Ndiaye 2.0 for Moyes: £35m star 'would love' to sign for Everton

Everton have enjoyed plenty of success when it comes to signing players from the EFL since 2004.

Tim Cahill was the first real star to move from the Championship to Everton that summer, before the likes of Joleon Lescott, Phil Jagielka, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, and Dwight McNeil have followed throughout the years.

It is a place where talented players can be signed for a reduced fee, especially if a club has just suffered relegation.

The transfer window is already weeks old and only Carlos Alcaraz has signed permanently. The Toffees faithful will be hoping David Moyes can change this sooner rather than later by welcoming in another player from the EFL.

Everton eyeing Championship starlet

A move for Villarreal striker Thierno Barry looks close to being sealed and this could act as a catalyst for more incomings.

Barry looks set to cost around £34.5m, but there is no doubt that he is exactly the type of signing Everton needs.

Now, according to Football Insider journalist Pete O’Rourke, a move for Ipswich Town starlet Omari Hutchinson could be next.

The journalist stated the player would love the chance to return to the Premier League, with the publication specifically name-checking the Toffees as one possible destination.

The Englishman has a release clause in his contract worth £35m and this is surely an enticing proposition for Moyes.

Considering the club’s success at poaching talented players from the Championship in recent years, this is a move the Toffees should be all over in the coming weeks.

With Iliman Ndiaye on one wing and Hutchinson in the middle, Everton could provide Barry with plenty of opportunities next term.

Why Omari Hutchinson could be Ndiaye 2.0 at Everton

Ndiaye was particularly impressive for the Toffees last term. Following his summer arrival from Marseille, the Senegal international scored 11 goals, including nine in the Premier League.

Iliman Ndiaye scores for Everton

These efforts played a huge part in the club preserving their top-flight status, and he will be key for Moyes next season.

Hutchinson, who was hailed as “dazzling” by Statman Dave in 2024, is cut from a similar cloth and despite not being able to get on the ball as much during Ipswich dismal Premier League campaign, he did shine for England at the U21 European Championships this summer.

Goals

1

Assists

1

Key passes per game

1.8

Big chances created

3

Successful dribbles per game

2

Shots per game

1.5

He scored in the final against Germany, which saw his country defend their title, and a move back to the Premier League now seems inevitable.

Interestingly enough, Hutchinson could perhaps become Ndiaye 2.0, as the Senegal star is his fourth-most comparable player according to FBref.

Last season, the pair registered similar statistics across a range of metrics, including shots (1.57 vs 1.3), shot-creating actions (2.82 vs 2.41) per 90 minutes, successful take-ons (51 vs 68), touches in the attacking penalty area (92 vs 83) and carries into the penalty area (37 vs 32), suggesting the pair offer plenty in the final third.

Ndiaye settled in nicely at the club last term, eventually ending it as their top scorer across all competitions.

Ipswich Town'sOmariHutchinsonreacts

Should Hutchinson swap East Anglia for Merseyside, there is every chance he could sparkle under the tutelage of Moyes next term.

It could turn into an excellent signing. That much is certain.

Everton now ready to pay £5m+ to sign new star with same agent as McNeil

The Toffees are ready to take advantage…

1 BySean Markus Clifford Jul 7, 2025

After Norgaard: Arsenal confident of signing a bigger talent than Zubimendi

The wait for a new centre-forward continues to drag on, but Arsenal’s summer transfer activity is now in full swing, with Brentford’s Christian Norgaard all but confirmed to be the next addition of the Mikel Arteta regime.

This shock, swift deal for the 31-year-old Dane – which will likely cost in the region of £15m, including add-ons – has come as a bolt from the blue, in truth, with the Gunners targeting a Premier League proven replacement for the departed Jorginho, alongside the reportedly departing Thomas Partey.

At a time when supporters are almost begging for new reinforcements to pep up the forward line, the arrival of the defensive midfielder is not exactly the most glamorous or exciting of moves. That said, increasing the strength in depth in the centre of the pitch is nothing to be sniffed at.

