All posts by n8rngtd.top

Why don’t we park the negativity for a moment: Liverpool have won the Premier League in Arne Slot’s season, and with plenty of time to spare at that.

You may have seen on social media that Slot is partying out in Ibiza, while Virgil van Dijk has taken the lads off to Dubai for a mini-break to celebrate Trent Alexander-Arnold before his contentious move to Real Madrid as a free agent.

This is amusing to watch, not least because the Reds still have to play Brighton & Hove Albion at the AMEX on Sunday before the culminating game of the campaign against Crystal Palace at Anfield in two weeks. But it highlights the club’s staggering success this year, so dominant throughout.

To think that FSG’s new iteration achieved league gold with only Federico Chiesa added to the first-team squad. Signings are needed now, and no mistake, with sporting director Richard Hughes acting swiftly to seal a deal for Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool’s right-back-in-waiting.

Why Liverpool are signing Jeremie Frimpong

Frimpong has scored 30 goals and supplied 44 assists across 190 matches for Bayer Leverkusen. The 24-year-old is rapid, physically robust and dynamic, and if Liverpool’s data-driven team are convinced, fans should be too.

According to Fabrizio Romano, advanced discussions are underway, with details pertaining to the structure of the €35m (about £30m) release clause being ironed out.

Frimpong differs greatly from Alexander-Arnold but he will add an attacking dimension to Liverpool’s backline, ranking among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues this term for goal contributions and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

The Netherlands star will be a great addition, one who will tussle with Conor Bradley for that number one spot. However, Liverpool are planning surgery across three quarters of the backline, and there’s an even better deal currently in the works.

Liverpool lead race for new defender

While Milos Kerkez remains the top target at left-back, it’s unlikely Liverpool will advance their intrigue, given Bournemouth still have it all to play for in the Premier League.

Transfer Focus

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

Dean Huijsen also plays for the Cherries, but the young centre-back is being pursued by almost every top team worth their salt, with a £50m release clause that demands a decision on his future in the coming weeks.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Liverpool are ready to lodge an official bid for Huijsen to trigger that clause, though Real Madrid are interested too and it’s felt the young star would be interested in moving to the Spanish capital.

Of course, Liverpool are an interesting destination themselves. According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, not only is a decision is forthcoming, but Liverpool are alongside Arsenal in leading the race.

A decision will indeed be made soon, and FSG must surely be ready to seal the deal with a first major central defensive signing since Ibrahima Konate arrived from RB Leipzig for £36m in May 2021.

Why Dean Huijsen would be Slot's perfect signing

Romano’s revelation suggests a conclusion to this saga will be found soon, and FSG must ensure they are doing all they can to complete Slot’s backline with the young star.

Huijsen really is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” as has been noted by analyst Ben Mattinson. At the moment, the race is absolutely open, and Liverpool can only do all they can to convince the Spain international that Anfield presents the best step forward in his career.

Joining Bournemouth from Juventus in a deal worth £15m last summer, Huijsen has established himself as one of the Premier League’s standout young stars, playing every minute of his side’s past 23 fixtures.

Would it be fair to say he’d be a better signing than Frimpong for Slot’s trophy-winning Reds? In fairness, Huijsen is regarded as the “ultimate modern-day centre-back” by Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp, and he’s got the statistics to back it up.

As per Sofascore, the 20-year-old has averaged almost three tackles and interceptions per game this term, winning 61% of his aerial battles and keeping seven clean sheets for Andoni Iraola’s side. It’s hardly surprising he’s been named a “world-class” star in the making by one analyst.

Honestly, there’s no question really that he’d be a better signing than Frimpong, not least having proven himself in the Premier League, while bearing all the traits needed to become a superstar in Slot’s Liverpool set-up. Who knows, given his left-footed inclination, maybe Huijsen could even succeed Van Dijk on the left side.

As per FBref, Huijsen ranks among the top 7% of defenders in the Premier League this season for goal involvements, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 13% for progressive passes and the top 9% for progressive carries per 90, effectively illustrating a technical aptitude and athletic ability that marry into his core defensive quality.

Given the uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate, who has been confirmed to have seen contract talks stagnate with just one year remaining on his current deal, Liverpool must surely accelerate their plans to sign Huijsen, insofar as such efforts will hold any sway. Of course, they can canvass a proposal for the ages, one which promises a standout role in a standout team.

