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Tottenham Hotspur are set to tackle the summer transfer market following the confirmed arrival of Thomas Frank as Ange Postecoglou’s replacement in the dugout.

Tottenham announce as Thomas Frank as their new manager

Spurs were repeatedly linked with Frank after chairman Daniel Levy made the tough decision to sack Postecoglou, with the Australian helping to end their 17-year wait for a major trophy but also guiding them to 22 Premier League defeats last season.

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Posts 2 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 13, 2025

On Thursday evening, Frank was officially unveiled as the Lilywhites’ fifth manager since 2019, after Spurs triggered his £10 million release clause and reached an agreement on his backroom staff.

“Thomas has extensive experience in English football having joined Brentford in 2016 – since becoming one of the longest-serving current managers in the Premier League,” a club statement said.

Tottenham’s best-performing regulars in the Premier League – 2024/2025

Average match rating

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

“During his time at Brentford he transformed the Club, moving them up from the Championship to an established Premier League side, consistently and significantly outperforming expectations for an extended period of time.

“In Thomas we are appointing one of the most progressive and innovative head coaches within the game. He has a proven track record in player and squad development, and we look forward to him leading the team as we prepare for the season ahead.”

On paper, Frank is arguably a perfect for the north Londoners, having worked wonders with limited resources at Brentford whilst also operating under a data-driven recruitment model.

However, the Dane also has zero experience managing a team of this magnitude, nor does he boast any silverware or Champions League know-how, yet he is the man who is about to lead Tottenham into Europe’s most prestigious competition next term.

If Frank is to become a success at Spurs, Levy will need to back him in the transfer market, and this summer is set to be another crucial one.

Frank’s side are reportedly trying to hijack Man United’s move for Bryan Mbeumo, but that is not all.

The 51-year-old has already recommended Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze to Tottenham, according to GiveMeSport, and it is now reported that he’s also a fan of Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White.

Thomas Frank "pushing" Tottenham to move for Morgan Gibbs-White

That is according to journalist Sebastien Vidal, who claims that Frank is “pushing” for Tottenham to sign Gibbs-White in a “statement” move.

The England international, despite this report that a £51 million deal is possible, is likely to cost far more. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side have him under contract for another two years, with other reports claiming Forest could demand as much as £100 million for him this summer.

Gibbs-White was a superstar player for Forest during their unlikely push for Champions League football last season, bagging seven goals and 10 assists in all competitions, so Spurs will have to seriously dig deep into their pockets to get them talking.

Ask an Arsenal fan what the team needs this summer, and we reckon the vast majority will say a striker.

It’s undoubtedly true that Mikel Arteta’s side need more help up top to either replace or challenge Kai Havertz next season, but arguably just as important is a new left-winger.

Compared to Bukayo Saka on the right – who missed over three months of football – the Gunners’ options on the left weren’t able to have the same sort of impact on games.

Fortunately, reports have now linked the club with a renowned international who’s been compared to the incredible Lamine Yamal and would be a perfect upgrade on Leandro Trossard.

Arsenal's winger search

Arsenal seem to recognise their need for wide reinforcements this summer, as over the last few weeks and months, they’ve been linked with a host of sensational talents, like Bradley Barcola and Rayan Cherki.

Transfer Focus

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

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The former has been unreal for Paris Saint-Germain this season, scoring 21 goals and providing 19 assists in 58 games, but such a rate of return has seen the Parisian value him at a whopping £101m.

Fellow Ligue 1 superstar Cherki, on the other hand, could be available for around £30m this summer, and should Manchester City not get their man, then that’d be a bargain fee, as in 44 appearances, he’s scored 12 goals and provided 20 assists.

However, while both wingers would be brilliant additions to the squad, Arteta and Co may want someone more experienced to come in and replace Trossard, someone like Leroy Sané.

Yes, according to a recent report from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Arsenal are one of several English sides interested in the Bayern Munich star this summer.

The report has revealed that ‘senior figures at the club have held talks with 29-year-old’ and that should he not decide to renew his contract with the German giants, the Gunners are a real option for him ahead of next season.

