West Bromwich Albion have endured a fairly miserable campaign in the Championship this season in terms of their results and performances at times.
With 45 games played, the Baggies have won just 17, drawn 13 and lost 15, highlighting just how up-and-down they’ve been throughout the season.
Despite securing a 1-0 win over Reading last time out, the Midlands club didn’t come away from Saturday’s game completely unscathed.
What’s the news?
After playing throughout the first 45 minutes, Baggies full-back Conor Townsend was replaced by Zac Ashworth at half-time due to a suspected injury.
Speaking after the match to Birmingham Mail, West Brom manager Steve Bruce had this to say regarding Townsend’s injury: “He twisted his ankle just before half-time and he will have scans and we’ll see how he is.”
It is just the latest injury blow in a regrettable campaign at The Hawthorns which has also seen the likes of Dara O’Shea and Daryl Dike fall victim to long-term absences.
Taking into account how Townsend has started all 43 league games in which he has appeared in this season, it’s clear that he is an important figure for the team, and his absence will be a big blow for them.
Throughout the campaign, the 29-year-old has shown his versatility by playing in three different positions on the pitch when required, delivering two assists while doing so.
To further highlight how vital he is for the Baggies, no other West Brom player can match the number of crosses (181) or tackles (50) that Townsend has to his name.
Worrying for Bruce
Not only has Townsend played more minutes in the league this season than any of his team-mates, his overall performances have also shown what a solid player he is.
As per WhoScored, the defender has earned himself an overall season rating of 6.84/10, making him the fourth-highest rated West Brom player to have started more than 30 league games.
Even though the end of the season is almost upon us, it will still be worrying news for Bruce in terms of what the severity of Townsend’s injury could be, especially with another season in the Championship on the way for the Baggies.
Everyone at the Midlands club will surely be hoping for the best in terms of the defender’s recovery time and will be eager to see him get back out on the pitch as soon as possible.
In other news – Forget Grant: “Energetic” 88-touch West Brom dynamo stole the show against Reading
Crystal Palace have joined the race to sign Real Betis forward Abde Ezzalzouli in the January transfer window, and their chances of getting a deal over the line have now been revealed.
Palace have predominantly been linked with new defenders in recent weeks, amid Marc Guehi’s uncertain future, but they are also looking to upgrade their options in attacking areas, having recently failed to craft many decent opportunities against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Indeed, the Eagles recorded an xG of just 0.75 against their rivals, with Jean-Philippe Mateta receiving little service, although that has been a rarity, with the Frenchman currently joint-third in the Premier League’s goalscoring charts.
Premier League top goalscorers
Club
Goals
Erling Haaland
Manchester City
14
Igor Thiago
Brentford
8
Antoine Semenyo
AFC Bournemouth
6
Danny Welbeck
Brighton
6
Jean-Philippe Mateta
Crystal Palace
6
Yeremy Pino was one of Oliver Glasner’s statement signings during the summer, but the Spaniard’s Premier League career is yet to truly take off, having been unable to register a goal or assist in his opening nine matches.
In fairness, it often takes foreign players some time to adapt to life in England, and it is still very early days for Pino, but Glasner has now set out to sign another new forward.
Crystal Palace join race to sign Abde Ezzalzouli
According to a report from Spain, Crystal Palace have now joined the race to sign Real Betis star Ezzalzouli, who is being closely monitored ahead of the January transfer window, but there may be competition from fellow Premier League side Aston Villa.
Real Betis are reluctant to sanction a departure, but may be forced to listen to an ‘irresistible’ offer, with the Spanish side’s board clear that any deal must amount to significantly more than the Moroccan’s €12m (£11m) valuation.
As such, a deal could be there to be done for Palace, with Glasner looking to bring in another winger to form a top-level forward line, alongside Mateta, Pino and Ismaila Sarr.
Once lauded as “extraordinary” by Barcelona legend Xavi Hernandez, the 23-year-old has made an impressive start to the season for Betis, amassing eight goals and assists in his opening 13 matches across all competitions.
Not only has the Morocco international impressed Xavi in the past, but scout Ben Mattinson has also compared him to Paris Saint-Germain star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, in light of the winger’s “explosive” dribbling ability.
The Betis forward’s ability to drive at opposition defences has been on display regularly over the past year, placing in the 84th percentile for progressive carries per 90, when compared to his positional peers, having averaged 4.82.
