All posts by z3u9t.icu

With just two games left in the current campaign – and with Premier League safety long since assured – Newcastle United are likely beginning to turn their attention towards the upcoming transfer window as they look to build upon the positive early strides made in the January market under the new owners.

While it will be the potential marquee incomings which will grab the headlines in the coming weeks and months, consideration should also be made as to who could be moving on, with there likely to be numerous few casualties among the current squad.

Recent reports have suggested that as many as seven players could be ruthlessly axed by manager Eddie Howe ahead of next season, with one of those set to be Paraguayan playmaker Miguel Almiron.

Despite arriving amid much fanfare following his £21m move from MLS outfit Atlanta United in January 2019 , the 28-year-old has failed to truly ignite in English football, memorably waiting almost a year to net his first goal for the club in all competitions.

Things have not really improved since then for the £74k-per-week dud, who has made just 19 goal contributions in 121 games across all fronts for the St James’ Park club, with his lack of cutting edge proving an issue despite his admirable work ethic.

His stint in the northeast has also not been aided by controversial comments made by the player himself towards the back end of last season, in which he admitted that he wished he played for a team which “fights more”.

Now it would seem it is the £14.4m-rated man who is fighting for his Newcastle future under Howe, with the former Bournemouth boss already having the perfect replacement in the form of academy graduate Elliot Anderson.

The 19-year-old starlet – who has made just two senior appearances for the club – is set to return to Tyneside this summer after a dazzling six-month loan stint with Bristol Rovers in League Two, during which the teenager provided eight goals and five assists in just 21 appearances.

That tally included a goal and two assists in the final day thrashing of Scunthorpe, with the playmaker netting the vital seventh goal in that 7-0 drubbing to clinch automatic promotion for Joey Barton’s side.

Such form has seen him dubbed “unbelievable” by Newcastle striker Callum Wilson, while former club scout Graham Carr insisted that the youngster is “like Peter Beardsley” due to his technical talent, also naming him the “best young player I have seen in a long time”.

Such high praise would indicate that the Magpies starlet is set for a bright future, and it is imperative that he doesn’t get lost amid the likely surge of incomings which seem set to arrive at St James’ Park in the coming months and years.

As for now, Howe and PIF must be ruthless in ensuring that they get the teenager in the first-team squad, with Almiron potentially being axed to free up space if needed.

IN other news, Eddie Howe can now help NUFC sign “spectacular” £64m “nightmare”, he’s better than Saint-Maximin

Rangers forward Amad Diallo registered his second goal for the club over the weekend as he scored in a 2-0 win for Giovanni van Bronckhorst’s men at Ibrox on Sunday.

The winger has struggled for form since making the switch to Glasgow on loan until the end of the season during the January transfer window.

In eight Premiership outings for the Light Blues, Amad has scored two goals and failed to provide a single assist whilst averaging a dismal SofaScore rating of 6.53.

He has been unable to make himself a regular starter for van Bronckhorst and sporting director Ross Wilson will surely be ruing the decision to bring the Ivorian in.

The ex-Southampton chief could have opted to sign a different player and one gem the club were reportedly interested in was Manchester City forward James McAtee.

Imagine him & Kent

Wilson fumbled the chance to land a frightening wing pairing as he would have been able to hand van Bronckhorst the firepower to line up with Kent and McAtee on the wings.

The latter has been in phenomenal form for Manchester City at youth level throughout the campaign. He has amassed a whopping 23 goals and eight assists in all competitions across 28 games. The attacker has also played a further six times for the Cityzens at senior level, which shows how highly Pep Guardiola rates him.

McAtee has plundered 26 goals and 16 assists in 46 Premier League 2 outings in total for the club in recent seasons as he has worked his way into the first-team set-up.

He is capable of playing in attacking midfield and on both wings, which means that he would have been able to play anywhere across the frontline – linking up with the likes of Kent, Joe Aribo and Fashion Sakala.

Kent has been particularly productive for the Gers this season as he has chipped in with three goals and 19 assists in all competitions. This shows that he is able to make things happen on a consistent basis in the final third, just as McAtee has proven he can do at youth level and as Amad has failed to do.

Now, imagine both of them scoring and assisting goals week-in-week-out for Rangers in multiple competitions this season; what a frightening prospect that would be for defenders.

Wilson fumbled a deal to sign the exciting English teenager and will surely be regretting his decisions during the January window as a result of that.

