Darwin Nunez continues to trundle toward the exit door at Liverpool, leaving behind him a pre-season of preparation in red that has been rich with goals.

But the Uruguayan started only once in the Premier League after Boxing Day last season and scored just seven goals across 47 matches in all competitions. Given that he scored a brace against Brentford, the 25-year-old blanked 41 times under Arne Slot’s wing last year.

So then, Liverpool will need to sign a new striker, even having purchased Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial £69m fee.

Given that Luis Diaz was sold to Bayern Munich for £65.5m last month, you might think a new electric-paced left winger would be at the top of sporting director Richard Hughes’ agenda.

But Rio Ngumoha may well have changed that narrative.

Liverpool's latest prodigy

A star is born. Ngumoha cannot be denied now: this is an up-and-coming player with the potential to go right to the top.

But let’s park our excitement for a moment; Ngumoha is only 16 after all, and must be dripped into life on the professional circuit, not poured right in and exhausted before he has had the chance to develop his remarkable technical and athletic faculties.

Still, his goal-and-assist performance against Athletic Bilbao on Monday afternoon was quite the Anfield debut. Friendly though it was, the attacking midfielder played with such gusto and slickness on the ball, striding forward and unleashing a confident looping strike from outside the area to turn the limelight onto him.

Is it any wonder he has been described as a “special” talent by journalist Bence Bocsak, who said the teenager “has completed more dribbles (14) than any other #LFC player in pre-season.”

Slot will be keen to placate the mounting noise around his name, but you can’t help but think that Liverpool have spawned a custom-built Diaz replacement, one who might play quite the important role in the years to come.

Nguomha’s ball-carrying ability and capacity for goal contributions of all shapes and sizes suggest he could form a dangerous partnership with Ekitike over the coming years, but the same stands for another centre-forward Liverpool are interested in signing this summer.

Liverpool lining up another striker

No, it’s not Alexander Isak we’re on about here. The Newcastle United number nine is Liverpool’s dream target, but the Magpies are playing hardball and might not even find a fitting replacement.

Thus, Caught Offside have revealed that Liverpool have entered the race for Paris Saint-Germain forward Goncalo Ramos, who has fallen out of favour in Luis Enrique’s system.

PSG would hope to recoup something in the ballpark of €65m (£56m) for the Portugal international, who, aged 24, hopes to take the next step in his career and become a focal point for his side.

Though Liverpool want to sign Isak above all others, Ramos would hardly be a poor fallback, and he’s also wanted by Aston Villa, Manchester United, Juventus and Napoli.

What Goncalo Ramos would bring to Liverpool

Ramos cut his teeth in his homeland with Benfica before signing for PSG in an €80m (£70m) deal in 2023, coming off the back of a breakout World Cup campaign in Qatar 2022.

Though the Iberian forward has only scored 33 goals across 86 matches for the French giants, assisting eight goals besides, he’s rarely featured as the star man, starting ten Ligue 1 fixtures in 2024/25. Still, he scored ten times.

And the underlying data is in his favour too. As per FBref, Ramos ranked among the top 4% of forwards across Europe’s top five leagues last season for goals scored, the top 11% for assists, the top 9% for pass completion and the top 2% for touches in the attacking box per 90.

The steady rate of prolific performances across Ramos’ senior career thus far suggests that Slot could shape into one of the world’s foremost forwards, proving the perfect long-term dance partner for an up-and-coming talent like Ngumoha.

Goncalo Ramos – Career Stats so Far (all comps)

Season

Apps

Goals

Assists

24/25 – PSG

46

19

6

23/24 – PSG

40

14

2

22/23 – Benfica

47

27

8

21/22 – Benfica

46

8

4

20/21 – Benfica

12

4

–

19/20 – Benfica

1

2

–

Data via Transfermarkt

Hailed as an “outrageous” player by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ramos’ wide range of offensive instruments bespeaks his suitability in Slot’s system at Liverpool. He’s fast, powerful and nimble, suggesting he could operate across a variety of roles for a coach who has displayed a preference for forwards who are willing to be fluid in their roles.

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But if Ngumoha’s fast-developing potential has anything to say, it’s unlikely that Slot would be seeking to convert the right-footer into a left-sided forward, whose pace would be used to swerve inside, ready to strike on goal.

Furthermore, Ekitike has indeed already signed on and will bring to the Premier League a more refined and expansive game as a frontman. In any case, the Frenchman is a mean and still-improving goalscorer himself, thus apt to dovetail right into the Slot machine.

But Ramos would bring the icing on the cake, ensuring Liverpool have enough firepower to compete across multiple fronts this season, even if the concerted effort to sign Isak falls flat.

FBref record that both Isak and Ekitike are statistically comparable players to the PSG star, so he’s certainly got the right skill set.

And with Ngumoha already making waves within the Liverpool first team, there’s no reason why these two stars couldn’t strike up a mesmerising partnership in the years to come.

