All posts by z3u9t.icu

In hindsight, Jurgen Klopp was right.

When he stepped down from his Liverpool post, almost nine years into his tenure, the iconic manager’s decision was met with dismay from the fanbase, whose success over the past decade had been engineered by the German’s brilliance.

But Klopp was right. He was tired, you see, and knew that without that burning ball of energy within, his infectious personality wouldn’t feed into his team, into his tactics, into the club’s far-reaching community.

It was hard to accept – some, perhaps, still haven’t – but Klopp was right, because Arne Slot has taken his place and has taken Liverpool to a higher level, winning the Premier League in his maiden term at a canter.

Such has been the Reds’ dominance that they are currently lapping up the Gulf sunshine, on holiday in Dubai to celebrate triumphs and say farewell to Trent Alexander-Arnold as his expected transfer to Real Madrid looms large.

In his place, Slot and sporting director Richard Hughes seem set on signing Jeremie Frimpong to replace the vice-captain, strengthening the firm Dutch contingent.

Liverpool's growing Dutch contingent

Liverpool are fortunate to have welcomed Conor Bradley to the first team over the past two seasons, thus easing the onerous task of finding a Trent replacement.

Still, Bradley’s young and injury-prone besides. Frimpong would be a brilliant addition to shore up the right flank and add a new taste of attacking flair. Correspondents have clearly been briefed by the dozen, with numerous reports emerging that Liverpool are in advanced talks to seal the Dutchman’s signature.

Frimpong certainly wouldn’t be short of pals on Merseyside. Slot is a big admirer of the versatile right-sider, a compatriot who has played a defining role in Xabi Alonso’s trophy-filled Leverkusen era.

The boss’ compatriot would find plenty of teammates in the ranks, of course, with Virgil van Dijk both Liverpool and Netherlands captain and Ryan Gravenberch and Cody Gakpo good friends with the speedy flanker on the international scene.

The cohesion at Anfield has been a strong thing this term, Liverpool going from strength to strength under Slot’s wing. Gravenberch, especially, has bloomed into a high-class midfielder this season after sitting largely on the periphery last year.

He perhaps doesn’t get the same credit, but Gakpo has also taken bounding strides in his development, with Slot truly having hit the jackpot on his prolific left winger.

Slot has hit the jackpot on Cody Gakpo

When Gakpo reached the end of his first season at Liverpool, having joined at the midpoint, he probably felt a fair measure of frustration that he hadn’t reached the heights surely anticipated when FSG came calling.

The Netherlands international had just put his name on the map at the Qatar World Cup and was terrorising Eredivisie defences with PSV Eindhoven, so when Liverpool moved to hijack Manchester United’s deal and bring Gakpo to Anfield for a £35m base fee in late December 2022, there was plenty of excitement.

He certainly wasn’t poor, but Gakpo entered Liverpool with Klopp’s side in the throes of a collapse, the midfield malfunctioning and experienced heads looking at a dizzying loss.

He still managed to record ten goal involvements across 26 matches, but Gakpo looks a different player at this stage of his career, dovetailing perfectly into Slot’s system. Pundits Joe Cole and Peter Crouch agreed that he has “gone up a level” under new management this year.

24/25

47 (30)

18

6

0.51

23/24

53 (32)

16

7

0.43

22/23

26 (22)

7

3

0.38

The secret in the sauce hasn’t been anything complex, at least on the surface level. Gakpo was ferried about the starting line-up to no end, with Klopp determined to make good use of his player’s obvious technical ability.

Gakpo’s dynamism lent itself to multi-positionality, but this frustrated his prolific senses and left him itching for a more structured role. To be sure, this was a fundamental part of Gakpo’s development, something he stressed himself during Liverpool’s title celebrations, but it’s hard to argue against his new role being one of greater reward for club and player.

That’s why Slot has left him on the left flank, with 40 of his 47 outings this season coming from the wide channel.

That £35m fee now looks to be an absolute bargain. Indeed, as per Transfermarkt, the Dutch forward has seen his market value shoot up to £59m after his exploits across the season, marking an increase of £24m on the investment made just two-and-a-half years ago. Frimpong, for instance, is said to be worth £42m.

Journalist Jacob Schneider claimed Gakpo was “downright ridiculous” before making the move to Liverpool, and that’s now been corroborated and then some.

