The last few seasons have seen Chelsea completely overhaul their squad.

While there have been a few mistakes along the way, it would be fair to say the club look like they now have a team full of incredibly talented players.

Arguably, the most exhilarating of the lot has been Cole Palmer, who, since his arrival from Manchester City in the summer of 2023, has been nothing short of world-class for the Blues.

So, fans should be tremendously excited about recent reports linking the West Londoners to another talent who has won comparisons to the game-changing Englishman.

Chelsea target Premier League signings

Chelsea have already made a few signings from outside England this summer, but, if reports are to be believed, the club are also looking at several stars from the Premier League, such as Joao Pedro and Murillo.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could reportedly cost up to £60m, and while that is a significant amount of money, he was fairly effective in limited minutes this season, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists in 30 appearances, totalling 2,136 minutes.

Murillo, on the other hand, could cost the Blues up to £80m, but given his incredible performances at the back for Nottingham Forest this year, that once again may well be a fee worth paying.

However, as transformational as these two players could be for Maresca’s side, neither one can really be compared to Palmer, unlike Harvey Elliott.

Yes, according to a recent report from Caught Offside, Chelsea are one of a number of teams interested in the Liverpool gem this summer.

Alongside the Blues, the report claims that Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Newcastle United, and Borussia Dortmund are all keen on the 22-year-old talent.

However, alongside the intense competition for his services, the West Londoners will have to pay a substantial sum of money to secure their man, with the report claiming that the Reds want at least £50m.

It could be a complicated and costly transfer to get over the line, but given Elliott’s ability and potential, it’s one Chelsea should fight for, especially as he’s won comparisons to Palmer.

How Elliott compares to Palmer

In this instance, the primary comparison to Palmer originates from FBref, which looked at players in similar positions across Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and came to the conclusion that the Chelsea gem has been the eighth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to Elliott over the last 365 days.

Non-Penalty Expected G+As

0.69

0.68

Goals per Shot

0.06

0.09

Goals per Shot on Target

0.25

0.25

Key Passes

2.44

2.45

Interceptions

0.24

0.31

Successful Take-On %

44.4%

45.1%

Carries into the Penalty Area

1.22

1.15

The best way to understand how this conclusion was reached is by examining some of the underlying metrics in which the pair ranked incredibly closely, such as non-penalty expected goals plus assists, goals per shot and shot on target, interceptions, carries into the penalty area and more, all per 90.

However, the similarities extend beyond the statistics, as the young Liverpool gem, like the Blues star, has demonstrated an ability to play in multiple positions, with attacking midfield and right-wing his most played.

Moreover, should this transfer go through, then it would be another example of the West Londoners bringing in a younger talent from one of their rivals who’s just not getting the game time he deserves at the moment.

On top of that, even though he’s had to play a bit-part role at Anfield this season, the 22-year-old “machine,” as dubbed by journalist Sam McGuire, has still got some seriously impressive underlying numbers, which suggests that were he given more regular game time, he could seriously explode.

For example, FBref places him in the top 1% of attacking midfielders and wingers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty goals, the top 2% for progressive passes and passes attempted, the top 8% for non-penalty expected goals, and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, there would undoubtedly be some risk in signing Elliott this summer, but there was also plenty of risk in signing an unproven Palmer in 2023, and thanks to their similarities, this feels like a risk Chelsea should take.

Chelsea ready to offer six-year deal to £45m player, talks "now advancing"

The west Londoners could make their next signing soon.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 27, 2025

The 2025/26 season that’s soon on the horizon for Newcastle United looks to be another exciting one.

Eddie Howe’s Toon will find themselves back amongst Europe’s elite in the Champions League, with the hope they can compete for more silverware too after breaking their trophy hoodoo last season when lifting the EFL Cup at Liverpool’s expense.

To boost their chances of a similarly successful 25/26, therefore, Howe will know he needs to be backed in the chaotic transfer market, with this attacking star one potential addition that would surely enliven the St James’ masses ahead of the action kicking off.

Newcastle remain interested in move for Premier League winger

The Toon have been lining up a number of attackers this summer with talks reportedly due to take place to sign Joao Pedro from Brighton.

Another target is Manchester United winger Marcus Rashford, who after an impressive loan spell at Aston Villa, is now set to leave Old Trafford behind permanently.

However, to put that move to one side, as per a report from TEAMTalk, Newcastle remain interested in adding Nottingham Forest ace Anthony Elanga to their camp this summer, with a shock swap deal even potentially on the cards.

