Manchester United have a make-or-break summer under boss Ruben Amorim, needing to make the overhaul he desires to get the best out of his first-team squad.
The 40-year-old took the reins back in November from Erik ten Hag after he was sacked, looking to lead the side back up to the top of the Premier League table.
However, with just a handful of games to go, the Red Devils sit in the bottom half of the table, closer to the relegation zone than a place within the European spots.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorim
They could still secure a place in the Champions League next season should they win the Europa League, potentially having a final against fellow English side Tottenham Hotspur.
Regardless of whether they are in Europe again next season, Amorim will want new signings to improve their league standing and push for a top-four spot in 2025/26.
An update on United’s hunt for new additions this summer
Given the cost-cutting operation currently in place at United, it remains to be seen how much funds the manager will have at his disposal to make the signings he desires.
Whilst Matheus Cunha will remain the club’s number one option, Sporting CP striker Viktor Gyokeres has once again emerged on their shortlist ahead of the summer.
Sporting CP's ViktorGyokeres
The Swede has once again been subject to interest from the Red Devils, with talks already being held over a possible switch to see him reunite with his former boss.
However, further progress has already been made elsewhere in an attempt to secure the signature of Real Madrid’s star forward Rodrygo, with reports in Spain putting United firmly in the race for his services.
They’ve reported that the Red Devils have already submitted a €80m (£68m) offer for his services, but it remains to be seen whether the LaLiga giants will accept such a bid.
It also states that the Brazilian wants to stay in Madrid but could be tempted by a move to the Premier League, needing to make a decision whether or not he’s keen on the transfer.
Why United’s £68m target would be perfect with Bruno
Bruno Fernandes has been United’s shining light in attacking areas over the last few months, playing a pivotal role in their success in the Europa League – as seen on Thursday night.
The 30-year-old registered two goals in the win over Athletic Club in the first leg, handing them an advantage over the return leg at Old Trafford next week.
His subsequent double has taken him to a staggering 19 goals and 16 assists across all competitions, by far and away the highest of any player within the first-team squad.
However, such a tally could be bolstered even further next year should the club conduct a deal for Rodrygo, with the Brazilian having all the tools to thrive alongside Fernandes at Old Trafford.
The 24-year-old has registered 14 goals and nine assists for the LaLiga giants, a figure that would certainly see United increase their output within the final third.
Games played
30
Goals & assists
11
Pass accuracy
91%
Successful dribbles
2.3
Chances created
2.3
Tackles won
67%
Duels won
5.3
He’s also managed to complete 2.3 successful dribbles per 90, along with 2.3 chances created – potentially partnering the Portuguese international behind the strikers and providing endless opportunities.
Rodrygo, who’s been labelled “one of the best” by current boss Carlo Ancelotti, has also starred without the ball, winning 67% of the tackles he’s entered alongside 5.3 duels won per 90 – fitting perfectly into Amorim’s hard-working and relentless system.
Should the club pull off such a signing over the summer transfer window, it would be an excellent piece of business that would add needed quality to the forward line.
£68m may seem like another hefty fee forked out by the hierarchy, but given his age and his form, he’s only going to develop further, potentially being the Red Devils’ leading talisman for many years to come and leading them back to Premier League success.
Amorim must offload 5/10 Man Utd dud who’s becoming the new Van de Beek
Manchester United took a huge step towards the Europa League final last night with a 3-0 win over Athletic Club.
Often when it comes to Leeds United and promotion races, the Whites let their nerves get the better of them.
However, with only one game remaining of the current Championship season, the West Yorkshire outfit are already Premier League bound away from any worries seeping in.
Daniel Farke’s side looked every bit ready for the challenge ahead when brushing aside playoff-chasing Bristol City effortlessly in a huge 4-0 win on Monday night.
There was a carnival-like atmosphere in the air at Elland Road throughout, with no hangovers in sight from the home side’s perspective after sealing promotion.
Leeds' best performers vs Bristol City
Leeds might have been anticipating a trickier tie in truth, considering Liam Manning’s Robins aren’t mathematically safe inside the top six positions.
But, from the get-go, the clash felt like a walk in the park for the hosts, with Ao Tanaka’s calm and collected finish from a floating Manor Solomon ball opening the scoring in the 21st minute.
Solomon – away from assisting Tanaka to break the deadlock – really stood out himself during the one-sided contest, with the electric Tottenham Hotspur loanee amassing two successful dribbles and four shots of his own to try and catch out the sheepish visitors from Bristol even more.
Both Wilfried Gnonto and Largie Ramazani would shine too as the other goal scorers on the night, with Ramazani only needing nine minutes of action to bag a brace, whilst both Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu would accumulate a ridiculous 291 accurate passes between them in the heart of the Leeds defence.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Of course, alongside the aforementioned Welsh pairing, there was also the influential figure of Junior Firpo pulling the strings once more from defence, with his assist for Ramazani’s first of the clash taking his assist haul to the season up to a mighty ten.
