One of Celtic’s key figures could choose to leave the club in the summer, with former scout Mick Brown of the belief that he is “not entirely happy”.
Hoops' summer transfer plans taking shape
It has been another dominant season in the Scottish Premiership for the Hoops, who are on course to win the title for the fourth season on the spin, currently sitting 13 points clear of Rangers at the top of the table.
However, the reigning Scottish champions will be eager to maintain their grip on the title, which means some additional reinforcements may be needed this summer, and signing a new midfielder is deemed to be a priority.
Brendan Rodgers has identified FC Augsburg’s Elvis Rexhbecaj as a potential successor to Callum McGregor in the middle of the park, while there is also interest in Liverpool midfielder Wataru Endo, who has struggled for game time under Arne Slot.
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There may also be some departures in the summer window, with Greg Taylor now set to leave, while the Scottish side are also at risk of losing Daizen Maeda, who has been one of their star performers this season.
Losing Maeda could be a real blow for Celtic, and Mick Brown believes another key figure could seek to leave this summer, namely Rodgers, with the former scout indicating the Northern Irishman could be keen on a return to England.
“If Rodgers was offered a Premier League job, he would take it. He’d be interested in coming back to England and I think he’s not entirely happy at Celtic.
“At the moment, Celtic are dominant in Scotland, there’s nobody challenging them.
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
“But Rodgers wants more than that – he’s thinking about European football. Being dominant in Scotland is fine, but if they could strengthen enough to be competitive in Europe, then he would be happy to stay.
"Outstanding" Rodgers must stay at Parkhead
Of course, the 52-year-old has chosen to leave Celtic in the past, infamously moving to Leicester City, so it is not out of the question that he decides to move on again, with his contract set to expire in the summer.
However, the board should do everything they can to keep hold of the “outstanding” manager, as hailed by Ange Postecoglou, given that he is on course to win yet another treble this season.
Back in February, the Hoops boss confirmed he was “very happy” at Parkhead, but his contract situation will understandably raise concerns.
That said, Brown seems to suggest Rodgers could be tempted to stay if Celtic are willing to strengthen considerably in the summer, in order to make them more competitive in Europe, so that should be the aim when the season comes to a close.
Everton were a day late and a dollar short once again at Anfield, though most of a Toffees persuasion will have spilled out Liverpool’s turnstiles with a sense of grievance and perhaps frustration that parity wasn’t restored.
Diogo Jota’s neat footwork preceded a tidy finish to wrong-foot Jordan Pickford and send Liverpool deeper into their seat at the summit of the Premier League.
For Everton, their Anfield purgatory continues. David Moyes’ pre-match comments bespoke a chasmic gap between the neighbours: “We might be further away from Liverpool than we ever have been at the moment.”
However, the two contests over the past two months have shed some new light on Everton’s startlingly sharp development with the Scotsman at the helm once again.
Liverpool EvertonPlayer ratings courtesy of Sofascore.
This is a new Everton team revived and confident and hungry for new levels of success. Much has changed in short time, but the derby itself hasn’t, insofar as hackles were raised and jaws were bared from both sides of the sphere.
A fiery Merseyside derby
Everton versus Liverpool hasn’t been without its fracas-laden moments over the years, and while Wednesday’s Anfield clash won’t fall into the most tempestuous of meetings in modern history, it wasn’t that far away.
Moyes, certainly, was left feeling aggrieved after one or two controversial moments. In particular, Jota’s goal carried a hint of contention that left the 61-year-old frustrated post-game, for Luis Diaz was in an offside position during the build-up. Albeit the Colombian didn’t touch the ball while walking back into legality, not seeking to interfere with play.
However, that wasn’t the only, or indeed more scrutinised, point of controversy on the evening. Beto had actually put Everton ahead in an impressive first half but saw his goal chalked off for a marginal offside, but the biggest issue came on the Toffees’ defensive side.
James Tarkowski’s first-half challenge on Alexis Mac Allister sent Anfield into a maddened frenzy. It was, colloquially, a ‘leg-breaker.’
However, Liverpool’s midfielder walked off fine and so too did Everton’s veteran defender, who accepted a booking for his reckless sliding clearance – which he technically won – after VAR official Paul Tierney failed to recognise the gravity of the incident. Even Moyes suggested the 32-year-old was “lucky” not to have received his marching orders.
