Everton scored a late, late winner against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon to secure a deserved 1-0 win over Nuno Santo’s top four contenders.

Despite Forest sitting third and the Toffees in 14th prior to the match, David Moyes’ men performed incredibly well throughout the match, with the late winner by Abdoulaye Doucoure ensuring they headed back to Merseyside in a great mood.

Everton dominated possession throughout (58% to 42%) while registering 13 shots, claiming seven corners and taking 29 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared to just nine for the home side.

Doucoure has had his critics recently, but his goal to seal the victory will go a long way to redemption, that’s for sure.

Abdoulaye Doucoure's game in numbers vs Forest

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, with his future at their new Bramley more Stadium rather uncertain at this moment in time.

Before the Forest clash, the Malian star had scored only two goals in the Premier League this season and not many expected him to pop up and net the winner on Saturday afternoon.

However, he popped up like a seasoned striker, bursting onto the end of Dwight McNeil’s counter-attacking pass to find the back of the net. His celebration? Rather cryptic, let’s put it that way, pointing to his head and then appearing to sign an imaginary piece of paper. Perhaps a new contract is incoming?

While the goal was vital, the midfielder completed 33 of his 37 passes – a success rate of 89% – took 50 touches, succeeded with 100% of his long balls and crosses into the box plus made a solitary tackle.

Will this display be enough to convince Moyes to extend his Everton contract for at least another season? Who knows, but he certainly bailed out a few players during the game.

Nottingham Forest vs Everton – Key Statistics
Metric	Highest-ranked
Accurate passes	Mykolenko (51)
Key passes	Moreno (4)
Tackles	Garner, Anderson & Milenkovic (3)
Ground duels won	Anderson (7)
Shots on target	Ndiaye (3)
Via Sofascore

Everton star saved by Doucoure must be dropped

While many of Everton’s forward line have flattered to deceive this term, a certain Jack Harrison has been notably poor throughout the campaign and failed to influence the side again against a team chasing a Champions League place next season. As a result, he must be axed from the starting XI.

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The winger had missed only four Premier League matches before the match on Saturday yet had registered only one goal and one assist during that time.

Those are hardly the best returns for the current Leeds United loan player, and he won’t be returning to the club next season. That’s a certainty.

Harrison did look lively in spells against Forest, delivering 14 crosses into the opposition’s penalty area, although only four were accurate. He even set up Iliman Ndiaye and James Garner for chances, yet both players missed their opportunities.

His antics going forward meant the winger lost the ball a staggering 25 times throughout the game. Given he took 60 touches, this works out as losing the ball once every 2.4 touches.

Journalist Chris Beesley gave the Englishman a match rating of 7/10 for his display, writing in the Liverpool Echo, notably criticising an effort he had that was blazed over the bar. It rather summed up his stint at Goodison.

Thus, with the man who replaced him, McNeil, actually registering the game-winning assist, perhaps it is the former Burnley man who should start instead of Harrison next time around.

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By
Tom Cunningham

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Manchester City certainly don’t do things the easy way. After just 21 minutes of their Premier League clash against Crystal Palace on Saturday, they trailed 2-0.

In the 33rd minute, Kevin De Bruyne grabbed the bull by the horns and curled home City’s first goal of the afternoon. An hour later, they had five and had secured all three points to remain firmly in the mix for Champions League football.

The performance showed Pep Guardiola’s men at their scintillating best, especially throughout the second half, netting three unanswered goals.

While De Bruyne ran the show, January signing Omar Marmoush was also excellent, scoring their equaliser before the interval.

Omar Marmoush’s game in numbers vs Crystal Palace

Since joining from Eintracht Frankfurt, Marmoush has settled into the City side with ease. Across 12 games for the club, he has already racked up seven goals, including a stunning treble against Newcastle United.

With De Bruyne operating in an advanced role through the middle, the 26-year-old offered plenty from the left wing. Indeed, he created a big chance, made two key passes and attempted four dribbles (succeeding with two) against the Eagles.

He may have lost possession 14 times and won only three of his seven total contested duels, but Marmoush looks the real deal at City.

There is no doubt he will have a big part to play next season and bringing him in during the winter window was perhaps Guardiola’s finest decision this season.

