Liverpool have confirmed a new contract for Virgil van Dijk, fending off interest from the likes of Bayern Munich to keep the captain on Merseyside for two more years.

Liverpool seal new contracts for key stars

The Reds could officially win the Premier League this weekend in what has been a brilliant first campaign under Arne Slot. Should Arsenal suffer defeat against Ipswich Town on Sunday afternoon, Liverpool could seal the title with a win at Leicester City shortly after.

However, away from the pitch, a hot topic of conversation has been on the futures of star trio Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Van Dijk. Salah, as we know, has officially signed a new two-year contract at Anfield, whereas Alexander-Arnold looks set to join Spanish giants Real Madrid.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano had recently said that Van Dijk is set to join Salah in signing a new Liverpool contract through until 2027, and talking recently, the skipper was asked about his pending new deal: “I think first, all the focus should be going to the Hillsborough anniversary. I think that’s the main thing and then we’ll see. The focus will still be on Leicester, but maybe there’s some news. I know … but I don’t know.

“I love the club, that’s pretty obvious. I think you can see that in the way I speak about the club, the way I work for the club in terms of what I do on the pitch on and off the pitch, and that will always be the same.”

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1

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Van Dijk signs new Liverpool deal worth over £40m

Bayern Munich were keen to sign Van Dijk on a free transfer, seeing the centre-back as a ‘unique opportunity to strengthen its defence with experience, leadership and proven quality’, but it has now been confirmed by Liverpool that Van Dijk has signed a new contract at Anfield.

Rumoured to be on £220,000-a-week beforehand, Van Dijk has become a Liverpool legend since joining from Southampton back in 2017, winning numerous trophies, and David Ornstein reports the new two-year deal is now worth £400,000-a-week.

Ornstein confirms there are no pay cut or break clauses, which will guarantee the Netherlands star is paid £41,600,000 through to the summer of 2027, by which time he’ll be 35. This is even more than the fee Liverpool paid to Brighton for star midfielder Alexis Mac Allister (£35m), but Reds fans will feel their captain deserves every penny.

Van Dijk’s stats at Liverpool
Games	314
Goals	27
Assists	13
Yellow cards	25
Red cards	1
Minutes played	27,925
Trophies won	8

Talking after penning terms, Van Dijk said: “I’m very happy, very proud. There are so many emotions obviously that go through my head right now speaking about it. “It’s a proud feeling, it’s a feeling of joy. It’s just incredible. The journey I’ve had so far in my career, to be able to extend it with another two years at this club is amazing and I’m so happy.”

Van Dijk is now the highest paid defender in the top flight and will be the second-highest paid player in any position once Kevin De Bruyne departs Man City this summer, behind only Erling Haaland who sits on £500,000-a-week at the Etihad.

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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Whenever Manchester City have lifted the Premier League title aloft during Pep Guardiola’s glittering reign to date, these major title wins have always been won on the basis of a stern defence, alongside possessing some top-notch attackers.

Indeed, City’s sizeable points haul of 98 come the end of the 2018/19 season saw just 23 goals given up. On the contrary, when fast forwarding to today’s choppy campaign, the usually stern champions have leaked a far higher 43 with three fixtures still left to play.

This could culminate in Guardiola changing up his defensive options soon to prepare for next season, with a fresh goalkeeper one target that’s surely on his mind.

Man City's pursuit of a new goalkeeper

The Spaniard has already been tinkering with his defensive set-up away from the potential of more new signings entering through the door, with faces such as Nico O’Reilly becoming a regular in the back four as an attack-focused full-back.

But, he won’t be done there when it comes to freshening up his XI, with goalkeeper targets such as Porto shot-stopper Diogo Costa reportedly on the agenda.

A move for Costa hasn’t got off the ground by all accounts, leaving City looking for other stoppers who could do a job over the expected departee of Ederson, with Paris St Germain star Gianluigi Donnarumma now listed as one of their main targets in between the sticks.

