Leeds and Daniel Farke now ready to sell once-£50m player on the cheap

Leeds United have now reportedly made the decision to allow an “impressive” player to leave the club when the January transfer window arrives.

Farke provides Leeds injury updates before Bournemouth

The Whites face a tough assignment in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, hosting a Bournemouth side who have impressed greatly so far this season.

Speaking ahead of the game, Leeds manager Daniel Farke provided a “mixed” injury update, with Jayden Bogle’s return to full training a clear positive.

“Overall in terms of injuries, some mixed news. So with Jayden [Bogle] good news, he is back in team training. It was nothing too serious, just a bruise was a bit sore and painful in the first few days. But since yesterday [he is] back in team training so he will be available if nothing major happens.

“Some good news with Daniel James, so progress with his rehab. Yesterday was the first time he joined us in team training and he has a chance to be involved depending on how his body reacts right now to the load of training, so we will take a late decision with him.

“Some bad news with Willy Gnonto, he won’t make it. So still some problems with his calf, he is not back in team training so he will definitely also miss the match. I hope to have him back in team training next week.”

Farke will likely know his starting lineup for Saturday’s match, but it looks like one squad player may not be at the club for too much longer.

Leeds expected to sell Meslier in January

According to a new update from TEAMtalk, Leeds will look to sell goalkeeper Illan Meslier in January, having fallen out of favour between the sticks under Farke. Serie A giants Inter Milan are said to be “leading the race” to snap him up.

It is claimed that the Whites “would accept a modest fee, potentially just covering the remainder of his contract, to avoid losing him for free next summer”.

Selling Meslier, who was once worth £50m, in January makes perfect sense, considering he has dropped down the pecking order at Leeds, clearly no longer being seen as a key man, following too many errors last season.

It feels like the right time for a new challenge for all parties, even though the Frenchman is a talented player who is still young for a ‘keeper, with Farke praising him earlier this year.

“He is focused every day, pretty settled and concentrated. It’s what you have to do in a side that dominate many games. Sometimes he has to be there with a first save after 60 minutes, pretty switched on. Compliments to his good work, played a major part, many clean sheets, number of clean sheets, pretty impressive.”

He can steal #9 from DCL: Leeds star looks like the best since Archie Gray

Leeds might have another gem on their hands to rival Dominic Calvert-Lewin…

ByJoe Nuttall Sep 26, 2025

Meslier can still go on to enjoy a good career, but his aforementioned mistakes last season have seen Leeds supporters lose faith in him, and his time at Elland Road has simply reached its natural conclusion.

Berta has hit the jackpot on Arsenal signing who's as exciting as Dowman

There is a lot to be happy about as an Arsenal fan at the moment.

While the games against Liverpool and Manchester United weren’t great, Mikel Arteta has got his team playing a more entertaining brand of football this season, which has seen them score 11 goals in five games so far.

Moreover, the attacking additions to the team seem to be adapting well, with Eberechi Eze getting an assist on his first start, Viktor Gyokeres already scoring three, and Noni Madueke looking like a serious threat on the right.

On top of all of that, Hale End seems to have produced another superstar in Max Dowman, although there is another youngster in the squad who could have just as high a ceiling.

Max Dowman's incredible rise

While those with a real knowledge of academy football would have been aware of Dowman for some time, most fans started to hear about him last season.

In just 23 appearances across a number of youth teams, totalling 1945 minutes, he put the ball in the back of the net 19 times and provided five assists for good measure.

In other words, the Chelmsford-born gem averaged 1.04 goal involvements per match, or one every 81.04 minutes, which is utterly unreal and lends credence to talent scout Jacek Kulig’s bold claim that he is the “most exciting prospect” he has seen “since Lamine Yamal.”

Appearances

23

Minutes

1945′

Goals

19

Assists

5

Goal Involvements per Match

1.04

Minutes per Goal Involvement

81.04′

The club itself clearly view him as a future star as well, as he was soon training with the first team, and while he wasn’t able to make any senior appearances last year due to rules over his age, no such barriers exist this season.

He made an instant impact on the pre-season tour, winning a penalty in the match against Newcastle United and then impressing against Tottenham Hotspur and Villarreal.

The strong performances have carried on into the season proper now, with him winning another penalty against Leeds United and then being trusted to come off the bench away to Liverpool.

In all, it feels like the sky is the limit with Dowman, which could also be said for another of the club’s new young stars.

Arsenal's youngster with as much potential as Dowman

What’s so amazing for Arsenal is that, at the moment, you could argue there are a number of players with ceilings as high as Dowman, from Ethan Nwaneri to Myles Lewis-Skelly.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

However, in this instance, the player in question is a summer signing: Cristhian Mosquera.

