Celtic are basking in the glory of becoming Scottish Premiership champions and could now have eyes on a bright starlet who has admitted he is dreaming of a move to Parkhead, per reports.
Celtic set to enjoy another productive transfer window
Brendan Rodgers leads his side into battle against Rangers this weekend and will hope they can lay down a marker after claiming their fourth successive league title against Dundee United.
The Irishman will also hope to become the first Celtic manager to deliver three trebles during his tenure in charge if the Bhoys can navigate past Aberdeen in next month’s Scottish Cup final, though it is reasonable to assume he will already have one eye on the summer window.
Celtic managerBrendanRodgerscelebrates with the trophy after winning the League Cup
There is an expectation at Parkhead that some form of squad refresh could take place. New blood is expected, and James Wilson could be on his way to the Hoops after a breakout campaign at Heart of Midlothian.
Kieran Tierney is on his way back to Celtic on a free transfer once his contract at Arsenal comes to an end. AC Ajaccio forward Moussa Soumano could join the Scotland international to bolster Rodgers’ options across the final third.
Champions League league phase involvement isn’t guaranteed for the reigning Scottish champions next campaign, meaning they will need to adopt a laser-focused approach to recruitment amid a swift turnaround between the end of this term and 2025/26.
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However, there is also time for Celtic to look to the future with long-term additions who can develop into stars of the future, and they may now have their next candidate after a surprise transfer admission.
Dylan Leonard admits his dream is to play for Celtic
Speaking to A Leagues, Western United youngster Dylan Leonard has admitted he wants to join Celtic in the future, claiming signing for the Scottish Premiership champions is his ‘ultimate dream’ in football.
He stated: “That’s probably one thing I want to achieve in football is play for Celtic. Win something with Celtic obviously, but that’s definitely the one thing I want to do, the one club I want to play for.”
Enjoying an impressive campaign in his homeland, the 17-year-old has registered a goal and an assist across 24 appearances in the Australian top-flight. Primarily a central defender, Leonard has also come out in 100 duels and made 28 tackles on league duty, illustrating his potential to grow into a solid presence at the back.
Celtic are always on the lookout for talent and the Carlton-born starlet definitely appears to be someone that would fit the bill, but it remains to be seen whether a deal can be struck between all parties.
Liverpool moved one step closer to winning the Premier League title, whilst relegating their opponents in the process, by beating Leicester City 1-0 at the King Power Stadium on Sunday.
The Reds battled hard throughout the game to take the lead, but had to wait until deep into the second half to find the opening strike from substitute Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Arne Slot brought the defender off the bench in the second 45 and was rewarded with a match-winning cameo from the academy graduate, who is out of contract this summer.
Trent Alexander-Arnold's match-winning display
The England international came off the bench to secure all three points for the Reds with his goal in the second half, after Conor Bradley started the game.
Alexander-Arnold had only scored two goals in 28 matches in the Premier League before Sunday’s match, yet the full-back stepped up to seal the win with a superbly hit left-footed strike that was too hot for Mads Hermansen to handle.
His match-winning display was not perfect, though, as his use of the ball outside of that goal was not up to usual standards, completing 50% (4/8) of his attempted passes and losing possession eight times from 15 touches.
This could have provided Leicester with a route back into the match late on in the game, as he was consistently giving them the ball back, but the hosts did not have the quality to make anything out of their extra possessions.
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There was a Liverpool player who was even better than the match-winner on the day, as midfielder Dominik Szoboszlai made himself undroppable with a superb all-round display from the start.
Why Dominik Szoboszlai is undroppable
The Hungary international was left out of the XI in the narrow win over West Ham at Anfield last time out, as Curtis Jones started ahead of him, but he has just made himself undroppable with an excellent showing.
Szoboszlai should keep his place ahead of the England international after an incredibly efficient and creative display in the middle of the park against Leicester.
The midfield whiz, who was once described as “magic” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, created two ‘big chances’ for his teammates, which they failed to take, and only lost possession twice from 46 touches of the ball.