As such, Ezzalzouli could be a brilliant acquisition for Crystal Palace, and they should try and get a deal done in the January transfer window to bolster their chances of winning the UEFA Conference League.
Crystal Palace lining up move for Brendan Rodgers to replace Oliver Glasner Crystal Palace line up Brendan Rodgers as Oliver Glasner succession plan revealed
The Eagles are making contingency plans, with Oliver Glasner’s contract set to expire next summer.
Leeds United were busy throughout the summer transfer window as they looked to build a squad that was capable of competing in the Premier League.
Eight points in seven matches, despite playing Newcastle, Spurs, and Arsenal already, suggests that they have been competitive in their return to the top-flight.
There are still a few question marks over some of Daniel Farke’s summer signings, though, including first-choice number nine Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Why Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs to do more for Leeds
The former England international was brought in on a free transfer from Everton in the summer to lead the line for the Whites, and he scored his first goal for the club in the 3-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, the experienced centre-forward has missed a whopping nine ‘big chances’ to find the back of the net in his other five appearances for the club, per Sofascore, either side of that header against Wolves.
This shows that the former Toffees star has been incredibly wasteful in front of goal, costing the Whites points. His missed ‘big chance’ against Spurs is a prime example of him costing the team points, as he blazed a huge opportunity high and wide in a game that they lost 2-1.
Therefore, Leeds need more from their main number nine because he has not been reliable enough in front of goal to suggest that he will score goals on a consistent basis to fire the team to safety.
His wastefulness in front of goal is particularly frustrating when you consider that the Whites once released Rafa Mujica, who now looks like an upgrade on Calvert-Lewin.
Why Leeds United made a mistake with Rafa Mujica
In the summer of 2021, Leeds released the Spanish striker to allow him to join Las Palmas on a free transfer, per Transfermarkt, after two years in West Yorkshire that were largely spent out on loan.
The club did not give him a single minute of first-team football to prove himself, which turned out to be a mistake because his form since leaving the Whites has been exceptional.
After a season in Spain, the striker joined Arouca in the Portuguese top-flight and went on to score 37 goals in 68 matches in all competitions for the club, including 20 goals in 30 Liga Portugal matches in the 2023/24 campaign, per Transfermarkt.
The former Leeds youngster, who was described as “magnificent” by former boss Pepe Mel, then made a move to Qatar-based side Al-Sadd in the summer of 2024, and outperformed Calvert-Lewin at league level.
Appearances
26
18
Goals
3
18
Minutes per goal
543
84
Big chances missed
16
14
Conversion rate
6%
25%
Big chances created
1
3
Assists
1
0
As you can see in the table above, Mujica significantly outperformed the English marksman as a goalscorer in the 2024/25 campaign, albeit whilst playing in a different league.
In the last two full seasons, the Spaniard has scored 38 league goals for Al-Sadd and Arouca combined, which shows that he has been in incredibly prolific form, including in a respectable European league in Portugal.
Meanwhile, Calvert-Lewin scored ten goals and missed a whopping 32 ‘big chances’ in the Premier League for Everton in those two seasons, per Sofascore. This is why it has not been a shock to see him struggle in front of goal as a finisher in the top-flight for Leeds this term.
Unless the English forward can turn things around and become the reliable goalscorer that he has failed to be in the last few years, the Whites may look back and regret releasing Mujica back in 2021.
Leeds can drop DCL by unleashing "the best finisher" Farke has worked with
Leeds United could now finally drop Dominic Calvert-Lewin by unleashing a finisher Daniel Farke is fond of.
ByKelan Sarson Oct 6, 2025
The Al-Sadd star’s form in recent seasons in Portugal and Qatar suggests that he could have been an exciting centre-forward option for the club if they had given him a chance to prove himself in West Yorkshire, instead of releasing him.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has shared his positive thoughts about the club’s future after an official announcement this week.
Arsenal under pressure to end Premier League title wait
Arteta is currently in the midst of yet another Premier League title race, as he looks to finally topple the rest of England and bring an end to the Gunners’ two-decade-long wait for a domestic crown.
Some pressure has grown on Arteta, given the club’s vast spending since his arrival, with precious few major trophies to show for his efforts, despite coming very close on multiple occasions.
