All posts by n8rngtd.top

Already closing in on Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now reportedly very keen to sign an upgrade on Casemiro in the form of a £35m midfield star this summer.

Man Utd submit fresh Mbeumo bid

It hasn’t been the easiest deal to negotiate and the winger is yet to sign on the dotted line, but Manchester United’s latest bid to sign Mbeumo could yet prove to be successful at long last. The Red Devils have reportedly offered Brentford over £60m to sign their talented star who looks destined to become the second summer arrival at Old Trafford sooner rather than later.

Mbeumo’s arrival would take United’s spending to over £160m for the summer despite missing out on European football and often watching on as INEOS implemented several money-saving plans.

Success on the pitch has been given the priority no matter what, however, and the pressure will now be on Ruben Amorim to get the best out of his side next season.

What’s more, it seems unlikely at this stage that it will just be Cunha and Mbeumo who arrive. The likes of Emiliano Martinez have threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks as Aston Villa attempt to comply with PSR rules, as has Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike.

Their own Osimhen: Man Utd start talks to sign one of Europe's "best STs"

Manchester United appear to be making strides in a deal to land a new striker for Ruben Amorim.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 25, 2025

Both arrivals would again offer Amorim much-needed upgrades on Andre Onana and Rasmus Hojlund, who has been linked with a move to Inter Milan in recent weeks.

Before Martinez and Ekitike enter Old Trafford, though, United may turn their focus towards a talented defensive midfielder worth just £34m this summer.

Man Utd very keen to sign Jashari

According to HLN, as relayed by Get Belgian & Dutch Football News, Manchester United are now very keen to sign Ardon Jashari from Club Brugge and, unlike others, are not put off by his €40m (£34m) price tag.

The Red Devils would be signing a player who was just voted the best player in Belgium – winning the Player of the Season award in the Belgium Pro League – and one who would be an instant upgrade on the ageing Casemiro.

Dubbed “impressive” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Jashari certainly isn’t short on suitors this summer but it’s a race that Manchester United could have the financial power to win once again.

If the 22-year-old was the follow Cunha and Mbeumo through the Old Trafford doors then Amorim would instantly have three very impressive signings to work with this summer.

Arsenal supporters are desperate to see new faces come through the door this summer and Fabrizio Romano has delivered an update on their latest pursuit.

Arsenal look to find title-winning formula in transfer window

The Gunners have plenty to be optimistic about heading into the new season as they finally look to claim the Premier League title for the first time in over 20 years.

However, Sporting Clube de Portugal president Frederico Varandas has hit out at Arsenal and Manchester United regarding the bidding process for star striker Viktor Gyokeres, making his feelings clear on the way negotiations will be handled.

He stated: “I see the agent in the press releasing information. I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word. Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.

“Now, blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10. As of today, Sporting has not received any proposal for Gyokeres.”

Of course, Gyokeres isn’t the only target Mikel Arteta has identified to bring to North London; the Gunners’ pursuit of RB Leipzig forward Benjamin Sesko is still very much on the agenda.

Arsenal set to bid for £40m star who has heart set on move to Emirates

The Gunners could land a long-term target…

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Jun 16, 2025

Real Madrid star Rodrygo is also being pursued by the Gunners, albeit bringing the Brazilian to the club would be a tall order in light of the financial details needed to make that happen.

The La Liga giants have been a happy hunting ground for Arsenal in the past. Nevertheless, Arteta may need to concede defeat for another target following recent reports.

Romano: Arsenal target Brahim Diaz set to pen new Real Madrid terms

Recently, reports in Spain suggested that Arsenal were willing to offer roughly £42.6 million to sign Brahim Diaz from Real Madrid having made an approach to tempt the Morocco international to the English capital.

However, despite being seen as a cheaper alternative to Rodrygo, Romano has now confirmed that he is set to sign a new deal at the Santiago Bernabéu, quashing any rumours of a switch to North London.

Diaz has already said ‘yes’ to new terms in Madrid, and finding an agreement is set to be nothing more than a formality, which may leave one or two Gunners fans feeling frustrated.

The man himself registered six goals and seven assists in 52 appearances across all competitions last term and is now involved with Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, so it may have taken Arsenal a while to get their hands on him anyway.

Manchester United’s need for reinforcements is there for all to see after the club registered a 15th-place finish in the Premier League during the 2024/25 campaign.

Ruben Amorim was unable to work his magic with the current crop of players at his disposal after taking the reins from Erik ten Hag back in November.