Stats
Szoboszlai vs Leicester
Jones vs West Ham
Minutes
71
68
xG + xA
0.37
0.28
Big chances created
2
0
Duels won
2/4
2/5
Possession lost
2x
5x
Dribbled past
0x
0x
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Szoboszlai outperformed Jones in that midfield role after the Englishman failed to create any chances, let alone ‘big chances’, in the West Ham clash.
Dominik Szoboszlai celebrates for Liverpool
The Hungarian dynamo, who lost possession fewer times than Alexander-Arnold despite playing 52 more minutes, should now be undroppable in that position ahead of Jones, after significantly outperforming him.
Szoboszlai was also more impressive than the match-winner for Liverpool because the rest of the defender’s performance outside of the strike left a bit to be desired, whilst the former RB Leipzig man was excellent on and off the ball throughout his time on the pitch in midfield.
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Slot must, now, keep the creative maestro in the starting line-up for the club’s clash with Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield in the Premier League next weekend.
Tottenham Hotspur secured their place in the semi-final of the Europa League last night, with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt in Germany.
Dominic Solanke’s first-half penalty was enough for Ange Postecoglou’s side, securing a 2-1 aggregate win after the 1-1 draw in North London last Thursday.
The triumph sets up a last-four clash with Bodo Glimt, moving the Lilywhites one step closer to European glory and potentially putting a superb end to a dismal season.
Tottenham Hotspur manager AngePostecogloucelebrates after the match
It certainly was a night to remember, giving a generation of supporters a new high in their time supporting the club, aiming to reach a first European final since 2019.
However, despite the impressive victory, numerous players failed to deliver in Germany, potentially putting their place in the side at huge jeopardy going forward.
Spurs’ poor performers against Eintracht Frankfurt
Winger Mathys Tel has been an inconsistent player to say the least since his January loan move from Bayern Munich, with last night no different for the Frenchman.
The 19-year-old only completed one of the five dribbles he attempted, whilst finding a teammate on just 33% of the times he delivered the ball into the 18-yard box.
He wasn’t the only one who struggled, with Uruguayan midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur looking a shadow of his former self during the victory over Frankfurt.
He featured for the entirety of the contest, but only managed to win 17% of the ground duels he entered, along with getting dribbled past twice as he was unable to make a huge impact on proceedings.
Despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other player failed to impress, with boss Postecoglou desperately needing to drop him ahead of Monday’s game with Nottingham Forest.
The Spurs player who needs to be dropped after Frankfurt
Injuries at Spurs have left Postecoglou with limited options at numerous points of the season, undoubtedly having a huge impact on the club’s lowly league standing.
Such an occurrence has allowed numerous players to stake their claim for a regular starting role, taking advantage of an opportunity that often wouldn’t be thrown in their direction.
Lucas Bergvall is arguably the biggest example of the situation, now being a vital member of the side, featuring for the entirety of the win against Frankfurt last night.
However, despite his success, winger Brennan Johnson was unable to have a similar impact, once again struggling to provide a reason as to why the hierarchy paid £47.5m for his signature.
The Welshman featured for 85 minutes before being replaced by Kevin Danso, with Ange opting to see out the result and switch to a back five for the closing stages.
Such a change was inevitable, but the 23-year-old did himself no favours during his time on the pitch, completing just 69% of the passes he attempted, whilst losing possession six times.
He also lost 66% of the duels he entered against the German opposition, whilst managing just 22 touches – a tally less than that of goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario, who registered 45.
Minutes played
85
Touches
22
Passes completed
11/16 (69%)
Duels lost
4/6 (66%)
Possession lost
6x
Shots taken
0
Dribbles completed
0
As a result of his showing last night, Johnson was handed a measly 6/10 match rating by the London Standard’s Dan Kilpatrick – highlighting how disappointing he was in the triumph.
Given his display, Ange simply has to drop the winger ahead of the clash with his former side, needing to give other players an opportunity to demonstrate their quality.
He’s struggled massively in recent weeks once again, potentially needing to be taken out of the firing line to recapture his early season form in North London.