The young Spaniard cost the club just £13m back in July, and it would be fair to say he has since made that fee look utterly absurd.

Already described as a “backline leader” last October by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, the towering defender looked pretty good during pre-season, but it was against Liverpool where folk began to take notice.

He was forced on in the fifth minute to replace the injured William Saliba, and while most youngsters would wilt under such intense pressure, he played the next 85 minutes as if he was a seasoned professional with a decade of experience, making three clearances, blocking two shots, and making four tackles.

Clearances

3

Blocked Shots

2

Tackles

4

Ground Duels (Won)

5 (4)

Lost Possession

5

Touches

62

Accurate Passes

47/51 (92%)

He was even more impressive against Nottingham Forest, as on top of displaying his defensive nous, the level of opposition allowed him to show fans his ability on the ball and passing range.

In 94 minutes of action, the game-breaking “monster,” as dubbed by one analyst, took 92 touches, completed 75 passes, won 100% of his ground duels and completed eight defensive actions.

Then again, despite it being his Champions League debut, the former Valencia gem was utterly unfazed by the game on Tuesday night, not giving Bilbao even a sniff of a goal.

Ultimately, just as Dowman looks like he could be a generational attacking talent, Mosquera looks like he has everything needed to become a world-class defender, and it might not take long at all.

"This fella" – Keown blown away by Arsenal star who outshone Martinelli

There’s another member of the team who’s perhaps not getting enough credit.

ByEmilio Galantini Sep 17, 2025

New name: Everton join Tottenham in race to sign "absolutely brilliant" goalscorer

As The Friedkin Group look to kick on with their £150m spending spree, Everton have reportedly joined the race to sign an impressive winger who scored 33 goals last season.

Friedkin planning £150m spending spree

After already signing Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Carlos Alcaraz, Friedkin are reportedly looking to make further statements this summer by completing a £150m spending spree. As part of that spree, David Moyes wants to sign a new right-back, a new No.6 to replace Abdoulaye Doucoure, a No.8 and a right-winger ahead of next season.

To that end, there are already several targets who could fulfill that quota. James McAtee reportedly remains Everton’s top target this summer and he could solve their No.8 problem. Meanwhile, an offer has reportedly been made to sign Juventus’ defensive midfielder, Douglas Luiz in what would be an excellent addition.

That would instantly be two tasks ticked off the list for the Toffees and two ideal additions. McAtee, in particular, would be one to watch after he showed glimpses of his talent at Manchester City even as he was denied consistent opportunities last season.

Earning the praise of Pep Guardiola when he did feature, the City boss told reporters after the young midfielder scored a hat-trick against Salford City: “I am so happy for him, he is a special player. A hat trick is not easy. He has an incredible sense in front of goal, he has the right tempo, he changed the rhythm to score and I am very happy for him.”

After potentially ending their midfield search, meanwhile, Friedkin could yet welcome their most impressive signing yet in the form of a clinical winger.

Everton enter race to sign Daizen Maeda

According to TeamTalk, Everton have now entered the race to sign Daizen Maeda from Celtic alongside Tottenham Hotspur, Brentford and West Ham United this summer. Whilst the Japan international won’t come cheap at £25m, his numbers suggest that such a fee could quickly prove to be an impressive bargain.

Appearances

51

Goals

33

Assists

12

With 33 goals to his name in all competitions as Celtic strolled towards another Scottish Premiership, it’s no surprise that Maeda found himself at the centre of praise.

Brendan Rodgers told reporters when asked about the winger: “If you are a young player coming through and want to give your honesty to the game, work, intensity and everything. No cheating, no nothing – even away at St Mirren, the penalty we got last week he tried to stay on his feet – he’s so honest to the game. Natural isn’t it? He’s been absolutely brilliant.”

Everton bang in the race to sign "terrific" star who Moyes personally wants

He’s on the move this summer.

ByTom Cunningham Jul 18, 2025

Maeda has the quality for the Premier League, there’s no doubting that, and Everton should do everything to land his signature this summer.

Luis Diaz upgrade: Liverpool in the race for "world-class" £85m talent

Liverpool signed a “truly generational talent” in Florian Wirtz last month, as the German playmaker has been described by sports media professional Cristian Nyari.

His playmaking and flair will certainly help cover for the sale of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who now performs his talents in Real Madrid white.

Sure, the Reds have paid Bayer Leverkusen £100m up front, with the possible add-ons raising the deal to a British-record £116m, thus adding an incredible dimension to Arne Slot’s Premier League champions.

Florian Wirtz

And Liverpool may yet welcome another attacking player to the fold, for rumours concerning Luis Diaz’s potential Anfield sale this summer are persisting.