This is quite the feat for a player who was brushed off by many rival fans after his stop-start beginning on Merseyside. While Gravenberch has taken most of the plaudits for his stunning season, Gakpo has been every bit as brilliant, and it would take quite a feat to eclipse the player.

That is to say, Frimpong might be joining Liverpool with the confidence from Slot and the powers that be that he can make a marked effect on the project, but he’s not going to knock Gakpo off his high perch without some special and sustained performances in red next year.

In any case, it hardly matters for those of a Liverpool persuasion. What matters is that Slot knows what he’s doing and has already showcased his ability to get the very best out of his countrymen.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

There’s no doubt the coach has hit the jackpot on Gakpo and Gravenberch, but he might just have the same impact on Frimpong too next season.

A Salah-esque signing: Liverpool agree personal terms with "insane" target

Liverpool are ready to begin their summer shopping spree.

ByAngus Sinclair May 13, 2025

The Tottenham Hotspur board have decided to showcase ambition in their hunt for a new manager, with an “elite” name now on their shortlist as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou.

Managers linked with Tottenham as Ange Postecoglou heads towards exit

There is a growing sense behind-the-scenes that chairman Daniel Levy will part company with Postecoglou, regardless of whether Spurs end up winning this year’s Europa League (Matt Law).

Tottenham in contact with ex-Bayern Munich boss to replace Ange Postecoglou

The Australian is being tipped to leave regardless of their European campaign.

ByEmilio Galantini Apr 25, 2025

This follows a seriously lacklustre 2024/2025, where Postecoglou hasn’t been dealt the easiest hand, thanks largely to injury issues which have swept through the squad on a consistent basis all season long.

However, 16th in the Premier League after 18 top flight defeats is closer to relegation form than that of a ‘big six’ side, and critics have been arguing that Spurs should be doing far better – regardless of their luck with player availability this term.

Liverpool (away)

April 27th

West Ham (away)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (home)

May 10th

Aston Villa (away)

May 18th

Brighton (home)

May 25th

With Postecoglou now heading towards the exit door, which is more likely than not as things stand (The Telegraph), the Lilywhites are making contingency plans and performing due-diligence on managerial candidates to succeed the Australian.

Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been linked with the job within this past fortnight, while there is some belief that Mauricio Pochettino would be keen on a return to Tottenham after a tough start to life in charge of the USA.

Further abroad, Spurs are big fans of Simone Inzaghi and his work at Inter Milan over the last few seasons (Fabrizio Romano), but the Nerazzurri won’t be keen to lose their successful tactician, who is currently attempting to guide them to a second consecutive Serie A title.

According to reports in Germany, Tottenham have also made contact with Borussia Dortmund manager Niko Kovac, but the former Croatia captain has no interest in leaving the Bundesliga for N17 as things stand.

Tottenham now targeting Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti

Now, in a surprise update, it is believed Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti is being targeted by Levy and Spurs.

The Italian is one of world football’s most decorated ever managers, having won five Champions League titles across spells at the Bernabeu and AC Milan, with Ancelotti also boasting Premier League title-winning experience from his time at Chelsea.

The 65-year-old also has a Bundesliga title on his CV, having managed Bayern Munich as well, so there is no question Ancelotti brings success wherever he goes. His £8.3 million-per-year contract expires in 2026, and amid Real’s links to Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso, he faces an uncertain future.

According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham’s board have internally discussed moving for Ancelotti, after “key decision-makers” at the club decided to be “bold” and mean business in their pursuit of Postecoglou’s potential replacement.

However, even if Spurs’ interest is there, they would need Ancelotti to be brave enough to consider a switch to Tottenham, and the “elite” head coach will be mindful that other proven winners like José Mourinho and Antonio Conte have come away empty-handed.

Will Celtic secure a sixth treble in just nine seasons?

On Easter Sunday, the Celts swatted aside St Johnstone 5-0 at Hampden in the Scottish Cup semi-finals, with Callum McGregor breaking the deadlock and Daizen Maeda bagging a brace, while Adam Idah and Jota were also on target.

Thus, the Hoops will now face Aberdeen in the final on 24 May, also looking to secure a fourth consecutive Scottish Premiership title before then, requiring just a point against Dundee United at Tannadice on Saturday to become champions again.

While Brendan Rodgers’ team continue to dominate on the park, does he have his eye on a new winger in the transfer market?

