All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Tottenham: German source make Hofmann claim

German sources have now shared a big update on Tottenham Hotspur’s pursuit of Borussia Monchengladbach star Jonas Hofmann.

The Lowdown: Hofmann on the move?

The Premier League top-four chasers have been linked with a move for one of Monchengladbach’s most crucial players in recent months.

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

Tottenham boss Antonio Conte wants to make new additions this summer and has allegedly earmarked signings for many positions, including further forward (The Telegraph).

Sport Bild (via Sport Witness), sharing news in early March, name-dropped Spurs as an interested party to sign Hofmann who has been a ‘figurehead’ and crucial in-form player under Adi Hütter this season.

However, the 29-year-old’s deal expires in 2023 with no sign of an extension, throwing his future at the club into disrepute.

The Latest: German sources share Hofmann update…

Now, Sport Bild (via Sport Witness) have again shared some news on Spurs’ interest in Hofmann as the Lilywhites now make contact.

As Spurs regularly approach Monchengladbach over the attacker, according to this report, it is believed that the Bundesliga side will green-light his exit in the event of a suitable bid.

The Verdict: Make the move?

Given Hofmann’s contract situation, transfer chief Fabio Paratici may well be in a strong negotiating position to force their hand and ease the German side into accepting a lower price tag.

The international winger would be worth the hassle, especially going by his previous plaudits from big names and form over 2021/2022.

According to WhoScored, he’s racked up the most goals and assists combined domestically out of anyone in the Monchengladbach side whilst also reigning superior in terms of shots and key passes per 90.

If that wasn’t enough, Hofmann has also averaged their highest match rating in the Bundesliga, leaving little wonder Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp once called him ‘extraordinary’ and ‘perfect’ (via Borussia Dortmund reporter and Buzz 09 founder Sandra Goldschmidt).

If Paratici can seal his signing for Conte, there is little doubting he could add something.

In other news: Tottenham expected to move for ‘phenomenal’ £101m star after Conte request, find out more here.

Aston Villa could swoop for Kalvin Phillips

Gabby Agbonlahor has dropped a teasing Aston Villa transfer claim which could well excite Steven Gerrard and the club’s supporters.

What’s the word?

An interesting transfer claim has dropped from the 35-year-old via talkSPORT regarding Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips.

The former Villa striker explained that Phillips “would love to come” to the club as opposed to some other suitors.

The Leeds star is in high demand right now, with various Premier League clubs being linked with him over the previous few months such as Manchester United and Liverpool.

Gerrard given Phillips transfer boost

There seems little doubt Phillips that is one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Premier League at the moment.

Rising through the Leeds academy to feature for England in a major tournament, it has been an exponential growth which doesn’t seem to be stopping anytime soon.

The 26-year-old has been vital in preserving Leed’s top-flight status. and a move elsewhere surely seems a matter of when and not if based on the widespread interest in him.

A hamstring injury disrupted the middle segment of his season, which arguably contributed to the Whites’ poor form as they won only three times without him, yet he has still made 18 appearances in all competitions this term.

With his market value reaching a career high of £45m at the end of March 2022, it is going to take a major transfer fee for Leeds to even consider selling him, especially to a team in the same division.

Nonetheless, Villa and Gerrard could be tempted to make an offer for him, particularly if Jesse Marsch’s team are relegated at the end of the current campaign.

The midfielder would no doubt boost Villa’s options in the centre of the park and give them a solid base around which to build, as Gerrard will surely be targeting a European spot next season.

The 41-year-old Villa manager must be excited by Agbonlahor’s transfer claim about Phillips, whose tremendous 7.01 WhoScored rating for 2020/21 would suggest that he would be a huge enhancement to the Midlanders’ current squad.

AND in other news, Gerrard must finally axe “frustrating” £59k-p/w Smith flop as big Villa update emerges

Brazil international says his friends and family are now urging him to join Arsenal

A Brazil international says his friends and family members are now urging him to join Arsenal, describing the Gunners as the ‘perfect’ club.

Arsenal prepare for Chelsea after statement Bayern Munich win

Arsenal’s commanding 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich on Wednesday night has set the stage perfectly for Sunday’s blockbuster Premier League clash with second-placed Chelsea this weekend.