Regardless of his standout showings this season, according to reports, it looks unlikely that the ex-Barcelona man will be kept around for the forthcoming challenge of the Premier League.
However, there is another face in Farke’s starting XI who may succumb to the same fate as the left-back over the summer.
7/10 Leeds star needs an upgrade
Tough conversations will have to take place at Leeds this coming off-season involving who is cut out for the intense jump up to the top-flight, with Farke’s neck already allegedly on the line in this regard.
Brenden Aaronson will also be worrying slightly about his long-term future in West Yorkshire, considering the American has previously floundered at the elite level.
Indeed, last time he was plunged into the choppy waters of the Premier League, Aaronson would only manage to pick up one goal and three assists from 36 outings, culminating in the Whites falling back into the reaches of the Championship.
Now, the ex-Red Salzburg attacker will have a point to prove. But, based on his somewhat wasteful approach against the leaky Robins and his topsy-turvy form this season, he might not be Farke’s preferred choice of number 10 in the far tougher division.
Aaronson’s performance in numbers
Stat
Aaronson
Minutes played
86
Goals scored
0
Assists
0
Touches
50
Accurate passes
28/33 (85%)
Key passes
2
Shots
3
Big chances missed
1
Stats by Sofascore
It must be said, this was not Aaronson’s worst night of the campaign, far from it. The £45k-per-week attacking midfielder did manage to link up nicely with Solomon and Co at points as another vibrant option up top, but another goal or assist to add to his season collection of 11 from 45-second tier clashes annoyingly evaded him.
Whilst the likes of Solomon and Tanaka wouldn’t look out of place in the top-flight, Aaronson could well find he’s pushed back into the deep-end once more, with Yorkshire Post journalist Tom Coates even labelling his night as “frustrating” despite his 7/10 rating. It was a night of mixed reviews for the American, which rather sums up his time at Leeds, with the Athletic’s Larry Henry suggesting it was a “really positive display”.
Evidently, an upgrade will be required in the Premier League and it might well be that the likes of Firpo, Farke and Aaronson have all just enjoyed their last nights under the Elland Road lights.
Before any more talk centres on whether the inconsistent 24-year-old could be let go of, Leeds still have the chance to clinch the Championship title on the final day of the season, with Plymouth the location for the Whites’ potential triumph.
Even better than Archie Gray: Leeds must rue selling £1m "animal"
Leeds United once sold a young talent for £1m, and now he is even better than Archie Gray.
Real Madrid and Barcelona often serve up a treat when they meet, with El Clásico watched around the globe by millions.
The era of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo may be over, but this fixture always promises drama, history and often a bit of spice.
Whether these two iconic rivals are meeting in a cup final or a crunch league clash, there is no love lost between the pair, who have even met in the Champions League on eight occasions, most recently in 2011 when Messi’s Barcelona emerged victorious.
Thankfully, there is more to this fixture than the two foremost attackers from either club, with plenty of star names getting on the scoresheet since the turn of the century.
Since 2000, nearly 100 different players have had the honour of netting in the Clásico, from legends like Zinedine Zidane and Thierry Henry, to more modern stars like Kylian Mbappe and Lamine Yamal.
But who has grabbed the most goals this century in this fixture? From goalscoring defenders to lethal strikers, here is the list of El Clásico’s highest goalscorers…
The last 15 players to score on their El Clásico debut
FFC takes a look at the last 15 players to score in their first Clásico. Can anyone follow in Jude Bellingham’s footsteps?
ByMark Marston May 9, 2025 11 Ronaldinho 5 goals
During the 2004/05 and 2005/06 seasons, Ronaldinho was a thorn in Real Madrid’s side.
In four games for Barcelona against Los Blancos, the silky Brazilian superstar scored five goals, including two in a 3-0 win in November 2005 – a game which is best remembered for being Lionel Messi’s El Clásico debut.
Messi, 18 at the time, got the assist for Samuel Eto’o’s opener on the day.
Ronaldinho’s El Clásico goals
Goal(s)
Date
Competition
Result
1
20th Nov 2004
La Liga (H)
W 3-0
2
10th Apr 2005
La Liga (A)
L 2-4
3, 4
19th Nov 2005
La Liga (A)
W 3-0
5
1st Apr 2006
La Liga (H)
D 1-1
10 Pedro 5 goals
Many forget just how good Pedro was for Barcelona (and indeed for Chelsea later down the line).
A graduate of the club’s famous La Masia academy, the Spanish winger made 321 appearances for Barca between 2007 and 2016, scoring 99 goals.
Five of those goals came in 21 games against Real Madrid, including during their Champions League semi-final in 2011.
Pedro’s El Clásico goals
Goal(s)
Date
Competition
Result
1
10th Apr 2010
La Liga (A)
W 2-0
2
29th Nov 2010
La Liga (H)
W 5-0
3
3rd May 2011
Champions League (H)
D 1-1
4
25th Jan 2012
Copa del Rey (H)
D 2-2
5
23rd Aug 2012
Spanish Super Cup (H)
W 3-2
9 Xavi 5 goals
Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time, Xavi often stepped up to the mark when Barcelona played Real Madrid.