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The summer transfer window is fast approaching, and Liverpool are set to spend big as they prepare for Arne Slot’s second, Premier League title-defending season at the helm.
Of course, the top-flight trophy isn’t yet wrapped up, but the Reds need just two wins from their remaining six fixtures to put things beyond Arsenal’s reach.
Sporting director Richard Hughes has wrapped up Mohamed Salah’s new contract; captain Virgil van Dijk’s fresh deal is soon to follow. Now, focus can be turned to the upcoming transfer window, with Liverpool expecting flurries of activity through the summer months.
While signing a centre-forward, left-back and central defender are the priorities for the Reds, Slot would be wise not to neglect his midfield.
20/04/25
King Power Stadium
Leicester City
27/04/25
Anfield
Tottenham Hotspur
04/05/25
Stamford Bridge
Chelsea
11/05/25
Anfield
Arsenal
18/05/25
AMEX Stadium
Brighton & Hove Albion
25/05/25
Anfield
Crystal Palace
Liverpool’s midfielders have been immense through the 2024/25 campaign, but they aren’t infallible. There’s been a lack of bite and physicality at times of late that suggests a new addition to the engine room could go down a treat.
Why Slot shouldn't neglect Liverpool's midfield
When Liverpool fell from grace under Jurgen Klopp in 2022/23, the German manager knew he needed to repackage his side’s long-serving midfield.
Jordan Henderson was a first-standard leader but was starting to look a weak link from a technical standpoint, while Fabinho’s legs had gone after so many years serving as a world-class anchor at the heart of one of the highest-octane squads on the globe.
Jordan Henderson and Fabinho
Their replacements, Alexis Mac Allister, Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai, have been immense this season (and last) as Liverpool’s mainstays in the middle, but there’s no denying Liverpool have lacked a combative sheen and that extra bit of dynamism at times recently, namely being overrun by Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League and Newcastle United at Wembley.
Liverpool have won more duels than their opponents in just one of their past 11 matches across all competitions, denoting fatigue and a lack of sharpness that opponents are capitalising on.
Though packing quality across more needy areas will ultimately hold sway for Liverpool, there’s no question that a high-class midfielder would elevate an already immense team.
It’s something FSG are bearing in mind.
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According to Italian outlet InterLive.it, Liverpool’s interested in signing Nicolo Barella this summer is said to be ‘serious’, with Inter Milan anticipating offers for their midfield linchpin after yet another standout campaign.
Nicolo Barella for Inter Milan vs Bayern Munich.
Now, Barella, 28 years old, is contracted to the San Siro until 2029 and thus Inter are in a commanding position regarding his future and have listed him at €100m (about £87m).
Liverpool’s interest is confirmed to be serious, however, and given the Serie A leaders are keen on Darwin Nunez and Federico Chiesa, a deal wouldn’t be out of question.
What Nicolo Barella would bring to Liverpool
Described as “the best Serie A midfielder of the 2020s” by journalist Zach Lowy, Barella has already won two Scudettos and two Coppa Italia titles with Inter Milan, joining from Cagliari in 2019.
Inter Milan's Nicolo Barella
Having featured 277 times for I Nerazzurri, Barella has scored 25 goals and supplied 59 assists. He’s not the most prolific of midfielders, but then that’s not really his jurisdiction.
With Simone Inzaghi’s side battling it out with Napoli for the Italian title, Barella has been the architect of his team’s challenge, averaging 1.9 key passes, 4.7 successful duels and 5.2 ball recoveries per game, as per Sofascore, illustrating his wide range of quality.
Of course, the Italian has also been immense in Inter’s quest for the Champions League trophy, with outlets stating that he delivered a career-defining performance at the Allianz Arena last week, taking a 2-1 lead over Bayern Munich back to the San Siro.
Talent of this level suggests that Liverpool could be getting their mitts on one of the most gifted midfielders in many years, one who could stand out above the current Anfield crop.
