All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Journalist drops key Derby takeover update

Reliable journalist Steve Nicholson has dropped an update regarding a mystery local businessman’s potential role in the takeover of Derby County.

The Lowdown: Takeover saga ongoing

The future of the Rams remains up in the air, following relegation from the Championship and constant rumours swirling regarding the club’s future ownership.

A recent update suggested that American businessman Chris Kirchner’s potential acquisition of Derby had hit roadblocks, with issues surrounding the purchase of Pride Park.

Now, another key update has emerged regarding a possible takeover, with a ‘behind the scenes’ bidder potentially about to smooth things over when it comes to purchasing the stadium.

The Latest: Journalist makes fresh claim

Speaking in a Q&A with The Derby Telegraph, Nicholson claimed that a mystery individual is ‘working hard behind the scenes’ to resolve the roadblock:

“He does not want his name in the public domain at present, I am told, and that has to be respected. He and others are working hard behind the scenes, I understand.”

The Verdict: Divisive potential owner

The idea of a local success story being involved in the takeover at Derby is something that could appeal greatly to supporters, rather than handing the reins completely over to a foreign entity.

Someone like Mike Ashley could be a more unpopular owner, for example, with many Newcastle fans thinking he never invested enough money or was the right fit in general during his time at St James’ Park.

The Rams are admittedly in a position where beggars can’t necessarily be choosers – frankly, any takeover would feel welcome during a precarious time for the club – but it could be that a local influence is the best solution.

In other news, Wayne Rooney is facing a battle to keep one Derby player. Find out who it is here.

West Brom: Reach stars in season finale

West Bromwich Albion concluded what has been a thoroughly disappointing Championship campaign with an emphatic 4-0 victory over already-relegated Barnsley at The Hawthorns this afternoon.

A Karlan Grant penalty kicked off proceedings and Adam Reach doubled the Baggies’ lead before half-time, with a second-half effort from Matt Clarke and top-scorer Grant’s 18th goal of the campaign completing the rout.

The victory secured a 10th-placed finish for Steve Bruce’s side, having been relegated from the Premier League last year. However, it is the West Midlands side’s lowest league placing for more than two decades.

It was an excellent way to close out a poor season, with Reach’s heroics particularly pleasing for Albion supporters.

Reach stole the show

The Englishman’s first season at The Hawthorns has mirrored West Brom’s in the sense that, on the whole, it has been below par after his move from Sheffield Wednesday last term.

Today saw the 29-year-old score just his second goal of the campaign, having netted his first in March against Bristol City. However, it was an excellent performance to close out the season ahead of what he will hope will be a better campaign personally next year.

Alongside the goal, Reach made an impressive 74 touches whilst completing 40 of his 50 attempted passes for an 80% accuracy return. Moreover, the winger managed two shots on target, including the one which ended up in the Barnsley net, and he provided three key passes for his Baggies team-mates in an 8.1/10 rated performance.

There was also a solid defensive contribution from the 29-year-old, with three interceptions and one tackle.

Having scored five league goals in a relegated Sheffield Wednesday side last term, scoring two for a team with the quality of West Brom will be a serious disappointment for the wide midfielder.

Moreover, whilst at Hillsborough, Reach was the subject of praise from former interim manager Lee Bullen, who claimed that the player “works so hard”.

However, with manager Bruce set to stay on at The Hawthorns, today’s performance from the 29-year-old will hopefully act as a strong audition for a more regular place in the Albion team next term.

AND in other news: West Brom must swoop for “super talented” £25k-p/w ace, he’s way better than Diangana

Rangers close in on new Allan McGregor deal

A huge Rangers update has emerged on goalkeeper Allan McGregor and his future in Glasgow heading into the summer transfer window.

What’s the talk?

According to Football Insider, Ibrox sources have revealed that the Scotland international is set to put pen to paper on a fresh deal with the club ‘imminently’.

The report claimed that both sides are close to reaching an agreement to keep him with the Light Blues next season, with his current contract expiring at the end of next month.

Supporters will be delighted

Gers supporters will surely be delighted by this news, as the veteran’s performances in Europe have been sensational this season.

Although he has struggled domestically for Rangers, the 40-year-old has been a standout in the Europa League and has been crucial to the team’s run to the final. Across 13 appearances in the tournament, he has averaged an excellent SofaScore rating of 7.00.

