All posts by z3u9t.icu

Work is already underway to improve Celtic’s squad in the upcoming summer transfer window as they go in search of a fifth successive Scottish Premiership title next term.

The Hoops secured their fourth league title in as many seasons with a 5-0 win over Dundee United at the end of last month, whilst they also have a chance to complete a domestic treble with an SFA Cup final clash with Aberdeen.

Brendan Rodgers has already sealed one new signing for the summer in the form of Kieran Tierney, who will officially return to Celtic when his contract at Arsenal expires at the end of June.

Kieran Tierney's current market value

At the time of writing (11/05/2025), the Scotland international is valued at a whopping £8.5m by Transfermarkt, which suggests that the Hoops have landed a bargain by signing him on a free transfer.

As you can see in the graphic above, Tierney was sold for a staggering £25m after his terrific first spell at Parkhead after coming through the academy, as he joined Arsenal in the summer of 2019.

This shows that the Scottish giants have played a blinder with the experienced left-back because they sold him for a huge transfer fee and are now signing him back for nothing, whilst he is still valuable, albeit not as valuable as he once was.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

Celtic, though, have developed their own full-back who is now worth just as much as Tierney, after they signed him for a fee of just £3.5m back in 2023, in the form of Alistair Johnston.

Alistair Johnston's soaring market value

The Hoops swooped to sign the defender from CF Montreal for a fee of £3.5m in the January transfer window at the start of 2023 to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s options at right-back.

Johnston has been a regular starter at right-back when fit and available for Celtic since his move, and has proven himself to be an excellent performer at Premiership level by combining solid defensive work with outstanding attacking contributions.

The Canada international has the strength and positioning to win the majority of his physical duels to stop opposition wingers, whilst also having the drive and stamina to constantly bomb down the flank to deliver high-quality balls into the box.

Appearances

32

30

Goals

1

4

Big chances created

11

15

Assists

5

9

Duel success rate

58%

56%

Clean sheets

11

12

As you can see in the table above, Johnston has been a star for the Hoops in his two full Premiership seasons in Glasgow, creating 26 ‘big chances’ in 62 matches.

This has helped his market value to soar way above the £3.5m that the club initially paid for his services at the start of 2023. At the time of writing, the Celtic sensation is valued at £8.5m by Transfermarkt, which means that his value has soared by £5m in a little over two years at Parkhead.

Johnston, whose work ethic was dubbed “phenomenal” by Rodgers, is now worth as much as Tierney, who was once sold for £25m, and is a highly-valuable asset for the club, thanks to the brilliant performances that he has put in on the pitch.

Celtic could sign a perfect £7m Jota replacement this summer

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ByDan Emery May 5, 2025

Therefore, Celtic have hit the jackpot with the Canadian defender because he is an excellent player and a star who could be sold for a profit in the future, given that his value has soared during his time in Scotland so far.

Chelsea have not held back in the transfer market under new owner Todd Boehly. The Blues have certainly been comfortable to splash the cash, aiming to build a new dynasty at Stamford Bridge, and particularly looking to strengthen in attack.

Over the past few seasons, they have signed several new attackers, including permanent deals for the likes of Pedro Neto from Wolverhampton Wanderers, and even a loan move for Jadon Sancho from Manchester United.

They even have three young attackers joining in the next couple of seasons, further strengthening their options in forward areas. That does not include summer targets for 2025, with Kenan Yildiz one player they are linked with.

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of Yildiz

It seems as though the race to sign Juventus attacker Yildiz is on this summer, with Chelsea set to go head-to-head with one of their biggest rivals, Arsenal, to bring the 19-year-old to London. Whether he moves to West or North London, however, remains to be seen.

A recent report from Caught Offside suggests that the Blues have been ‘intensifying their efforts’ to bring the youngster to Stamford Bridge in the next few months. As well as facing competition from the Gunners, newly crowned Premier League champions Liverpool, 13-time winners Manchester United and their rivals Manchester City could all show interest.

As for why Enzo Maresca’s side want to add Yildiz to their ranks, he has been impressive for the Old Lady this term. The Turkey star has eight goals and five assists across all competitions for Juve, and has played everywhere across the frontline. They are eye-catching numbers for such a young player.

With that in mind, his price might not come as a shock, though it is certainly a high fee Juve could demand. Caught Offside report that he is worth £85.2m, if he is to depart the Allianz Stadium this summer.