Indeed, the report elaborates that with the Magpies ‘stepping up their interest’ in the winger, they could be set to offer Harvey Barnes to Forest to smooth over proceedings.

Barnes’ inclusion in the deal would bring down the £50m valuation of the ex-Manchester United forward’s price tag.

Elanga could also be tempted to make the switch with the allure of Champions League football presumably a pull, with Howe also desperate to land the Sweden international as he hunts down pacey, new options to enhance his attacking personnel.

Why Elanga would be a better buy than Rashford

Snapping up the services of Elanga would surely mean the Magpies wouldn’t have to go back in for another of their attacking targets like Rashford, considering the 23-year-old is now surely viewed as an upgrade on his former Red Devils teammate after his blistering couple of campaigns at the City Ground, compared to Rashford’s up-and-down time of things.

After all, if it’s pace Howe wants in abundance, he will strike gold by picking up Elanga, with this unbelievable breakaway goal last season seeing him leave many a United shirt in the dust, before punishing his former employers even more with a clinical finish.

For good measure, he was one of the quickest players in the top flight of English football last season too.

The fastest & slowest players in the Premier League (2024/25)

Off the back of such counter-attacking magic, Elanga would rightfully describe himself as “one of the fastest players in the PL”, with the standout Swede thankfully backing up these rampaging forays more often than not with a meaningful strike or an assist.

Elanga’s PL numbers (24/25) vs Rashford’s (24/25)

Stat

Elanga

Rashford

Games played

38

25

Goals scored

6

6

Assists

11

3

Big chances missed

6

5

Big chances created

9

8

Stats by Sofascore

Whilst Rashford did shine away from Old Trafford last season on the temporary books of Villa, it’s also clear from the numbers that Elanga would be the better pick-up, with the 5-foot-10 winger far less jaded by the top-flight than the United outcast, registering a far greater goal contribution number of 17 last season, next to Rashford’s lesser nine.

On top of that, Elanga also has the added boost of 14 more goals and assists donning Forest red from the season before, as Rashford’s spell at the Swede’s former employers began to fall apart.

Moreover, unlike Rashford who is predominantly an out-and-out left winger, the Forest speedster would be able to offer Howe an option down either flank if needed, with the £50m-rated target up to 63 career games now as a right winger, on top of also tallying up 55 down the left.

Further lauded as “special” by Forest boss Nuno Espirito Santo, this could well be the platform the winger desires now to strut his stuff in the Champions League and beyond.

Related Dream Gordon replacement: Newcastle now eyeing "unplayable" English star

Newcastle may need to replace their most profitable winger this summer.

Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 20, 2025

Australian quick Ben Dwarshuis defended eight off the last over to complete a thrilling come-from-behind Durham victory to beat Yorkshire and leapfrog them into the North Group’s top four places.Yorkshire, chasing 171, were cruising at 113 for 2 in the 12th over before leg-spinner Nathan Sowter bowled buccaneering Will Luxton for 33 and had Jordan Thompson brilliantly caught and bowled on the run towards long-on.Left-armer Dwarshuis then claimed his first wicket for Durham in the last over and defended four off the last ball against George Hill. The Vikings, replying to 170 for 6, finished on 167 for 7, handing Durham a fourth win in eight games – this by three runs. Yorkshire lost their fourth in eight.Dwarshuis was the hero in only his third game. The overseas man had been dropped after the first two games. Opener Graham Clark top-scored with 49 off 35 balls for Durham, while Adam Lyth top-scored for Yorkshire with 54.Visiting left-arm spinner Dan Moriarty impressed with two for 26, a return matched by Durham’s excellent seamer Ben Raine. But Sowter, who also affected a run out, contributed massively to the comeback.Considering Durham, who elected to bat, took 10 off the first over – a boundary piece for Clark and Alex Lees – Yorkshire did well to limit them to 44 for 1 after six overs.Clark struck the ball sweetly, but David Bedingham struggled to get going amidst a run-a-ball 21, ended when he pulled Jafer Chohan’s leg-spin to deep midwicket – 59 for 2 in the ninth over.Clark took back-to-back boundaries off Jordan Thompson to take the score to 88 for two after 12 but fell agonisingly short of a fifty when he dragged Moriarty on in the next, Durham now 91 for 3.And they were struggling to get going.But that impetus did come in the final five overs, with Ollie Robinson, Bas de Leede and Michael Jones all finding or clearing the boundary, the former two contributing useful scores of 33 and 28 before falling to Thompson and Dom Bess.Thompson had Robinson caught behind and bowled Raine, but 64 came off the last five overs.Lyth continued the flow of runs at the start of Yorkshire’s chase with a couple of leg-side sixes before losing opening partner and captain for the night Dawid Malan.He was brilliantly caught at cover by a diving Lees off George Drissell’s off-spin, leaving Yorkshire at 35 for one in the fourth over.Malan, who scored only seven, was leading Yorkshire after Shan Masood was injured in the Roses win 24 hours earlier.That dismissal brought Joe Root to the crease for his last domestic appearance before England Test commitments, and he breezed to 20.But when he was caught behind off Raine’s seam – 60 for 2 in the seventh over – Durham’s hopes were raised.Luxton tried his best to dash them in only his fourth career T20 appearance and his first of 2024.He hit two leg-side sixes and a four down the ground as 19 came off Drissell in the 10th over, taking the Vikings to 100 for 2.It seemed as if they were, by now in an unassailable position. Not so!Sowter bowled him and had Thompson superbly caught and bowled running towards mid-on. Lyth reached 50 off 35 balls but was also lbw to Raine. With those three dismissals, Yorkshire were 130 for 5 in the 16th and the game in the balance again.Sowter brilliantly ran Donovan Ferreira out with a direct hit from deep midwicket before Dwarshuis had Dom Bess caught at long-on in the last, which ended by Hill missing an attempted ramp off the last ball.

Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola is certainly not hanging about when it comes to improving his squad.

After a first trophyless season since 2016/17, the Spaniard has begun the summer transfer window with a bang.

The former Barcelona and Bayern Munich boss looks to have completed a deal for Tijjani Reijnders from AC Milan for a fee in the region of £46.3m, while Lyon’s Rayan Cherki is close to signing on a deal worth at least £25m.

Why Man City are signing Reijnders and Cherki

Reijnders could turn into a bargain given how impressive he was for Milan last season. Across 54 games for the Italian side, he scored 15 goals and grabbed five assists.

This came despite the club missing out on European competition after finishing eighth in Serie A last term.

The Dutchman may prove to be an ideal replacement for Kevin De Bruyne, who leaves at the Etihad end of the month. In Cherki, Guardiola has also secured a player for a fee which may well turn out to be one of his finest deals.

The Frenchman shone for France in their Nations League defeat to Spain on Thursday evening. Making his debut when he came on with just 30 minutes left, the winger scored and provided an assist in the 5-4 defeat.

For a combined fee of just over £70m, it is certainly money well spent by the Spaniard as he looks ahead to the Club World Cup and next season.

There is a player at the club who is worth more than the pair put together, however, and he shone throughout 2024/25.

The Man City star who's worth more than Reijnders & Cherki

Brazilian winger, Savinho, made the move from Troyes to City last summer after impressing on loan at Girona.

Not many expected him to settle in as well as he did, as the youngster went on to register 14 goal involvements – two goals and 12 assists – in 45 games for the club.

Savinho’s PL stats for Man City last season
Goals	1
Assists	8
Big chances created	11
Successful dribbles	1.8
Shots per game	1.9
Key passes per game	1.6
Via Sofascore

Such was his impact at the start of last season, former Arsenal midfielder turned pundit, Paul Merson, claimed that the winger could turn into a “superstar” for City.

Indeed, when compared with his peers across the big five European leagues, Savinho ranks in the top 4% for progressive carries (6.61) and in the top 4% for successful take-ons (2.69) and touches in the attacking penalty area (7.57) over the previous 365 days.

These statistics are evidence of his stature among the best wide players on the continent, and he will only go from strength to strength next season.

According to the Football Observatory, Savinho is currently valued at €100.5m (£85m) after an excellent debut season in the Premier League.

Therefore, he is worth more than what look to be two of City’s newest arrivals, demonstrating how good he has been since the start of last season.

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Guardiola will be hoping that Reijnders and Cherki can make similar sorts of impacts at the club when the 2025/26 campaign begins in August. No doubt about that.

Forget Cherki: Man City also open £42m talks for "one of the best" #10's

City are now making moves for another attacking midfielder…

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 5, 2025

Newcastle United are at a bit of a crossroads this summer. The Magpies’ latest transfer target was clear: sign a right winger.

Yet, their reported number one target, Bryan Mbeumo, rejected Eddie Howe’s side, as well as North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal, in favour of a move to Manchester United, as per David Ornstein.