Indeed, reports from Italy suggest that Guardiola and Co are keen admirers of the 6 foot 5 ‘keeper who is just fresh off helping Luis Enrique’s men reach a Champions League final at the expense of Arsenal.

He could well be locking horns with the Gunners again very soon if a move to the Etihad comes to fruition, with City hopeful that a new presence in goal can work wonders, much like Vincent Kompany managed in defence over many celebrated years after joining way back in 2008.

Why Donnarumma could be the best defensive buy since Kompany

Obviously, it goes without saying that the Belgian centre-back is royalty in the light blue contingent of Manchester, with the now-retired defender a stalwart of many a successful City side even before Guardiola’s inspired arrival.

In total, the 89-time Belgium international would notch up a colossal 360 appearances for the Citizens, with a mammoth 167 wins also coming his way in the Premier League from 265 clashes.

A classy performer that was just designed for the big occasion, as is seen in his wonder goal versus Leicester City clinching his fourth and final top-flight success – Kompany also offered some much-needed defensive solidity in spades, with a bumper 94 clean sheets tallied up in Premier League action.

Donnarumma will hope he can walk into the building and be as transformative for City’s fortunes, with Ederson only keeping a weak ten clean sheets this campaign from 34 overall contests.

PSG

152

151

50

AC Milan

251

265

88

Italy

72

63

29

Whereas, the Italy captain – away from his heroics against Mikel Arteta’s men – has managed to pick up one more clean sheet than his City counterpart lining up for PSG, adding to his ever-growing career clean sheet total of 167 subsequently.

Once heralded as “world class” when starring for his nation by commentator Matteo Bonetti, Donnarumma’s addition to the ranks could also help City reclaim their authority as serial trophy winners, with the 26-year-old currently six trophies deep into his stay in the French capital, away from terrorising England during Italy’s 2021 Euro success.

Lauded further by Enrique as “one of the best goalkeepers in the world”, City would really show they mean business if they landed the alert ‘keeper.

Just remember the trophy-winning difference Alisson made at Liverpool; Donnarumma could be their equivalent in the present day, boosting Pep’s defence just as Kompany did all those years ago.

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Liverpool are in the market for savvy additions this summer and club officials have come back impressed from a recent scouting trip involving a defender in Europe’s top-five leagues.

Liverpool step up their hunt for reinforcements

The Reds are marching towards the summer window safe in the knowledge that they will be one of the finest Premier League destinations for potential recruits following a successful league campaign. Arne Slot arrived with a vision and delivered with flying colours, which is a theme the Dutchman will be keen to follow up on once the transfer window opens for business.

Mapping out a summer that could see mass changes engulf his squad, Liverpool have lined up Real Madrid sensation Rodrygo as an ambitious venture despite his steep £85 million valuation. On the same token, the Merseyside giants have submitted an enquiry to Monaco involving defender Vanderson amid Trent Alexander-Arnold’s departure on a free transfer.

Earning a controversial reception against Arsenal after coming off the bench, the Three Lions international’s successor will have considerable pressure on their shoulders to take on the creative void needing filled once the 26-year-old moves to Real Madrid.

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Truthfully, it will probably take several additions and a tactical rethink to solve the intriguing conundrum, but Slot has already shown his adaptability over the course of the season.

Before anything else, the Dutchman will value flexibility and depth in his mission to dominate English football. Alterations are a necesarry evil of progression, though adequate cover will be needed to replace any outgoing figures.

Now, Liverpool are lining up a swoop for an impressive defender who could be available on a cut-price deal, according to reports.

Liverpool impressed after Jhon Lucumi scouting mission

According to TBR, Liverpool officials have scouted Bologna defender Jhon Lucumi and his intermediaries have been in contact with several clubs to inform them of his situation heading into the summer window. Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur, Brighton & Hove Albion, Brentford, Crystal Palace and Leeds United have also watched the 28-cap Colombia centre-back in action as his contract runs into its final 12 months in Italy.