He has been named in the Europa League Team of the Week twice in that time and saved 73% of shots against him. The shot-stopper has also been able to avoid making a single error leading to a shot or goal, which shows that the Ibrox stalwart of 443 club appearances has been a reliable presence between the sticks for Gio van Bronckhorst.

Therefore, fans will be buzzing with this update, as they will surely want to see him rewarded for his form with the chance to play in the Champions League next season, if Rangers can see off Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League final in Seville next week or go through via the qualification phases in the summer.

It is worth stressing, though, that Ross Wilson must bring in a young goalkeeper to challenge McGregor for his position. The Scot has been underwhelming in the Premiership, as he has made three direct errors leading to goals, and only saved 67% of the shots against him in the league.

At this stage in his career, the 40-year-old has not been able to maintain a consistent level of performance across multiple competitions, and that is why a new shot-stopper must be brought in. This will allow Van Bronckhorst to rest the veteran regularly and ensure that the club do not suffer from any of his lapses in concentration, as they have in the league this season.

For now, Rangers fans will surely be happy with McGregor’s new deal and hoping that he is provided with a significant challenge for his number one jersey in 2022/23.

AND in other news, Van Bronckhorst can finally axe £14k-p/w Rangers dud by unleashing “really impressive” 18 y/o gem…

Leeds eyeing Daichi Kamada move

Leeds United are plotting a summer move for Eintracht Frankfurt attacker Daichi Kamada, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Kamada profiled

Kamada, a Japan international, is 25 years of age who plays as an attacking midfielder and second striker.

[web_stories_embed url=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-updates-2/” title=”Latest Leeds United updates!” poster=”https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/cropped-2022-03-10T184055Z_1834933207_UP1EI3A1FW561_RTRMADP_3_SOCCER-ENGLAND-LEE-AVA-REPORT-1-scaled-1.jpg” width=”360″ height=”600″ align=”none”]

He made the move to Frankfurt back in 2017 and has seen his Transfermarkt valuation rocket from £675,000 to £19.8m in the Bundesliga.

Kamada has netted 56 goals and registered 46 assists during his club career so far, with 50 of those goal contributions coming in Germany.

The attacker will be entering the final 12 months of his Frankfurt contract in the summer, and it looks as if he is firmly on Leeds’ radar.

The Latest: Source shares update

FI shared a story early on Thursday morning regarding Leeds and Kamada after being informed by a recruitment source.

They claim that the Whites sent club scouts to Germany to watch Kamada in action against West Ham in their Europa League semi-final second leg.

Jesse Marsch is thought to be a big fan of the Frankfurt man, but a summer move hinges on Leeds’ Premier League status.

The Verdict: Needed

The Whites currently don’t have a senior attacking midfielder on the books, while their forward ranks have been hit hard this season due to numerous injuries to Patrick Bamford.

Therefore, providing Leeds remain in the top flight, a move for Kamada appears to be just what Marsch needs ahead of his first full season in charge.

He can play in multiple attacking roles and appears to be approaching his prime at the age of 25. A transfer also appears to be within the club’s reach financially, especially as he’ll be into the final 12 months of his contract in the summer, but first, Leeds need points in their final four Premier League fixtures.

In other news: ‘What’s next?’, ‘Should be punished’ – Sky Sports man fumes after what’s happened at Leeds. 

Nancy could bin Celtic star who's been the biggest winner of O'Neill's reign

Martin O’Neill has confirmed that Celtic’s clash with Dundee at Parkhead in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday night will be his final game as the interim manager.

The experienced Northern Irish coach has revealed that Wilfried Nancy will take charge for the clash with Hearts at the weekend, ending his time in the dugout.

Speaking after the 2-1 win over Hibernian, O’Neill said: “He (Nancy) is the man that will be coming in. I thought it was over on Sunday, but there’s some paperwork still to be dealt with. Wednesday will definitely be my final game.

The interim boss has won six of his seven matches in his second spell with the Hoops, winning all four of his league games, and there have been several players who have been big winners from the change in manager.

The biggest winners from Martin O'Neill's time as interim Celtic manager

Callum Osmand, who is currently out with a hamstring injury, was one of the early winners from Brendan Rodgers’ departure, after he scored one goal in three games for O’Neill, having not played a single minute under the previous boss.

On the topic of strikers, Johnny Kenny was another winner of O’Neill’s tenure because the Ireland international scored four goals in the manager’s first four matches in charge, per Sofascore, which has shown that he can deliver quality at first-team level for the Hoops.

