All posts by z3u9t.icu

Manchester United’s academy has been known for producing numerous top-level talents over the years, subsequently helping the club win 13 Premier League titles.

Sir Alex Ferguson is the man to thank for such glory, subsequently able to build a successful side, mainly relying upon players who came through the ranks at Old Trafford.

He was famous for integrating the Class of ’92, with the sextet making over 3000 combined appearances for the Red Devils first-team squad.

However, Ruben Amorim’s current first-team squad only includes three academy graduates in the form of Kobbie Mainoo, Tom Heaton and Tyler Fredricson.

The manager also wants to bolster his own first-team squad with further English quality, as seen by his attempts to land Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton this summer.

Man Utd’s hunt for Wharton this summer

Throughout the summer transfer window, United made a beeline to land a new central midfielder to help bolster the middle of Amorim’s side for 2025/26 and beyond.

Their pursuit led them to England international Wharton, even entering talks with Oliver Glasner’s side to try and complete a deal for the 21-year-old’s signature.

However, a transfer fee of around £100m was mooted for the youngster’s services, a figure that was ultimately too much given the £200m already splashed on other areas of the squad.

Such a move would’ve been an excellent one, especially if he would’ve been able to replicate his numbers from last season, which helped the Eagles win the FA Cup.

Wharton ranked in the 93rd percentile for progressive passes completed per 90 (7.3) and the 86th percentile for passes into the final third per 90 (5.3).

Whilst ball-playing is obviously his strength, the former Blackburn Rovers star also showcased his tremendous ability of being able to regain the ball for his side.

He ranked in the 93rd percentile for recoveries made per 90 (7.1), along with the 81st percentile for interceptions made per 90 (1.4) – possessing numerous qualities that would’ve improved Amorim’s side.

However, Wharton will remain a case of what could’ve been, but they could’ve had their own version of the superstar had they kept hold of another youngster.

The former United star who could’ve been Amorim’s own Wharton

Selling youngsters too prematurely has often been an issue for United over recent seasons, as seen by the decision to offload Anthony Elanga to Nottingham Forest in 2023.

The Red Devils parted ways with the Swede for just £15m, allowing the winger to get valuable game time – subsequently racking up 11 goals and 21 assists in his two years at the City Ground.

Such numbers saw him make a £60m move to Newcastle United this summer – leaving the Reds for four times more than they paid for his signature just two years prior.

Another similar scenario could rear its head again in the future, after Amorim’s side agreed to sell 18-year-old midfielder Zach Baumann to Norwich City on deadline day.

The deal saw the Ukrainian youngster leave on a free transfer, but it does include future clauses which could see the Red Devils gain some money for his signature.

He’s been a regular at various youth levels for United over the last couple of years, featuring in five different competitions – including the U18 Premier League, where he scored once and registered five assists.

Baumann, who’s also been labelled “exceptional” by one analyst, has drawn comparisons to Wharton by the Daily Mail’s Manchester United correspondent, Nathan Salt.

U18 Premier League

13

6

Premier League 2

3

0

UEFA Youth League

1

0

FA Youth Cup

2

0

Total:

19

6

He claims that the teenager is superb in possession – often offering a composed head – being able to pick out forward passes, just as the Palace star has in recent times.

Such talents have been evident for the Red Devils’ youth teams in recent times, producing numerous incredible passes which have contributed to his impressive assist tally.

Another analyst has previously touched on his impressive nature with the ball at his feet – with the Red Devils evidently making a huge mistake in allowing the teenager to depart Old Trafford.

Given his tender age, Baumann still has a long way to go before he can get anywhere near the levels produced by Wharton within England’s top-flight.

However, his recent departure could see a huge mistake being made down the line, with the fans potentially having to watch another talent flourish away from the Theatre of Dreams.

The original Mainoo: INEOS must rue selling Man Utd star who's like Scholes

Manchester United messed up when they sold this star who is now worth as much as Kobbie Mainoo.