Why Liverpool might need a left winger

Last month, Liverpool rejected Barcelona’s advances for Diaz, with the 28-year-old identified as the perfect piece to complete Hansi Flick’s frontline.

Liverpool forward Luis Diaz

Slot wants to keep the 28-year-old on Merseyside, but every player has a price, and the Colombian is entering the penultimate year of his contract.

And according to Spanish outlet Defensa Central, Liverpool may find the perfect heir in Rodrygo, who will be allowed to leave Real Madrid this summer after playing a fringe role under Xabi Alonso at the Club World Cup.

The Brazil international has, however, been valued at a jaw-dropping €100m (£85m), so it would definitely take the big-money sale of a forward like Diaz to facilitate the deal.

Why Rodrygo would be a Luis Diaz upgrade

As per the report, Rodrygo would be open to a move to Liverpool, even if Arsenal currently lead the race for his signature, but he would only make the leap if given assurances that his place would lie on the left wing.

Luckily, Liverpool would be happy to oblige, for Diaz could be sold to get the transfer wheel spinning.

Rodrygo, 24, has routinely been fielded out on the right flank across his years at Los Blancos, but he’s long considered the alternate flank his most effective role, something that was reflected through his statistics across the 2024/25 campaign.

Right winger

29

8

5

Left winger

12

6

6

Centre-forward

8

0

0

Described as a “world-class superstar” by his former Real teammate Luka Modric, Rodrygo could absolutely come to prove an upgrade on Diaz, should he be entrusted with a regularity of minutes in his favoured position.

Liverpool’s South American sensation did post 17 goals and eight assists last season, but Rodrygo actually hit the same number of goal involvements (25) despite his travails.

Given his junior age and incredible mastery of the grand Champions League stage, there’s every chance that Slot could hit the jackpot by signing the one-time Santos prospect. He already boasts 25 goals in just 64 games in Europe’s premier competition, while Diaz has scored just ten times in 34 outings.

Moreover, Rodrygo has demonstrated that he can match Diaz’s crisp passing and his energy. As per FBref, the Brazilian ranked among the top 2% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last term for pass completion and the top 14% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Ultimately, Liverpool would be selling a crucial part of the Slot project in Diaz, but Rodrygo is more than his equal and could prove to be the perfect investment to propel this team up to the next level.

Huijsen 2.0: Liverpool enquire to sign one of the 'most complete teen CBs'

Liverpool could be set to target their next centre-back sensation, in the mould of Dean Huijsen

ByRobbie Walls Jul 10, 2025

Tottenham ready to pay asking price for £100k-p/w star, he wants the move

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy will be desperate to ensure that his decision to sack Ange Postecoglou won’t come back to bite him, and he’s apparently prepared to back new manager Thomas Frank so he can give the Australian’s replacement the best-possible chance of success.

Frank holds Tottenham talks over signing £300k-p/w ace who's open to joining

The Spurs boss has been discussing him with Lilywhites hierarchy.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 18, 2025

Postecoglou ended the club’s 17-year wait for a major trophy by guiding them to an historic Europa League final victory over Man United last month, a result which also gifted them a spot in the Champions League next season, but Spurs’ torrid 2024/2025 domestic form meant that Levy was forced into the tough call of letting him go.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

Frank is now tasked with re-settling the dressing room whilst helping Spurs to kick on from their memorable night in Bilbao, and the Dane has already paid homage to his predecessor’s work at N17.

“I think Ange has done something special. He’ll forever be a legend in Tottenham,” Frank said in his first interview as Tottenham boss.

“It’s important to understand we all stand on the shoulders of others. I’m going in on the foundation Ange built, and his coaching staff, and I’m very humble about that. I’ll do my very best to continue the great work he put in.

“The feeling, the excitement, the joy and the happiness in the fans’ faces, the pictures were ‘wow’. Hopefully, we can create more of those moments. That will be the ultimate dream: to do that and build on that.”

The 51-year-old is reportedly keen to upgrade his new ranks by signing a proven wide-attacking player, especially considering Son Heung-min may have already played his last competitive game for Tottenham amid interest from Saudi Arabia.

Many high-profile Premier League names have been linked already, but chief among them is Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze.

The England international guided Palace to their first ever major trophy last season, bagging the winner in a 1-0 victory over Man City in the FA Cup final, adding to his impressive tally of 14 goals and 11 assists in all competitions.

Eze has been a star player at Selhurst Park ever since his move there from QPR, and Eagles chairman Steve Parish was left “astounded” by the lack of interest in him last summer.