19/20 – winter
£0
20/21 – summer
£81.5m
20/21 – winter
£900k
21/22 – summer
£156.8m
21/22 – winter
£1.8m
22/23 – summer
£121.5m
22/23 – winter
£59m
23/24 – summer
£208m
23/24 – winter
£0
24/25 – summer
£101.5m
24/25 – winter
£0
25/26 – summer
£257m
Arsenal reached the Champions League semi-finals last year, only to be knocked out by eventual winners PSG, and finished second in the Premier League for the third consecutive year.
With the help of sporting director Andrea Berta, who splashed north of £250 million on eight major signings to bolster Arsenal’s squad, Arteta has shored up key areas to give Arsenal the best possible chance of etching their name on the Premier League trophy for the first time in 2004.
Berta’s arrival was, by some way, Arsenal’s most significant boardroom change to usher in a new era, but major news emerged this week that long-serving vice-chairman Tim Lewis has left the Emirates Stadium after five years.
The 62-year-old’s “shock” exit was first revealed by David Ornstein, and soon after confirmed by the club in an official announcement.
Lewis was “integral” to Arsenal’s rise, but Richard Garlick has now become CEO and Josh Kroenke is set for a more prominent role in what is a real revamp of the hierarchy.
Commenting on the changes upstairs, Arteta shared an emphatic prediction.
Mikel Arteta tips Arsenal for "wonderful future" after boardroom announcement
The announcement of Garlick becoming CEO and Lewis departing has attracted plenty of debate, but Arteta has tipped Arsenal for a “wonderful future” as he welcomes the reshuffle.
Arsenal take on Man City in their next crucial top-flight match, and Arteta has been given a welcome boost with the confirmed involvement of Mikel Merino and Viktor Gyokeres following head-injury scares in midweek.
However, Ben White, Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard face late fitness tests which will determine their involvement against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Sunderland are back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017 and have been splashing the cash under owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus.
The Black Cats have Regis Le Bris to thank for taking them out of the Championship and back into the top flight, with their transfer record being broken on numerous occasions in 2025 as a result.
England legend said Sunderland star was the best he'd seen and as good as Owen and Figo
The Black Cats would love to have him back in their current squad…
ByBen Goodwin Jun 4, 2025
But who tops the charts as Sunderland’s most expensive addition of all time?
Rank
Player
Fee
Signed from
Year
Habib Diarra
£27m
Strasbourg
2025
Simon Adingra
£21m
Brighton
2025
Enzo Le Fee
£19.3m
AS Roma
2025
Chemsdine Talbi
£18m
Club Brugge
2025
Brian Brobbey
£17.3m
Ajax
2025
Noah Sadiki
£15m
Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
2025
Didier Ndong
£13.6m
Lorient
2016
Granit Xhaka
£13m
Bayer Leverkusen
2025
Asamoah Gyan
£13m
Rennes
2010
Steven Fletcher
£12m
Wolves
2012
Omar Alderete
£10.4m
Getafe
2025
Jack Rodwell
£10m
Man City
2014
Darren Bent
£10m
Tottenham
2009
Nordi Mukiele
£9.5m
PSG
2025
Wahbi Khazri
£9m
Bordeaux
2016
Craig Gordon
£9m
Hearts
2007
Ricardo Alvarez
£9m
Inter Milan
2015
Robin Roefs
£9m
NEC Nijmegen
2025
Jozy Altidore
£9m
AZ Alkmaar
2013
Jeremain Lens
£8m
Dynamo Kiev
2015
Detailed look at Sunderland’s 10 most expensive signings… 10 Steven Fletcher £12m from Wolves
Experienced striker Steven Fletcher arrived at Sunderland in 2012 after taking his first steps in English football with Burnley and Wolves.
The Scottish forward was 25 at the time of his move and would go on to spend four years at the Stadium of Light. His final months on the books with the Black Cats saw him on loan at French side Marseille.
9 Asamoah Gyan £13m from Rennes
After starring for Ghana at the 2010 World Cup, Sunderland made Asamoah Gyan their record signing on deadline day ahead of the 2010/11 season.
The Black Cats signed Gyan to replace Kenwyne Jones, and he would go on to score 11 goals in 37 appearances, leaving a year later.
8 Granit Xhaka £13m from Bayer Leverkusen
Former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka returned to England with a move to Sunderland in 2025 from Bayer Leverkusen.
The Switzerland international helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga in 2024 and cost the Black Cats an initial £13m which could rise with add-ons.
7 Didier Ndong £13.6m from Lorient
Sunderland’s record signing for nearly nine years was midfielder Didier Ndong, who cost the Black Cats just under £14m in August 2016.