Related Ekitike repeat: Liverpool prepare £50m offer for "monster"; it's not Isak

Liverpool are still hoping to complete several signings before the end of the transfer window.

Posts 2 ByAngus Sinclair

Fair to say, it’s been a pretty miserable summer for Newcastle United supporters so far.

Let’s start with the positives; they have signed Anthony Elanga and Aaron Ramsdale, with the latter saving a penalty during Friday night’s pre-season friendly against Espanyol at St James’ Park.

One man who remains conspicuous by his absence is, of course, Alexander Isak, yet to feature at all during pre-season, as he pushes for a move to Liverpool.

Thus, as Eddie Howe’s team brace themselves for life without the superstar Swede, have they identified their ideal replacement?

Newcastle's search for a new striker

As has been widely reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic and many others, Newcastle found themselves in a head-to-head battle with Manchester United for striker Benjamin Šeško, with the Slovenian choosing to go to Old Trafford instead.

He is simply the latest in a long line of players Newcastle have been rather publicly and ignominiously turned down by during this window, including strikers Hugo Ekitiké, Liam Delap and João Pedro, to name but a few, so have they turned their attention to a new target?

Well, according to Graeme Bailey of TBR Football, Newcastle United have been offered the chance to sign Samu Aghehowa from Porto.

Adam Crafton and Ornstein of The Athletic add that the Magpies are ‘considering’ making a move for the 21-year-old, who is reportedly valued at around £65m by the 30-time Portuguese champions.

Transfer Focus

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

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So, could the Spaniard soon swap the Estádio do Dragão for Tyneside?

What Samu Aghehowa would bring to Newcastle

First and foremost, to avoid confusion, worth stating up front that, up until November last year, he was known as Omorodion, but requested to go by Aghehowa henceforth, his maternal surname, in honour of his mother.

On the pitch too, he’s had an interesting start to his burgeoning career.

On the opening day of the 2023/24 La Liga season, then a teenager, he marked his senior debut with a goal for Granada against Atlético Madrid during a 3-1 defeat at the Metropolitano.

Well, los Colchoneros were so impressed that they signed the unknown youngster just a few days later, paying his €6m (around £5.1m) buyout clause, although he would never actually play for Atleti.

He was immediately loaned out to Deportivo Alavés, scoring eight La Liga goals for los Blanquiazules, including netting home and away against Barcelona, which certainly caught the attention of clubs around Europe.

On the back of this, Chelsea agreed to pay £34m to secure his signature last summer, but the deal collapsed at the 11th hour due to ‘major problems… finalising’ the striker’s contract, supposedly relating to image rights.

Instead, he joined Porto for a reported fee of £12.7m, where he has taken his game to a new level.

In the last 12 months, the 21-year-old has become a full Spain international, debuting against Switzerland in Tenerife last November, before also coming off the bench during June’s Nations League semi-final victory over France.

Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout was certainly impressed by his performances in Portugal, labelling Aghehowa a “monster”, praising his “pace, physicality and aerial ability”.

Meantime, Elias Burke and Gillian Kasirye of the Athletic document how he is the ‘prototype’ of a modern-day centre-forward, given that the Spaniard is ‘tall, quick, and physically imposing’, noting that he also possesses ‘exceptional pace’ and ‘excellent off-ball positioning’ in the penalty area.

Nevertheless, the question still remains; would he be a better signing than Šeško? Let’s compare the duo to find out.

Samu Aghehowa vs Benjamin Šeško 2024/25 comparison

Statistics

Aghehowa

Šeško

Appearances

45

45

Minutes

3,400

3,258

Goals

27

21

Assists

3

6

Goals – xG

+6.6

+2.8

Shots on target %

41.2%

47.5%

Shots per 90

2.83

2.92

Big chances missed

25

18

Big chances created

7

7

Shot-creating actions

64

58

% of touches in penalty area

20.4%

10.4%

Average SofaScore rating

6.99

6.92

Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, FBref.com and SofaScore

As the table documents, in a near-identical number of minutes, the pair’s statistics are remarkably similar across the board.

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The Spaniard scored more goals and overperformed his expected goals by an impressive amount, while the fact he takes over 20% of his touches inside the opposition’s penalty area underlines his poachers’ instincts.

Worth noting that Aghehowa was playing at a slightly lower level; according to Global Football Rankings, the Primeira Liga is the seventh-strongest league in the world, four places below the Bundesliga.

Also, Porto were, and still are, stuck in the Europa League, while RB Leipzig competed in last season’s Champions League, albeit the Spaniard did score six times in nine European appearances, also netting twice during the Club World Cup back in June.

Thus, with Šeško snubbing a possible move to Tyneside, Aghehowa appears to be the next-best option on the market, so it would be smart for Newcastle to turn their attention to the Spain international.

​​​​​​​

Related Newcastle want to sign "brilliant" Wilson replacement who has 68 PL goals

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Posts BySean Markus Clifford

After taking the reins at Tottenham Hotspur, new boss Thomas Frank has already demonstrated his ability to switch his tactics based upon the opposition from game to game.