AND in other news, Big boost: Gvb issues huge Rangers injury relief that’ll leave supporters delighted…

Sport Italia TV journalist Rudy Galetti has now made a West Ham United transfer claim involving Man United forward Jesse Lingard as Premier League rivals Newcastle United and newly-promoted Fulham also eye a move.

The Lowdown: Hammers in Lingard chase…

Since enjoying a phenomenal 2020/2021 spell on loan at the London Stadium, it is no secret that David Moyes has held a real interest in bringing Lingard back on a permanent deal.

web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/west-ham-newest-updates/” title=”West Ham newest updates!” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

Out of contract at the end of this season, it appears West Ham head of recruitment Rob Newman and GSB have their best chance yet to secure a move for the Three Lions ace.

Moyes has allegedly set his sights on the signing of a midfielder alongside possible central defensive and striking additions, according to The Times, with Galetti now sharing a Lingard update on Twitter.

The Latest: Galetti makes transfer claim…

According to the reporter, West Ham are still eyeing the 29-year-old for Moyes but face competition from Newcastle and even the newly-promoted Fulham.

He explained:

“Lingard, his priority is to stay in the EPL.

“West Ham and Newcastle have shown interest in him. Even the newly promoted Fulham are following the player closely: evolving situation.”

The Verdict: Get it done…

Singing the proven top flight attacker at zero initial transfer cost is a no-brainer given he is already proven under Moyes – scoring a fantastic nine goals and four assists over 16 top flight appearances during his 2021 temporary move.

Lingard knows the club, Moyes and members of the squad already with star man Declan Rice even revealing that he is ‘infectious’ and a ‘great person to be around’ (via The Football Faithful).

There is little risk his addition would bring disharmony to West Ham’s tight-knit dressing room, and taking into account his ability on top of that, it’s little wonder Paul Robinson has called Lingard’s return a potentially ‘massive signing’ for Moyes.

In other news: ‘Something special’ – Journalist says ‘massive player’ could be open to joining West Ham, find out more here.

Tottenham Hotspur will reportedly loan out centre-back Joe Rodon rather than allowing him to leave the club on a permanent deal during the upcoming transfer window, according to Lilywhite Rose insider John Wenham.

The Lowdown: Rodon given green light to leave

The 24-year-old, whose contract with the north London club isn’t set to expire until 2025, reportedly made up his mind earlier this year that he wanted to quit Spurs, and a source from N17 later told Football Insider that they have given the green light for the Welshman to find a new club this summer.

Rodon was linked with a move away from the capital in the January transfer window amid interest from the likes of Brighton, Newcastle and Leeds, but the Spurs insider now believes that the 24-cap international could be loaned out in a bid to raise his price tag before considering a permanent sale.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/tottenham-newest-updates/” title=”Tottenham newest updates…” poster=”” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

The Latest: Loan move on the horizon?

When speaking to Football Insider about the Tottenham defender’s situation, Wenham said:

“If you look at Cameron Carter-Vickers, he has gone to Celtic and risen his stock. Tottenham are now going to get a bigger fee for him wherever he goes this summer.

“So my position on Joe Rodon has changed slightly. I now think it would be more sensible to loan him to another Premier League club.

“Maybe someone who comes up, Fulham would be a good one. He can then play every game that season and raise his own stock.

“That allows us to sell him at a much greater price. At the moment, he is getting no exposure. The Carter-Vickers deal has shown this is the way to do things.”

The Verdict: Rodon could be looking to move

The £7.2m-rated Welshman has barely been given a chance to prove himself in the first team since the arrival of Antonio Conte, having made just three appearances under the 52-year-old this season, with none of those coming in the top flight despite being a regular feature in the Italian’s matchday squads.

Rodon, who was dubbed an “outstanding” player by Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson, will no doubt be looking for a move elsewhere as a result of this in a bid to find some much-needed game time.

With Conte reported to want six fresh faces ahead of the start of the 2022/23 campaign, including one centre-back, it looks like the writing might be on the wall for the Wales defender in N17, and it seems highly unlikely that we will be seeing him in a Spurs shirt next season.

The question is whether we’ll see him in a Spurs shirt again, or whether he could put a potential loan move to good use.

In other news… a source has revealed that Conte is eyeing an ‘incredible’ new transfer target

Aston Villa will be looking to sell French midfielder Morgan Sanson in the summer transfer window as Steven Gerrard aims to rejig his playing squad.

What’s the word?

According to former Villa striker Kevin Phillips, who was speaking to Football Insider, the 27-year-old midfielder will “definitely” leave the side in the upcoming summer transfer window, while suggesting that the manager will be “desperate” to sell him.