The North East giants were forced to move on to their next target, Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. However, their bid for the Sweden international, worth a reported £45m according to Ornstein, was rejected by the City Ground side, although they could return with a new offer.

So, that leaves Newcastle somewhat in limbo, although they have been linked wth a few more players who could become their new right-winger.

The latest on Newcastle's pursuit for a winger

Finding a new right-sided attacker has certainly been a frustration for the Magpies. They have missed out on two primary targets and must now go back to the drawing board to figure out their next move.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie has recently broken the news that they are ‘exploring other options’ with regards to wide options. Two of those include PSV Eindhoven starlet Johan Bakayoko and West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus.

If the Magpies are to move for Bakayoko this summer, it seems like it could be a bargain move. According to reports, the Eredivisie side could accept as little as £17m for their winger this summer.

He has just one year left on his contract, and a move seems inevitable, which could give Newcastle a perfect opportunity.

How Bakayoko compares to Kudus

At just 22 years of age, Bakayoko has already made a great impression across Europe. He is clearly deemed Premier League quality by some sides, after a move to Brentford fell through a couple of years ago.

Now, two years on from that potential move, he is still making waves in the top flight of the Netherlands. Last season for PSV, the Belgium international played 47 times across all competitions, scoring 12 goals and grabbing three assists.

However, that is not Bakayoko’s best season for PV, whose academy he is a graduate of. His quality was really on show in the 2023/24 campaign. The winger featured in 33 Eredivisie games that season, and scored 12 goals, whilst grabbing nine assists.

Of course, the Magpies might pursue a move for Kudus, but there is no guarantee that they will secure the services of the Ghanaian international. He has been offered to other clubs, including Chelsea, as recently as the 6th of June, according to Sky Sports.

He certainly has a good record in the Premier League for West Ham. The 24-year-old has made 65 appearances in the English top flight, scoring 13 goals and grabbing 12 assists in that time. His best season came in 2023/24, when he contributed eight goals and nine assists.

However, he hasn’t hit the heights for the Hammers that Bakayoko did for PSV a couple of years ago. This certainly suggests that the Belgian could be an excellent alternative to Kudus if the Magpies decide to move for him instead.

The underlying stats on FBref also suggest that it is the case, too. When looking at their numbers from 2023/24, Bakayoko averaged 0.76 goals and assists and 7.11 progressive carries per 90 minutes.

In comparison, Kudus averaged 0.54 goals and assists and 4.32 progressive carries each game.

Goals and assists

0.76

0.54

Key passes

2.45

1.08

Progressive passes

3.50

2.87

Shot-creating actions

5.20

3.75

Progressive carries

7.11

4.32

The stats are there to suggest that, if they bring Bakayoko in this summer, he would be an excellent alternative to Kudus. Not only is he a “clinical” goalscoring winger, as Antonio Mango described him, but he is a fantastic ball carrier too, as the stats show.

For just £17m, this could be one of the bargains of the summer for Newcastle. It hasn’t been an easy summer so far, with the rejections they have faced, but this could be a huge turning point and key addition.

Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m "goal machine"

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ByAngus Sinclair Jun 25, 2025

Afghanistan were led by four-fors from Naveen and Rashid in a match that had a few rain interventions

S Sudarshanan25-Jun-2024

Rashid Khan and Gulbadin Naib soak in Afghanistan’s historic win•AFP/Getty Images

Jonathan Trott first kicked a bag in the dressing room. He then signaled to Afghanistan to slow the game down when rain was around. Rashid Khan had his hands on his head at various moments in the chase. Mohammad Nabi had a constant smile on his face. Dwayne Bravo wasn’t able to watch it.But the one moment that encapsulated the emotionally-charged night in Kingstown was Naveen-ul-Haq taking off after taking the final Bangladesh wicket. That sealed Afghanistan’s maiden spot in the semi-final of any men’s senior World Cup.In a match that had a start-stop nature owing to multiple rain interventions, Afghanistan – led by four-fors from Naveen and Rashid – edged out Bangladesh by a mere eight runs, and in the process, also knocked Australia out of the T20 World Cup 2024.Related