However, this summer presents the 40-year-old with a major opportunity to make the changes he desires to try and push the club back up the standings next time around.

He’s already completed the signing of Matheus Cunha from Wolverhampton Wanderers, whilst releasing Jonny Evans, Christian Eriksen and Victor Lindelof to help free up funds on the wage bill.

It’s likely that numerous players will also be sacrificed to help try and raise additional money to use in the market, with numerous players already linked with a move from Old Trafford.

The latest on players who could leave United this summer

Over the last couple of days, winger Alejandro Garnacho has been a man in demand after it was confirmed that the Argentine would be allowed to depart the Red Devils this summer.

The 20-year-old registered 11 goals and 10 assists across all competitions, but attitude issues have led to links with fellow Premier League outfits Chelsea and Arsenal, with Bayer Leverkusen also interested.

However, he may not be alone in leaving the club this summer, with Joshua Zirkzee another talent who could be sacrificed, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport.

They claim that they are willing to offer the Dutch international in a deal to land Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen this summer, less than 12 months after his £34m move from Serie A side Bologna.

It also confirms that the board have been disappointed by his lack of impact this season, netting just seven times in his 49 appearances across all competitions – an average of one goal every seven games.

Why United’s £105k-p/w star could be the next McTominay

Scottish international Scott McTominay left United last summer in a switch to join Napoli for just £25m, bringing his 22-year spell at Old Trafford to a disappointing end.

He registered over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, but was offloaded to raise funds for the rebuild under former boss Ten Hag – similar to the situation which Amorim faces this summer.

However, his switch across Europe has been a blessing in disguise, registering 13 goals and four assists, subsequently playing a pivotal role in Antonio Conte’s side’s ability to claim the league title in 2024/25.

Such form and achievements saw the 28-year-old named the Serie A’s Most Valuable Player for last campaign – further indicating how much of an error the club made in allowing him to depart Old Trafford.

However, the hierarchy must bear such a transfer in mind this summer with Zirkzee, potentially seeing another repeat of McTominay’s success unfold right in front of their very eyes.

The 24-year-old has certainly failed to live up to the hype, as seen by his measly goalscoring tally, but his underlying figures prove there is a player in there, needing to be given more time to thrive in England.

Zirkzee, who earns £105k-per-week in Manchester, has registered 39% of his efforts on target, with an xG of 4.83 – meaning he’s been unlucky not to score more than he has throughout his debut year in the Premier League.

He’s also completed 1.9 successful dribbles per 90, whilst also winning 1.5 aerial battles per 90 – having the all-round skillset to hand Amorim with an impressive option in 2025/26.

The former Bayern Munich star has also operated in the number 10 role at times this season, having the versatility to thrive in numerous positions, something which could be crucial given the options already moving to Old Trafford in the near future.

It would be a harsh decision to allow the forward to depart the club this window, needing to hand him another 12 months at least to demonstrate the talent he possesses.

Given the success of former United players in Italy, it would be no surprise to see Zirkzee follow in McTominay’s footsteps should he depart, with their loss potentially being someone else’s gain next campaign.

Amorim's answer to Cherki: Man Utd to make huge bid for "phenomenal" star

Manchester United could be about to land a star who could be their Rayan Cherki.

By
Ethan Lamb

Jun 10, 2025

New Rangers manager Russell Martin is willing to sell a “brilliant” player in the summer transfer window, according to a new transfer update.

Martin eyeing first signings as Rangers boss

The Martin era at Ibrox is officially underway, with the former Southampton boss hoping to bring plenty of success back to the club, having had to watch rivals Celtic dominate the Scottish Premiership over the past decade or so.

The 39-year-old is clearly extremely excited to get started, admitting as much soon after his confirmation as Rangers’ next manager: “It’s an incredible feeling. I’m really grateful to the board, to Patrick (Stewart), to Kevin (Thelwell), for their faith in me. It’s been a tough and rigorous process and it’s taken some time, but that’s what you expect when you want to be manager of a club of this stature, size and expectation. I’m desperate to get started and I’m excited about what’s to come.”

It’s now a case of Martin being backed in the transfer market, with the Englishman signing players who he sees as ideal for him, and Southampton midfielder Flynn Downes could reportedly be his first addition. He knows the player well from his spell in charge of Saints, and he could add quality in possession, having completed 90.8% of his passes in the Premier League in 2024/25.

That said, some current Gers players could depart before next season gets underway, and a key update has dropped regarding one individual.