He’s already operated with a back five and a back four in various games, undoubtedly evaluating the options at his disposal for his debut campaign at the helm in North London.

However, a glaring issue has arisen in the side, with a lack of depth in the final third potentially transforming into a huge problem should no solution be found before the end of the window.

If the Dane is to be successful in the Premier League, he will need various talents at his disposal to call upon, but at present, he’s severely lacking in options in attacking areas.

After the departure of Heung-min Son and injury to James Maddison, the number ten and left-wing positions are massively depleted – with owner Daniel Levy needing to rectify such issues as soon as possible.

Spurs’ attempts to land an Eze alternative this summer

Eberechi Eze appeared to be the player to fill such roles within the Spurs side, after the hierarchy agreed a deal with Crystal Palace for the Englishman’s signature.

The player himself wanted to join Frank’s side, but despite the progress made on a deal to land the 27-year-old – he will not be making a move to join the Lilywhites this summer.

He’s since accepted an offer to join North London rivals Arsenal, subsequently ending Levy’s pursuit of the attacking midfielder – which has seen the club move onto different targets.

Some of the options have previously been on their radar at previous points of the summer window, with Manchester City star Savinho just one name remerging in their sights.

Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed in recent days that Frank’s side will return to negotiations before the end of the window, after previously failing to strike an agreement with Pep Guardiola’s men.

He also claimed that an offer of €70m (£60m) was being prepared for the Brazilian forward, who managed to notch 14 combined goals and assists in the 2024/25 campaign.

Why Spurs’ latest target would be Frank’s answer to Saka

Bukayo Saka is a player who’s constantly tormented countless backlines in the Premier League over recent seasons – with Tottenham being one of the sides unable to contain the Arsenal winger.

The 23-year-old has scored five times against the Lilywhites in his career – the most of any side he’s faced – often claiming bragging rights for Mikel Arteta’s side in the North London derby.

Such performances have undoubtedly left the Spurs faithful wishing they had a player of his quality, but talents like the Englishman would cost a pretty penny in the modern market.

To make matters worse for the Lilywhites faithful, Saka will be aided in his attempts at the Emirates by Eze – rubbing further salt into the wounds after missing out on his signature.

However, their pain may be short-lived, especially if they can land a deal for Savinho, with the City star able to make the fans forget about the failed move for the 27-year-old.

The Brazilian has been labelled as a similar player to Saka by FBref, a comparison that is understandable when delving into his underlying stats from the previous campaign.

The 21-year-old managed to outperform the Gunners star in numerous key areas, subsequently handing Frank his own version of the top-level attacker.

How Savinho & Saka compared in the PL (2024/25)

Statistics (per 90)

Savinho

Saka

Games played

29

25

Goals & assists

9

16

Shot on target accuracy

38%

33%

Progressive carries

7.1

5

Pass accuracy

81%

75%

Passes into the opposition box

2.4

1.9

Take-on success

46%

45%

Carries into final third

2.3

1.6

Carries into the opposition box

3.8

2.6

Stats via FBref

Savinho, who’s been labelled “incredible” by current boss Guardiola, posted a higher shot on target accuracy rate – able to cut inside off the right-hand side trouble the ‘keeper on a more consistent basis.

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His ability to get shots off around the 18-yard box is undoubtedly crucial, but the need for a creative presence within the current first-team squad has been evident of late.

The Brazilian could provide just that with any move to North London, bettering Saka in various areas – such as passes completed and passes into the opposition area per 90.

However, Savinho has also caused havoc to the opposition with his talent at driving the opposition – registering more carries into the penalty area per 90, whilst also achieving a higher take-on success rate.

Missing out on Eze will certainly be a bitter blow, but any disappointment could be pushed aside if the hierarchy manage to get a deal over the line for the City youngster.

If he does make the move, the 21-year-old would have all the tools to match Saka’s achievements in the capital, undoubtedly offering the needed threat Frank has been hunting for throughout the off-season.

Related Bigger talent than Eze: Spurs to make late offer to sign £60m sensation

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Posts ByEthan Lamb

With each passing season, or even each passing game, what it means to be Manchester United appears to be drifting away.

No longer a winning machine, the soul of the club has also been somewhat lost of late, amid the relentless redundancies that have been rolled out by the INEOS regime – all to help fund another collection of expensive player incomings.

On the pitch, Ruben Amorim’s persistence with his 3-4-2-1 system appears at odds with the great teams of the past, having slipped so far from the gung-ho, edge-of-your-seat style which was synonymous with Sir Alex Ferguson – and those before him.

A microcosm of the modern game, United’s most damning act has been the repeated selling of the family silver, with academy graduates the major victims in recent years.

Only last summer, the Red Devils shipped Scott McTominay off to Napoli amid the desire to bring in Manuel Ugarte in his place. One of that duo is now a Ballon d’Or nominee…

As for this summer, Alejandro Garnacho has been allowed to join the Chelsea circus, while fellow FA Cup final hero Kobbie Mainoo has been tipped to follow him out the exit door, amid his lack of regular game time.

