أكد معتز البطاوي المشرف العام على الكرة بنادي سيراميكا كليوباترا، أن النادي الأهلي كان يرغب في التعاقد مع أحمد هاني الظهير الأيمن للفريق في فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الماضية.
وكان الأهلي قد دخل في مفاوضات مع أحمد هاني لاعب فريق سيراميكا كليوباترا خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الماضية.
طالع.. مدرب سيراميكا كليوباترا: الحديث عن صدارة الدوري ما زال مبكرًا.. والأهم تحقيق الفوز
وقال البطاوي في تصريحات لبرنامج “لعبة والتانية” على راديو “ميجا إف إم”: “نرفض تماما فكرة أن يستغلنا أي لاعب للانتقال من للأهلي الى الزمالك والعكس صحيح”.
وتابع: “الأهلي كان يسعى لضم أحمد هاني الظهير الأيمن للفريق خلال فترة الانتقالات الصيفية الماضية، ولكن توقفت المفاوضات في اللحظات الأخيرة”.
وأضاف: “علي ماهر المدير الفني لفريق سيراميكا كليوباترا لا يشبع من الطموح وهذا الأمر أثر إيجابياً على نتائج الفريق، كما أنه يعمل 18 ساعة يومين مع الفريق ويبذل مجهودات كبيرة”.
واشار: “أحمد قندوسي لاعب مميز وقدم مستويات رائعة مع سيراميكا كليوباترا لكنه خارج حساباتنا ولا نسعى للتعاقد معه، وعلاقتنا جيدة بالزمالك ولم نمنع قندوسي من الانتقال للأبيض”.
واختتم: “صدارة جدول ترتيب الدوري الممتاز تمنحنا الثقة ونسعى لتثبيت أقدامنا على القمة والبقاء في المربع الذهبي”.
As it is every year, the summer transfer window was a busy period for Chelsea.
In addition to selling a host of players, the Blues also added an array of incredibly exciting youngsters to Enzo Maresca’s side.
However, while most of the window was a success, fans might have been a bit underwhelmed on deadline day, as the club recalled Marc Guiu, sent Nicolas Jackson out on loan, and paid £2m to sign Facundo Buonanotte on a season-long loan.
It feels like an odd choice as there is no option to buy; he was set to join relegation battlers Leeds United before the Blues came in, and yet they’ve left him out of the Champions League squad, alongside the likes of Raheem Sterling and Axel Disasi, despite him making it very clear that playing in Europe was one of his reasons for joining.
It just feels like a move that is destined to fail, and if the club’s previous five loan signings are anything to go by, it will.
5 Gonzalo Higuaín
The first name on our list takes us back to January 2019, when Maurizio Sarri needed some more firepower in his side, and Chelsea signed Gonzalo Higuaín to provide it.
The club had a buy option worth £31.3m included in the deal, as well as another option worth just £15.6m to extend the loan until June 2020.
Unfortunately, neither option was even in danger of being activated, as the Argentinian offered very little in attack.
In all, the former Juventus star made 18 appearances for the club, totalling 1,313 minutes, in which he scored just five goals against weaker opposition, such as Huddersfield, Burnley, and Watford.
4 Saúl Ñíguez
Moving into the midfield now, and on September 1st, 2021, Thomas Tuchel’s Chelsea signed Saúl Ñíguez on a season-long loan for £3.4m with a £30m option to buy.
There was considerable excitement surrounding this deal, as the previous season saw him make 41 appearances for Atlético Madrid, who won La Liga.
Unfortunately, he is on this list, and that means it didn’t work out for him.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
The Spanish international would make just 23 appearances for the club, scoring one goal before he returned to Spain in the summer.
3 Denis Zakaria
Chelsea midfielder Denis Zakaria.
Thomas Tuchel was still in charge in September 2022 and oversaw the signing of Denis Zakaria on a season-long deal with an option to buy, although it’s unclear for how much.
It didn’t really matter, though, as the “absolute machine,” as hailed by his former Servette coach Adam Owen, made even less of an impact than loan players before him.