Celtic seeking to sign a new winger

As reported by Alan Nixon of the Scottish Sun earlier this month, Celtic are ‘eyeing’ a move to sign Stoke City winger Million Manhoef.

The 22-year-old only joined the Potters as recently as January 2024 from Dutch side Vitesse for a reported fee of £3m, but journalist Graeme Bailey believes he is now valued at £10m by Stoke.

So, would this be a good move, and could Manhoef emulate those among Rodgers’ current attacking options?

Why Celtic could be targeting the next Kuhn

Earlier this season, as outlined by Michael Shearer of Breaking the Lines, Nicolas Kühn was ‘poised to become Celtic’s next great attacking player’, starring in the Champions League and unquestionably the best player in Scotland.

However, in more recent times, the German has not been impressing quite so much, as shown in the table below.

Appearances

25

20

Minutes

1,713

1,298

Goals

14

4

Minutes per goal

122

325

Assists

11

3

As the table outlines, Kühn’s form has fallen off a cliff since New Year’s Day, in fact, he’s scored just two goals in 19 outings since bagging a brace against St Mirren on 4 January.

Rodgers stated that Kühn has appeared in the “most games he’s ever played” in a campaign, attributing his drop in form to fatigue, while Robbie Hanratty of the National adds that Kühn hasn’t looked the same since suffering a ‘suspected broken nose’ against Rangers in early January.

Kühn arrived from Rapid Wien for a reported fee of £3m in January last year, now worth £25m, well, according to his agent anyway, with Celtic hoping Manhoef – who is also a diminutive, left-footed right-winger – would experience a similar leap in valuation should he move to Glasgow, so let’s assess how the duo compare.

Appearances

37

46

Minutes

2,524

3,011

Goals

7

18

Assists

4

14

Goals – xG

-2.8

+1.3

Shots on target %

36.8

41.8

Chances created

49

43

Shot-creating actions

103

24

Take-on success %

38%

42.5%

As the table outlines, Kühn does rank higher than Manhoef for the majority of statistics included, albeit this’ll be largely skewed by his performances during the first half of the season.

Also worth considering that, according to Global Football Rankings, the EFL Championship is the 11th strongest league in the world, with the Scottish Premiership ranked 42nd.

Manhoef, to give him credit, does compare favourably, hence why Jacek Kulig from Football Talent Scout labelled him “quality and versatile”, while Dean Jones told Give Me Sport that the Dutchman is “the sort of player that will get fans off their seats.”

Thus, this would appear to be a good deal for Celtic, and they could open negotiations very soon, considering Stoke City’s season will conclude on 3 May.

Frimpong repeat: "Unstoppable" Celtic star could be sold for big profit

Celtic have made a habit of selling their best players for big fees in recent years, Jeremie Frimpong a high-profile example, but who could be next?

Apr 19, 2025

The race to finish inside the coveted Champions League spaces in the Premier League is really starting to heat up with Chelsea staring down the barrel of a disappointing 1-0 defeat at Fulham on Sunday.

Thankfully for the Blues supporters who made the short journey over to Craven Cottage, their side managed to dramatically fight back to pick up a crucial three points.

That was thanks to 19-year-old sensation Tyrique George making himself an instant hero off the bench with the equaliser before Pedro Neto thumped home the last-gasp winner.

Chelsea fans packed into Fulham’s home ground would have been largely impressed with the showing of Cole Palmer too, away from Neto and George stealing the limelight, with the ex-Manchester City attacker guilty of putting in some rather subdued displays prior to this 2-1 victory being clinched.

Chelsea's Palmer problem

Amazingly, the once unplayable 22-year-old is now without a Chelsea goal since netting versus AFC Bournemouth all the way back in January.

But, he was still lively in spurts versus Fulham to show Maresca that he warrants a first team spot, with Palmer involved in the slick passing move that resulted in the 20-year-old forward grabbing his side’s much-needed equaliser.

Moreover, the hot-and-cold number 20 would trudge off the Craven Cottage turf at the close of the dramatic victory with only six misplaced passes, alongside firing two efforts of his own at Bernd Leno’s goal to try and guide his team to a less nervy win.

Of course, Palmer is stil some way off the blistering best that has seen him tally up a stunning 14 goals and eight assists overall this season in league action, but there is enough on show to indicate that other underperformers are costing Enzo Maresca more dearly.