Indeed, the north London side have seemingly already bolstered their midfield ranks with the capture of Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi, with the Euro 2024 winner set to move to the Emirates as a matter of when and not if.

Formerly a leading target for Liverpool, before turning down the Reds, the 26-year-old has been the centre of a drawn-out saga across the last 12 months or so, with it yet to be seen if the Spaniard will indeed live up to the billing.

The hope will be that those moves are just the start of a hectic window for Arteta and co, with even more eye-catching deals reportedly being lined up.

Latest on Arsenal's search for a new defender

An already impressive defensive unit – which shipped just 34 Premier League goals last season – could be strengthened even further over the coming months, if Arteta gets his way, with a handful of standout targets having already emerged.

Recent speculation has indicated that the Gunners could well be in the mix for Crystal Palace and England star, Marc Guehi, albeit with it yet to be seen whether the ex-Chelsea man – who has just 12 months remaining on his existing deal – would be willing to battle it out with Gabriel and William Saliba for a starting berth.

Elsewhere, meanwhile, Arteta’s love of a versatile asset could see Arsenal’s interest in a certain Jorrel Hato be ramped up in the near future, with journalist Graeme Bailey providing the latest on their pursuit of the Ajax starlet.

Transfer Focus

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

The transfer insider has outlined that while it is Chelsea who are “pushing hard” to sign the teenage Dutchman, it is those at the Emirates who are quietly confident of striking a deal instead for what is a long-term target:

“Arsenal see Hato as the perfect addition to the left side of their defence, but obviously it’s far from a done deal. We know that Chelsea are pushing hard to sign Hato and Liverpool still really like him. But I think Arsenal would be annoyed if they didn’t get Hato considering how much work they’ve been putting in.

“Arsenal have been chasing Hato since he was around 14 or 15 years old, so I think there is a bit of confidence there. They want to sell Zinchenko to make room for Hato and then we still expect Kiwior to go as well. There will be plenty of room in that squad for Hato who is able to play a variety of roles.”

Reportedly valued at around £40m, amid such mounting interest, the 19-year-old would represent a truly standout capture for the north Londoners this summer.

Why Hato could be a bigger coup than Zubimendi

In the case of Zubimendi, the impending £51m arrival will certainly add touch of silk and steel to Arsenal’s midfield ranks, having notably ranked in the top 19% of LaLiga midfielders in 2024/25 for progressive passes per 90, as per FBref, as well is in the top 14% for interceptions per 90. In essence, he is an effective performer both in and out of possession.

That was evident during Spain’s Nations League final defeat to Portugal, in particular, having notably opened the scoring in that 2-2 draw, while also producing a stunning surging run from deep at one stage to tee up Isco.

More than a safe and steady number six then, the Basque sensation will be a real asset over the coming years in the capital, with excitement brewing over the partnership he can strike up with Declan Rice next season.

For all that positivity, any deal for the aforementioned Hato would surely eclipse that move, with it likely to represent a truly sizeable coup if Arsenal can beat Chelsea to the signing of a player with “immense quality”, as per talent scout Jacek Kulig.

As Kulig also noted, the flexible defender – who can operate at centre-back or left-back – has already racked up over 100 appearances (111) for Ajax despite having yet to turn 20. For comparison, Zubimendi didn’t make his LaLiga debut until he had already turned 20.

Equally too, Hato has already matched Zubimendi’s tally of nine assists at senior level to date, despite making 125 fewer appearances for his current side.

Described by Kulig as “one of the most exciting left-footed centre-backs in world football”, the teenage titan notably enjoyed a particularly impressive 2024/25 campaign, having registered two goals and six assists in the Eredivisie from his defensive berth.

Games (starts)

31 (30)

36 (33)

Goals

2

2

Assists

6

1

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes*

0.6

0.5

Pass accuracy*

90%

84%

Tackles*

1.9

2.0

Interceptions*

0.7

1.2

Dribbled past*

0.3

0.4

Possession lost*

8.3

10.0

Again, for comparison, Zubimendi – despite operating slightly further forward than his young counterpart – chipped in with just two goals and one assist, with the La Roja star also falling behind with regard to pass completion, big chances created and key passes.

