Manchester City have reached an “agreement” over the signing of a talented former Paris Saint-Germain youngster, according to a new update from renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Man City set to miss out on key target to Spurs
It has already been a productive summer transfer window for Pep Guardiola, who will have known the importance of adding fresh blood to his squad, following a tired-looking 2024/25 season.
The likes of Rayan Ait-Nouri, Tijjani Reijnders and Rayan Cherki will add quality and youth to the team, but City have suffered a blow regarding Morgan Gibbs-White.
Nottingham Forest's MorganGibbs-Whitereacts after the match
Despite agreeing personal terms with the Nottingham Forest star, it now looks as though the Englishman is off to Tottenham, with the North Londoners triggering the £60m release clause in his contract. A move is expected to be completed in no time at all, with a medical pencilled in for Friday.
Missing out on Gibbs-White would be a setback for City, considering what an excellent season he enjoyed last time round, and it is now a case of them looking at alternative attacking options instead. Now, a fresh claim suggests a different player is now on his way to the Etihad instead.
Man City reach "agreement" and sign ex-PSG youngster
According to Romano on X, Manchester City have signed of young Paris Saint-Germain forward Mahamadou Sangare, with an “agreement” reached over a move to the Etihad after winning the race to snap him up. He has also “signed his contract” with the Sky Blues.
Sangare isn’t necessarily a player who will arrive at City and be a huge player for Guardiola from the off, with his lack of experience making him more of a long-term acquisition.
That’s not to say that he couldn’t be a fantastic signing for the Premier League giants, though, with the France Under-18 international someone with so much potential.
Sangare has scored an incredible 33 goals in just 35 appearances for PSG’s Under-19s, highlighting what an impressive emerging striker he is.
Man City agree personal terms with £60m star but he may now join Tottenham
City are making progress in their pursuit of a midfielder…
ByDominic Lund Jul 10, 2025
Planning for the future is essential for City, ensuring they remain a dominant force in English football for generations to come, and the teenage attacking ace can be a big part of their future.
Liverpool are marching their way through the summer transfer window, picking up any number of talented recruits to add to Arne Slot’s Premier League-winning squad.
With Milos Kerkez’s £40m move from Bournemouth to Anfield now sealed, sporting director Richard Hughes may well take a breather and ponder whether to target any final brush-ups so Liverpool can remain competitive at the very highest level once again.
With Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong brought over from Bayer Leverkusen, goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili arriving to replace Caoimhin Kelleher, you’d think that this might be the case.
Let’s not forget, though, the Reds have had to swallow some degree of setback, with Trent Alexander-Arnold opting against renewing his contract and instead signing for Real Madrid at the end of his contract.
Moreover, interest in Luis Diaz’s signature is rife, and FSG may have to consider signing a replacement this summer.
The latest on Luis Diaz's future
While The Athletic’s David Ornstein has stressed that Liverpool are willing to keep onto Diaz, 28, even if it means running down his contract, Barcelona and further suitors in Saudi Arabia are keen, and the latter might be willing to pay a handsome figure.
Coming off the back of his best season in a Liverpool shirt, the versatile Diaz has proved invaluable for Slot’s side, scoring 17 goals and supplying eight assists across the past campaign.
But he’s not without his flaws, and the Anfield side has lined up long-term target Anthony Gordon as a potential replacement, although he has been priced in the £75m ballpark.
Anthony Gordon for Newcastle
Gordon, to be sure, is a good winger, but Newcastle would want silly money for his sale and an exciting alternative may well have been earmarked by Hughes and co.
Liverpool enquire for Gordon alternative
As per BBC Sport’s Sami Mokbel, Liverpool are one of the clubs to have lodged an official enquiry for West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus, who is anticipated to be leaving East London this summer.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Speaking on the Latte Firm Arsenal podcast, he said: “My information is that all of the top six in the Premier League have checked in on the conditions of that deal. He’s got an £85m release clause for Premier League clubs but I think West Ham would be willing to go below that.
“They wouldn’t take masses below that but they would be open to a negotiation. There is a long-term interest there [from Arsenal] and as I understand that, there has been an enquiry from the Premier League’s top six.”
Mohammed Kudus celebrates for West Ham
The Ghanaian star struggled to find his finest form throughout a turbulent season for the Hammers, and, as such, it would not be a huge surprise to see West Ham accept a reduced fee, although the exact figure is undetermined.