Instead, there is a bigger problem right now at the Bridge…

4/10 Chelsea star is becoming a problem

The Champions League chasers haven’t been the most front foot team in recent matches, considering Maresca’s side have only bagged five Premier League strikes across April to date.

Nicolas Jackson, unfortunately, finds himself deep in a barren spell up top, with the low-on-confidence forward now up to 13 games without a goal after firing even more blanks away at Fulham. Considering they rely on him so much to find the net, one could argue that he’s becoming a bigger problem than the aforementioned Palmer.

Minutes played

78

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

21

Accurate passes

12/16 (75%)

Shots

1

Big chances missed

1

Total duels won

1/4

Jackson just never looked confident leading the line for the Blues against Silva’s tricky hosts, with the Senegalese attacker failing to find the back of the net again by mustering up just one effort all contest.

He was also anonymous in large patches in an attacking capacity when attempting to find openings, with just 12 accurate passes accumulated, alongside weakly winning just one of his four duels.

Amazingly, within five minutes of the number 15 coming off the pitch, the Blues would celebrate hitting the back of the net through the aforementioned George, leaving Maresca with an almighty conundrum as to who he should select here moving forward.

Of course – much like Palmer – Jackson has displayed his class in the not so distant past at Stamford Bridge with nine goals powered home this campaign alone, but the scathing post-match reaction to his shoddy showing says it all, with London Evening Standard journalist Malik Ouzia dishing out a low 4/10 rating to the striker who he labelled as a “shadow” of his former lethal self.

There were jubilant celebrations at the final whistle as Chelsea picked up their 16th league victory of the season, but if they are serious about cementing a spot inside the top five, blindly sticking by a wasteful Jackson might prove to be a costly call.

Worth way more than Huijsen: Chelsea have struck gold on "superb" talent

Chelsea have already hit the jackpot on one player who’s starred at Stamford Bridge.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 20, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur “would like to sign” a “sensational” forward, who has now expressed his desire to leave his current club this summer, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

Spurs pursuing a forward

In truth, Tottenham may feel the need to strengthen in a number of positions in the summer transfer window, after what has been a disastrous Premier League campaign, but they appear to be particularly keen on strengthening their attacking options.

West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus has recently been revealed as a potential target, with Spurs joining Paris Saint-Germain and Al-Nassr in the race for the Ghanaian winger, who has an asking price of £74m.

A new striker is also of interest to the Lilywhites, given that Dominic Solanke and Richarlison haven’t exactly been prolific when fully-fit, and they have now held talks with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap, after the Englishman’s impressive breakout campaign.

52-year-old spotted at Spurs after Levy talks as pundit tips appointment

The Lilywhites chairman has sat down with him recently.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Apr 12, 2025

Delap is expected to leave Ipswich this summer, with his side almost certain to be relegated from the Premier League, and one of Europe’s big-name wingers could also be on the move, according to Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg.

In a recent update on X, Plettenberg revealed Coman has now “internally expressed his desire to leave” Bayern Munich this summer, which has led to interest from Saudi Arabia, with multiple clubs now planning to hold talks over a deal.

Following the winger’s transfer request, Tottenham have also been named as potential suitors, but his high salary could be a stumbling block, which means they currently remain in a “waiting position”.

Arsenal could also provide competition for the 28-year-old’s signature, with a move to the Emirates Stadium viewed as “the most concrete option” in England, indicating they are currently ahead of their north London rivals in the race.

Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Premier League fixtures

Date

Nottingham Forest (h)

April 21st

Liverpool (a)

April 27th

West Ham United (a)

May 3rd

Crystal Palace (h)

May 10th

Aston Villa (a)

May 18th

"Sensational" Coman has track record of success

Tottenham still have a chance to make this season a success, should they prevail in the Europa League, however, they are at serious risk of missing out on yet another trophy.

As such, it could make sense to pursue new players with a track record of success this summer, and the Bayern Munich winger certainly fits the bill in that regard, having won 10 league titles, as well as the Champions League in 2020.

The Frenchman has also proven himself as a reliable source of goals and assists during his time with Bayern, having picked up 138 goal contributions in 329 appearances for the German club.

Previous reports have revealed that Coman could be available for a fee of £38m this summer, and having also been lauded as “sensational” by members of the media, there are plenty of indications he could be a fantastic signing for Tottenham.