It might not be the most exciting transfer imaginable, but Sané is a proven winner, who’d not only be free but an upgrade on Trossard and someone who’s won comparisons to the phenomenal Yamal.

How Sané compares to Trossard and Yamal

Before looking at how Sané stacks up against Trossard, it’s worth examining this comparison to Yamal and where it has come from.

Well, in this case, it stems from FBref, which compares players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and in this instance, has come to the conclusion that the Barcelona gem is the eighth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Bayern ace across the last 365 days.

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, expected assists, key passes, live passes, switches, tackles and tackles won, blocks and more, all per 90.

Sané & Yamal

Statistic per 90

Sané

Yamal

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.87

0.75

Expected Assists

0.34

0.37

Key Passes

1.98

2.02

Live Passes

47.5

47.2

Switches

0.11

0.13

Tackles

1.26

1.32

Tackles Won

0.82

0.88

Blocks

0.44

0.38

Carries

43.2

46.9

All Stats via FBref for the 24/25 League Season

However, while a comparison to one of the most exciting players in the world is certainly encouraging, how does the former Manchester City star compare to the Gunners’ Belgian wideman, as he’d be one of his main competitors for game time next year?

Well, when it comes to their raw output from this season, it’s the German “superstar,” as dubbed by football scout Antonio Mango, who has the better record, as in just 2377 minutes across 45 appearances, he’s scored 13 goals and provided six assists.

That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 2.36 games, or far more crucially, every 125.10 minutes, which is nothing to sniff at.

In contrast, the former Brighton & Hove Albion star has scored ten goals and provided ten assists in 56 appearances, totalling 3455 minutes this season.

Sané’s vs Trossard 24/25

Players

Sané’s

Trossard

Appearances

45

56

Minutes

2377′

3455′

Goals

13

10

Assists

6

10

Goal Involvements per Match

0.42

0.35

Minutes per Goal Involvement

125.10′

172.75′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

That comes out to an okay but far less impressive average of a goal involvement every 2.8 games, or every 172.75 minutes, which is not what you want in a title-chasing team.

Speaking of titles, the Essen-born dynamo would also bring with him a real know-how when it comes to winning them, as across his time with City and FC Hollywood, he’s won six league titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups and a handful of other trophies.

Ultimately, picking up Sané for nothing this summer would be an excellent decision by Arsenal, as he’d be an ideal upgrade on Trossard, he’d bring a winning mentality, and then there is the added bonus of his similarities to Yamal – it feels like a no-brainer.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 3, 2025

Manchester United will want to improve all areas of the pitch during the summer transfer window, needing to right the wrongs of the 2024/25 campaign, which was certainly one to forget.

The Red Devils lost in the Europa League final and also finished 15th in the Premier League, with no European football present at Old Trafford next season.

Such a failure will certainly have an impact on finances at the club, restricting any funds that boss Ruben Amorim may have had at his disposal had they claimed victory over Tottenham Hotspur.

However, it could be a blessing in disguise, handing the manager the opportunity to work closely with his players and mount a serious charge for the Premier League’s top four in 2025/26.

Regardless of the terrible form, the hierarchy look set to give Amorim the benefit of the doubt and hand him funds to change their fortunes, with numerous players already on the manager’s radar.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Ipswich Town striker Liam Delap have been on United’s radar in recent days, with the hierarchy holding talks with the Cameroon international over a switch to Old Trafford this summer.

The club have been quoted a fee in the region of £50m for the 25-year-old star, who’s managed to score 20 goals in the Premier League this season, but could face competition from Newcastle United for his signature.

However, the other end of the pitch is also in need of investment, with Burnley shot-stopper James Trafford emerging as a summer target, according to GIVEMESPORT.

The report claims that the club are exploring potential reinforcements to bolster the ranks, with the future of Andre Onana at United uncertain given his recent showings.

It also states that it’s unknown how much Scott Parker’s side will demand for the signature of the 22-year-old, who kept a staggering 29 clean sheets in the Championship last season, but prior reports this year suggest it may be around £30m.

Why Trafford could be the next Sancho

Winger Jadon Sancho joined United in a £73m deal from Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2021, but it’s safe to say his time at Old Trafford has been a disaster.