Despite being at the club for the entire season, the Swiss international made just 11 appearances, totalling 600 minutes, in which he scored a single goal.
Even for this list, Zakaria’s loan spell was remarkably unremarkable.
2 João Félix
Marc Guiu
A player who had a little more of an impact in West London was João Félix, who first moved to Graham Potter’s Chelsea on a short-term loan in January 2023, for a fee of around £9.69m.
The Portuguese ace had a debut to remember, away to Fulham, as he was shown a straight red for a terrible tackle in the 58th minute.
The versatile international would leave West London – for the first time – with a tally of just four goals and no assists to his name in 20 appearances.
1 Jadon Sancho
Last but certainly not least, we come to the most disappointing player on this list of disappointments: Jadon Sancho.
The Manchester United player joined the Blues on a season-long deal last summer that included an obligation to buy for between £20m and £25m.
However, as you are no doubt aware, the Englishman is now plying his trade at Aston Villa, and the reason for that is that the West Londoners decided to pay a £5m fee to United this summer to avoid taking him on permanently.
Sancho’s Chelsea career
Appearances
41
Minutes
2419′
Goals
5
Assists
10
Goal Involvements per Match
0.36
Minutes per Goal Involvement
161.26;
All Stats via Transfermarkt
That alone should probably tell you how successful the 25-year-old’s spell at Stamford Bridge was, as while he racked up a decent enough tally of five goals and ten assists, he did so in 41 games, with a sizable chunk coming in the Conference League.
Ultimately, Chelsea’s recent record with loan deals is not great, and while it’s unlikely to significantly impact the club, we cannot see Buonanotte having a great time in West London this season.
Chelsea star who was sold for a £38m loss is now playing like Xavi Simons
The international star had moments of brilliance at Chelsea, but never lived up to expectations.
Aston Villa fans have cheered on a lot of potent attackers in recent memory.
Indeed, last season saw the Villans masses become enamoured with the heroics of Jhon Duran, with the Colombian firing home a quickfire 12 goals from 27 appearances, before being picked up by Al-Nassr.
Of course, there is also Ollie Watkins still at Villa Park, as the England international chipped in with a lethal 17 strikes all across the 24/25 campaign.
However, with rumours continuing to circulate that Watkins might be leaving the West Midlands behind this summer for pastures new, a new striker looks to be a priority for Emery and Co. ahead of September’s approaching deadline, as a deadly target now comes into focus.
Villa maintain interest in £51m forward
Indeed, Watkins has been linked with a move away to Newcastle United and Manchester United in recent days.
Regardless of this rampant speculation, the 29-year-old has allowed his football to do the talking on Villa’s pre-season tour, as seen in the header above, cannoning into the net against Nashville SC.
Fulham attacker Rodrigo Muniz is allegedly on the Villa shopping list as they hunt down reinforcements up top, but Emery might well fancy a move for this alternative attacker instead from the Bundesliga.
As per Sky Sports Germany reporters Florian Plettenberg and Philipp Hinze, Villa also have their eyes on RB Leipzig marksman Lois Openda, with the report openly stating that the Belgian would be viewed as a viable replacement for Watkins.
Sunderland is also named as another Premier League outfit looking at the in-demand 25-year-old, with the Leipzig number 11 also now available at a far more reasonable £51m price tag, having once had a weighty £70m release clause above his head.
Villa will hope they can advance to the front of the queue for Openda’s services, having experienced great success in the past when snapping up a Belgian attacker who has been a hit in Europe, in the form of Christian Benteke.
How Openda can be Emery's own Benteke
Benteke’s name will most certainly still be uttered in the same breath as Duran and Watkins.
The current DC United centre-forward would instantly take the English game by storm when leading the line for the Villans with venom, as seen in him accumulating a prolific 19 goals across his debut top-flight campaign.
In total, at Villa Park by the end of his blistering three-season association with the club, the imposing Belgian would collect a deadly 49 strikes from 101 clashes, leading to former Villa teammate Andreas Weimann hailing him as an “unbelievable” talent.