3 ByDan Emery Sep 9, 2025

Things could have been very different for Tottenham Hotspur right now, had they failed to beat Manchester United in last season’s Europa League final.

But they did, and now, new manager Thomas Frank is piecing together a new Spurs side capable of challenging at the top end of the Premier League and hunting down more silverware.

Frank has already been handed a wily new forward in Mohammed Kudus, with the fleet-footed winger signing from West Ham United for £55m.

The ambition hasn’t stopped there. Tottenham offered a release clause-triggering £60m for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White but have been accused by the Tricky Trees as having made an illegal approach.

Hope remains that a deal will cross the line in the coming weeks, but Frank and Daniel Levy are hoping to complete a few more transfers before the end of summer.

Why Spurs want Morgan Gibbs-White

Nuno Espirito Santo’s Nottingham Forest enjoyed a standout season in 2024/25, qualifying for Europe after spending the previous years battling against the relegation zone.

Across 34 top-flight matches, the 25-year-old scored seven goals and supplied ten assists, but it’s his tenacity and influence, on the ball and without it, that have made him such a coveted name.

Hailed as a “leader” who is “always looking to progress the team” by pundit Glenn Murray, Gibbs-White has what it takes to add a layer to Tottenham’s team that was lacking for large patches last year.

It’s not as if he’s just a pass-focused player, either. The England international averaged 1.3 tackles and 4.5 successful duels per league game, as per Sofascore.

With Yves Bissouma and Rodrigo Bentancur both potentially leaving this summer, as The Athletic have suggested, Frank may well be searching for yet another centre-midfielder to partner Gibbs-White.

Spurs line up new midfielder

According to transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Tottenham are interested in signing Juventus midfielder Douglas Luiz this summer, with the Brazilian having informed the Old Lady he wishes to return to the Premier League and is keen on a move to Spurs.

West Ham are the side pushing to complete a deal, however, while Forest and Fulham have both been credited with recent enquiries of their own. The competition is fierce.

Luiz, 27, joined Juventus from Aston Villa in a £42m deal one year ago, but he is available for a smaller £34m fee.

What Douglas Luiz would bring to Spurs

It’s been a year to forget for Luiz, who only started three Serie A matches across the entire 2024/25 campaign. However, given that he was previously described as “one of the Premier League’s standout midfielders” by The Athletic’s Jacob Tanswell, Spurs could do a lot worse.

Looking at Luiz’s struggles on the Italian scene, it’s clear that he has flattered to deceive. But context is important: Luiz failed to settle in Turin, and his campaign was further impeded by injuries.

Looking at the level he was performing at the year before, with Aston Villa in the Premier League, you can see why Tottenham are interested in completing a deal.

Matches (starts)

35 (35)

19 (3)

Goals

9

0

Assists

5

0

Touches*

70.1

27.3

Pass completion

89%

90%

Big chances created

10

3

Key passes*

1.5

0.8

Dribbles*

0.7

0.6

Ball recoveries*

5.5

1.6

Tackles*

1.7

0.9

Duels (won)*

4.2 (51%)

1.9 (55%)

One thing that’s interesting across both of Luiz’s recent campaigns is that he maintains an impressive crispness on the ball, not dribbling forward unceasingly but picking his moments. This bespeaks his tactical intelligence. Former teammate John McGinn even claimed once that he is a “world-class” player.

A dynamic and well-rounded midfielder, Luiz could be the perfect partner for Gibbs-White in the middle of the park, with the Forest man operating further ahead, maximising his creative qualities while the Brazilian dictates from deep.

Gibbs-White ranked last season in the Premier League among the top 12% of positional peers for goal-creating actions and the top 9% for through balls per 90, as per FBref, so while he has an impressive completeness and bite about him, Frank will no doubt look to maximise this shining part of his skill set.

Luiz could certainly help in this regard, not only adding some tough-tackling quality to the fold but some flair and uniqueness too.