The Englishman has made 83 appearances for the club, scoring just 12 goals and being sent on various loan spells – including back to the side which the Red Devils landed him from.

The 25-year-old is currently on loan at fellow Premier League side Chelsea, but could well be back in Amorim’s side ahead of next season if the Blues trigger his £5m cancellation fee after originally joining with an obligation to join permanently.

He’s only scored four times in his 40 appearances across all competitions in West London, with the club undoubtedly set to lose a small fortune on their investment in the near future.

However, the club could land a repeat of Sancho in a summer move for Trafford, with the goalkeeper following a similar path in his career to the winger over recent years.

The pair both came through Manchester City’s academy, before moving elsewhere to make their name and potentially costing the Red Devils a small fortune in the process.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the shot-stopper would set the hierarchy back this summer, it’s one they should look to avoid with better options available in the market.

How Trafford compared to Onana in the PL (2023/24)

Statistics (per 90)

Trafford

Onana

Games played

28

38

Goals conceded

62

58

Save percentage

65%

75%

Saves made

3.7

3.9

Clean sheets

2

9

Clean sheet percentage

7%

23%

Pass accuracy

65%

73%

Stats via FBref

Trafford, who’s been labelled “world-class” by current boss Parker, was unable to better current ‘keeper Onana in numerous key areas during his last stint in the Premier League, even dropping to number two in the pecking order as a result.

Whilst there’s no denying that a new goalkeeper needs to be on the agenda this summer, Amorim and the board should be exploring other options, with a more experienced head needed between the sticks.

Given the similarities between him and Sancho’s career path, it’s another reason as to why they should steer clear – needing to find value for money elsewhere given the financial constraints.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery May 27, 2025

Liverpool’s success during 2024/25 has been nothing short of sensational, winning the Premier League with ease and being unlucky not to have added a Carabao Cup to their list of honours.

Arne Slot has produced a side that has made easy work of other sides in the division, losing just three times in their 35 matches – the best record of any side in the top-flight.

The Dutchman hasn’t made wholesale changes from the previous management, utilising all the players who were at the club after his appointment last summer.

However, despite the excellent run endured in recent months, he has the opportunity to make changes to his squad and take them to the next level ahead of 2025/26.

With just a couple of weeks until the transfer window opens, the manager and the hierarchy have already wasted no time in targeting added reinforcements to bolster his already impressive squad.

The latest on Liverpool’s pursuit of new signings this summer

Over the last couple of months, Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has been a player who has constantly been touted with a switch to join Liverpool this summer.

However, it appears they’re set to miss out on the 26-year-old, after Fabrizio Romano confirmed that he’s agreed a deal with fellow Premier League side Arsenal over a £50m switch.

Such news will be a disappointment to the fanbase, but they’ve quickly moved on to other options, with Athletic Club’s Mikel Jauregizar now their top target, according to Anfield Watch.

The report states that Slot and staff behind the scenes have been impressed with his showings in LaLiga this campaign and are ready to make an offer for his signature.

It also claims that any move could depend on outgoings in the coming months, but that the 21-year-old will be the player they go after if sales are made.

Why Liverpool’s target would be better than Gravenberch

Midfielder Ryan Gravenberch has been a key part of Slot’s side this campaign, starting all but one league game to date, and cementing his place alongside Argentinian international Alexis Mac Allister.

It’s a stark change from last season as he struggled to break into the side, making just 12 Premier League starts under former boss Jurgen Klopp.

His £34m transfer fee was seen as a waste of money given his lack of action in 2023/24, but now it appears to be a bargain given his importance under his compatriot.

He will likely remain an integral part of Slot’s plans once again next campaign, but his game time could dramatically decrease should the Reds secure a summer deal for Jauregizar in the coming months.

When comparing the Spaniard’s stats to those of Gravenberch this season, he’s managed to match or better him in numerous key areas, highlighting what a phenomenal addition he would be for the club.

The youngster, who’s been labelled “Mr Consistent” by analyst Ben Mattinson, has registered more passes into the final third – highlighting his ability to get the ball into forward areas.