We’d love to watch Huijsen spray balls out into the path of an electric-bursting Frimpong next season, but there’s no question the Spanish man is the one that FSG should go for, should they need to prioritise.

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

Liverpool are ready to begin their summer shopping spree.

By
Angus Sinclair

May 13, 2025

A £150k-a-week Liverpool player is now on the verge of sealing a move elsewhere, with the deal at a very advanced stage, according to a report.

Important summer ahead for the Reds

Few would have predicted Arne Slot securing the Premier League title in his first season as manager, but the Reds have defied all expectations to secure top spot, with captain Virgil van Dijk set to get his hands on the trophy on May 26th.

However, despite the success this season, Slot is set to have a big job on his hands this summer, as the manager will be tasked with bringing in a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is set to join Real Madrid at the end of his contract.

Clubs from across Europe are also queuing up for Darwin Nunez, with the Uruguayan falling short of expectations this season, meaning a replacement is likely to be needed at striker, with Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak believed to be the dream target.

More exciting than Frimpong: Liverpool make enquiry for "world-class" star

Liverpool could be about to make a move for a star who could be more exciting than Jeremie Frimpong.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 14, 2025

One of the only additions Slot has made to his squad is Federico Chiesa, with the winger being handed a £150k-a-week contract last summer, but it appears as though the Italian’s time at Anfield could be coming to an end.

According to a report from Italy (via Sport Witness), Chiesa’s prospective move to Napoli is now at a ‘very advanced’ stage, with the forward excited by the opportunity to return to his home country after a disappointing spell on Merseyside.

The Serie A side are now stepping up their pursuit of the forward, having already submitted an offer, and a deal is close to completion, with Napoli keen to bring him in on a loan deal initially, with the option for a permanent purchase.

Slot should cash-in on Chiesa this summer

Rather than agreeing to an initial loan deal, the Reds should look to get the 27-year-old off the books permanently if possible, given that he has failed to adapt to life in the Premier League since arriving from Juventus.

While injuries have not helped the Italy international, he has made just five appearances in the Premier League, featuring for just 41 minutes in total, having been unable to make a name for himself on Merseyside, despite his previous exploits for club and country.

The former Juventus man’s only notable moment in a Liverpool shirt came in the EFL Cup final, scoring a late goal against Newcastle United, but his side were unable to force their way back into the game.

Liverpool’s Premier League title triumph underlines the fact they do not need Chiesa, so it is good news they are looking to get him off the books this summer.

A “very good” attacking manager remains in the mix to be named the next boss of Rangers this summer, according to a new update.

Rangers continue search for next manager

While new signings are clearly vital for the Scottish Premiership giants before next season gets underway, making sure they bring in the perfect next manager is even more important.

A recent claim has suggested that talks have been held with former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli, with the 36-year-old leaving the Dutch side after throwing away the Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven in the latter weeks of the campaign.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard is still very much in the mix to take charge of Rangers for a second time, having famously won the title with them back in 2020/21. For that reason, a chunk of the fanbase may be happy to see the Liverpool legend return, and contact is said to have been made.

As things stand, though, Davide Ancelotti is arguably the front-runner to come in at Ibrox this summer, having left Real Madrid at the end of the season, and now possibly wanting to be a manager rather than an assistant.

"Very good" manager an option for Rangers

According to a new report from The Daily Mail, Farioli is definitely “in the running” to be Rangers’ next manager, following his departure from Ajax. Both he and Brian Priske are described as “outsiders” in the report, but it is clear the Gers have left him on their list after the reports of talks last week.

While Farioli isn’t among the favourites to take charge of Rangers, he should still be considered an interesting option for the club given his exciting resume.

Known for adopting an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation, the 36-year-old Italian has been lauded by Liverpool’s Premier League-winning manager Arne Slot.

Not just Bajrami: £27k-p/w Rangers dud must never play for the club again

Rangers will be keen to sell a few players this summer under new ownership

By
Ross Kilvington

May 31, 2025

That is high praise from a prominent figure in the game currently, but in truth, Rangers may be wise to bring in a more experienced option, rather than taking a gamble on Farioli. Ancelotti would also be a risk for that reason, so one has to wonder if all roads lead back to Gerrard.