Reo Hatate has also improved under the interim boss. He has provided two goals and three assists in seven games for the Northern Irishman, per Sofascore, after a return of one goal and no assists in 13 games for Rodgers.

The biggest winner of O’Neill’s tenure, however, has been centre-back Auston Trusty, who has played every single minute of the seven games, having only made two appearances as a substitute in the league for the last manager this season.

Why Wilfried Nancy may drop Auston Trusty

Despite playing every single minute of the last seven Celtic games, the USA international is one of the players who could be on the chopping block when Nancy finally comes through the door.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Trusty has been playing as a right-sided centre-back because of the injury to Cameron Carter-Vickers, and the French tactician may want a naturally right-footed option in that position.

If Nancy wants that natural balance at the back, whether that is by signing a centre-back in January or giving a chance to another player in the squad, then Trusty could have to compete with Liam Scales for a starting berth as the left-sided centre-back.

Appearances

28

39

Clean sheets

13

22

Dribbled past

11x

8x

Error led to shot

5

2

Error led to goal

1

0

As you can see in the table above, the Ireland international has been the more reliable performer for the Scottish giants at the heart of the defence in the Premiership since the start of the 2024/25 campaign.

Trusty, who was hailed as a “powerful” player by Rodgers, made an error leading to a shot with a loose pass on Sunday, and that was his fifth in just 28 league games for the club.

He has also been dribbled past three more times than Scales, despite the Irishman playing 11 more games, which shows that opposition players find it easier to play against him than his fellow left-footed defender.

Trusty, to his credit, has been solid in his duels in the Premiership this season, winning 62% of his physical battles, per Sofascore, but his errors over the past 18 months or so and the fact that he is currently a left-footer playing on the right may come into consideration ahead of the January transfer window.

Nancy may want to bring in a naturally right-footed player to start games in that role, leaving Trusty and Scales to compete for one place. That is why he may end up dropping the American, who has been the biggest winner from O’Neill’s tenure, once he has a right-footed defender available to select.

His performances at Premiership level since his £6m move from Sheffield United suggest that Scales would be the better option for the new boss at left-centre-back, but we will have to wait and see how it plays out in reality.

Celtic flop who was "really shaky" v Hibs is the first player Nancy must bin

This Celtic flop is the first player who should be sold by incoming manager Wilfried Nancy in January.

ByDan Emery Nov 30, 2025

100% passing, 8 duels won: Man Utd star just outshone Mount & Sesko

Manchester United have bounced back from their 3-1 defeat away to Brentford last Saturday by beating newly promoted Sunderland 2-0 at Old Trafford. Ruben Amorim needed those three points to alleviate the pressure that has been continuing to build over the last week.

The Red Devils took a lead early on, thanks to a sublime effort by Mason Mount. United’s number seven took his chance well, with a great first touch before firing into the back of the net to put his side ahead.

Just after the 30-minute mark, United doubled their advantage. This time, it was Benjamin Sesko who found the back of the net, getting onto the end of a flick on from a long throw. It means he’s now scored two goals in as many games for his new side.

United’s win also saw goalkeeper Senne Lammens, starting his first game since a deadline-day move, pull off several excellent saves. He kept Granit Xhaka out in the first half and made a late save with his feet to keep United’s clean sheet intact.

It was certainly a better day at the office for the Red Devils, with two of the standouts being Mount and Sesko.

Mount and Sesko’s stats vs. Sunderland

Since truly getting over his injury issues, Mount has been a key player under Amoirm. This term, he’s started the majority of games in the Premier League, with his performance against Sunderland showing exactly why United’s manager likes him so much.

His goal was very well-taken, with his perfect first touch controlling Bryan Mbeumo’s pass at knee height, before swivelling and firing past Robin Roefs.

It was an excellent team move for United, which consisted of 18 passes before Mount put the ball in the back of the net.

Sesko’s performance also stood out. His goal was simple, but encouraging for United fans. He occupied the six-yard box well and reacted quickly enough to turn the ball in. The two goals in as many games that he’s now scored will surely do wonders for his confidence.

Well, David McDonnell, chief Manchester United writer for The Manchester Evening News, seemed to think highly of Sesko’s efforts. He gave the Slovenian star a 7/10 for his afternoon’s work, describing his finish as a ‘classic poacher’s goal’.

As well as Mount and Sesko performed against Sunderland, there was someone who was arguably even better.