Incredibly, the Blues have an attacker worth even more than the 19-year-old sensation.

The Chelsea star worth more than Yildiz

Of all the attackers the Blues have bought, none has made the impression that Cole Palmer has. The England international has been in lean form for a few weeks, but his time at Stamford Bridge overall has been exceptional.

Market Movers

Football FanCast’s Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club’s star player or biggest flop worth today?

The 22-year-old, who hails from Wythenshawe in Manchester, has an exceptional record in that famous Blue shirt of Chelsea.

He’s managed 39 goals and 24 assists in 85 games so far, and was crowned PFA Young Player of the Year for his 33 goals in as many Premier League games last term.

This term has been slightly slower for the former Man City star. He has managed 14 goals and nine assists in the top flight, although has now gone 12 games without a goal. In that timeframe, he has chipped in with three assists.

With that being said, his underlying stats from the past two seasons, courtesy of Sofascore, show just how talented he is. For example, the 22-year-old averaged 2.5 key passes per game last term, and a slightly better 2.6 key passes per game so far this term.

Goals and assists

1.2

0.7

Key passes

2.5

2.6

Big chances created

0.6

0.6

Dribbles completed

1.8

1.5

Expected goal involvements

0.93xGI

0.76xGI

When considering all that, it might not be a surprise to learn that Palmer is valued extremely highly by Football Transfers. They have him worth £100.2m, higher than any other player in the Chelsea squad.

Interestingly, that is around £15m more than the amount Juventus would be looking to charge for Yildiz this summer. If anything, this further highlights the importance of Palmer to the Chelsea side.

They certainly got lucky with Palmer when they signed him in 2023. He has proven to be a revelation, an “insanely consistent” player as Statman Dave called him. Despite his struggles in recent weeks, there is no doubt about the quality of Palmer.

He'd revive Palmer: Chelsea want to sign one of the best players in the PL

Chelsea are hunting a summer move for a Premier League star who could see Cole Palmer recapture his form.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 30, 2025

Leeds United will be playing Premier League football in the 2025/26 campaign after they secured promotion from the Championship on Easter Monday.

The Whites hammered Stoke City 6-0 before they gathered as a group to watch Burnley beat Sheffield United 2-1, a result that clinched the club’s promotion to the top-flight.

There were terrific celebrations, including the manager, the staff, and the players from the Leeds camp, and Sky Sports were on hand to provide coverage of it all.

During their coverage, Sky asked Daniel Farke about the Premier League and what lies ahead for the West Yorkshire outfit, but he was not too keen to speak about it.

Behind closed doors, the German head coach and the powers that be will be thinking about how they can shape the squad to compete in the top-flight next season.

What Leeds need to do in the summer transfer window

A new goalkeeper is one of the obvious needs for Leeds ahead of the summer transfer window. Illan Meslier has been dropped for Karl Darlow in recent weeks, and the Frenchman should be replaced ahead of next season.

The former Lorient gem has conceded 2.73 more goals than expected and made three errors that directly led to goals in the Championship this term, which shows that he has not been up to the task for Farke.

That suggests that he should not be trusted with the gloves at Premier League level, given that he has failed to perform in a lower league, and that is why the club should be in the market for a new goalkeeper.

There is also the matter of the players who are out of contract in the summer. Sam Byram is one of those whose deal is due to expire, and Football FanCast posted an article explaining why he should be released, due to his injury history and lack of outstanding performances at Championship level.

As well as deciding which players they want to keep hold of and which players they want to release or cash in on in the summer, Leeds also have to think about the players they want to recruit to improve the team.

There is a player already at Elland Road, however, who could fall into that last category because Manor Solomon’s loan deal is due to expire at the end of the season.

The latest on Manor Solomon's future at Leeds

According to GIVEMESPORT, the Israel international would like to complete a permanent move to the club ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.

The report claims that Solomon is keen to return to Leeds after the end of his loan from Tottenham Hotspur, after he helped the club to secure promotion to the top-flight.

GIVEMESPORT adds that Tottenham are prepared to part ways with the former Fulham midfielder in the summer transfer window, and that it would take an offer of £15m for them to sanction a deal for his services.

