Nottingham Forest are now willing to make a serious offer for a “super” striker, and they have already started preparing the groundwork for a transfer.
Forest keen on signing new striker after slow start
Although we are just four games into the new Premier League campaign, Forest have already changed their manager, with Ange Postecoglou taking charge for the first time against Arsenal last time out, but it was far from the ideal start for the Australian.
The Tricky Trees suffered their second straight 3-0 defeat in the Premier League, following on from the battering at the hands of a struggling West Ham United side before the international break, with Ange’s side looking pretty toothless going forward.
Although going to the Emirates Stadium was always going to be a difficult test, it has been a slow start for Forest, following on from a concerning pre-season, during which they scored just one goal in seven friendly games.
Consequently, there may be some concerns surrounding Ange’s forward line, meaning the new manager may want to bolster his attacking options in the January transfer window, and the Europa League side have now joined the race for a new striker.
That is according to a report from Spain, which states Nottingham Forest are now the club best-positioned to sign Sevilla striker Isaac Romero, and they are willing to make a serious bid for the 25-year-old’s services.
The Tricky Trees are already laying the groundwork for a deal, that could amount to around €25m (£22m), which would be an affordable fee for a Premier League side.
Ange’s side believe the Spaniard has all the qualities to succeed at The City Ground, and the door could be open for a deal, given that Sevilla need to sell to balance the books.
"Super" Romero has made impressive start to the season
The Sevilla star has made a solid start to the campaign, scoring two goals in his opening four La Liga games, meaning he is already half-way to matching his league goal tally from the 2024-25 season.
Former teammate Oliver Torres has also raved about the forward in the past, saying: “More than just a good player, Isaac is a good teammate, a good lad, super humble, super hard-working and in the end fortune smiles on people like that.”
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Forest made major improvements to their attack in the summer, bringing in the likes of Omari Hutchinson, Dilane Bakwa, Dan Ndoye, and Arnaud Kalimuendo, so there are doubts over whether they need to bring in another forward imminently.
However, with Chris Wood now 33-years-old, the New Zealand international could be in the twilight years of his career, so it may be worth bringing in a long-term replacement, and Romero is showing promising signs at Sevilla.
Tottenham Hotspur kicked off life under Thomas Frank with a 3-0 win over Burnley this afternoon, hopefully being the first of many during the Dane’s tenure.
The Lilywhites produced a magnificent display, blowing away the opposition in the second half, restricting the visitors to just four shots on target throughout the 90 minutes.
In their 17th-placed Premier League finish last campaign, the backline held the side back massively, conceding 65 times in their 38 outings under Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham Hotspur manager ThomasFrankreacts after the match
However, it was the perfect start to life under the new management team, keeping a clean sheet – something which they only managed on six occasions throughout 2024/25.
It was an afternoon to remember for numerous players in North London, undoubtedly staking their claim to the new boss over a regular starting role throughout the new season.
How things played out in Spurs’ win over Burnley
In his first league game in charge, Frank decided to operate with Richarlison in the number nine role – a decision that proved to be a masterstroke given his performance.
The Brazilian put the Lilywhites ahead just ten minutes into proceedings, with his superb first-time finish beating debutant Martin Dubravka in the Clarets’ goal.
However, his second effort was also a thing of beauty, acrobatically turning home new signing Mohammed Kudus’ cross – an effort that will certainly be one of the goals of the season.
Brennan Johnson added a third in the closing stages, breaking through one-on-one, before poking home and securing all three points in North London.
Richarlison certainly proved some of the doubters wrong with his showing against Scott Parker’s side, deserving of a consistent run in the side under the new boss, but he’s certainly not alone in that regard.
The Spurs player who should be a regular starter under Frank
The appointment of a new manager always brings about new ideas, changes to the system and the opportunity for players to stake their claim for a regular starting role.