A player whom Gary Neville suggested the club should be “building [the team] around”, Mainoo simply can’t be allowed to leave. Instead, a new addition is needed to help revive him.

Latest on Man Utd's midfield search

“Now I’m a Baleba…”

The songs had already been written; scarves were no doubt being sold. Alas, unless a drastic change occurs, United won’t be forking out the required £100m plus fee for Brighton and Hove Albion’s Carlos Baleba, despite identifying the Cameroonian as a leading target.

With the Seagulls holding firm on their desire to keep hold of their 21-year-old sensation, Amorim’s search for an athletic number eight will have to shift its focus, with the centre of the park in particular need of reinforcement, amid the continued reliance on an ageing Casemiro.

Transfer Focus

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

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With that in mind, Caught Offside have reported that United are showing an interest in signing Atletico Madrid midfielder, Conor Gallagher, with the England international seemingly in line for a return to the Premier League.

As per the report, the 25-year-old is available heading into the final days of the window, with the LaLiga outfit slapping a £45m asking price on his head. That would ensure that an offer in that region would likely be accepted.

Unsurprisingly, Amorim and co aren’t alone in their interest, as Tottenham Hotspur are said to be the club who are ‘leading the race’ right now. The Lilywhites are even said to be ready to make a bid.

Why Conor Gallagher could be perfect for Mainoo

The key crux of the issue right now for young Mainoo is that Amorim has outlined that he views the 20-year-old as a competitor, rather than a partner, for Bruno Fernandes in central midfield, thus ensuring his route to game time is severely blocked.

That said, United’s chief creator may well still be better suited to a number ten berth, thus perhaps opening the door for Mainoo to nail down the number eight role instead, having previously thrived in a deeper position during his breakout 2023/24 season.

While last term was a tale of injuries and frustration, it’s easy to forget just what a revelation the Englishman was the year prior, having kicked things off with a Man of the Match display on his first Premier League start at Everton in November 2023.

A meteoric rise over the next few months saw the then-teenager net that Wembley winner, prior to starting every knockout game during England’s surge to the Euro 2024 final – having even started the showpiece defeat to Spain.

A “generational” talent, in the view of teammate Rasmus Hojlund, Mainoo possesses that unerring ability to simply breeze past opponents, with his poise and power having even led Anthony Elanga to describe him as having “similar attributes to Paul Pogba”.

Man Utd’s most valuable graduates

Player

Value

Marcus Rashford

£42m

Scott McTominay

£42m

Kobbie Mainoo

£42m

Alejandro Garnacho

£38m

Anthony Elanga

£36m

Mason Greenwood

£34m

Alvaro Carreras

£30m

Dwight McNeil

£21m

Dean Henderson

£17m

Angel Gomes

£17m

via Transfermarkt

Pogba’s time at United is enough for a 10,000-word piece on its own, but where the Frenchman truly shone was on the international stage, partnering a certain N’Golo Kante as Les Bleus claimed World Cup glory in 2018.

Like the mercurial Pogba, Mainoo is in need of that athletic workhorse alongside him – particularly so in this 3-4-2-1 system.

Enter, Gallagher.

Previously described as being like “Kante with goals” by talkSPORT pundit Tony Cascarino – having also been likened to his ex-Chelsea colleague by Thomas Tuchel – the Atleti star would represent the perfect foil for Mainoo in the engine room.

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A pressing “monster” – as per Tom Dutton – the £45m man notably ranked in the top 4% of Champions League midfielders for interceptions per 90 last season, as per FBref, having been a relentless presence in Diego Simeone’s setup.

Also ranking in the top 1% for passes between 15 and 30 yards, the one-time Crystal Palace loanee plays a simple but effective game, ensuring he could win back possession, before picking out the likes of Mainoo ahead of him.

That’s not to say he’s simply the archetypal ‘piano carrier’, however, with Gallagher also offering a real threat in his own right in attack, having registered six goals and assists in LaLiga last term. His pass accuracy rate of 87%, as per Sofascore, is also nothing to be sniffed at.

There might be more technically proficient players on the market, but few boast such impressive physical traits, with the Cobham graduate perhaps representing the athletic solution that Amorim has been searching for all summer.

If a deal can be struck in the dying embers, it could well be just what is needed to get the best out of Mainoo again. Should Amorim fail to revive United’s golden boy, on his head be it…

Related Great news for Mainoo: Amorim's "magician" is now open to leaving Man Utd

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Posts ByAngus Sinclair

Celtic are looking to seal deals for multiple attacking reinforcements and one of their key targets is now set for a medical before finalising a move to Parkhead.

Celtic up the transfer ante with several targets being pursued

The Bhoys claimed a point against Rangers in yesterday’s forgettable first Glasgow Derby of the Scottish Premiership season, which has prompted a frantic search for reinforcements after a blunt attacking display.