Tottenham ready to pay £68 million for Eberechi Eze

The £100,000-per-week forward, who can play both as a CAM and out wide, has certainly got admirers this time round, and Spurs are one of the chief contenders for his signature.

Reports have suggested that Frank has personally recommended Eze as a target for Tottenham, with TEAMtalk now sharing an update on the situation amid rumours that the player would also be keen on a north London move.

The outlet states that Tottenham are ready to meet the price required to sign Eze, his £68 million release clause, and the ex-Arsenal academy man is “enthusiastic” about swapping south London for a place in Frank’s side.

Frank also apparently believes that Eze would be a stellar addition for the Lilywhites, and one capable of thriving both on the wing and as a complement to James Maddison in the centre of attacking midfield.

Palace are also open to receiving Eze’s final fee in installments, even if they’d want an upfront payment of £45 million, something which Tottenham are prepared to offer as well.

This could be one to watch in the coming days/weeks, as Spurs want to act “swiftly” and provide Frank with fresh additions ahead of a crucial campaign.

He's more exciting than Tel: Spurs now confident of signing £70m "monster"

It’s all changing at Tottenham Hotspur at the moment.

Ange Postecoglou may have led the club to their first trophy in a generation, but a 17th-place finish in the Premier League was enough for Daniel Levy and Co to send him on his way.

In his place, former Brentford manager Thomas Frank has been tasked with dramatically improving the club’s domestic form next season, and one way to make that happen is by adding genuine quality to the squad.

Fortunately, recent reports suggest the North Londoners may be closing in on a signing who’d be a more exciting addition to the team than Mathys Tel.

Tottenham transfer news

The transfer window may have only just opened again, but Spurs have recently been linked with many talented attackers, such as Bryan Mbeumo and Yoanne Wissa, who thrived under Frank’s management.

Transfer Focus

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

Moreover, to ensure the squad aren’t left short on numbers in attack next year, Levy and Co have also re-signed Tel on a permanent transfer.

The young Frenchman did well enough in spells last season, and the potential is certainly there, but based purely on what we saw from him this year, it’s hard to describe his £30m signing as particularly exciting.

The good news is that the Lilywhites now appear to be advancing in talks to sign someone who certainly would be an exciting signing: Antoine Semenyo.

According to a recent report from TEAMtalk, the Spurs are incredibly interested in the Bournemouth star and are ‘growing in confidence in striking a deal’ with the South Coast side.

The report does not mention how much the Ghanaian international could cost the North Londoners, but reports from earlier this month claim that a fee of up to £70m should be enough.

Now, that is certainly a lot of money, but given Semenyo’s ability and experience, it’d be worth it for Spurs, especially as he’d be a more exciting signing than Tel.

Why Semenyo would be a more exciting signing than Tel

Okay, so the first thing to address is that Semenyo has an inherent advantage here in that the newest attacking signings are going to be more exciting than a club re-signing someone they’ve had on loan before purely for the fact that they’ll represent something fresh and relatively unknown.

AFC Bournemouth's AntoineSemenyolooks on

However, while this is undoubtedly the case here, there are other significant reasons why the Bournemouth star would be a far more exciting addition to the team than Tel, starting with their output.

In 20 appearances for the North Londoners, totalling 1257 minutes, the Sarcelles-born attacker was able to score three goals and provide a single assist, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every five games, or every 314.25 minutes.

In stark contrast, the Cherries ace scored 13 goals and provided seven assists in 42 appearances, totalling 3562 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.1 games, or every 178.1 minutes.

Moreover, while the Frenchman can play off the left or up top relatively easily, the Chelsea-born ace can play off either flank, up top or even in midfield, thanks largely to the fact he’s ambipedal.

Finally, on top of everything else, the 25-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, also comes out way on top when we take a look under the hood at their underlying numbers.

For example, he comes out on top in almost all relevant metrics, such as non-penalty goals plus assists, shot and goal-creating actions, key passes, successful take-ons and many, many more, all per 90.

Non-Penalty G+As

0.45

0.23

Progressive Passes

3.06

2.31

Progressive Carries

3.93

2.62

Shots

3.51

2.47

Shots on Target

1.12

0.85

Passing Accuracy

73.4%

74.4%

Key Passes

1.29

1.15

Passes into the Final Third

1.38

1.31

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.26

1.38

Live Passes

29.5

27.8

Shot-Creating Actions

3.71

2.47

Goal-Creating Actions

0.37

0.31

Successful Take-Ons

1.94

1.62

Ball Recoveries

4.44

3.62

Aerial Duels Won

1.85

0.38

Ultimately, while Tel is a talented player who could develop into something special, Semenyo is streaks ahead of him and would be a far more exciting signing for Spurs.