The outlet reveals that Solomon does have interest from elsewhere, including Premier League side Everton and Championship-bound Southampton, but he wants to stay at Elland Road.

Transfer Focus

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

GIVEMESPORT claims that Leeds are now poised to hold talks with Tottenham over a deal to sign the winger, but it remains to be seen whether or not they are prepared to pay the £15m price tag or if they will try to negotiate a different deal.

The Whites must, now, push ahead with a deal to bring the 25-year-old sensation along for the Premier League ride, after his contributions in the current campaign.

Why Leeds should sign Manor Solomon permanently

Leeds could start the summer with a bang by signing Solomon because he has been an exceptional performer in the Championship for Farke, which shows that he can thrive under the current manager, and is already settled at the club and knows his teammates.

The Spurs loanee also provides a bit of Premier League experience. He scored four goals in 24 top-flight matches for Fulham and Tottenham combined before his move to Elland Road, which means that the league will not be a complete shock or new experience to him.

Solomon, as you can see in the clip above, has already shown that he has the potential to make an impact at that level, which could be a useful weapon for Farke to have in his arsenal next season.

The Leeds star, who was once described as a “pocket rocket” by Jamie Redknapp, has also delivered incredible performances for the club in the Championship this term, contributing to their promotion.

Starts

28

xG

7.46

Goals

9

Big chances created

19

Key passes per game

1.5

Assists

11

Dribbles completed per game

1.7

As you can see in the table above, the Premier League loanee has been directly involved in 20 goals in 28 starts on the left flank, which shows that he has provided a regular threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals at the top end of the pitch.

This means that Solomon can thrive in a Farke system, as evidenced by his sensational form, and that is another reason why Leeds could start the summer with a bang by signing him permanently, because he is a quality operator with the potential to make the step up to the top-flight.

He would be the perfect first signing of the summer transfer window due to his proven quality in a Leeds shirt, his Premier League experience, and his age profile – with plenty of time left to develop and improve at the age of 25.

A fee of £15m may not break the bank for the Whites, either, and the board must ensure that these planned talks with Spurs end in an agreement between all parties to bng Solomon back to the club for the 2025/26 campaign.

Farke loves him: Leeds must axe £20k-p/w ace before Bamford after promotion

Leeds must move on from this £20k-per-week player before Patrick Bamford this summer.

ByDan Emery Apr 23, 2025

Arsenal are pushing hard to complete the signing of a “fantastic” striker in the summer transfer window, with sporting director Andrea Berta looking to work his magic.

Arsenal pursuing a striker for this summer

The Gunners have paid the price for not having a top-quality striker this season, with injury problems also clearly not helping Mikel Arteta’s side.

Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus arguably don’t feel like the long-term solutions to lead the line for Arsenal, with an elite signing having the potential to take them up a massive level.

RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko has been talked about as a great option for some time, with a report earlier this month stating that he is interested in the idea of moving to the Emirates at the end of the season.

While the 21-year-old only signed a contract extension at his current club last year, there is a feeling that they won’t stop him from moving on in either 2025 or 2026, should he wish to pursue a new challenge in his career. Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding a potential move to Arsenal.

Berta holds talks with "fantastic" ace over Arsenal move

According to The Boot Room, Berta has held talks with Sesko over a move to Arsenal this summer, looking to persuade him to join the Gunners.

Having missed out on the Slovenian last year, the report states that the north Londoners are “still very much in the mix” for him. He is seen as an option alongside Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, with both considered more attainable targets than Newcastle United ace Alexander Isak.

Sesko, who is valued at £58m ahead of the upcoming window, stands out as such an exciting addition for Arsenal in the coming months, with the Slovenian seen as one of Europe’s most promising young strikers.

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Apr 20, 2025

This season, he has scored 12 goals in the Bundesliga – double Bukayo Saka’s tally in the Premier League – and he also netted 16 time in 41 caps for Slovenia. Meanwhile, football talent scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “fantastic” after some strong form this year.

While some may worry that Sesko is still only 21, and therefore a raw option to come straight in as a key starter for Arsenal, he is mature for his age and is unlikely to be daunted by the pace and power of the English game, given his towering 6ft 5in frame.

Liverpool are believed to be keen on tying down an “extraordinary” player to a new contract, alongside the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, according to journalist Graeme Bailey.