Martin could sell McCauslandAccording toThe Daily Record,Ross McCausland's Rangers future is up in the airbecause Martin is considering listening to offers for him.It is stated that Championship side Cardiff City are the latest club to show an interest in signing him this summer, with the 22-year-old preferring to stay put at Ibrox.

It’s ruthless from Martin, should he dispatch of McCausland in the summer window, considering the Northern Irishman is a talented young player who has been lauded by Lee McCulloch in the past.

“McCausland was absolutely brilliant. Bubbly, has pace, technical first touch. Tremendous. Playing in this cauldron, given the magnitude of this game, he looked full of confidence. I think the fans really took to him. He really gave the stadium a lift.”

However, McCausland was limited to only four starts in the Scottish Premiership last season, suggesting he isn’t seen as a key man moving forward, so the club do have a big decision to make this summer.

The new Lundstram: Martin wants to make £18m star his first Rangers signing

As Russell Martin starts his overhaul of Rangers’ squad, could he sign a “class” midfielder in a deal reminiscent of John Lundstram’s move to Ibrox?

By
Ben Gray

Jun 8, 2025

He only has two years remaining on his current deal, so time is running out before his price tag starts to drop, and if Martin feels like he is an expendable figure, moving him on now makes the most sense.

Barcelona’s treble-winning 2008-09 team is often considered the greatest club side of all time, as they won La Liga, the Copa del Rey and the UEFA Champions League.

The best football team of all time

Spain dominated football between 2008 and 2012. The Spanish national side achieved a historic three-peat of consecutive major international tournaments, being crowed European Champions in 2008 and 2012, either side of their success at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Legendary players like Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Sergio Busquets, Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique weren’t satisifed with only international success however. Barcelona won four La Liga titles in a five-year period between 2008 and 2013, while also wining the Champions League twice, in 2009 and 2011.

Barcelona's 2008-09 team in pictures

Central to both teams’ greatness was the iconic midfield trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Busquets, which formed the model for how managers across the globe tried to build their midfields for years to come.

The elegance and playmaking of Iniesta combined with Xavi’s control and tempo along with the security of Busquets, who was simulataneously suave and destructive, seemed virtually impossible to beat or replicate.

One of the only teams who gave Barca a run for their money during the late 2000’s was Manchester United, led by one of the greatest managers of all time in Sir Alex Ferguson.

The Red Devils had won the Champions League title in the 2007-08 season, beating Chelsea in the final on penalties, and made their way to the last two again the following year, only to fall 2-0 to goals from Messi and Samuel Eto’o.

United’s famous ‘class of 92’ were coming to the end of their period of dominance, and one of their greatest ever players, then 34 year-old Paul Scholes, was only able to play the final 15 minutes of the final as a substitute. That may have been a big let off for the Spanish giants, as Xavi once claimed Scholes was the best and most complete midfielder he has ever seen.

Xavi: Scholes was the best midfielder in the world

Speaking in 2011, Xavi heaped praise on Scholes, revealing the England international was on a par with the iconic Spain and Barcelona trio.

Scholes won 11 Premier League titles with Manchester United, and is widely regarded to be one of the best midfielders in Premier League history.

20 Best Midfielders in Premier League History Ranked

Where does Man City icon Kevin De Bruyne rank?

By
Charlie Smith

May 8, 2025

Many have argued over the talent in midfield of England’s ‘golden generation’, with Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Chelsea goal machine Frank Lampard often put on a pedestal alongside Scholes. One thing is for sure though, there is only one of them who Xavi wanted alongside him in Catalonia.

Burnley are now showing interest in signing a “superb” £10m defender, who is keen on a move to the Premier League in the summer, according to a report.

Clarets set to strengthen after promotion

The Clarets have made Championship history this season, becoming the first-ever side to reach the 100-point mark twice, sealing a return to the Premier League at the first attempt in the process.

The highest points tallies in Championship history

Leeds and Burnley recently made second-tier history.

By
Charlie Smith

May 17, 2025

Scott Parker will, of course, be delighted to have sealed promotion to the top flight, but the 44-year-old will be well-aware that his most difficult task awaits, having been sacked by AFC Bournemouth in August 2022 following a 9-0 battering against Liverpool.

Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton being relegated this season also proved that it has not gotten any easier to avoid the drop after going up from the Championship, so Parker will need to improve his squad this summer.

Despite maintaining a stellar defensive record last term, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now told the Boot Room that Burnley are looking to upgrade their defence in the upcoming window, having joined the race for Union Berlin right-back Josip Juranovic.