While Arsenal have been reported to have had a long-standing interest in the 24-year-old, if Diaz does go, Kudus could be a great fit.
What Mohammed Kudus would bring to Liverpool
West Ham signed Kudus from Ajax for around £38m in August 2023, and he has since posted 19 goals and 13 assists from 80 matches. Despite his incredible quality, however, Kudus has suffered from second-season syndrome.
Five goals and three assists in the Premier League last season hardly denote elite-level output, but then Kudus’ skill set is an incredible thing, boasting power and movement that most wingers can only dream of.
West Ham's Mohammed Kudus
He would need to make prolific improvements next year, but then he surely would in Liverpool’s team, playing alongside Wirtz, Mohamed Salah and the rest.
Given that Gordon only scored six top-flight goals, laying on five more assists, there’s certainly no guarantee that the England international would prove the tonic for which the hole left by Diaz’s absence could be healed.
Curiously, both Kudus and Gordon dipped somewhat in 2024/25 after previously thriving in the Premier League. Both are talented and proven wingers, dynamic and versatile, explosive and electric.
Let’s have a look at their statistics across 2023/24 and how they compare when both are firing on all cylinders.
Matches (starts)
35 (34)
33 (27)
Goals
11
8
Assists
10
6
Touches*
2.3 (0.9)
2.0 (0.5)
Pass completion
82%
84%
Key passes*
1.6
0.8
Big chances created
16
5
Dribbles*
1.5
3.8
Ball recoveries*
3.6
6.4
Tackles + interceptions*
1.8
2.3
Duels
5.3
8.5
Gordon certainly has the advantage in terms of output, and he’s more refined in his underlying playmaking too.
However, Kudus’ fleet-footedness and strength have turned him into something of a duel monster, outfoxing his opponents with blistering speed and sharp shimmies to drive the ball into the danger area.
Is it any wonder journalist Gary Al-Smith has hailed him a “generational talent”? Indeed, even though he flattered to deceive at times in 2024/25, Kudus still recorded the second-highest dribble count across the Premier League term, behind only Manchester City’s Jeremy Doku.
Just imagine this kind of explosiveness in Slot’s system. Diaz, while blessed with such suitable properties, ranked only among the top 39% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for progressive carries and the top 19% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Gordon, meanwhile, ranked among the top 22% and 46% for the same metrics. What about the Irons speedster? He ranked among the top 3% for successful take-ons, and a glance up at his dribble average across his first Premier League term tells you all you need to know about his capacity as a ball carrier.
If any coach across Europe is capable of getting a tune out of the African sensation’s clinical potential, it’s Slot. Moreover, the Dutch tactician will know exactly how to best utilise Kudus’ talents on the athletic front, using them in conjunction with the creative artistry of the aforementioned Liverpool stars.
It’s a different kind of profile, more unrelenting and chaotic than Diaz’s and indeed Gordon’s.
Given the finances involved in pulling Gordon away from St. James’ Park, Liverpool might want to invest their energy into signing Kudus, especially as he is set to be available for a reduced fee.
He'd be Wirtz 2.0: Liverpool stand a "chance" of signing the "next Mbappe"
Liverpool believe they have a good chance to sign a star who would be a Florian Wirtz repeat.
Sheffield United are on the lookout for reinforcements to put themselves in a position to claim promotion and two Tottenham Hotspur stars are now said to be on their radar.
Sheffield United close to finalising Chris Wilder's replacement
Despite achieving 92 points last season, the Blades are set to relieve Chris Wilder of his duties, and the search for his replacement is firmly in the works at Bramall Lane.
Wasting no time, Sheffield United are in advanced talks with Ruben Selles, and he is expected to become the new man in charge following his spell at fellow EFL Championship outfit Hull City.
Showing his frustration at events, BBC reporter Andy Giddings believes sacking Wilder is a decision that shows ‘naivety’ in light of his respectable points tally and record across two spells in Yorkshire.
He explained: “The delay in holding these talks over his future and the time it’s taken to resolve the situation shows a lack of respect to Wilder, in my opinion, a lack of clarity at the top of the club, and a naivety in offering him a new three-year deal in January, when it was known significant changes to the club’s methods of recruitment were coming.”
With their managerial vacancy set to be filled, the Blades will now turn their attention to potential incoming after a heartbreaking playoff final loss to Sunderland.