Even though the 27-year-old played a nominal part in Juventus’ season, he still finished the campaign ranked among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues for passes attempted and the top 5% for successful take-ons per 90.

This goes to show that the players, contrasting but in concert with their emphasis on collecting the ball and enhancing their side’s fluency, could prove a deadly duo indeed, supplying the forwards and working hard to protect the defenders behind them.

Frank’s set-up can be defined by its transitional focus. He said that “adaptability is really important to him”, and in these two midfielders, the Danish tactician would find that he has contrasting parts who could both be fielded alongside each other or indeed act as the foil for the other, stepping in when called upon.

Such a breadth of options is something that Postecoglou lacked last year, and that’s in part down to injuries, but there’s no question that Luiz and Gibbs-White would enhance a Spurs side that is starting to show signs that it can take the next steps toward something special.

If Levy manages to pull off both these exciting midfield signings, it could be exactly what Frank’s system needs to kick on and challenge at the front end of the Premier League next term while pushing to succeed in the Champions League and maybe even win a bit more silverware too.

Dream Wharton alternative: Spurs working on deal to sign "outrageous" CM

Tottenham Hotspur are making a move for a star who could make them forget about Adam Wharton.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jul 25, 2025

Newcastle United have been put through the wringer this summer, having missed out on key attacking targets in Liam Delap, Bryan Mbeumo, Joao Pedro and now Hugo Ekitike.

However, context is important, and in the latter’s case, Liverpool have moved ahead with a bumper deal after Eddie Howe and co stood firm on their stance that Alexander Isak is not for sale.

Ekitike, valued at €100m (£85m), has handed in a transfer request at Eintracht Frankfurt as he edges closer to Anfield. Thus, Newcastle have turned their attention to Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

However, the Magpies may be foiled once again with that one.

Newcastle lining up Ekitike alternatives

On Friday afternoon, Manchester United finally achieved a breakthrough in their long pursuit of Bryan Mbeumo, with a £71m fee agreed between the Premier League clubs.

This transfer may run counter to Newcastle’s ambitions regarding Wissa, for the Bees have already lost Thomas Frank and their captain Christian Norgaard, and thus will be loath to part with their central striker too.

Thus, Newcastle need – once again – an alternative.

Well, according to Sport BILD, Howe has lined up Napoli’s Victor Osimhen as an ambitious alternative, with the free-scoring marksman said to be one of the players who is on the Magpies’ ‘radar’.

While the £64m-rated Osimhen is the centre of talks between Napoli and Galatasaray, with whom he spent the 2024/25 season on loan, the allure of the Premier League could work in the Toon’s favour.

Why Newcastle want Victor Osimhen

Osimhen is one of the most feared and famous centre-forwards currently competing in Europe. The end of an unhappy marriage with Napoli led to his loan move to Galatasaray in the Turkish Super Lig, but who can say he hasn’t made good use of the cards dealt?

The prolific star’s meaty haul does suggest that he’s got every bit the clinical nature of Isak, with Statman Dave even commenting that he’s “the best striker on the market” right now.

With Isak’s long-term future a debatable thing, there’s a chance that Osimhen could prove to be not just a fitting replacement but an incredible upgrade. Indeed, his goalscoring consistency can be viewed across a number of years and a number of countries.

24/25 – Galatasaray

41

37

8

23/24 – Napoli

32

17

4

22/23 – Napoli

39

31

5

21/22 – Napoli

32

18

6

20/21 – Napoli

30

10

3

A title winner who is more than just a goalscoring focal point, Osimhen could be the perfect man to add another layer to this incredible Newcastle side.

Isak, a world-class striker, scored 27 goals across 42 matches last season. Osimhen, meanwhile, bagged 37 times over 41 games. Though the Nigerian competed in a division of inferior quality to the Premier League, he scored six goals across seven matches in the Europa League, including a brace in a 3-2 win over Tottenham Hotspur.