Manchester United have now made an enquiry over signing a £34 million defender who is also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and once rejected a move to Arsenal.

Man Utd eyeing defensive reinforcements this summer

It could be said that there are multiple positions United need to address this summer, with strengthening their forward line clearly a key agenda, given the arrival of Matheus Cunha and the expected arrival of Bryan Mbeumo. But as well as looking at the front of the team, Ruben Amorim is also mindful about his defence, and they are now looking at potential arrivals there.

Man Utd considering move to sign "incredible" Bayern Munich star for £25m

Amorim has identified a player he believes will transform his midfield and knows the Premier League well.

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By
Brett Worthington

Jun 9, 2025

At the end of last week, it was reported in Spain that INEOS were readying a £25 million bid to sign Vanderson from AS Monaco. The Brazilian is a right-back by trade, so he would likely be a player to compete for a starting spot in Amorim’s wing-back role. The 23-year-old finished last season with one goal and three assists in 29 Ligue 1 games, and that earned him a call-up to the Brazil squad in Carlo Ancelotti’s first games in charge.

As well as preparing a bid to sign Vanderson, reports have emerged that United have opened talks to sign Aymeric Laporte from Al-Nassr. The Frenchman is expected to leave Saudi Arabia this summer, and that has alerted United, who would be making a bold move given his time at Manchester City. Al-Nassr are looking to get around £23 million for Laporte.

Man Utd make enquiry to sign Evan Ndicka from Roma

Laporte is not the only centre-back on the radar of the Red Devils, as according to RMC Sport, Man United have now made an approach to sign Evan Ndicka from AS Roma, who once rejected a move to Arsenal, saying: “I’m not pretending that I don’t see the rumours. But I have respect in Rome and I respect them. I have three years remaining on my contract, we will see what happens later.”

Amorim is looking to strengthen his options in defence, and Ndicka is now a name that is under consideration by the Red Devils. However, they are not alone, as Tottenham have also made an approach to Roma over a possible deal, and they could hold an advantage over United, as they can offer the defender Champions League football.

Despite being under contract until 2028, Ndicka, who has been dubbed “superb” by scout Jacek Kulig, is allowed to leave Roma this summer, with them reportedly looking to get €40 million, which is roughly £34 million, for his services.

The 25-year-old, who has been capped six times for the Ivory Coast, joined the Italian team in July 2023 on a free transfer. During his time in Italy, Ndicka has been a consistent performer for Roma, playing in every league game during the 2024/25 campaign.

He started all 38 matches and helped Roma keep 16 clean sheets. United have seen Victor Lindelof depart Old Trafford, and with Lisandro Martínez still recovering from his long-term injury, Amorim may see Ndicka as a player who can provide not only competition but also improve their defensive organisation.

Leeds United are reportedly waiting for an “excellent” player to make a decision over his future, as they look to snap him up during the summer transfer window.

Leeds need to be "clever" this summer

The Whites are back in the Premier League after a couple of years away, so supporters will naturally be desperate to see top-quality players head to Elland Road.

Leeds cannot simply spend huge amounts of money and be reckless, however, and journalist Adam Pope has said he expects the club to be “clever” this summer more than anything.

“He has looked at what everybody can spend in the Premier League and he mentioned Leeds might be looking at £100m to spend at the top end. This doesn’t really go that far because they had two years in the Championship so this year of the three-year cycle they can afford to lose £61m.

“You can’t spend wildly so people who are talking about what the owners are putting into Rangers and what they’re not putting into Leeds – there are limits. £100m doesn’t sound a right lot so they have to be cute, they have to be clever.”

Leeds continue to be linked with some exciting players, though, including Udinese centre-back Jaka Bijol, who could make a big difference at the heart of the Whites’ defence. Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic has also been linked with a switch to Elland Road, coming in as an upgrade on Illan Meslier.

Leeds ready to move for "excellent" defender

According to The Express, Leeds remain interested in signing Millwall centre-back Japhet Tanganga, but they are waiting for him to make a decision about his future. He has a £1.2m release clause that can be triggered this summer, which they are ‘ready’ to meet once he picks his destination.