Chris Wilder’s record in charge at Sheffield United
Matches in charge
305
Wins
140
Draws
57
Losses
108
Trophies/promotions
EFL League One title in 2016/17 EFL Championship runners-up in 2018/19
Looking to the division below, Sheffield United have reportedly made contact with Leyton Orient over Ethan Galbraith, and his versatility could offer a sense of variation for Selles, given he can feature at right-back, in midfield or on either flank.
Nevertheless, the club’s hierarchy could actually be set to raid the Premier League for two rising stars amid recent developments.
Sheffield United want to sign Tottenham Hotspur duo
According to the Sheffield Star, Sheffield United want to sign Tottenham due Ashley Phillips and Alfie Devine to help their promotion push next campaign.
Defender Phillips spent last season on loan at Stoke City and made 39 appearances across all competitions. Meanwhile, the latter racked up six strikes and a solitary assist in 32 outings in midfield for K.V.C Westerlo in Belgium.
Sheffield United want to make "excellent" free agent their first summer signing
Sheffield United are now in a race to sign a Championship striker on a free transfer.
ByBrett Worthington Jun 5, 2025
Labelled “outstanding” by former Port Vale boss Andy Crosby, Devine is highly rated within the corridors of the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and they may feel a move to Yorkshire could be advantageous regarding his development.
In the case of Phillips, it isn’t explicitly clear whether any move for him would be a loan agreement or on a permanent basis. Either way, Anel Ahmedhodzic and Jack Robinson are the only senior central defenders on the books at Bramall Lane right now, signifying a need for cover.
Chelsea’s recruitment drive has been pretty exciting over the last week, with numerous talks ongoing behind-the-scenes after they sealed a deal for Liam Delap.
Chelsea attempting to confirm more signings before Club World Cup
Delap officially signed a six-year contract at Stamford Bridge earlier this week and will don the number nine shirt, with the Blues deciding to pay his £30 million release clause.
Chelsea push to sign second ex-Man City gem after Delap amid £20m discount
The Blues could add to their ex-City contingent again.
ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025
The now-former Ipswich Town star is eligible to take part in Chelsea’s Club World Cup campaign, giving Enzo Maresca a classic out-and-out number nine to work with ahead of the potentially lucrative tournament, which could yield £97 million in prize money.
BlueCo are by no means slowing down in the market after the confirmed arrival of Delap, with Chelsea at work to strengthen numerous other areas of Maresca’s squad before the mini-window shuts on June 10.
Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea
8.08
Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town
8.05
Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa
8.04
Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton
7.83
Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town
7.55
via WhoScored
Chelsea are still reportedly pushing to sign Jamie Gittens from Borussia Dortmund, as his price tag apparently drops to around £30 million, and they’ve been in discussions with AC Milan about a deal for French international goalkeeper AC Milan.
However, despite Chelsea holding talks over Maignan, as first revealed by Fabrizio Romano, there remains a considerable gap in valuation between the clubs.
With Chelsea also reportedly in negotiations over signing Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato in their pursuit of a new centre-back, not to mention a move for Eintracht Frankfurt sensation Hugo Ekitike, it is clear that Maresca’s side are pulling no punches as they attempt to reinforce the squad.
There’s actually been an interesting update on the latter, who appears likely to leave Eintracht after just one full season in the Bundesliga.
Hugo Ekitike clear he wants to join Chelsea with "positive talks" held
According to a report by journalist Simon Phillips, via his Substack, Ekitike has communicated his desire to join Chelsea behind-the-scenes – following the 6 foot 3 striker’s excellent campaign of 22 goals and 12 assists in all competitions.
However, the move remains complicated, with price proving to be a major sticking point.
Hugo Ekitike for Frankfurt.
“More positive talks yesterday and this one has been progressing. However, as with Maignan, Chelsea are not paying their asking price. Games are being played here too,” said Phillips.
“The player wants the move and has communicated that. Frankfurt know they are selling him, so Chelsea once again are taking the tough stance here and know they are in a strong position.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
“Chelsea have mooted players to Frankfurt as a make-weight on the deal, and they are interested. I don’t know which players, but it is rumoured to be a couple from Strasbourg, so it would have to be unofficial favour for a favour ‘swap’ deals here.
“I see this one dragging on a bit to be honest because the gap in valuation is too big. But as I said, there has been positive progress on this over the last week. By the way, there is no way Chelsea should be paying £80m for Ekitike so I back this stance here, I just don’t back it for Maignan.”