Everton's new Gareth Barry
The Merseyside derby has often been a game of brinkmanship on both sides, but Tarkowski pushed his chances to the limits on the disciplinary front, with former Premier League referee Mike Dean branding the incident a “horrible challenge and 100% a red card.”
It’s the kind of combativeness, though, that harkens wistful thoughts of a former era, one many fans resonate with as being more real and nostalgic, for better or worse.
Standing in for the rarely-seen Seamus Coleman as Everton captain, Tarkowski evoked the spirit of that era, evoked the spirit of Gareth Barry, combining leadership with, frankly, a whole lot of yellows.
He may have been the Blues’ hero in the reverse fixture at Goodison Park, but – the VAR drama aside – he suffered a few shaky moments. Namely, it was his half-cleared swipe that sparked Jota’s goal.
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Although given that the £100k-per-week Tarkowski incredibly made 12 clearances in total, as per Sofascore, it’s understandable that at least one might not travel the length of the field.
The acting skipper also won six duels, blocked three shots and made three interceptions, highlighting his gritty, no-nonsense nature.
For the most part, he leads by example, indeed showing that he has become a “really strong leader,” recognised as such nearly three years ago by former boss Frank Lampard.
Barry used to be that man for the Merseysiders. The all-time leading appearance maker in the Premier League – having played 653 games – the 44-year-old featured 153 times for the Toffees, scoring five goals and placing 11 assists across a four-year period, instrumental in driving Everton through the halcyon, pre-Moshiri days.
Of course, the retired England international was strong in the challenge himself, facing card-brandishing referees on more than a few occasions throughout his long Premier League career.
Most Yellow Cards in Premier League History
Player
Bookings
1.
Gareth Barry
123
2.
Wayne Rooney
102
3.
Lee Bowyer
99
3=
Kevin Davies
99
5.
Paul Scholes
97
Stats via Premier League
Barry, who captained the Three Lions at one point, was an understated midfielder, a man of industry and intelligence as he controlled games plum in the centre of the pitch.
His defensive quality and positional understanding were virtues that could also be attributed to Tarkowski at Everton right now, the centre-back upholding Sean Dyche and now Moyes’ values and adding an almost foundational element to the team, which allows others to flourish.
Former Everton midfielder Gareth Barry.
Barry – who now plays in England’s 12th tier with village club Hurstpierpoint F.C., four years on from retirement – was once hailed as “one of England’s best players ever” by his one-time gaffer Roberto Martinez, so industrious and an expert at the rudiments of football.
Tarkowski might not boast the same degree of wider acclaim, but he’s certainly made his mark at Goodison Park since leaving Burnley on a free transfer in 2022, playing in every single Premier League fixture since moving to Merseyside.
Thankfully, that record won’t be snapped by a VAR intervention. Regardless of the Englishman’s over-zealous challenge, his tough, protective approach has borne dividends for Everton over the past few years, and he’s not done yet.
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Newcastle United have now won their last six matches in all competitions, with last night’s home success over a shaken Crystal Palace side very much the pick of the bunch.
The rampant Magpies would show no mercy in the 5-0 demolition job that was handed out to the hapless Eagles, with four different goalscorers all getting in on the act during a glorious night on Tyneside, alongside Marc Guehi also awkwardly scoring an own goal.
Alexander Isak would, of course, add to his ever-growing Premier League tally during the comprehensive victory, with the Swede now up to a bountiful 25 league strikes and counting.
Isak's performance in numbers
However, despite Isak being on such a healthy amount, Newcastle very rarely rely on just their 25-year-old striker to get them out of sticky situations, with the big win versus Palace very much won on a team basis.
Still, it doesn’t exactly hurt stand-in manager Jason Tindall to have such an explosive marksman leading the line, with the potent number 14 gifting the Magpies their final strike of the memorable night.
Isak would have been arguably frustrated that he didn’t find the back of the net more times than this late effort, with the former Real Sociedad attacker squandering three big chances in the game away from actually managing to get the better of a ropey Dean Henderson.
But, even when the 6 foot 4 forward is having somewhat of an off-day like he did in patches versus Palace, he still manages to contribute to Newcastle’s ongoing successes in some capacity, with his position as the Magpies’ main threat up top as concrete as it can possibly be, consequently.