Mikel Arteta’s side maintained their perfect Champions League record with a dominant second-half performance that overwhelmed the previously unbeaten German champions.

Jurrien Timber’s header from Bukayo Saka’s corner opened the scoring before teenage sensation Lennart Karl equalized with a composed volley to end Arsenal’s clean sheet streak in the competition.

However, the second period belonged entirely to the hosts. Substitute Noni Madueke, after returning from two months out with a knee injury, broke the deadlock with his first Arsenal goal before Gabriel Martinelli capitalized on Manuel Neuer’s catastrophic error to seal all three points.

The result sends Arsenal three points clear at the top of the Champions League table and represents their first victory over Bayern in a decade, ending a winless run against the Bavarians dating all the way back to October 2015.

Martin Odegaard’s late comeback appearance off the bench provided even more encouragement ahead of the weekend’s crucial encounter at Stamford Bridge.

The captain’s return offers Arteta additional midfield creativity just when Arsenal need it most, facing a Chelsea side riding high after their own impressive European victory over Barcelona.

Sunday’s clash represents a genuine title race test. Arsenal arrive in excellent form, having thrashed Tottenham 4-1 in the North London derby before dispatching Bayern, and they’re currently on a phenomenal 16-game unbeaten streak.

Arsenal 3-0 Nottingham Forest

Athletic Bilbao 0-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 1-1 Man City

Port Vale 0-2 Arsenal

Newcastle 1-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 2-0 Olympiacos

Arsenal 2-0 West Ham

Fulham 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-0 Atlético Madrid

Arsenal 1-0 Crystal Palace

Arsenal 2-0 Brighton

Burnley 0-2 Arsenal

Slavia Prague 0-3 Arsenal

Sunderland 2-2 Arsenal

Arsenal 4-1 Tottenham

Arsenal 3-1 Bayern Munich

Chelsea, meanwhile, sit just six points behind the league leaders following their Champions League demolition job.

Mikel Arteta confirms Arsenal star will miss Chelsea clash through injury

The Spaniard is gearing up for one of their biggest games of the season.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 28, 2025

Away from the pitch, sporting director Andrea Berta continues to weigh up how best to strengthen Arteta’s squad for the long-term.Reports suggest that Arsenal have already held ‘initial’ talks over Elche sensation Rodrigo Mendoza, amid his comparisons to Pedri, but someone else has now opened the door for a potential N5 move.

Luiz Henrique makes Arsenal transfer admission

That man is Zenit St. Petersburg winger Luiz Henrique.

The Brazilian, who boasts 11 caps for his country, joined the Russian Premier League side back in January following a brief stint in his homeland at Botafogo.

Before that, he was at Real Betis in La Liga after coming through the ranks at Fluminense, and he’s been discussing his next career moves in an interview with Globo Esporte.

Speaking to the outlet, as translated by Arsenal News, Henrique claims that his close circle have told him to join Arsenal, expressing how he is a “huge fan” of that idea.

The 23-year-old, who’s bagged one goal and three assists in 14 league appearances this season, is in Carlo Ancelotti’s thinking for the 2026 World Cup.

He was included in the Brazil squad for recent friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, making appearances off the bench, and Henrique’s versatility to play almost anywhere in attack would appeal to Arteta.

However, as yet, there’s been no links to the forward from an Arsenal perspective, at least not this year.

That being said, Henrique has clearly invited the north Londoners to make a move, so the door is wide open.

Chelsea now in pole position to sign £80m "key target" ahead of PSG and Liverpool

Chelsea are one of the world’s most active clubs in the transfer market, and they could now be set to beat Liverpool and PSG to the signing of a proven Premier League star.

Chelsea left with problems to juggle amid hectic fixture schedule

Winning the Club World Cup was a momentous moment in recent Chelsea history, and particularly for the club’s finances.

BlueCo took home over £80 million worth of prize money after reigning victorious in the States, and this helped them end last summer’s window as one of England’s biggest spenders.