Tottenham Hotspur could sign a “unique” and “exciting” forward at a bargain price this summer as his contract expires in December, with the player himself privately considering a move to north London.
Tottenham eye free agents with significant names available
The free agent market could still be a fruitful talent pool for Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy, even if they’re set for a significant financial windfall after their Champions League qualification.
Tottenham hold negotiations over signing 6 foot 5 defender in last few days
The Europa League champions are making their first moves of the transfer window.
1 ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025
Some prestigious names, and players who are also proven at the top level, are up for grabs at zero transfer cost, with the Lilywhites said to be expressing an interest in some of them ahead of their contracts expiring.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
According to some reports in France, Tottenham have held talks with the representatives of Lille star Jonathan David, with the Canada international set to become one of the biggest bargain deals of this summer after nearly five years of free-scoring for the club.
“I wanted to tell you myself that after so many years at the club, it’s time to say goodbye,” said David in an emotional goodbye post on social media.
Lille'sJonathanDavidshoots at goal
“I’ve had five wonderful seasons here. I know that it hasn’t always been easy but I hope that with my goals and celebrations, that I’ve managed to bring you some joy.”
Tottenham are also said to be one of the main contenders for Lille midfielder Angel Gomes, who will also depart Bruno Genesio’s side on a free transfer, so Levy and technical director Johan Lange could seemingly raid the Ligue 1 outfit for talent.
The England midfielder would provide Ange Postecoglou, or any new manager, with a solid technician and alternative to the likes of Yves Bissouma, Rodrigo Bentancur, Pape Sarr, Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray.
Bayern Munich star Leroy Sane is also a reported option for Tottenham, following botched new deal talks with the Bavarians.
Roony Bardghji "prepared" to join Tottenham this summer
While not a free agent this summer, but out of contract at the end of the year, FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji could still be available for a very meagre fee of around £10 million.
That is according to GiveMeSport, who also state Bardghji is privately indicating that he’s prepared to join Tottenham this summer as a viable Premier League destination.
Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic in action with FC Copenhagen's RoonyBardghji
The 19-year-old burst into the spotlight with his heroics against Man United in the Champions League, scoring a stunning winner against the Red Devils in a 4-3 group stage victory back in November 2023.
The Swede has had injury problems since then, but his reputation as a rising star has never left Bardghji’s side.
Called one of the most “exciting” talents in Europe by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Danish journalist Nicklas Degn likened his playing style to that of Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah, all the while stating he’s destined for a big move to England.
“He will go to a great Premier League club,” said Degn.
“He would suit a team that dominates the ball, like Manchester City, or Liverpool because he has very similar characteristics to Mohamed Salah.
“When Copenhagen have to come up with something brilliant or unlock a team, it is Roony they look to. He has this unique talent.”
Given his cheap price tag, this seems like a very tempting, low-risk move for Levy.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy, following the club’s historic Europa League celebrations, now has some key decisions to make ahead of the summer transfer window, discounting the obvious debate surrounding Ange Postecoglou.
Tottenham celebrate first major trophy in 17 years after Europa League triumph
Amid a dismal domestic campaign, where Spurs have recorded 21 Premier League defeats and counting, Postecoglou finally gave supporters something to smile about on Wednesday evening.
Postecoglou sack stance after Levy holds fresh Tottenham boardroom talks
The Australian is now a history-maker.
3 ByEmilio Galantini May 24, 2025
After a tense battle with Man United, the Australian and his team ended Tottenham’s 17-year wait for a piece of major silverware, with Brennan Johnson’s scrappy winning goal proving the decider on a historic night in Bilbao.
Postecoglou did wonders to transform the narrative surrounding the club’s ‘Spursy’ tag, having long suffered from a reputation of being the ‘nearly team’, and he’s given Levy something to seriously think about in terms of a potential dismissal.
Player
Rating
Guglielmo Vicario
7.7
Yves Bissouma
7.6
Cristian Romero
7.4
Bruno Fernandes
7.4
Destiny Udogie
7.2
While David Ornstein suggests that Tottenham are still leaning in the direction of sacking Postecoglou, the emotion of such a momentous occasion, and the promise of Champions League football next season, makes you wonder whether the 59-year-old should be given a third season.
Injury problems took their toll on a ravaged Spurs squad, and it would be interesting to see if Postecoglou could have better luck next term, especially after a summer transfer window boosted by their place in Europe’s most prestigious competition for 2025/26.