A better signing than Mbeumo: Spurs enter talks to sign "unbelievable" CF

Tottenham Hotspur could be about to make a move to land an attacker who could star in North London.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 16, 2025

Jack Wilshere played against Messi but named Tottenham icon as toughest ever opponent

Footballers who possess a unique style of play, supreme technical ability or untapped potential are often referred to as ‘streets won’t forget’ players.

Whether it be Premier League one-season wonders like Michu, tricky mavericks such as Hatem Ben Arfa or players who simply grabbed their moments on the biggest stage like South Africa World Cup star Siphiwe Tshabalala, football fans will always have a soft spot for those players who captured hearts and minds.

Some, like Adel Taarabt, never fulfilled their true potential, while others had glittering careers, but the rise of social media and the pure volume of football coverage has led fans to yearn for those stars who rocked up once a week on a Saturday afternoon with no intention other than to amaze their spectators.

10. Yannick Bolasie

9. Andrey Arshavin

8. Papiss Cissé

7, Dimitri Payet

6. Morten Gamst Pedersen

5. Mousa Dembele

4. Jay-Jay Okocha

3. Adel Taarabt

2. Michu

1. Hatem Ben Arfa

“The boy Michu has been a revelation,” Sir Alex Ferguson once said of Swansea’s Spanish striker. “To sign him for just £2 million and get 20 goals out of him – what a bargain!”

Such cult hero status doesn’t exclusively belong to goalscorers however, as Mousa Dembele proved during his time at Tottenham Hotspur. The Belgian only found the net ten times in 249 appearances for Spurs, but is regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of all time.

Dembele's teammates called him the one of the best players in the world

Winning 82 caps for Belgium, Dembele drew praise throughout his career for his ability to evade the press, weaving his way out of trouble as a deep-lying midfielder.

Dembele started his career as a winger and idolised legendary forward Patrick Kluivert, which led to him being almost impossible to dispossess in midfield, and Harry Kane once said he was the most technically gifted player he’s played with.

Plenty of Spurs stars have echoed this sentiment down the years, with Dele Alli claiming Dembele was the best player in the squad back in 2016, and current captain Son Heung-min revealing: “Mousa he is incredible. I haven’t seen a player like this. I have never seen this.”

Perhaps the best indication of a player’s talent however is what their opponents have to say, and Arsenal icon Jack Wilshere named Dembele as his toughest ever opponent – even despite being left in awe of Lionel Messi.

2012-13

26

1

3

5th

2013-14

22

1

1

6th

2014-15

10

1

1

5th

2015-16

27

3

1

3rd

2016-17

24

1

1

2nd

2017-18

21

0

0

3rd

2018-19

7

0

0

4th

With elite teams now spending hundreds of millions on finding the perfect midfielder, the Tottenham legend’s aesthetically pleasing style would catch a hefty fee in today’s transfer market.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025

"True" – Fabrizio Romano backs reports as Arsenal target £126m striker

Reliable transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has backed reports that Arsenal are interested in signing a £126 million centre-forward, with the north Londoners desperate to bring in a world-class goalscorer this summer.

Arsenal's striker shortlist for Mikel Arteta

Mikel Arteta’s current striker shortlist appears to have two main faces on it as things stand – Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres and RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko.

Arsenal tipped to sign class striker after Zubimendi as Arteta pressures board

The Spaniard has made his wishes clear to Emirates Stadium transfer chiefs.

ByEmilio Galantini May 29, 2025

Arsenal have held “concrete talks” over a deal for Sesko, as per Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, while some reports in Portugal are even claiming that Gyokeres has received a five-year contract offer from the Gunners.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

The former ended 2024/2025 with 21 goals in all competitions for Leipzig, bettering last season’s tally of 18, while Gyokeres’ sublime campaign saw him net 54 strikes in 52 appearances.

If signed, either man would spark major excitement among the fanbase, and especially after Arsenal’s struggles to find the net consistently enough in comparison to the previous two seasons.

RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskocelebrates

Arteta especially wants Arsenal to complete a deal for Sesko, while new sporting director Andrea Berta is reported to be more of a fan of Gyokeres (Simon Phillips), so it remains to be seen which number nine they eventually agree upon.

However, they do have other targets on their shortlist, and one of them is Atlético Madrid star Julian Alvarez.

Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez

The Argentine has won nearly everything there is to win despite being just 25-years-old, and he’s fresh off the back of a fantastic debut season at Atlético. Alvarez bagged 29 goals and seven assists in 54 appearances across all competitions in the season just gone, perhaps justifying Berta’s decision to reportedly insert a £126 million release clause into his contract when he was their director.