Semi-finals: India vs England, Afghanistan vs South Africa

Gulbadin Naib's apparent cramp comes under scrutiny

Both teams, along with Australia, were in contention for one semi-final spot from Group 1 of Super Eight, and the rain only added to the drama. For the best part of the last hour, a cat-and-mouse game ensued. There were moments when Bangladesh edged Afghanistan out on the DLS par score, only for the latter to come back to snatch back the advantage by picking up wickets.Litton Das, with a best of 36 before Monday in the tournament, stayed through it all, but couldn’t take Bangladesh over the line. Rashid and Co. danced their hearts out after knocking two teams with a single blow, and the celebrations are only likely to go on for longer.The drama after the second rain intervalBangladesh had to chase their original target of 116 down in 12.1 overs to pip both Australia and Afghanistan to the semi-final. Their chase was delayed by half an hour, thanks to a 20-minute downpour. A shorter game, therefore, was disadvantageous to Bangladesh.After the second rain break, though, Bangladesh sent out mixed signals. Litton attacked Naveen but Soumya Sarkar fell in a bid to do so against Rashid. Towhid Hridoy’s risks against Mohammad Nabi, which included a dropped catch, came off but he, too, holed out off Rashid. But with Litton hitting Rashid for successive fours – first over mid-off and then just past slip – Bangladesh looked on track to hunt the target down to qualify.But soon, Mahmudullah’s indecisiveness and Rishad Hossain’s adventurousness meant they slipped to 80 for 7 after 11 overs. Which is when the rainy clouds returned to continuously hover around the stadium, and constantly brought the DLS par scores into picture for the rest of the night.In the face of increasing pressure, Litton seemingly kept his calm. He has had a forgettable 2024 in T20Is, striking at under 100 and his place in the Bangladesh set-up under scanner. But he started off with intent and kept up their hopes of signing off from the T20 World Cup with a win. But it was not meant to be.Naveen’s new-ball burst bursts BangladeshFazalhaq Farooqi, Afghanistan’s weapon with the new ball, trapped Tanzid Hasan lbw with his third ball, making it his 16th wicket, which drew him equal with Wanindu Hasaranga for most wickets in a men’s T20 World Cup.Fazalhaq Farooqi and Naveen-ul-Haq got three early wickets between them•ICC/Getty ImagesNaveen’s first over was expensive, with Litton hitting him for a four and a six. Then Najmul Hossain Shanto heaved one over midwicket in his second over. But with a deep midwicket in place, Naveen once again bowled a length ball angling into Shanto, who picked out the fielder there. Naveen then got the next ball to straighten just enough to catch Shakib Al Hasan’s leading edge for a return catch and Bangladesh were 23 for 3.Afghanistan steady but slowOne of the methods that has worked for Afghanistan, and their openers, in this World Cup is a non-enterprising start. Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran stayed true to form, taking very few chances inside the powerplay as well as in the first ten overs. They finished the powerplay on 27 for 0 and at the ten-over mark were 58 for 0.It was Gurbaz and Ibrahim’s fourth fifty partnership, the most by any pair in a T20 World Cup. In the first ten overs, there were only 15 attempts of attacking shots, that too on a surface that was slowing down and was going to see dew later on.Rishad leads Bangladesh squeezeWhen Rishad was brought on in the ninth over, the wind was blowing diagonally from right to left, in the direction of his natural spin. He immediately beat Ibrahim’s outside edge, and in his second over used the bounce on offer to get the same batter’s leading edge caught at long-off.Gurbaz then took the attack to Rishad in his third over. He first slapped one over cover point to end a phase of 38 legal balls without a four, and then used the sweep for another four through backward-square-leg region. However, Rishad had the last laugh when he had Gurbaz holing out to deep cover in his last over. A couple of balls later, he also had Gulbadin Naib miscue a slice towards cover point. Naib could have gotten away if not for Sarkar, who sprinted in from the deep and dived forward almost near the 30-metre circle. And just like that, Afghanistan had ceded early advantage to slip from 59 for 0 to 89 for 4.The Rashid interventionRashid walked in at 93 for 5 with just 14 balls left. He faced ten of those, attempted attacking shots on nine of those, and finished on 19 not out. He struck three sixes, two of those in the last over bowled by Tanzim Hasan Sakib. He used good use of the willow generally, except on one occasion when he flung it towards his partner, Karim Janat. It was the last over of the innings and Rashid wanted a second run to retain strike but Janat refused it. Still, he helped Afghanistan score 22 in the last 14 balls that helped them to a total they could fight with, just as the heavens in Kingstown opened up.Afghanistan faced 66 dot balls in their innings, which was the third-most by a team with five or fewer wickets lost in men’s T20I where ball-by-ball records are available with ESPNcricinfo. But it did not come back to haunt Afghanistan, who kept a clean slate of successfully defending totals in St Vincent.