Overnight, reports began to circulate that Celtic have submitted a loan offer to sign Crystal Palace winger Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who is also on the radar of Rangers, Lyon and Leicester City before the close of play.

Brendan Rodgers has made it clear that adding creativity and a clinical edge in the forward areas is needed to bolster his side once they return from the international break.

Nevertheless, he stopped short of naming names, telling BBC Sportsound (via 67 Hail Hail): “We need to improve in many aspects. And like I said, hopefully, we can bring in the players that can support us in that.

“And also that attitude to go on and play and play with no fear and play with that belief. And that all comes really when you carry that threat at the top end of the pitch.”

Related Birmingham hold talks to sign "valuable" £3m ace; waiting on "green-light"

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Kasper Dolberg would fit the brief of an exciting Celtic addition, and the Anderlecht striker remains in talks over a move to Glasgow, albeit no agreement has been struck as of yet.

Time is running out in the Bhoys’ quest to land new signings, and there could be a hectic evening ahead for supporters, given the Scottish deadline passes at 11 pm, though they may be able to welcome one of their key targets through the door before then.

Celtic agree deal to sign Sebastian Tounekti

According to Tunisian journalist Mahdi Abid via CeltsAreHere, Celtic have agreed a deal to sign Hammarby winger Sebastian Tounekti and he is now set to undergo a medical ahead of a move to the club.

Abid doesn’t mention the fee that he could end up being sold to the Glasgow giants for, though Sky Sports journalist Joseph has recently claimed on X that the Hoops have put forward a £5.2 million bid to land the Tromso-born star.

Transfer stories take many twists and turns that are worth watching out for, but if all is well, Celtic will land Tounekti before the window closes after his return of three goals and five assists in 27 appearances for the Swedish heavyweights.

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Previously, the Hammarby winger was a target for Leicester City and it is unknown what other clubs were keen on offering him a route to stardom beyond life in Stockholm.

With hours of the window remaining, Rodgers appears set to follow through on his promise of adding more quality in the final third, albeit the Bhoys face a race against time to rubber-stamp any remaining formalities.

Sir Alex Ferguson’s 26-year reign as manager of Manchester United saw him win two Champions Leagues and 13 Premier League titles, among a vast number of other trophies.

Next to the success, what Ferguson will be remembered for in years to come is the quality of players that he managed, including some of the best that the Premier League and the world have ever seen.

The list included Ballon d’Or winners like Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Owen, as well as world-regarded midfielders like Paul Scholes and Roy Keane.

However, the downside of managing such a plethora of star players is that some unsung heroes end up receiving less attention than they deserve.

Park could have been Man Utd difference in 2011 Champions League final

In an interview with Gary Neville, Ferguson was asked about some of the most underrated players he coached, and one he highlighted in particular was Park Ji-Sung. The South Korean star joined United in 2005 and won four Premier Leagues, three League Cups and one Champions League before leaving for QPR in 2012.

Ferguson’s comments related to his regret about not properly utilising Park in the 2011 Champions League final against Barcelona at Wembley.

Alongside Park, Ferguson named Brian McClaire and Ronny Jonsen as the most underrated players he managed, who were both also instrumental in numerous trophies that Ferguson won with United.

Loved by his teammates as well as the boss

Nicknamed “Three-Lung Park” by some of the Old Trafford faithful, the South Korea star made 205 appearances for Manchester United and registered 27 goals and 28 assists.

His work ethic not only earned his managers’ admiration but also his fellow teammates. Park and Patrice Evra have a close friendship, and the left-back has previously shared that he doesn’t think that Park gets enough credit and that he was a “soldier” who put in “man-of-the-match” worthy performances against Barcelona in both legs of the 2008 Champions League semi-final.

Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand have both praised Park as a team-first kind of player. Ferdinand said of Park, “you wanted him in your team,” and Rooney praised him further, saying:

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“All of us who played with Park know he was almost as important to our success. That’s because of what Park gave to the collective.”

While Park doesn’t receive the praise some of his United compatriots receive, those fans who watched him, those teammates who played with him, and most of all, Sir Alex Ferguson all know the effort and quality he brought to United during his time there.

Chelsea and BlueCo are reportedly making some transfer plans ahead of 2026 already, but for Enzo Maresca, his focus is entirely on the pitch.

Bayern Munich deal Chelsea their first defeat of the season

The Blues’ 23-man Champions League squad — which now includes summer signing Facundo Buonanotte who’s replaced the injured Dario Essugo — travelled to Bavaria to take on Bayern Munich last night in their opening game of the league phase.

Maresca could’ve hardly asked for a tougher first challenge of Chelsea’s European campaign, and Vincent Kompany’s side were on top form to deal the Blues’ their first defeat of 2025/2026.

A Trevoh Chalobah own goal and two strikes from Harry Kane — one from the penalty spot — cancelled out an excellent finish from Cole Palmer, who briefly grabbed one back from 2-0 down on the counterattack.

Palmer’s first full start after coming back from a groin injury was unfortunately marred by Chelsea’s loss at the Allianz Arena, with their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence ultimately spoiled.