The standout United player vs. Sunderland

Aside from the two United goalscorers, there was a player who really stood out. Of course, Lammens made some decisive saves on debut, but even he was overshadowed by his Red Devils teammate.

It was a big day for former Sunderland loanee Amad, and he certainly delivered against the club where he truly made a name for himself a couple of seasons ago. Operating at right wing-back, the Ivorian star was a huge threat going forward.

The stats from the game certainly show how dangerous he was. Amad created three chances, more than both Mount and Sesko.

He also completed 100% of his passes and won eight ground duels with a 57% win rate. In contrast, United’s number seven won one out of five and their new striker just five out of 12.

Pass accuracy

100%

Passes completed

38/38

Touches

62

Touches in the opposition box

5

Ground duels won

8/14

Ball recoveries

6

Chances created

3

Indeed, McDonnell was hugely impressed with Amad’s contribution against the Black Cats. He gave the attacker a 7/10 rating, the same as Sesko, and said he was a ‘constant threat down the right side’ for United against his former club.

It was a fantastic performance from the 23-year-old. He shone at right wing-back last season, and whilst it has been a slow start to this campaign, that performance against his former club will surely do him the world of good.

Now, Amorim will be hoping Amad can build on that performance after the international break, when United face arch-rivals Liverpool.

Not just Hojlund: Man Utd must rue selling a CF who's outperforming Mbeumo

Manchester United may have made a mistake in allowing one former player to depart Old Trafford.

ByEthan Lamb Oct 3, 2025

Not just Gassama & Raskin: Martin must now unleash "creative" Rangers star

Can Rangers start their Europa League campaign with a victory at Ibrox?

For those who don’t believe the Europa League to be the highest-quality competition around, well, on this occasion, they’d be right, given that Rangers sit second bottom of the Scottish Premiership, while visitors Genk are third bottom of the Jupiler Pro League.

Russell Martin is yet to oversee a league victory in five attempts, but did at least lead his side through to the League Cup semi-finals at the weekend, as the Gers defeated Hibernian 2-0 at home.

Key to that success was Nicolas Raskin, heading home the opening goal, back in the team following a two-match exile, which was both baffling and mystifying, considering he was, by some distance, the club’s best player last season.

If the Light Blues are going to make a winning start in the Europa League, Raskin will be a central figure once again, but Martin must also start his “creative” summer signing in attack.

Djeidi Gassama's start to life at Rangers

The unquestionable star of Rangers’ Champions League qualifying campaign during the summer was Djeidi Gassama.

After arriving from Sheffield Wednesday for £2.2m, the Frenchman announced himself by scoring home and away against Panathinaikos, doubling their advantage at Ibrox, before lashing home the clincher in Athens eight nights later.

In the following round, Gassama scored twice during a 3-0 demolition of Viktoria Plzeň in Glasgow which remains, by a landslide, the club’s best performance of the season.

Manager Martin said that the winger “really excites us”, labelling him a difference maker, while Nick McPheat of BBC Sport highlighted his excellent dribbling and goal-scoring statistics, concluding that he adds an extra dimension to Rangers’ attack.

So, while Gassama is yet to get off the mark in a domestic setting, a return to European competition could help to bring the best out of him, but who should start alongside him across the forward line against Genk?

Rangers' creative attacking star

Rangers signed a total of 13 new players during the summer, but the £3m paid to secure the signature of Oliver Antman could prove to be the best business of the lot.

The 25-year-old was outstanding at Go Ahead Eagles last season, scoring six goals and registering 16 assists across all competitions, helping them win the KNVB Beker, defeating AZ Alkmaar in the final on penalties at De Kuip, securing the club’s first major silverware since 1933.

The table below documents Antman’s impressive output in the Eredivisie.

Goals

6

38th

Assists

15

1st

Expected assists

9.1

1st

Big chances created

16

1st

Key passes

50

10th

Shot-creating actions

96

13th

Goal-creating actions

19

4th

Progressive carries

96

10th

Touches in the box

125

11th

As the table notes, Antman ranked first for assists, expected assists and big chances created in the Eredivisie last season, impressively doing so for the team that finished seventh in one of the most unbalanced leagues in Europe.

Well, just 24 hours after he arrived, Rangers supporters got a taste of what was to come, with Antman providing this assist, part of a free-flowing team goal, for Gassama during the aforementioned 3-0 annihilation of Viktoria Plzeň.