Liverpool contract rumours galore

The recent Reds-related news has understandably been dominated by Mohamed Salah’s new two-year deal at Anfield, which feels more important than any new signing this summer.

Away from the Egyptian King, however, there are plenty of other players whose futures are also being discussed, not least Van Dijk and Trent Alexander-Arnold. Both will be out of contract when this season comes to an end, being able to leave on free transfers if they so desire.

Other reports have also claimed that Konate could sign a new Liverpool contract, with the Frenchman seen as a big player for many years to come, potentially leading the defence once Van Dijk eventually moves on.

It feels like it is going to be a summer of change at Anfield, with some figures moving on – the likes of Luis Diaz, Diogo Jota and Darwin Nunez have all been linked with moves away – but now it looks like the Reds are keen on sorting out an extension for a different player.

Liverpool want new deal for "extraordinary" ace

According to The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Liverpool are “in talks” with midfielder Curtis Jones over a new contract at the club, with Konate and Conor Bradley also mentioned in the report.

The 24-year-old is out of contract in 2027 and is still only earning £15,000 per week, which, while still a huge amount in modern society, is relatively low wages for a player who is now an established player for the Reds and England.

A new deal for Jones should be a no-brainer for Liverpool in the coming weeks and months, with the Englishman becoming such a strong squad player, maturing all the time.

Granted, he has found it difficult to force his way into the Reds’ midfield on a weekly basis, given the form of Ryan Gravenberch, Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai, but he has still shone, with Micah Richards hailing his debut for England, too:

“Curtis Jones was extraordinary, that’s one of the best England debuts I’ve ever seen. And what I mean by that, when you go to England sometimes the pace is a little bit slower and you sort of play the easy pass. “If you look at Curtis Jones, his body positions, he was always available for the ball every time.”

At 24, Jones is approaching his peak years, so the idea of him leaving now makes no sense, and hopefully, he is extremely happy at his boyhood club.

Liverpool "working on" deal for £70k-a-week Reds ace alongside Van Dijk

This would be fantastic news for the Reds.

ByHenry Jackson Apr 12, 2025

He has become such an impressive all-round midfielder, combining press resistance with end product, completing 94% of his passes in the Premier League this season and chipping in with three goals and assists apiece in the competition. He deserves to be rewarded with a shiny new-and-improved contract.

It’s set to be all change this year in terms of left-backs at Celtic for Brendan Rodgers.

Neither of the Hoops’ current players in that position are contracted to the club beyond 30 June, more on both shortly, while a local hero is poised to return to Parkhead.

However, did Celtic let go the best left-back of them all for just £39k, after he never made a competitive appearance for the club?

The latest on Greg Taylor's future at Celtic

Following Saturday’s 3-0 victory over Hearts, manager Rodgers admitted that left-back Greg Taylor is likely to leave the club upon the expiration of his contract in June, stating “it’s probably more likely now that Greg will move on than stay”.

Rodgers added “we know we’ll need to have someone else if Greg moves on… which is a big shame for me because I love him”.

Davorin Olivari of Croatian outlet Jutarnji List has previously reported that GNK Dinamo Zagreb have ‘sent an offer’ to Taylor, seeking to snap him up on a free transfer, with this his most-likely destination at the moment.

Meanwhile, Jeffrey Schlupp has usurped Taylor in the pecking order, starting the last four Premiership matches, as well as the away leg in Munich, albeit the Ghanian international’s future is up in the air too, given that he’s only on loan from Crystal Palace.

Regardless, Kieran Tierney is set to commence next season as Celtic’s first choice, having reportedly agreed to rejoin his boyhood club on a Bosman from Arsenal.

Of course, Tierney is undeniably a fans’ favourite in Glasgow, and his return will bring with it much fanfare once it is announced, but did Celtic sell an even more impressive left-back for just £39k?

Celtic's forgotten former left-back on fire in MLS

Back in January 2019, Celtic signed a 22-year-old defender by the name of Andrew Gutman from Indiana Hoosiers, after the American had been on trial at fierce rivals Rangers.

Gutman said he was “really honoured” to make the move, adding “I can’t wait to join Celtic and be part of such a storied institution.”

Well, unfortunately for Gutman, he did not play much of a part, never making a competitive appearance in hoops, loaned out to both Charlotte Independence of USL League One and then FC Cincinnati in Major League Soccer, before moving permanently to MLS outfit Atlanta United for only $50,000 (£39k) in General Allocation Money in March 2021.