“As much as you try to understand what a trophy would mean to these people, seeing them out there today, is why we do what we do,” said Postecoglou in a rousing speech during their Europa League trophy parade.
“That’s the priceless bit, for this feeling. I’m super pleased that these boys could deliver. All good things come through hard work, toil, perseverance and belief. This group have that in spades, and I’m so pleased that we could crack that stone and now everyone can enjoy it.
“We had to dig deep, for sure, but what the history books will say is that we’re the Europa Cup winners, and it doesn’t say how we did it, just that we did it.”
Cristian Romero informs Daniel Levy of decision to leave Tottenham
Beyond Postecoglou’s long-term future in the dugout, Levy also has some key calls to think about when it comes to £165,000-per-week defender Cristian Romero.
He was crowned the Europa League’s Player of the Season and put in a match-winning performance against United earlier this week, proving integral to Spurs’ trophy glory, but it is believed Atlético Madrid are seriously pursuing a summer move for the Argentinian.
There are even some suggestions that Diego Simeone is personally pushing for Atletico to sign Romero, with Spanish newspaper Marca sharing another update on his future.
The outlet reports that Romero has informed Levy of his desire to leave Tottenham and join Atlético, and this stance hasn’t changed, despite their victory at the Estadio de San Mamés.
As has been the theme of this developing story, there is still a gap in valuation for the player. Spurs ideally want nearly £60 million for Romero, and will categorically refuse to go lower than £44 million. Atlético’s wish is to “significantly” lower Romero’s asking price, but Simeone’s side still need to invest a lot in his signature.
“Underrated? Cristian Romero. Top, top centre-back,” said teammate James Maddison on TikTok when asked about Spurs’ most underrated player.
“For some reason in England, I feel like he has the perception of being a hot head who gets a lot of red cards and isn’t disciplined, but it’s the opposite, he’s a World Cup winner and he’s a top player.”
Chelsea have now held talks over a deal for the “new Erling Haaland”, but a deal will not be cheap, with his current employers set to hold out for a fee of £71m, according to a report.
Blues set sights on Haaland-esque striker
Crystal Palace’s shock FA Cup final victory on Saturday ensured that Haaland is set for his first trophyless season since arriving at Manchester City, with Eberechi Eze scoring the only goal in a game that had no shortage of controversy.
The decision not to show Dean Henderson a red card for handling the ball outside the box has raised eyebrows, while there was also bemusement over the fact that Haaland opted to let Omar Marmoush take his side’s penalty, which was saved.
That said, the Norwegian’s goal record since arriving at the Etihad Stadium remains stellar, having reached the 30-goal mark in all competitions for the third season on the spin.
Season
Appearances
Goals (all competitions)
2022-23
53
52
2023-24
45
38
2024-25
42
30
As such, almost any club from across Europe would be interested in signing a striker capable of emulating the 24-year-old, and Chelsea may now have found one, with a report from Spain revealing they are locked in a thrilling battle to sign RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
The Blues are fighting it out for Sesko with Premier League rivals Liverpool, but a deal will not be cheap, with the German side set to hold out for a fee of €84m (£71m), which could be a potential stumbling block, as neither English club are willing to fork out a fee in that ballpark.
The report also states that negotiations have not been easy up to this point, which suggests that talks have already been held, but it remains to be seen whether the two parties are able to come to an agreement.
New target: Chelsea now hatch plan to sign "powerful" PSG defender for £0
The Blues are aiming to sign a Paris Saint-Germain player on a free transfer this summer.
ByDominic Lund May 18, 2025 Sesko could be the "new Erling Haaland"
Such is the 21-year-old’s potential, there have been suggestions that he could progress in a similar way to the Man City star, with scout Jacek Kulig claiming he may be the “new Erling Haaland.”
While the Slovenian is yet to be as prolific as Haaland once was in the Bundesliga, he enjoyed a solid 2024-25 campaign with Leipzig, picking up 13 goals and five assists in 33 league appearances, while also impressing in the 2023-24 season.
At the moment, Chelsea seem to be some way off striking an agreement for Sesko, but should the German side be willing to lower their asking price, there are plenty of signs he could be a fantastic long-term addition for Enzo Maresca.
Crystal Palace now want to appoint an “unbelievable” 4-2-3-1 manager should Oliver Glasner leave Selhurst Park, according to Sky Sports.