Newcastle United's AlexanderIsak
Away from the frightening attacking arsenal Newcastle can boast, the Tyneside high-flyers also have defenders that they can put all their faith into when it matters, with this top defensive performer managing to cement his first team spot as even more undroppable up against Oliver Glasner’s visitors.
The 9/10 ace now as undroppable as Isak
Despite the final scoreline emphatically reading 5-0 in Newcastle’s favour, Palace did have their chances in the game to try and claw back some dignity, having ended the chaotic 90 minutes with 2.00 xG accumulated.
Unfortunately for the visitors from London, no goals would find the back of Nick Pope’s net, with Newcastle having the likes of Fabian Schar to thank at both ends of the pitch for the shut-out, but also the seriously impressive attacking display.
Schar’s performance in numbers
Stat
Schar
Minutes played
90
Goals scored
1
Assists
0
Touches
103
Accurate passes
75/86 (87%)
Key passes
2
Shots
3
Clearances
6
Interceptions
2
Tackles
1
Total duels won
5/10
Stats by Sofascore
Indeed, looking at the table above, it’s clear how well-rounded Schar’s performance was against Palace, with his goal an expertly headed home effort deep into first half-stoppage time after a perfect Jacob Murphy delivery, among other standout statistics.
The 33-year-old would further amass a staggering 103 touches of the ball and record an 87% pass accuracy as a calm and composed performer at the back, but the veteran centre-back would also roll his sleeves up and battle competently when faced with the brute force of Eagles attacker Jean-Philippe Mateta, with his five duels won on the night leading to Mateta registering just 15 total touches from a forgettable 56-minute spell.
Chronicle Live journalist Lee Ryder would hand out a high 9/10 rating to Schar post-match off the back of his excellent evening, with Ryder even heralding the Swiss star as ‘unflappable’ and a ‘vintage wine getting better and better’
With his centre-back partner in Dan Burn also on the ageing side at 32 years old, it appears Tindall and Co have the perfect mix throughout the squad at this point in time, with the more exuberant characters of Isak coupling up well with the more seasoned heads of the group.
If the Toon can keep up this blistering run of wins, another Champions League finish is surely on the cards, with faces such as Schar and Isak notably sticking out.
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Well, after a thumping win away at the weekend, Arsenal returned to form with yet another draw last night.
The result against Crystal Palace was the North Londoners’ 13th tie of the Premier League season, and while it wasn’t a total disaster, it would not have been what Mikel Arteta would have wanted to see ahead of next week’s colossal Champions League game.
From practically the first minute to the last, it felt like a game played in slow motion, and aside from Jakub Kiwior and, perhaps to a lesser extent, Leandro Trossard – the Gunners’ goalscorers – the entire starting lineup was poor.
That said, there were at least a couple of players that stood out as being particularly disappointing, such as William Saliba.
Saliba's performance vs Crystal Palace
Now, it should be said that away to Real Madrid last week, Saliba was almost perfect right up until he lazily gave the ball away to Vinícius Jr mid-way through the second half.
Unfortunately, instead of putting together a solid performance ahead of next week, the Frenchman made another silly mistake when, entirely unforced, he passed the ball to Jean-Philippe Mateta close to the box, who then saw David Raya off his line and pulled off a brilliant finish.
It was the sort of mistake fans might have been worried about Kiwior making, but instead, the Polish international was once again assured at the back while the former Saint-Étienne gem struggled.
We weren’t the only ones disappointed by the Bondy-born monster either, as Arsenal writer Charles Watts gave him a paltry 5/10 match rating at full-time, describing him as a ‘bit off it,’ which may be rather kind.
With all that said, there can be no doubting Saliba’s immense ability and importance to the team, so he should still be starting the game on Tuesday.
However, the same cannot be said for one of his fellow starters last night.
Arsenal's biggest underperformer against Crystal Palace
Now, as we’ve already said, there were a number of players who let themselves down last night, from Raya to Gabriel Martinelli, but only one starter was so dismally poor that he should not start another game for the club: Raheem Sterling.
Arsenal vs Crystal Palace
Arsenal
Statistics
Crystal Palace
2
Goals
2
1.22
Expected Goals
1.75
4
Big Chances
4
12
Total Shots
15
6
Shots on Target
4
705
Passes
325
3
Corners
6
68%
Possession
32%
All Stats via Sofascore
Yes, in what was just his 12th inclusion in a starting lineup for the Gunners this term, the Chelsea loanee might have managed to put in his most lacklustre showing yet.