Tottenham Hotspur managerThomasFrankapplauds fans after the match
As seen by his two-goal haul this afternoon, it’s safe to say Richarlison has demonstrated to Frank the talent he possesses when given the chance to operate in his natural position.
However, numerous other players appear to have done just that, potentially stopping the manager from making wholesale changes before the end of the transfer window.
After utilising a back five in the UEFA Super Cup against PSG on Wednesday, the Dane reverted to the Lilywhites’ more familiar 4-3-3 system – a decision which allowed Pape Sarr to impress once more.
The 22-year-old has enjoyed rapid development in North London over recent seasons, having the ability to be a key member of the 51-year-old’s squad if he can replicate such a display.
He featured for the entirety of the contest, completing three dribbles and winning ten duels – with both figures the highest of any player on the pitch for either side.
Sarr also managed to complete 83% of the passes he attempted, with six of which being into the final third – helping him grab the assist for Johnson’s second-half strike.
Minutes played
90
Touches
66
Distance covered
10.7km
Passes completed
83%
Dribbles completed
3
Duels won
10
Passes into final third
6
Tackles made
2
Clearances made
4
Recoveries made
4
The youngster’s all-round excellence is further highlighted in his tallies of two tackles, four clearances and four recoveries made, arguably being one of the standout performers in the win.
As a result of his showing, Sarr was handed an 8/10 match rating by Football London’s Alasdair Gold – with the journalist suggesting he could be a key member of Spurs’ squad this campaign.
Such a showing will certainly highlight to Frank the talent the Senegalese star possesses, having the chance to improve further under his guidance, given his tender age.
The midfielder and Richarlison were certainly the shining lights during the opening-day victory – hopefully creating many more moments of magic between them in the remaining 37 outings.
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Newcastle United striker Alexander Isak has been involved in one the biggest transfer sagas of the summer, refusing to play for the Magpies as he looked to push for a move to Liverpool.
The Swedish striker has been training on his own for the majority of the summer transfer window, with the Reds having a £110m bid rejected for Isak’s services.
Under contract at St James’ Park, Isak has refused to play for Newcastle, but isn’t the first Premier League star to do so.
10 Premier League stars who refused to play for their clubs 10 Cristiano Ronaldo Man Utd
Cristiano Ronaldo’s return to Man Utd in 2021 didn’t exactly go to plan, as 18 months later he signed for Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr.
In the final days of Ronaldo’s second stint at Old Trafford, he was an unused substitute at home to Tottenham Hotspur. It later emerged that the Portuguese superstar refused to come on under Erik ten Hag and was demoted to train with the youth side.
9 Raheem Sterling Liverpool
After coming through Liverpool’s academy and impressing at Anfield for the first team, Raheem Sterling wanted to leave the Reds in 2015.
Manchester City wanted to sign the winger and eventually did so for close to £50m, but it took Sterling to refuse to go and play for Liverpool in their pre-season tour. Sterling turned down numerous contract offers to stay with Liverpool and would go on to win four Premier League titles with City.
8 Paul Scholes Man Utd
Paul Scholes
Paul Scholes has gone down as a Man Utd legend, however, the former Red Devils midfielder actually refused to play a game under Sir Alex Ferguson.
He was dropped for a clash with Liverpool in 2001 but was set to play the next match, a League Cup fixture against Arsenal. Scholes refused to show up, though, and was fined heavily by those at Old Trafford.
7 William Gallas Chelsea
William Gallas didn’t just refuse to play for Chelsea when he was looking to leave Stamford Bridge, he also threatened to score an own goal, get himself sent off, or make deliberate mistakes if he was forced to play.
After five years with the Blues, the French defender was eventually sold to rivals Arsenal, although Chelsea did end up signing star left-back Ashley Cole from the Gunners.
6 Riyad Mahrez Leicester City
Riyad Mahrez signed for Man City from Leicester City in the summer of 2018, but in the January, the winger went on strike and refused to play for the Foxes as he pushed for a move to the Etihad.