However, he’s also dominated defensively, winning more of the tackles he’s entered, whilst making more blocks per 90 – handing the manager that added defensive reinforcements he’s been desiring.

How Jauregizar compares to Gravenberch in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Jauregizar

Gravenberch

Games played

30

34

Goals & assists

3

4

Passes into final third

4.5

4.3

Tackles won

2

1.1

Blocks made

1.1

1

Aerials won

1.3

0.8

Fouls won

1.7

1.4

Stats via FBref

Jauregizar has also won more aerial duels this season, whilst drawing more fouls per 90 – handing the side a restbite option should they find themselves under the cosh.

Whilst it’s unclear how much a deal for the Spanish youngster would set the club back, it’s evident that from the stats produced that he would be a phenomenal addition to the Reds squad.

If Slot is to maintain such success and claim a second title next campaign, it’s vital that the hierarchy work tirelessly to complete a deal – potentially seeing Gravenberch face stiff competition to maintain his starting role.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 10, 2025

Will Brandan Rodgers’ Celtic secure a sixth treble in just nine seasons this month?

On Saturday, the Hoops secured a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title, winning 5-0, with both Nicolas Kühn and Adam Idah bagging braces.

Victory over Aberdeen at the end of the month will rubber stamp yet another treble, with the Bhoys having now equalled Rangers’ record of 55 top division titles.

However, that victory at Tannadice did come at a cost, so should Rodgers replace Jota with Celtic’s “absolutely brilliant” youngster?

The latest on Jota injury at Celtic

Jota played a key role in Celtic’s opener on Saturday, ultimately going down as a Ryan Strain own goal, however, just five minutes later, the Portuguese winger was hobbling off, and that could be the last we see of him for a while.

A report by the Scottish Sun claims Jota will be sidelined ‘for several months’, potentially even missing the start of next season, having been spotted on crutches and in a knee brace at the title celebrations.

Rodgers is yet to officially reveal any prognosis, stating “he just felt his knee… we’re looking at whether his meniscus is a little bit sore… we’ll see in the next couple of days.”

This would obviously be a blow, although Celtic have found scoring goals no great difficulty this season, as the table below outlines.

Celtic’s season-by-season goal-scoring statistics

Season

Goals

Goals-per-game

Premiership goals

Times scored 5+

2024/25*

148

2.86

102

12

2023/24

115

2.3

95

4

2022/23

147

2.77

114

7

2021/22

137

2.28

92

4

2020/21

100

1.96

78

4

2019/20**

147

2.67

89

8

2018/19

121

1.92

77

5

2017/18

126

2.07

73

5

2016/17

150

2.54

106

9

*season ongoing- 5 games remaining. **season curtailed.

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

Just two more goals this season, which you’d have to be confident that Celtic will score, would make this their highest-scoring campaign since Rodgers’ first year in charge, already their best in terms of goals-per-game of the 21st century.

So, with the Premiership title already wrapped up, now is surely the time for Rodgers to experiment, thereby giving his “absolutely brilliant” youngster an opportunity?

Celtic's next young sensation

Johnny Kenny joined Celtic from Sligo Rovers back in January 2022 but, to date, has made just five appearances for the club, totalling 66 minutes, still yet to start.

However, he has gained plenty of first-team experience out on loan, as the table below outlines.

Johnny Kenny’s senior career statistics

Clubs

Appearances

Minutes

Goals

Assists

Celtic

5

66

0

0

Shamrock Rovers

7

4,230

26

8

Queen’s Park

12

305

0

0

Sligo Rovers

34

2,053

12

2

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

Kenny spent the last two calendar years on loan back in the League of Ireland with Shamrock Rovers, scoring 26 times for the Hoops, 20 of which came during a very productive 2024, notably bagging five in six Conference League outings, helping the Irish side reach the knockout phase.

He was named the club’s young player of the year twice, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout described his form for the Dublin-based outfit as “superb”.

Following Shamrock Rovers’ win over Borac Banja Luka in December, Kenny confirmed he would return to Celtic, hoping to “show Brendan in training” what he is capable of.