Accurate passes

Rúben Dias (105)

Key passes

Kevin De Bruyne (4)

Tackles

Chris Richards and Nico Gonzalez (4)

Ground duels won

Daniel Munoz and Nico Gonzalez (5)

Shots on target

Omar Marmoush (3)

Via Sofascore

It was the performance of another winter arrival yesterday, however, that proves he is now as undroppable as the Egyptian talent – Nico Gonzalez.

Why Nico Gonzalez is now undroppable for Man City

The Spaniard has started seven of City’s eight league games since he made the move from Porto to Manchester, impressing at the heart of the midfield.

Against Palace, not only did the midfielder take 100 touches, controlling the play, but he also succeeded with 95% of his passes – 83 out of 87 – and won seven of his 11 total contested duels throughout the game.

Add in the fact that he made four tackles and lost possession only six times for City. Gonzalez is certainly proving to be an excellent signing, no doubt about that.

Like the Marmoush deal, bringing in the 23-year-old midway through the season will allow him to almost acclimatise to the demands of the Premier League – that might just be a strategy which pays off next season.

Simon Bajkowski, Manchester Evening News journalist, gave the youngster a match rating of 6/10 for his performance, stating that he ‘made some important interceptions’ throughout the game, although he could have avoided his yellow card in the first half.

January was spent bringing in five new faces to the club. On the basis of the performances by Marmoush and Gonzalez, Guardiola’s side will be hoping to end the season on a high note, thus heightening their ambitions that they can reclaim the title next term.

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Chelsea are set to have a busy summer on the pitch, even with the Premier League season almost at its conclusion.

Indeed, they are taking part in the inaugural 32-team Club World Cup in the United States of America, with the first game on the 16th of June against Mexican side Club Leon.

Thus, they might be looking to make some early transfers. The 2025 summer window opens for ten days at the start of June, to allow teams competing in the Club World Cup the chance to strengthen their squad beforehand.

It might well be in the Blues’ interest to sign someone in that short window, and they have actually been linked with one attacker who could even move at the start of June.

Chelsea looking to sign a new striker

It may not seem surprising that Chelsea want a new striker this summer, given they are the sixth biggest underachiever for expected goals in the Premier League, as per Understat.

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Well, the man who could help solve those issues is Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy.

According to recent reports from Spain this week, Chelsea are one of the sides who ‘have already initiated’ a move for Guirassy this summer. There is thought to be a ‘real possibility of leaving Germany’ for the striker in the coming months.

However, the West Londoners are surely going to face stern competition for Gurassy’s signature. Italian giants AC Milan and Juventus are also interested in signing the striker, who has a £60m release clause in his contract, should anyone want to bring him in.

Why Guirassy would be a good signing

It has been an incredible season for Guirassy in 2024/25, who has excelled leaps and bounds in a Dortmund side that has struggled overall. He has 29 goals and five assists in 41 games played so far this term.

There is certainly a case to be made that the striker has done his best work in the Champions League. He’s scored an incredible 13 goals in 14 games, notching up four assists alongside those strikes.

It is perhaps not too difficult to pinpoint the best performance from the Guinean striker in Europe’s premier club competition. He scored a hat-trick in the quarter-final against Barcelona, which proved to be in vain as his side got eliminated 5-3 on aggregate. However, it was still an mightily strong performance to grab a 3-1 home win on the night.

Perhaps Guirassy could provide the goals that Nicolas Jackson has struggled to score at times in 2024/25. The Chelsea striker is talented but perhaps a little inconsistent, with nine goals and five assists in 29 games in all competitions.

When comparing the goal-to-game ratio of Jackson and Guirassy, there is a clear difference. The Dortmund number nine is currently scoring 0.7 goals per game this term, whereas Chelsea’s main man up front averages just 0.3, a stark contrast.

Indeed, one thing the “unstoppable” Dortmund star, as scout Antonio Mango once described him, has on his side is experience.

At 29 years of age, the Dortmund sensation has plenty more years in professional football than the Chelsea number 15, who is just 23 years of age. With that being said, there is still a difference in how clinical they are in front of goal.

Interestingly, a statistical comparison via FBref can be drawn between Guirassy and former Blues striker Kai Havertz, now an Arsenal player.

He scored 32 goals for the club over three years, including a winner in the Champions League final in 2021.