Liverpool are set to be in the market to add a new central defender to their squad after adding Jeremie Frimpong, Florian Wirtz, and Milos Kerkez to the group.

Wirtz and Frimpong have already been confirmed as new signings, both joining from Bayer Leverkusen, whilst Kerkez is reportedly on the verge of a move to Anfield.

The Premier League champions will then need to find another centre-back to compete for a place in the team, because Jarell Quansah is set to move on from Merseyside.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Bayer Leverkusen have agreed a deal worth an initial £30m to sign the England U21 international from the Reds this summer.

Quansah was the third centre-back for Arne Slot during the 2024/25 campaign, behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate, which means that the club will need to find another player to fill that slot.

Liverpool have already missed out on one centre-back they were reportedly interested in, though, as Real Madrid snapped up Dean Huijsen earlier this summer.

Why missing out on Dean Huijsen was a blow for Liverpool

It was reported in May that Liverpool were preparing to make a bid to sign the Spain international from Bournemouth, but Real Madrid swooped in to sign him for a reported fee of £50m.

Missing out on a deal for the 20-year-old defender was a blow for the Reds because he is a proven Premier League performer who could have hit the ground running at Anfield, having already showcased his quality in the division for the Cherries.

Huijsen started 26 of his 32 appearances for Bournemouth in the top-flight during the 2024/25 campaign, and his performances were impressive enough to earn a £50m transfer to the Bernabeu.

Progressive passes

4.89

Top 15%

Progressive carries

1.52

Top 9%

Interceptions

1.89

Top 4%

Blocks

1.48

Top 31%

Clearances

7.34

Top 4%

Aerial duels won

2.52

Top 23%

As you can see in the table above, the Spanish titan combined progressive play in possession with solid defensive work, as shown by how highly he ranked against his positional peers.

This further emphasises how much of a blow it was to miss out on the young centre-back, as he could have been a standout performer for Liverpool if he could carry that form over to Anfield.

The Reds could, however, land an even bigger talent than Huijsen as they are now eyeing up a very talented teenage central defender as a potential signing.

Liverpool eyeing up Ajax star

According to the Athletic, the Premier League champions are mainly interested in a deal to sign Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi to replace Quansah before the end of the summer transfer window.

However, the report claims that the Reds will only press ahead with a move for the England international if the Eagles, who won the FA Cup this season, quote a reasonable asking price for him.

Transfer Focus

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

The Athletic, therefore, adds that Liverpool are looking at alternative options to Guehi, and Ajax central defender Jorrel Hato has emerged as a target for the club.

It was previously reported by FootballTransfers that Ajax value the centre-back at a fee of around £43m, and that fellow Premier League side Arsenal are also keen on the Dutchman.

Slot should, now, push for Liverpool to secure a deal to sign Hato this summer because he is an even bigger centre-back talent than both Guehi and Huijsen.

Why Hato is a bigger talent than Guehi and Huijsen

The 19-year-old star’s progress with Ajax at an incredibly young age suggests that he has huge potential and could go on to be a top centre-back in the future.

Hato, despite not turning 20 until March 2026, has played a staggering 111 first-team matches for the Dutch giants. Huijsen, for reference, has only played 53 career games at the age of 20, whilst Guehi had played just 26 matches by the age of 19, and 71 games by the age of 20.

This suggests that the Dutch starlet is a bigger talent at his age than Huijsen and Guehi were, because he played more than twice as many games as the Spaniard and over four times as many matches as the Englishman at the same age.

Hato has also captained Ajax several times, at the ages of just 17 and 18, which suggests that he can bring leadership qualities at a very young age, just as Guehi, who is Palace’s captain, can.

Appearances

31

34

Goals

2

3

Assists

6

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.6

2.6

Dribbled past per game

0.3x

0.5x

Ground duel success rate

51%

63%

Aerial duel success rate

55%

54%

As you can see in the table above, the 19-year-old starlet also matched up well against Guehi at league level this season, despite being five years younger than the Eagles star, as he won a higher percentage of his ground duels and was dribbled past less frequently.

Hato, who was hailed as “immense” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also provides positional flexibility, as he has played 70 games or more as both a centre-back and a left-back.

Whereas Guehi has never played more than two matches away from a centre-back role, and Huijsen has never played any other position other than centre-back in his career.

This means that the Ajax titan would offer far more versatility to Slot, due to his ability to play at left-back, as well as the defensive and leadership qualities that he can offer.

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Overall, Liverpool could land an even bigger talent than Guehi and Huijsen because of what Hato has already achieved in his career at such a young age, and the quality that he can provide in the here and now.