Openda has been described in equally glowing terms for his goalscoring exploits at Leipzig – having been dubbed as “terrifying” to shut down by football journalist Seb Stafford-Bloor – with the hope history can repeat itself in the here and now as Emery wins his very own Benteke-style figure.
Games played
133
283
Goals scored
47
105
Assists
25
39
Trophies
1
3
Amazingly, Openda is already ahead of where Benteke was when he burst onto the scene in England, with the 27-time Belgium international boasting a hefty 105 goals next to his name, lining up in the Bundesliga, Eredivisie, Ligue 1, and even the Jupiler Pro League, where Benteke initially made a name for himself.
It will, of course, come at a greater cost; therefore, with the DC striker only costing the Villans £7m to bring in from Genk 13 years ago. Whereas, the lethal Leipzig 11 will set Emery and Co. back around the £51m price range.
Still, this feels like a worthwhile amount of money to fork out for a striker who fired home a ridiculous 28 goals in all competitions across the 23/24 season.
He could well become even more of a nuisance up top in his new surroundings as the likes of Morgan Rogers could supply him with chances, as Villa attempt to lessen their worries about Watkins exiting by securing a deal for a potent Belgian who might soon follow in Benteke’s esteemed footsteps.
New Watkins: Aston Villa could see bid accepted for "super-fast" £60m star
Aston Villa target RB Leipzig’s star foward as Ollie Watkins replacement
Manchester United have now hatched a plan to sign an “exceptional” £120m star in a swap deal for Jadon Sancho, with Ruben Amorim pushing INEOS to get a deal done, according to a report.
Man Utd still keen to strengthen in several areas
With their Premier League opener against Arsenal a matter of days away, Man United still remain keen on strengthening in several key areas, and Gary Neville believes his former side’s most important task will be to bring in a new goalkeeper.
Neville is relatively encouraged by the additions Amorim has made up to this point, but added: “If they get a goalkeeper, I think that they could get into the top six, but a lot of things have to go on.”
Paris Saint-Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma has recently entered the frame as one of the Red Devils’ main targets, but it remains to be seen whether they are able to sign the Italian, given that they are now planning to break the bank on a midfielder…
Bigger talent than Baleba: INEOS chasing "phenomenal" £100m CM for Man Utd
Manchester United are making another huge move in the transfer market this summer.
1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 13, 2025
Indeed, Man United are expected to make a huge bid for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, but they have also hatched a plan to secure the central midfielder’s signature in a different way.
That is according to a report from The Independent, which states Man United would be willing to use Sancho as a makeweight in negotiations with Brighton, although it is deemed unlikely that the Seagulls will be tempted by a deal of that nature.
Instead, owner Tony Bloom is holding out for the huge sum of £120m, and INEOS are now actively trying to figure out a way of orchestrating the deal, amid pressure from Amorim.
The United boss is said to be pushing for the club’s hierarchy to bring in Baleba, with the manager keen on a new midfielder to fit the team together, and the Brighton star has the best profile of any player on the shortlist.
"Exceptional" Baleba very keen on Old Trafford move
With the defensive midfielder thought to be very keen on joining Amorim’s side, the move could be a formality if United are able to agree a suitable fee with Brighton, although they are driving a very hard bargain with the £120m asking price.
That said, there are some signs the Cameroon international could be worth the huge outlay, having performed extremely well on some key defensive metrics over the past year compared to other midfielders.
Statistic
Average per 90
Interceptions
1.56 (90th percentile)
Blocks
1.59 (85th percentile)
Tackles
2.67 (79th percentile)
Lauded as “exceptional” by scout Ben Mattinson, the 21-year-old is also Premier League proven, which is crucial, given that previous signings, such as Rasmus Hojlund, have failed to adapt to life in England after joining for huge transfer fees.
It seems unlikely that a swap deal for Sancho will be possible, but it is exciting news that Amorim is pushing to get a deal for Baleba over the line.
Glasgow Rangers are set to be in action at Ibrox on Tuesday night in the first leg of their second round Champions League qualifier.
It will be Russell Martin’s first game in charge of the Scottish Premiership giants, having arrived this summer, and he will be hoping for a positive result to take back to Greece next week.