After making his debut against Ross County a month later, Rodgers described him as “absolutely brilliant”, although the 21-year-old has barely been seen since, an unused substitute on nine occasions.

Thus, with the Premiership title secured and Jota sidelined, what better time for Rodgers to find out whether or not Kenny could be a useful asset to his team?

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Posts ByBen Gray Apr 30, 2025

Leeds United are said to be interested in completing the signing of a “brilliant” Celtic player this summer, according to a new transfer update.

Leeds eyeing signings amid title push

The Whites have secured promotion back to the Premier League, following a scintillating run of form in the Championship that included a 4-0 win at home to Bristol City on Monday evening.

Daniel Farke’s Leeds side know that victory away to Plymouth Argyle on Saturday will seal the title, too, with their superior goal difference over Burnley meaning the Clarets’ result at home to Millwall will ultimately be meaningless.

Amid all the promotion positivity at Elland Road, the club continue to work on new signings for when the Whites are back in the top flight, with Wolves goalkeeper Sam Johnstone mentioned as a potential upgrade to Illan Meslier and Manor Solomon expected to join permanently.

Bournemouth full-back Max Aarons is another rumoured target for Leeds ahead of next season, with the Englishman spending the second half of the current campaign on loan at Valencia, and possibly not having a long-term future with the Cherries.

Leeds keen on signing "brilliant" attacker

According to an update from The Boot Room‘s Graeme Bailey, Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda is a summer target for Leeds, as they look to strengthen in the final third. He is valued at £25m.

It is claimed that the Whites have “watched” the Japanese star in action, but they are far from alone in that respect, with Arsenal, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Aston Villa, Brentford, Fulham, Crystal Palace and West Ham all getting a mention.

Maeda would be an interesting option for Leeds, possessing blistering pace and end product, having scored 62 goals in 154 appearances for Celtic, as well as registering 27 assists. The 27-year-old is also a five-time league champion, winning four Scottish Premiership titles with the Hoops and one with Matsumoto Yamaga in his homeland, and Brendan Rodgers is a big admirer.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant wherever he’s played, however he’s played, he’s had an amazing season. He earns every penny and we feel as a club he deserves more. He doesn’t give away much, other than saying he’s very happy.”

The step up from the Scottish Premiership to the Premier League is huge, so there would be a risk element in Leeds making a move for Maeda, but the level of interest in him from some of the biggest clubs in the country suggests many believe he is good enough to make the jump.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 1, 2025

Still only 27, the 23-cap and four-goal Japan international is at a great age to come in and be a key man for several years – he also knows Ao Tanaka well from international duty and he could help him settle – so it is a deal the Whites should look to strike.

Celtic are on the march to another potential domestic clean sweep, but could now face a battle on their hands to retain a talented young star, per reports.

Celtic take one step closer to a domestic treble

Hampden was literally a sea of green last weekend as Celtic fans packed out the national stadium on Sunday to witness their side batter St Johnstone 5-0 to reach the Scottish Cup final.

Brendan Rodgers now stands effectively one game off becoming the first ever Hoops manager to win three trebles in charge at Parkhead. They only need one point this weekend away to Dundee United to seal a fourth successive Scottish Premiership title.

In essence, Celtic have one match left this campaign that carries direct jeopardy. However, the thought of post-split clashes such as their trip to Tannadice followed by a meeting with Rangers the week after leave enough motivation for the champions to retain a healthy fire in their belly.

Come the summer, Rodgers’ priority will centre around securing Champions League-calibre additions to bolster his side ahead of the final qualifying round.

Crystal Palace youngster Jesse Derry is a target for Celtic following his refusal to sign a new contract at Selhurst Park. On the same token, Stoke City winger Million Manhoef is on the Bhoys’ radar, though may cost £10 million to bring to Glasgow’s east end.

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Posts ByDan Emery Apr 22, 2025

While incomings are always on the agenda, it would be negligent to rule out the fact that several departures could occur at Parkhead this summer to make room for fresh blood.

Further down the food chain, Celtic could now be set to lose a talented young star in a scenario that fans have seen unfold all too often in recent years.