The club will reportedly accept bids around the £10m mark as they aim to cut their losses on the Frenchman.

Gerrard is desperate to sell

Gerrard is having a mixed spell at Villa so far since his arrival from Rangers in mid-November. A solid start was disrupted by a tough period over Christmas and New year, and while relegation was never really a threat, the former England captain will want to stamp his authority on the side ahead of an important campaign.

The manager will be desperate to sell Sanson, especially if a bid is going to be made on Philippe Coutinho and funds will need to be raised.

Unfortunately, it just hasn’t worked out for the midfielder at Villa Park since his arrival from Marseille in January 2021.

He has only featured in 21 matches for Villa during this underwhelming stint and after an injury in September, Dean Smith labelled it a “frustrating” time for the Frenchman.

During that time, he has only ever started six league games and has consistently underperformed, achieving a WhoScored average match rating of just 6.34 this term.

Gerrard and the club’s ownership, NSWE, will be hoping to cut their losses and gather the majority of the £16m transfer fee back that was spent on the player as the manager decides whether to plot a bid for loan star Coutinho.

With Villa’s most important transfer window fast approaching, recruitment will need to be spot on if Gerrard aims to push the side into the European spots next season and justify the decision to hire him in the first place.

If he has a slow start, then the board might have a decision to make.

AND in other news, “Gerrard really keen..“: Preece drops exciting Villa transfer claim, Lange must pounce

With Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo edging closer and closer to calling time on generational careers, it can be easy to assume that football won’t ever be the same. But that crisis quickly becomes short-lived after one glance around some of the world’s best teenage sensations.

It is a generation full of absurd talent, so much so that it’s difficult to squeeze them all into a top ten. Arsenal have 15-year-old Max Dowman in their ranks, for example, who has already featured in a number of first-team games.

The most valuable teenage prospects in football ranked (2025)

Some staggering figures…

ByTom Cunningham Nov 7, 2025

The list of young talents is so stacked that Real Madrid star Endrick misses out for the time being, but there’s good reason why Los Blancos spent over £50m to secure his signature at such a young age. Ahead of his potential loan move in January, he remains one to watch alongside other honourable mentions.

Max Dowman

Arsenal

15

Endrick

Real Madrid

19

Geovany Quenda

Sporting CP

18

Assan Ouedraogo

RB Leipzig

19

Lennart Karl

Bayern Munich

17

10 Rio Ngumoha: Liverpool

There’s a reason why Chelsea were left furious by Liverpool’s move to sign Rio Ngumoha in 2024. The tricky winger is one of the best teenage talents around and became one of the youngest-ever Premier League goalscorers when he netted a dramatic winner against Newcastle United earlier on in the campaign.

It was the stuff of dreams for the 17-year-old, who is now waiting in the wings for further opportunities to shine even as Liverpool struggle under Arne Slot.

9 Rodrigo Mora: FC Porto

Portugal have a knack for producing impressive young talent and Rodrigo Mora looks set to be the next in line. The attacking midfielder, who’s still just 18 years old, has scored three goals for Porto so far this season – including in the Europa League.

Like so many before him, the teenager seems destined for greatness and may well become the latest big-money export out of Portugal sooner rather than later.

8 Ayyoub Bouaddi: LOSC Lille

Speaking of stars playing beyond their years, it’s hard to believe that Ayyoub Bouaddi is still 18 years old. The way he controls midfields is a trait that a player his age does not have very often, but he has it in abundance. The midfielder is a mainstay in Lille’s first-team and arguably one of their key men.

The big challenge for the French side will be keeping hold of their young star. It’s a rare day when defensive midfielders of his technical ability and towering 6’1 figure burst onto the scene.

7 Francesco Camarda: AC Milan

Any Football Manager players will already know exactly what Francesco Camarda has to offer. But for those that don’t know, he is one of the best emerging talents in world football. The 17-year-old became AC Milan’s youngest Serie A debutant at 15 and then did the same in the Champions League.

The forward also managed to bag his first Serie A goal in the current campaign in what is likely to be the first of many in the famous AC Milan colours.

6 Ethan Nwaneri: Arsenal

Although he’s been unable to break into the Arsenal side with the same regularity as last season in the current campaign, Ethan Nwaneri remains one of the most promising talents around. He put Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City side to the sword last season and already looks destined to find a role in Mikel Arteta’s team for years to come.

The Gunners will also be well aware that they needn’t rush the 18-year-old’s development like they were forced to do with Bukayo Saka, when they desperately needed a spark.