The Algerian was fined by Leicester but did eventually return after going on strike and was welcomed back by both team-mates and supporters.
Leicester City
Man City
Games
139
145
Goals
39
43
Assists
26
37
Titles
1
4
5 Dimitar Berbatov Tottenham
Dimitar Berbatov for Spurs.
Man Utd eventually signed Dimitar Berbatov from Tottenham on deadline day in 2008, however, the move wasn’t without controversy.
The Bulgarian striker got wind of Man Utd’s interest, however Spurs chairman Daniel Levy didn’t want to sell which ended up with Berbatov not playing for Tottenham against rivals Chelsea.
Levy and co complained about Man Utd’s move for the forward, but Ferguson got his man for £30m.
4 Dimitri Payet West Ham
Former West Ham star Dimitri Payet
After starring at Euro 2016, West Ham rewarded Dimitri Payet with a new contract and Irons supporters loved him during his time at Upton Park.
That was until the beginning of 2017 when Payet refused to play for West Ham as he tried to force a move back to Marseille. He got his wish, with the Hammers bringing in £25m, but his West Ham mural was quickly removed.
3 Kieron Dyer Newcastle
During his time at Newcastle, Kieron Dyer was involved in numerous controversies, including refusing to play under iconic manager Sir Bobby Robson.
Dyer didn’t play on the right side of midfield against Middlesbrough in 2004 and Robson was sacked by the Magpies weeks later. Dyer has since called that decision his “greatest regret” and admitted he “let Bobby Robson down”.
2 Carlos Tevez Man City
After swapping Man Utd for Man City, Carlos Tevez would win the Premier League at the Etihad, however, it wasn’t without drama.
He refused to come on in September 2011 against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, with Roberto Mancini banishing him from the squad. Tevez did return months later and helped City win their first ever Premier League title.
1 Leonardo Ulloa Leicester City
Shortly after winning the Premier League with Leicester City, Leonardo Ulloa refused to play for the Foxes again under Claudio Ranieri and felt “betrayed” by the Italian.
Ulloa was desperate to join Sunderland but didn’t get his wish, and after Leicester sacked Ranieri a month later in February 2017, the forward would return to the squad, even signing a new contract that summer.
Nottingham Forest are now reportedly willing to pay as much as £26m to complete the signing of a “superb” midfielder this summer.
Nottingham Forest confirm exit & Sels up for award
The Reds are preparing for the new Premier League season, but one player who has sealed a move away from the club is youngster Dale Taylor.
The 21-year-old attacker has completed a permanent move to Blackpool from Forest, with Head of Football Development & Talent Management, Craig Mulholland, wishing him well upon his departure.
“We are delighted to see Dale get such a positive move. His development journey at Forest has been strong and it is credit to Dale, and all of the excellent staff who have worked with him along the way. We have agreed a deal which is great for Dale, Blackpool and also provides us with a positive return on the investment the club has made over many years.”
In other Forest news, goalkeeper Matz Sels’ superb 2024/25 campaign has been rewarded with a nomination for the prestigious Lachine Trophy – an award given to the best ‘keeper in Europe over a 12-month period. The likes of Alisson and Gianliugi Donnarumma are also up for the prize, among others.
Nottingham Forest eye £26m move for midfielder
In terms of transfer news, Sky Italia [via Sport Witness] claim that Nottingham Forest are happy to pay £26m to sign AC Milan midfielder Yunus Musah this summer.
The Reds are intending to “close the deal quickly”, securing the services of the 22-year-old in time for the start of the 2025/26 season.
GNK Dinamo Zagreb's Kevin Theophile-Catherine in action with AC Milan'sYunusMusah
Musah has the ability to be a brilliant signing for Forest if they agree to sign him, with the USA international already achieving so much in his career.
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The midfielder has already made 153 appearances in La Liga and Serie A combined, as well as winning 47 caps for his country, and scout Jacek Kulig has described him as “superb” in the past, too.