Unlike Saliba, he wasn’t directly at fault for a goal, but he was also never likely to score or create one either, as when he wasn’t losing the ball, making the wrong run or fading out of the game entirely, he looked bereft of ideas.
It might sound hyperbolic, but once again, it’s an opinion shared by Watts, who slammed the Englishman for being a “passenger” when he came off and then gave him a damning 3/10 match rating at full-time.
Unsurprisingly, the Kingston-born ace’s statistics more than back up this appraisal, as in 60 minutes of action, he amassed a combined expected goal and assists figure of just 0.02, took no shots on or even off target, failed in 100% of his dribbles, took just 19 touches, made just ten passes, failed in 100% of his crosses, lost four of five duels and was dribbled past twice.
Sterling’s game in numbers
Minutes
60′
Expected Goals
0.00
Goals
0
Expected Assists
0.02
Assists
0
Shots
0
Dribbles (Successful)
1 (0)
Touches
19
Passes
10
Crosses (Accurate)
2 (0)
Duels (Won)
5 (1)
Dribbled Past
2
All Stats via Sofascore
Ultimately, it was a real night to forget for Arsenal, and while Saliba will undoubtedly come back stronger and remain a crucial part of the team, Sterling should not start another game for the rest of his loan spell.
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This summer is a pivotal one for Everton football club if they are to progress to the next level under David Moyes, after the Scotsman secured their Premier League status for another season.
The 62-year-old, who took the reins from Sean Dyche back in January, has lost just three league games out of the 15 he’s been in charge, steering them clear of any looming relegation threat.
He will lead the side into a new era, with the Toffees leaving Goodison Park at the end of the season and making the switch to the Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Everton manager David Moyes
With a historic event taking place over the next couple of months, the hierarchy will want to back the manager to allow him to be a success and make their first year at their new home one to remember.
The transfer window is rapidly approaching, with groundwork already being laid behind the scenes to provide Moyes with the ammunition needed in the market this summer.
The latest on Everton’s hunt for new signings this summer
Given the relegation battle has already been sorted within the Premier League, Everton have already taken advantage by plotting a move for Ipswich Town star Omari Hutchinson.
It was claimed last week that the 21-year-old has a £35m release clause in his deal with the Tractor Boys, leading to rumours over a potential switch to Merseyside.
Ipswich Town'sOmariHutchinsonreacts
However, he’s not the only player on their radar, with Leeds United’s out-of-contract left-back Junior Firpo emerging as a potential addition, according to TBR.
Their report claims that the Toffees have already been in contact with the 28-year-old’s representatives over a switch to join the club, with his current deal having just six months remaining.
His tally of four goals and ten assists in the Championship has caught the eye of multiple sides, which could see any move for the Dominican international bolster Moyes’ side in various key areas.
Why Everton’s transfer target would be perfect for Delap
Alongside Hutchinson, Liam Delap is another Ipswich talent who’s been on Everton’s radar over a potential switch to join Moyes’ side during the off-season.
The 22-year-old is a man in demand this summer after registering 12 league goals this campaign, despite featuring for a side suffering relegation back to the Championship.
However, the Toffees aren’t alone in their pursuit of the talisman, with Chelsea, Manchester United and Liverpool just three other sides credited with an interest in his signature.
He would be a superb addition for any side given his goalscoring record, but he would also be a bargain given the £30m relegation release clause, which has become active in recent weeks.
Should he complete a move to the blue half of Merseyside, it would be an excellent signing, potentially benefiting the club further should Firpo follow in his footsteps.
The Dominican, who’s been labelled “unbelievable” by journalist Zach Lowy, has starred in the final third, as seen by his tally of 10 assists – handing Delap the opportunity to impress in front of goal and be the club’s leading talisman.
He’s also registered a phenomenal tally of 1.7 chances created per 90, along with 4.1 touches in the opposition box per 90 – further showcasing his talents when driving forward up the pitch.