The Gabon international struggled in England and was a part of the Sunderland side that were relegated in 2017, and he would then join Watford on loan in January 2018 as the Black Cats suffered back-to-back relegations.
Ndong was under contract until 2021 but his deal was terminated in 2018 after he failed to return to the club.
6 Noah Sadiki £15m from Royale Union Saint-Gilloise
One of a number of big-money signings in 2025 was midfielder Noah Sadiki, who cost £15m from Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.
Sadiki was also wanted by fellow promoted side Leeds United but opted to choose Sunderland instead.
5 Brian Brobbey £17.3m from Ajax
Sunderland’s 2025 spending spree continued right up until the final hours, with Brian Brobbey arriving from Ajax.
The Black Cats acted quickly after Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu and spent more than £17m on the Dutch attacker.
4 Chemsdine Talbi £18m from Club Brugge
Promising winger Chemsdine Talbi also arrived at the Stadium of Light following Sunderland’s Premier League return.
The Moroccan international impressed for Club Brugge and signed a five-year deal.
3 Enzo Le Fee £19.3m from AS Roma
After helping Sunderland win promotion to the Premier League, Enzo Le Fee’s move to the Stadium of Light became permanent.
The obligation to buy the attacking midfielder from Roma set the Black Cats back just under £20m, with Le Fee signing a four-year deal.
2 Simon Adingra £21m from Brighton
After shining for Brighton & Hove Albion since 2023, winger Simon Adingra was yet another player who Sunderland splashed the cash on after returning to the top flight.
An Ivory Coast international, Adingra signed a five-year contract and there are also potential add-ons to increase an initial £21m fee.
1 Habib Diarra £27m from Strasbourg
Standing at the top of the charts as Sunderland’s record signing is central midfielder Habib Diarra.
The Senegal international captained at starred for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg at the age of 21, which resulted in the Black Cats pipping Leeds to a huge £27m transfer.
For the third time in a row, Mikel Arteta’s side ended this season as Premier League runners-up, and as things stand, their rivals for next year are making some impressive moves in the transfer market.
However, while the Gunners are yet to announce a signing, that doesn’t mean they aren’t working towards a few, with Martin Zubimendi’s move to the club now looking like a matter of when and not if.
The Spanish international could be a needle mover for the North Londoners, but if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now looking to advance towards another international who could be utterly game-changing.
Arsenal plot move for international superstar
It would be fair to say that the journey to sign Zubimendi has been a long and somewhat stressful one for Arsenal – one that is still not quite complete.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The first serious reports that the club were making serious progress in securing his services came out in January, courtesy of Sami Mokbel, but in the months that followed, there have been more than a few stories from Spain suggesting that Real Madrid was going to hijack the move.
Fortunately, reports in the last few days, notably from Fabrizio Romano, have revealed that the paperwork is now done and that fans can expect an official announcement soon.
However, while the Real Sociedad will surely help improve the balance of the North Londoners’ midfield, the club now appear to be moving towards an even better signing: Viktor Gyokeres.
At least that’s according to a recent report from Portuguese outlet A Bola, which claims that Arsenal have reignited their intense interest in the Sporting CP star.
In fact, the report has revealed that the Gunners are planning to make another offer for the free-scoring forward, which, according to other stories from earlier this week, could be up to 80m, which comes out to around £68m.
Furthermore, according to a recent update from Sky Sports reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the North Londoners “will sign” the former Coventry man this summer, as he “was their first target from the start.”
It would undoubtedly represent a mammoth investment from Arsenal, but given Gyokeres’ out-of-this-world ability in front of goal, it would be worth it, and he would be a better signing than Zubimendi.
Why Gyokeres would be a better signing than Zubimendi
Firstly, as we’ve already mentioned, fans should be excited about the seemingly imminent arrival of Zubimendi this summer, as the Sociedad star has proven himself to be a defensively solid and inventive creative six at both club and international level over the last couple of years.
Vikor Gyokeres at Sporting Club.
However, if we are talking about who could have the more significant and immediate impact on Arsenal’s title chances in the Premier League and Champions League next season and, therefore, be the better signing this summer, we think it’s impossible to look past Gyokeres.
We say this for one massive and simply impossible to ignore reason: his output.
Since moving to Sporting in the summer of 2023, the Stockholm-born phenomenon has been a seemingly unstoppable goalscoring “powerhouse,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson.