Moreover, Isak’s six Champions League outings in 2023/24 yielded just the one goal, and no assists either. Conversely, Osimhen’s prolificness in the European theatre is underscored further by his record of nine goals and an assist across 17 Champions League fixtures.

And Osimhen could even emulate his positional peer in regard to movement and intelligence. As per FBref, he ranked among the top 4% of strikers across Europe last season for shot-creating actions and the top 18% for progressive carries per 90.

Ultimately, Newcastle have scored a winner by keeping hold of Isak, and in Osimhen, they could land a new number nine to challenge him for that first-choice spot, certainly proving an upgrade on the young Ekitike.

He’s Lewis Miley 2.0: Newcastle agree terms to sign "exciting" sensation

Newcastle are looking to strengthen for the present and the future

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 17, 2025

Leeds United now hold an advantage in the race for a £17m midfielder, who Red Bull will know “all about”, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed.

Leeds eyeing midfielder after missing out on Diarra

After being promoted from the Championship alongside Sunderland, it is no surprise that Leeds have identified similar targets to the Black Cats, and they will be extremely disappointed to have lost out to the play-off final winners in the race for two midfielders.

Habib Diarra had been on the Whites’ shortlist prior to the 21-year-old’s move to the Stadium of Light, and they now appear to have missed out on a deal for Noah Sadiki, with the Union Saint-Gilloise maestro set to complete a move to Wearside.

As such, Daniel Farke’s side will now be forced to move on to different options in the middle of the park, and Bailey has dropped a more promising update on their pursuit of Hoffenheim midfielder Anton Stach.

The transfer expert told Leeds United News that the Whites’ Red Bull connection should give them the edge over their Premier League rivals in the race for the German’s signature, given their minority owners’ involvement in the Bundesliga.

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ByDan Emery Jul 2, 2025

Bailey said: “He’s on the list I’m told. Hoffenheim are not keen for him to go. Leeds aren’t the only ones interested from what I’m told. A very good player and obviously through Red Bull, Leeds are well-versed on him.

“They’re ahead of many other Premier League teams when it comes to German-based talent. So, it’s not a surprise, you know, it’s not going to be a huge surprise. If there’s a good one, Leeds know all about it.”

"Underrated" Stach could be better signing than Sadiki

Leeds will be frustrated that Sunderland were able to pip them to Sadiki’s signature, but there are signs that Stach could be a better signing than the Belgian-born midfielder.

Firstly, the two-time Germany international is more experienced in a top league, having made 122 Bundesliga appearances, while Sadiki remains unproven outside Belgium.

Not only that, but the “underrated” Hoffenheim star excels defensively, outperforming the new Sunderland signing across a number of key metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Anton Stach

Noah Sadiki

Interceptions

1.65 (93rd percentile)

1.08 (55th percentile)

Blocks

1.60 (85th percentile)

1.34 (64th percentile)

Clearances

3.65 (99th percentile)

1.34 (38th percentile)

Aerials won

1.83 (88th percentile)

0.30 (8th percentile)

Stach should be available for a fee of around £17m, which seems a reasonable fee, given the level of his performances for Hoffenheim, and it could be a blessing in disguise that Leeds missed out on Sadiki and Diarra.

It has been the summer of red thus far and one which has seen Liverpool break the British-record transfer fee to sign Florian Wirtz. But FSG are not done there, with reports now suggesting they’ve got three more “concrete options”.

Liverpool in advanced talks to sign Marc Guehi

Having already signed a left-back in the form of Milos Kerkez and a right-back to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in Jeremie Frimpong, Liverpool now look destined to welcome a third defensive reinforcement. This time, a centre-back is on their wishlist and Marc Guehi sits at the very top of that.

The Crystal Palace star has just one year remaining on his current deal and the Reds are looking to take full advantage to land a cut-price deal in comparison to his £70m valuation just one year ago.

Whilst their interest came as a surprise initially, Jarell Quansah’s move to Bayer Leverkusen alongside the fact that Ibrahima Konate is into the final year of his current contract makes Guehi the perfect option for Arne Slot.