Juranovic, who joined Union Berlin from Celtic for £10m in 2023, is attracting the attention of several English clubs, with Fulham, West Ham United and Leeds United also in the frame, and he would be keen on a move to the Premier League.

As such, the Clarets should stand a good chance of signing the versatile defender, who is of great appeal to the interested clubs due to his versatility, having proven himself at left-back for Union Berlin during the 2024-25 campaign.

"Superb" Juranovic has proven himself at the top level

The former Celtic man may be yet to prove himself in the Premier League, but he has 11 Champions League appearances to his name, while also catching the eye with some impressive performances for his country at the 2022 World Cup.

Indeed, the Croatian received high praise from Jurgen Klinsmann during the quarter-final against Brazil, with the former Tottenham Hotspur man saying: “He is basically telling Vinicius Jnr, ‘I’m in charge, I’m the boss here.”

Alex Scott also hailed the defender for a “quality” first-half display, and Croatia went on to win the game on penalties, following a number of important defensive contributions from the now Union Berlin man.

The Croatia international, who has been lauded as “superb” by former teammate Joe Hart, has since gone on to establish himself as an important player for Union Berlin when fit, making 62 appearances for the German side.

The only concern over the signing of Juranovic is likely to be his injury record, having been limited to just 17 Bundesliga appearances last season due to a number of setbacks, but his experience at the top level means he could still be a solid signing for Burnley.

Arsenal have now seemingly held some initial talks over signing a Real Madrid star, with sporting director Andrea Berta looking to the Bernabeu for potential reinforcements this summer.

Arsenal set for busy first summer window under Berta

According to reliable media sources, like Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have already reached an agreement with Martin Zubimendi to become Berta’s first major signing of the next transfer window, following months of reported negotiations.

Arsenal's most expensive signings of all time

The Gunners have spent generously in recent years.

By
Charlie Smith

Sep 5, 2025

The Gunners are expected to trigger Zubimendi’s £51 million release clause and seal their replacement for exit-bound Jorginho nice and early, with Berta making a fire-start to his tenure as sporting director.

The 26-year-old’s arrival in north London, as per Ben Jacobs, could even be confirmed by the end of this month, even if there is still an err of caution at the Emirates Stadium.

“Zubimendi, I’m told it is pretty much agreed in principle. I’d be surprised if May ends, and we don’t hear that Zubimendi is an Arsenal player,” said Jacobs.

“Internally at Arsenal, they basically think that one is done. The caution around letting that slip is because Liverpool thought it was done as well.

“Until it’s signed, Arsenal are super cautious, but in terms of contract length, terms, payment around the clause and triggering the clause, all of that Arsenal feel is there and ready to go. It’s a case of saying, ‘OK, let’s get this signed.’ I think we have a very high percentage chance of, in the next few weeks, Zubimendi being confirmed as an Arsenal player.”

After Zubimendi, it is believed Arsenal are looking at signing a second-choice keeper, full-back, right-winger, left-winger and new striker (GiveMeSport), with Mikel Arteta’s side also among the many contenders for Bournemouth defender Dean Huijsen’s signature.

Arsenal are said to have already made a formal offer to Huijsen, according to some reports from Spain (Cadena SER), as they look to get ahead of Real Madrid and tempt the 20-year-old with an alternative home in the Premier League.

Arsenal make contact over signing Real Madrid striker Rodrygo

According to Diario AS journalist Eduardo Burgos, £202,000-per-week Real Madrid forward Rodrygo is also in their thinking when it comes to attacking reinforcements.

Berta is widely tipped to sign a new striker when the window reopens, with Arsenal having some contact over signing Rodrygo and are among the sides most interested in his services.

The versatile Brazilian, who’s played on the right-wing, left-wing and as a striker under Carlo Ancelotti this season, has 13 goals and 10 assists to his name from 50 appearances in all competitions – so he’d likely cost a marquee fee if Real even entertain the notion of him leaving.

“He is a special striker, he can play in all positions,” said Ancelotti about the 24-year-old. “He is fast, smart and effective one on one. The learning is over. He is a Real Madrid player for all purposes.”

Today, Liverpool fans, may well be the day Anfield erupts as Arne Slot’s brilliant squad of brilliant players clinch the Premier League title.

It’s in Liverpool’s hands. This afternoon, the Reds must simply avoid defeat against Tottenham Hotspur to put the trophy out of Arsenal’s reach and officially end four years of Manchester City dominance, tying Merseyside red ribbons onto the cup for a record-equalling 20th time.