Jhon Lucumi’s statistics in 2024/25 – all competitions

Appearances

41

Goals

1

Assists

1

Juventus and Inter Milan have joined the hunt for his signature, though Liverpool have identified the 26-year-old as an ideal candidate to strengthen their defensive ranks after another solid term at Bologna. Labelled a “phenomenon” by Vincenzo Italiano, Lucumi has been a dominant presence in the Italian top-flight this campaign, winning an average of 3.8 duels per match.

Expectedly, Bologna don’t want to lose one of their star assets on a free transfer next summer, hence why they would be open to a sale in the correct circumstances. Heeding that, Liverpool could now move to complete a bargain transfer to kickstart a trail of exciting recruitment under Slot’s stewardship.

Liverpool clinched their 20th Premier League title on Sunday, thrashing Tottenham Hotspur to bestow upon Anfield the hometown celebrations they have craved for 35 years.

The wider squad came together in a huddle of pure joy as they danced across the pitch and celebrated in front of the wide-beaming supporters. However, one or two may have felt the niggling concern that this is their final trophy in a Liverpool shirt.

Diogo Jota, for example, sadly doesn’t look to have the same snap and athleticism he once had, the 28-year-old only scoring one goal across 15 appearances since recovering from muscular issues in January.

But Darwin Nunez is the player widely expected to be leaving this summer, having fallen by the wayside after his club-record £85m move from Benfica in 2022, with Fabrizio Romano confirming the news on several occasions.

The club need a new star at number nine, but who that might be is as yet indeterminable.

Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool Career by Season (all comps)
Season	Apps (starts)	Goals	Assists
24/25	43 (17)	7	7
22/23	54 (33)	18	15
21/22	42 (26)	15	4
Data via Transfermarkt

One thing’s for sure, Liverpool miss Bobby Firmino in his pomp.

Why Liverpool miss Bobby Firmino

It was perhaps summed up best when Nunez was played through on goal and had the chance to add a sixth as Liverpool laid siege on Spurs’ flimsy defences and claimed the Premier League title.

The Uruguayan, drained of confidence after three testing years on Merseyside, opted against striking on goal himself, sealing some form of poetic justice in capping off the title-winning result, and instead played a pass across goal to the onrushing Salah.

Firmino would have played the pass with weighted perfection. Or, perhaps, he would have recognised that striking on goal himself was by far the best option, and done just that.

Nunez, sadly, lacks in temperament what he boasts in tenacity and toughness, and after Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot have failed to crack the nut, Firmino’s replacement is set to leave, with a new version of the silky Brazilian targeted once again.

While Firmino’s unique take on the striker’s game is not something readily replicable, FSG are looking to sign a player with a noteworthy technical quality, actually gearing up to hijack another club’s deal.

Liverpool ready to hijack deal for new centre forward

As per TEAMtalk, Liverpool are gearing up to land a hijack on Inter Milan this summer, with the Serie A title contenders pushing to sign Jonathan David when his contract at LOSC Lille expires this summer.

Inter presented their offer to David’s camp in March and are confident that they are getting closer toward an agreement, though the temptation of Saudi Arabian riches is there and Arsenal and West Ham United want to add him to their ranks too.

While opting for a free transfer might feel somewhat deflating, David is a clinical striker with a ball-playing game that most strikers don’t boast. In that way, he could prove to be a Firmino-esque presence at number nine once again, albeit with a wildly different take.

Why Jonathan David would be perfect for Liverpool

David is a talented goalscorer, sure, but he’s also known to have a crisp and intelligent passing game. It’s one which could see him grow into a role as Slot’s very own version of Firmino, with Nunez having failed in his season-long audition for that role.

The 33-year-old didn’t score every game, but he was so important in engineering a sense of unmatched fluency, centred between Salah and Sadio Mane.