In one swoop, Slot could have Guehi, Virgil van Dijk, Konate and Joe Gomez to choose from in what would represent the best depth in that role in the Premier League, perhaps even European football.

Salah & Wirtz will love him: Liverpool pushing to sign "unstoppable" CF

Liverpool want to sign a world-class central striker this summer.

1 ByAngus Sinclair Jul 1, 2025

However, even if the England international is top of Liverpool’s list of priorities, he is not the only name on their wishlist despite how much they’ve already spent. Reports are now suggesting that the Premier League champions have three more “concrete options” in mind.

Isak among "concrete options" for Liverpool

As reported by Sky Sports’ Florian Plettenberg, Alexander Isak, Victor Osimhen and Hugo Ekitike are “three concrete options” for Liverpool this summer after sporting director Richard Hughes completed checks on all of the forwards.

None of those stars will come cheap, however, which suggests that Liverpool could be ready to spend big once again. Just how much their hefty budget stretches will be the big question. Isak, for example, is reportedly unlikely to leave Newcastle United for anything less than £150m, whilst Ekitike has been priced at £85m and Osimhen at £64m, totalling the three out just shy of £300m.

If those at Anfield are able to splash out again then it is a case of simply taking their pick. Whether it’s Ekitike, Osimhen or Isak, all three would be instant upgrades on Darwin Nunez and all three would complete what is becoming a frightening squad for others to match around the Premier League.

With Nico Williams set to reject Arsenal in favour of Barcelona, the Gunners have reportedly set their sights on an unexpected move to sign a Chelsea star this summer.

Arsenal set to miss out on Nico Williams to Barcelona

There was a time when Williams looked like a serious option for Arsenal both last summer and this time around. In the end, however, the temptation of a potential Barcelona move proved too strong for the winger to turn down.

Now, as reported by Fabrizio Romano, the Catalan giants have agreed personal terms with the Spanish international and are now working on an agreement with Athletic Bilbao.

It’s a frustrating blow for Arsenal whose attacking limitations saw them miss out on the Premier League title once again – this time at the hands of Liverpool. And as the Reds continue to strengthen themselves, those at The Emirates must ensure that Mikel Arteta’s side are not left behind this summer.

It’s a big task for new sporting director Andrea Berta, but signing an alternative for Williams should now be seen as one of the top priorities at Arsenal in the coming months.

On that front, names such as Real Madrid’s Rodrygo have already threatened to steal the headlines and there’s no doubt that his arrival would make the required statement.

Whether Arsenal are willing to spend big to secure the Brazilian’s signature is another question, however. Instead, as per recent reports, the Gunners could turn towards a London rival in an unexpected move.

Arsenal intensify interest in Chelsea's Madueke

According to Caught Offside, Arsenal are now intensifying their interest in Noni Madueke as an alternative to Williams. Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca is reportedly open to offers for the winger as the Blues welcome even more fresh faces and that has seemingly left the door open for the Gunners to make their move in the coming months.

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ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

What’s more, although Chelsea initially valued their winger at as much as €65m (£56m), it is now reportedly believed that they could accept offers worth just €50m (£43m). Given that Madueke is still just 23 years old, that deal could quickly turn into a summer bargain.

Minutes

2,033

1,729

2,290

Goals

7

6

8

Assists

3

10

4

Successful Take-ons P90

1.99

2.14

1.3

Although he lacked consistency at times, Madueke’s numbers from last season represent a player full of potential with his ability to take players on particularly standing out compared to Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli.

England boss Thomas Tuchel recently described the Chelsea star as “dangerous” in the post-season international break and that’s the type of praise that should catch Arsenal’s eye.

If those in North London sign Madueke from a rival club for a cut-price and then get the best out of him, then it would quickly look like an act of genius from Berta.

Manchester United have made some key moves in the transfer market over the last couple of weeks, with Matheus Cunha completing his move to Old Trafford ahead of 2025/26.