The Whites are far from the only club in the mix to sign the 26-year-old, however, with fellow Premier League clubs Crystal Palace, Sunderland and Burnley all mentioned as options and also waiting to pounce.

Tanganga could be a shrewd acquisition by Leeds ahead of next season, having initially burst onto the scene at Tottenham during his emerging years.

He has since gone on to shine for Millwall, becoming a key figure in defence and 40 starts in the Championship last season, as well as being hailed by Alex Neil for his performances in 2024/25.

“He’s the ultimate professional, Japh. After the game, he’s pretty much nearly always the last to leave. Him and Wes [Harding] go through the ritual that they’ve got in terms of recovery, the minute the game’s ended. He prepares as well as anybody. His performances throughout the games have been excellent. Hence the reason why he’s clean swept the player of the year awards.”

Wolves now in transfer race with Leeds to sign "future star" for £8.5m

Wolves are among the teams keen on signing an exciting young forward.

By
Brett Worthington

Jun 12, 2025

Tanganga could immediately bolster the squad depth at Daniel Farke’s disposal this summer, and his best years are still ahead of him, meaning he could grow into a real force at Elland Road.

Manchester United will quickly want to forget the 2024/25 campaign with the club registering their worst ever Premier League finish and points tally – ending the year on a measly 42 points.

Ruben Amorim took the reins back in November, but he was unable to transform their fortunes, with this summer vital if he is to be a success at Old Trafford.

The January window was his first opportunity to make the changes he desired to the squad, but ultimately it wasn’t long enough to make the wholesale transfers needed.

However, work has already commenced this summer to make key additions, with attacker Matheus Cunha the first player to make the move, joining in a £62.5m deal from Wolverhampton Wanderers.

If they are to push up the table and return to any form of European football at the end of 2025/26, more signings are needed across the board, with work already being conducted behind the scenes.

The latest on Man Utd’s hunt for a new striker

Over recent days, United have been pushing hard to try and land the signature of Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres, looking to secure a reunion between the forward and the Red Devils boss.

However, it was confirmed that the Swede is only interested in a move to Arsenal this summer, with the hierarchy desperately needing to pursue other options before the end of the summer.

It appears as though Jason Wilcox has wasted no time, already making a move to land Eintracht Frankfurt’s talisman, Hugo Ekitiké, according to Foot Mercato.

The report claims that United are leading the race for the 22-year-old striker, who also has interest from Liverpool and Chelsea after netting 22 goals across all competitions in 2024/25.

It also states that they have commenced talks, overtaking the other English sides in the race for his signature, but any deal could set the hierarchy back €100m (£84m) during the off-season.

Why Ekitike could be United’s answer to Kane

Harry Kane has been a striker who has been a thorn in United’s side over the years, often producing the goods against them and stopping them from success.

The England international has scored 213 goals in England’s top flight throughout his career, before making the switch to Bayern Munich back in the summer of 2023.

Despite departing for Germany, the 31-year-old has still managed to haunt the Red Devils, scoring against them in the Champions League, registering 11 combined goals and assists in his 21 outings against the club.

It’s safe to say United have been lacking such a goalscoring presence over the last couple of seasons, but that could be about to change with the signing of Ekitike this summer.

The Frenchman has been labelled as a similar player to Kane by FBref, with the Frankfurt star matching or bettering him in numerous key areas – showcasing why he would be an excellent addition despite the mammoth price tag.

Ekitike, who’s been labelled “world-class” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, may have registered fewer combined goals and assists, but he’s managed to post a higher goal per shot on target rate – subsequently demonstrating his edge in front of goal.

He’s also managed to complete more take-ons and carries into the final third, highlighting the threat he poses when getting at the opposition with the ball at his feet.

The former PSG star has also come out on top in more aerial battles this campaign, offering Amorim the focal point that he’s craved since taking the reins back in the winter.

Whilst £84m may appear to be a small fortune for a player who’s never played in the Premier League, it presents a fresh opportunity to land a star that could take them to the next level.

Should he get close to the levels produced by Kane in England’s top flight, it would be an excellent pick-up, with his skillset certainly pushing the club back in the right direction.