However, if recent developments are anything to go by, the physical output expended by players over what was a very long 2024/2025 season, with the CWC to blame for this, may have created some frustrating consequences for Enzo Maresca.

Cole Palmer is out for six weeks due to a groin problem, meaning the England international now joins Benoit Badiashile, Liam Delap, Dario Essugo and Levi Colwill as long-term absentees from the line-up.

Chelsea manager EnzoMarescabefore the start of the second half

Offering his honest opinion, former Blues star Pat Nevin believes Chelsea’s pre-season has something to do with the recent absences they are experiencing.

Either way, there will be opportunities for other Chelsea players to stake their claim in light of Palmer’s absence, including Blues loanee Facundo Buonanotte.

Nevertheless, January will be very important, given it offers a chance for Chelsea to strengthen their lighter areas by recruiting top talent.

Chelsea now frontrunners to sign Morgan Rogers

According to CaughtOffside, Chelsea are now the frontrunners to sign Aston Villa midfielder Morgan Rogers, and could beat rivals Liverpool to capture the England international.

Starting off this term with two assists in his opening ten appearances across all competitions, the 23-year-old is valued at around £80 million, and he is also being closely tracked by Paris Saint-Germain.

Forget Rogers: Aston Villa's "explosive" star looks like another Grealish

One new signing is emerging as Aston Villa’s next Grealish-type creator under Unai Emery

ByWill Miller Oct 17, 2025

Amid a return of 30 goal contributions in 2024/25, Chelsea have identified Rogers as a “key target” moving forward, and they believe internally that he is ‘well-suited to both the intensity of the Premier League and the competitive demands of European football’ present at Stamford Bridge.

Fotmob shows that the Halesowen-born playmaker, previously labelled “excellent” by Thomas Tuchel, has created seven chances and completed seven dribbles in the Premier League this campaign. He is beginning to motor after a slow start to life following a difficult summer where speculation over his future was rife.

Looking to steal a march on their rivals, Chelsea could now be set to tap into his long-term potential by offering a package that reflects his scope to develop into a world-class star.

Martin must drop Aasgaard to start "powerful" star in new Rangers formation

Glasgow Rangers return to action in the Europa League this evening as they travel away from Ibrox for their second match of the league phase.

The Light Blues were beaten 1-0 last week at Ibrox, in a game that could have ended by a greater margin of defeat, but they did win in their last Scottish Premiership game.

Russell Martin’s side beat Livingston 2-1 away from home in the league on Sunday, thanks to a stoppage-time winner from substitute Max Aarons.

One of the players who should be dropped from the starting line-up that featured on Sunday is attacking midfielder Thelo Aasgaard, who did not do enough to warrant keeping his place.

Why Rangers should drop Thelo Aasgaard

The Norway international was signed on a permanent deal from Luton Town in the summer transfer window to provide an attacking threat from the middle of the park.

So far, though, the 23-year-old whiz has failed to deliver a single goal or assist in seven matches in all competitions, per Sofascore, which shows that he has offered very little at the top end of the pitch.

Aasgaard did not create a single chance, register any shots on target, or complete any dribbles in 73 minutes on the pitch against Livingston on Sunday, per Sofascore, which is why Martin should ruthlessly ditch him from the XI for tonight’s trip to Sturm Graz.

Chalkboard

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

For several reasons, including Aasgaard’s disappointing performances and Mohamed Diomande’s suspension, Martin should trial a new 4-4-2 formation by unleashing Youssef Chermiti over the Norwegian talent.

Why Martin should change his Rangers formation

Rangers have lost their last four European matches this season by an aggregate score of 12-2, which shows that what they have been doing on the European stage has not been good enough.

One issue that the Gers have had in their last two games, in particular, is that their centre-forward has looked isolated and too easily marked out of the game. It was an issue for Chermiti against Genk and for Bojan Miovski against Livingston.

Minutes

80

90

Ground duels won

3/9

1/5

Aerial duels won

2/6

1/7

Fouls won

0

1

Shots

0

2

As you can see in the table above, both strikers were dominated on the ground and in the air in those matches, winning one foul and taking two shots in 170 minutes between them.