Liverpool have consumately steered their way through the 2024/25 campaign, Slot’s first in the dugout, with such balance and equipoise, such quality oozing across every corner of the pitch.

It’s been a long time since Liverpool started a Premier League matchweek below the division’s summit – it was the term’s ninth round of fixtures, in fact, before City stumbled.

Spurs and Liverpool have played out some memorable matches at Anfield in recent years, but this could be the pick of the bunch, should the hosts hold their nerve and professionally get the job done.

Slot and his coterie have managed to keep Liverpool treading above the water on the injury front this season, and there aren’t too many setbacks to disrupt this potentially watershed occasion.

The latest Liverpool team news

Joe Gomez is set to miss out once again as he continues his recovery from injury. The versatile defender is, however, expected to feature before the end of the season.

Trent Alexander-Arnold scored an emphatic off-the-bench winner at Leicester City, but Conor Bradley may well reprise his place at right-back.

Tyler Morton is still out, bogged down by an ongoing shoulder issue. It’s unlikely the young midfielder would have featured anyway.

Fringe stars such as Harvey Elliott and Federico Chiesa will be hoping for minutes, but with Liverpool in need of a professional performance to clinch the title, Slot isn’t likely to make drastic changes.

However, the Dutchman might make one or two tweaks, with Dominik Szoboszlai in line to be dropped from his position standing proud of the central midfield.

Why Slot should drop Dominik Szoboszlai

Szoboszlai has been a regular feature throughout Slot’s first season at the helm, starting 25 times in the Premier League. He ebbed and flowed last year under Jurgen Klopp, but looks more focused and confident in his football.

However, Szoboszlai still hasn’t mastered the art of scoring, of creating goals for his teammates. Across 89 total Liverpool appearances, the Hungarian has only scored 14 times and supplied 11 assists.

Having now gone five Premier League games without notching a goal contribution, the 24-year-old should be dropped; Szoboszlai brings a load of energy and tenacity to Liverpool’s first team, but pundit Jamie Carragher has recently remarked that the Reds “can improve” in attacking midfield, citing the minimal output as a potential issue going forward.

While he’s not a dramatic upgrade from a prolific standpoint, the hosts might want to consider unleashing Curtis Jones from the outset against Ange Postecoglou’s struggling side, with the England international’s

Jones, also 24, has been hailed for his “special” qualities and “complete” approach by Slot, having played an important role this season as he threads things together in the centre while adding a dimension on the edge of the danger area, driving even further forward when he can.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 7% of central midfielders across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements, the top 2% for pass completion, the top 5% for touches in the attacking penalty area, and the top 20% for successful take-ons per 90.

This is quite the array of strengths across the sweep of the midfield game, certainly highlighting Jones’ ability to influence a match.

With three goals and seven assists across 41 matches in all competitions this year (just 24 starts), Jones’ ball-playing ability clearly lends itself to a playmaking strength that could spark Mohamed Salah and co back into goalscoring action.

It’s no wonder he’s earned his keep in the Three Lions set-up, impressing on the international stage too.

Not only is Jones crisp in possession, incredibly completing 94% of his passes in the Premier League this season, but he’s also proven himself to be a highly efficient ball carrier, succeeding with 67% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

Getting at this shaky Spurs defence will be crucial later this afternoon, for Liverpool’s frontline haven’t been in the sharpest form as a collective, and they will need support from behind.

Jones has also shown his passion, his devotion, toward Liverpool’s cause, and that is a factor which is bound to come into play against the Lilywhites, with the boyhood star certain to be desperate for a standout performance in a match which could close the title-challenging chapter and indeed send Liverpool back to the top of the English pyramid.

That’s not to say Szoboszlai wouldn’t bring his own brand of burning intensity to the contest, but it may be that Jones is the best option to play alongside Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch in this one, freshening things up ahead of what might just prove to be a momentous day for Liverpool.

Liverpool want world's "best player" in £77m deal who'd be Slot’s own Mane

Liverpool are planning to strengthen Arne Slot’s frontline in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 25, 2025

Newcastle United are planning talks with a “scary” attacking player ahead of a potential move to St James’ Park this summer, according to a new update.

Newcastle plan transfers in line with Champions League push

The Magpies picked up three more important points in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, easing to a relatively straightforward 3-0 win at home to Ipswich Town despite a slow start to the match.

While Newcastle’s season hasn’t always been perfect, winning the EFL Cup was a huge moment in the club’s long history, and qualifying for the Champions League would be another significant achievement for Eddie Howe and his players.