In 42 matches against Los Merengues, La Computadora, as he was known, scored five goals and registered a further 10 assists.
The most important of those five strikes came way back in April 2004 when Xavi hit a late winner by lobbing Madrid keeper Iker Casillas with a superb acrobatic volley in a 2-1 victory for Barca at the Bernabeu.
Xavi’s El Clásico goals
Goal(s)
Date
Competition
Result
1
16th Mar 2002
La Liga (H)
D 1-1
2
25th Apr 2004
La Liga (A)
W 2-1
3
29th Nov 2010
La Liga (H)
W 5-0
4
10th Dec 2011
La Liga (A)
W 3-1
5
23rd Aug 2012
Spanish Super Cup (H)
W 3-2
8 Sergio Ramos 5 goals
Despite being a central defender, Sergio Ramos was well known for his ability to score goals for Real Madrid.
To date, the former Los Blancos captain has scored well over 100 career goals, making him one of the highest-scoring defenders the game has ever seen – and Barcelona were one of his most frequent victims.
In 49 games against the Blaugrana for Madrid between 2005 and 2021, he scored five goals, including a memorable late winner in a 2-1 win for his side in March 2013.
Sergio Ramos’ El Clásico goals
Goal(s)
Date
Competition
Result
1
10th Mar 2007
La Liga (A)
D 3-3
2
2nd May 2009
La Liga (H)
L 2-6
3
2nd Mar 2013
La Liga (H)
W 2-1
4
3rd Dec 2016
La Liga (A)
D 1-1
5
24th Oct 2020
La Liga (A)
W 3-1
7 Robert Lewandowski 5 goals
Robert Lewandowski scored a double at the Bernabeu in October 2024 to help make his way onto this list, with his first La Liga goals in El Clásico helping Barcelona to a thumping 4-0 win on their enemy’s patch.
The Pole’s other goals against Real Madrid since signing for Barcelona have been in Spanish Super Cup finals, with his penalty in the 2024/25 clash making it three years in a row of scoring in that competition against Los Blancos.
Now in his mid-thirties, one can only imagine how many he would have racked up had he been playing for Barcelona in his pomp, especially considering his goal record since arriving in 2022.
Lewandowski has been the scourge of Madrid throughout his career, netting in the Champions League against them for Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich – even netting four in one game for the former back in 2013.
Robert Lewandowski’s El Clásico goals
Goal(s)
Date
Competition
Result
1
15th Jan 2023
Spanish Super Cup (N)
W 3-1
2
14th Jan 2024
Spanish Super Cup (N)
L 1-4
3, 4
26th October 2024
La Liga (A)
W 4-0
5
12th January 2025
Spanish Super Cup (N)
W 5-2
6 Raul 6 goals
Spanish striker Raul scored 15 goals against Barcelona during his 16-year career at Real Madrid, but just six of those came since the millennium.
Arguably the best of those goals came in May 2002. Facing off against Barca in the second leg of a Champions League semi-final tie, Raul thumped the ball into the top corner from outside the penalty area just before half-time, sending the crowd at the Bernabeu into hysterics.
The final score on the night finished 1-1, but with Madrid having won the first leg 2-0, the draw was enough to see them into the final, where they went on to beat Bayer Leverkusen.
Raul’s El Clásico goals (since 2000)
Goal(s)
Date
Competition
Result
1, 2
3rd Mar 2001
La Liga (H)
D 2-2
3
1st May 2002
Champions League (H)
D 1-1
4
10th Apr 2005
La Liga (H)
W 4-2
5
22nd Oct 2006
La Liga (H)
W 2-0
6
7th May 2008
La Liga (H)
W 4-1
5 Vinicius Junior 7 goals
Barcelona must be sick of the sight of Vinicius Junior. In just 17 games against the Catalans, the Madrid winger has scored seven goals, three of which came in last season’s Spanish Super Cup, a game which Madrid won 4-1.
He’ll have the chance to add to that total this weekend, and given that he’s already hit 8 goals in 14 games this term, don’t be surprised if he does.
Vinicius Junior’s El Clásico goals
Goal(s)
Date
Competition
Result
1
1st Mar 2020
La Liga (H)
W 2-0
2
12th Jan 2022
Spanish Super Cup (N)
W 3-2
3
5th Apr 2023
Copa del Rey (A)
W 4-0
4, 5, 6
14th Jan 2024
Spanish Super Cup (N)
W 4-1
7
21st Apr 2024
La Liga (H)
W 3-2
4 Luis Suarez 11 goals
Luis Suarez spent six seasons with Barcelona between 2014 and 2020, scoring 195 goals in 283 games.
During his spell in Catalonia, the Uruguayan particularly enjoyed scoring against Real Madrid, finding the net 11 times in just 15 games, averaging a strike every 120 minutes against Los Blancos.
Madrid thought they were done with Suarez after he was let go by Barcelona in August 2020. However, just a month later, he joined their city rivals Atletico, where he would again find the net against them in March 2021 as Diego Simeone’s side stormed to the title.