Former Chelsea and Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho admitted he was an “inch” away from signing a player who would go on to become an “all-time great” at Arsenal.

Mourinho is already regarded as one of the best bosses there has ever been, enjoying plenty of success and winning major honours with FC Porto, Chelsea, Inter Milan, Real Madrid, Man Utd and AS Roma.

Jose Mourinho’s honours as a manager	Year won
FC Porto
Champions League	2004
UEFA Cup	2003
Liga Portugal	2003, 2004
Taça de Portugal	2003
Portuguese Super Cup	2003
Chelsea
Premier League	2005, 2006, 2015
FA Cup	2007
League Cup	2005, 2007, 2015
Community Shield	2005
Inter Milan
Champions League	2010
Serie A	2009, 2010
Coppa Italia	2010
Italian Super Cup	2008
Real Madrid
La Liga	2012
Copa del Rey	2011
Spanish Super Cup	2012
Manchester United
League Cup	2017
Community Shield	2016
AS Roma
Europa Conference League	2022

Cristiano Ronaldo even called Mourinho the best manager he has ever worked with back in 2015, saying: “I would put him at the top, I always say that. He’s a good coach, he did many good things and won many trophies for other clubs.”

During his career, the Portuguese tactician has entertained the footballing world with some brilliant quotes and touchline moments, and he has also struck gold on numerous players in the transfer market.

Jose Mourinho’s best signings in pictures

From defensive stars at Chelsea in Ashley Cole and Petr Cech to attacking icons in Samuel Eto’o and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, there have been plenty of high-profile names Mourinho has persuaded to join him down the years.

However, one of the near-misses Mourinho had in the early days of his coaching career was with Thierry Henry, who would go on to become an Arsenal icon.

9 of the best Jose Mourinho quotes

The Special One has had a way with words over the years.

By
Barney Lane

Dec 2, 2024

Mourinho and Robson nearly signed Henry for Barcelona

Now Arsenal’s record goalscorer after a memorable eight-year spell in north London, Henry was signed from Juventus in 1999.

He won two Premier League titles at Highbury and lifted the FA Cup on three occasions, going down as one of the best players the top flight has ever seen.

Juventus only had the French forward for a matter of months before selling him to the Gunners, and they signed him from AS Monaco.

It could have been so much different, though, with Mourinho revealing in 2014 that during his time as Barcelona assistant manager to Sir Bobby Robson, the Catalan giants were an “inch” away from signing Henry from Monaco.

Henry would come up against Mourinho on numerous occasions but never worked under the Portuguese boss, who called Henry “one of the all-time greats”.

How are Newcastle United going to fare next season? Around the beginning of the 2024/25 campaign, the skyrocketing ascent under Eddie Howe’s wing had been stunted by a disappointing transfer window, following failure to qualify for European football.

But United marched back into the Champions League despite the setbacks, finishing fifth in the Premier League. Moreover, Howe led his team to glory, to the Carabao Cup.

Now, the focus is on building, particularly towards a move for Anthony Elanga.

Newcastle in talks for new forward

Elanga has been the subject of a rejected £45m offer, Newcastle’s second in as many summers, and while Nottingham Forest don’t want to play ball, redoubled efforts might just seal the Sweden star’s signature.

Such a player is duly needed. Miguel Almiron’s winter flight over the pond has left Jacob Murphy somewhat isolated on the right. Elanga will add athletic quality and widen the dimensions of Howe’s frontline. So could Joao Pedro.

Transfer Focus

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

Indeed, as per GIVEMESPORT, Newcastle remain intent on signing Brighton & Hove Albion star Pedro, who is anticipated to leave the AMEX this summer.

Saying that, Tony Bloom isn’t likely to budge on his £60m valuation, the 23-year-old being one of the most talented rising stars in the Premier League, and eyed by Chelsea besides.

However, Newcastle have been engaged in productive talks with the south coasters and could move to the advanced stages soon. Previously, the Toon have been regarded as favourites for Pedro.

What Joao Pedro would bring to Newcastle

Newcastle plan to open contract talks with Alexander Isak as interest mounts in the world-class striker’s services. United’s £200m price tag, frustratingly, hasn’t dissuaded Liverpool and the like from keeping on Isak’s trail.

But the nine is not expected to be going anywhere this year, and Pedro would arrive offering competition and the prospect of a new attacking combination from his shadow or out on the left.