This is why Martin should switch to a 4-4-2 from the regular 4-3-3 for this clash with Sturm Graz to get Miovski and the summer signing from Everton in the team to occupy the opposition’s defenders, hopefully increasing their chances of winning duels and retaining possession for the away side.

Chermiti, who was described as “powerful” by writer Kai Watson, has not scored a competitive goal since he left Sporting to join Everton in the summer of 2023, which suggests that he is not a striker who is full of confidence at the moment.

Therefore, playing him alongside a more experienced and proven goalscorer like Miovski could make a lot of sense to take some of the pressure off his shoulders, both in terms of duels and mentally.

The Macedonia international proved that he can score goals on a regular basis during his time with Aberdeen, as shown in the graphic above, and playing him alongside another forward could help to get him back to his best.

Rangers have simply not been good enough in Europe this season, as evidenced by their results in their last four games, and that is why Martin should get creative and test out a new formation in this evening’s game.

Outshining Antman: Rangers loanee is attracting "major European interest"

Rangers may regret letting go of this star who is currently outperforming Oliver Antman.

2 ByDan Emery Oct 1, 2025

Given how poor the performances have been in Europe and how badly their strikers have fared individually, pairing Miovski and Chermiti could be an interesting and effective solution to their problems in and out of possession.

Not Dyche or Gerrard: Rangers should axe Martin for future "elite manager"

Russell Martin has survived another day as Rangers manager.

On Saturday, the Gers reached the League Cup quarter-finals, managing to win 2-0 at Ibrox, although a Glasgow derby at Hampden on 2 November is probably far from what they need right now.

The question though still remains; will Martin be in charge by then?

Well, to avoid becoming the shortest-serving permanent manager in Rangers’ history, breaking Pedro Caixinha’s record, Martin would still need to be at the helm for the visit of Braga in the Europa League on 27 November, which appears unlikely considering he is yet to win a Premiership match in five attempts, leaving them second-bottom, ahead of Sunday’s trip to Almondvale.

Thus, surely 49ers Enterprises, who took over the club in the summer, are considering potential replacements, so a future “elite manager” should be top of their wish list, not the obvious front-runners.

The favourites to replace Russell Martin at Rangers

Ever since it became clear that Martin was not going to last particularly long in Govan, amid widespread protests against him and chief executive officer Patrick Stewart present throughout the weekend win over Hibs, two obvious front-runners have emerged, both with Merseyside connections.

Steven Gerrard would be the populist choice, with many supporters wanting to see him return to Ibrox, having managed the club for 194 matches between 2018 and 2021, re-establishing Rangers as a force in European football, as well as leading them to their sole Premiership title since 2011, stopping Celtic’s pursuit of ten-in-a-row.

A key figure in Gerrard’s success in Glasgow was then-assistant Michael Beale, who returned to Ibrox as manager himself in 2022, lasting just 43 matches before being hounded out.

The pair did briefly reunite in Saudi Arabia, working together at Al-Ettifaq before Gerrard was unceremoniously sacked in January, so could the 49ers get the band back together?

The other leading candidate is Sean Dyche, who has also been out of work since January, dismissed by Everton earlier this year.

Having taken charge of 557 games as a manager, of which 332 have come in the Premier League, the former Burnley boss is surely one of the most experienced coaches Rangers could attract, and he has proven himself adept at getting the best out of whatever he has to work with, something the current occupant of the Ibrox hot seat certainly is not doing.

However, rather than playing it safe, Rangers should be bold and appoint a future “elite manager” who is currently out of work.

Rangers' dream Russell Martin successor

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Jordi Cruijff, son of the legendary Johan, asserted that “all the best managers were midfielders”, a claim supported by a study from The Athletic, which found that ‘almost half of coaches with a professional playing background were midfielders’.

Well, a man looking to reinforce that stereotype is Michael Carrick – formerly tipped to replace Gerrard in the hot seat by Charlie Adam back in 2021.

After spending 12 years at Manchester United as a player, he retired in 2018 and worked under José Mourinho and then Ole Gunnar Solskjær as an assistant coach, placed in interim charge for three matches in 2021, overseeing victories over Villarreal and Arsenal, as well as a draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

After leaving Old Trafford, Carrick returned to the North East, where he was born and raised, appointed Middlesbrough manager in October 2024.