Celtic could lose Dara Jikiemi to Nottingam Forest

According to Football Insider, Celtic could lose young defender Dara Jikiemi to Nottingham Forest after the Premier League outfit set their sights on bringing the 15-year-old to the City Ground.

Following some excellent performances at club level that led him to captaining Scotland’s Under-15 side earlier this year, he could become the latest in a long line of youngsters who have departed Lennoxtown to move on before making a sustained first-team breakthrough.

Ben Doak, Rocco Vata, Daniel Kelly, Liam Morrison and Cameron Harper are just a handful of prodigious stars who have left the Scottish champions in recent years while at a young age, enjoying a mixed degree of success south of the border and further afield.

Brexit has made Scottish soil a hotbed for scouts from English clubs due to tightened rules over signing EU-based players while they are under the age of 18. Celtic aren’t immune to this and will routinely face challenges in keeping hold of young talent for years to come.

Leeds United are now weighing up whether to make a £3.5 million bid to sign a 26-year-old defender who will likely replace Maximilian Wober, according to a recent report.

Leeds already planning exits ahead of new arrivals

Daniel Farke’s men moved a step closer to the Premier League over the weekend, as a win over Preston North End moved them five points clear of third-place Sheffield United. The Whites now know they need just eight points from the 12 possible to secure a place in the top flight.

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Posts ByBarney Lane Apr 14, 2025

So as the Premier League dream moves ever closer, Leeds are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window. There are a number of positions that Farke will want to strengthen, as signing a new goalkeeper has become a priority given the poor form of Illan Meslier this season. The Frenchman may soon be on his way out of Elland Road, but he may not be alone, as according to Football Insider, Leeds want to sign a new striker as they believe Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe are not good enough for the Premier League.

There are doubts at the club about the pair, and therefore, they could be moved on in the hope they can find a better striker in the transfer market.

The departures may not stop there, as Leeds United News states that defender Max Wober is expected to leave the Whites at the end of this campaign. The 27-year-old has had a terrible season with injuries, playing just seven games in the Championship, and despite being under contract until 2027, he could be moved on by Farke, especially if a replacement is found.

Leeds now considering £3.5m bid for Modibo Sagnan

So, given Wober is heading towards the exit door, signing a new defender has become a priority, and according to Africa Foot, Leeds are now considering a move to sign Modibo Sagnan from French side Montpellier.

The report states that several teams are interested in signing the centre-back, who can also play left-back, with the Whites already identifying the 26-year-old as a recruitment priority. It states that Leeds chiefs will have already made contact with Sagnan’s entourage over a possible move to Elland Road in the summer transfer window. Leeds are considering making an offer for the defender, worth €4 million, which is roughly £3.5 million.

Montpellier find themselves in relegation trouble towards the end of this season, and should they be relegated to Ligue 2, it could benefit Leeds when it comes to negotiating a transfer for Sagnan.

Modibo Sagnan’s 24/25 Ligue 1 stats

Apps

26

Goals

2

Clean sheets

0

Interceptions per game

1.1

Tackles per game

2.2

Dribbled past per game

0.8

Clearances per game

4.4

His potential arrival would see him join Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, who have been Leeds’ main centre-back pairing in this campaign. The Whites are already incredibly short at centre-back, so if Wober does leave in the summer, Sagnan arrives as an important player and one who could play a lot in the Premier League.

Arsenal have endured some bad luck this campaign that has derailed their title challenge, leaving supporters frustrated due to their unusually high volume of muscle injuries.

Arsenal's hard luck story this season under Mikel Arteta

At the start of the campaign, Mikel Arteta would’ve been optimistic that his side could finally claim the Premier League title under his reign after steadily building a squad capable of fighting on all fronts.

Stylistically, an aggressive focus on set-pieces alongside signings such as Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori appeared to have added extra steel to the flair present in the Gunners’ attack. However, their season hasn’t gone the way many envisaged.

Crashing out of the EFL Cup and FA Cup to Newcastle United and Manchester United put an end to dreams of domestic cup silverware, while their inconsistent run of form in the Premier League compared to Liverpool has become a bitter pill to swallow for an expectant support.