As for the numerical comparison between the two, there are several areas where the pair are similar. For example, Guirassy averages 0.50 goals per shot on target compared to Havertz’s 0.43 goals per shot on target each game and they link up play in a similarly strong way, with only 0.10 difference in the number of key passes they supply per 90 minutes.

Goals per shot on target

0.5

0.43

Expected goals

0.72xG

0.46xG

Key passes

0.88

0.78

Shot-creating actions

1.84

2.01

Goal-creating actions

0.28

0.15

It is hard to see a reason why Gurassy wouldn’t succeed at Stamford Bridge. The Dortmund star is deadly in front of goal, as the numbers show, and in that sense would be an upgrade on Jackson.

Chelsea fans will surely hope he can replicate what Havertz did in that famous Blue shirt. They probably wouldn’t say no to a Champions League final winner, a competition in which he has serious pedigree already.

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Newcastle United are now targeting a move to sign a former Arsenal defensive midfielder who manager Eddie Howe personally admires, according to a recent report.

Howe returns to Newcastle training after illness

The Magpies suffered a bitter blow in the race to finish in the Champions League places over the weekend, so fans will be delighted to hear that Howe has now officially returned to work at the club’s training ground.

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The Newcastle boss missed games against Manchester United, Crystal Palace and Aston Villa while he was in hospital with pneumonia, and while the Magpies took to X to announce that Howe has returned to his duties, it remains unclear if he will be in the dugout for their upcoming game against Ipswich Town at the weekend.

Newcastle have four games remaining in the Premier League, and they know that work is still needed to be done if they are to finish in the top five at the end of the campaign, after which they will hope to use their Champions League status to lure in top transfer targets.

Newcastle now targeting Matteo Guendouzi

As the Magpies welcome Howe’s return, club chiefs are already looking ahead to the summer despite not knowing if they are going to be in with Europe’s elite or not. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, relayed by The Hard Tackle, Newcastle are interested in signing midfielder Matteo Guendouzi from Lazio.

The report states that the Magpies remain interested in signing Guendouzi, as they looked at signing him during last summer’s transfer window. It is claimed that Newcastle could look to sign the former Arsenal midfielder if Sandro Tonali leaves St James’ Park, as he’s recently been linked with a move to Barcelona.

Newcastle are unlikely to prioritise signing a new midfielder in the summer, but if Tonali leaves, then it will become a priority, as Howe is a big admirer of the Frenchman.

It isn’t stated how much Lazio would demand for the tough tackling midfielder, but given he is under contract until 2028, the Italian side could be asking for a hefty fee, especially if they know Newcastle have money to spend.

Apps

32

Starts

32

Goals

1

Assists

3

Touches per game

67.3

Tackles per game

1.0

Clearances per game

1.3

The 26-year-old, who has been dubbed a “monster in the making” by analysts, joined Lazio on a permanent basis in July 2024. He has been a key player for them in Serie A and in the Europa League, but if Newcastle do qualify for the Champions League, the offer of that competition and to return to the Premier League may be too hard to turn down for Guendouzi.

Real Madrid are in the unfamiliar position of being underdogs ahead of their Champions League tie against Arsenal, with Los Blancos hoping to overturn a three-goal deficit.

It’s not often that the 15-time European champions are in such a bleak position, but if there is one team in Europe you wouldn’t put a miraculous comeback past, it’s Madrid.

Unfortunately for Arsenal, the Champions League (and the European Cup) has seen plenty of Real comebacks, as if there was any reminder needed that this tie is far from over.

Here, we take a look back at 8 times Real Madrid staged a Champions League comeback when all looked lost.

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ByBarney Lane Feb 12, 2025 1 Real Madrid 6-5 Derby County (aet) 1975/76 European Cup second round

Perhaps Real’s most impressive comeback in European competition, Los Blancos somehow fought back from a 4-1 first-leg defeat to win after extra time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

A hat-trick from ex-Arsenal forward Charlie George appeared to have put English champions Derby County in full control, even when Roberto Martinez (not that one) struck early in the return leg.

But quickfire second-half goals from Martinez and Santillana got Madrid within touching distance, with George’s consolation making little difference.

A late Pirri penalty set up an extra period, where Santillana got the eventual winner to finally put Real in front, 189 minutes into the tie.

2 Real Madrid 3-2 Celtic 1979/80 European Cup quarter-finals

Real were at it again as Celtic looked on the verge of securing a superb result following a 2-0 success at Parkhead.