5 Franco Mastantuono: Real Madrid

Endrick hasn’t made this list but his Real Madrid teammate, Franco Mastantuono has. The Argentine arrived in Spain over the summer and has since shown plenty of flashes of his brilliance.

Having already scored his first goal in Real Madrid colours, the 18-year-old will now have his eye on avoiding the same fate as Endrick, who has been frozen out by Xabi Alonso. Given that Mastantuono has already started a handful of La Liga games, though, it’s clear that the Spaniard rates him.

4 Warren Zaire-Emery: Paris Saint-Germain

Already a Champions League winner at 19 years old, there’s a reason why Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the most highly-rated young talents around. It takes quite the player to break into Luis Enrique’s side these days, but the teenager has done just that on the biggest stages.

In a team which already includes Joao Neves, Vitinha and others, the central midfielder looks destined to become one of PSG’s top stars over the next decade.

3 Pau Cubarsi: Barcelona

You’d be forgiven for assuming that Pau Cubarsi is the senior centre-back in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side, especially after Ronald Araujo’s reckless red card against Chelsea. The 18-year-old plays with a maturity far beyond his years and has handed those in Spain a key defensive mainstay.

Whilst it’s often attacking stars who steal the headlines fresh from La Masia, Cubarsi is proving that the famous academy is also capable of producing top quality defenders.

2 Estevao Willian: Chelsea

The rest of European football must be scratching their heads, wondering how exactly Chelsea snuck in to win Estevao Willian’s signature. The Blues quietly landed a generational talent, who is already producing on the world stage.

He looked a star ready for the headlines against Barcelona in the Champions League, despite being just 18-years-old. The Brazilian has quickly become one of the fan favourites at Stamford Bridge, and rightly so.

1 Lamine Yamal: Barcelona

Estevao may have stolen the show at Stamford Bridge, but Lamine Yamal remains the best teenager in world football and one of the best players in the world, for that matter.

The Barcelona man is an early contender for the 2026 Ballon d’Or and if it’s not next year, then it will certainly be in years to come that he sits on football’s throne. At 18 years old, Barcelona have unlocked yet another generational talent.

The best 15 wingers in world football ranked (2025)

In a fresh concern for Liverpool, Real Madrid are now reportedly eyeing a move to sign another one of Arne Slot’s stars alongside Ibrahima Konate in 2026.

Update on Konate's Liverpool future

It’s an all too familiar story for Liverpool. In fact, it’s one that they just experienced with Trent Alexander-Arnold. The fullback opted out of signing a new deal and instead joined Real Madrid. Now, Konate could be about to follow in his footsteps. The Frenchman has less than 12 months remaining on his current deal and is yet to put pen to paper amid interest from the Spanish giants.

Reports have even suggested that Real Madrid could come knocking as soon as January, just like they did for Alexander-Arnold. Last time out, the Reds rejected their early, cheap offer. Whether they are willing to lose another player for free instead of cashing in for the second year running remains to be seen, however.

For all of Liverpool’s excellent business, securing Konate’s future would be one of their best deals of the season. With Virgil van Dijk now 34 years old and in the first year of his two-year contract extension, the torch is very much ready to be passed to the Frenchman. It’s just up to him whether he accepts it or joins Alexander-Arnold in Madrid.

Slot may be brewing a bigger talent than Isak in "special” Liverpool teen

Liverpool boast one of the finest prospects in Europe in this up-and-coming star.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 19, 2025

It’s no real surprise that those in Spain are so keen to secure his signature, either. Konate is at the peak of his powers and would instantly replace the ageing Antonio Rudiger. But it’s not just the defender that Madrid want to steal from Anfield. Reports are now suggesting that they’ve got another player in mind.

Real Madrid now eyeing Gravenberch move

According to reports in Spain, Xabi Alonso and Real Madrid are now eyeing a move to sign Ryan Gravenberch alongside Konate in 2026. The midfielder has picked up where he left off last season in the current campaign and has looked better than ever at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield. That was always going to grab Madrid’s attention.

Unlike Konate, however, it won’t be a cheap deal for Gravenberch. The Dutchman is reportedly valued at €75m (£65m) in a price that is only likely to increase as he continues to make the Reds tick.

Full of praise for Liverpool’s surprise package last season, former defender Jamie Carragher said: “Probably the biggest surprise this season is not just him as a player, because a lot of players have an average first season and they grow in the second.