In David, Liverpool might find their best striker since the attacking maestro, one whose goalscoring skills are actually above those of both Firmino and Nunez. Indeed, since the Canadian star left Gent and signed for Lille back in 2020, he’s scored 109 goals and supplied 29 assists across 229 outings.

Jonathan David: Lille Stats by Season
Season	Apps	Goals	Assists	G/A Rate
24/25	47	25	11	0.77
23/24	47	26	9	0.74
22/23	40	26	4	0.75
21/22	48	19	0	0.40
20/21	48	13	5	0.37
Stats via Transfermarkt

Still only 25, David has demonstrated incremental growth across his five campaigns in France, with his last three campaigns establishing him as a top-class goalscorer with creative qualities to applaud.

This newfound creativity is a product of his much-improved ball game. As per FBref, David actually ranks among the top 1% of centre-forwards across Europe over the past year for pass completion, with an average success rate of 83.4%.

Firmino had plenty of tricks and flicks, but David doesn’t embroider his football with such fleet feet. He’s more economical, but that suits Slot.

The Dutch tactician is sure to be looking for a striker with a proven track record in front of goal while adding a bit flair and, most importantly, coherence to the attacking ranks.

Nunez, for example, has completed just 68% of his passes over the past year, putting him among the bottom 35% of strikers for that metric.

When Canadian football expert Tony Marinaro described David as “one of the best strikers in the world” back in 2022, many undoubtedly scoffed at such a high-held opinion.

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But consistency is the key. Just ask Nunez, for his big Liverpool move has been derailed by a distinct lack of the stuff.

David has all the ingredients to become a success for the Anfield side. He’s scored ten goals in the Champions League already (including against Liverpool this season), having played just 18 matches.

The Canada international is athletic, powerful and pacy with a crispness in possession that Firmino would be proud of.

Oh, he’s not cut from the same cloth as Liverpool’s dazzler, but then no one is. But David has a style of play, and it’s an approach which really could work a treat for Slot’s title-winning side.

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Manchester United are now eyeing a move to sign a £42 million “fantastic” ace for Ruben Amorim, according to a recent report.

Amorim believes players still want to play for Man Utd

The 2024/25 campaign has been one of great disappointment for the Red Devils, as they look to finish in their worst ever league position in the Premier League. However, there is still a glimmer of hope, as United can end the season with silverware, as they are two games away from the Europa League final.

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Winning that competition will not only bring Amorim his first trophy as United boss, but it will also secure Champions League football for the club, and this could be huge when it comes to transfers. The Red Devils are being heavily linked with a move for Matheus Cunha of Wolves, and the Brazilian appears keen on the move to Old Trafford, which is a massive boost given the teams that are keen on signing the forward.

Amorim was asked about Cunha, and while he wouldn’t comment, he stated that he has no doubts that Man United remains an attractive proposition and “every player wants to play for the club”.

Amorim said: “It’s Manchester United. Every player wants to play for Manchester United.

“If you look at our club in the moment, with all the problems, including changing coach, it looks a little bit of a problem. But we have a clear idea, and that’s the easiest part to explain for a player.”

Man Utd eyeing £42m bid to sign "fantastic" ace ahead of Bayern Munich

Amorim will already have an idea of which players he wants to bring to Old Trafford, and securing Champions League football may just help them, especially when they find themselves in a transfer battle with European giants. According to a report from Spain, Man United are considering making a £42 million bid to sign Alex Baena from La Liga side Villarreal.

The report states that Amorim is keen to strengthen United’s attacking options for next season and has therefore earmarked signing Baena from Villarreal. Amorim sees the player becoming a key part of his project at Old Trafford, and United are now considering making an offer for the player, which will total €50m (£42m).