As the table below documents, his time on Teeside was generally pretty successful.

Matches

136

Wins

63

Draws

24

Defeats

49

Goals scored

220

Goals conceded

177

22/23 league finish

4th

23/24 league finish

8th

24/25 league finish

10th

Best EFL Cup run

Semis

As outlined by the table, Carrick led Boro into the Championship play-offs in his first season, having taken over with the side 21st, before they were beaten 1-0 by Coventry City in the semi-finals.

He also guided them to the EFL Cup semi-finals, actually defeating Chelsea 1-0 in the first leg at the Riverside, but eighth and then tenth place finishes in the Championship saw him sacked and replaced by Rob Edwards during the summer, who has made a flying start in fairness, with Middlesbrough currently top of the table.

Nevertheless, Carrick earned plenty of praise, labelled a future “elite manager” by one analyst, while Jack Manship of Total Football Analysis was impressed by his ‘eye-catching’ brand of football, praising Boro’s ‘organisation’ and ability to attack quickly.

Meantime, Solskjær has backed Carrick to be a future Manchester United manager one day, describing him as a “winner”, forecasting he will be a top-class coach in the near future.

Thus, while Carrick is out of work, Rangers should surely do everything they can to convince him to take over in Glasgow, successfully taking a chance on Gerrard back in 2018, even more of a rookie himself at the time, so a young coach with fresh ideas is surely exactly what they need.

Imagine him & Raskin: Rangers must rue selling £6m "left-footed Yaya Toure"

As Nicolas Raskin underlines his importance at Rangers, imagine him alongside the “left-footed Yaya Touré” sold for £6m by Giovanni van Bronckhorst.

ByBen Gray Sep 24, 2025

Fulham weigh up surprise move for £50m Chelsea man who's frustrating the club

Chelsea are growing frustrated with a member of Enzo Maresca’s side for one key reason, with their Premier League rivals now weighing up a surprise move for him this summer.

Manager praises "exciting" Chelsea transfer with "excellent deal" sealed

The west Londoners are showcasing major ambition again this window.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 3, 2025

The Blues are expected to part company with a host of players over the coming weeks, following their agreed exit deals for Kepa Arrizabalaga, Basir Humphreys and Marcus Bettinelli, who brought in around £19 million worth of transfer fees to the Stamford Bridge coffers.

Cole Palmer

7.33

Moises Caicedo

7.02

Enzo Fernández

6.95

Nicolas Jackson

6.88

Noni Madueke

6.82

via WhoScored

Lesley Ugochukwu, João Félix, Renato Veiga, Ben Chilwell, David Datro Fofana, Armando Broja and Axel Disasi are all up for sale (The Athletic), given they’re out of Maresca’s long-term plans, while matchday regulars like Christopher Nkunku, Noni Maduke and Nicolas Jackson have also been linked with the exit door in recent weeks.

The latter two players have even been described as almost certain to leave, amid reported interest from Arsenal.

There is also the ongoing matter of Raheem Sterling and his next club. The £50m England international is back from a lacklustre loan spell at Arsenal, and his £325,000-per-week wages are poised to be a major stumbling block in Chelsea’s attempts to offload the ex-Man City star.

Reports last week of Sterling’s advanced talks to join Besiktas appear wide of the mark, but journalist Simon Phillips now reports that west London rivals Fulham could take the 30-year-old off Maresca’s hands instead.

Fulham weigh surprise move to sign Raheem Sterling from Chelsea

Writing via his Substack, Phillips reports that Fulham are weighing up a surprise move for Sterling, with Chelsea growing frustrated by the winger’s exit stance.

“SPTC sources are still hearing that he ideally does not want to move away from his family in London and wants to stay there, vastly reducing his options and making it frustrating for all involved,” said the reporter.

“If Sterling truly does only want to stay in London, then he is going to need to lower his wage demands, which he may well do.