For example, in his first campaign with the Lisbon outfit, he racked up a ridiculous tally of 43 goals and 15 assists in 50 appearances, totalling 4169 minutes.
Appearances
50
52
Minutes
4169′
4248′
Goals
43
54
Assists
15
13
Goal Involvements per Match
1.16
1.28
Minutes per Goal Involvement
71.87′
63.40′
This means the former Coventry City star maintained an average of 1.16 goal involvements every game or one every 71.87 minutes, and somehow, he did even better this season.
In 52 appearances, totalling 4248 minutes, the goalscoring “monster,” as dubbed by one analyst, found the back of the net on 54 occasions and provided 13 assists for good measure, which comes out to an average of 1.28 goal involvements per game, or one every 63.40 minutes.
Just imagine a centre-forward as outrageously clinical as the 27-year-old leading the line for the Gunners, with Bukayo Saka to his right, Martin Odegaard behind him and potentially a new winger to the left.
Even if he was only able to replicate a third of his output in North London, the Swede could be the difference between a fourth runners-up finish on the spin or finally getting over the line.
Therefore, while Zubimenidi will be a great signing, Gyokeres has the potential to be far better for Arsenal.
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Leeds United appear to be falling away in the race to sign Senegal international Habib Diarra from Strasbourg during the summer transfer window.
Journalist Ben Jacobs reports that a move to Elland Road for the central midfielder is “unlikely” because of issues in negotiations over personal terms with the player.
Jacobs, as seen in the post above, adds that the Championship champions did put a bid in for him last week, which shows that the Whites are in the market to sign a new central midfielder for Daniel Farke this summer.
Senegal's Ismaila Sarr celebrates withHabibDiarraand Cherif Ndiaye after scoring their first goal
However, that new midfield signing does not look set to be Diarra, given this latest update. That means that Leeds will have to look elsewhere in that position, and that is exactly what they are doing.
Leeds eyeing move for Diarra alternative
With a move for the Strasbourg midfielder on the rocks, the 49ers are now targeting an alternative option to bolster the team in that area of the pitch.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
According to Leeds United News, the Whites have looked at a potential deal to sign Raphael Onyedika from Belgian side Club Brugge this summer.
Reporter Graeme Bailey told Leeds United News: “I’ve been told one name who West Ham like is Onyedika at Club Brugge. Leeds have looked at him as well. They want that type of player, that physicality.
“He’s a very good player and it wouldn’t surprise me either. He’s a threat, West Ham are looking at him as a replacement for Soucek. But he’s one player Leeds are looking at, and Leeds have got loads of options.”
The outlet quotes a price tag of around £26m, £25.6m to be precise, for the 24-year-old talent, but it remains to be seen whether West Ham or Leeds would be willing to pay that much for him.
Why Leeds should sign Raphael Onyedika
The Whites should push to beat the Hammers to his signature before the end of the summer transfer window because he would be an even better signing than Diarra.
Leeds will be battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League next season, given that the last six teams to come up from the Championship have come straight back down, and this means that they should be targeting players who can win duels and compete defensively in tight games.
This is why Onyedika would be a better signing in midfield for what the Whites need in the middle of the park, because he is a combative midfielder who can make tackles and win duels regularly.
Tackles won
26
13
Duels won
120
99
Duel success rate
49%
48%
Interceptions
22
13
Ball recoveries
153
90
Blocks
10
7
Aerial duel success rate
53%
43%
As you can see in the table above, the Nigeria international significantly outperformed Diarra at league level during the 2024/25 campaign when it came to their respective work out of possession.
These statistics suggest that Onyedika is far more effective defensively than the Strasbourg star, as he makes tackles, blocks, recoveries, and interceptions far more frequently than the Senegalese ace does.
This is why the 24-year-old star, who played 51 times in all competitions for Club Brugge this season, would be far more suited to playing in a team that is set to battle against the drop next term.
Therefore, Leeds should push ahead with a deal to sign Onyedika after their move for Diarra stalled, as he could be even better than the Ligue 1 gem due to his excellent defensive attributes.
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Liverpool won the Premier League this season but already FSG are planning for the future. Arne Slot came and conquered English football when none beyond Merseyside’s red reach thought he had the capacity, and he did it with minimal transfer investment.
Now, though, is the time for action. This is the squad Jurgen Klopp build over so many years, carefully created and layered to now stand among Europe’s elite.
That’s not to say Slot has ridden the coattails of his predecessor, who failed to add to his one Premier League triumph across each of the previous four campaigns.