He might even prove to be Liverpool’s best midfielder since Fabinho.
douglas-luiz-fabinho-liverpool-opinion
For the uninitiated, Fabinho was absolutely spellbinding in his role as Klopp’s number six, so cultured and commanding as he held together a hard-grafting midfield that worked around the clock to facilitate the attacking successes of Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah and Bobby Firmino.
Once hailed as “one of the best in the world” by Klopp, Fabinho truly was a core part of the most illustrious era in Liverpool’s modern history, joining from Monaco for roughly £40m in May 2018 and going on to play 219 times for the Reds before his legs finally failed him.
When in his pomp, the Brazilian was truly one of the most dominant forces out there, and now Barella could emulate him and become Liverpool’s new centrepiece, perhaps unlocking the next level in Slot’s existing options.
Tough-tackling, tenacious and iron-willed, Fabinho performed dutifully and blended his natural qualities with a sharpness of mind and quickness of reaction that differentiated him from his positional rivals.
The Italy international has the experience and the multi-skilled ability to be a real standout for Liverpool over the next several years, with his FBref data discussed above suggesting the likes of Bruno Guimaraes and Pedri are among his most statistically similar players.
Such ball-playing specialists, maestros and conductors wrapped into one, would fit snugly into Slot’s system – just look at how Gravenberch has got on this term.
Italy'sMoiseKeancelebrates scoring their second goal with Italy's Nicolo Barella, Italy's Giovanni Di Lorenzo and Italy's Giacomo Raspadori
Barella, then, would fit right in. He’s a world-class player, dubbed a “genius” on the pitch by sports editor Mike Pielluci, and a trophy winner besides, and if Inter are willing to discuss deals containing the likes of Nunez and/or Chiesa, Liverpool might just sign their best midfielder since Fabinho.
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Leeds United have a crucial summer on the cards over the next few months, needing to invest well to prevent being relegated from the Premier League next season.
Daniel Farke’s side ended their two-year stint in the Championship after a 6-0 win over Stoke City a couple of weeks ago, before claiming the title with a triumph over Plymouth Argyle on the final day.
The German has a huge task on his hands to build a side capable of maintaining their top-flight status, whilst also doing good enough in the role to avoid losing his own job.
It’s unclear how much money he will have at his disposal during the off-season, but it’s pivotal that the board backs the 48-year-old in his quest to build an excellent side.
His task of doing so has already been a little bit harder, with it unclear if one player will remain at Elland Road upon the conclusion of the current campaign.
The latest on Junior Firpo’s future at Leeds
Left-back Junior Firpo has been a crucial member of the Leeds squad throughout 2024/25, making 32 appearances in the league and registering 14 combined goals and assists.
However, his excellent form within attacking areas may be his final contributions to the club, with his current deal in Yorkshire set to expire at the end of June – with no new contract on the horizon.
During the club’s title-winning bus parade on Monday, teammate Ethan Ampadu was heard chanting Real Betis in relation to the full-back, with the Spanish side just one team touted with a move for his signature.
He was also present on Jayden Bogle’s Instagram livestream, with the 28-year-old making a comment to chairman Paraag Marathe about a new deal at Elland Road.
However, it remains to be seen whether he will remain at the club ahead of next season, with Farke potentially needing to delve into the transfer market to land an adequate replacement.
The player who could be Leeds’ Firpo replacement
Left-backs in the modern game are extremely hard to come by, with Leeds having a challenge to replace the Dominican international should he depart the club.
Such a problem could’ve been solved had they kept hold of Ipswich Town defender Leif Davis, who was sold to the Tractor Boys in the summer of 2022, leaving the Whites for a reported £1m.
However, three years on, the 25-year-old has taken his career to the next level at Portman Road, notching 34 assists and helping Kieran McKenna’s side claim back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League.
Undoubtedly, fans must wish they had kept hold of David, but could rekindle interest in another talented English star in the form of Archie Brown, who has previously been on their radar.
The 22-year-old Gent full-back, who came through Derby County’s academy, has impressed over the last few years, with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur previously in the race for his signature too with a £15m deal mooted.