The Finnish international actually registered two assists on debut in that game, but is yet to notch either a goal nor an assist subsequently, left on the bench for all three matches in September so far, with Martin favouring Tottenham loanee Mikey Moore.

Nevertheless, his quality is unquestionable, with Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelling Antman a “creative winger”, while his numbers at Go Ahead Eagles, as well as at international level, scoring seven goals for Finland to date, speak for themselves.

Thus, we have already seen Gassama and Antman link up well on the European stage this season so, alongside new striker Bojan Miovski, that is surely Rangers’ best front three, one that is capable of defeating a struggling Genk on Thursday.

Rangers must rue losing their own homegrown Bukayo Saka for £0

Rangers lost a talented young player this summer and he is already being compared to Bukayo Saka.

ByDan Emery Sep 23, 2025

Done deal: Norwich reach £2.1m agreement to complete 5th summer signing

Norwich City have now reached a £2.1 million agreement to complete their fifth signing of this summer, according to a recent report.

Canaries active early in the summer window

It has been a busy few weeks for the Canaries since their 2024/25 Championship campaign came to an end. Not only have Norwich brought a new manager in, in the form of Liam Manning, but they have also made four new additions in the short time the transfer window has been open.

Nottingham Forest submit bid to sign "brilliant" £13m ace from Norwich

Nottingham Forest have now made an official bid to sign a player from the Championship.

ByBrett Worthington Jun 12, 2025

Midfielder Jacob Wright became Norwich’s first signing of the summer, as he joined the club on a permanent basis from Manchester City. He was then followed by goalkeeper Daniel Grimshaw, who has joined from Plymouth Argyle. Defender Harry Darling joined the Canaries early this week, putting pen to paper on a three-year deal after rejecting a contract offer from Swansea City.

Norwich have since added a fourth signing this week, as they have announced the arrival of another goalkeeper in the form of Louie Moulden. Moulden joins the club on a free transfer after his contract at Crystal Palace expired, and he has signed a two-year deal at Carrow Road. Moulden is “buzzing” to be at Norwich and is “looking forward to getting started”.

He told Norwich’s media team: “Buzzing to be here, really happy. Obviously, it’s a huge club with great fans. And I’m really looking forward to getting started now.

“I want to show my quality to the manager, push the other goalkeepers and see where that takes us.”

Norwich reach £2.1m agreement to complete 5th signing this summer

It could be three signings in a week for the Canaries, as according to Dutch outlet De Telegraaf, Norwich have reached an agreement with Ajax to sign defender Jakov Medic.

Medic had the option of many Championship clubs this summer, but his preferred destination was Carrow Road. The report states that the Canaries have agreed a 2.5 million euro (£2.1m) fee plus bonuses and a percentage of a resale should Medic leave Norwich.

The 26-year-old has been at Ajax since August 2023, when he joined the club from FC St. Pauli. He spent the 2023/24 campaign with the Dutch side but played just six games in the Eredivisie, as well as three games in the Europa League. His game time with his parent club didn’t improve last term, and he was sent out on loan to German side VfL Bochum, where he played 23 times in the Bundesliga.

Apps

23

Starts

17

Goals

1

Touches per game

45.0

Passing accuracy per game

30.1 (88%)

Interceptions per game

1.0

Tackles per game

0.6

Balls recovered per game

3.3

Clearances per game

4.9

Medic, who is a centre-back by trade but can also operate in a defensive midfield role, will join Darling as a defensive signing this summer. The Canaries already have the likes of Shane Duffy, Ruairi McConville and Jose Córdoba as centre-back options, but it is likely Medic and Darling could form a partnership now at the heart of Norwich’s defence.

Leeds: 49ers lead race to sign £20m+ La Liga attacker who Chelsea wanted

Leeds United are reportedly in pole position to sign a £20m+ attacker who Chelsea wanted to sign last year.

Leeds on the search for attacking additions in Premier League

The Whites are yet to make their first signing of the summer transfer window following promotion to the Premier League, despite the 49ers promising a busy market.

Talking after their Championship title win, chairman Paraag Marathe said that the club would “spend to be competitive in the Premier League”.

Joe Rodon

Tottenham

£10m

Largie Ramazani

Almeria

£10.5m

Jayden Bogle

Sheffield United

£5m

Ao Tanaka

Fortuna Dusseldorf

£2.95m

Isaac Schmidt

FC St Gallen

£2.5m

Alex Cairns

Salford

Undisclosed

Joshua Guilavogui

N/A

Free

Manor Solomon

Tottenham

Loan

Joe Rothwell

Bournemouth

Loan

Daniel Farke and those behind the scenes at Elland Road have a lot to do before 2025/26 season, and attacking additions are required in Yorkshire.