That being said, the forward is adamant that Chelsea did enough to earn something from the 90.

Maresca was forced to start a centre-back pairing of Trevoh Chalobah and Tosin Adarabioyo again, who were ultimately undone by the talismanic Kane, with Chelsea believed to be in the market for a star defender once the window reopens.

Chelsea eyeing new centre-back after summer transfer failure

It is believed that Chelsea wanted to sign a centre-back in the summer window, but ultimately couldn’t find the right profile (Simon Phillips).

The Premier League’s biggest summer spenders

Team

Spent

Received

Net Spend

Liverpool

£415,000,000

£187,000,000

£228,000,000

Chelsea

£285,000,000

£288,000,000

-£3,000,000

Arsenal

£255,000,000

£9,000,000

£246,000,000

Newcastle

£250,000,000

£152,000,000

£98,000,000

Man Utd

£216,000,000

£68,000,000

£148,000,000

Nottm Forest

£205,000,000

£107,000,000

£98,000,000

Tottenham

£181,000,000

£36,000,000

£145,000,000

Sunderland

£162,000,000

£44,000,000

£118,000,000

Man City

£152,000,000

£53,000,000

£99,000,000

West Ham

£124,000,000

£55,000,000

£69,000,000

via BBC

Instead, BlueCo are expected to reserve that transfer plan for 2026, and the prospect of Chelsea bringing in a star man for the heart of their backline is very much alive for January.

Reports have suggested that Chelsea are admirers of ex-player Marc Guehi, even if his preferred destination is Liverpool (Simon Phillips), with reporter Graeme Bailey now claiming that they’re still expected to make him an offer.

Chelsea to make offer for Marc Guehi next summer

Speaking to the Chelsea Chronicle, Bailey says he is convinced that Chelsea will make an offer for Guehi, and believes that they can win the race for the ex-Cobham starlet, who left Stamford Bridge in 2021 after making two senior appearances.

In terms of potential centre-back targets, Guehi stands chief among the most appealing potential signings — both in terms of cost and quality.

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The 25-year-old is now an established England international and Premier League stalwart, branded “sensational” by Palace chairman Steve Parish, and he’s likely to be one of the most in-demand free agents of 2026.

Unfortunately for Chelsea, the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Real Madrid and Barcelona are also eyeing a move for Guehi (The Mirror), among others, so the battle for his signature will be intense.

Glasgow Rangers head coach Russell Martin is aiming to win back-to-back matches in the Scottish Premiership for the first time since arriving at Ibrox in the summer.

The Light Blues manager seems to be under constant pressure and recent performances and results have not done much to get any supporters who are not pleased with the direction of travel back onside.

The highlights above illustrate why there is a section of the fanbase that is less-than-pleased with the performances, because the manner of the goals that they conceded against Sturm Graz in the Europa League was not good enough.

Martin needed a stoppage-time winner from substitute Max Aarons to claim his first league win for the Light Blues last week against Livingston, as they were on the verge of failing to win a sixth successive Premiership game.

However, that win over Livingston does mean that the Gers can string back-to-back league wins together by coming out with all three points against Falkirk this afternoon.

What is the state of play of the Rangers squad heading into their last match before the international break?

The latest Rangers team news

Mohamed Diomande is back and available for selection after he was suspended for the 2-1 defeat to Sturm Graz because of his red card against Genk last week.

The Ivorian midfielder was an unused substitute in the 2-1 win over Livingston in the Premiership last weekend, though, so he may have to settle for a place on the bench again today.

Another player who may return to the squad is Lyall Cameron. He came back from injury to take his place on the bench against Sturm Graz after missing the win over Livingston, and could be among the substitutes for the clash this afternoon.

Three players who may miss out, though, are Kieran Dowell, who has not featured in a squad since August, Dujon Sterling, who is out with a long-term Achilles injury, and Rabbi Matondo, who has yet to make an appearance this season.

This means that Martin should have plenty of options to pick from across the park to put a team out on the pitch that is capable of delivering a performance that results in all three points coming back to Glasgow.

Starting XI for Rangers against Sturm Graz

Position

Starter

GK

Jack Butland

RB

James Tavernier

CB

John Souttar

CB

Derek Cornelius

LB

Jayden Meghoma

CM

Connor Barron

CM

Nicolas Raskin

CM

Thelo Aasgaard

RW

Oliver Antman

ST

Youssef Chermiti

LW

Djeidi Gassama

The Light Blues head coach may want to make some alterations to the starting line-up, as shown in the table above, from the 2-1 loss in Austria on Thursday night.

Martin’s side gave up three ‘big chances’ to the hosts, per Sofascore, and only created one of their own in the 90 minutes, which shows that they struggled defensively and offensively.

With this in mind, we have taken a look at some of the changes that the former Southampton boss could make to the XI for this clash with Falkirk, as Rangers look to head into the international break off the back of a win.