It was in fact Berta who signed Alvarez for the La Liga side from Man City in 2024, to the tune of around £82 million, but he’s now understandably attracting interest from the Premier League again.

Fabrizio Romano says Arsenal are keen on Julian Alvarez

Spanish newspaper Marca and journalist David Medina reported earlier this week that Arsenal are one of the favourites to sign Alvarez in their pursuit of a new striker.

When asked about these reports involving the Gunners and Alvarez, speaking in a GiveMeSport newsletter, the ever-reliable Romano suggested that there is some weight to this information.

Romano states it is “true” Arsenal are interested in Alvarez, but the problem lies in Atlético’s willingness to sell, with Diego Simeone’s side determined to keep their star striker and Berta arguably very unlikely to trigger his mammoth rumoured release clause.

“Atletico Madrid absolutely want to keep Julian,” said Romano when asked if Alvarez was a target for Arsenal and Liverpool, as has been suggested.

“There’s interest from Premier League, it’s true for sure but Atléti insist on keeping him.”

The South American has his credentials as a prolific goalscorer and big-game player. It is also hard to remember Alvarez ever having a bad game for City, with Erling Haaland’s presence arguably the only reason he never quite got a consistent run in the striker role under Pep Guardiola.

Alvarez’s start to life at Atlético puts his quality beyond all doubt, and he’d almost certainly upgrade Arteta’s options. However, he doesn’t appear to be going anywhere any time soon.

Every Premier League Golden Boot winner – list

Every year, the top goalscorer in the Premier League has the honour of taking home the Golden Boot.

Despite goals being the ultimate currency in football, the winner of this particular accolade does not point towards top-flight success. Indeed, in 2023, Erling Haaland became the first player in 10 years to put a Premier League winners’ medal alongside his Golden Boot.

The top 10 all-time Premier League goalscorers

FFC takes a look at the PL’s most prolific goalscorers.

ByMark Marston Dec 23, 2023

2024/25 saw Mohamed Salah take home a fourth Golden Boot, something only Thierry Henry has done in the Premier League era. Pre-1992, Jimmy Greaves (6) and Derby County forward Steve Bloomer (5) are the only other players to be the English top tier’s top scorer four times or more.

So, who have been the previous winners, who has won the award the most times, and who has done it with the most goals? All that information and more can be found here.

Here is a list of every Premier League Golden Boot winner, alongside a detailed look at the most recent recipients of the award, including the best goal from their winning seasons.

Season

Player

Club(s)

Goals

1992/93

Teddy Sheringham

Nottingham Forest, Tottenham

22

1993/94

Andy Cole

Newcastle

34

1994/95

Alan Shearer

Blackburn

34

1995/96

Alan Shearer

Blackburn

31

1996/97

Alan Shearer

Newcastle

25

1997/98

Chris Sutton, Dion Dublin, Michael Owen

Blackburn, Coventry, Liverpool

18

1998/99

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink, Michael Owen, Dwight Yorke

Leeds, Liverpool, Man Utd

18

1999/00

Kevin Phillips

Sunderland

30

2000/01

Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink

Chelsea

23

2001/02

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

24

2002/03

Ruud van Nistelrooy

Man Utd

25

2003/04

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

30

2004/05

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

25

2005/06

Thierry Henry

Arsenal

27

2006/07

Didier Drogba

Chelsea

20

2007/08

Cristiano Ronaldo

Man Utd

31

2008/09

Nicolas Anelka

Chelsea

19

2009/10

Didier Drogba

Chelsea

29

2010/11

Carlos Tevez, Dimitar Berbatov

Man City, Man Utd

20

2011/12

Robin van Persie

Arsenal

30

2012/13

Robin van Persie

Man Utd

26

2013/14

Luis Suarez

Liverpool

31

2014/15

Sergio Aguero

Man City

26

2015/16

Harry Kane

Tottenham

25

2016/17

Harry Kane

Tottenham

29

2017/18

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

32

2018/19

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah

Arsenal, Liverpool

22

2019/20

Jamie Vardy

Leicester

23

2020/21

Harry Kane

Tottenham

23

2021/22

Mohamed Salah, Son Heung-min

Liverpool, Tottenham

23

2022/23

Erling Haaland

Man City

36

2023/24

Erling Haaland

Man City

27

2024/25

Mohamed Salah

Liverpool

29

Robin van Persie (Arsenal & Man Utd) 2011/12 (30 goals), 2012/13 (26 goals)

Dutchman Robin van Persie picked up each of his two Golden Boots in consecutive years, distinctively doing so for two different clubs: Arsenal and Manchester United.

He hit 30 in the 2011/12 season for the Gunners, emulating Thierry Henry in the process. But after his strikes were only enough to steer Arsenal to third that year, he arrived at rivals Manchester United the following summer keen to add team honours to his collection.