The Magpies sit third in the Premier League table with four matches remaining, and while Nottingham Forest will overtake them if they win their game in hand this week, they are still in a wonderful position to finish in the top five.

Newcastle’s remaining matches are taxing, however, with a crucial home clash with Chelsea on the horizon, as well as trips to both Brighton and Arsenal, so there is still plenty of work to do in the coming weeks. Being in the Champions League will help them attract top names to the club, and one such player has been mentioned as a summer target.

Newcastle planning talks to sign "scary" attacker

According to Caught Offside, Newcastle and Paul Mitchell plan to hold talks with Ademola Lookman over a move to the club, as they look to entice the Nigerian away from Serie A side Atalanta.

The 27-year-old has plenty of potential suitors, however, with new Premier League champions Liverpool mentioned as an option, and Chelsea, Manchester United and Arsenal all in the mix, too. While Juventus also get a mention, they are unlikely to be able to afford the £55m being demanded for his signature.

Lookman could be a brilliant signing for Newcastle ahead of next season, hopefully coming in as competition for Alexander Isak, rather than a replacement for him, The former Everton man has scored 50 times for Atalanta, including 18 goals this season, and the best moment of his career to date was a memorable hat-trick in last season’s Europa League final against Bayer Leverkusen.

Lookman has been described as “scary in tight spaces” by Tuttosport, while Gian Piero Gasperini has hailed him as “truly extraordinary” and “among the best” there is in the world currently. Indeed, he has been somewhat of a late bloomer, going from failed Everton flop to emerging as a truly top player in Europe now at the age of 27.

Attacking reinforcements are a must for Newcastle in the summer, with more firepower required after arguably too much pressure on Isak’s shoulders this season, and the Atalanta ace could be a perfect addition, given he would also provide depth on both wings.

Romano: Newcastle "keen on signing" £70m "tank" with same agent as Gordon

They’ve wanted him for ages.

By
Barney Lane

Apr 27, 2025

The Nigeria international has Premier League experience, making 96 appearances in the competition, and he is at a great age to come in and be a star man for the Magpies straight away.

A player who has been really important for Rangers this season could now be tempted to leave Ibrox in the summer and join Besiktas, according to a new report.

Rangers announce new sporting director

Wednesday was a busy day for the Gers, as they confirmed a deal that they hope can help transform them on and off the pitch, as they look to close the gap on arch-rivals Celtic. Rangers are in the middle of trying to find a new manager, but before that appointment is made, they have announced that Kevin Thelwell is joining as their new sporting director.

Rangers in talks over new deal for "wonderful" ace and now think he'll sign

Rangers chiefs have now made a move to keep hold of one of their promising players.

By
Brett Worthington

Apr 24, 2025

The 51-year-old will join Rangers once his contract with Premier League side Everton expires at the end of the season. The Gers stated that finding a new sporting director was made a priority in their football review, and Thelwell has stated that it is a “huge honour” for him to join the club.

“This is a huge honour for me to be joining a club with the size, stature and expectations of Rangers. From the first conversations, it was clear to me how ambitious the club is, and I’m excited to play a part in shaping its next chapter.

“I know how much Rangers means to so many people, and that brings both responsibility and motivation. Rangers needs to win. That’s the bottom line. There’s a strong foundation already in place, and I look forward to working closely with the teams across the men’s, women’s and academy programmes to build something that delivers consistently.

“Of course, there’s important work ahead, especially in the men’s first-team structure, but we’ll approach it with energy and purpose. While change takes time, I’m confident that we can make real progress. I can’t wait to get started.”

Rangers star could be tempted to leave Ibrox and join Besiktas

Thelwell is not yet through the door at Ibrox, but he already has a lot of work ahead of him, as according to Turkish outlet A spor, via Inside Futbol, Besiktas have added Rangers’ Vaclav Cerny to their list of targets ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

The report states that Cerny has emerged onto Besiktas’ radar after impressing for the Gers, especially in the Europa League this season. Former Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is in charge of the Turkish outfit, and the club’s board are keen to back him with signings over the summer.

The 27-year-old joined the Scottish side on a season-long loan deal from German side Wolfsburg in the summer, and as part of that deal, Rangers do have the option to make the deal into a permanent switch. It is unclear how much he will cost, but given he has scored 11 goals in 28 league games, it is a deal that Rangers are likely going to want to proceed with.

However, it does state that Cerny could be convinced to join Besiktas, and if the Turkish outfit manage to secure European football for next season, it could strengthen their bid to sign the Czech Republic international.