Mohamed Diomande and Nicolas Raskin have both been named in the squad for the match and both look set to feature in the middle of the park for the Gers.
However, both players have also been linked with moves away from Ibrox. Real Betis have reportedly been offered a move for Raskin, whilst the Light Blues are bracing themselves for a bid from Besiktas for Diomande.
This means that it remains to be seen whether or not they will still be at Rangers by the time that the summer transfer window officially slams shut at the start of September.
Losing one or both of them would be a big blow for Martin because they were both impressive performers in the Premiership for the club last season.
Why losing Diomande and Raskin would be a big blow for Rangers
Diomande is an incredibly versatile midfield option who can play as a defensive, box-to-box, or attacking midfielder, due to the wide range of attributes he possesses.
The Ivorian talent won 55% of his duels and made 1.8 tackles and interceptions per game, to go along with his haul of four goals and seven assists for the Scottish giants in the Premiership. This shows that he can contribute to the team in and out of possession in the middle of the park.
Raskin is a similar player in the sense that the Belgium international is another central midfielder who can be used in a multitude of midfield roles due to his qualities on and off the ball, as the former Standard Liege man also caught the eye with his performances in the league.
Appearances
33
36
Goals
4
4
Big chances created
9
11
Assists
10
7
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.4
1.8
Ground duel success rate
57%
57%
Aerial duel success rate
56%
48%
As you can see in the table above, both Raskin and Diomande provided quality defensively and offensively in midfield for Rangers, making tackles and interceptions on a regular basis, whilst also providing a threat at the top end of the pitch.
Nico Raskin
This is why it would be such a blow for Martin to lose either or both of them before the end of the summer transfer window, because they are proven performers who contribute at both ends of the pitch.
Possibly with their futures in mind, Rangers are reportedly eyeing up a move for another midfielder to come in and bolster their options in that position.
Rangers lodge enquiry for teen talent
According to Cukaricki sporting director Vladimir Matijašević, Rangers are one of the clubs interested in a deal to sign teenage midfielder Andrej Bacanin this summer.
Speaking to the club’s official website, he said: “There’s significant interest in our young players, and right now the spotlight is on Andrej Bačanin’s transfer. His performances last season for both our team and the Serbian national side at youth level have drawn attention from numerous clubs.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
“We’ve had enquiries from Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers, and clubs like Ajax and Udinese are also interested, among others. It’s possible more options will emerge, but I expect the transfer to be completed within the next ten days.”
This is as close as a confirmation of genuine interest as you can get in a transfer ‘rumour’, as the sporting director himself has confirmed that the Gers have enquired about a possible deal for the 18-year-old star.
With Rangers seemingly pursuing a move for the Serbian youngster, Martin could have his own version of Glen Kamara on his hands next season.
Why Bacanin could be the next Kamara for Rangers
Whilst the 18-year-old talent, due to his age and inexperience, may not be the ideal signing to come in and replace Raskin or Diomande in the short-term, he could be an excellent signing for the future.
The Cukaricki maestro is also a different type of central midfielder to both of those stars, as he is more of a tempo-setting player who likes to break up play and dictate matches with his passing ability. Whereas, as aforementioned, Diomande and Raskin thrive more as all-action box-to-box players who can make an impact defensively and offensively.
Former Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara.
Serbian Football Scout, who is a professional scout for MLS side Colorado Rapids, described Bacanin as a “true midfield controller” and one of the “most intriguing young midfield talents” around, which speaks to both his style of play and his potential.
The Serbia U19 international made his first-team breakthrough in the 2024/25 campaign and caught the eye with his promising displays in the middle of the park.
Appearances
17
33
Goals
1
1
Assists
2
1
Tackles + interceptions per game
2.7
2.0
Duels won per game
3.9
4.1
Accurate long passes per game
2.2
2.1
Pass accuracy
80%
91%
As you can see in the table above, if you take Kamara’s title-winning form from the 2020/21 Premiership and compare it to Bacanin’s breakthrough season in Serbia, there are a lot of similarities.
