Nottingham Forest are making a strong move to sign an international forward with Champions League experience.

Nottingham Forest back in Champions League spots after 2-1 win at Tottenham

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side showed their top four credentials by winning 2-1 at Spurs on Monday evening. Forest went into the meeting at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium outside the top five Champions League spots after wins for Manchester City and Chelsea over the weekend.

However, early goals from Elliot Anderson and Chris Wood settled the nerves and ensured the Reds would go back up into the Premier League top four.

Talking after the win at Tottenham, Espirito Santo said: “We have a clear way to play and when we found ourselves in our identity. We had goals [against Tottenham] but also they created chances in the second half and we had to hold on to what we had. We’ve been able this season to compete well and fight for every ball.”

Attention now turns to the weekend and an FA Cup semi-final at Wembley against Pep Guardiola’s Man City side as Forest look to add silverware to what has been an outstanding season.

Nottingham Forest star who "defied physics" was even better than Elanga

The Nottingham Forest star who was even better than Anthony Elanga and Morgan Gibbs-White.

By
Dan Emery

Apr 22, 2025

Away from the pitch, owner Evangelos Marinakis looks to be making preparations ahead of the summer transfer window where Forest could be readying themselves for Champions League football.

Now, Forest are moving behind the scenes to sign a player who has Champions League experience.

Nottingham Forest making strong moves to sign Alexis Saelemaekers

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Nottingham Forest are interested in signing Alexis Saelemaekers from AC Milan.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at AS Roma, however Forest are making a strong move to sign Saelemaekers, with Milan wanting €20m (£17m) to sell for good. Should Forest qualify for the Champions League, the report states that it could be crucial in a move for Saelemaekers.

A Belgium international, Saelemaekers can play as a right or left winger and is valued at €20m by Transfermarkt. Interestingly, the attacker also shares the same agency as Forest right-back Neco Williams and has actually scored twice in the Champions League in his career.

Similar players to Alexis Saelemaekers	Club
Alex Grimaldo	Bayer Leverkusen
Dejan Kulusevski	Tottenham
Kenan Yildiz	Juventus
Jacob Ramsey	Aston Villa

Roma boss Claudio Ranieri hailed the Forest target earlier in the season, saying: “Saelemaekers is an international player, a good player who can play different roles. I needed him on this wing to execute certain plays, and he is doing well in interpreting what I want from him.

“So, this is my comment: he is fine like this. But this does not mean that it will always be like this, because, from game to game, coaches make choices, maybe change their minds and evaluate other solutions.”

Now, it looks as if a move to the City Ground could be one to keep an eye on over the coming months, providing things go to plan for Forest in the final stages of the season.

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta has reportedly added a marquee new transfer target to his list of potential signings this summer, with preparations beginning for what is expected to be an active window.

Arsenal scheduling talks as clock ticks towards summer window

2024/2025 is about to draw to a close, and following the end of their previously hopeful Champions League campaign, full attention is beginning to turn towards the off-season.

Arsenal move with "formal" offer to £50m player as Real Madrid stall

The Gunners have get in there first.

ByEmilio Galantini May 9, 2025

Arsenal lost out on this year’s Premier League title to Liverpool by a seismic distance, thanks largely to key-player injuries and an inability to put teams away, with Mikel Arteta’s side registering 13 draws in the top flight so far, which is more than any other side in the top nine.

The Gunners did knock Real Madrid out of the Champions League in statement fashion, dismantling Carlo Ancelotti’s side 5-1 on aggregate in the quarter-finals, but competition favourites PSG put an end to their European dream in the next round.

Liverpool (away)

May 11th

Newcastle United (home)

May 18th

Southampton (away)

May 25th

It is now back to the drawing board for Arteta and Berta in preparation for 25/26, with a transfer overhaul anticipated at the Emirates this summer.

Arsenal could spend up to £300 million on seven major signings across the squad (GiveMeSport). It is also believed they’re targeting a new second-choice goalkeeper, defender, midfielder, right-winger, left-winger and striker among their recruitment priorities (GiveMeSport).

Arteta’s left side of attack will be a key area to watch, as reports suggest Gabriel Martinelli could be sold by Arsenal in the event of a suitable offer arriving (The Athletic).

Leandro Trossard’s deal also expires in 2026, and with no sign of a renewal so far, Arsenal will be planning for life without the Belgium international if they decide not to extend his stay.