Luis Suarez’s El Clásico goals
Goal(s)
Date
Competition
Result
1
22nd Mar 2015
La Liga (H)
W 2-1
2, 3
21st Nov 2015
La Liga (A)
W 4-0
4
3rd Dec 2016
La Liga (H)
D 1-1
5
23rd Dec 2017
La Liga (A)
W 0-3
6
6th May 2018
La Liga (H)
D 2-2
7, 8, 9
28th Oct 2018
La Liga (H)
W 5-1
10, 11
27th Feb 2019
Copa del Rey (A)
W 3-0
3 Karim Benzema 16 goals
2022 Ballon d’Or winner Karim Benzema scored 16 goals against Barcelona during his 14-season spell in the Spanish capital.
Eight of those goals came in La Liga, four came in the Copa Del Rey, and four in the Spanish Super Cup.
The French striker was never able to find the net against Barca in the Champions League, drawing a blank in each of the three games he faced off against them in Europe – all of which came during his time at Lyon.
Karim Benzema’s El Clásico goals
Goal(s)
Date
Competition
Result
1
17th Aug 2011
Spanish Super Cup (A)
L 2-3
2
10th Dec 2011
La Liga (H)
L 1-3
3
25th Jan 2012
Copa del Rey (A)
D 2-2
4
2nd Mar 2013
La Liga (H)
W 2-1
5, 6
23rd Mar 2014
La Liga (H)
L 3-4
7
25th Oct 2014
La Liga (H)
W 3-1
8
2nd Apr 2016
La Liga (A)
W 2-1
9
16th Aug 2017
Spanish Super Cup (H)
W 2-0
10
10th Apr 2021
La Liga (H)
W 2-1
11
12th Jan 2022
Spanish Super Cup (N)
W 3-2
12
16th Oct 2022
La Liga (H)
W 3-1
13
15th Jan 2023
Spanish Super Cup (N)
L 1-3
14, 15, 16
5th Apr 2023
Copa del Rey (A)
W 4-0
Ballon d'Or past winners: The best XI of former champions
Probably the only time you’ll ever see Messi and Ronaldo in the same team.
1 ByBarney Lane Oct 23, 2024 2 Cristiano Ronaldo 18 goals
Following his then-record £80 million move to Real Madrid in 2009, it took Cristiano Ronaldo a while to get going in El Clásico.
He was unable to find the net in his first three games against Barcelona, with Madrid coming out on the losing end every time.
However, when the Portuguese star did get going, there wasn’t much anyone could do to stop him. Between April 2011 and August 2017, he scored 18 goals against Barca, four of which were winning goals, including an extra-time strike in the final of the 2011 Copa del Rey.
Everton have welcomed their new Director of Football, Angus Kinnear, to the club. He’s got a lot to do, with David Moyes expecting to be backed by the Friedkin Group as he improves his squad this summer.
The experienced manager returned in January after 12 years away and guided Everton away from relegation bother and into the tranquillity of the Premier League’s mid-table pack.
Everton manager DavidMoyes
But Moyes no doubt has his eyes on loftier ambitions. He’ll want to strengthen with statement signings this summer, one of which may be Tottenham Hotspur’s Richarlison, who left the Toffees for London in a £60m package back in 2022.
The latest on Richarlison to Everton
It’s all gone a bit quiet, truth be told. But then, the 2024/25 campaign has yet to finish up, and there’s plenty of time for TFG to make their move for the former Toffees star.
Theo-walcott-richarlison-everton
Earlier this month, Sky Sports published a report claiming Everton are interested in bringing the Tottenham forward back to Merseyside.
Across four campaigns as a Blues player, the 28-year-old scored 53 goals from 152 matches and was hailed by Carlo Ancelotti as a “modern and complete forward.”
Richarlison’s most consistent seasons all came at Goodison Park, but despite issues down N17, he’s still managed to display a degree of prolificness under Ange Postecoglou’s wing, having fallen by the wayside in his maiden year at the club.
24/25 – Spurs
14
4
1
23/24 – Spurs
28
11
4
22/23 – Spurs
27
1
4
21/22 – Everton
30
10
5
20/21 – Everton
34
7
3
19/20 – Everton
36
13
4
18/19 – Everton
35
13
2
17/18 – Everton
38
5
4
It’s clear he needs a fresh start, and after such interesting performances with Everton, why not bring him back to spearhead this new era? Moyes, for sure, has the gritty leadership style to bring the Brazilian back to his best.
And Richarlison isn’t the only former player on the Scottish coach’s radar…
Everton could sign another former star
With many out-of-contract Everton players about to move away for new pastures, Moyes is bound to target signings across numerous areas.
Defence is one such priority position, especially with Michael Keane slated to depart and James Tarkowski sidelined after tearing his hamstring.
And, according to a report from GIVEMESPORT earlier this month, Manchester City’s John Stones could be the player the Merseysiders go for to instill experience and improve passing and ball retention.