Since then, Gutman has rather bounced around MLS, spending time at both New York Red Bulls and then Colorado Rapids, before joining the Chicago Fire ahead of the start of the 2024 season.

Back in his home state of Illinois, Gutman has really looked at home under Gregg Berhalter this season, scoring during victories over both FC Dallas and Toronto, earning rave reviews, including from Felipe Cárdenas of the Athletic, who labels him ‘incredible’.

So, let’s assess how his statistics compare to Taylor.

Appearances

22

19

Minutes

1,598

1,257

Goals

0

3

Assists

6

1

Chances created

29

10

Passing Accuracy %

88.1%

76%

Tackles

34

32

Interceptions

13

17

Clearances

37

52

Blocks

1

16

As the table outlines, during a similarly sized sample size, Gutman’s performances in MLS are similar to those of Taylor in the Premiership, with the American actually coming out on top when it comes to most defensive metrics.

Also worth noting that, according to Global Football Rankings, Major League Soccer is the ninth strongest division on the planet, with the Premiership down in 34th place.

So, perhaps letting Gutman leave for a small fee was a mistake, as he could’ve been an upgrade on Taylor had he been given an opportunity, especially considering Transfermakt believe his current market value to be around £586k, around 15 times more than he was sold for.

Cost £3m, now worth more than Jota: Celtic hit gold on inspirational star

Celtic have hit the jackpot with this star who is now worth even more than Jota.

ByDan Emery Mar 31, 2025

The 2025/26 campaign has deepened and we now have a clear picture of how things are going. For Liverpool, improvements are needed across the board.

Arne Slot has cut a dismayed figure over the past several months, unable to grasp how his high-flying squad have been grounded so miserably. A run of six defeats from seven in the Premier League before the weekend win over West Ham United has cast doubt over his tenure.

With the January transfer window less than a month away, FSG are attentive to potential opportunities, and it’s no secret that Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo is at the top of the Merseysiders’ Christmas list.

Liverpool's winter transfer plans

While the thought of activating Semenyo’s £65m release clause next month is tempting, he is not the only talented (and versatile) winger on the market.

And Liverpool are not the only club looking to seal his signature. Semenyo is also on Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur’s radar, with the latter “intensifying their interest”, according to Sky Sports.

But Liverpool have earmarked a number of potential signings, and Caught Offside have revealed that they have been boosted by Real Madrid’s transfer-listing of rogue winger Rodrygo for around €85m (£75m), whose fortunes at the Santiago Bernabeu have been sour for a while now, and is surely set for an exit in 2026.

Rodrygo has not been in good form for Los Blancos this season or last, but there remains a world-class talent in there, and he could finally reach his potential in a leading role at Liverpool.

Why Liverpool want Rodrygo

Rodrygo is one of the most talented forwards in the world. Rodrygo has also gone 30 La Liga matches without a goal.

It’s clear that he needs to leave Real Madrid and restore his reputation as a “world-class superstar”, as he has been called in the past by former teammate Luka Modric. This is a versatile and multi-faceted forward who has proved himself on the biggest stages time and time again.

Cody Gakpo is a consistent force down the left for Liverpool, but he’s not Sadio Mane, who was one of the best players in the world when in his prime. Now, Slot could land such a player in Rodrygo, who is out of sorts under Xabi Alonso’s wing but still, even at an ebb tide, ranks among the top 14% of positional peers for shot-creating actions, the top 6% for progressive carries and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

The Brazil international hasn’t actually played that much football on the left flank, but that is his preferred position. Right-footed, he is at his most prolific when cutting inside and striking on goal, all the while retaining a creative flair that sets him apart from so many other talented wingers.

Right winger

148

34

31

Left winger

89

23

18

Centre-forward

85

22

8

Attacking midfield

4

–

1

Mane was also a versatile and dynamic forward, devastating in the final third. Now 33 and playing in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool have sorely missed their one-time talisman’s presence, accentuated by the sale of Luis Diaz this summer, who was never quite on his predecessor’s level.

Liverpool’s data analysts are among the finest in the game. They will know to overlook Rodrygo’s woes in recent times and look at the wider picture. For example, he scored only five goals in La Liga last season, but Sofascore show that he missed only one big chance, emphasising the kind of clinical, Mane-like returns Slot would receive.