The contract situation of players at Liverpool has been the main focus over recent weeks, especially after the rumours over Trent Alexander-Arnold’s future at the club.

It emerged over the international break that he had agreed a move to join Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season, ending his 21-year association with his boyhood side.

Whilst nothing has been confirmed, it looks increasingly likely that the 26-year-old will depart Anfield with just a couple of months remaining on his current deal.

The news of his potential move has angered the majority of the supporters, leaving a hole at right-back for Arne Slot to fill this summer should he complete his deal with the LaLiga giants.

Conor Bradley is undoubtedly a readymade replacement given his rise in recent months, but the hierarchy have wasted no time in targeting reinforcements to replace the Englishman.

Liverpool plotting move for Trent replacement this summer

According to TBR, Liverpool are working on a deal to land Freiburg right-back Kiliann Sildillia this summer, but face competition for his signature from other Premier League outfits.

Manchester City, Brighton and Aston Villa have also registered interest in the 22-year-old, who looks set to leave the Bundesliga outfit given the interest.

Sildillia, who is a France U21 international, can also play at centre-back but is known for his marauding and athletic full-back play on the right side of the backline.

The report claims that the Reds have already checked in on the youngster ahead of a summer move, but no formal offer has yet been made for the defender.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal would set the hierarchy back, he would be a phenomenal option, providing a better alternative to another player already on their shortlist.

Why Sildillia would be better than Frimpong for Liverpool

Over the last couple of weeks, Liverpool have been linked with a move for Bayer Leverkusen full-back Jeremie Frimpong this summer as a replacement for Alexander-Arnold should he depart this summer.

The Dutchman has caught the eye in recent months for his flying, attacking play down the right-hand side, registering nine combined goals and assists in his 27 Bundesliga outings this campaign.

The 24-year-old’s agents have already been in contact with the Reds’ hierarchy as the club plans for life without Trent if he decides upon a move to Spain in the next few weeks.

However, Sildillia would be a better option than Frimpong for Slot’s side, outperforming the Dutchman in various key areas in the Bundesliga throughout the current campaign.

The Freiburg star, who’s previously been labelled “complete” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but has completed more take-ons – highlighting the threat he possesses in attacking areas.

Games played

16

27

Goals & assists

2

9

Progressive passes

3.2

2.2

Tackles won

1.2

1

Interceptions made

1.2

0.4

Take-on success

67%

30%

Aerials won

50%

34%

However, he’s also dominated defensively, winning more tackles per 90, along with more interceptions – offering the quality on defensive areas that Trent has often struggled to do in recent years.

His all-round ability makes him perfect for the Reds’ current system on Merseyside, with Sildillia also offering a younger option than Frimpong, potentially making the role his own for many years to come.

Whilst it’s unclear how much the pair would set the club back, it’s evident that the Freiburg star is a quality player and one that the club desperately need to pursue over the next couple of weeks.

His talent is reflected in the number of sides interested in his signature, with the board needing to act quickly to avoid a league rival getting ahead of them and landing his services.

Slot could boldly axe "special" Liverpool star who's the new James Milner

Who will stay and who will go in the transfer market for Liverpool this summer?

1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 1, 2025

Glasgow Rangers sporting director Kevin Thelwell was provided the funds to splash on a host of new signings for Russell Martin during the summer transfer window.

The former Everton surpremo was shaping the squad for the first time since his move to Ibrox in April, and there was plenty of movement in and out of the club.

As you can see in the graphic above, Thelwell was backed by the board when it came to incoming signings, as he splashed the cash on several significant additions.

The most expensive signing of the summer window was centre-forward Youssef Chermiti, who arrived from Everton in an £8m deal. So far, the Portugal U21 international has scored one goal for Rangers.

Bojan Miovski was also brought in for a reported fee of up to £4.2m to bolster the club’s attack. The former Aberdeen man has only scored two goals in all competitions, per Sofascore.

Another Thelwell signing who has been underwhelming since his move to Ibrox in a £3.5m deal from Luton Town has been attacking midfielder Thelo Aasgaard.

Where Thelo Aasgaard ranks among Thelwell's Rangers signings

Thelwell signed eight players on permanent deals in the summer, on top of the Oscar Cortes and Lyall Cameron deals that were agreed before his tenure, and the bulk of them failed to make much of an impact.