“After having spent last season on loan with Arsenal, Sterling is once again looking for a new club to join. We understand that Fulham have been alerted by his availability this summer and are weighing up whether they can make a move. However, his wages put them off at the moment and will need to go down if they are to land him. But they like the player and there is interest from them this summer.

“Sterling’s agents will reach out to other London clubs as well to offer the player around, but at the moment, we have heard that Sterling is not chasing a pay day in Saudi or even the States. His priority is to stay in London close to all of his family.”

Celtic expected to "get deal done" imminently for "amazing" 24 y/o forward

Celtic are now likely to complete the signing of an “amazing” attacking player soon, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

Attackers the order of the day for Celtic

Brendan Rodgers will know the importance of adding to his squad and making his team even more of a force next season, in order to prevent Rangers from closing the gap in the Scottish Premiership, and perhaps more excitingly for the Hoops to improve in the Champions League.

Celtic appear to be prioritising attacking signings this summer, with Benjamin Nygren strongly linked with sealing a move from Nordsjaelland to Parkhead.

Meanwhile, Evan Ferguson has emerged as an audacious transfer target for the Hoops ahead of next season, with the Brighton striker’s stock falling over the past 12 months, following a tough spell out on loan at West Ham.

That’s not to say that the Republic of Ireland international couldn’t be a fantastic acquisition for Celtic, however, with Gary Lineker calling him a “born goalscorer” and once tipping him to replace Harry Kane at Tottenham.

Now, it looks as though the Scottish champions could be edging towards another attacking signing.

O'Rourke: Celtic set to finalise deal for Balikwisha

Speaking to Football Insider, O’Rourke claimed Celtic have a good chance of signing Royal Antwerp forward Michel-Ange Balikwisha this summer.

“There’s real potential that Celtic could finally get a deal done for Balikwisha. He’s been a long-term target for them, they tried to sign him in the summer transfer window last year but an injury and failing to agree a price stopped their hopes. Their interest has never gone away, they’ve continued to keep tabs on him. He has got back to full fitness after a bad injury and finished the season strongly.

“Celtic will be in the market for a new winger and Balikwisha has remained on the radar. They’ve been given a boost in their pursuit as well, reports are suggesting in Belgium that Royal Antwerp are experiencing some financial problems. They may have to cash in on some of their players, and with the 24-year-old in the final year of his contract Celtic could land him for a bargain fee of £5million.”

Michel-Ange Balikwisha against Porto in the Champions League.

Balikwisha has been linked with Celtic for some time, with talks mooted recently, and he could be a brilliant signing this summer, with the 24-year-old possessing so much quality.

Belgium Under-21s

10

1

Belgium Under-19s

3

0

Belgium Under-18s

1

0

Belgium Under-17s

5

1

Belgium Under-16s

4

1

The attacker already has 46 goal involvements in 141 appearances for Antwerp, and at international level he has been capped for Belgium across five different youth age groups, also being called “amazing” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

While primarily a left winger, Balikwisha can also shine on the opposite flank and as a striker, so Rodgers would be signing a player who can add so much depth to his attack.

Everton want to sign "phenomenal" Denmark international who’s won 4 league titles

Everton are “keen” on completing the signing of a Premier League player who has been called “phenomenal” and already has a full trophy case, according to Sky Sports.

Everton eyeing shock deal for Liverpool winger

David Moyes knows the importance of the Blues nailing their summer transfer business, at a time when the club needs to kick on in their new stadium and look to become a top-half Premier League team again.

Top-quality new signings are needed, ahead of what supporters hope will be a relatively free-spending window, and Liverpool winger Ben Doak is reportedly the subject of interest from Everton. No senior player has made the move between the two rivals since back in 2002, when Abel Xavier moved from the Blues to the Reds.

Meanwhile, Burnley midfielder Josh Brownhill has been linked with a move to Everton, with the 29-year-old enjoying a magnificent season for the Clarets, inspiring them to Championship promotion and registering 24 goal contributions (18 goals and six assists).

Midfield certainly looks like an area of the pitch that the Mersysiders are focusing on, with Rangers ace Mohamed Diomande also mentioned as an option for Moyes’ men. The 23-year-old could add energy and quality in the middle of the park, as well as being a long-term acquisition.