Berta adds Milan star Rafael Leao to Arsenal target list

According to Calciomercato and Italian transfer journalist Daniele Longo, Portugal international Rafael Leao is now emerging as a possible Arsenal solution.

The 25-year-old has been a star player for the Rossoneri over the last few seasons, chalking up 12 goals and 13 assists in all competitions this term, with his form turning heads at N5.

It is claimed that new director Berta has personally added Leao to Arsenal’s transfer target list ahead of the summer window, but he could be a pretty expensive option.

His contract contains a €175m (£148m) release clause, which will be active from July 5 to July 15 (Foot Mercato). However, it is unlikely Arsenal would be willing to pay this, and may well look to whittle this down to a far more acceptable and doable fee.

Longo reports that the lowest offer Milan would entertain is around €100m (£85m), which still comes as a pretty significant outlay and would make Leao one of Arsenal’s most expensive ever signings.

A potential deal for the Sporting academy graduate is therefore set to be an ambitious one, and with Chelsea also in contention for Leao, Arsenal face a serious battle on their hands if they wish to tempt him to north London.

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

Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of an “amazing” £58m striker, who’s now keen on a move to the Emirates Stadium in the summer, according to a report.

Gunners' striker pursuit heating up

A new striker has been of interest to the Gunners for quite some time, and there is no shortage of options on the shortlist, with Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres seemingly one of the main targets, and talks over a deal have been held in recent days.

The north Londoners are confident about getting a deal for Gyokeres over the line, despite interest from Chelsea and Manchester United, but if they miss out on the Swedish striker, there are plenty of alternative targets in the frame.

Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak and Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins are the main options from within the Premier League, while RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko has been liked for quite some time, and there has now been a development in the pursuit of the striker.

Arsenal and Berta eye move for £68m star if Saliba is sold to Real Madrid

Real Madrid are interested in the Arsenal defender.

2

By
Tom Cunningham

May 4, 2025

According to a report from The Boot Room, Arsenal are stepping up their pursuit of Sesko, having conducted extensive background work to assess the forward, while also sending scouts to watch him in action against Bayern Munich.

The Slovenian’s entourage remain in active talks with the Gunners, but rivals Chelsea and Liverpool are also in discussions, so there could be fierce competition for his signature, with a £58m move to England now looking like the most likely outcome.

The 21-year-old is yet to make a final decision about where his future lies, but there is a feeling he is now leaning towards a move to the Emirates Stadium, which will be welcome news for Mikel Arteta’s side.

"Amazing" Sesko enjoying impressive Bundesliga campaign

It has been far from a perfect season for RB Leipzig, with the German side sacking Marco Rose at the end of March, while currently occupying sixth place in the Bundesliga, but the Slovenia international has managed to catch the eye with his performances.

The youngster has picked up 13 goals and five assists in 31 Bundesliga outings, while also regularly getting on the scoresheet in both the DFB Pokal and the Champions League.

Competition	Appearances	Goals	Assists
Bundesliga	31	13	5
Champions League	8	4	0
DFB Pokal	4	4	1

Not only that, but NK Domzale sporting director Matej Orazem clearly believes the 6 foot 5 powerhouse is capable of playing at the highest level, having claimed he is “destined for greatness”, while also lauding him as “amazing”.

Of course, Isak would be a dream signing for Arsenal, given that he is proven in the Premier League, with the Swedish striker adding to his goal tally in his side’s 1-1 draw at Brighton & Hove Albion yesterday afternoon.

However, it may be difficult to prise the 25-year-old away from Newcastle, and there are plenty of signs that Sesko could be a solid alternative option.

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.

Related 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.

Posts 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.

A Bayern Munich star would be keen on a move to Chelsea this summer, rather than joining Newcastle United or Tottenham Hotspur, according to a report.

Blues set sights on new winger

With the summer transfer window edging ever closer, it is becoming apparent that the Blues are keen on bolstering their wide options, and AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is among their main targets, although the 25-year-old is unlikely to come cheap.

The west Londoners are the favourites to sign Leao, having held talks over a deal, but the Portugal international’s £148m release clause may be prohibitive, while there is also rival interest from Arsenal and Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.

There are also potential options from within the Premier League, with Enzo Maresca’s side still keen on Manchester United’s Alejandro Garnacho, having remained in contact with the 20-year-old’s agents ahead of a potential summer swoop.

Fabrizio Romano: Chelsea now want to sign £50m star "by the end of May"

The reliable journalist says BlueCo want a deal done as soon as possible.