Nevertheless, Arsenal have been subject to an injury crisis that has left them with a major shortage of bodies in forward areas throughout the second half of 2024/25. Unfortunately, recognised strikers Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are still ruled out, leaving square pegs in round holes through the middle.

Bukayo Saka has been the main absentee of a long list for the Gunners, taking their tally of players who have spent time on the sidelines to 18 across this term. Returning during the week, the England international fired his side to a 2-1 victory over Fulham at the Emirates Stadium.

Other incidents such as Declan Rice’s harsh red card at home to Brighton & Hove Albion set an unwanted tone early on, culminating in a series of unfortunate events that have left the North Londoners feeling short-changed despite still being on course for a respectable second-place finish.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini Apr 3, 2025

In a seemingly never-ending cycle of setbacks, Arsenal have fallen victim to yet another body blow ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid.

Arsenal's Grade 3 hamstring tear statistical anomaly

Arsenal have now suffered three Grade 3 hamstring tears in one season, following confirmation that Gabriel Magalhães has been ruled out until next term with an injury of that description. Saka and Havertz comprise the other two who fit the criteria.

According to a study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, in a 20 year-period of Premier League football (from 2001/02 to 2021/22) only 3 per cent of hamstring injuries were Grade 3, making suffering three such problems in the space of six months a truly rare phenomenon that has barely been witnessed in football history.

Arsenal’s hamstring injuries this season

Gabriel Magalhães

Out until next season

Bukayo Saka

Finally back after long setback

Kai Havertz

Return unknown

Ultimately, many contributing factors play their part in a club falling short of their objectives. In this case, Arsenal have a right to feel that injuries have definitely altered the course of a season that was destined to deliver so much promise.

“One of the best coaches ever” is now a front-runner to replace Ivan Juric at Southampton, who have already identified a number of managers as potential targets, according to a report.

Southampton part ways with Juric after relegation

The Saints’ relegation from the Premier League was finally confirmed on Sunday, following a 3-1 loss at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, although in truth the writing has been on the wall for quite some time, after a disastrous campaign.

Juric inherited a difficult situation at St. Mary’s, with Russell Martin being sacked in December, at which point his side were already nine points from safety, but there were very few signs of improvement after the 49-year-old’s arrival.

With just seven games left to go, the soon-to-be Championship side need to collect two more points to avoid breaking an unwanted record, with Derby County’s 11 points in the 2007-08 campaign currently the lowest total in Premier League history.

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Their scouts are impressed.

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Next season, the aim will undoubtedly be to bounce back to the Premier League at the first attempt, and the board have now started to identify managers who could give them a very good chance of doing exactly that.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Southampton have a number of options in mind, including Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard, but Strasbourg manager Liam Rosenior is believed to be one of the front-runners.

BlueCo may not make it easy for the Saints to snap Rosenior up, however, as they are determined to keep hold of the up-and-coming manager, with Strasbourg faring very well in their pursuit of qualification for the Champions League.

As such, Sheffield Wednesday’s Danny Rohl could be a more attainable target, given that the German coach has a relatively affordable £5m release clause included in his contract with the Owls.

Rosenior impressing in Ligue 1 with Strasbourg

It is little wonder Southampton are keen on appointing the Englishman, given the job he has done at Strasbourg this season, with his side currently in fourth place, just three points behind second-placed Marseille.

The 40-year-old has orchestrated a phenomenal turnaround, with Strasbourg finishing 13th under the helm of Patrick Vieira last season, and he has previously been hailed for his ability on the training ground.

Clinton Morrison praised the work the Strasbourg boss did during his time as Derby County’s caretaker manager, saying: “I actually think he’s a top manager,”

“I spoke to a few people at Derby. He was unlucky to lose his job, the players respected him. He’s one of the best coaches ever.”

Club

Matches

Points per match

Strasbourg

31

1.77

Hull City

78

1.40

Derby County

12

1.92

However, with Strasbourg on course to qualify for the Champions League, it seems unlikely that Rosenior would be willing to manage a Championship side next season, particularly with BlueCo so eager to keep hold of him, so Rohl could be a more realistic appointment for the Saints.