Big boots to fill, but the South American is one of the most accomplished wingers in the game,

Rodrygo is still young – the same age, in fact, as Mane when the Senegalese completed his move to Merseyside.

The fact he has accomplished so much already is a testament to his quality and will to win. Liverpool could do with a bit of that, and if they bring such a complete and dangerous player to Anfield, it might prove to be the catalyst for sustained change.

He's like Arteta: Liverpool line up "best coach in the PL" to replace Slot

Arne Slot is under intense pressure at Liverpool after a shocking run of form.

2 ByAngus Sinclair Dec 2, 2025

The final international break of the year has finally come to an end, and Chelsea are back in Premier League action.

Enzo Maresca’s side resume their campaign with a trip to newly promoted Burnley, in what could be something of a banana skin fixture.

What will make things even more difficult for the West Londoners is their ever-growing injury list, which has decimated their backline.

However, arguably more concerning than that, Cole Palmer has picked up another knock, although there is someone in the squad who could stand in for him, and no, it’s not Estevao.

The latest on Cole Palmer

After an impressive Club World Cup campaign and strong pre-season performances, it felt like Palmer was set for another exceptional year in West London.

Chalkboard

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

However, after playing the first game against Crystal Palace, he missed the next two due to a groin problem, and while he returned for the following couple of matches, he was again forced off against Manchester United with another groin problem.

The Englishman hasn’t featured for the side since then, although it did look like he would be back in the squad after the international break.

However, it would appear Maresca and Co can’t catch a break this season, as reports yesterday morning revealed that the former Manchester City prospect had broken his toe in an accident at home.

In his press conference a few hours later, the manager confirmed the injury and said his star player “is not available for this week and next week.”

That means that, on top of today’s game, the 23-year-old is definitely going to miss the Champions League clash with Barcelona and the London derby with Arsenal.

It’s undoubtedly a massive blow for Chelsea, but the silver lining is that, alongside Estevao, they have another young talent who could step in for Palmer.

Chelsea's Palmer replacement

While Estevao should start on the right for the upcoming games, Maresca could get some of what Palmer would provide in the ten by starting Facundo Buonanotte there.

Now, before the pitchforks and torches come out, nobody is arguing that the Argentine is as good a player as the Englishman; that would be absurd.

However, he is a highly talented young player who, based on his performances last season and what those in the know say about him, could replicate the 23-year-old’s capabilities.

For example, despite playing for a truly poor Leicester City side last season and being just 19 at the start of it, he was able to put in some impressive performances.

In 35 appearances, totalling 1701 minutes, the attacking midfielder, whom talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed “one of the most exciting South American talents to have moved to Europe in recent years,” scored six goals and provided three assists.

Appearances

31

2

2

Goals

5

1

0

Assists

2

1

0

Goal Involvements per Match

0.22

1.00

0.00

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 3.88 games, or every 189 minutes, which is not a bad rate of return considering the circumstances.

Moreover, the promising ace with a “left foot made of gold,” per Jacek Kulig, has also earned comparisons to some Argentine football legends.

For example, Premier League great Carlos Tevez told the press that the youngster “reminds me of Messi” a few years ago.

Finally, away from the numbers and appraisals, when the twice-capped international was in full flow last season, he looked like the sort of mercurial talent who, with the proper coaching and chance, could create game-winning moments for his side.

Ultimately, while he isn’t on the level of Palmer at the moment, Buonanotte is an undeniably talented youngster, and for the next few games, could provide cover for the Englishman.

Forget Delap: 18-year-old star is destined to be Chelsea's future number 9

The incredible youngster will be a superstar for England and Chelsea.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Nov 21, 2025

Leeds United are on the lookout for attacking potency in January and could be set to back Daniel Farke in his pursuit to bring a talented forward to Elland Road.

The Whites find themselves embroiled in a fight against the drop, and not everyone is feeling wholly confident in the former Norwich City boss, even if his side has produced some encouraging moments this term.

All too often, fine margins determine the outcome of Premier League matches, and Farke’s side has been on the wrong side of them, leading some to question his ability to lead the Whites forward.

With that in mind, Leeds are keen to source proven quality in the form of Chelsea winger Raheem Sterling, even if his £325,000 wages may prove to be a stumbling block in negotiations.