Crystal Palace stretch unbeaten run to four games with Forest draw
The Eagles looked like they were on course to make it back-to-back wins in the Premier League on Monday after going 1-0 up against Forest thanks to Eberechi Eze’s penalty. However, the away side soon got back on level terms, and that is how the game finished, meaning Palace picked up another point as they aim to finish in the top half of the Premier League.
"Dynamic" Crystal Palace teenager has at least 3 offers to leave the club
Ajax are among those in the mix to snap him up.
ByHenry Jackson May 6, 2025
Palace’s priority will be the upcoming FA Cup final, which they play in under two weeks against Manchester City. But despite not much being on the game against Forest, Glasner was pleased with his side’s performance and said the desire to win was “unbelievable”.
Glasner told BBC Match of the Day: “It was pretty even. After taking the lead, the equaliser was too quick. It was a set-play and a deflected ball. I really liked how the players wanted to win this game. I’m really pleased. The desire to win was unbelievable.
Crystal Palace manager OliverGlasnerapplauds fans after the match
“We had many situations in the 60 or 70 minutes to come from the wing, but our crosses were not good enough. We got the penalty. We found the rhythm, and we had set-plays. You always have to be aware of the transitions – but we did well. We weren’t as efficient as in other games.”
Glasner also went on to provide an update on midfielder Adam Wharton, who had to come off after suffering an injury. He said: “It doesn’t look like it’s really serious. It was more precaution.”
Sky Sports: Crystal Palace now want 4-2-3-1 manager should Glasner leave
As the Eagles prepare for their Wembley final and look ahead to the future under Glasner, Palace, and by extension chariman Steve Parish, are also preparing for the worse when it comes to the future of their manager.
According to Sky Sports German reporter Philipp Hinze, Crystal Palace are interested in appointing Danny Rohl should Glasner decide to leave the club.
Hinze reports that Rohl, who has been dubbed “unbelievable” by Josh Windass, looks set to leave Sheffield Wednesday this summer. The German has a small exit fee in his contract, and that has alerted Palace as well as Fulham, as Glasner and Marco Silva are being linked with potential exits.
Leicester City and Southampton are also interested in appointing Rohl, who likes to play a 4-2-3-1 formation as a manager, as well as teams from the Bundesliga, but it looks as though he is likely to remain in England.
Sheffield Wednesday was the 36-year-old’s first managerial job, and after guiding the club away from relegation trouble last season, he guided the Owls to a mid-table finish this time around, comfortably away from relegation trouble but not enough to be in the race for the play-offs.
Games
89
Won
34
Drawn
19
Lost
36
Points per game
1.36
Palace’s interest in Rohl comes as the Austrian has been linked heavily with a move to RB Leipzig, as they look for a new manager, while Glasner has also emerged on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar as they look for candidates to replace Ange Postecoglou.
With three matches left to play in the Premier League this season – on top of an FA Cup final in the middle of May – Manchester City still have a chance to cling onto some crumbs of pride from a sobering campaign.
Indeed, Pep Guardiola’s men are now only three points off being on the same points total as Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal in second, whilst a FA Cup final victory at Wembley versus Crystal Palace would be an impressive hat-trick of successes for the Spaniard in the esteemed competition.
Manchester City manager PepGuardiolaapplauds fans after the match
Restoring some pride now could also set City up for a Premier League title chase when the ball gets rolling for the eventual 2025/26 season, with the upcoming transfer window further giving the Citizens apt time to rebuild before going again.
Manchester City's midfield rebuild
Guardiola has already started to add new flavours to his regimented City side, seen in seven-goal hero Omar Marmoush immediately making an impression on the English game after a statement January move.
With Kevin De Bruyne exiting the building this summer, the midfield is in slight need of a revamp too, leading to City now being linked with players like Morgan Gibbs-White and now Barcelona ace Frenkie De Jong to bolster centrally.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
As per reports from Spain, the Dutchman is an in-demand figure from a whole host of Premier League outfits, with Liverpool, Man CIty and Arsenal interested in signing the 27-year-old.
It’s further stated that a £34m bid could be made by Arne Slot’s title-winning Reds to try and tempt De Jong to Anfield, but City and the Gunners are still closely monitoring the Barca star’s situation to see if they can steal his services.
Frenkie de Jong of Barcelona
If De Jong can recapture the heights of his Ajax best at the Etihad, picking up such a talent for £34m will go down as a sterling bargain, with the 27-year-old also a potential upgrade on an ageing Gundogan if everything goes swimmingly.