However, the second leg saw the home side eventually take control, with Santillana’s goal on the stroke of half-time setting up a tense second period.

Following Uli Stielike’s equaliser, Real completed their comeback late on through Juanito’s late header.

3 Real Madrid 4-4 Red Star Belgrade 1986/87 European Cup quarter-finals

Having been 3-0 down at one point in the tie, Real Madrid’s away-goal victory over Red Star Belgrade is well worthy of a mention.

A brace from Hugo Sanchez gave Los Blancos a fighting chance ahead of their home leg, where they didn’t disappoint in front of their supporters.

Emilio Butragueno’s opener got the ball rolling, before a second-half header from Manolo Sanchis gave Madrid the most slender of leads.

Madrid held on to secure another comeback win, but they were beaten by Bayern Munich in the semis.

4 Real Madrid 4-3 Bayern Munich 1987/88 European Cup quarter-finals

Real Madrid got their revenge on the Bavarians a year later, even after lulling the German side into a seemingly safe 3-0 lead.

Los Blancos didn’t get on the scoresheet until 85 minutes into the first leg after a mix-up in the Bayern defence gifted Butragueno what had looked like a valuable consolation.

Real then halved the deficit at the Olympiastadion through Sanchez, allowing them to finish the job on home soil.

Finely taken goals from Milan Jankovic and Michel were enough to see Madrid through to the last four, showing once again that a Bernabeu return leg is something to be feared.

5 Real Madrid 4-1 Atletico Madrid (aet) 2013/14 Champions League final

The modern era has also had its fair share of Madrid comebacks. While Real’s recovery in the 2014 final was not from a huge deficit, it was nevertheless a game where they were moments from defeat.

Diego Godin’s goal looked to have given the La Liga champions a winner that would have secured a first Champions League triumph, but Sergio Ramos’ header deep into added time set up an extra period.

From then on, Real took control with three goals in the second half of extra time. Gareth Bale, Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo all scored to seal ‘La Decima’ for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.

6 Real Madrid 3-2 Wolfsburg 2015/16 Champions League quarter-finals

Real Madrid were left shellshocked by a 2-0 defeat in Germany to an unfancied Wolfsburg side stuck in mid-table in the Bundesliga.

But Madrid turned around the tie completely within 90 minutes like it was nothing, as Cristiano Ronaldo’s hat-trick gave Los Blancos their quarter-final berth on their way to the trophy in 2016.

Wolfsburg had chances of their own to seal it for themselves, but Ronaldo’s third – a free-kick through the visitors’ wall – handed Real yet another comeback victory.

7 Real Madrid 6-5 Man City (aet) 2021/22 Champions League semi-finals

Real were the absolute epitome of being dead and buried in their semi-final tie with Manchester City in 2022 before miraculously pulling two goals out of nowhere.

City looked set for consecutive Champions League final appearances when Riyad Mahrez had put City in front at the Bernabeu, stretching their aggregate lead to 5-3.

With time ticking into the 90th minute, Rodrygo nipped in for what would surely have been a consolation, with only six added minutes remaining.

Rodrygo only needed one more to improbably level the scores, heading in from Dani Carvajal’s cross.

Karim Benzema then finished City off in extra time as Real Madrid made another Champions League final.

8 Real Madrid 4-3 Bayern Munich 2023/24 Champions League semi-finals

By this point, Real Madrid’s never-say-die attitude in the Champions League was common knowledge, so much so that even with Bayern Munich on the verge of a semi-final victory in 2024, they never truly felt safe.

Madrid had salvaged a first-leg draw thanks to Vinicius Jr.’s penalty, but when Alphonso Davies spectacularly put Bayern in front at the Bernabeu, the Bavarians were favourites to progress to the final.

An unlikely hero in Joselu rescued Real two minutes from time, pouncing on Manuel Neuer’s mistake to level things again.

And just when the sides must have been mentally preparing for extra time, the former Newcastle United striker sent Real to Wembley after a VAR check dramatically allowed his winner to stand, cueing mass celebrations.

Real Madrid would need to perform similar heroics to repeat those scenes against Arsenal, and history seems to hint that anything is possible.

Liverpool are already set to lose Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid, and they may have to brace for the departure of another key player, with the Spanish side lining up another move.