Archie Brown for KAA Gent.
He’s featured in 45 games across all competitions in 2024/25, playing a total role in the club’s ambitions of claiming the Belgian Pro League title in the coming weeks.
When comparing his stats to those of Firpo, the Englishman has managed to better him in numerous key areas, further showcasing why the Whites should once again pursue a move for his services.
Games played
27
32
Goals & assists
4
14
Progressive carries
4.4
2.2
Carries into final third
3.7
1.6
Shot-on-target accuracy
36%
35%
Blocks made
1.4
0.8
Interceptions made
1.3
1.2
Take-ons completed
1.3
0.4
Aerials won
67%
58%
Brown, who’s been labelled “complete” and “fast” by Gent’s former head of recruitment Samuel Cardenas, has managed to complete more progressive carries and more carries into the final third – showcasing his direct nature with the ball at his feet.
He’s also completed more take-ons per 90, along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – handing the club the added attacking threat in the Premier League.
However, Brown has also thrived defensively, making more blocks and interceptions per 90, whilst also winning more aerial duels – handing Farke’s side the defensive solidity they will need in the top-flight.
Losing Firpo would be a massive blow to the side given the levels he’s produced this season, but with his contract rapidly ticking down, the hierarchy need to draw up a list of replacements.
Whilst Brown hasn’t been on their radar in recent months, the club should look to return to such a deal, with the youngster the perfect player for the role – subsequently having the potential to improve further down the line given his tender age.
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A former Premier League manager, who once did “fabulously well” in the top flight, now wants to replace Michael Carrick as Middlesbrough boss, according to a report.
Carrick's future in doubt after missing out on play-offs
Boro were well-positioned to reach the play-offs for large parts of the campaign, but a poor finish to the season ultimately ended up costing them, winning just one of their last six Championship games, meaning they ended up in 10th place.
Those at the Riverside Stadium had been hoping to end their eight-year exile from the Premier League, but having missed out on a shot at promotion, questions are inevitably going to be asked about Carrick’s future.
After the 2-0 final-day defeat against Coventry City, the 43-year-old insisted he expects to remain in the role next season, saying: “I’m carrying on. We’ve got a good squad. My focus is carrying on to what I can say to the boys today, tomorrow, moving forward to get ready for another good season.”
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However, according to a report from EFL Analysis, the manager’s future is now in doubt, given that his side were too inconsistent throughout the campaign, and former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O’Neil is interested in replacing Carrick in the Boro dugout.
O’Neil has thrown his name into the ring and made it clear he would be keen on taking over, with Boro chief Steve Gibson set to assess Carrick’s future over the course of the coming days and weeks, having already considered replacing him mid-season.
At that time, Steve Cooper was among the main options on the shortlist, and Middlesbrough are still interested in the former Leicester City boss, alongside England U21 coach Lee Carsley.
O'Neil did "fabulously well" in the Premier League
The 41-year-old’s time at Wolves did not end the way he would’ve liked, being sacked with his side in 19th place, but his impact after originally taking over at Molineux suggests he could still have a lot left to give as a manager.
Rio Ferdinand was left particularly impressed by the former Wolves boss last season, saying: “I think Gary O’Neil [has stood out], I had Wolves as relegation candidates at the beginning of the season. I think O’Neil has come in and done fabulously well, him and Shaun Derry have been brilliant and changed things around there.”
The English manager, whose preferred formation is 3-4-2-1, also led AFC Bournemouth to Premier League safety in the 2022-23 campaign, and his experience in the top flight could serve him well as Middlesbrough manager.
That said, O’Neil has no experience managing a team with aspirations of fighting for promotion, so it would be a gamble for Boro to appoint him this summer, especially considering Cooper, who led Nottingham Forest to the Premier League, is also available.
Leeds United and the 49ers Enterprises have now made a transfer decision over the future of a £90,000-a-week Everton player, according to a new report.
Leeds' plans for the Premier League are underway
The Whites secured the Championship title on Saturday in the final game of the league season, and now the focus will be turning towards next season, as they are once again back in the Premier League.