Yes, the difference in quality between the two leagues is certainly a factor – with Spain’s top-flight deemed to be the fourth-best in the world – yet it can’t be overlooked just what Hato is able to offer, even when operating in the backline.

With the potential for the Netherlands U21 international to be a fixture of Arsenal’s defence for a decade or so too, considering his age, this is certainly a deal worth pursuing.

Priorities, in the eyes of supporters, may lie elsewhere, but if the Gunners want to committ to enjoying long-term success, than a figure like Hato could be just the solution.

He'd be better than Norgaard: Arsenal hold talks to sign £20m midfielder

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ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 25, 2025

Wolves join battle to sign "brilliant" free agent who may replace Semedo

Amid speculation that Nelson Semedo could be on his way out of the Midlands at the end of his contract this month, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly joined the race to sign an instant replacement.

Semedo films Wolves farewell

Having already lost both Rayan Ait-Nouri and Matheus Cunha to Manchester City and Manchester United respectively, the last thing that Wolves need is another departure. With just a matter of weeks remaining on his current deal, however, Semedo looks destined to hand the Midlands club exactly that. The right-back’s future remains in doubt and he has seemingly been pictured filming what may well be a farewell to the fans at Molineux.

With another departure on the cards, Wolves could be in for a hectic summer ahead of Vitor Pereira’s first full season in charge. So far, the Portuguese manager has done everything right in charge of the Midlands club, but he will be desperate to ensure that the good times continue even without stars of Ait-Nouri and Cunha’s calibre.

The Wolves boss told reporters in the final stages of last season: “Of course, we need players. We need to be stronger next season, competing for every game. What I learned is that with this level of focus, we cannot compete with these kinds of teams.

Dream Ait-Nouri successor: Wolves set to make salary offer to sign £10m ace

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“It means next season we must be better, we must compete inside (the club). If you don’t compete inside, then you have problems — you must compete inside the club every day in training. You must have competition for your position. The players are not happy for sure (with the result) because they know they can do better.”

With that need for players, it looks as though Wolves have wasted no time before turning towards an experienced defender who could arrive to replace Semedo this summer.

Wolves join hectic Coufal race

According to Football Insider, Wolves have now joined the race to sign Vladimir Coufal alongside Premier League rivals Everton and Leeds United. The veteran right-back left West Ham United as a free agent after five years at the club, but could yet get the chance to stay put in England’s top flight even without the Hammers.

Vladimir Coufal in action for West Ham vs Newcastle

A player who would match Semedo’s experience, Coufal still has something to offer after leaving West Ham and Wolves should take full advantage. Statistically speaking, the 32-year-old wasn’t far off matching Semedo every step of the way last season.

Minutes

1,067

2,886

Tackles Won

1.26

1.12

Interceptions

0.67

0.72

Ball Recoveries

3.28

4.33

Hailed as “brilliant” by former West Ham boss David Moyes during his time with the Irons, Coufal may not be a long-term option, but he does represent a bargain candidate to instantly solve a pending problem for Wolves.

As a free agent, the ball could be in Coufal’s court this summer and it doesn’t look as though he’s going to be short on Premier League options.

Arsenal discuss signing £80m Sesko and Gyokeres alternative who'd love to join

Arsenal’s search for a new striker could still go on long into the summer transfer window, with sporting director Andrea Berta currently weighing up their best possible move.

Arsenal assessing Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres deals

As per a helpful update from the BBC, amidst some confusion over who Arsenal’s top striker target actually is, the Gunners are actively working to discover the conditions of deals for both Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting CP) and Benjamin Sesko (RB Leipzig).

£50m star could now reject Arsenal move and sign new deal after talks

He also snubbed an exit last summer.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 4, 2025

Both strikers, fresh off the back of career-best campaigns at their current clubs, have serious credentials.