Junior Firpo’s stats for Leeds in the Championship (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Tally
Games played
32
Goals & assists
14
Pass accuracy
83%
Chances created
1.7
Touches in opposition box
4.1
Duels won
6.3
Tackle success rate
52%
Stats via FotMob
However, Firpo has been just as impressive at the back, winning 6.3 duels per 90, but also winning 52% of the tackles he’s entered – undoubtedly improving the Toffees’ situation at both ends of the field.
Whilst the competition for the left-back is huge this summer, he’s proven that he has all the tools to be successful for Moyes’ men, offering needed depth and quality in such a department.
The move to the new stadium is a fresh start that has been desperately needed in recent years, with Firpo able to play a huge part along with Delap in making it a campaign to remember should they both make the switch to Merseyside this summer.
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Manchester United are willing to pay a relatively low fee of £38m to sign a “clinical” Premier League winger this summer, according to a fresh transfer update.
Man Utd need new signings as Amorim laments domestic form again
The Red Devils lost yet again in the Premier League on Sunday, being beaten 2-0 by Crystal Palace at Old Trafford, with not even their place in the Europa League final able to hide such an awful domestic campaign.
Ruben Amorim suggested as much, lamenting his team’s form in the top flight after the defeat: “I feel embarrassed when looking at the Premier League table For me it doesn’t matter if we win the Europa League because the problems are much bigger than that.”
Major surgery is required for United’s squad when the summer arrives, and they will be hoping that Champions League qualification has been secured by beating Tottenham in Bilbao next week, allowing them to bring in better players.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
A new centre-back is needed, especially with Lisandro Martinez becoming an injury-plagued figure, and Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah has been linked with sealing a free transfer to the Red Devils.
Another face in United’s midfield also wouldn’t go amiss, especially with Casemiro an ageing player, and a surprise move for Newcastle United hero Sandro Tonali has been mooted. He could cost as much as £85m, though, and the Magpies will surely be desperate to keep hold of him.
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Antoine Semenyo for Bournemouth.
Semenyo has been outstanding for Bournemouth throughout the campaign, standing out as arguably their best player alongside many key performers, including Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.
The 25-year-old has bagged nine goals and five assists in the league, also averaging 1.8 aerial duel wins and 1.5 tackles per outing, highlighting his effectiveness in other areas of his game.
He has also been lauded by teammate Lewis Cook: “As a team, we knew the quality he has and we saw that last year. He’s got to just keep working hard – being aggressive and being clinical. He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully he can continue to show that.”
At 25, Semenyo is primed to join United and hit the ground running, providing a level of end product from out wide that the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony failed to this season, prior to being sent out on loan.
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Irrespective of whether or not Manchester United beat Tottenham Hotspur to win the Europa League this week, it has been a disastrous season for the Red Devils.
Ruben Amorim’s side are 16th in the Premier League table and have lost 18 of their 37 matches to date, which illustrates how poorly the campaign has gone.
Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match
The Portuguese head coach, who joined the club from Sporting earlier this season, will look to bolster his squad in the upcoming summer transfer window in order to bounce back in the 2025/26 campaign.
It was recently reported that Manchester United are closing in on a deal to sign Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Matheus Cunha, for example, to improve their attacking options.
The Brazil international is seemingly set to join Amorim’s squad ahead of next season and he could provide them with the attacking quality that they have lacked at times this season, given that he has already proven his quality in the Premier League.
What Matheus Cunha could bring to Man Utd
Cunha would arrive as a proven quantity in the English top-flight because he has already showcased his ability at the top end of the pitch in the last two seasons at the Molineux.
The former Atletico Madrid magician racked up 12 goals and seven assists in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign in the Midlands, along with two goals in two FA Cup matches.
Cunha has kicked on in the current campaign under Vitor Pereira to deliver even more goals in the division, with 15 strikes in 31 appearances to date.
Crucially, the 25-year-old star has also been playing as one of two number 10s behind a central striker for Wolves, which is akin to the attacking system that Amorim regularly plays at Manchester United. This suggests that he could slot straight into the team without having to learn a new way of playing.
24/25 Premier League
Matheus Cunha
Appearances
31
xG
8.04
Goals
15
Big chances missed
2
Big chances created
13
Key passes per game
1.8
Assists
6
Stats via Sofascore
As you can see in the table above, Cunha has delivered quality in the final third on a regular basis for the Old Gold in the Premier League this term, with 28 goals and ‘big chances’ created combined in 31 matches.