ByEmilio Galantini May 10, 2025

In the aforementioned report, it is detailed that Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Athletic Club’s Nico Williams make up the shortlist, but a new update has revealed that a Bayern Munich winger could also be in line to move to Stamford Bridge.

According to a report from Sky Sports in Germany, Chelsea are interested in signing Bayern Munich’s Leroy Sane, and a move to west London would appeal to the German, who isn’t as keen on joining fellow suitors Tottenham Hotspur or Newcastle.

Sane is out of contract this summer, which means the winger is set to be available on a free transfer, but there could be competition for his signature, with the 29-year-old open to a move to Arsenal.

A move to La Liga also appeals to the Bayern star, whose current employers want him to make a final decision on his future by May 17th, the date of their final Bundesliga match.

"Outstanding" Sane could help take Blues to next level

The Blues remain in a strong position to qualify for next season’s Champions League, which means Maresca may be keen to bring in players with experience in Europe’s elite competition, and the forward certainly fits the bill in that regard.

The Germany international has 23 goals and 19 assists to his name in 73 Champions League appearances, while his attacking output in the Bundesliga has been impressive ever since arriving at Bayern.

Season

Appearances

Goals

Assists

2020-21

32

6

9

2021-22

32

7

7

2022-23

32

8

7

2023-24

27

8

11

2024-25

29

11

6

Not only that, but the £244k-per-week forward also received high praise from Harry Kane in November 2023, with the England captain saying: “He has great pace and outstanding power. Leroy is probably our best player so far this season. He is fantastic.”

At 29-years-old, Sane is older than the players Chelsea usually sign, but should they qualify for the Champions League, it is important Maresca has a good blend of youth and experience, and his availability on a free transfer is an added bonus.

Leeds United have now made an approach to sign a “fantastic” Premier League defender, who is set to be available on a free transfer, according to reliable reporter Ben Jacobs.

Leeds eyeing Premier League players after promotion

It was a thrilling end to the 2024-25 campaign for Leeds, securing the Championship title with 100 points, but they are now faced with the even more difficult task of remaining in the Premier League, so it could be wise to bring in new signings who are proven in the top flight.

Micah Richards has suggested Manchester City’s James McAtee could be a fantastic signing for the Whites in the attacking midfield area, while there has also been talk of a double swoop for Newcastle United’s Sean Longstaff and Callum Wilson.

Having played a role in transforming the Magpies from a relegation-threatened side into Champions League contenders and EFL Cup winners, the Newcastle duo could be exciting signings for Daniel Farke’s side, who also have their sights on another proven Premier League player.

Big Piroe upgrade: Leeds leading the race to sign "outstanding" PL star

Leeds are leading the race to sign a Premier League star who would be a big upgrade on Joel Piroe.

ByDan Emery May 18, 2025

According to Jacobs, in an interview with GiveMeSport, Leeds are interested in signing a West Ham United defender this summer, saying an approach has been made. “Vladimir Coufal may be a market opportunity as well. I’m told that Leeds and Everton are the two clubs that have enquired for him. So, there is substance to both of those links for sure and like I said a moment ago, I’m fully expecting Leeds to explore the goalkeeper market.”

The Hammers have confirmed that Coufal is set to leave the club upon the expiration of his contract this summer, which means the Championship title-winners will have the opportunity to snap him up on a free transfer.

"Fantastic" Coufal is proven in the Premier League

Once lauded as “fantastic” by former teammate Ben Johnson, the Czech defender has a plethora of experience in the Premier League, having made 146 appearances in the competition during his time at the London Stadium.

The 32-year-old has played more of a sporadic role this season, often being utilised as a substitute, but he has put in some impressive performances in the past, picking up seven assists in 36 league outings last term.

There may be concerns about the defender’s age, however, and some members of the media have suggested the full-back is now past his best, which is underlined by the fact West Ham are willing to let him leave for free.

That said, Leeds will require players with Premier League experience if they are to avoid an instant return to the Championship, and Coufal has that in droves, so a move would make perfect sense.

Liverpool have now made contact over a move for an “unbelievable” £126m star, who they are interested in bringing to Anfield this summer, according to reliable reporter Ben Jacobs.

Reds stepping up summer transfer plans

The summer transfer window isn’t officially open until June, but the Reds have already made progress towards securing an early signing, with a deal for Bayer Leverkusen defender Jeremie Frimpong now believed to be close.

Frimpong has been identified as a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold, with the right-back set to join Real Madrid this summer, and while Virgil van Dijk has committed his future to the Reds, Arne Slot is also keen on strengthening in the centre of defence.

AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen is among the more ambitious targets, but amid interest from Real Madrid, talks have now been opened over a deal for Benfica centre-back Tomas Araujo.

Deal close: "Sensational" £34m star will "soon" be a Liverpool player

Personal terms are not expected to be an issue.

By
Dominic Lund

May 14, 2025

There is also a sense that Slot is keen on improving his squad in more attacking areas this summer, having opened talks to sign Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki, who could be available for just £19m.

Cherki’s low asking price could make signing the Frenchman an attractive proposition, but Liverpool also have their eye on a much more expensive target, namely Bayer Leverkusen’s Florian Wirtz, with a deal for the German likely to amount to around £126m.

Taking to X, Jacobs has now provided a new update on the Reds’ Wirtz pursuit, stating “contact” has been made over a deal for the attacking midfielder, who they are “interested” in bringing to Anfield.

However, the reporter also clarifies that an in-person meeting hasn’t taken place, contrary to other reports, with Slot’s side of the belief the 22-year-old will either join Bayern Munich or stay at Leverkusen, rather than moving to the Premier League.

Wirtz could be "unbelievable" signing for Liverpool

Leverkusen have been on a real journey under Xabi Alonso, winning the Bundesliga title without losing a game in the 2023-24 campaign, while once again qualifying for the Champions League this season.

The 22-year-old has played an integral role in their success, picking up 57 goals and 65 assists in 196 first-team appearances for the German side, bagging six goals in nine Champions League outings this season.

As such, the Germany international places extremely highly on some key attacking metrics over the past year, when compared to other attacking midfielders and wingers.

Statistic	Average per 90
Successful take-ons	2.88 (96th percentile)
Assists	0.37 (92nd percentile)
Progressive passes	6.91 (94th percentile)

Wirtz is exhibiting world-class potential, but it appears as though a move to Bayern is the more likely scenario, and Liverpool would have to break the bank to get a deal done, given his £126m price tag.

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

Celtic may be in the market for a new winger after they lost Jota to a long-term injury.

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.

West Brom are said to be in talks with a manager who knows the Premier League well, as they look to nail their successor to Tony Mowbray in the coming weeks and months.

West Brom searching for Mowbray replacement

The Baggies’ season was ultimately a disappointing one, with Carlos Corberan departing for Valencia earlier in the campaign and Mowbray finding himself sacked just three months after taking charge, following a disappointing spell.

It is now a case of those high up at West Brom making sure the perfect manager comes in to steer the team to what is hopefully a successful Championship campaign in 2025/26 – one that ends in promotion back to the Premier League.

A recent report has claimed that the Baggies are believed to be big admirers of Ryan Mason, with the Englishman currently the assistant manager to Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham, winning the Europa League earlier this month.

Still only 33 years of age, Mason’s playing career was cut short by a serious head injury, but he is making waves in coaching and West Brom consider him a strong option to come. Now, a fresh update has emerged regarding him potentially heading to the Hawthorns in the near future.

West Brom in talks with 4-4-2 manager

According to Football Insider, Mason has “opened talks” to become West Brom’s new manager, with the report saying he is in “pole position” to take charge of the Baggies ahead of next season.

He has taken charge of Spurs 13 times as an interim manager, in between them finding another boss, and is an exciting young option, rather than a more tried and tested choice like Mowbray.

The 4-4-2-playing Mason could be an intriguing appointment at West Brom, during an era in which managers appear to be getting younger all the time, being trusted to take big jobs before they are experienced.

The former Spurs midfielder has shone during his time coaching in north London, with Ben Davies once praising him for the impact he had during a brief stint as manager:

“It’s not the easiest situation to come into [for Mason]. We’ve got a limited amount of games so it’s hard for him to come in and completely change things and do it his own way. But there’s been a clear message that we need to be as good as we can with the ball and tighten up without it. It’s pretty basic but that’s the way we’ve been training and working. Ryan’s instilled that belief in us that we’re able to do that.”

Tony Mowbray (2025)

17

1.12

Carlos Corberan (2022-2024)

107

1.59

Steve Bruce (2022)

32

1.13

Valerien Ismael (2021-2022)

31

1.45

Sam Allardyce (2020-2021)

26

0.73

Granted, there would be an element of risk with West Brom hiring Mason, given his lack of experience in management, but if the club feel he is now at a point where he can leave Postecoglou and go out on his own, they need to be trusted.