He's like Gyokeres: Wilcox in talks to sign £26m "goal machine" for Man Utd

Anyone seen a striker? Man Utd are in need of one…

By
Robbie Walls

Jun 15, 2025

Derby County face Blackburn Rovers in the race to sign a versatile midfielder with the same agent as Craig Forsyth, according to a new report.

Forsyth signs new Derby contract as Eustace targets attackers

Earlier this week, Derby announced that experienced defender Forsyth has signed a new two-year contract to remain with the Rams. The left-back’s contract was set to expire at the end of this month, but John Eustace, who was a teammate of Forsyth’s during his playing career, has decided to keep the 36-year-old at the club until 2027.

Derby County now want "fantastic" Blackburn star loved by John Eustace

The Rams could strike in a headline deal…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 12, 2025

Forsyth played 39 times for the Rams in the Championship last season, as they avoided relegation to League One. In those appearances, the defender managed to score an impressive three goals and grab four assists. This latest contract will see Forsyth extend his football career to 20 years, and this contract will also see Derby support him in getting his coaching qualifications.

As Eustace decides to keep valuable experience in his defence, in a fan forum held at Pride Park, the Derby boss has revealed that signing new attackers is a priority for the club this summer, given their lack of goals last season.

Eustace said, via BBC Sport: “I’d love to play a back four, some exciting attacking wingers and two good strikers.”

This comes as the Rams have agreed a deal with Luton Town to sign striker Carlton Morris, who is set to undergo his medical once he returns from holiday.

Derby face Blackburn in race to sign Russell

The arrivals at Pride Park don’t look to be stopping there, as according to Football League World, Derby are keen on signing midfielder Jon Russell from League One side Barnsley.

It isn’t just the Rams looking at the 24-year-old however; Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United and Stoke City are also keeping an eye on the player’s situation ahead of a potential move.

Russell, who is a former Chelsea academy graduate, has been with the Tykes since January 2023, when he joined from Huddersfield Town.

The Jamaica international has been a key contributor for Barnsley in his two full seasons at the club – he played 31 times during the 2023/24 League One season, as Barnsley reached the play-offs. He then bettered that last term, as he played 40 times in the league, scoring an impressive 11 goals, as well as grabbing two assists.

This report doesn’t claim how much the League One side would want for Russell, but given his contract expires next summer, Barnsley may have to consider cashing in on the midfielder now, before he leaves for nothing.

In further good news for Derby, they may hold an advantage in this race, as Russell, who can play in a defensive role as well as an advanced role in midfield, has the same representatives, Two Touch Agency, as Derby defender Forsyth, who they have of course recently concluded positive talks with.

Everton manager David Moyes finally completed a deal to bring Thierno Barry to the club from Villarreal.

A fee of £27m was spent to sign the Frenchman, but given his eye for goal in La Liga last term, it could turn into a bargain.

Next up for Moyes is adding another midfielder or two to his squad in the coming weeks. John McGinn has been heavily linked with a move to Merseyside.

He isn’t the only midfield option that Everton have been linked with, however, as Moyes also has his eyes on two former Premier League stars.

Everton’s search for a midfielder

According to Paul Joyce of The Times, Everton are showing interest in bringing Douglas Luiz back to England this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

He has been discussed internally at Everton, alongside McGinn, while Moyes could be set to target an ambitious move for Joao Palhinha – with the Portuguese also named as one of those under consideration.

The Bayern Munich midfielder hasn’t settled in Bavaria, which could open the door for Moyes to make a swoop this summer.

This experience abroad will have enhanced Palhinha’s skills, no doubt about that. The question is, could he be a better signing than McGinn for the Toffees?

Why Everton must sign Joao Palhinha

McGinn would be a fine signing, for that there is no doubt. Across 203 Premier League appearances, the Scot has scored 17 goals and grabbed 25 assists for Villa.

He will turn 31 in October, however, and while McGinn certainly has a few years left at the very top of the game, Moyes would be best to make a move for Palhinha, who offers more from a defensive point of view.

The Toffees conceded 53 goals last season across 42 matches. Not the worst return, but there is room for improvement.

When compared to his positional peers during his final Premier League campaign for Fulham in 2023/24, Palhinha ranked in the top 1% for tackles (5.07) per 90, while also ranking in the top 8% for interceptions (1.53) and in the top 10% for blocks (1.9) that season.