The Rangers changes Martin should make to face Falkirk

Starting off between the sticks, Jack Butland should keep his place in spite of an error for Sturm Graz’s opening goal. The former England international made a series of impressive saves that kept the scoreline down in Austria.

Martin may also stick with the exact same defensive line of James Tavernier, John Souttar, Derek Cornelius, and Jayden Meghoma, because there are not many suitable alternatives.

Tavernier, as captain, should keep his place. Meghoma is the only natural left-back in the squad, Cornelius is the only natural left-sided centre-back, and Nasser Djiga has not done enough in his performances this season to suggest that he can outperform Souttar.

However, the Rangers head coach may make three changes to his starting line-up further up the field in the midfield and the attack, starting with the middle of the park.

Thelo Aasgaard could finally be dropped from the starting XI after starting the last seven matches in the Premiership and the Europa League combined without delivering a single goal or assist.

His lack of contributions at the top end of the pitch should see him removed from the line-up, which could open the door for Nedim Bajrami to start in the left-sided central midfield position.

The Albania international scored against Alloa Athletic in his only start of the season in the League Cup, curling the ball into the top corner with a brilliant finish.

This suggests that the former Sassuolo star could offer more of a threat in the final third than Aasgaard has, as the summer signing from Luton is yet to score or assist a goal for the club.

Nicolas Raskin and Connor Barron could keep their places in the starting line-up in midfield next to Bajrami, but there could be two alterations to the front three.

Gassama, after scoring against Sturm Graz on Thursday, could keep his place in the starting XI, but the last game before the break could see Martin hand youngster Findlay Curtis a rare chance to impress.

The Scotland U21 international has scored three goals in all competitions this season, a return only Gassama has bettered out of the attackers, and could replace Oliver Antman to provide the Finnish winger with a rest before international duty.

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Martin’s third and final change to the starting line-up could come in the centre-forward position, after Youssef Chermiti failed to impress from the start against Sturm Graz.

Youssef Chermiti

Premiership

Europa League

Appearances

2

2

Starts

0

2

Goals

0

0

Big chances created

0

0

Assists

0

0

Ground duel success rate

14%

33%

Aerial duel success rate

0%

38%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the £8m signing from Everton has struggled in and out of possession for the Light Blues in the Premiership and the Europa League since his move in the summer.

This is why Bojan Miovski should be brought back into the XI, because the Macedonia international is a proven Premiership performer who may just need something to go his way to start hitting form.

The left-footed star, as shown in the graphic above, proved his quality in Scottish football during his time with Aberdeen, but it is now down to him to show it for the Gers.

Miovski’s only goal for Rangers to date came against Hibernian in the League Cup, whilst Chermiti is yet to score for the club, and he will be hoping to add his first league goal this afternoon.

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Predicted Rangers XI to face Falkirk: Jack Butland; James Tavernier (C), John Souttar, Derek Cornelius, Jayden Meghoma; Connor Barron, Nicolas Raskin, Nedim Bajrami; Findlay Curtis, Bojan Miovski, Djeidi Gassama

Manchester United are in the market for new talent and could look to beat Real Madrid to a signing that could revolutionise their engine room under Ruben Amorim.

Man Utd preparing for trip to Anfield

Renewed optimism is in the air at Old Trafford after a victory over Sunderland before the international break showed a degree of competence that hasn’t always been present this season.

Nevertheless, Manchester United travel to Anfield on Sunday as the Premier League gets back underway, which will be a stern test of character for a group that needs to start putting points on the board.

Delving into Amorim’s side, it is clear that midfield is one area that could be improved once the January transfer window opens. However, BBC reporter Simon Stone doesn’t believe Red Devils target Carlos Baleba will arrive at Old Trafford in January.

He explained: “No, I don’t. (believe Baleba will join Man Utd in January). Why would Brighton sell halfway through the season? It wouldn’t really make sense and unless someone leaves, who would be left out to accommodate them?

“I think Casemiro has done OK. It is more how effective Bruno Fernandes is being. I just don’t see a world where Fernandes is left out and there are too many ‘number 10s’ already.”

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While Sekou Kone continues to impress at Carrington and could be one option, there is still room for another figure to enrich the Red Devils centrally as they bid to find their way back to being one of the elite sides in English football.

Now, they could be set to compete with Real Madrid to secure a midfielder who is becoming one of Europe’s most in-demand players due to his performances.

Man Utd looking to beat Real Madrid to Adam Wharton

According to reports in Spain, Manchester United are looking to beat Real Madrid to sign Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and could offer £60 million to acquire the England international.

With uncertainty over Kobbie Mainoo and Casemiro’s future at the club, the Red Devils are willing to act swiftly to thwart the La Liga giants, who see the former Blackburn Rovers man as an ideal replacement for Toni Kroos.

Adam Wharton in 2025/26 – Premier League (Fotmob)

Chances created

11

Pass completion

155

Successful dribbles

6

Duels won

19

Interceptions

6

Capable of breaking up play and building the game in equal measure, Wharton has registered a solitary assist in ten appearances across all competitions this term, helping Crystal Palace’s early charge for European football.