The Brazilian could be joined at the club by striker Viktor Gyokeres, who could be reunited with boss Ruben Amorim after previously featuring under him at Sporting CP.

He’s registered 54 goals in his 52 appearances throughout 2024/25, leading to keen interest in his services over the last couple of months, with the Red Devils just one side interested in his signature.

It was reported this week that he would be open to a switch to Old Trafford, with Arsenal another side in the race to land the 27-year-old during the off-season.

However, the club should look past a move for Gyokeres, prioritising a move for another talisman instead, helping the club reach the next level in the near future.

The latest on United’s hunt for a new striker this summer

Despite the window only opening on Sunday, United have wasted no time in pursuing options to help Amorim’s squad within the final third of the pitch at Old Trafford.

Antoine Semenyo, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Liam Delap have all been on their radar over recent weeks, but have missed out on the latter after he agreed a £30m deal with Premier League rivals Chelsea.

However, they could make a move to land Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who spent the current season on loan at Turkish side Galatasaray, scoring 37 times in 41 appearances across all competitions.

A report from Corriere del Mezzogiorno via Sport Witness confirmed that the Red Devils have been in contact with the Serie A outfit over a deal for the Nigerian, who has a €75m (£67m) release clause in his current deal.

Amorim’s side may have received a boost in their pursuit of the 26-year-old, after he rejected a proposal from Saudi side Al Hilal, with the race for his signature wide open this summer.

Why United’s £67m target could be a great signing for Amorim

Manchester City striker Erling Haaland has been a player who has set the Premier League alight over the last couple of seasons, often being a nuisance to countless backlines.

The Norwegian has scored a staggering 121 times in his 142 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side, with six of his efforts coming in eight games against United.

Such a talent doesn’t come around very often, with the Red Devils previously passing up an opportunity to land the talisman under the management of Ole Gunnar Solskjær.

Multiple years on, Haaland is now undoubtedly one of the most dangerous strikers in Europe, highlighting the mistake United’s hierarchy made in not pursuing a move for the 24-year-old.

However, this summer, that could all change with United’s latest target Osimhen, being dubbed “even better than Haaland” by agent Andrea D’Amico in recent months.

When delving into their respective stats this season, the Nigerian has managed to better him in numerous key areas, backing up the statement which may have seemed far-fetched.

Osimhen has scored more goals than Haaland throughout 2024/25, whilst also posting a higher shot on target rate – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses over the Norwegian in front of goal.

Games played

30

31

Goals & assists

31

25

Shot-on-target rate

52%

51%

Shots taken

7.3

3.4

Aerial won

4.3

1.8

Aerial success rate

63%

53%

Take-ons completed

60%

36%

He’s also won nearly three times more aerial battles and posting a higher success rate in such a department – handing Amorim the focal point he’s lacked since taking the reins.

The loaner’s dominance hasn’t stopped there, completing nearly two times more take-ons in 2024/25, and having the all-round skillset that would bolster the attacking department at Old Trafford.

After splashing £62.5m on Cunha already this summer, a £67m transfer for Osimhen may seem steep, but it’s one that would transform the side based off his figures from this season.

Should he make the move and get anywhere near close to the levels produced by Haaland in England’s top-flight, it would be an absolute bargain – pushing the club closer towards their former glory.

Amorim's next Amad: Man Utd closing in on agreement to sign £70m "monster"

Manchester United could be set to land their next summer addition in the next few days.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 5, 2025

Aston Villa have now made contact over a deal for a defender, whose recent performances have attracted the attention of some top clubs, according to a report.

Aston Villa eyeing bargain signings amid PSR concerns

PSR has been a thorn in Villa’s side for quite some time now, having previously been forced to cash-in on the likes of Douglas Luiz and Jhon Duran to raise funds, and having missed out on the Champions League in controversial fashion, NSWE may have to make sales this summer.

After the 2-0 defeat against Manchester United at Old Trafford, there are now doubts over the futures of Morgan Rogers, Emi Martinez and Marco Asensio, with Manchester City being named as potential suitors for the former in the past.