Trent set to join Real Madrid

The Reds will be delighted to have managed to tie down Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah to new contracts, but Trent has now confirmed his decision to leave on a free transfer this summer, with the right-back expected to join Real Madrid.

There have been widespread reports suggesting the Spanish side could even look to get a deal done early by paying around £850k, as they are eager to have the right-back available in time for this summer’s Club World Cup, which is set to start on June 14th.

With the 26-year-old set to move on this summer, Arne Slot’s side have now stepped up their pursuit of a replacement, and they are set to make an offer for Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, who could be available for the relatively low fee of just £30m – £34m.

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However, Alexander-Arnold is not the only Liverpool defender Madrid are keen on, with a report from Spain suggesting the La Liga side are now looking at snapping up Ibrahima Konate, whose contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026.

Madrid are not planning to make a move anytime soon, but they will look to make an approach closer to Konate’s contract expiry date, with the Reds at risk of losing yet another defender on a free transfer to the Spanish heavyweights.

Arsenal’s William Saliba and AFC Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen are also named as targets for Madrid, however, so Slot will be hoping they choose to pursue a different centre-back this summer, rather than waiting for the 25-year-old to become available.

"Incredible" Konate would be huge loss for Slot

Slot has done a fantastic job to secure the Premier League title in his first season, and the French defender has been one of the players integral to Liverpool’s success, making 39 appearances in all competitions, having continued his fantastic partnership with Van Dijk.

The Frenchman has been a consistent performer for the Reds, even managing to average more tackles and blocks per game than Van Dijk in the Premier League, so it will be a worry that Madrid have now expressed an interest.

However, the Spanish side have a number of options on the shortlist, and Liverpool still have time to tie the £70k-a-week defender down to a new contract, with Madrid not planning to make an approach in the near future.

Liverpool will lift the Premier League title this season – maybe even this month.

Arne Slot will lift the trophy in his first season as first-team boss, and Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk will get their hands on it for a second time before gearing up to defend their title after signing much-anticipated contract extensions.

Though Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be just one month away from finishing his playing career on Merseyside, FSG will be delighted with their success in tying down the outfit’s two biggest legends ahead of Slot’s second term.

Liverpool will be looking to defend their Premier League title while challenging for the other pieces of silverware, which proved too much to secure this year.

New signings will flow through, for sure, but the importance of extending the skipper’s stay cannot be understated and deserves a closer look.

Van Dijk's new Liverpool contract

Van Dijk’s new deal will see him stay as the leader of Slot’s squad for the next two seasons, earning a rather decent salary too, some £400k per week.

The 33-year-old always wanted to remain at the club but for whatever reason talks dragged on interminably. It also bears noting that he was approached by a number of hopefuls – including the lucre of the Saudi Pro League’s heavyweights – but made it clear that Liverpool is his home and that FSG had promised him investment and a project apt for silverware over the next few years.

He’ll go down as one of the definitive defenders – if not the – of his era, inspirational and effective at Liverpool’s back.

With Alexander-Arnold expected to move to Madrid and Robertson in danger of being replaced this summer, Van Dijk could consolidate his Liverpool career with a staggering number of appearances, eclipsed only by Salah and Jordan Henderson since the Klopp era began.

Most Liverpool Appearances – Current Squad
#	Player	Appearances
1.	Mohamed Salah	395
2.	Trent Alexander-Arnold	349
3.	Andy Robertson	339
4.	Virgil van Dijk	314
5.	Alisson Becker	292
Data via Transfermarkt

He’s a true legend and will go down as one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s long history. Van Dijk certainly isn’t done yet, but FSG would be prudent to replace him this summer, signing a new star who can be willed into shape over the next few years alongside the Dutchman.

Before finally taking his place.

Liverpool chasing Van Dijk heir

Van Dijk might be staying put, but he’s not getting any younger and Liverpool will need to prepare for his eventual departure. Signing Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen this summer would be a pretty good way to go about that.

The young Spain international has been riding the crest of a wave since transferring from Juventus to England’s south coast last summer, and according to Chelsea insider Simon Phillips, has been placed right at the top of Liverpool’s wish list.

Chelsea have made contact with the 20-year-old’s reps but it’s FSG who lead the race at the moment, having held discussions with the player’s camp for several weeks.