Stones, 30, is one of the most decorated Englishmen of his generation, notably lifting five league titles, two FA Cups and the Champions League, and has been hailed for his “world-class” talent by Three Lions teammate Ezri Konsa, but injuries have limited him to a bit-part role for Pep Guardiola’s side in recent seasons.
Everton paid just £3m to Barnsley to sign a teenage Stones back in 2013, and he would go on to feature 95 times for the club before leaving for City for a mammoth £47.5m fee.
He might not be quite at his peak anymore, but the £250k-per-week talent is not ready to hang up his Premier League boots and could be a brilliant addition to Moyes’ outfit, ranking among the top 1% of defenders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 4% for shot-creating actions and the top 11% for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref.
Given the player’s pedigree and proven talent, there’s no reason why he can’t go on to be Everton’s most exciting signing in a very long time, perhaps not even since Richarlison left Watford after a breakout term of much promise and devoted several of his best years to the Liverpool-based outfit.
Regarded by some as the catalyst in City’s treble-winning season of 2022/23, Stones has something left to give English football, and his unique approach to the game could give Everton the extra dimension they need to make real progress over the coming year as a high-profile and highly exciting addition.
Now worth even less than Harrison: TFG must sell struggling Everton flop
Everton are readying themselves for a summer of change.
Rangers are now eyeing a move for a “tactically astute” manager who plays “really good football” as a replacement for interim boss Barry Ferguson, according to a report.
Gers' manager search continues
Initially, there were some suggestions that Ferguson could be handed the manager’s job on a permanent basis, but it is now looking increasingly likely the new boss will be an outside here, with a number of potential options on the shortlist.
A major update has suggested that Real Madrid assistant manager Davide Ancelotti could now be rising up the shortlist, with the Gers submitting an offer for the Italian, who is the son of legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Steven Gerrard also remains a contender for the job, alongside Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl, while Rafa Benitez and Marco Rose have previously been named as potential targets, so there is no shortage of options on the shortlist.
Rangers have sent scouts to watch 19 y/o attacker with tiny release clause
He could be seen as one for the future for the Gers.
ByHenry Jackson May 11, 2025
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Rangers are also eyeing a move for former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss Gary O’Neil alongside Ancelotti, with the board looking to bring in a progressive coach, capable of implementing a modern, attacking style of play.
The 49ers are looking to get a new era underway at Ibrox, which means a move for Gerrard may not be likely, although the former Liverpool man is still under consideration, alongside O’Neil, given the tactical work on show during his time with Wolves.
The 41-year-old is seen as an innovative coach, who would fit the bill for the Gers, given that he would be capable of implementing a clear style of play at Ibrox, and while he would prefer to remain in England, the opportunity to manage a big club in Europe could be tempting.
"Tactically astute" O'Neil could be solid appointment
While the Englishman was ultimately dismissed by Wolves earlier this season, there were some promising signs during his stint at Molineux, having received high praise from Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, who described him as “tactically astute.”
The ex-Wolves boss was also lauded for the style of play he implemented by former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who said: “The way he has come in and galvanised the club with Shaun Derry and everything behind the scenes, it’s been great with what they have done and they’re playing some really good football.”
The London-born manager, who prefers to utilise a 3-4-2-1 formation, led Wolves to safety in his first season in charge, while also securing survival for AFC Bournemouth in the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.
O’Neil’s experience in the English top flight could serve him well in the Rangers dugout, but he is yet to manage a top club competing in the upper echelons of the table, so there may be some reservations about his appointment.
Liverpool owe much to Mohamed Salah, who has devoted the prime years of his illustrious career to Anfield and cemented his status as one of the Premier League’s all-time greats.
Having clinched 28 goals and 18 assists in the top flight this term, Salah has been the driving force behind his side’s historic triumph, equalling Manchester United’s record of 20 English first division titles.
However, Salah is not the only star in Liverpool’s team. Virgil van Dijk has been an all-commanding titan in defence, while Alexis Mac Allister has pulled the strings in the centre.
It’s Ryan Gravenberch, though, who deserves recognition for being Liverpool’s secret weapon in this title triumph, refashioned by Arne Slot into one of Europe’s superlative number sixes.
Liverpool midfielder Ryan Gravenberch
Midfield isn’t the main priority for the Reds, heading into the summer transfer window, but FSG might have identified a shrewd way to make Gravenberch even better.
Liverpool chasing new midfielder
According to Spanish reports, Liverpool are looking to take advantage of Frenkie De Jong’s situation at Barcelona, out of contract in little over a year, and will test the La Liga giant’s resolve with a €40m (£34m) bid this summer.
The piece outlines that there is believed to be a ‘willingness’ at Camp Nou to potentially listen to offers for the former Ajax man, albeit with the Reds set to be joined by Arsenal and Manchester City in the race for his signature.
Barcelona midfielder Frenkie De Jong
De Jong has avoided injuries for most of the campaign but hasn’t always found his name on the starting teamsheet under Hansi Flick, and given Liverpool’s pedigree and strong Dutch contingent, could be enticed by making the move to Merseyside.