Djeidi Gassama has been the best addition to the squad out of those eight players. The French winger has scored six goals and provided two assists in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, which is more than any other summer signing has managed.

Oliver Antman, who joined from Go Ahead Eagles for £3m, has the most assists in the squad of any summer signing, with three, per Transfermarkt, and still has plenty of time left to improve at the age of 24.

Chermiti ranks just above Miovski, despite the fee, because he is five years younger than the Macedonia international and has more time ahead to develop and reach his potential at Ibrox.

1

Djeidi Gassama

2

Oliver Antman

3

Thelo Aasgaard

4

Youssef Chermiti

5

Bojan Miovski

6

Emmanuel Fernandez

7

Joe Rothwell

That is also why Emmanuel Fernandez, who has started two games, ranks above Joe Rothwell, who is 30 and did not even make the bench for the 3-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park.

That leaves Thelo Aasgaard in third place. That may sound like praise at face value, but it really paints a picture of how underwhelming Thelwell’s signings have been.

The Norway international has produced one goal and one assist in 16 appearances in all competitions, per Transfermarkt, and the assist was a short pass to Gassama before his wonder goal in the earlier clip.

Aasgaard was also sent off against Celtic in the semi-final of the League Cup at Hampden Park for Danny Rohl’s side, which means that he has as many red cards as goals for the club so far.

At the age of 23, the former Luton star has time ahead of him and may develop into a future star for the Gers, but his current performance level has been underwhelming, at best.

Where Are They Now

Your star player or biggest flop has left the club but what are they doing in the present day? This article is part of Football FanCast’s Where Are They Now series.

That is why there may be some regrets over their decision to part ways with attacking midfielder Ianis Hagi, who was released by Thelwell at the end of his contract in the summer.

Why Rangers must regret releasing Ianis Hagi

The Light Blues chief may regret releasing the Romania international because he would walk into the starting line-up over Aasgaard based on his form for Rangers and his performances for his new club this season.

Hagi currently plays for Analyaspor in Turkey after moving on from Ibrox as a free agent in the summer, despite showing some impressive displays in the Scottish Premiership last term.

After working his way back into the squad under Philippe Clement after a contract issue, the 27-year-old attacking midfielder scored four goals, created six ‘big chances’, and registered five assists in 16 league starts for the Light Blues, per Sofascore.

These statistics show that the playmaker, who former Romanian international Ilie Dumitrescu dubbed “sensational” last term,provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals for the Scottish giants, whilst being utilised as a number ten or as a winger.

As aforementioned, Aasgaard has not shown consistency as either a scorer or as a creator since his £3.5m move from Luton, which is why the decision to release Hagi in the summer looks like a misjudged one.

Appearances

9

8

Goals

1

2

Conversion rate

7%

13%

Key passes

7

17

Big chances created

0

2

Assists

1

1

Fouls won per game

1.4

2.5

As you can see in the table above, Hagi’s form in the Turkish top-flight is also vastly superior to the Norwegian midfielder’s for Rangers, as he has scored ten more chances and scored twice as many goals in fewer appearances.

These statistics show that the Romania international has taken the threat that he provided on the pitch for Rangers last season and carried it into his form in Turkey for his new club.

Hagi only turned 27 in October and is not a player who is heading into the final years of his career or is regressing as a player, as evidenced by his form this season, which makes it all the more surprising that the Gers allowed him to leave for nothing.

Rangers can avoid Gilmour repeat by playing teen who's a "heck of a player"

Danny Rohl can avoid his own Billy Gilmour situation by unleashing this Glasgow Rangers youngster.

1 ByDan Emery Nov 17, 2025

Their respective statistics suggest that the Romanian star would walk into the current Rangers team over Aasgaard, and that says it all about Thelwell’s recruitment in the summer, as it stands.

Nottingham Forest have now joined the race to sign Anderlecht midfielder Nathan De Cat, and the Belgian club’s asking price has been revealed.

Forest have set out to bolster their options in the middle of the park, amid growing doubts over the future of Elliot Anderson, as it was revealed the central midfielder would be “very keen” on a move to Old Trafford, with Manchester United now readying a £60m bid.

Chelsea have also started laying the groundwork to sign the England international, with the Tricky Trees’ current Premier League position potentially putting them in a vulnerable position when it comes to keeping hold of their best players.