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Signing a new striker appears to be high on the list of targets for Daniel Farke this summer, as Leeds have already held internal talks over signing Troy Parrott from Dutch side AZ Alkmaar. Parrott has been in fine form this season, and given his experience in the Premier League with Tottenham, Leeds are interested in a potential deal, which could cost them more than £20 million.
As well as looking at Parrott, the Championship title winners are keeping their options open, as they also hold an interest in two other strikers. TEAMtalk have reported that the Whites are pursuing a deal to sign Jamie Vardy, as he is set to become a free agent once he leaves Leicester City.
Meanwhile, Leeds are also seriously interested in signing Omari Hutchinson from Ipswich Town. The forward is said to have a relegation clause in his contract at Portman Road, but the Tractor Boys are hoping to get around £26-£30 million for his services, given they are heading back to the second tier.
Leeds make decision over Jack Harrison's Elland Road future
These potential arrivals may mean the Whites and the 49ers have to balance the books and move some players on, and according to a new update from Football Insider, Leeds have decided that Jack Harrison is unlikely to return to Elland Road should his stay at Everton not be extended.
The winger is currently coming to the end of his two-year loan deal at Everton, and David Moyes has yet to decide whether to keep Harrison on a permanent basis or not.
The 28-year-old, who earns a weekly wage of £90,000, has still got three years left on his contract at Elland Road, but that hasn’t changed the minds of the club chiefs, as if a permanent move to Everton doesn’t work out, he will have to look for a move elsewhere.
One reason for that is because the Whites are already stocked in the wide positions, and they are planning to add to those options with the addition of two new wingers.
Jack Harrison’s Everton stats
Apps
70
Goals
5
Assists
4
Harrison has played 31 times for the Toffees this season in the Premier League, 22 of which have come as a starter. However, he has struggled to make an impact in front of goal, netting just once and grabbing just one assist, which could be another reason why Everton may not be interested in a permanent deal and Leeds don’t want the player to come back to Elland Road.
England international and former star Kalvin Phillips is reportedly interested in a move to Leeds United, who sealed their return to the Premier League on Bank Holiday Monday.
Leeds back in the big time
After a two-season hiatus from the Premier League, Leeds United sealed their return to English football’s top flight this week. Having thrashed Stoke City 6-0, Leeds then watched on as Sheffield United failed to beat Burnley in the afternoon kick-off, losing 2-1 at Turf Moor. That result confirmed the Blades’ place in the play-offs and, at the same time, ensured automatic promotion for both Leeds and Burnley.
Unsurprisingly, the promotion sparked widespread celebrations across the city, with thousands of fans gathering outside Elland Road to revel in the moment.
The players joined in the celebrations too, popping bottles of champagne and belting out the traditional chant: “We are going up!”
Speaking after the full-time whistle, Leeds defender Joe Rodon told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “For me it hasn’t sunk in yet. I don’t think it will until the end of the season, but I’m just delighted for everyone involved with the club, the fans and what it means to them. It’s what everyone has worked for all season and I’m buzzing.”
Skipper Ethan Ampadu added: “It’s amazing. If you look at the scenes here, as it was after the final whistle, just pure excitement. Within ourselves we’ve got another target, so we can enjoy this now, but we’ve got another target we want to achieve. But right now, it’s very good.”
Phillips wants Leeds return
Just a day before Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League was confirmed, Football Insider reported that Kalvin Phillips is now interested in a sensational return to Elland Road on the assumption they would indeed go up.
Phillips, a product of the Leeds academy, made his name with the Whites before securing a £45 million move to Manchester City in the summer of 2022.
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Since then, however, the England international’s career has been on a steady decline. Despite earning over £20 million in wages thanks to his big move, Phillips failed to establish himself at the Etihad. Underwhelming loan spells at West Ham United and Ipswich Town followed, where he again struggled to make an impact, and City are now braced to accept a huge loss on the fee they paid.