A new number 10 is wanted with Emiliano Buendia, Gus Hamer and Gabriel Sara all linked with moves to Leeds in recent weeks, whereas it remains to be seen if winger Manor Solomon will return on a permanent basis from Tottenham.

Leeds make contact to sign free agent star who scored 23 goals this season

The Whites are looking for some attacking flair after claiming promotion to the top-flight.

BySean Markus Clifford Jun 2, 2025

When it comes to a new striker, Leeds have had their reservations over Championship Golden Boot winner Joel Piroe and the experienced Patrick Bamford, leading to rumours of a new centre-forwards arriving.

Forwards with Premier League experience such as Callum Wilson and Jamie Vardy have been mooted as targets, and there has been a new Leeds update on another attacking addition.

Leeds in pole position to sign £20m+ Christantus Uche

According to reports from SER journalist Jose David Palacio, relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds are in pole position to sign Getafe attacker Christantus Uche.

The La Liga ace is looking to leave his current employers, and alongside the Whites, Brentford are also at the front of the queue for Uche, who has a £21m release clause in his current contract.

The Nigeria international is primarily an attacking midfielder but can also drop deeper as a central midfielder or turn out slightly further forward as a second striker. At the age of 22, Uche has a career-high €8m Transfermarkt valuation and has been catching the eye over the last 12 months, with Chelsea making contact over a deal last year.

As can be seen, Uche, who actually doesn’t have a weak foot, has had quite the rise in recent years, playing amateur football at the age of 19, but by the looks of things, a move to the Premier League with Leeds could now be on the cards.

Van Dijk loves him: "Sensational" £60m star keen on talks to join Liverpool

Liverpool are considering a move for a “sensational” attacking midfielder this summer, and he is now keen to hold talks about a move to Anfield, according to a report.

Reds eyeing Wirtz alternatives as race heats up

Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz could well be on the move this summer, and it is looking like the transfer saga could be one of the most talked-about of the summer, with a number of Europe’s top clubs lining up for the German.

Bayern Munich and Manchester City have also expressed an interest in Wirtz, although there have been suggestions that Pep Guardiola’s side have now cooled their interest, amid concerns a deal could be too expensive.

The Reds are pushing hard to sign the 22-year-old, but there are also some alternative options in mind, with River Plate’s Franco Mastantuono and RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons among the potential options, and Arne Slot is believed to be driving the deal for his compatriot.

Sky Sports: Liverpool may sell "amazing" £50m player after transfer twist

He played in the 3-2 defeat away to Brighton on Monday night.

ByHenry Jackson May 20, 2025

A report from TEAMtalk has now provided a new update on Liverpool’s interest in Simons, stating they are considering a move for the attacking midfielder as a potential alternative to Wirtz, and there is a feeling he could be open to heading to Anfield.

The Leipzig star is keen to hold talks over joining the Reds, and he could be a more affordable option than the Leverkusen man, as the asking price is expected to be around £60m.

Leipzig are open to selling the Dutchman this summer, should they receive a suitable fee, which will come as welcome news to Slot, who is known to be an admirer of the 22-year-old’s technical quality and maturity.

Van Dijk lauds "very talented" Simons

Slot is not the only key Liverpool figure who is a big fan of the “sensational” Netherlands international, with Virgil van Dijk also taking the time to praise him last year, saying: “He is a very talented player who has so much to give,”

“He can still be so much better than he is already but he has a good mentality, so I am not worried that won’t happen. I am confident in him.”

The Amsterdam-born attacker’s quality is underlined by his output in Germany during the 2024-25 campaign, regularly chipping in with goals and assists despite a disappointing season for Leipzig, who finished seventh in the Bundesliga.

Competition

Appearances

Goals

Assists

Bundesliga

25

10

7

DFB-Pokal

3

1

1

Wirtz outperformed his Bundesliga rival numbers-wise, collecting six more assists, but it was recently suggested that a deal for the Germany international could amount to €300m (£253m) all-in, potentially making him unattainable for the Reds.

At just £60m, Simons has proven he could be a fantastic alternative to Wirtz, so it is promising news that he is keen on talks about a move to Anfield.

Game
Register
Service
Bonus