The Brazilian forward, who joined Brighton from Watford for around £30m two years ago, has symmetrically posted 30 goals and ten assists across 70 matches.

Centre-forward

119

34

18

Left winger

40

14

0

Attacking midfield

27

11

1

Right winger

5

0

0

Principally a central player, Pedro is swift and purposeful on the ball, endowed with some of that Seleção style too, hailed by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard for his “magical” ability on the ball.

Elanga, too, is good on the ball, but he’s also absolutely rapid – the third fastest player in the league as it happens – and he could use his pace to latch onto the technical range that Pedro expands his team’s capacity with.

The fastest & slowest players in the Premier League (2024/25)

As per FBref, the Seagulls star ranks among the top 1% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90.

He also created 11 big chances in the Premier League last year, as per Sofascore, and averaged 1.1 dribbles and just shy of five duels per game.

Over at the City Ground, Elanga has coined himself “one of the fastest players in the Premier League”, and no doubt would marry such rapidity with an increased potency in Howe’s system, having impressed with six goals and 11 assists for Forest last year.

If Newcastle can strengthen their ranks with both of these Prem-proven stars, there’s no question that Howe will have the tools to fashion even greater success next year and beyond.

Dream Pedro alternative: Newcastle advancing move for £40m "goal machine"

Newcastle plan to make a series of attacking signings this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 25, 2025

Jason Gillespie’s first tour since being named Pakistan’s Test coach will see him back in Australia as he oversees two four-day matches for the Shaheens (Pakistan A) in Darwin next month.Pakistan Shaheens will play two four-day games against Bangladesh A between July 19-22 and 26-29 with Gillespie head coach for those matches before returning to Pakistan to prepare for a two-Test series against Bangladesh.Related

• Bangladesh to play seven red-ball matches to prepare for 'grueling Test schedule'

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The Shaheens will remain in Darwin during August, playing 50-over matches against Northern Territory and Bangladesh A, before taking part in an expanded nine-team Top End T20 series for the second year running.”The opportunity to be the head coach of Pakistan’s Test side is fantastic,” Gillespie, who quit as South Australia and Adelaide Strikers coach, told a PCB podcast shortly after his appointment. “It’s an honour. I’ve been coaching for quite a while now in various roles around the world, but one thing I haven’t done is coach an international Test side. When this opportunity presented itself, I jumped at it.The Top End series, staged from August 9 to August 18, will also feature a Bangladesh High Performance side. Perth Scorchers and Adelaide Strikers will send teams while Tasmania will also feature. Academy sides from Melbourne Renegades and Stars will again take part as in previous seasons while defending champions NT Strike and the ACT Comets make up the tournament.The PCB has announced a Shaheens’ squad, with one further player and a captain to be confirmed before the tour, which features fast bowler Khurram Shahzad who made his Test debut against Australia in Perth last year before his tour was ended early by injury.”I am grateful to Northern Territory for inviting the Pakistan Shaheens for the second successive year,” PCB director of international cricket Usman Wahla said. “Last year, the players had a memorable experience and enjoyed playing and performing in excellent playing conditions, in front of enthusiastic cricket fans.”This year we have added red-ball cricket matches to give more exposure to our cricketers and I am confident the players will benefit from this tour and will return as better cricketers.”During the Test series, which Pakistan lost 3-0 but pushed Australia in Melbourne and Sydney, then team director Mohammad Hafeez said there were discussions between the PCB and CA on future touring opportunities for development teams.For the Australian domestic cricketers involved, the Top End T20 series will provide pre-season opportunity for those not in action overseas.”The competition adds another layer to what our pre-season would typically be, exposing players to tournament conditions ahead of the Australian domestic season,” Kade Harvey, Perth Scorchers’ general manager, said. “It’s also a great opportunity for some of WA’s most promising prospects to test themselves against quality opponents from Australia and Asia.”Last year the tournament featured Jake Fraser-McGurk and Will Sutherland who have since represented Australia, and in Fraser-McGurk’s case taken the T20 world by storm at the IPL.”To have two cricket powerhouses in Pakistan and Bangladesh now participating alongside half of the Big Bash League franchises is a testament to the potential of winter cricket in the Territory.” NT Cricket CEO Gavin Dovey said.Further squads for the Top End T20 series will be confirmed in the coming weeks.Pakistan Shaheens to tour Darwin Haseebullah, Hunain Shah, Kamran Ghulam, Kashif Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mehran Mumtaz, Mohammad Huraira, Mubasir Khan, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir, Umar Amin