Football Insider claims the 29-year-old is pushing for a return to Leeds in a bid to revive his career. He also reportedly hopes that a move back to Elland Road can reignite his chances of an England recall, having not featured for the Three Lions since 2023, before which he racked up 31 caps.
Ipswich Town'sKalvinPhillipslooks dejected after the match
Speaking about Phillips’ potential return to Leeds, former Manchester United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider: “To me, he’s a Leeds United player, he suits the club and he’s comfortable playing there, the fans love him and he feels at home there.
“That’s why he’s struggled since the move away, so a return would make a lot of sense. We’ve seen similar before with Wilfried Zaha at Crystal Palace, some players suit certain clubs, they get the backing from the fans and it allows them to perform beyond their usual standard.”
Crystal Palace have now joined Manchester United in the race to sign a “magnificent” £19 million playmaker who could replace Eberechi Eze, according to a recent report.
Eze edges closer to Crystal Palace exit after FA Cup triumph
It was a weekend to remember for the Eagles as they secured their first major trophy in their history by winning the FA Cup and, in the process, also secured Europa League football for next season.
This achievement will likely see Palace spend some money this summer, as Oliver Glasner looks to build a squad which is capable of competing in Europe and domestically.
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Despite securing European football, it appears it hasn’t done much in terms of them retaining the services of Eberechi Eze for next season. The Englishman, who got the only goal of the game over the weekend, has been a standout performer this season and is now wanted by several clubs from the Premier League.
Not long after beating Man City in the final, it was reported that incoming City sporting director Hugo Viana has made a move to sign Eze for the Blues. Eze is thought to have a release clause worth around £68-70 million, and the Etihad hierarchy are ready to activate it.
Crystal Palace's EberechiEzecelebrates with the trophy after winning the FA Cup
But City are not the only team ready to activate Eze’s release clause, as a report from Spain has stated that Chelsea are also lining up an offer for the exciting attacking midfielder. The fact that Eze has a release clause means the likelihood is that Palace will lose their talisman this summer unless he downright demands to stay, and therefore, a replacement may well be needed.
Crystal Palace in race to sign Rayan Cherki
The Eagles appear to already have a player in mind when it comes to replacing Eze, as according to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace are interested in signing Rayan Cherki from Lyon, who are desperate to sell their midfielder.
Rayan Cherki
The report states that Lyon’s financial situation means they are having to consider letting players leave the club this summer. It goes on to add that the French side are looking to improve their accounts quickly and therefore are willing to sell Cherki for around 22 million euros, which is roughly £19 million, and they hope an offer will arrive soon.
Cherki
Eze
Apps
30
32
Starts
22
30
Goals
8
7
xG
5.0
10.2
Assists
11
8
Progressive carries
106
67
Palace are not the only team chasing the 21-year-old, as Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur are also keen on the Frenchman, as well as Manchester United, who have been contacted with the chance to sign Cherki.
The right-winger, who can also play in a more central position, has been dubbed “magnificent” by scout/writer Jacek Kulig, and he could be seen as a player who could fit perfectly into Eze’s playmaker role.
Fabrizio Romano has even reported that Lyon have confirmed Cherki will be leaving the club this summer, and were Palace to sign him and lose Eze, it would represent a good bit of business for the South Londoners from a financial perspective, as much as it would hurt to see their cup final hero walk out the door.
Chelsea’s chances of securing a place in the Champions League were dealt a blow when they lost to rivals Newcastle United 2-0 in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Blues remain fifth in the division, in the last Champions League spot, but only one point separates them from Aston Villa and Nottingham Forest in the table, which tees up a tense final two matchdays.
As shown in the highlights above, Enzo Maresca’s side were not helped by Nicolas Jackson’s decision to charge into Sven Botman whilst the ball was in the air.
The Senegal international had a look at the Dutch defender and moved his defender into the upper chest and lower face of the Newcastle star whilst grappling to win an aerial duel, which led to VAR recommending a red card for the striker.
Jackson will, now, sit out the final two matches of the Premier League season, and the first game of the 2025/26 campaign, after being hit with a three-game ban for violent conduct, which is a big blow for the Blues.