Arne Slot celebrates Liverpool's Premier League triumph
The Dutch coach has taken the tools handed to him and built something new, but with Trent Alexander-Arnold now officially a Real Madrid player and Liverpool’s fiercest rivals at home and abroad gearing up to strengthen, it was always going to be important to build.
The latest Liverpool transfer targets
Liverpool have acted with consummate efficiency in the build-up to the summer transfer window, already announcing the signing of Jeremie Frimpong as Alexander-Arnold’s direct replacement at right-back.
Bayer Leverkusen have lost their electric right-sider, and their star playmaker is set to follow. Florian Wirtz is one of the most talented midfielders on the planet, and FSG have entered the final stages of what should become a club-record €130m (£110m) signing.
Next up, Bournemouth left-back Milos Kerkez should join the Anfield rebuild, with Kostas Tsimikas mooted for a departure and Andy Robertson, 31, taking a step back, handing the Hungarian Kerkez the keys for the long-term berth.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
When all this is wrapped up, you’d think the Reds would turn toward exits, with Darwin Nunez expected to depart and the futures of younger squad members like Harvey Elliott and Jarell Quansah uncertain too.
Such financial gains would lead Liverpool toward a new number nine, but they may not stop there. Extra cover at centre-back has been discussed, and sporting director Richard Hughes may even move for a new centre-midfielder.
Liverpool enter race for new midfielder
Liverpool are well-stocked in the centre of the park, but Ryan Gravenberch’s qualities were exhausted in the deep-lying role across the campaign, and some competition would do nicely.
That’s why – according to GIVEMESPORT – Liverpool are prepared to hijack Manchester United’s potential move for Atalanta’s Ederson, 25, whose performances in Italy have earned praise, leading to a stunning Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen last season.
Though the Brazilian would cost around £50m, this could be a worthwhile investment for a Liverpool side determined to challenge for silverware across a range of various fronts.
Why Liverpool want to sign Ederson
It may not be a priority position this summer, but the beauty of Liverpool completing the lion’s share of their transfer business is that they can turn toward bonus deals, and Ederson would surely be the icing on the cake.
Atalanta's Ederson in action
An athletic and robust player, Ederson thrives at the heart of the field, flying in with challenges, recycling possession and driving the ball forwards.
A man of different parts, then. Ederson completed 87% of his passes in Serie A this season, winning 4.9 duels per game at a success rate of 56%, suggesting he has the physical strength and technical crispness to succeed in the Premier League.
As per FBref, Ederson ranks among the top 12% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for progressive passes and the top 19% for ball recoveries and aerial battles won per 90, emphasising a rounded approach that ‘Slotball’ would welcome with open arms.
Ederson’s powerful eye for goal and Brazilian heritage suggest he could become Slot’s own Fabinho, with the iconic Klopp favourite doing the dirty work in the middle of the park for Liverpool, allowing the forwards to flourish and steal the headlines.
Liverpool signed Fabinho from AS Monaco in a deal worth £44m back in May 2018, the Brazil international going on to feature prominently across five campaigns, winning the full gamut.
Fabinho might not have had the flair of, say, Gravenberch, who is more of an elegant, shoulder-dropping maestro of a number six, but his industrious approach to his craft bred rich results for the Anfield side, anchored as he was in the middle, dispossessing opponents and calmly picking out teammates in opportune areas.
Now, it’s time to bring in the next version, one who could give Slot a greater width of possibility to pick from in the centre of the park. Described as a “machine” of a midfielder by journalist Carlo Garganese, Ederson is the real deal, a proven winner in Italy with the physicality and dynamism to make a positive impression with Slot’s champions.
He’s also tuned to the modern way of things, with a broad tactical reach that could see Liverpool’s boss shuffle him across a variety of positions to best serve their goals, maybe even discovering a formula which could see Gravenberch and Ederson playing together on the field.
Central midfield
151
16
6
Defensive midfield
62
5
1
Attacking midfield
20
–
–
Right-back
3
1
–
Centre-back
2
–
–
Left midfield
1
–
–
Given Liverpool fell by the wayside across tournament fronts this season, it might be wise to bring in a different profile to jockey with Gravenberch, who has performed remarkably well and was crowned the Premier League Young Player of the Year; however, sometimes a grittier style is required.