At the age of 18, the Serbian youngster is far from the finished article, as shown by his pass accuracy, but he is similar to Kamara in the sense that the teenage talent likes to sit at the base of the midfield and break up attacks whilst also spraying long passes.
As the Colorado Rapids scout put it, Bacanin is a controller in the middle of the park and has the potential to develop into Martin’s own version of the former Rangers star, who now plays for Rennes in Ligue 1.
Whilst he would not be the perfect like-for-like replacement for Diomande or Raskin, the 18-year-old starlet appears to be a worthwhile signing as a young talent with the potential to be a Kamara-esque star in the future.
As dispensable as Nsiala: Teams have major interest in Rangers flop
There are teams eyeing up moves for this flop and Clinton Nsiala from Rangers this summer.
Manchester United are interested in signing an “outstanding” attacker in a surprise move, and he wants a £100,000-a-week contract to move to Old Trafford.
Man Utd still hopeful over Mbeumo signing
The signing of Matheus Cunha felt like a significant piece of business by the Red Devils, showing that they still have plenty of pulling power, despite failing to qualify for Europe last season.
Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo has stood out as United’s primary transfer target since the arrival of Cunha from Wolves, but Tottenham are thought to be providing stiff competition for his signature, having appointed Thomas Frank as their new manager.
Some reports have said that the Red Devils are closing in on the signing of the Cameroonian, who was one of the Premier League’s best attacking players last season, scoring 20 goals in the competition and starting all 38 of Brentford’s matches.
Mbeumo would surely be a perfect option on the right-hand side of United’s attack, with Ruben Amorim admitting he wants a signing in that position, despite the emergence of Amad Diallo: “I think Amad in that position (right wing-back) he could be an option but in this moment with the type of players we have we need a left footer on that position in front. I try to reinforce the team with the idea and try to use the characteristics of the players.”
Free agent wants £100,000-a-week to join Man Utd after talks
Now, according to a fresh claim from Caught Offside, Manchester United are “considering” completing the surprise signing of Dominic Calvert-Lewin ahead of the new Premier League season after recently holding talks with the free agent.
The England international is available after leaving Everton earlier this summer, and it is believed that he is looking to earn £100,000-a-week at his next club, coming in at over £5m per year, which the report says could be too much for the Red Devils.
In truth, there are both positives and negatives to United signing Calvert-Lewin, with the free element of the signing jumping out as a good thing, not to mention the fact that Sean Dyche lauded him during their time together at Everton.
“I thought he was excellent. He’s had a bit of illness. We’re hopeful that has passed, he had it before the game, so I must commend him on that. His physical performance was outstanding, He’s not quite over it but we hope it settles down a bit.”
On the flip side, though, Calvert-Lewin has suffered badly with injury problems down the years, not starting over 30 Premier League games in a season since the 2020/21 campaign, so there would be a big risk element in bringing him in.
At 28, the striker, who scored at Old Trafford in 2021, is also no longer a young player who could develop or overcome fitness issues, so United should arguably be looking elsewhere for someone to lead the line.
Amorim's answer to Kane: Man Utd in talks to sign "world-class" striker
Manchester United could finally end their pursuit of a new talisman with a move for one European star.
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If Amorim brought in Calvert-Lewin as a squad option, as well as a superior signing to play most weeks, it could be sensible business, but it may be a non-starter due to his wage demands.