A wide range of suitors are keen, though, for Huijsen has been incredible under Andoni Iraola this year and has a £50m release clause that all parties expect to be activated this summer.

Why Liverpool are desperate for Dean Huijsen

Huijsen is young and his data pool shallow, but from the evidence of the past few years, for Roma (on loan) and now Bournemouth, it’s already clear that he’s got the potential to become a superstar.

Dutch-born, Huijsen was reared in Spain before making the move from Malaga’s youth scene to join Juventus’ academy aged 16.

He looked promising, alright, but the Old Lady could do with an extra penny and cashed him in to Bournemouth last summer, claiming £15m for their young prospect.

Huijsen has flourished on English soil, and no mistake. Already labelled a “world-class” player in the making by one analyst, he’s featured prominently for the Cherries this term and indeed attracted the attention of every high-profile club worth their salt as the market beckons.

As per FBref, the rangy star actually ranks among the top 15% of defenders in the Premier League this year for goal involvements, the top 7% for shot-creating actions, the top 3% for interceptions and clearances and the top 20% for aerial battles won per 90.

He’d contrast nicely with Van Dijk over the next couple of years before finally taking the Netherlands captain’s place in the seasons to come.

Premier League 24/25 – Van Dijk vs Huijsen
Stats (* per game)	Van Dijk	Huijsen
Matches (starts)	32 (32)	26 (21)
Goals	2	2
Assists	1	1
Clean sheets	13	6
Touches*	89.4	60.5
Pass completion	92%	84%
Ball recoveries*	3.2	3.4
Tackles + interceptions*	2.7	3.0
Clearances*	5.2	5.8
Duels (won)*	4.7 (67%)	3.9 (56%)
Stats via Sofascore

It’s also worth noting that Huijsen is a two-footed centre-back who has plied his trade on the left side of the pitch this season, further material for the argument that he should be a priority for the Reds this summer.

Huijsen might not be as commanding in the duel but he shares many technical and defensive qualities with the Anfield captain, thus in good hands to maximise his potential if moving to Liverpool instead of, say, Chelsea.

There is also, of course, the elephant in the corner that is Ibrahima Konate’s Liverpool contract.

Konate has been a formidable partner alongside Van Dijk this season, but he’s a meagre year away from free agency and negotiations for an extension have become protracted.

Liverpool won’t want to lose the Frenchman on a free, and thus could cash in this summer, something that might strike Huijsen as compelling, for he would be in with a great chance of slotting right in as Van Dijk’s star partner in the rearguard.

Analyst Ben Mattinson has remarked that Huijsen is “the most in-demand centre-back in the world,” but Liverpool’s current position at the front of the race makes a telling comment on the state of things at Anfield.

It’s a big summer up ahead, and if Huijsen is brought in to shore up an already impressive backline, Liverpool might just be able to reach even higher next year.

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Aston Villa are keen on completing the signing of a speedy attacking player who Virgil van Dijk has spoken highly of, according to a new transfer rumour.

Aston Villa edging towards Champions League

The Villans picked up another priceless three points in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, winning 1-0 at home to Fulham to enhance their hopes of sealing a place in the Champions League once again.

It proved to be a good weekend for Villa away from their own result, too, with rivals Newcastle United only managing to draw 1-1 away to Brighton, further boosting their hopes of securing a top-five finish.

If Unai Emery’s side do achieve that goal, it will give them a better chance of signing top-level players in the summer transfer window, with Omari Hutchinson mentioned as an option this summer. The 21-year-old may wish to leave Ipswich Town ahead of their return to the Championship, and would be a long-term attacking signing.

Elsewhere, Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been linked with a switch to Villa, potentially coming in as a replacement for Emiliano Martinez, should the Argentine move on. The Ukrainian may like the idea of a fresh challenge, with Thibaut Courtois ahead of him in the pecking order.

Aston Villa learn Yilmaz price tag as Galatasaray make demands

According to Fotomac [via Sport Witness], Aston Villa are interested in signing Galatasaray attacker Baris Alper Yilmaz this summer. West Ham and Napoli are also said to be in the race to sign the 24-year-old ahead of next season.

His current club have ‘contacted the player’s agent to inform him that they will only accept a non-negotiable offer’ of £30m for his signature.