“But he’s playing a completely different role, a holding midfield position that Liverpool have been trying to sign someone in for about two or three seasons. I don’t see anyone taking his role, I think he’s nailed that position as Liverpool’s No 6.”

Nottingham Forest are now poised to sign a “brilliant” midfielder in an out-of-window move, with an announcement expected imminently.

More changes expected at Forest despite transfer window closing

The transfer window came to a close on Monday evening, and Forest are likely to be happy with the business they’ve done, with Evangelos Marinakis spending heavily to ensure Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are competitive once again this season.

The Tricky Trees were particularly busy on deadline day, securing the signings of two full-backs in the form of Cuiabano and Oleksandr Zinchenko, while also bringing in winger Dilane Bakwa from Strasbourg.

With Bakwa joining, you would perhaps expect Marinakis to have sanctioned the departure of fellow winger Jota Silva, but there have now been suggestions the owner cost the Portuguese forward his dream move to Sporting CP.

As such, Jota is continuing to explore his options, and there are more changes expected at The City Ground, despite the transfer window ending, with Taiwo Awoniyi thought to be attracting attention.

Not only that, but there is also a new arrival expected in the very near future, with a report from Football Insider revealing Nottingham Forest have now agreed an out-of-window deal to sign Rangers midfielder Blaine McClure.

An announcement is expected imminently, with McClure set to move to The City Ground on a loan deal to begin with, with a view to joining permanently at some point in the future.

Just 18-years-old, the starlet is regarded as an exciting young talent by national side Northern Ireland and Rangers, but he is set to be a part of the youth set-up at Forest to begin with.

"Brilliant" McClure is one for the future

Given that the Northern Irishman is yet to make a first-team appearance for Rangers, he is unlikely to be a part of Nuno’s plans anytime soon, but there are signs he could be an exciting long-term addition to the squad.

Former Linfield player Glenn Ferguson spoke particularly fondly of the central midfielder during their time working together at the Northern Irish club, saying he has a “brilliant attitude”, before also adding: “I always call Blaine the ‘wee old man’. He is small in stature but has a massive heart.

£6m Nottingham Forest ace desperate to leave, Marinakis cost him dream move

A Forest player is now pushing for an exit…

ByDominic Lund Sep 3, 2025

“And when you see him playing, some of the tackles would scare you. He is afraid of nobody and he can dictate games with the way he gets on the ball and makes things happen.”

Given that McClure has just 13 senior appearances to his name, which came on loan at Scottish League One side Kelty Hearts last season, he is almost certainly some way off first-team level at a club like Forest, but he clearly has plenty of potential.

Manchester United appear to be at risk of losing their captain, Bruno Fernandes, in the upcoming summer transfer window, amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Daily Mail journalist Chris Wheeler claims that his agent has held face-to-face talks with Al Hilal over a deal to move to the Pro League, in a move that would see him earn £200m over three seasons.

The reporter adds that Manchester United would earn a fee of £100m for the 30-year-old star, who delivered 19 goals and 18 assists in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign.

It now remains to be seen what is going to happen with the Portugal international, but he is not the only Red Devils player in another team’s crosshairs, as one of their attackers is in talks to move on.

Man Utd attacker in talks to leave

After failing to qualify for any European competition for next season, Manchester United may have to find other ways to raise funds to bring in new players to bolster Ruben Amorim’s first-team squad.

Transfer Focus

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

There is a deal that was put in place last summer, however, that could provide them with a cash injection, as one of their players is in talks to move on from Old Trafford.

According to Sky Sports, Jadon Sancho’s representatives are in talks with Chelsea over a move to sign for the club on a permanent basis in the summer transfer window.

The Blues want to keep the England international by going through with the £25m obligation to sign him permanently, but they are not looking to keep him on the £300k-per-week that he earns at Old Trafford.

This is why the two parties are currently locked in talks to reach an agreement on a contract that would fit the wage structure at Stamford Bridge, as they would otherwise have to pay £5m to send him back to United.

Selling Sancho, albeit it was a decision that was made last summer, could be a repeat of the howler that United had with Scott McTominay.

Why Jadon Sancho could be a Scott McTominay repeat

The Red Devils sold the Scotland international to Napoli last year and had to watch on as he scored a career-high 13 goals and won the Serie A title for Antonio Conte’s side this season.

United may now wonder whether or not they utilised McTominay’s talents effectively enough, given his career-high in goals for Napoli, and that could also be the case with Sancho.