Martinez also looks as though he could be heading for the exit door, with Atletico Madrid recently entering the race for the Argentina international, alongside Manchester United, although it is unclear whether a move to Old Trafford would be of great appeal after their Europa League final defeat.

Better than Rashford: Aston Villa exploring move for "special" £58m star

It’s set to be a busy summer at Aston Villa, so could they sign a “special player” from a Premier League rival for £58m instead of Marcus Rashford?

May 30, 2025

Amid PSR concerns, it could be a wise idea for Aston Villa and NSWE to make some low-cost additions to the squad this summer, and they have now made contact over a deal for Hellas Verona defender Diego Coppola, according to reports from Italy (via Sport Witness).

Owing to some of his recent performances, Coppola is now attracting widespread interest ahead of the summer transfer window, with the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Brighton & Hove Albion and Brentford also being named as potential suitors.

A deal could be on the relatively cheap side too, with the Serie A side expected to receive offers of around €10m – €15m (£8m – £13m) in the coming weeks.

"No-nonsense" Coppola impressing in Italy

The Hellas Verona defender is only 21-years-old, but he has already solidified his place as a regular starter for the Italian side, making 34 Serie A appearances in the 2024-25 campaign, during which time he impressed considerably.

Indeed, the Italian centre-back showcased his defensive quality on a regular basis, perhaps most notably ranking in the top 1% for interceptions per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

Statistic

Average per 90

Aerials won

4.09 (98th percentile)

Interceptions

2.21 (99th percentile)

Tackles

2.03 (85th percentile)

Not only that, but the “no-nonsense CB”, as dubbed by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, also proved himself to be an attacking threat, scoring with a towering header in his side’s 3-2 victory over Parma back in December.

Coppola has proven he could now be ready to take the next step in his career, and he could be a fantastic low-cost addition to Unai Emery’s squad.

With the season finally coming to a close, Tottenham Hotspur have a monumental summer ahead of them.

For example, alongside potentially replacing Ange Postecoglou, Daniel Levy and Co must go big in the transfer window to ensure the team don’t endure another Premier League campaign like this one.

On top of making sure they keep their own stars like Cristian Romero, the North Londoners need to bring in new ones to help them climb up the table and make a good account of themselves in the Champions League.

Fortunately, reports have recently linked the club to an attacker who could help them do just that, an attacker who’d be a massive upgrade on Son Heung-min.

Tottenham transfer news

Before we get to the star in question, it’s worth looking at some of the other brilliant players who have been linked with a move to Spurs in recent weeks, like Leroy Sané and Xavi Simons.

Transfer Focus

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

The former’s contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of this month and would therefore be a free signing, which could end up being an incredible deal, as in just 2377 minutes of football across 45 appearances this season, the German international scored 13 goals and provided six assists.

Simons, on the other hand, would cost the club around £67m, but even then, it would be hard to argue that’s not a fair fee, as the Flying Dutchman managed to score 11 goals and provide eight assists in 33 appearances this season.

Yet, there is another, even more impressive winger being linked with Tottenham: Bradley Barcola.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Spurs are among several Premier League clubs who are incredibly interested in the Paris Saint-Germain phenomenon.

In fact, the story has claimed that the Lilywhites, Arsenal and Manchester City have already sent scouts to watch the French international.

However, it could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, as while PSG do not want to sell the 22-year-old, they do value him at up to €120m, which is about £101m.

With that said, given Barcola’s immense ability and potential, this may be a deal worth breaking the bank on, especially as he’d be the perfect Son upgrade.

How Barcola compares to Son

While Barcola can and has played in other positions in the past, it’s abundantly clear that his preferred and best role is leftwing.

Therefore, depending on what else happens in the summer transfer window, one of his main competitors for game time at Spurs next season, were he to sign for them, would be Son Heung-min.

With that said, who comes out on top when we compare them? Well, from a raw output perspective, it’s a rather one-sided affair.