Yilmaz is a gifted player who could be a superb signing for Villa, having scored 11 goals in 27 starts in the Turkish Super Lig matches this season, as well as bagging one goal and assist apiece in the Europa League. The Galatasaray ace has also netted twice in 26 caps for Turkey at international level, with Liverpool captain Van Dijk lauding him after facing him for the Netherlands.

“Baris Alper Yilmaz was running constantly. He was running elusive. It was difficult for every defender. He made it very hard for us. He couldn’t score a goal though. If we were to describe him in any way, he is a really important player.”

At 24, Yilmaz is still a fairly young player, and his ability to thrive on both the left and right wing would make him a versatile option for Emery, adding depth and quality to his attack.

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As Manchester United romped to a brutal first-leg victory over Athletic Bilbao in the Europa League on Thursday evening, the performance of a certain Rasmus Hojlund quietly went under the radar in that semi-final clash.

With all the talk centred around the experienced trio of Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro and Harry Maguire, the lively display of United’s number nine was easy to overlook, with the towering Dane notably winning the penalty that proved a key turning point in the tie.

Speaking after that bright performance, manager Ruben Amorim suggested that it was the 22-year-old’s “best game” since he took charge at Old Trafford, with the struggling number nine perhaps beginning to find his groove after netting at the death against Bournemouth last week.

That recent revival could prove vital if United are to claim European glory come the end of May, although in the long term, the fact remains that the former Atalanta man has scored just four Premier League goals all season – a simply dismal return for a striker.

Whether the £64m signing stays or goes this summer, a real upgrade is needed at the top end of the pitch ahead of next term – the Red Devils simply can’t afford a Hojlund repeat.

Man Utd's search for a striker

Amorim has gone from witnessing the heroics of Viktor Gyokeres – who scored 66 goals under his watch in just 68 games – back at Sporting CP, to now having to witness his goal-shy group toil in Manchester.

It is then no surprise that United have been heavily linked with a move to reunite the 40-year-old coach with his former talisman, while recent reports have also suggested that Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick could represent a wildcard option this summer.

With Victor Osimhen also reportedly in the frame, as the Nigerian gets set to enter the final year of his Napoli contract, there are proven targets out there for United to consider, as they seek a new centre-forward for the third summer in succession.

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Frustratingly, however, it would seem that the man that INEOS have actually identified as the leading candidate is Ipswich Town starlet, Liam Delap, with TEAMtalk reporting that the Old Trafford outfit are making a ‘huge effort’ to bring the 22-year-old to the club.

As per the report, Everton have now joined the race to sign the £30m-rated ace, alongside Chelsea, albeit with there said to be ‘hope’ at United that they will emerge victorious in their pursuit.

A player known well to technical director Jason Wilcox, amid his previous stint at rivals Manchester City, the England U21 international would be an exciting addition – but is he really what Amorim needs?

Why Man Utd could be set to sign another Hojlund

There appears to have become a growing obsession in the modern game with adopting a youth-centric approach in the transfer market. Take Chelsea, for example, whose oldest outfield player this season has been Tosin Adarabioyo, who is still only 27.

Even at United under the INEOS regime, every signing made since last summer has been aged 25 or under, excluding Noussair Mazraoui. Ironically, it would not be difficult to argue that the now 27-year-old has proven to be the best of the bunch.

Equally, Thursday’s triumph away in the Basque Country indicated the benefits of the older heads, with Fernandes and Casemiro proving to be “the difference again”, in the words of journalist Samuel Luckhurst.

United have no doubt been stung in the past by short-term, high profile signings – with transfer fees for those players also likely to prove more costly – although in the case of centre-forward, in particular, the club can’t afford to skimp this summer.

Cast your mind back to 2023, for instance, when Erik ten Hag set his sights on Tottenham Hotspur’s 280-goal hero, Harry Kane, only for the club to instead fork out for a 20-year-old Hojlund, who had scored just ten goals in all competitions for his former employers.

Last summer, meanwhile, another ‘cheap’ option was pursued in the form of Joshua Zirkzee, with the Dutchman available due to a £36.5m release clause in his Bologna contract. After netting just 12 goals last term in Italy, only a further seven have followed in Manchester.

To then consider moving for another young, inexperienced, but affordable forward in Delap could represent a real mistake, with the Englishman not exactly setting the world alight this season. 12 top-flight goals for a now-relegated side is nothing to turn your nose up at, although it’s hardly spectacular.