Sesko, standing at a towering 6 foot 5, boasts a fairly modest goal-record of 21 in all competitions from last season. However, the 22-year-old’s potential for growth, not to mention outstanding physical attributes like his speed and power, make him a very intriguing option for Mikel Arteta.

The Spaniard is known to be a big fan of his, and Arsenal have tried to sign Sesko on multiple occasions since last summer, so they could still make it third-time-lucky this window.

Meanwhile, Gyokeres has just concluded a sublime Primeira Liga campaign, where he guided Sporting to their first domestic double in 20 years whilst scoring an incredible 54 goals in all competitions.

While Arsenal work to discover which deal would be best suited to the club, both centre-forwards are set to be “extremely expensive”, so it is vital that Arteta and Berta get this decision right.

That being said, there are suggestions that Arsenal do have other alternative targets in that position, so it isn’t exactly a straight two-horse race between Sesko and Gyokeres for the Gunners’ striker spot.

Arsenal internally discussing deal for Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins – an England international and boyhood Arsenal supporter – was subject to a low-ball bid from north London in the January transfer window.

Arsenal made a £45 million offer for Watkins to test Unai Emery’s resolve, according to The Telegraph, which is nearly half of Villa’s £80 million valuation.

The north Londoners never went back in with a second offer, but a new report from The Athletic suggests that a fresh summer swoop for Watkins isn’t completely off the table, despite work going into Sesko and Gyokeres right now.

It is believed Arsenal are still internally discussing Watkins as a striker target, and while they face a major obstacle in the form of Villa, they may not run into much trouble when it comes to convincing the player himself.

Back in 2020, Watkins admitted that he dreams of a move to Arsenal one day, and now that he’s 29-years-old, time is running out to make that fantasy a reality.

“That’s the dream, to play for Arsenal one day,” Watkins said.

“But, you know, it’s a long shot.”

The former Brentford star helped to fire Villa to a Europa League spot with 17 goals and 14 assists in all competitions last season.

His Premier League pedigree and experience at the top-level is something which should be carefully considered by Berta, with the only sticking points being his age and potential price tag.

Chelsea in contact to sign £170k-p/w star who Real want to replace Rodrygo

Chelsea transfer chiefs have made contact over signing a “unique” forward who Real Madrid are targeting to replace the coveted Rodrygo, according to reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano.

Chelsea prioritise winger signing amid uncertain futures

Noni Madueke, Jadon Sancho and Mykhailo Mudryk all face uncertain long-term futures at Stamford Bridge.

Striker keen on Chelsea move and set for imminent decision after May talks

His agents were at Stamford Bridge in the last few days.

1 ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2025

While Madueke has started each of their last seven Premier League games, making 39 appearances in total under Enzo Maresca this season and scoring 11 goals, it is believed by some that Chelsea could still sell the Dutchman, amid interest from Aston Villa and Newcastle (GiveMeSport).

Chelsea have triggered the obligation to buy clause in Jadon Sancho’s loan from Man United as well, which was conditional on them finishing above 15th in the table, but the ex-Borussia Dortmund star may actually be sold on when the window reopens.

3. Man City

68

4. Newcastle

66

5. Chelsea

66

6. Aston Villa

66

7. Nottingham Forest

65

Indeed, some reports suggest that Chelsea are even plotting the use of Sancho as a makeweight in potential deals for wide targets, like Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens, while Mykhailo Mudryk’s failed drug test has resulted in a lengthy suspension/investigation for the Ukraine international.

Given Mudryk, Sancho and Madueke are all not guaranteed to be mainstays for Maresca next term, Chelsea are reliably believed to be in the market for a new winger, with BlueCo thought to be prioritising the position alongside signing a new striker and centre-back (Simon Phillips).

Real Madrid star Rodrygo has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in the last week, but the Brazil international would cost a marquee fee and there is no guarantee that they’d win the race, with Arsenal now freshly contending for him.