For example, the incredible Lyon-born ace, who’s “one of the best LW’s in Europe,” according to analyst Ben Mattinson, has scored 21 goals and provided 19 assists in 58 appearances, totalling 3643 minutes this season, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.45 games, or every 91.07 minutes.

In contrast, the North Londoners captain scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 46 appearances, totalling 3189 minutes, which comes out to a goal involvement every other game, or one every 138.65 minutes.

Okay, what about their underlying numbers from this season? Which attacker comes out on top when we take a look under the hood?

Perhaps unsurprisingly, it’s the “devastating” star, as he was described by U23 scout Antonio Mango, who once again emerges victorious here, and by quite some margin at that.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.97

0.59

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.99

0.64

Progressive Passes

3.97

4.74

Progressive Carries

5.66

4.10

Shots

3.05

2.35

Shots on Target

1.57

1.02

Passing Accuracy

81.7%

78.9%

Key Passes

2.07

2.14

Shot-Creating Actions

4.17

4.99

Goal-Creating Actions

0.83

0.64

Successful Take-Ons

1.40

1.24

For example, while there are a few metrics in which the South Korean superstar is able to hold his own and actually come out ahead, it’s the UCL winner who does far better in the vast majority of relevant areas.

Ultimately, while Son has been an incredible player for Spurs for so long, Barcola is simply the better winger in practically every way, and therefore, Levy and Co should be doing all they can to sign him this summer.

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1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 30, 2025

It appears as though Steven Gerrard is in the running to be the next manager of Glasgow Rangers.

His previous spell between 2018 and 2021 saw the Ibrox side win their first Premiership title since 2011 before he left for Aston Villa.

He was savvy in the transfer market, bringing in a mix of young players with plenty of potential and experienced professionals who were ready to make an immediate impact.

One of his most underrated signings was Jermain Defoe, who enjoyed a productive Indian summer to his career in Glasgow.

Jermain Defoe’s Rangers statistics

The Englishman arrived at Rangers in January 2018 on an 18-month loan deal, scoring on his debut against Kilmarnock.

He ended up with eight goals during his first six months, before netting 17 across 32 games the following season. In January 2020, he signed a pre-contract agreement to join the club permanently and went on to play a bit-part role in the 2020/21 title-winning campaign.

Games

20

Goals

13

Goals per game

0.7

Scoring frequency (minutes)

77

Minutes per game

50 minutes

Defoe scored only five times all season, but he won his first-ever domestic title in the process. He left Ibrox less than six months later, but the veteran striker was great to have around the training ground, offering advice and encouragement to the likes of Alfredo Morelos and Kemar Roofe.

While the transfer strategy has changed over the years, if Gerrard is appointed as manager, could he make a similar sort of signing in Jamie Vardy this summer?

An English centre-forward with a host of experience in the Premier League, looking for one final crack at the big time. It makes sense when you think about it…

Why Rangers should sign Jamie Vardy

Ally McCoist has stated his desire to see Vardy in a Rangers’ shirt next season, and given the fact he is soon to be a free agent, a prospective move could be closer than many think.

Vardy will leave Leicester City this summer after 13 years, making his 500th appearance for the club last week while netting his 200th goal for the Foxes.

It has been a remarkable career in the Premier League for the Englishman and he was even named as a “living legend” by manager Ruud van Nistelrooy recently.

He might be 38, but a season or two in Scotland could still see him finding the back of the net on a regular basis, especially if used as an impact sub.

The striker – who has ten goals to his name this term, including nine in the league – has managed to create six big chances in the top flight, having a goal conversion percentage of 16% and averaging 1.7 shots per game.

Not excellent statistics by any stretch of the imagination, but for Rangers, he could certainly replicate the feats of Defoe should the Ibrox side come calling this summer.

It may go against the club’s ethos of prioritising younger talents, but Vardy would offer something different in the final third.

That something might just make all the difference towards the end of the season. That’s for sure.

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