He may have only started six Bundesliga games for Bayern last term, but the Portuguese midfielder still won 58% of his total duels contested, while losing possession just 3.4 times per match.

Hailed by journalist Dom Smith as “world-class” in November 2023, it was always going to be difficult for Fulham to keep one of their star men.

After just a single season in Germany, it appears as though Palhinha could be available this summer.

McGinn would offer plenty in the final third, but with Barry arriving, plus at least another couple more attacking players, Moyes must add some solidity to the midfield, especially after losing Abdoulaye Doucoure.

As such, signing a player such as Palhinha could turn into a stroke of genius by the manager given his previous success in the English top flight.

The dream squad Everton can build: £88m quintet & "beast" sign after Barry

A look at how Everton’s dream squad could shape up next season

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By
Joe Nuttall

Jul 10, 2025

Much will depend on the fee, but if it is within the club’s price range, Palhinha could be a fantastic signing, turning out to be even better than McGinn.

Moyes' own Palmer: Everton enter race for "special" £35m McAtee alternative

Everton are making sweeping changes in the summer transfer market.

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By
Angus Sinclair

Jul 11, 2025

Celtic’s busy transfer activity continues.

Japanese striker Shin Yamada is set to arrive in Glasgow this week, ahead of finalising a £1.2m move from Asian Champions League finalists Kawasaki Frontale.

He becomes the club’s sixth signing of the summer so far, after Kieran Tierney, Ross Doohan, Benjamin Nygren, Callum Osmand and Hayato Inamura; the latter has also arrived from the J League.

However, following Wednesday’s friendly victory over Sporting CP in the Algarve, while acknowledging that Yamada is on his way, Brendan Rodgers stated that he wants “to add [more] to our front line”, so could his number one target soon follow?

Celtic targeting more firepower

In that same aforementioned interview following the mid-week win at Estádio Algarve, Rodgers stated “we’ve lost a lot of goals” and he’s not wrong, as the table below outlines.

As the table outlines, three of Celtic’s top five scorers from across the last two seasons combined have departed, after Nicolas Kühn was sold to Como for a reported fee of £16.4m earlier this month.

Meantime, Luis Palma, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Olympiacos, but did score ten times the year before, could be on his way to Lech Poznań, with the Ekstraklasa champions looking to take the Honduran international on loan with a £4m option to buy included, according to journalist Sebastian Staszewski.

Thus, new wingers have to be a priority, hence why Anthony Joseph of Sky Sports believes Celtic remain interested in signing Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

Speaking on Off The Underside earlier this week, he stated that the Hoops have “been monitoring [Balikwisha] for quite a while” and are currently “weighing up” whether or not to pay the £5m it would require to sign him, adding that the Belgian “would like to join Celtic”.

Transfer Focus

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

Suffice to say, Celtic have a long-standing interest in the Royal Antwerp winger, with Sacha Tavolieri of RMC Sport reporting as long ago as 10 June that the Hoops were “in the race” to sign him and that “discussions regarding personal terms” had already begun.

So, will the Scottish Premiership champions, finally, land their man?

How Michel-Ange Balikwisha would improve Celtic

Since joining Royal Antwerp in the summer of 2021, Balikwisha has made 141 appearances for the club, scoring 29 goals and registering 17 assists.

He was a key figure in the Antwerp side that won the Jupiler Pro League two years ago, scoring ten times that season, claiming the club’s first top-flight title since 1957.

During that same year, Balikwisha scored in the Coupe de Belgique Final victory over Mechelen and the Belgische Supercup as they defeated the same opposition a few months later, also netting the clincher in the Champions League play-off round victory over AEK Athens, before also scoring against Shakhtar Donetsk at Bosuilstadion during the group phase.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout praises his “pace, dribbling and finishing”, describing these as his primary attributes, while analyst Ben Mattinson labels him “two-footed”​​​​​​​ and “capable of beating a defender”.

Now though, with only one year remaining on his contract, and with Antwerp having failed to qualify for European competition, they are surely looking to cash in while they still can.

The question still remains however: is he a bigger talent than Yamada? Well, let’s assess their respective career statistics to answer that question.