Dravid sent a touching message to his successor wishing him luck which featured advice and some humour
ESPNcricinfo staff27-Jul-2024
Gautam Gambhir on taking over from Rahul Dravid: “It’s massive shoes that I can hopefully fill”•AFP/Getty Images
“Even if it’s difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people.”Outgoing India head coach Rahul Dravid did what many consider the unthinkable – he made Gautam Gambhir smile with the above message. Dravid sent out a touching message to the new head coach, who takes over with the T20I series against Sri Lanka starting on Saturday. In a video posted by the BCCI on social media, Gambhir was made to sit in front of a laptop to play the message which he didn’t know came from Dravid.”As your team-mate, I saw you giving it your all on the field,” Dravid said to Gambhir. “As your batting partner and fellow fielder, I saw your resilience and refusal to surrender. Across many IPL seasons, I noted your desire to win, your assistance to younger players and your drive to extract the best out of your team on the field.”I know how dedicated and passionate you are about Indian cricket and I am sure you will bring all these qualities into the new job.Related
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“As you know, the expectations will be high and the scrutiny will be intense. But even in the worst of times you will never be alone. You will have the support of the players, your support staff, the leaders of the past, the management and never forget for whom you play – for fans who are very demanding but will always be behind the team.”Soon after winning the T20 World Cup final last month in Barbados, Dravid had mentioned the role of “luck” that had helped his team lift the trophy and he hoped the same would help Gambhir too.”I also wish you a little bit of luck, as you know that all of us coaches need to make us look that little bit wiser and smarter than we actually are,” he said.Dravid’s dry humour also gave an appearance to elicit a smile from Gambhir. “Even if it’s difficult for you, crack a smile. Whatever else happens, that will shock people,” he said.”From one Indian cricket coach to another, one last thing. In the most heated of times, exhale, take a step back. I wish you the very best, Gautam. I am sure you will take the Indian team to even greater heights.”Reacting to Dravid’s message which made him “emotional,” Gambhir said there was a lot to learn from his predecessor not just for him but for the entire generation.”I don’t know how to react because this message means so much to me,” Gambhir said. “The reason is not because it comes from the person who I have succeeded but from a person who I have always looked up to when I was playing.”I have always felt that and I said it in a lot of my interviews – I think the most selfless cricketer I have actually ever played with. Rahul has done anything and everything Indian cricket needed.”I think there is so much to learn from, not only for me but for the next generation and the current generation as well. That’s how important Indian cricket is, not me, not individuals.”I don’t get too emotional but I think this message actually made me a lot emotional which normally I shouldn’t. But it’s a great message.”It’s massive shoes that I can hopefully fill. Hopefully, I can do that with absolute honesty, transparency and hopefully, I can make the entire nation and more importantly, the person I have always looked up to – Rahul – proud,” he said.
Manchester United’s business this summer is already in full flow, after Matheus Cunha was announced as their first signing ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
The Red Devils forked out a whopping £62.5m for the Brazilian international, who registered 15 goals and six assists in the Premier League this campaign.
However, whilst it may seem like a hefty figure, it’s an excellent deal for a player who can change the club’s fortunes, after a dismal spell in front of goal over the last couple of months – scoring just 44 league goals in 2024/25.
Matheus Cunha
Ruben Amorim doesn’t appear to be done there though, with a striker still high on his list of priorities, leading to numerous names mentioned over a move to Old Trafford.
Liam Delap was seen as the number one target before his subsequent move to join Chelsea, resulting in a shift of focus, with numerous of Europe’s elite still on their radar.
The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer
Over recent weeks, numerous top-level talismen have been mentioned as options for United, as Amorim looks to land the goalscorer who can catapult the club back up the table next season.
Victor Osimhen, Viktor Gyokeres and Hugo Ekitiké have all been mentioned as potential options for the Red Devils, with no deals yet completed for any of the aforementioned stars.
However, that same can’t be said elsewhere, as they appear to be making a move for Juventus star Dušan Vlahović, that’s according to the latest report from FootballTransfers.
They claim that Amorim’s side have entered talks with the Italian outfit over a move for the striker, who currently earns £315k-per-week, according to Capology.
It also states that he’s keen on a move to join United this summer, seeing the switch as an opportunity to take his career to the next level, with a Premier League move the dream for the Serbian.
Why Vlahovic would be United’s answer to Haaland
Erling Haaland has been one of the Premier League’s leading talismen over the last couple of years, often causing United a whole host of problems in the process.
Manchester City's ErlingHaalandand manager Pep Guardiola
The Norwegian joined Manchester City back in the summer of 2022 from Borussia Dortmund, subsequently going on to score 121 times in his 142 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men.
He’s managed to score six times in his eight appearances against the Red Devils, including a hat-trick in the 6-3 rout at the Etihad back in the 2023/24 campaign.
Given his record, most sides across England’s top-flight must wish they had their own version of the talisman, with Amorim potentially able to do just that with Vlahovic.