His move was vindicated when his 26 goals secured United what is still their most recent league title to date.

Best goal: It has to be the one that helped seal the title for United, as Van Persie sumptuously smashed home Wayne Rooney’s cross-field ball against Aston Villa.

Luis Suarez (Liverpool) 2013/14 (31 goals)

While the 2013/14 campaign ended in heartbreak for Liverpool, it was a record-breaking year for Luis Suarez.

Despite entering the season under the cloud of a recent (but not his last) biting incident, not to mention a heavily publicised and failed move to Arsenal, he equalled the Premier League record set by Cristiano Ronaldo in 2007/08 with 31 goals.

The Reds may have ended as runners-up that year, but Suarez would move on to better things off the back of this campaign, winning the Champions League with Barcelona 12 months later.

Best goal: Smashing the ball over a hapless John Ruddy from 40 yards (before scoring three more against Norwich City).

Sergio Aguero (Man City) 2014/15 (26 goals)

It may be something of a surprise to note that Sergio Aguero only took home one Golden Boot – particularly in a year when Manchester City did not win the title.

But he saw off the challenges of Harry Kane and Diego Costa to comfortably claim the top scorer award amid a disappointing defence of City’s Premier League crown.

Best goal: While his best strikes came in other seasons, his superbly curled effort against Spurs capped a marvellous afternoon as he scored all four goals.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal) 2018/19 (22 goals)

One of three different winners in this particular year, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang managed to take home a Golden Boot in his first full season at Arsenal.

The Gunners fell short in their pursuit of a Champions League place, but the Gabon ace was often on hand to help their cause, with two strikes against Burnley on the final day sealing his place in the top-flight history books.

Best goal: His equaliser in the north London derby proved what a clinical finisher he could be, even from range.

Sadio Mane (Liverpool) 2018/19 (22 goals)

The second of the three winners in 2018/19 was Sadio Mane, who picked up his only Golden Boot during his time at Liverpool.

Often seen working prolifically alongside Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino, Mane was at his best while that Liverpool trio tore almost every Premier League defence to shreds.

Best goal: His backheel against Watford was unlike anything we have seen before or since (at 2:12 in the video below).

Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 2019/20 (23 goals)

Although his best season will undoubtedly have been amid Leicester City’s title win in 2015/16, Jamie Vardy was far from the peak of his powers.

He continued to terrorise defences up and down the country, and got the Golden Boot that his goalscoring exploits deserved by scoring 23 times in the 2019/20 campaign.

We’ll never know how the curtailed season due to the pandemic affected things, with Leicester’s form tailing off as they missed out on a top-four place. Vardy scored four times post-restart to edge ahead of Aubameyang and Danny Ings, his closest competitors.

Best goal: A simply superb strike lofted over Bournemouth’s Aaron Ramsdale early in the campaign.

Harry Kane (Tottenham) 2015/16 (25 goals), 2016/17 (29 goals), 2020/21 (23 goals)

Had he played in another era, Harry Kane may well have had twice the amount of Golden Boots he ended up with, but three while playing for a Tottenham Hotspur side who seldom challenged for the title itself is not bad going.

That said, they came closest to the title in two of Kane’s Golden Boot seasons, with back-to-back gongs coming his way after the Lilywhites secured finishes of 3rd and 2nd in the 2015/16 and 2016/17 campaigns respectively.

With only Alan Shearer ahead of him in terms of all-time goals, it is difficult to understate Kane’s success in the Premier League, but there’s no doubt he’d have swapped a Golden Boot or two for a trophy with his beloved Spurs.

Best goal: A classic strike to put Spurs 2-1 up against Arsenal all but killed off the Gunners’ title hopes as both teams chased Leicester down.

Son Heung-min (Tottenham) 2021/22 (23 goals)

While Harry Kane got most of the plaudits during their time together at Spurs, Son Heung-min finally got one over on his teammate by not only beating his personal tally for the season, but everyone else’s, too (well, bar Salah).

Tottenham flourished that season, particularly after Antonio Conte arrived in north London, as they secured Champions League football on the final day – with Son grabbing two goals to draw level with Liverpool’s Egyptian.

No doubt an accolade worthy of the South Korean’s efforts in Tottenham colours, he has continued to lead by example as Spurs captain following Kane’s exit.

Best goal: Son has made the outside-the-box curler something of a trademark, and his effort against Leicester in May 2022 is certainly one of his finest.

Erling Haaland (Man City) 2022/23 (36 goals), 2023/24 (27 goals)

There are few superlatives left to describe Erling Haaland, not least after he arrived in the Premier League by smashing record after record and winning everything in sight with Manchester City.