Why Liverpool want Frenkie De Jong
De Jong, 27, has played 253 games for Barcelona since leaving Amsterdam as an illustrious prodigy in 2019 for a £65m fee.
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong
Fitness problems have been the bane of his career in Spain, but there’s no question De Jong is an elite-standard player, with his former boss Xavi calling him “one of the best midfielders in the world.”
However, his La Blaugrana journey under Flick’s wing has been stunted despite improvements on the injury front, and a move to Liverpool could prove the fresh start he needs at this stage of his career, joining Gravenberch in Slot’s midfield.
Gravenberch’s rise from prospect to superstar has been an extraordinary thing this year, and while De Jong is older than his 22-year-old compatriot, he will feel that Slot’s fluid ball-playing football could have a similar effect on his game.
Ryan Gravenberch in the Premier League
Stats (* per game)
23/24
24/25
Matches (starts)
26 (12)
34 (34)
Goals
1
0
Assists
0
4
Touches*
28.8
67.3
Pass completion
83%
89%
Key passes*
0.6
0.7
Dribbles*
0.9
1.0
Ball recoveries*
2.8
5.3
Tackles + interceptions*
1.5
3.6
Duels (won)*
2.8 (47%)
5.0 (58%)
Stats via Sofascore
Looking at how Slot managed to get a melodic tune out of Gravenberch this season, you’d be confident that he could elevate a fully-fit De Jong back to his best at Liverpool too.
The Dutch international might be somewhat on the margins at Barcelona right now, but he’s still managed to showcase his quality to a good degree, especially important in the Champions League.
As per FBref, he ranks among the top 1% of centre-midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 4% for passes attempted and the top 7% for progressive passes per 90.
Such passing quality could play perfectly into Gravenberch’s strengths, striking an exciting connection in Liverpool’s engine room next term as Slot looks to go again, defend his Premier League title and challenge across other fronts.
Ryan Gravenberch for Liverpool.
Gravenberch likes to drive the ball forward and covers a lot of ground in the middle of the park, and having a more rooted deep-lying playmaker beside him could prove a confluence of styles to make this Liverpool side even better, easing the workload that Mac Allister has had to carry.
Liverpool already have enough depth in midfield that this could prove an astute piece of business, and Slot’s coaching success on his countrymen this term suggests it might be worthwhile.
Outscoring Isak: Liverpool scouting £25m "nuisance" who's just like Nunez
Liverpool are ready to go shopping for new forwards this summer.
Leeds United will have to be ruthless in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to create a squad that can survive in the Premier League next season.
The Whites, who clinched the Championship title with a win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day, know that it will be difficult because the last two sets of promoted teams have been instantly relegated from the top-flight.
Daniel Farke and his staff will have to be ruthless when it comes to deciding which players are up for the task of making the step up to the Premier League, and one star whose future remains up in the air is Sam Byram, as his current deal is due to expire this summer.
Speaking to The Athletic, the English full-back said: Now we’ve achieved the final target, I’m sure they’ll speak as a team, investors, everyone, and make a plan for the future. Hopefully, I’m part of that, and, if not, I’ll watch on and always be a supporter.”
Leeds defender Sam Byram.
It remains to be seen whether or not the Whites will look to extend his contract beyond this summer, or if they will allow the former academy graduate to move on from Elland Road for the second time in his career.
Why Leeds should allow Sam Byram to leave
The 31-year-old defender has been a useful utility player for Farke to call upon since his return to West Yorkshire on a free transfer in the summer of 2023, thanks to his ability to play at right-back, left-back, and sometimes as an emergency centre-back.
He has made 75 appearances for the club in all competitions in the last two seasons, which shows how much the manager has relied upon him, but his recent availability is an outlier in comparison to the rest of his career.
24/25
38
23/24
37
22/23
16
21/22
18
20/21
0
19/20
18
18/19
7
17/18
10
16/17
18
As you can see in the table above, in the seven full seasons he played, after leaving Leeds in January 2016 to join West Ham, Byram did not play more than 18 games in a single campaign for the Hammers, Nottingham Forest, or Norwich City.
That included missing the entire 2020/21 season for the Canaries through injury, as well as 39 games in the 2018/19 campaign and 40 matches in the 2019/20 term through injury, which shows that there are still concerns over his long-term availability.
Therefore, Leeds should consider releasing Byram when his contract expires this summer, instead of attempting to extend his deal, and use that space to bolster their squad with a new signing.
In fact, there is reportedly an active full-back target for the West Yorkshire outfit who could come in as a big upgrade on the former Norwich defender ahead of next season.
Leeds make contact to sign Premier League defender
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United have made contact with £15m-rated Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters to discuss a potential move to Elland Road.
The reporter claims that the Whites are one of a number of clubs in the race to sign the English defender, whose contract at St. Mary’s is due to expire at the same time as Byram’s.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey said: “I’m told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”
This suggests that Leeds have a fight on their hands to get a deal over the line for the two-time England international, as they line up a move for him alongside a host of other, more established, Premier League sides.