The 25-year-old has been labelled as a similar player to the City star by FBref, with hope that he can transfer his skillset over to Old Trafford should he move in the coming months.
When comparing their respective figures from the 2024/25 campaign, the Serbian has managed to outperform in numerous key areas, showcasing what an amazing addition he would be this window.
Vlahovic, who’s been labelled “world-class” by one analyst, has registered more progressive carries and more progressive passes per 90 in 2024/25, showcasing his all-round nature with the ball in attacking areas.
Games played
29
31
Goals scored
10
22
Progressive carries
1.4
0.8
Progressive passes
1.2
0.6
Aerials won
2
1.8
Fouls won
0.9
0.4
Take-on success
42%
36%
He’s also won more aerials per 90 and drawn more fouls, subsequently offering Amorim a huge focal point at the top end of the pitch, something which he’s craved since his appointment.
The Juve star has also completed more of the take-ons he’s attempted, able to play off the shoulder or even drop deeper and complete a mazy run past the opposition.
Such a move would likely cost the club a hefty whack in wages, but it’s one that could hand the side the needed attacking threat they’ve lacked this season.
If he manages to reach the levels produced by Haaland over recent years, it would be a sensational pick-up and one that could catapult the side back up the table.
An Elanga repeat: Wilcox in talks to sell £105k-per-week Man Utd talent
Manchester United may be about to make a huge mistake in selling one first-team star.
Leeds United have been given a boost in their attempts to sign an up and coming young striker who has been compared to Wayne Rooney.
Leeds transfer rumours ramp up ahead of Premier League return
The 49ers Enterprises and Daniel Farke are preparing for Leeds’ return to the Premier League following a hugely successful Championship campaign which saw the Whites win the title with 100 points.
Premier League football will result in more money being available for Leeds, and chairman Paraag Marathe has admitted the club will splash all the cash that they are allowed on new signings.
He'd be amazing with Tanaka: Leeds plot move for "unbelievable" £12m star
Leeds United are preparing a move to land a star who would be perfect alongside Ao Tanaka.
ByEthan Lamb May 14, 2025
“Whatever they will let us spend, we’ll spend. I can comfortably say that we are going to spend the very last penny that we can. It’s what we need to go full tilt for the next three years.
“I’m under no illusions that it’s going to be easy… there’s an argument to be made that there’s a widening gap [between the Premier League and the Championship]. With all due respect to the other clubs, I think we’re different. We have an opportunity and we have scale that nobody else has.”
Adam Underwood is the new Leeds sporting director, whereas Robbie Evans has been promoted to managing director, and it is shaping up to be a busy first transfer market for the pair.
A number of players have been linked with moves to Elland Road, including Man City attacking midfielder James McAtee, Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi and San Lorenzo goalkeeper Orlando Gill.
A centre-forward addition to rival the likes of Championship Golden Boot winner Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford is also on the cards, with Besiktas centre-forward Semih Kılıçsoy of interest.
Leeds are preparing to move for the highly-rated teenager in the coming days, according to recent reports, and a promising new development has emerged.
Leeds given boost in race to sign Semih Kılıçsoy on loan from Besiktas
According to a fresh report from Turkey, relayed by Sport Witness, Besiktas have decided that Kılıçsoy can be loaned out for the 2025/26 season following talks between president Serdal Adalı, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and scouting director Eduard Graf.
Leeds are looking at a temporary deal for Kılıçsoy, so this will come as welcome news for the 49ers, Farke and Underwood. Compared to Rooney by analyst Ben Mattinson due to his “short, stocky build, powerful ball-striking and intelligent link-up play”, Kılıçsoy is under contract with the Super Lig side until 2028.
Semih Kılıçsoy stats at Besiktas
Games
82
Goals
16
Assists
9
Capable of playing as a centre-forward or on either wing, Kılıçsoy would offer a versatile attacking option for Farke and one who has made over 40 appearances in all competitions in 2024/25, scoring four goals and registering six assists.
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.
Liverpool'sTrentAlexander-Arnoldwalks off the pitch
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.