Forest need to add depth in the middle of the park, as they look to tackle both Premier League and European commitments this season, and Musah could be ideal, providing strong competition for the likes of Morgan Gibbs-White, Elliot Anderson and Nicilas Dominguez.
Yunus Musah’s international stats
Caps
Goals
USA
47
1
England Under-18s
8
2
England Under-17s
9
2
England Under-16s
8
0
England Under-15s
7
0
The American is still so young, despite already picking up a huge amount of experience, and he would feel like a statement signing by Nuno’s side, having made seven Champions League appearances for Milan last season.
When Liverpool announced the arrival of Hugo Ekitike earlier this week, it would have been easy to assume that the Reds had ended their search for a striker. But since then, there has been an almighty twist to the tale.
As reported by David Ornstein and the Daily Mail’s Craig Hope, Alexander Isak now wants to leave Newcastle United this summer and explore options elsewhere. The Swede was sent home from the Magpies’ friendly against Celtic amid all the speculation, before being left out of their Asia tour courtesy of a ‘thigh injury’.
However, it has since emerged that Isak was left out of the tour after his request to leave St James’ Park ahead of next season. It’s an undeniable blow for the Magpies – their biggest yet in a summer full of disappointment – but Newcastle’s loss could quickly become Liverpool’s gain.
Liverpool informed Newcastle before signing Ekitike that they were willing to break their club record for the second time this summer to sign Isak in a £120m deal. And whilst that becomes more difficult after splashing out £69m to welcome their new French forward, fresh sales could yet leave Liverpool in dreamland.
With the potential to have both Isak and Ekitike at their disposal, AI assistant Grok has predicted and ranked the different formations that Liverpool could use to incorporate the two forwards.
3 4-4-2 (dual strikers)
The natural way to accommodate two talented strikers would be to play the trusty and reliable 4-4-2. The sytem would be a new one for Arne Slot, but could be one worth playing if he is to get the best out of Isak and Ekitike.
In this formation, Isak would likely take up the role of primary goalscorer whilst Ekitike takes up the job of chief creator. The latter’s task would be to drop slightly deeper into the No.10 role or even the false 9 role that Liverpool fans will know so well from Roberto Firmino’s time at the club and provide the link between midfield and attack.
Liverpool line-up 4-4-2.
Isak, meanwhile, would be asked to do the very thing that only Mohamed Salah did better than him in the Premier League last season and that’s score goals. The big questions here, though, would be whether Slot would be willing to sacrifice his numbers in midfield and just where he would find a place for Florian Wirtz.
2 4-2-3-1 (Ekitike as No.10)
There is, of course, another way around this. Liverpool could simply revert to a 4-2-3-1 formation – which they used at times last season to great success – and utilise Ekitike as a No.10. The former Frankfurt forward would then have Isak in front of him and likely Cody Gakpo and Salah beside him.
Liverpool in a 4-2-3-1 system.
Suddenly, Slot would have a scintilating front four all featuring at once. The last time that Liverpool had something close to such attacking quality were the few months prior to Philippe Coutinho’s exit when the Brazilian stood alongside Salah, Sadio Mane and Firmino. Years later, however, Anfield could be about to see that front four eclipsed.
Alas, there are some downsides to the 4-2-3-1. Where would Wirtz slot in? Liverpool broke the British transfer record to sign the German and for very good reason. There’s no disputing that he should be an instant starter. What’s more, there would be question marks over Ekitike’s ability to remain consistent as No.10 with such little experience in the role.
The Frenchman would be shoe-horned in more than anything and there’s certainly a better way for Slot to get the best out of every one of his stars if Liverpool sign Isak.
1 4-3-3 (Ekitike wide left)
Another option, and one that Slot is more familiar with, would be a 4-3-3 with Ekitike playing out wide. Forming a front three between Ekitike, Isak and Salah, the Reds would have their best trio since Mane, Firmino and Salah and one that would arguably be capable of putting up similar numbers.