What is clear, though, is the possibility of Rodrygo leaving the Bernabeu. Spanish newspaper Marca have reported that Real are already eyeing replacements for the 24-year-old, and he’d be the most likely candidate to depart if they sign Athletic Bilbao sensation Nico Williams.

Chelsea make contact over signing Nico Williams

Interestingly, as per Romano, Williams is another wide player who Chelsea “love”. The £170,000-per-week forward has been on fire over the second half of 2024/2025, and a move is highly anticipated this summer after Williams’ decision to remain in Bilbao and snub a transfer last year.

His contract includes a £49 million release clause as well, which may not pose a problem for Chelsea, but the Spain international is thought to be demanding around £400,000-per-week from any interested side.

However, that hasn’t stopped BlueCo from expressing a serious interest in the attacking talent, who bagged 19 assists in all competitions last season and helped his country to glory at Euro 2024.

According to Romano, speaking via his YouTube channel, Chelsea have made contact about signing Williams, as they attempt to gauge the expense of his final package.

“Chelsea and Arsenal love Nico Williams and have made contacts to understand how much the whole package will be,” he said.

“In recent years, it has been very expensive. €58m clause, taxes, salary and commissions.”

Called a “unique” player by Blues legend Jose Mourinho, there are financial aspects to consider, especially if Chelsea don’t qualify for the Champions League, but he’d be a truly stellar addition.

Better than Ancelotti: Rangers to step up move for "amazing" manager

Rangers supporters surely can’t wait for this miserable season to finally end.

On Wednesday night, Barry Ferguson’s side fought back from a goal down win 3-1 at Ibrox, with Cyriel Dessers scoring twice, before Nicolas Raskin made the points secure for Rangers late on.

Having also smashed Aberdeen 4-0 on Sunday, the Gers have secured back-to-back home wins for the first time since 2 February; they were without a win in seven successive matches at Ibrox beforehand.

The Light Blues will conclude the campaign against in-form Hibernian at Easter Road on Saturday lunchtime, but most Rangers supporters are more preoccupied with wondering who their next manager will be.

Well, could we find out very soon?

The latest on Davide Ancelotti to Rangers

Earlier this week, a report by Madrid-based outlet AS claimed that Davide Ancelotti is one of the front-runners to become the new Rangers manager.

Anthony Evans of the Daily Record noted that it has ‘taken us all by surprise’ that Ancelotti is the ‘leading contender’, even if Spanish football expert Guillem Balague believes he is ‘one of the most sought-after’ coaches in world football.

On Monday, it was confirmed that his father Carlo, will become the new Brazil manager, with Davide now hoping to pursue his own managerial career.

Nevertheless, it would surely be a major risk at this juncture for the new 49ers ownership group to appoint a 35-year-old with no prior experience of being a head coach, so here’s who they should hire, or should we say re-hire, instead.

Who should be the new Rangers manager?

According to a report by Mick Brown of Football Insider, Rangers are ‘set to step up their efforts’ to re-hire Steven Gerrard as manager, adding that the board are eager to appoint a new manager ‘quickly’ ahead of the transfer window opening and then pre-season.

Steven Gerrard

Mike McGrath of the Telegraph has previously documented that Gerrard is on the 49ers ‘longlist’ of candidates, but could he now be at the front of the queue to secure an Ibrox return?

The 44-year-old has been out of work since being sacked by Al-Ettifaq in January, with John Duerden of the Guardian describing his time in the Saudi Pro League as ‘mostly underwhelming’, winning just 19 of 55 matches in charge of the Dammam-based outfit.

However, the Liverpool legend was significantly more successful during three and a bit years as Rangers boss, as the table below outlines. His reputation became “amazing” in the words of former England defender Glen Johnson and it’s not hard to see why.

2016/17

3rd

67

SF

SF

Did not qualify

2017/18

3rd

70

SF

SF

Qualifying round

2018/19

2nd

78

QF

SF

Group stage

2019/20

2nd

67*

QF

F

Last 16

2020/21

1st

102

​​​​​​​QF

​​​​​​​QF

Last 16

2021/22

Gerrard departed after 13 Premiership games.