As the table outlines, even though Yamada is a year older, Balikwisha boasts the greater high-level experience.

The Belgian has played in the Champions League, making 22 appearances in UEFA competitions for Standard Liège and current employers Antwerp all told, while scoring one more career goal in total.

Also, for comparison, according to Global Football Rankings, the Belgian top-flight is the eighth-strongest league in the world, with the J League down in 23rd, still 20 places higher than the Premiership, it must be said.

This is not to denigrate Yamada, nor suggest he won’t be a good signing, but Balikwisha, unlike the striker, has proven himself at a higher level, so would surely be worth paying the £5m fee, especially given the wide-attacker is such a position of urgent need.

Bad news for Idah: Celtic set to complete another "fantastic" signing

As Brendan Rodgers looks to add more firepower to his team, Celtic are set to sign a “natural finisher”, potentially as an Adam Idah upgrade

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By
Ben Gray

Jul 17, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur appear to be making some serious moves in the transfer market this summer, splashing the cash during Thomas Frank’s first window at the helm.

The Dane has been tasked with the challenge of making the Lilywhites consistent title challengers in the years ahead, with the ambition shown by the board backing such a vision.

They have already completed the £55m signing of Mohammed Kudus from West Ham United, with other big-money additions expected between now and the start of the season.

Morgan Gibbs-White has been another huge name touted with a big transfer to North London, even triggering the Nottingham Forest star’s £60m release clause in his contract.

Despite triggering such a clause, the Reds have blocked such a transfer from taking place, leading to multiple other Premier League forwards emerging on the Lilywhites’ shortlist.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new signings this summer

Tyler Dibling has once again appeared on Spurs’ radar this window, potentially being a shrewd addition given Southampton’s relegation from England’s top-flight.

However, despite dropping into the Championship, the Saints are currently demanding £55m to part ways with the teenager during the current transfer window.

Another name has emerged as a possible option for Frank this summer, in the form of Brentford striker Yoane Wissa, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook.

The journalist confirmed that the 28-year-old wants a move to join the Lilywhites this summer, once again linking up with Frank after scoring 19 league goals under the Dane last season.

He also states that the DR Congo international would be prepared to reject interest from Newcastle United in favour of a move across the capital, with a £50m transfer fee mooted.

Why Spurs’ £50m target could be their answer to Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres has been one of the most in-demand talents throughout the current transfer window, unsurprisingly so given his staggering goalscoring record at Sporting CP.

The Swedish international managed to net 54 goals in just 52 outings across all competitions last campaign, taking his tally of goals in Portugal to a whopping 97 in just 102 outings.

As a result of such form, the 27-year-old has been valued at £70m this summer, leading to strong interest from Manchester United, but he now looks set for a move to North London rivals Arsenal.

Such a deal will undoubtedly improve Mikel Arteta’s side in 2025/26, but questions have been asked around Gyokeres’ ability to impress in England’s top flight.

However, Frank’s side have the opportunity to land their own version of the Swede in a deal for Wissa, possessing a similar playstyle in being able to operate off the shoulder of the defender and handing the side that poacher instinct in front of goal.

When comparing the pair’s stats from the recent campaign, the DR Congo star managed to outperform him in multiple areas, handing the side an added threat within the final third.

Wissa, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Sky Sports’ Mark McAdam, may have notched fewer goals last season, but did post a better goal per shot on target rate – showcasing he’s more clinical with the chances that fall his way in the final third.

His goalscoring ability is one thing, but the Brentford star has also demonstrated his creativity, completing more passes into the final third per 90, along with a higher pass completion rate – handing others around him the chance to improve their tallies.

Despite his lack of height, Wissa has showcased he’s a better aerial option than Gyokeres, winning more of the battles he’s entered, subsequently handing Frank’s side an excellent all-round option within attacking areas.

Whilst £50m may appear a hefty fee for a 28-year-old forward, it could prove to be excellent business for a player who’s about to enter his prime years – potentially getting even better in the near future.

If he can carry over his form across the capital to North London, it would be a sensational addition and one that could push the club closer to their goal of battling for league titles.

Better move than Gibbs-White: Spurs make approach for "imperious" £22m star

Tottenham Hotspur are now making serious moves throughout the current transfer window.

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By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 16, 2025