Why losing Nicolas Jackson is a big blow for Chelsea
The former Villarreal star scored three goals in his last three games before the trip to St. James’ Park and looked to be on his way back to his best in front of goal after a barren run.
Prior to his strike against Everton in the Premier League last month, Jackson had gone 13 matches without a goal in all competitions for the Blues, stretching back to the middle of December.
However, a goal against the Toffees and two goals against Djurgarden in the Conference League suggested that he was on track to play a pivotal role in the final few games of the season.
There is little doubt that Jackson is a player who has the ability to make a big impact in the final third for Chelsea, despite his tendency to miss ‘big chances’, because he has had plenty of impressive moments since his move to Stamford Bridge.
Appearances
35
30
xG
18.63
12.34
Goals
14
10
Big chances missed
24
19
Big chances created
8
6
Assists
5
5
As you can see in the table above, the former LaLiga star has been a wasteful finisher, missing 43 ‘big chances’, but he has also been directly involved in 34 goals in 65 Premier League games for the club.
This shows that, despite his flaws, Jackson is a constant threat who can be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch as either a scorer or a creator of goals, which is why losing him to suspension for the last two games of the campaign is a blow for Maresca.
The 23-year-old centre-forward, who scored a hat-trick against Spurs last season, is Chelsea’s best number nine option and has proven that he can score goals in the Premier League, hence why he would have been useful to have as an option heading into these last two games.
What makes the situation even worse for the Blues is that Christopher Nkunku, their other forward option, is currently out with an injury that could keep him out of the last two matches if he does not recover in time.
That is not the only problem with the France international, though, as he has also failed to deliver quality when called upon this season when fit, which is why the club must ruthlessly cash in on him this summer.
Why Chelsea must cash in on Christopher Nkunku
The Premier League side reportedly paid £52m to bring him to Stamford Bridge from RB Leipzig in the summer of 2023, as they aimed to bolster the quality of their attacking options, having offloaded Kai Havertz to Arsenal that summer.
Nkunku scored 70 goals and provided 55 assists in 17 matches for Leipzig in all competitions during his time in Germany, which made him an exciting signing, at face value, as he had a history of providing consistent quality in a major European league.
Unfortunately, however, the France international has been unable to translate that form over to English football in his two seasons at Stamford Bridge to date, as he has struggled to make an impact in the final third for the Blues.
After the club’s exit from the FA Cup at the hands of Brighton earlier this year, former Chelsea player Craig Burley criticised the 27-year-old star, who reportedly earns £195k-per-week, and described him as a “waste of money”.
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Burley said: “There was no cutting edge to the game. [Cole] Palmer has stopped influencing games like he was. Nkunku up front, I mean what a total waste of money he’s been.”
It is hard to argue with his assessment of Nkunku’s situation because he has not provided much quality back on the pitch to make up for the £52m fee and £195k-per-week wages as a forward player.
Appearances
11
27
xG
2.30
4.83
Goals
3
3
Big chances missed
3
6
Key passes per game
0.3
0.5
Assists
0
1
As you can see in the table above, the French flop has only been involved in seven goals in 38 appearances in the Premier League since the start of last season, and has underperformed his xG overall, which shows that he has been even worse than Jackson in the last two campaigns.
The experienced forward has not delivered goals or assists on a regular, or even semi-regular, basis in the top-flight, despite the huge outlay to bring him to London almost two years ago, whilst the Senegal international has, at least, delivered 34 goals and assists.
Arsenal have been linked with an interest in Nkunku ahead of the summer transfer window, and Chelsea must finally cash in on the big-money flop in an attempt to recoup some of the £52m fee that they splashed out on his services.
The French dud has not done enough to suggest that he will be a key player for Maresca moving forward, given his lack of quality in the Premier League, which is why the club should ruthlessly ditch him this summer, whether that is to Arsenal or another club.
Chelsea favourites to sign £148m forward ahead of Al-Nassr with talks held