Meanwhile, no Manchester United player has scored more than eight goals in the top-flight this season, which suggests that the Wolves star would come in to add a much-needed goal threat for Amorim’s side in the 2025/26 campaign..
Cunha may not be the only proven Premier League star who joins the Red Devils in the coming months, however, as the club are reportedly lining up a move for another player who has already showcased their talents in the division.
Man Utd submit bid for Premier League star
According to a report from Spain, Manchester United have submitted a bid to sign Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The report claims that the Red Devils have officially made an offer worth around £55m to sign the Cameroon international ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
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This means that INEOS are in talks with Brentford over a deal to bring the left-footed attacker to Old Trafford, although the report does not reveal whether or not the Bees are prepared to accept a fee of £55m for their star forward.
It does show, however, that Manchester United are serious about a deal for the 25-year-old attacker, as they want to bolster their attacking options, as they have gone as far as to submit an offer for him.
Brentford's BryanMbeumoreacts
The club must, now, attempt to get a transfer over the line for the Brentford star in the coming weeks because he could be amazing alongside Cunha for Amorim, if United are able to snap both of them up.
Why Mbeumo could be amazing alongside Cunha
Whilst Mbeumo is more used to playing as a right-winger in a 4-3-3, rather than as a number ten as part of a two and a one up front, the forward could be an exciting partner for Cunha behind a starting striker next season.
The Brentford and Wolves stars could operate as the two number ten options behind a new centre-forward, which would provide Amorim with two proven goalscorers to deliver consistent quality at the top end of the pitch.
Brentford's BryanMbeumocelebrates after the match
As aforementioned, Manchester United’s top scorer in the Premier League this season, Bruno Fernandes, has scored eight goals, which illustrates how much the Portuguese boss needs reinforcements who can find the back of the net on a regular basis.
In Mbeumo, who was once dubbed “unplayable” by Thomas Frank, the Red Devils would be signing another player who has proven that he can be a difference-maker at the top end of the pitch in the English top-flight.
The left-footed star delivered nine goals and six assists in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign, but he has taken his game to new heights in the current season.
As you can see in the graphic above, Mbeumo has been directly involved in 26 goals in 37 matches in the top-flight, and has scored more than twice as many goals as Manchester United’s top scorer.
This suggests that he would bring much-needed goals and assists to Amorim’s side, which is also the case with Cunha, because he has already proven his quality at the top end of the pitch at that level.
Therefore, Cunha and Mbeumo could be amazing together as Manchester United’s two number ten options in the 2025/26 campaign because they are both attacking midfielders or wide players who can find the back of the net at an exceptional rate in the Premier League.
Both aged 25, they are also heading into the prime years of their careers and could be key players for Amorim for many years to come, hopefully kickstarting a new era of glory for the Red Devils.
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It is no understatement to say that Glasgow Rangers require a major overhaul this summer.
Not just in the playing squad or staff members, but in mentality. Since the Ibrox side won the Premiership title in 2021, the Gers have won only two trophies since.
In comparison, Celtic have won every available league title on offer and have clinched a domestic double this season, although they did lose to Aberdeen in the SFA Cup final.
Rangers interim managerBarryFergusonbefore the match
Things have to change at Ibrox, and fast. The 49ers’ involvement should give those at the club a boost, but the priority is a new manager.
The likes of Steven Gerrard and Davide Ancelotti have been linked with a move to Glasgow, while several other candidates have been touted for the vacant role.
Whoever becomes the next permanent manager will have work to do in order to improve the first-team squad this summer.
There are various positions that need urgent improvement, no doubt about that. Furthermore, several players could be sold to raise funds and help reduce the wage bill.
Cyriel Dessers may finish the season as the top scorer in the Premiership, but if a reasonable offer comes in this summer, the club should cash in.
Why Rangers must sell Cyriel Dessers
Never has a Rangers player exuded more Jekyll and Hyde-like qualities than Dessers. One minute, he is simply unplayable, causing chaos for opposition defenders domestically and in Europe.
Next, he struggles with the easiest of chances and offers next to nothing in the final third.
There is no doubt about his record in front of goal for the Light Blues since he joined in a deal worth £4.5m from Cremonese in the summer of 2023. Indeed, the Nigerian striker has scored 51 goals and grabbed 16 assists across 109 games for the club during his first two seasons.