The Red Devils hope the fact that they are willing to make an offer for the 23-year-old Spanish international means they can beat Atletico Madrid and Bayern Munich, who are also keen on signing Baena. Interest in Baena comes as Amorim is looking to sign versatile players who can adapt to different roles in his system.

Apps

27

Minutes per game

84

Goals

6

xG

6.20

Shots per game

2.2

Goal conversion

10%

Assists

7

xAG

11.23

Big chances created

17

Key passes

3.2

Baena, who has been dubbed “fantastic” by Jacek Kulig, is a key player for the Spanish side; last season he registered 14 assists in 34 La Liga games. The midfielder could hit similar numbers again by the end of this campaign, as he’s scored six goals and registered eight assists in 27 league games.

Arsenal have now made contact with the entourage of an “incredible” striker, who they are now seriously considering making a move for in the summer, according to a report.

Gunners stepping up striker pursuit

Mikel Arteta’s side have been heavily criticised for not signing a striker last summer or during the January transfer window, with Gary Neville describing the decision as a “mystery” earlier in the campaign.

Since then, the Gunners’ hopes of winning any silverware this season have gone up in smoke, with Paris Saint-Germain’s 3-1 aggregate victory in the Champions League semi-final sealing their fate.

As such, you would think that Arteta will finally bite the bullet and sign a top striker this summer, and recent developments indicate the Spaniard is going to do exactly that, with the north Londoners now advancing in talks to sign Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres.

There has since been another update on the pursuit of more of a left-field target, with a report from Spain revealing Arsenal are now seriously considering a move for Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, who is also being targeted by West Ham United and Aston Villa.

Jesus is protected by a €100m (£84m) release clause in his contract, but the Brazilian side are believed to be willing to sanction a departure for a lower fee, and such is the Gunners’ level of interest, they have now made contact with his entourage.

The Brazilian is now among the north Londoners’ priority targets, despite the deal for Gyokeres edging closer to completion, with the striker’s performances since signing for Botafogo putting him in the shop window.

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Journalist Zach Lowy branded the Botafogo forward as “incredible” back in December, having started 2024 with some impressive performances in the UAE, before forcing his way into the set-up of the Brazil national side after catching the eye in his home country.

The Cuiaba-born marksman led Botafogo to a league title triumph in 2024, and he has since started the new season in solid fashion, picking up three goals and one assist in eight Brazilian Serie A outings.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Liga Portugal

33

39

8

Champions League

8

6

0

Taca de Portugal

6

4

3

Allianz Cup

3

4

0

Supertaca

1

0

2

That said, Jesus’ lack of experience in Europe means it would be a risk for Arsenal to sign the South American this summer, and a move for Gyokeres could make more sense, especially considering the Swede’s fantastic record in front of goal this season, netting 53 goals across all competitions.

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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A Sky Sports reporter has now revealed that Leeds United want to sign a “thriving” Everton star this summer.

One defender in and one out at Leeds?

The Championship title winners are wasting no time in beginning preparations for their return to the Premier League, as the Whites have already been linked with high-profile players who they believe will give them a good chance of remaining in the top flight.

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Leeds have been looking mostly at ways of improving their attack, but given recent developments, there could be a few changes in their defence. It was reported on Wednesday that the Whites are preparing to make a £6 million bid to sign Georgios Vagiannidis from Greek side Panathinaikos.

Officials from the Yorkshire side are set to fly out to Greece and watch him in action this weekend, and they are already planning to make an offer, as they try to beat Everton to his signature.

As Vagiannidis emerges as a target for Leeds, it’s becoming increasingly likely that current left-back Junior Firpo is set to leave Elland Road. The defender is out of contract in the summer, and according to a new report, Crystal Palace have now held talks with Firpo’s agent over a move to Selhurst Park.

Palace are not the only team interested from the Premier League or in Europe, as plenty of teams express interest in a transfer.

Leeds want to sign £20m+ Everton star Beto this summer

And it seems signing a new forward is a high priority for Daniel Farke this summer, with Sky Sports’ Rob Dorsett revealing Leeds are interested in signing Beto from Everton.