The Man City academy graduate, as he has shown in 2024/25, is an undoubted talent, with his bulldozing displays for the Tractor Boys seeing him lauded as a “wrecking ball” by Sky Sports’ Lewis Jones.

And yet, it was only last season that the in-demand marksman had scored just eight league goals while on loan at Hull City in the Championship, with the question there to be asked over whether he is indeed ready to make such a seismic, pressurised step up.

Delap vs Hojlund – 24/25 PL stats

Stat (per 90)

Delap

Hojlund

Non-penalty goals

0.37

0.21

Assists

0.07

0.00

Total shots

2.30

1.55

Shot-creating actions

2.23

2.17

Pass completion

61%

76.7%

Progressive passes

1.11

0.83

Progressive carries

2.19

1.34

Touches in opposition box

1.41

2.99

Aerial duels won

1.93

1.19

Stats via FBref

What will also be of concern is that Delap is actually noted as a statistically similar player to Hojlund among those in their position in the Premier League, as per FBref, with it looking as if Amorim could be handed almost a carbon copy of what he already has at his disposal.

Yes, Delap is of far greater status right now, but it wasn’t too long ago that the speedy Hojlund was also earning rave reviews of his own. Who can forget his debut cameo against Arsenal, when the Denmark international ran William Saliba and Gabriel ragged.

As perhaps to be expected of a young striker, the pressure and expectation of leading the line for Manchester United has weighed heavy on Hojlund, culminating in his current woes.

Amorim is then in need of a Gyokeres, an Osimhen, who will shoulder that burden with ease, having repeatedly proven themselves over a number of seasons. Can the same really be said of Delap?

Approaching yet another pivotal summer window at Old Trafford, the club can’t afford any further mistakes. Of course, the tight budget must be considered, although the desire for affordability should not come at the expense of the need for ready-made quality.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb May 3, 2025

With Champions League football still up for grabs through the Europa League, Daniel Levy is now reportedly positioning Tottenham Hotspur among the strongest contenders to sign an impressive defender.

Tottenham ease past Bodo/Glimt in semi-final first leg

Up against underdog Norwegian outfit Bodo/Glimt, there was plenty of room for Spurs to suffer a shock upset in North London before Brennan Johnson instantly put any doubts to bed within the first minutes. Ruthlessly dispatching their opponents, the Lilywhites raced into a 3-0 lead courtesy of the aforementioned Johnson, who was joined on the scoresheet by James Maddison and Dominic Solanke.

Ulrik Saltnes’ effort has handed Bodo/Glimt a glimmer of hope ahead of the return leg in Norway, but it would now take a monumental collapse for Spurs not to book their place in Bilbao.

Having famously claimed earlier this season that he always wins something in his second season at a club, Ange Postecoglou praised his side after watching them put one leg in the Europa League final.

The Australian told reporters: “I thought our supporters were outstanding tonight, from the moment we walked out, and I think they added the energy to the team.

“Even us scoring an early goal came from the fact that as soon as the boys walked out, there was a buzz in the stadium – and that’s a credit to our fans.

“We’ve obviously had a tough season, but the European nights this year have still been pretty special and they played their part tonight, a massive role in us performing in the way we needed to.”

Tottenham may sign £300k-p/w Premier League star if they win Europa League

A lot is on the line.

ByEmilio Galantini May 1, 2025

By winning the Europa League, Spurs would qualify for the Champions League and that would undoubtedly go a long way towards convincing summer targets into a move, including one particular defender.

Levy positioning Tottenham to sign Bisseck

According to Caught Offside, Levy is now positioning Tottenham among the strongest contenders to sign Yann Bisseck from Inter Milan, who will allow their defender to leave for a reported €55m (£47m) this summer.

Amid competition from West Ham United and Manchester United, those in North London should act fast to secure Bisseck’s signature in the coming months. The central defender would certainly be an instant upgrade in Postecoglou’s backline, given that he found himself starting from the off in a Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Part of a frantic affair, Inter were forced to settle for a 3-3 draw against the Spanish giants after initially racing into a 2-0 lead and then leading 3-2. It’s now the job of Bisseck and his teammates to finish what they started at the San Siro.

Praised for his “athletic frame” and “spectacular speed” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Bisseck is someone that Spurs should do everything to sign in the coming months.