Sean Dyche’s side remain in 19th place, despite an uptick in results since the arrival of the former Everton boss, meaning it would not be a surprise if Anderson decides to leave, and it would be a very difficult task to replace the 23-year-old.

However, Forest have now joined the race for another potential future star, who is being targeted by a number of clubs from across Europe.

Nottingham Forest join continental bidding war for Nathan De Cat

According to a report from TEAMtalk, Nottingham Forest have now joined a continental bidding war for Anderlecht midfielder De Cat, alongside Bayern Munich and a whole host of rival Premier League clubs.

Having made a very impressive start to the season, the 17-year-old is also of interest to Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa, meaning the Belgian club believe they are in a position to demand an initial £18m fee, with add-ons seeing the total package rise to around £31m.

There is a suggestion the Tricky Trees believe the youngster could make an immediate impact, despite his age, with the report stating they are ‘seeking a spark to ignite their survival bid.’

Having already emerged as a regular starter for Anderlecht, making 19 appearances in all competitions this season, the teenager may not be too far off Premier League level, and there are signs he could go on to be a top player.

Scout Ben Mattinson was left particularly impressed by the young midfielder last season, providing an overview of his key strengths on X.

That said, an initial £18m fee would be a fair amount to spend on a youngster yet to prove himself in a major league, and it would be a real gamble for Forest to sign De Cat as a potential difference-maker in the relegation battle, so Dyche should probably look at proven Premier League players instead.

Nottingham Forest targeting another exciting youngster alongside De Cat Nottingham Forest set sights on 'one of the greatest talents' in his country's history

Marinakis is set to have the final say as The Tricky Trees plot another exciting signing.

BySean Markus Clifford Nov 16, 2025

Celtic are reportedly preparing to make their first contact with Wales manager Craig Bellamy, who has become the latest of a number of coaches to be linked with the vacant managerial role.

There’s been a major shake-up in the Scottish Premiership so far this season. It’s not champions Celtic who lead. It’s not their Old Firm rivals Rangers. Instead, it’s surprise champions-elect Hearts who have taken an eight-point lead at the top whilst those in Glasgow have descended into chaos.

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The Bhoys are looking for their next manager.

ByTom Cunningham Oct 28, 2025

The Russell Martin experiment proved disastrous at Ibrox and a chaotic managerial hunt then followed before they landed on Danny Rohl. Now, Celtic are set to follow suit following Brendan Rodgers’ decision to leave the club – bringing an end to his second spell in charge of the club.

Those at Celtic Park will be hoping that their managerial search ends far quicker than Rangers’ did, given that their rivals were rejected by their top two choices.

As a result, work is instantly underway in search of a replacement for Rodgers. Names such as Ange Postecoglou, Edin Terzic and even Kevin Muscat, who rejected Rangers, have all threatened to steal the headlines so far, but it remains to be seen if any of the three emerge as priority choices.

Muscat would of course be an interesting choice after he rejected Rangers. Whether he’s the right choice should be the question asked by Celtic, however. The 52-year-old is yet to have any managerial success in European football and has enjoyed much of his career in Australia, China and Japan.

If Muscat is ruled out then the Bhoys could turn towards Bellamy, who has also emerged as a key option.

Celtic preparing first Craig Bellamy contact

According to Sky Sports, Celtic are now preparing to sound out Craig Bellamy among others about their vacant managerial role in the coming week.

The Wales manager has impressed on the international stage and has admirers at Celtic Park, despite losing both games in the last break, a friendly against England and World Cup qualifier defeat to Belgium. Alas, it remains to be seen whether he’d leave his post at Wales in the middle of that qualifying campaign.

Games

14

Wins

6

Draws

4

Defeats

4

As things stand, Wales sit third in their qualifying group and still have hope of reaching the 2026 World Cup. Luring Bellamy away from that may prove all too difficult for Celtic.

There’s no denying that he would be an excellent choice, though. Speaking to Sky Sports when Bellamy was appointed in his current role, former Wales striker Rob Earnshaw said: “It’s an excellent appointment.

“When I was thinking, ‘who could take Wales forward?’ He was one of the first names I thought about. He’s got a very sharp mind, a great passion for the game and they’ve made the right choice.”

The latest on Celtic's manager search