*season curtailed due to Covid

Indeed, Gerrard led Rangers to their only Premiership title since 2011, going the entire league campaign undefeated, winning 32 of 38 matches.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout describes Gerrard’s tenure as “impressive” considering he took on a “very difficult” job, while Ewan Murray of the Guardian documents how he was ‘adored’ by the Rangers support, despite requiring three attempts to ultimately topple Celtic, historically preventing ten-in-a-row in 2021.

StevenGerrard

Speaking on talkSPORT, Rangers legend Ally McCoist believes Gerrard “would be welcome back”, adding that a return could be best for all involved.

So, having proved he can deliver silverware in the past, Gerrard is surely the perfect candidate to be re-appointed.

He'd kickstart Ancelotti era with a bang: Rangers in talks for first signing

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ByDan Emery May 14, 2025

Napoli and Roma chase £80k-p/w Nottingham Forest ace amid new contract talks

Serie A giants Napoli and AS Roma are now both interested in signing an £80,000-a-week Nottingham Forest player this summer, according to a recent report.

Morgan Gibbs-White devastated with FA Cup semi-final defeat

It was a disappointing afternoon for the Reds on Sunday, in what has been a remarkable campaign for them. Nuno Santo’s side failed to turn up at Wembley against Manchester City, as the Blues were in control for 90 minutes and sealed their spot at another FA Cup final.

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Captain and talisman Morgan Gibbs-White was left “devastated” with his side’s defeat in the semi-final and apologised to fans, claiming he should have scored at least one of the chances he had in the game.

“It’s devastating. I feel sorry for the fans. I hold my hands up and apologise. I should have scored at least one of them chances.

“As a team, we did not start well. That is what we wanted to do. Then in the second half, we came out fighting, and we gave it absolutely everything. The support never stopped until the very last second, and we thank the fans for that because they have been so consistent with us throughout the season.

“I’m lost for words, really. I’m sad to go out like that. We gave it our everything, but we keep going. We have still got the Premier League to focus on.”

Forest now have five games remaining in the Premier League to seal their spot in next season’s Champions League. They currently sit in sixth place, two points behind third place Newcastle United, with the race firmly on between five teams.

Napoli and Roma are chasing Hudson-Odoi

Not only would Champions League football help the Reds bring in better players in the summer, but it could also help them retain some of their key men who have been so important this season and are now gaining admirers ahead of the summer transfer window opening. Indeed, according to a report from Spain, Napoli and Roma are both interested in a deal to sign Callum Hudson-Odoi from Nottingham Forest.

Both Italian teams are keen on a deal for the winger, who is under contract until the summer of 2026. The report claims that Hudson-Odoi’s speed, dribbling and ability to drive play forward make him an attractive option to reinforce their attacks.

Both Napoli and Roma see someone like Hudson-Odoi, who is on a weekly wage of £80,000 at the City Ground, as the perfect age profile to bring both experience and long-term potential, though no information is given on possible bids or fees.

Apps

28

Starts

24

Goals

5

Assists

3

But given that it is reported that Forest are already working on securing a new contract with Hudson-Odoi, who has been dubbed a “star boy” by teammate Ola Aina, and negotiations are underway, then they may not be interested in any potential sale this summer. Forest are confident that they will keep hold of the winger, but the final decision will depend on Hudson-Odoi.

Man City can forget De Bruyne & Gibbs-White by unleashing 17-year-old star

Manchester City captain Kevin De Bruyne will leave the club this summer after 11 glory-laden years at the Etihad.

The Belgian has made over 400 appearances for the club, but his contract won’t be extended into the 2025/26 season.

Kevin De Bruyne

This means Pep Guardiola will be on the lookout for a potential replacement for the 33-year-old when the summer transfer window opens in a few weeks.

There have been a few names linked, and one is starring in the Premier League already; Morgan Gibbs-White.

Manchester City make Morgan Gibbs-White a key target

According to the Daily Mail, City are now considered the frontrunners to sign the Englishman in a mega summer deal.