On the surface, this is an impressive record in front of goal. He has shone in Europe, with his display against Fenerbahce one of the finest by a Gers forward in quite a while.
Unfortunately, these performances are few and far between. Throughout the 2023/24 league season, Dessers missed a staggering 27 big chances across 35 matches.
Over the same number of games in 2024/25, he missed 21 big chances, a slight improvement, but still not great.
Cyriel Dessers’ league stats for Rangers
Metric
2023/24
2024/25
Goals
16
18
Assists
4
2
Shots per game
2.9
2.4
Big chances missed
27
21
Goal conversion percentage
16%
22%
Via Sofascore
During the winter transfer window, several clubs were linked with making a move for Dessers. Saint-Étienne, Cagliari, and Empoli were all showing interest in securing a move for the 30-year-old.
Much to the disappointment of large sections of the support, the centre-forward remained in Glasgow until the end of the season at least.
He has two years left on his current contract, which suggests now would be the ideal time to cash in and secure a decent fee for the player.
This could be used to fund future signings, especially a couple of younger players with a higher ceiling for growth.
Dessers shouldn’t be the only player to be moved on this summer by the new manager. Nedim Bajrami is reportedly attracting interest from afar, and now might be a good time to part ways with the Albanian.
Nedim Bajrami has offers on the table
According to reports in Albania (as relayed by Glasgow Times), Bajrami has two options on the table with regard to a summer exit away from the Light Blues.
One comes from the Italian top flight, while the other is from the Bundesliga, and the report states that the midfielder is likely to leave Glasgow when the transfer window finally opens.
Much will depend on the price, however, as the 49ers will be keen on recouping much of the £3.4m that was spent on the Albanian last summer.
It’s safe to say he hasn’t exactly enjoyed the most productive of campaigns in Scotland, despite arriving with plenty of hype.
What exactly went wrong with Bajrami?
Why Rangers must sell Nedim Bajrami this summer
The 26-year-old had impressed for his country at Euro 2024, scoring an incredible opener against Italy after just 23 seconds.
A move to Ibrox in the final days of the summer transfer window looked like a real coup for Philippe Clement.
What looked like a potentially transformative signing for the club eventually turned into a waste of money. Across 44 games for Rangers, he only scored five goals and chipped in with four assists, showing that he has rarely made a big impact at the top end of the pitch.
Considering the sum of money the club had paid, this was hardly the best of returns, especially following a decent start to life in Glasgow.
The midfielder only started 15 Premiership matches, creating only four big chances, averaging one key pass and succeeding with just one dribble per game in the top flight.
In Europe, Bajrami didn’t fare much better. Indeed, he could only muster a single goal from 11 appearances, winning less than half of his total duels per game and averaging 1.3 key passes per game, which shows how ineffective he has been on the European stage since his move to Ibrox.
Bajrami
The nadir came against Queen’s Park in the Scottish Cup back in February. Rangers suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat – arguably one of their worst domestic losses – but Bajrami was subbed at half-time following a dismal display.
Stevie Clifford, who runs Four Lads Had a Dream, criticised the Albanian a month before, saying:
“I’ll highlight it again, it’s not singling him out, but Nedim Bajrami is not offering enough at all.
“We need him to influence games & be involved, largely anonymous so far, again.
“£4m is big money to do it in these type of games & he’s miles off it so far.”
All of these points point towards a likely summer exit when the window opens next month. Should Rangers receive a bid that is deemed acceptable, then they must be ready to cash in.
He didn’t live up to initial expectations, and regardless of who the new manager is, Bajrami’s future already looks settled with the offers that are on the table from other clubs.
Hopefully, he can make better signings this summer.
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Talks are now underway as Aston Villa look to complete the signing of a “world-class” player this summer, according to a new transfer update.
Asensio happy to stay at Aston Villa
Unai Emery’s side ultimately missed out on Champions League qualification this season, but it was still another productive campaign overall, with loanees Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio making a good impression.
The 29-year-old Spaniard added proven quality and end product to Villa’s attack, scoring three goals in the Premier League and Champions League, and he spoke of his admiration for Emery.
“Unai is a coach that I’ve known for a while. He’s had a great career, he’s a top coach, he’s been key in me being able to come here because of his idea of how he wants to play football. I love it, it suits me perfectly and he’s a really important person as to why I’m here right now.”