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Oliver Glasner won’t want to lose his prize asset, who was dubbed “incredible” by Eberechi Eze. However, Manchester United are prepared to act before other clubs can snare their pursuit of the Three Lions star.

Bringing new blood into the squad is something Amorim will hope can reignite the Red Devils’ fortunes, albeit recruiting Wharton will be easier said than done.

Leeds United bolstered their options in the centre-forward position in the summer transfer window by swooping to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer.

The former England international was available after his Everton contract ran out at the end of June, and the Whites moved to add some Premier League experience to their squad.

Calvert-Lewin scored three goals and missed 16 ‘big chances’ in the top-flight for the Toffees in the 2024/25 campaign, per Sofascore, which means that he was a risky signing for Leeds after such a dismal year in front of goal.

So far, the English striker has scored one goal and missed four ‘big chances’ in five appearances in the Premier League for the Whites this term, which suggests that he is on course for similar struggles in the final third.

Daniel Farke will be hoping that the experienced number nine can turn his form around and start to finish the high-quality chances that will come his way.

Leeds may need a reliable and consistent Premier League striker to fire them to safety this season, which is why it remains a source of regret that the club were unable to sign Erling Haaland many years ago.

The story of how Leeds United almost signed Erling Haaland

When the Norway international, who is now a superstar at Manchester City, was 17 years old and playing for Moldes, Leeds came incredibly close to bringing him to Elland Road.

Agent Hayden Evans once revealed that he offered Haaland to Victor Orta, the sporting director of the Whites at the time, and brought the young striker and his family over to Thorp Arch.

He added: “They were in the middle of a first-team session and [Thomas] Christiansen at the time stopped the session and came over to Erling, hugged him and talked about football – that went really well – and Christiansen was impressive, frankly.”

Evans also revealed that Orta had a Leeds shirt with Haaland’s name on the back, and that the teenage forward was keen to make the move because he was a Leeds supporter at the time, having been born in the city.

However, the agent claimed that the deal broke down because Molde wanted £4m for the Norwegian talent and the Whites were unable to commit to that amount of money in the Championship, whilst Orta’s idea for Juventus to sign and then loan him to West Yorkshire did not go through either.

Since then, Haaland has scored 94 goals in 104 Premier League matches and 52 goals in 50 appearances in the Champions League in his career, per Transfermarkt, to become one of the best attackers in world football.

What Leeds would give to have a player of his quality in their bid to avoid relegation from the top-flight this season. Although, if they had signed him at the age of 17 and he progressed as he did with Molde, RB Salzburg, and Borussia Dortmund, the Whites may not have had him on their books for long.

The West Yorkshire outfit, however, produced an incredibly valuable young talent who was then compared to the brutish centre-forward from their academy in Archie Gray.

Leeds hit the jackpot with Archie Gray

Leeds hit the jackpot with the English youngster after he rose through the ranks at Thorp Arch before emerging as a key player under Farke in the 2023/24 campaign.

The Whites did not have to deal with a selling club wanting millions of pounds for Gray, as Molde did with Haaland, because he spent his entire academy career with the club, which meant that the versatile star did not cost them a penny.

He made 11 appearances for the U18s and 26 appearances for the U21s before Farke decided to make him a permanent member of the first-team squad at the age of 17, the same age that Haaland was when he came close to a move to West Yorkshire.

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Along with making a breakthrough in first-team football at a similar age, the English starlet was also compared to the Manchester City star by journalist Phil Hay.

Ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, the reporter said: “Archie Gray, he just seems to come from the genetically modified school of Erling Haaland. Every time you see him he gets taller and bigger. He looks like he’s about 25 when he’s actually 17. He’s just physically amazing and also technically very good.”

Farke clearly saw the same things that Hay saw from the teenage prospect, because the 2023/24 campaign was Gray’s breakthrough season in the first-team.

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The 17-year-old wonderkid started 40 of his 44 appearances in the Championship that term, whilst he has also started all three of the club’s play-off games, including the final against Southampton at Wembley.

23/24 Championship

Archie Gray

Appearances

44

Starts

40

Assists

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.8

Ball recoveries per game

4.5

Duel success rate

55%

Dribble success rate

57%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Gray held his own from a physical perspective, winning 55% of his duels, which backs up Hay’s comments about his physique.

The Whites hit the jackpot with the England U21 international, who came through their academy system, because Farke was willing to put his faith in the youngster to start week-in-week-out at right-back as a 17 and 18-year-old.

As a result of the platform that the manager provided him with, Gray’s performances in the Championship at such a young age led to him sealing a big-money move away from Elland Road in the summer of 2024.

Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur swooped in to sign the English youngster for a fee of £30m, which meant that Leeds made a £30m profit on a player they did not have to pay a fee to sign at academy level.

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Therefore, the Whites struck gold with Gray because they developed a £30m talent from their academy system in an era where homegrown players can sometimes have their pathways blocked by expensive signings from other clubs.