Any potential move will cost the club significantly, however, as Nottingham Forest value the midfielder at around the £100m mark.

They have paid this fee before, signing Jack Grealish in the summer of 2021, but will they look to splash out again? Especially given their spending spree in January.

Gibbs-White has been impressive this term. Across 31 matches, he has scored five goals and grabbed nine assists, helping Forest into the Champions League places in the table.

Do City have to spend this sort of money to find a De Bruyne replacement ahead of next season? Or do they have one lurking in the academy, waiting to be unleashed in 2025/26?

How City can forget De Bruyne and Gibbs-White

Guardiola has been brewing several young talents over the last couple of seasons. The likes of Phil Foden and Rico Lewis have made great strides under the Spaniard while Nico O’Reilly is now forging a real career for himself at the Eithad.

Manchester City's NicoO'Reillycelebrates after the match

Yet, he’s not the only youngster looking to make a positive impression heading in the 2025/26 campaign.

Indeed, Divine Mukasa could well be the next one to make the step up and showcase his prodigious talents for the club.

U18 Premier League

20

16

15

Premier League 2

2

0

0

UEFA Youth League

8

0

3

EFL Trophy

2

0

1

FA Youth Cup

5

1

6

The 17-year-old has been in simply sublime form this term, scoring 17 times while also registering 25 assists across just 37 matches for the U18s and U21s this term, highlighting how effective he has been in the final third.

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Academy scout Antonio Mango has hailed Mukasa as a “game changer” amid his wonderful contributions this season, and it looks like the time has arrived for Guardiola to unleash him at senior level.

He has even gained caps at U18 level for England, making his debut against Portugal in September last year and going on to play a further four times for his country at the time of writing.

A natural attacking midfielder, there is no doubt Mukasa could be City’s very own Gibbs-White should he make the grade at senior level. He has a keen eye for goal, but also loves creating plenty of chances for others in the final third.

If Guardiola wants to save the club around £100m, promoting the 17-year-old and giving him a few minutes here and there could be the best policy ahead of next term.

After a few years, the supporters might even forget about the exploits of De Bruyne with Mukasa himself having compared himself to the Belgian.

It’s safe to say this kid is the real deal. That much is certain.

Man City have found their own Declan Rice in "outstanding" homegrown star

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1 ByKelan Sarson Apr 21, 2025

As bad as Ahmedhodzic: Wilder must axe Sheffield United dud who won 0 duels

Sheffield United’s automatic promotion dream is now over with Burnley and Leeds United confirmed as Premier League-bound on a disappointing Easter Monday for the Blades.

Earlier in the day, before United’s pivotal showdown with the Clarets, Leeds resoundingly thumped Stoke City 6-0 in the Championship, with Daniel Farke and Co then needing Chris Wilder’s men to slip up and lose to seal a return to the top-flight.

Their wish would come true to the dismay of the away side at Turf Moor, with their pain only intensified when you consider the hosts also clinched a dramatic passage back up to the top-flight when beating the visitors 2-1.

Anel Ahmedhodzic suffered from a rare off-day in Lancashire, with his clumsiness right before the half-time whistle gifting Josh Brownhill the decisive spot-kick that sent the Clarets up a league.

Ahmedhodzic's off-day at Turf Moor

Ultimately, United’s dismal run of four losses from their last five Championship outings has cost them the glory of automatic promotion, but the Bosnian brute certainly didn’t help matters when putting in a rare bad performance.

The number 15 was definitely fired up for the crunch contest, but it resulted in his overall game looking rash and hot-headed rather than focused, culminating in him clattering into Hannibal Mejbri to gift the home side a golden penalty.

Brownhill would calmly tuck away the opportunity to juxtapose Ahmedhodzic’s reckless approach, with the out-of-sorts 26-year-old going on to commit four fouls in total, on top of uncharacteristically winning just 33% of his duels.