Southampton'sKyleWalker-Petersapplauds their fans after the match
The 49ers must, now, push to win the race for Walker-Peters when his contract at Southampton expires this summer because he could arrive at Elland Road as a big upgrade on Sam Byram.
Why Leeds should sign Kyle Walker-Peters
Perhaps most importantly, the England international is not injury-prone and unreliable when it comes to being available for his team throughout a season.
Walker-Peters has never missed more than eight games in a single campaign and has only been absent for 24 matches through injury in his entire career to date, which suggests that the club could be far more confident of having him available week-in-week-out than they would be with Byram if they extended his contract.
The 28-year-old star has also proven that he can handle the intensity of the Premier League, when it comes to avoiding injuries, as he has played 148 times in the top-flight, which is the main reason why he would be a huge upgrade on Byram, given his availability.
Walker-Peters, who was once described as a “beautiful” footballer by former manager Russell Martin, is also similar to Byram in the sense that he can competently play as a right-back or a left-back, with over 50 appearances in his career as a left-back.
Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez in action with Southampton's KyleWalker-Peter
The English defender could also come in to provide Jayden Bogle with some strong competition for his place in the side, despite being part of a dismal Southampton team this season, as evidenced by his form in the Championship in the 2023/24 campaign.
Appearances
43
44
36
Goals
2
6
1
Big chances created
12
11
5
xA
7.43
5.87
1.50
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.9
3.0
1.5
Dribbled past per game
0.4x
0.8x
0.1x
Ground duel success rate
60%
55%
60%
As you can see in the table above, Bogle offers a great goal threat, but Walker-Peters is more creative and harder for opposition wingers to beat with attempted dribbles.
These statistics also show that the Saints star would be a huge upgrade on Byram because he can provide the defensive solidity, given his duel success rate and tackles and interceptions per game, that the ex-Norwich man provides, whilst also offering a big threat as a creator from a right-back position.
Their answer to Hamer: 49ers lining up Leeds swoop for "special" £25m star
Leeds could land their own version of Gustavo Hamer in a move for this £25m star.
ByDan Emery May 12, 2025
Therefore, Leeds could land a big upgrade on Byram, allowing themselves to release him this summer, by signing Walker-Peters, who can offer more quality on the pitch whilst also being less of an injury liability.
Liverpool are now confident they’re leading the race for a defender, who has been identified as a top target for the summer transfer window, according to a report.
Reds set sights on new full-backs
Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Reds, in a major boost for Arne Slot, but the manager may still be tasked with reshaping his defence in the summer transfer window, as Trent Alexander-Arnold has now confirmed his decision to leave.
With Trent heading for the exit door, Slot may choose to install Conor Bradley as his first-choice right-back, but there have also been links with Bayer Leverkusen star Jeremie Frimpong, with the Dutchman believed to be keen on a move to Anfield.
Not only may a new right-back be required, but Slot could also look at bringing in a replacement for Andy Robertson, with the Scotland international now arguably in the twilight years of his career at the age of 31.
Liverpool now willing to offer up Chiesa to buy 19-goal star in £50m+ swap
The Reds could pull off a surprise swap deal…
1 BySean Markus Clifford May 12, 2025
Jamie Carragher also suggested Robertson was past his best earlier in the campaign, saying: “I just think Andy Robertson, who is an absolute legend, is just hanging on in every game.”
According to a report from TEAMtalk, AFC Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez is now the top target for Liverpool at left-back, with his current employers set to hold out for a fee of £45m, amid widespread interest in his signature.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
Real Madrid and Manchester City are also keen on the Hungarian, with the Spanish side scouting him this season, but the Reds believe they are still leading the race.
"Mad man" Kerkez could be ideal Robertson heir
The Hungary international has established himself as a vital player for Bournemouth this season, making 36 appearances in the Premier League, during which time he has showcased his attacking threat by picking up two goals and six assists.
Robertson is also very capable on the front foot, having amassed 67 assists during his time with the Reds, so the Bournemouth star could be a like-for-like replacement in that regard, while he has also caught the eye of journalist Zach Lowy.
Bournemouth teammate Marcus Tavernier is clearly a big fan of the 21-year-old too, saying: “He’s a mad man! He’s great, I love that guy to pieces. He brings a lot of energy to the team when it’s quiet and stuff. He has come into the team and been great.”
Having proven himself in the Premier League, Kerkez could be the ideal replacement for Robertson this summer, and Liverpool should look to secure a deal before Real Madrid or Man City step up their interest.
Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital bought Chelsea in 2022 after a much-publicised process. The sense then was that the Blues would need to brace themselves for a very different era compared to under Roman Abramovich.
Under Abramovich, Chelsea had spent unbelievable amounts of money to put themselves at football’s top table. There was no expectation that anything like that could follow without his wealth.
And yet, if anything, things have been even crazier. Chelsea have broken the English transfer record on multiple occasions, racking up record spending and completely changing their squad. And that’s despite Premier League finishes of 12th and 6th under Boehly.