Thankfully, Asensio is reportedly open to staying put at Villa and signing for good this summer, which will go down well with many supporters, considering the impact former Real Madrid man has made at times. Now, a new update has provided further news on the situation.
New Asensio to Aston Villa update emerges
According to Birmingham World, Aston Villa have held talks with PSG over the permanent signing of Asensio this summer, in a positive update. The Villans are “eager” to snap him up as soon as possible, no doubt to ensure that another team doesn’t get there first, and it is even claimed that Emery is “obsessed with the idea” of retaining his services.
Villa signing Asensio permanently is a no-brainer, with the Spain international still very much in his peak years, and capable of being a talismanic attacking player moving forward.
The £6m-a-year attacker is a match-winning footballer with a winning mentality, having scored in the 2017 Champions League final and won the competition three times during his Madrid days, and Matthew Upson has heaped praise on him.
“Marco Asensio is clever in where he positions himself. It’s a nightmare really. He comes on the pitch, and he has the knack to pick up the right areas. You need to get yourself in a mentality that, when it’s your turn to play your part, you’re at your best, and you’re delivering. That’s what world-class players do. He’s in that bracket. He’s a great signing for Villa, and he’s going to play a big part in the exciting finish to the season they have ahead.”
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Signing Asensio would feel like a statement of intent by Villa, showing that they are capable of tying down world-renowned players on a permanent basis, even without Champions League football.
Hopefully, he can play a huge part in the next three or four years, potentially even becoming one of the Villans’ best attacking players of the Premier League era.
Footballers who possess a unique style of play, supreme technical ability or untapped potential are often referred to as ‘streets won’t forget’ players.
Whether it be Premier League one-season wonders like Michu, tricky mavericks such as Hatem Ben Arfa or players who simply grabbed their moments on the biggest stage like South Africa World Cup star Siphiwe Tshabalala, football fans will always have a soft spot for those players who captured hearts and minds.
Some, like Adel Taarabt, never fulfilled their true potential, while others had glittering careers, but the rise of social media and the pure volume of football coverage has led fans to yearn for those stars who rocked up once a week on a Saturday afternoon with no intention other than to amaze their spectators.
Top ‘streets won’t forget’ players in Premier League history
10. Yannick Bolasie
9. Andrey Arshavin
8. Papiss Cissé
7, Dimitri Payet
6. Morten Gamst Pedersen
5. Mousa Dembele
4. Jay-Jay Okocha
3. Adel Taarabt
2. Michu
1. Hatem Ben Arfa
“The boy Michu has been a revelation,” Sir Alex Ferguson once said of Swansea’s Spanish striker. “To sign him for just £2 million and get 20 goals out of him – what a bargain!”
Such cult hero status doesn’t exclusively belong to goalscorers however, as Mousa Dembele proved during his time at Tottenham Hotspur. The Belgian only found the net ten times in 249 appearances for Spurs, but is regarded as one of the most technically gifted midfielders of all time.
Dembele's teammates called him the one of the best players in the world
Winning 82 caps for Belgium, Dembele drew praise throughout his career for his ability to evade the press, weaving his way out of trouble as a deep-lying midfielder.
Dembele started his career as a winger and idolised legendary forward Patrick Kluivert, which led to him being almost impossible to dispossess in midfield, and Harry Kane once said he was the most technically gifted player he’s played with.
Plenty of Spurs stars have echoed this sentiment down the years, with Dele Alli claiming Dembele was the best player in the squad back in 2016, and current captain Son Heung-min revealing: “Mousa he is incredible. I haven’t seen a player like this. I have never seen this.”
Perhaps the best indication of a player’s talent however is what their opponents have to say, and Arsenal icon Jack Wilshere named Dembele as his toughest ever opponent – even despite being left in awe of Lionel Messi.
Dembele at Tottenham
Starts
Goals
Assists
League Finish
2012-13
26
1
3
5th
2013-14
22
1
1
6th
2014-15
10
1
1
5th
2015-16
27
3
1
3rd
2016-17
24
1
1
2nd
2017-18
21
0
0
3rd
2018-19
7
0
0
4th
With elite teams now spending hundreds of millions on finding the perfect midfielder, the Tottenham legend’s aesthetically pleasing style would catch a hefty fee in today’s transfer market.