It’s the kind of profile Fabinho utilised so expertly across the span of his Liverpool career. Wataru Endo has been brilliant since arriving as a stop-gap replacement, but becoming a cult hero and a Premier League champion besides, but the 31-year-old doesn’t bear his predecessor’s completeness.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It’s clear: if Liverpool manage to complete their business this summer and recoup some lost money through the sales of several fringe stars, Ederson is the man to go for, especially if it foils Man United in their pursuit of a much-needed rebuild.
Same agent as Yoro: Man Utd make approach for £15m Premier League defender
The Premier League is widely regarded as the most physical, intense and demanding league across the continent, so it’s always very impressive to see players performing well into their 30s.
Here, we’ve taken a look at the 10 oldest players in the Premier League, with their age taken from their last appearance. Without further ado, here is the list…
Rank
Player
Club
Age
Lukasz Fabianski
West Ham
Ashley Young
Everton
James Milner
Brighton
Jamie Vardy
Leicester
Jonny Evans
Man Utd
Adam Lallana
Southampton
Fraser Forster
Tottenham
Willian
Fulham
Seamus Coleman
Everton
Martin Dubravka
Newcastle
10 Martin Dubravka (Newcastle) 36 years, 1 month
Martin Dubravka has been in and out of Newcastle United team of late, primarily standing in for Nick Pope whenever the Toon No 1 is out injured.
Indeed, he was called upon over the Christmas period with Pope unavailable, with Newcastle securing a sixth consecutive win with the Slovakian between the sticks on his 36th birthday.
Dubravka’s last appearance came against Man City in February 2025.
9 Seamus Coleman (Everton) 36 years, 7 months
Seamus Coleman has been at Everton for 16 years now, though his season was derailed by injuries throughout.
It meant the Irishman only turned out five times for the Toffees in the 2024/25 Premier League, coming on most recently in the final game at Goodison Park against Southampton on 18th May.
8 Willian (Fulham) 36 years, 9 months, 1 day
Willian made his Premier League debut for Chelsea in October 2013 and has remained in the division ever since, aside from brief stints out at Corinthians and Olympiacos. The tricky winger returned to Fulham in January 2025.
His longevity is admirable, having made 327 appearances in England’s top flight with three different clubs as of the end of the 2024/25 campaign.
#
Player
Goals
1
Roberto Firmino
82
2
Gabriel Jesus
76
3
Richarlison
64
=4
Philippe Coutinho
47
=4
Willian
47
6
Gabriel Martinelli
40
=7
Matheus Cunha
29
=7
Juninho
29
=9
Joao Pedro
22
=9
Joelinton
22
7 Fraser Forster (Tottenham) 36 years, 9 months, 12 days
Fraser Forster was summoned to the Tottenham Hotspur first team when Guglielmo Vicario was struck by injury.
It handed the former Southampton and Celtic shot-stopper a brief run of games in December, though Spurs were only successful on one occasion – on a return to St Mary’s.
Now 37, it remains to be seen whether he will appear for Spurs in the new season, having lost his place in the matchday squad towards the end of the campaign.
6 Adam Lallana (Southampton) 36 years, 9 months, 26 days
Adam Lallana’s Premier League career may well be over following Southampton’s relegation in 2025, which isn’t a huge surprise given he may not be granted another move up the pyramid at 37 years of age.
Looking further ahead, Lallana joined up with the England Under-21s in September 2023 as a coach – perhaps indicating his future plans on the touchline.
Trophy
Year
FIFA Club World Cup
2020
Premier League
2020
UEFA Super Cup
2019
Champions League
2019
Johnstone’s Paint Trophy
2010
5 Jonny Evans (Man Utd) 37 years, 4 months
Eyebrows were raised when Manchester United re-signed free agent Jonny Evans in the summer of 2023, but the veteran certainly proved a few naysayers wrong.
The Northern Irishman called time on his second spell in 2025, ending the campaign as the fifth-oldest player in the league.
He would have to turn out for another top-flight club to climb the rankings, perhaps for a promoted club looking for an experienced head.
Trophy
Year
Community Shield
2009, 2011, 2012, 2021
FA Cup
2021, 2024
Premier League
2009, 2011, 2013
FIFA Club World Cup
2009
League Cup
2009, 2010
Johnstone’s Paint Trophy
2010
Champions League
2008
Championship
2007
4 Jamie Vardy (Leicester) 37 years, 4 months
Jamie Vardy bid a fond farewell to Leicester City this season, but despite the Foxes’ relegation, the 37-year-old backed himself to still do a job in the Premier League.