Wilder will need his usually reliable colossus to be more switched on ahead of some huge playoff clashes to come, but whilst Ahmedhodzic did cost his team dear, there was one underperformer for the Blades who was just as bad as the defender in offering very little throughout.

The Blades dud who was just as bad as Ahmedhodzic

It was always going to be a tough ask for the Blades to get the better of a dogged Burnley side, considering the stern hosts have only shipped 15 strikes all season long.

Tom Cannon did manage to break his goalscoring duck at Turf Moor to raise a smile, but it was the efforts of Ben Brereton Diaz down the right wing that would have worried away spectators, irrespective of the ex-Leicester City man managing to salvage some personal pride.

Minutes played

60

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

16

Shots on target

0

Accurate passes

5/9 (56%)

Total duels won

0/4

The numbers from the table above do make for some dire reading, with the Chilean only managing a meagre 15 touches of the ball from his forgettable 60-minute stint.

On top of that, Brereton Diaz also failed to register a single on-target effort at James Trafford’s formidable goal, alongside only managing to muster up a weak five passes of the ball that found their intended target.

Whilst Ahmedhodzic was notably poor, he did manage to at least win three of his duels during the contest, with Brereton Diaz then unsurprisingly hooked off by Wilder for Jesurun Rak-Sakyi to gain a run-out.

After all, Rak-Sakyi had at least bagged in United’s last away contest before this miserable outing to Lancashire, with his late efforts at Turf Moor seeing him conjure up one successful dribble among other promising moments.

If the Blades are to bounce back from this agonising promotion near-miss, Wilder could now have to axe Brereton Diaz from his forthcoming lineups, knowing full well that lethal displays are needed in the lottery of the playoffs.

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Liverpool in race to sign "outrageous" £25m gem who's "comparable" to Messi

Liverpool are now in a race to sign an “outrageous” attacker, who has been compared to Lionel Messi, but there could be fierce competition from a number of their Premier League rivals, according to a report.

Reds eyeing forwards amid doubts over Salah and Nunez

Mohamed Salah is still yet to commit to a new contract to remain at Anfield, while there is major doubt over Darwin Nunez’s future on Merseyside, with the Reds now happy to sanction the Uruguayan’s departure in the summer transfer window.

Nunez has been very disappointing this season, netting just seven goals in all competitions, and Nottingham Forest are believed to have made a £50m bid.

As such, the Reds have started looking at new forwards, and Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Matheus Cunha is the latest striker to be linked with a move, with contact being made to gauge whether the Brazilian would be interested in heading to Anfield.

Arne Slot’s side have also approached Brighton & Hove Albion over Joao Pedro, who is viewed as a like-for-like replacement for Nunez, while Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, who is able to play on both wings and at centre-forward, is another option for the Merseysiders.

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It would be very difficult for any new signing to replicate Salah’s numbers, but Liverpool have now set their sights on another player who has been in incredible form, with a report from The Boot Room revealing they are interested in Lyon’s Rayan Cherki.

Cherki has really kicked on this season, quashing previous concerns that he did not have the correct attitude to make it to the very top, and he has struck an agreement with Lyon to leave for less than £25m this summer.

Olympique Lyonnais' RayanCherkiapplauds fans

Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain are also interested in the forward, while there are a whole host of other potential suitors from the Premier League, namely Manchester United, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.

"Outrageous" Cherki impressing in France and Europe

It is little wonder the Frenchman is starting to attract attention from a number of Europe’s top clubs, given that he has been in fantastic form for Lyon this season, amassing eight goals and 18 assists in all competitions.

Eight of those assists have been in the Europa League, with the 21-year-old leading his side’s charge to the quarter-finals, and journalist Dean Jones has lauded his skill level as “outrageous”.

Not only that, but former Lyon president Jean-Michel Aulas has compared the playmaker to one of the best players of all-time, saying: “Cherki is comparable to (Lionel) Messi in terms of technical quality.”

As such, £25m could be a bargain price for Cherki, whose performances this season indicate he has developed considerably this season, and at just 21-years-old, he may still be some way off his prime.

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