The 25-year-old whiz, dubbed “special” by Enzo Maresca, delivered five goals and eight assists (13 contributions) in all competitions for Chelsea, which is better than his best tally of seven goals and three assists (ten contributions) in his first three seasons at United.

This shows that the English playmaker has had his best season in senior English football with the Blues, after struggling at Old Trafford for three years, and it is another case of a player thriving elsewhere.

Goals

3

5th

Big chances created

6

3rd

xA

4

3rd

Assists

3.11

3rd

Dribbles completed per game

1.5

2nd

As you can see in the table above, Sancho’s performances at the top end of the pitch for Chelsea rank well against the current United squad, sitting in third behind Bruno Fernandes and Amad Diallo in creative metrics.

These statistics suggest that the England international is set to be another star who goes on to thrive elsewhere after leaving Old Trafford once this £25m transfer is official, provided the contract talks go smoothly, as he has already taken his game to another level at Stamford Bridge.

Forget Garnacho: Man Utd must sell flop who's worth even more than Cunha

Man Utd could find a different solution to selling Alejandro Garnacho…

ByRobbie Walls May 29, 2025

Therefore, the Premier League giants are on course for a McTominay repeat with this deal for Sancho, which was sanctioned last summer before Ruben Amorim’s arrival.

Sunderland fans will be nervously counting down the days until Saturday’s Championship playoff final with only one huge match now standing in their way of Premier League glory.

There are some bad omens heading into the clash with Sheffield United, considering the Black Cats haven’t won on their last three visits to Wembley, but Regis Le Bris will pray his side can just get the job done by any means necessary in front of their raucous supporters.

It could also be another occasion where Daniel Ballard bails his team out in the most dramatic of fashions, with Sunderland entirely reliant on the ex-Arsenal man to guide them to the playoff final.

Ballard's astonishing heroics versus Coventry

If it wasn’t for Ballard popping up with a last-gasp header, the second leg tie against Coventry City would have headed to the nauseating lottery of penalties.

Thankfully, the Northern Irishman was in the perfect position to nod home Enzo Le Fee’s late corner kick, with the header undoubtedly leaving Coventry reeling, but it was a moment of unbelievable ecstasy for the Stadium of the Light to take in.

Ripping his shirt off in delight in the chaos that ensued, Ballard’s imposing presence from these scenarios could well be an effective weapon for Le Bris and Co to call upon for the final, particularly if it’s a tight and scrappy affair.

The Frenchman will also hope his attackers pack their shooting boots to try and upset the Blades on the biggest stage, with one promising forward player now actually worth the same as Ballard after he too played his part in Sunderland knocking out Frank Lampard’s Sky Blues.

The Sunderland star who's now worth as much as Ballard

Sunderland do have a whole host of sellable assets on their books, meaning promotion up to the Premier League will be key in attempting to keep the likes of Jobe Bellingham around for longer.

Ballard was even rumoured to be on the Blades’ shopping list once upon a time, but down the line, Sunderland number 12 Eliezer Mayenda could well be eyed up by some higher suitors himself with his performances for the Black Cats this season showing off a very promising striker that’s still got lots of room to improve.

He showed off his instinctive game when firing home the late winner in the first leg against Coventry, with Mayenda staying alert to any possible errors before rounding Ben Wilson confidently to finish off the gifted opportunity.

That would bump up his goal tally for the season to a nine strikes despite the 20-year-old only starting 22 Championship contests, with ex-Black Cats great Kevin Phillips even complimenting Mayenda as a “handful” after his winner at the CBS Arena.

The decision to snap up Mayenda for a measly £843k as a promising teenage talent has proven to be a steal, therefore, with the Zaragoza-born striker now worth around £3m according to Transfermarkt, which is the exact same value as Ballard.

Games played

48

Goals scored

9

Assists

5

Original value when joining

£843k

Value now

£3m

Much like Bellingham’s value has skyrocketed amongst other shrewd Black Cats buys, it’s not out of the question to assume Mayenda’s value will continue to rise and rise too, particularly if he becomes a Premier League player very soon.

Before anyone gets too carried away at the Stadium of Light and starts picturing top-flight utopia, however, the playoff final is obviously a nerve-wracking day out that will really test the resolve of Le Bris’ young squad.

But, it could also be the perfect time for his group to mature even more, with both Mayenda or Ballard no doubt ready to be heroes again if a chance falls their way.

Worth more than Hamer: Sunderland have struck gold with "sensational" star

Sunderland will hope this sensational ace can turn up at Wembley to steer to the Black Cats to promotion.

ByKelan Sarson May 19, 2025