Signings or no signings, Farke has vowed that his side won’t change as they aim to secure top-flight football for next term, claiming that their approach to being successful will pay off in the long run.

He said before his side took on Aston Villa: “If you follow our way of working over the past two and half years, you know exactly what we are doing, how we try to approach a game and try to be successful. This won’t change at all.”

Sticking by your principles can be the defining choice that determines whether a manager is successful in keeping their job. Farke has been a nice fit for Leeds since arriving at Elland Road, though he has routinely come under scrutiny and is now back under the spotlight.

Either way, the January transfer window is creeping closer, and the 49ers could now be set to back their man as they pursue an exciting striker.

Leeds in pursuit of Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia

According to The Mirror, Leeds are willing to sign Real Madrid striker Gonzalo Garcia on an initial six-month loan with a £20 million mandatory purchase option in the summer as the 49ers aim to back Farke in the New Year.

However, there has been a twist as Los Blancos boss Xabi Alonso is said to have blocked the move, notifying the forward that he is still part of his plans both in the immediate term and further down the line.

Gonzalo Garcia at Real Madrid – all competitions

Appearances

21

Goals

5

Assists

3

Intriguingly, Leeds were confident that they could lure Garcia to England before the ex-Liverpool star’s intervention, and the Spain Under-21 international was also said to be keen on a move to the Premier League after finding regular minutes at the Santiago Bernabeu hard to come by.

Alonso is aware he will need to utilise his whole squad, potentially offering more openings for the 21-year-old to feature as Real Madrid chase more silverware both domestically and in Europe.

Leeds are also eyeing an alternative £20m forward

Bursting onto the scene at the Club World Cup, Garcia would certainly be a viable option in the Leeds attack if they were able to complete a deal, though any chance of that now looks to be unlikely unless circumstances change.

Former England star Stuart Pearce has pinpointed Tottenham Hotspur’s “weakness” after spotting what Cristian Romero did against Manchester United in a “horrific” display.

The Argentina international could only watch on with the rest of Spurs’ backline when Amad Diallo’s floated cross found the head of Bryan Mbeumo, who made no mistake. It summed up a frustrating first-half for Thomas Frank’s side, who were once again blunt going forward. Any progress made in 4-0 mauling of Copenhagen seemed to disappear on the Premier League stage.

Frank must never start £130k-per-week Spurs duo together ever again

Tottenham ended up drawing a frenetic Premier League clash against Manchester United this weekend.

ByAngus Sinclair Nov 9, 2025

Unlike against Chelsea last weekend, however, Spurs fought back against Man United and substitute Mathys Tel soon had them level. Setting up a grandstand finish in the 84th minute, the young forward wheeled away in celebration before Richarlison thought he had stolen all three points seven minutes later.

In a familiar sight, the Brazilian ripped his shirt off in belief that he had headed home a dramatic winner, only for Man United’s Matthijs de Ligt to have the final say by scoring a last-gasp equaliser. From a dull first-half, North London was treated to a frantic, entertaining affair.

Whilst complaints have been made about Spurs’ attack in recent weeks, it was their defence that was found wanting this time around as they continued a run of just one win in their last four games.

Frank spoke about the dramatic draw, telling reporters: Thomas: “I saw this game as one game ahead of us, to try to do everything we could to try to win it. That was the aim. I spoke before the game about it’s clear they have improved this season.

“They look, how can you say, more in sync together, especially going forward they look like a big threat. That’s why I actually think, I know we conceded two goals, but if you said to me before the game you concede five shots, I would take that. So we’re all happy.”

The Dane chose to take the positives, but ex-England star Pearce wasn’t so kind and shared exactly where he thinks Spurs’ “weakness” is coming from after the draw.

Pearce pinpoints Tottenham "weakness" in "horrific" Romero display

Speaking on talkSPORT, Pearce told Tottenham that Romero is their biggest “weakness” after a performance against Man United that he described as “horrific”. The former England man was particularly unhappy that the Spurs defender lost possession in midfield before failing to make a recovery run on Saturday afternoon.

With Arsenal up next in the North London derby, Romero must get back to his best and help Spurs end a recent run which has featured just one win in their last four games in all competitions.

Frank things two Tottenham stars are "expendable" with January exit on the cards