Given that Luis Diaz could yet join Bayern Munich in a big-money deal this summer too, moving Ekitike into his left-wing spot would certainly make sense. There may be some concerns that the Frenchman lacks experience in the role, given that he played just 5% of his minutes at Eintracht Frankfurt on the wing, but he certainly has the creative talent.
Liverpool in a 4-3-3 system.
With 12 assists to his name last season, Ekitike could provide a similar threat to Cody Gakpo by cutting in from the left-hand side using his physical stature. Isak, meanwhile, would once again benefit from the No.9 role, whilst Wirtz could take his much-needed role in midfield.
In terms of familiarity and player roles, utilising a 4-3-3 looks like the best way that Slot would be able to take a squad full of stars to a second-consecutive Premier League title.
It’s certainly an exciting time to be an Evertonian, something that very much has not always been the case in recent decades.
David Moyes’ men concluded the last campaign with three successive victories, thereby finishing 13th, the perfect way to wave goodbye to Goodison and commence the club’s new era.
Everton managerDavidMoyescelebrates after the match
From this season, the Toffees will now call the Hill Dickinson Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock home, their first-ever Premier League fixture there coming up against Brighton & Hove Albion on the weekend of 23 August.
Ahead of the new campaign, Everton have been busy in the transfer market, so are they about to land another key target?
Everton's search for reinforcements
So far this summer, both Abdoulaye Doucouré and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have departed following the expiration of their contracts; the duo made a combined 439 appearances for the Blues.
In better news, star centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year contract, while centre-forward Thierno Barro is set to arrive from Villarreal for a reported £30m.
Now, according to Mick Brown of Football Insider, Everton are interested in signing Wilfred Ndidi from Leicester City this summer.
The Nigerian is available for as little as £9m, thanks to a ‘release clause’ which was activated following the Foxes’ relegation back to the EFL Championship.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Thus, he adds that Ndidi will definitely be on the move this summer, claiming many ‘top clubs across Europe’ are monitoring the situation, but Moyes is ‘prepared to rival other interested clubs for his signature’.
A deal could even be done for just £5m, according to GIVEMESPORT, who report that both the Toffees and Manchester United have started ‘working’ on a deal.
So, could the 28-year-old swap the East Midlands for Merseyside?
How Wilfred Ndidi would improve Everton
At the peak of his powers, Ndidi was extremely highly rated, with Adrian Clarke of the Premier League labelling him the division’s ‘most effective all-round holding midfielder’, adding that his ‘greatest strength is his uncomplicated style’.
This led to mass speculation that he would move to one of the country’s biggest clubs, Arsenal and Man United purportedly amongst those chasing his signature at the peak of his powers, but the Nigerian has remained loyal to Leicester, making over 300 appearances for the Foxes to date.
He’s represented the club in all three major UEFA competitions, as well as the EFL Championship, but, following yet another relegation, is seemingly pushing for a move.
So, how does he compare to the man he could be replacing in Everton’s midfield, namely Doucouré?
Appearances
28
33
Minutes
2,337
2,577
Goals
Zero
3
Assists
5
2
All statistics below are on a per-90 basis.
Shots
0.8
0.7
Chances created
0.7
1
Attempted passes
38.7
30.6
Forward passes
10.5
7.1
Passing accuracy %
82.35%
82.74%
Duels contested
13.8
10
Duels won
6.9
3.8
Ground duel success %
49.36%
36.67%
Tackles
3.3
1.7
Interceptions
1.2
0.4
Touches
57
43
As the table outlines, pretty much across the board, Ndidi’s statistics are more impressive than those of Doucouré.
The Mali international did score three goals last season, to the Nigerian’s zero, and created 0.3 more chances per-90, but that’s about all he has going for him.
