has also led the South Londoners to the FA Cup final.

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By winning that famous English trophy, Palace would seal their place in next season’s Europa League as well, and that achievement could do wonders for Palace’s summer transfer budget. Already the Eagles are being linked with several players, as Glasner plots a few changes to his squad this summer.

According to Caught Offside, Palace are in the running to sign midfielder Rayan Cherki from Lyon. The Premier League side are considered dark horses in the race, given that teams such as Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested.

Meanwhile, last week it was reported that Palace could be a step closer to their first signing of the summer, as they have opened talks with Tamiou Kpebane, who currently plays for Eintracht Frankfurt. The 18-year-old is set to become a free agent this summer, and the Eagles are working on bringing him to South London.

Crystal Palace working to beat Wolves to signing of £8.5m striker

Glasner appears to have his eyes on strengthening all parts of his team this summer, as according to Football Insider, Crystal Palace are eyeing a move to sign Phil Harres from German side Holstein Kiel.

The report states that the Eagles have made regular checks on the centre-forward throughout this season and see him as a player who could become a star. However, they are not alone, as Wolves are also keeping a close eye on him, as well as many other teams across Europe.

The 23-year-old joined Holstein Kiel last summer and has made a solid first impression, netting eight goals in 23 league games. But the Bundesliga side are battling relegation and could be resigned to losing their striker, as they value Harres at £8.5 million heading into the summer.

Harres, who has been dubbed an “instinctive” finisher in the past, is naturally a centre-forward, but he can also play as a right-winger, which would be ideal for Glasner as he likes to have flexibility in his forward line.

Current Palace striker Jean-Philippe Mateta has been linked with a move away from Selhurst Park this summer, but the talk of Harres arriving isn’t likely seen as a replacement for the Frenchman but, in fact, a player who can take some of the burden away in terms of being the constant source of goals.

The one concern would be that Harres has only played football in Germany. Therefore, he would arrive with no Premier League experience and could take some time to adjust, given the Bundesliga has produced a fair few flops on English soil.