Dorsett claims he’s “told” that Leeds have a £100 million transfer kitty as they prepare for life back in the Premier League. He goes on to add that he is unclear if Everton would be willing to sell Beto, as he’s been an important player for the Toffees since David Moyes’ return.

In fact, since the arrival of Moyes, The Athletic’s Paddy Boyland has described Beto as a player who is “thriving” under new management. The 27-year-old was brought to the club in August 2023 but struggled to make a significant impact last season under Sean Dyche, as he scored just three Premier League goals in 30 games. However, that has changed in this campaign, as he’s scored seven times in 27 games, making him Everton’s top goalscorer.

Beto’s Premier League record
Apps	57
Goals	10
Assists	0

It’s unclear how much the Portuguese could cost Leeds, but the Toffees paid £25 million for him to join from Udinese, and the Premier League side may look to get at least an equal return on their investment. The forward is under contract until 2027, but he is not their only striker target, as Leeds have been linked to the likes of Jamie Vardy and Troy Parrott.

Chelsea chiefs have now offered a pacey striker personal terms to join the Blues, with an agreement described as just a “matter of time”.

Chelsea set for UEFA Conference League final

After qualifying for the Champions League and confirming an almighty boost for Chelsea ahead of next season, Enzo Maresca can also sign off his debut season in the dugout with a piece of major silverware.

Premier League star wants to join Chelsea more than Man Utd after U-turn

He’s leaning more towards Stamford Bridge.

ByEmilio Galantini May 27, 2025

The Italian, bullish in his post-match press conference after their vital 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, told critics to ‘eff off’ after Chelsea sealed fourth spot and a place in Europe’s most prestigious competition for 2025/2026.

Despite their excellent finish to the Premier League season, with Chelsea briefly contending for the title at one early stage and winning six out of their final eight top-flight games to confirm a top five place, it hasn’t been an easy campaign for Maresca overall.

Rank

Team

Points

GD

Man City

71

+28

Chelsea

69

+21

Newcastle

66

+21

6

Aston Villa

66

+7

7

Nottingham Forest

65

+12

Some tepid performances and results threatened Chelsea’s chase for Europe, with Maresca’s side suffering a damp patch of form soon after the turn of 2025. This prompted some supporters to turn on the ex-Leicester City boss, which in-turn caused concern from critics.

“When the fans turn on the manager, it’s never a good sign and it’s something the board will have taken note of, I’m sure,” said ex-Premier League scout Mick Brown to Football Insider back in April.

“They’ve got the core of what could be a very good squad with a little bit of work and improvement. I expect he will be backed in the summer because everything you hear from Chelsea is that the board are going to stick by him.

“But as I said, when the fans start to turn, it’s never a good sign and questions will be asked.”

While it hasn’t been plain sailing for Maresca, Chelsea can end 2024/25 with the knowledge of Champions League football, and if they beat Real Betis on Wednesday evening, the Stamford Bridge side will also have a trophy to show for their efforts.

BlueCo also have every intention of backing Maresca in the transfer market, and are reportedly turning their attention to sister club Strasbourg in pursuit of a rising star.

Chelsea offer Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha a six-year contract

Reports in France previously stated that Emanuel Emegha was attracting serious interest from Chelsea, and talks had been held with the 22-year-old’s representatives (Foot Mercato).

Now, journalist Santi Aouna has shared an update on the matter via X, claiming that Chelsea have offered Emegha a six-year deal and an agreement is inevitable.

The 6 foot 5 Dutchman has been ranked as the fastest player in Ligue 1 this season, which showcases his serious explosiveness and power as a forward player, and Emegha is said to be valued at £21 million.

This could end up being an astute pre-contract deal for 2026 and an ideal signing for the future, especially considering that he ended this season as one of the French top flight’s top scorers with 14.