With such an impressive goalscoring record at Borussia Dortmund (86 goals in 89) preceding him, he would’ve been expected to be right amongst the goals after his switch to City.

The Norwegian not only ended up with the Golden Boot and the PFA Player of the Year award in his first season, but he did so by reaching a record 36 goals – averaging over a goal a game in the Premier League, proving he is truly one of a kind.

Understandably, he wasn’t quite able to reach those standards again, but with some time out injured during the most recent campaign, he still put in another solid return of 27, with a late-season four-goal blitz steering him clear of Chelsea’s Cole Palmer.

With another Premier League title and Golden Boot in the bag, Haaland seems far from finished…

Best goal: While he makes finishing look easy, Haaland’s acrobatic effort against Southampton in 2022/23 (at 4:04 below) was arguably the pick of the bunch during his first season at City.

Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) 2017/18 (32 goals), 2018/19 (22 goals), 2021/22 (23 goals), 2024/25 (29 goals)

One of the greatest Premier League goalscorers in recent times, Mohamed Salah had no problems re-adapting to the English top flight after returning as a Liverpool player in 2017.

His first season back saw him notch a Premier League record of 32 goals for the Anfield club, becoming the second African player (after Didier Drogba) to sit top of the goalscoring charts.

In 2019, he shared the award with two fellow Africans in Aubameyang and teammate Mane, before tying for the award once more in 2022.

He won it outright again in the 2024/25 season as he steered Liverpool to a second league title since joining, picking up awards for the most goals and assists, as well as the Player of the Season award, to go along with the Premier League trophy.

Best goal: There are plenty to choose from, but we’ve gone for his rocket against Chelsea in the 2018/19 season, which made even Martin Tyler sound rather excited (at 1:59 for those in a hurry).

Mikel Arteta "loves" £161k-per-week Barcelona star and wants him at Arsenal

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta “loves” one Barcelona star and believes he’d be a cracking addition to the Gunners squad, according to reports, but he faces competition from a direct Premier League rival in pursuit of the player.

Josh Kroenke promises Arsenal investment this summer

Before their 1-0 win over Newcastle on Sunday, co-chair Josh Kroenke addressed supporters on the disappointment of finishing second in the Premier League yet again.

Talks advancing: Arsenal pushing to sign "deadly" £65m Premier League star

The Gunners are making progress in their pursuit of a forward, who has enjoyed a fantastic 2024-25 campaign.

ByDominic Lund May 19, 2025

In quotes taken from Arsenal’s matchday programme, Kroenke also promised fans that there will be investment into the squad this summer, as the north Londoners look to end their 22-year wait for a domestic top flight crown.

“We all want to win it,” said Kroenke.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

“We plan to invest to get behind winning and doing better next season. Ultimately, we all want the same thing. We’re as hungry for success as you are and that goes for everyone who works for the club.”

That pledge is already being answered, as Arsenal are widely believed to have agreed a deal for Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi, with reports from both abroad and England strongly suggesting that Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres could be Andrea Berta’s second summer capture after the Spain midfielder.

Arsenal are apparently keen to strengthen across the board, particularly in the attacking areas, with Berta and co targeting a right-winger, left-winger and striker (GiveMeSport).

Mikel Arteta "loves" Ferran Torres and wants him at Arsenal

One man who can play out wide and through the middle as a centre-forward is ex-Man City starlet Ferran Torres. The £161,000-per-week Barça attacker boasts 19 goals from 45 appearances in all competitions under Hansi Flick this season, leaving little wonder both Arteta and Aston Villa boss Unai Emery are particularly keen.

FC Barcelona'sFerranTorrescelebrates scoring their second goal

That is according to journalist Graeme Bailey, who told The Boot Room that Arteta is a big fan of Torres and ideally wants him at Arsenal.

“Firstly, with Ferran Torres’ situation — Mikel Arteta loves Torres from his time at City, and he knows how City highly rated him,” said Bailey.

“Arteta knows what Torres could bring to Arsenal, but he’s not the only manager who likes him. Villa like Torres and so does Unai Emery.

FC Barcelona'sFerranTorresin action

“But my information is that Torres still has no intention of leaving Barcelona. Hansi Flick has used him quite a bit this season, but even when he hasn’t been playing in the past, he didn’t want to leave Barcelona.”

The 25-year-old appears more likely than not to remain at the Camp Nou, which is a crying shame when factoring in just how much he could reinforce Arsenal’s ranks.

Arteta is known to value versatility in any player, and Torres has featured on both the right and left-hand side whilst also operating as an out-and-out striker when required across 2024/2025.

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