Ndidi comes out on top in terms of shots, despite being deployed a lot deeper in midfield, as well as passes, duels, tackles, interceptions and touches, which is ultra-impressive, considering he was playing for a largely hopeless Leicester side.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him “an absolute beast”, while Mak Pakhei of Total Football Analysis describes him as ‘physically strong’ and a duel-winning monster, noting that he was one of Leicester’s ‘most crucial players’ when they were regularly finishing in the top five and won the FA Cup in 2021.
Wilfred Ndidi
So, if Everton are able to convince him to move to Merseyside, for around £5m-£9m, Ndidi would represent an absolute bargain.
Everton hold advanced talks to sign "superb" free agent in bargain deal
Manchester United have started talks with a big club over the sale of a “world-class” Red Devils player, according to a new update from Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
Several struggling attackers could leave Man Utd
Wholesale changes are needed in Ruben Amorim’s attack in the summer transfer window, both in terms of signings coming in and current players moving on, following a dismal 2024/25 season at Old Trafford.
Jadon Sancho was loaned out to Chelsea last summer, following an underwhelming three years in a United shirt, while Marcus Rashford and Antony also departed on a temporary basis midway through the campaign, joining Aston Villa and Real Betis respectively.
Meanwhile, Rasmus Hojlund experienced a hugely taxing period leading the line for the Red Devils, scoring just four goals in 32 Premier League appearances, while Joshua Zirkzee didn’t exactly set the world alight after completing a move from Bologna.
For that reason, it’s no surprise that a host of attacking players have been linked with a move to United this summer, with Matheus Cunha already arriving from Wolves. Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo and Eintracht Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike are reportedly being considered, with the former looking likely to come in.
Man Utd in talks to sell Jadon Sancho
According to Sky journalist Gianluca Di Marzio [via Sport Witness], Manchester United have entered talks with Juventus over the sale of Sancho in the last few hours. The Serie A giants are said to have “intervened” in Friday, looking to beat Napoli to the signing of the 25-year-old, having had a long-time interest in him.
Chelsea's JadonSanchocelebrates scoring their third goal
Believed to be on more than £250,000-a-week, Sancho has been an undoubted disappointment for United, also struggling to impress at Chelsea, only starting half of the Blues’ league matches last term (19) and bagging only four assists in 31 outings in the competition overall.
For that reason, it does make sense for the Red Devils to part ways with the Englishman permanently, even though Lucien Favre has waxed lyrical over him in the past.
“Jadon’s a world-class player, no question about that – but you have to remember he’s only 19 years old. It’s hard to be outstanding in every game.”
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Sadly, Sancho simply hasn’t backed up his early-career hype when he was at Borussia Dortmund, and at 25, there is a feeling that he will never reach his vast potential that existed at that point.
United need to sign attackers who can consistently perform and produce end product on a weekly basis, and Sancho has shown for long enough now that he can’t be that player in the Premier League.
Borussia Dortmund
158
53
67
Man Utd
83
12
6
Chelsea
41
5
10
A move to Serie A could benefit him however, in terms of the pace and physicality of the league not being as intense as the English game, with United using the funds received for the winger on a summer upgrade.
Aston Villa have booked a medical for a transfer target after agreeing terms over a four-year deal at Villa Park, and he could be the club’s next Jhon Duran.
How Jhon Duran is doing in Saudi Arabia after Aston Villa sale
It looked as if the 2024/25 season would be Duran’s big breakthrough campaign under Unai Emery, especially after he scored a famous winner against Bayern Munich in the Champions League league phase.
Duran’s stats for Aston Villa
Games
78
Goals
20
Assists
1
Minutes played
2,275
However, despite being a regular in the first half of the season, Duran was sold by Villa to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr in the January transfer window. Talking after moving to Saudi Arabia, Duran said: “I’m really happy about the move. People in general and the media speculate about a lot of things. I think of only my family, my agent and me. I know why we make the decisions that we make. My family are especially important in these decisions. I don’t think it’s a backwards step for me. I’m moving to a competitive league and there are many stars here.”