So what exactly have they done? Football FanCast has detailed every Chelsea transfer since Todd Boehly’s consortium set foot in west London.
Todd Boehly's worst transfers at Chelsea… so far
There are plenty to choose from, but who has been Boehly’s biggest mistake at Stamford Bridge?
Zakaria is Chelsea’s cheapest signing to date – though, he wasn’t a permanent one. The Blues brought him in on a season-long loan from Juventus but he never really became a regular.
The Athletic claims it cost them around £2.5m upfront and while there was an option to buy, Chelsea never looked like using it.
2 Gabriel Slonina – £8m
Chelsea signed teenage goalkeeper Slonina for £8m, per The Athletic, and immediately loaned him back to the MLS side. He did finally join up with the Blues in January but is yet to play a senior game for them. He’ll now spend this season on loan with Belgian club Eupen. Still only 19, there’s a long way to go with Slonina.
3 Joao Felix – £8.8m (loan)
Joao Felix scores for Chelsea
The second, and final, loan deal on this list. Chelsea moved to sign Felix last January, paying £8.8m (The Guardian) to have him for only five months.
It was a surprising deal on the face of it but then, it wasn’t long ago that the Portuguese playmaker was considered one of the best young players on the planet. He was decent enough at Chelsea, but not to a point where they’d fight to keep him permanently.
4 David Datro Fofana – £10m
Fofana arrived at a time when Chelsea desperately needed goals. He barely featured after joining, however, starting only one Premier League match and playing a total of 68 minutes in the top flight.
The Blues just didn’t seem to rate him after the £10m transfer (BBC). He’s now off on loan in Germany with Union Berlin where he’ll hope to get back on track.
5 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – £10m
Chelsea striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Aubameyang arrived from Barcelona to be the striker who scored the goals for Chelsea last season. However, it did not work out that way.
The former Arsenal star made only 15 Premier League appearances and scored just once – so no one was shocked when he left on a free this summer.
It was a strange deal to sign him, too, with Chelsea paying £10m plus full-back Marcos Alonso, says Sky Sports. Just one that didn’t work at all.
6 Angelo – £12.95m
Angelo has had some hype around him for a while – and certain numbers show why. He’s the youngest player in the history of Brazil’s top flight, having debuted at 15, while he boasts well over 100 senior appearances at only 18.
Chelsea have an exciting one here, and it’s no wonder they paid £12.95m to get him (The Athletic).
7 Djordje Petrovic – £14m
With Edouard Mendy in Saudi Arabia and Kepa Arrizabalaga in Madrid, Chelsea have turned to twice-capped Serbian international Djordje Petrovic to come in and challenge Robert Sanchez for the number one spot at Stamford Bridge.
The 23 year old has been impressing in the USA for MLS side New England Revolution for a couple of years, making 43 appearances for The Revs in the league.
It was obviously enough to impress the higher-ups at Chelsea as the club spent £14m to secure his signature, tying him down to a seven year deal (BBC Sport).
8 Deivid Washington – £17m
Santos strikerDeivid Washington.
At just 18 years old, Deivid Washington joins the ever-growing list of exciting young Brazilians who have opted to join Chelsea this summer as they make their way to Europe to further their footballing careers.
That said, Washington isn’t just here to make up the numbers, as despite making just nine Serie A appearances for Santos, Chelsea had seen enough to convince them that a £17m (Sky Sports News) offer would be money well spent on the youngster.
With just hours left of the transfer window, it would appear that the former Santos youngster will be staying in West London this season, potentially allowing him to show the league just what he can do.
9 Andrey Santos – £18m
Andrey Santos Chelsea
Santos is very highly rated in Brazil, having shone for Vasco as a teenager. It was enough that Chelsea paid £18m (BBC) to sign him in January – despite the fact he couldn’t get a work permit.
Instead, the midfielder went back on loan to Vasco in March until rejoining the Blues this summer. Hopefully, we’ll see what all the fuss is about soon.
10 Diego Moreira – Free
As of the end of the 2024/25 season, Diego Moreira has only made one senior Chelsea appearance, coming early in Mauricio Pochettino’s reign during an EFL Cup win over AFC Wimbledon in August 2023.
Since then, the Belgium-born Portugal U21 international has been on loan at Lyon and Strasbourg, being a regular starter in Liam Rosenior’s impressive outfit, who may yet find themselves in a Champions League qualification place.
As for Moreira’s Chelsea future, it remains to be seen whether his progress in the French top flight will be enough for Enzo Maresca to want him hanging around the first team.
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.
Bayern Munich's Alphonso Davies in action with Bayer Leverkusen'sJeremieFrimpong
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.
Jeremie Frimpong at Bayer Leverkusen (all comps)
Season
Apps
Goals
Assists
24/25
48
5
12
23/24
47
14
12
22/23
48
9
11
21/22
34
2
8
20/21
13
0
1
Stats via Transfermarkt
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.
Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen
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.
Bournemouth's DeanHuijsencelebrates after the match
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.
Jeremie Frimpong
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.