Why De Jong could be a Gundogan upgrade
Before delving deeper into why the Dutchman might well be an inspired pick-up, it’s only right to look back at Gundogan when he was at his unbelievable peak in England.
After all, the German veteran hasn’t just fluked his sensational tally of 62 goals and 43 assists from 351 first-team appearances, but his numbers have been on an unfortunate slide this campaign.
Only five goal contributions have come his way in the Premier League this season, with De Jong amazingly only one off his ex-Borussia Dortmund’s counterpart’s total for the campaign back in La Liga.
This is a surprise considering the Barca number 21 has had many an injury setback to endure in the Camp Nou dressing room of late, but an impressive two goals and two assists have still managed to come his way, even as a mere seven league starts have been handed to him.
Games played
75
98
Games scored
6
13
Assists
6
18
Pass accuracy *
91.6%
87.3%
Progressive carries
3.37
2.20
Progressive passes
9.56
6.19
Passes into final 3rd
9.73
5.21
Tackles won
1.08
0.64
Aerials won
1.10
0.47
However, it’s over the last few seasons where we can really see the difference between the two players. Described by former Barca boss Xavi as “one of the best midfielders in the world”, he’s notably a more progressive passer and dribbler, with that no doubt a key attribute as Guardiola aims to refresh and rebuild his midfield.
Gundogan has, of course, displayed his class in the past for his current employers, but it does feel as if he’s reaching the end of his playing days now.
Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong
Whereas, De Jong – who has amassed 42 goal contributions and counting in Spain – has plenty of room to grow and impress, especially if he’s soon supplying the likes of Marmoush and Haaland with chances galore up top.
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Glasgow Rangers are set to miss out on the Scottish Premiership title for the fourth season running, and only an Ianis Hagi equaliser against Aberdeen prevented it from having already happened.
The Gers came back from 2-0 down against the Dons to secure a point away from Ibrox, when a defeat would have seen their city rivals crowned once again.
Rangers know that they have to improve significantly to compete for the title in the 2025/26 campaign, and that means that they will have to move on from some players who have failed to show their worth, including Ross McCausland.
Why Rangers should sell Ross McCausland
The academy graduate made his first-team breakthrough last season under Philippe Clement, but he has failed to kick on and establish himself as a key figure for the Gers.
Rangers forward Ross McCausland.
McCausland, who was sent off for two yellow card offences against Aberdeen, has produced three goals and five assists in 42 appearances in the Premiership in the last two seasons.
The Northern Ireland international has as many red cards as goal contributions (one) in 13 outings in the Premiership so far this term, which illustrates his lack of impact at the top end of the pitch.
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This is why Rangers should finally move on from the 21-year-old attacker. However, he is not the only attacker who should be ruthlessly ditched by the Gers, as Oscar Cortes should also be on the chopping block.
Why Rangers should move on from Oscar Cortes
The Colombian winger is currently on loan to the club from Lens, as he has been since January of last year, but the Scottish giants have an obligation to make that deal permanent this summer.
Oscar Cortes
Rangers have to sign him permanently at the end of his loan spell, and Football Insider recently reported that those inside the club now see that as a ‘gamble’, due to his lack of success on the pitch to date.
Cortes (£6k-per-week) earns even more than McCausland (£4.7k-per-week), as per Salary Sport, and has offered even less than the Northern Irish forward in the past 18 months.
Appearances
6
8
Starts
3
4
Goals
1
0
Key passes per game
1.2
0.5
Big chances created
1
0
Assists
1
0
As you can see in the table above, the Colombian flop – who pundit Michael Stewart claimed has a “heart the size of a pea” due to his lack of desire – has rarely been available to make appearances in the Premiership, playing just 14 times in almost a season-and-a-half.
Cortes, who has dealt with several injury issues this season, was given an opportunity from the start against Aberdeen last weekend and was withdrawn at half-time after losing five of his six duels in the first 45 minutes.
Like McCausland, the 21-year-old attacker has failed to prove that he has the quality, or the availability, to be a key player for a team that wants to compete for the title in the Premiership.
This is why Rangers must immediately, and ruthlessly, move on from Cortes as soon as they officially sign him on a permanent deal, whether that means loaning him out to another team to go and attempt to play regular football, or to another team on a permanent basis.
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Rangers need reliable players who can perform week-in-week-out to put themselves in contention for the biggest trophies, which is why McCausland and Cortes should be axed this summer.