Al Nassr's JhonDuranreacts
Villa could go on to receive more than £70m after only signing Duran for £18m from Chicago Fire in January 2023, and the Colombia international has gone on to score on a regular basis for his new employers. In 18 appearances for Al-Nassr, Duran has scored 12 goals, partnering Cristiano Ronaldo in attack.
Villa are now on the search for their next attacking gem, and they feel they may have found it in likely first summer signing Zepiqueno Redmond following talks last month.
Aston Villa book medical to sign Zepiqueno Redmond
According to Football Insider and reporter Pete O’Rourke, Aston Villa have planned for Feyenoord forward Redmond to have his Midlands medical early next week.
The teenager has agreed a four-year deal with Villa and a move will be made official when his Feyenoord contract expires at the end of June.
Aged just 18, Redmond can play on either wing or as an attacking midfielder alongside his centre-forward role, and according to O’Rourke, ‘Emery and Monchi believe the Netherlands youth international can become as successful as Duran, the last teenage striker they signed.’
It is a big claim, and if Redmond can have the success Duran did in the Midlands, then Aston Villa will definitely be onto a winner and could go on to make big money further down the line.
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Fabrizio Romano has called Redmond “a talent” and “a striker with important potential”, with clubs in Italy also keen on the forward before Villa made their move.
The youngster will arrive at Villa after scoring two senior goals for Feyenoord in just nine appearances, so we may see him in Emery’s match day squads from the off in 25/26.
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.
Liverpool striker Diogo Jota
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.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
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.
Lille'sJonathanDavidcelebrates scoring their fourth goal
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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Whilst recent weeks have been filled with frustrations away from the pitch, Sheffield Wednesday are now reportedly ready to sign as many as five future stars in a major EFL haul.
Chansiri yet to receive Sheffield Wednesday offers
The job that Danny Rohl is doing at the club continues to look like a miracle with every passing week. Although players and staff were finally paid for March last week, it’s not the first time that owner Dejphon Chansiri has landed the club in hot water over finances. And it looks as though his reign is set to continue amid a lack of offers to buy the Owls.
The Thai businessman addressed the fans in a letter on the club website, which read: “We have all seen speculation and stories that a consortium or individual is ready to come in and take over. But I can guarantee there have been no offers at all.
“There has been some interest but nothing at all substantial that has been followed through. During this situation no one has come forward. To say I am in the way or I prevent this or prevent that, it is not true. This is the football business and I repeat if the right package is agreed, I will not be the one to stand in the way.”
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On the pitch, meanwhile, the Owls are at least all but safe even after going without a win in their last five games. Whether their Championship status will remain without a manager of Rohl’s talent is something that Sheffield Wednesday will have no choice but to consider this summer, either, given reported interest from RB Leipzig and Southampton.
Losing the German would represent their biggest blow yet and could leave them among the favourites to suffer the drop next season. That said, planning has still gone on for the summer transfer window, which could yet see the arrival of as many as five future stars.
Sheffield Wednesday readying academy haul
According to The Star, Sheffield Wednesday have now taken as many as five EFL talents on trial as they ready their move to seal a number of rising stars from Championship rivals.
The Star report that Luca Jackson and Adam Abbas from Burnley, Cole McGhee from Preston North End, Liam McAlliney from Leicester City and Leeds United’s 17-year-old Owen Grainger all lined up for Sheffield Wednesday’s youth side in a 1-1 draw against Brentford on Monday night. Five players covering both the backline and Wednesday’s frontline, it seems as though the Owls have set their sights on the future of their side.
Welcoming young players from both Burnley and Leeds would be particularly impressive, given that both sides are likely to earn promotion to the Premier League this season. Financially speaking, meanwhile, signing players with such potential rather than those more established certainly makes sense for Sheffield Wednesday amid their ongoing problems.
Whether all five have done enough to earn permanent deals remains to be seen, but welcoming a haul of young Championship players on trial was certainly a wise decision from those at the club.