Everton want "phenomenal" Premier League maestro

According to Sky Sports on Monday, Everton are now also “keen” on signing Brighton attacking midfielder Matt O’Riley in the summer window, amid plenty of competition for his signature.

O’Riley could be exactly the type of player the Blues need this summer, possessing guile in attacking midfield areas and creating chances for the strikers.

The 2-cap Dane had a tough first year in a Brighton shirt, with a serious pre-season injury setting him back immediately, and he ended up being limited to only 11 starts in the league.

O’Riley is a class act with a beautiful left foot, though, and he excelled during his time at Celtic, winning four Scottish Premiership titles and being lauded by Brendan Rodgers.

“He has been absolutely phenomenal really in his consistency. I think if we lacked anything as a team, it was probably that. But from an individual perspective his goal return.

“I think someone said he had scored his first goal [of last season] in January of last year. So to look at his numbers now, it’s huge testament to himself because the work he puts in, the focus he puts in every single day at training to improve and be better, that’s clearly been rewarded by his team-mates and everyone else.”

Everton battling West Ham to sign "brilliant" 29 y/o Player of the Year

David Moyes has tried to snap him up in the past.

ByHenry Jackson Jun 2, 2025

Everton should be an interesting proposition for potential signings, considering they are in a sparkly new stadium and Moyes has improved them greatly since coming in, so the hope is that O’Riley sees them as a leading option to move to.

Celtic now eyeing move to sign "Rogic-esque" £1.5m attacker for Rodgers

Going in search of their next Tom Rogic, Celtic now reportedly have concrete interest in signing an attacking addition who’s valued at just £1.5m ahead of this summer’s transfer window.

Next Rogic could be key for Rodgers

During his time at the club, Rogic more than played his part to continue Celtic’s Scottish dominance and ensure that Brendan Rodgers’ first spell ended with a place in the history books. Now, in his second stint in charge, it’s clear just how much of an impact a player in a similar mould would have on the current Celtic side.

Appearances

272

Goals

46

Assists

51

Scottish Premiership titles

7

Scottish Cups

5

Scottish League Cups

5

A player who made his mark going forward in key moments, Rogic’s best work came when working under Rodgers, who was full of praise for the Australian during his time in Scotland.

The Celtic boss told reporters when Rogic returned from a spell on the sidelines in 2017: “He’s back in the squad. The magic man is back – what a player. He’s an amazing player. I think he can grow into one of the top midfield players in Europe.

“You saw him grow in the Champions League. You saw him against Manchester City and just purr at his quality. There was a big disappointment when he got injured because the week building up to it he was amazing. Top players know where there is space and he’s as good as any I’ve seen at finding space.”

Fenerbahce readying move to sign Celtic star who Rodgers called "brilliant"

The Bhoys could suffer a frustrating blow.

ByTom Cunningham May 28, 2025

Eight years on, Rogic is now retired and Rodgers is searching for his next arrivals at Celtic amid reports that the Bhoys have now set their sights on signing a 23-year-old star who has already been compared to the Australian.

Celtic interested in "Rogic-esque" Fallenius

According to Fotboll Direkt in Sweden, Celtic now have a concrete interest in signing Oskar Fallenius from Djurgarden this summer afetr sending scouts to watch him in aciton.

The winger reportedly cost the Swedish club just £1.5m in 2023, but that price is only likely to increase if they decide to sell their emerging star in the coming months.

Oskar Fallenius celebrates for Djurgarden.

Celtic’s interest should come as no shock. As detailed by Celtic Down Under’s – a Celtic fan channel in Australia – and X account UnDiluted, Fallenius is a potential “Rogic-esque” fit on the Bhoys’ radar.

The podcaster reiterated that whilst the Swede is not a like-for-like clone of Rogic, he does share some similar traits. The Australian’s greatest strengths came in his close control, powerful striking ability and creative vision. In comparison, Fallenius is similarly physical – standing at 5’11 and reportedly has a reputation for his skill and movement.

With that said and Celtic’s interest reportedly concrete, Fallenius looks set to be one to watch in the coming months.

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