At the conclusion of the season, it was not clear where the striker was headed, but he certainly flew the flag for the veterans of the division, with only three older players appearing.
3 James Milner (Brighton) 39 years, 4 months
James Milner has amassed a remarkable 638 Premier League appearances – only Gareth Barry (653) has collected more.
The former England international has adapted his game to continue operating at the highest level, particularly at Liverpool, where he became an established left-back.
Now at Brighton, Milner has played at left-back, right-back and central midfield for the Seagulls.
He won Liverpool’s gruelling lactate test every pre-season he was at the club, evincing his astounding fitness levels, which no doubt have played a huge role in his longevity.
#
Player
Goals
1
Gareth Barry
653
2
James Milner
638
3
Ryan Giggs
632
4
Frank Lampard
609
5
David James
572
6
Gary Speed
535
7
Emile Heskey
516
8
Mark Schwarzer
514
9
Jamie Carragher
508
10
Phil Neville
505
2 Ashley Young (Everton) 39 years, 10 months
Ashley Young turns 40 in summer 2025, and has been a superb servant to Everton since his switch in 2023.
The former Manchester United winger has experienced a similar career development to Milner in the sense that he converted to full-back in order to continue playing at the highest level.
Young has continued to rack up appearances despite his advancing age, playing primarily at right-back.
Team
Appearances
Goals
Assists
Manchester United
261
19
33
Aston Villa
247
38
53
Watford
110
22
9
Everton
70
2
4
Inter
59
5
9
1 Lukasz Fabianski (West Ham) 40 years, 1 month
It seems crazy to think that Lukasz Fabianski is now in his 40s, having joined English football as a youngster with Arsenal in 2007.
He will be leaving West Ham United after seven years of service in east London, but not before topping the Premier League charts as the competition’s oldest player in 2024/25.
It’s hardly a badge of honour, but it speaks to the Pole’s enduring qualities that he could still hack it at the top level.
Liverpool will have a commanding presence in the transfer window this summer and could use that leverage to pull off an audacious player-plus-cash deal to land an exciting target, according to a report.
Liverpool look to build on Premier League title triumph
After laying claim to their second title of the Premier League era, the Reds are winding down for the campaign and won’t be too frustrated at surrendering a two-goal advantage in their draw with Arsenal last weekend.
Ultimately, Arne Slot has led his side to the goal they set out to achieve at the start of the season. Now, many are beginning to wonder what happens next once their celebrations are in the memory bank.
Arne Slot and Virgil van Dijk for Liverpool
That is still a while off yet, though Liverpool are active in their pursuit of summer reinforcements and could look to bring Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong to Anfield. The Netherlands international is someone the club are aware of as far as his situation goes, with a release clause of between £29.5 million and £33.8 million being something they are willing to exploit.
Lyon winger Malick Fofana is also being targeted by Liverpool, potentially becoming a replacement for Luiz Diaz amid the latter attracting interest from Saudi Pro League outfit.
Liverpool’s final Premier League assignments
Brighton & Hove Albion (A)
Amex Stadium
Crystal Palace (H)
Anfield
Darwin Nunez is another that could be moved on to free up funds and space for reinforcements in a period where Slot is expected to be ruthless in his decision-making to mould a squad fit to defend their crown. Realistically, Liverpool have nothing to prove to anyone, but they could potentially surpass their jointly-held record of 20 titles that they share with Manchester United next term with a repeat performance of this season’s excellence.
Making strides to equip themselves to do so, the Reds are now eyeing a swap deal that could see one of Europe’s revered attackers arrive on Merseyside.
Liverpool eye Ademola Lookman and Federico Chiesa swap deal
According to reports in Italy via Sport Witness, Liverpool would be willing to swap Federico Chiesa for Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman to bring the Nigeria international back to the Premier League. Formerly of Everton, Lookman has registered 19 goals and seven assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season. His current employers are unlikely to make allowances relating to his £50 million+ valuation, so Chiesa could be used to whittle that number down.
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2 ByDan Emery May 12, 2025
The Liverpool star could now be thrown into a potential swap arrangement after struggling to make an impact following his move from Juventus. Earning £150,000 per week, the Italy international has scored twice and registered two assists in just 13 outings, making him a prime candidate for a summer departure.
That said, it remains to be seen whether a swap would be the preferred option for both clubs or if conducting seperate deals is a more viable alternative to put through the books.