da doce： During the January transfer window, Arsenal were in hot pursuit of a new striker to try and complete Mikel Arteta’s attacking lineup and boost their chances of a Premier League title charge.

da bet7k： Alexander Isak remerged on the shortlist after his goal against the Gunners helped knock them out of the Carabao Cup semi-final, but the Magpies’ £150m price tag saw the club move onto different targets.

Benjamin Sesko was another player on the Gunners’ shortlist of centre-forwards, understandably so given his form in 2024/25, which has seen him score 15 times in 30 appearances.

However, like Isak, Arteta was unable to secure a deal for the Slovenian, leaving him without any January transfers once more, with the Spaniard only able to use the options already at his disposal at the Emirates.

He’s subsequently got to stick with one player at the top end of the pitch, especially after Gabriel Jesus’ knee injury, highlighting the need for investment over the summer to solve the ongoing issue.

Kai Havertz’s stats for Arsenal in 2024/25

German forward Kai Havertz raised eyebrows over his move to North London back in the summer of 2023, costing the club a whopping £60m from city rivals Chelsea.

He impressed during his first year at the club, silencing some of his critics, scoring 14 times in his 51 appearances across all competitions – but it wasn’t enough as Arteta’s men finished runners-up to Manchester City once again.

This season, he’s already registered more goals than the previous, sitting on 15 with multiple months of the season to go, but it’s safe to say he could’ve had a lot more, showcasing the need for a number nine this summer.

Havertz has missed 15 big chances in the league alone, the third most of any player in the division, with the added goals potentially providing the difference in the club’s title ambitions in 2024/25.

Most big chances missed: Premier League

Player

Big chances missed

1. Ollie Watkins

19

2. Erling Haaland

18

3. Kai Havertz

15

4. Nicolas Jackson

15

5. Mo Salah

14

Stats via Fotmob.

Instead of delving into the market for a new option, the hierarchy may have been better off keeping hold of a young talent to lead the line, especially considering his form away from North London in recent times.

The player who could have been Arsenal’s very own Sesko

Striker Mika Biereth joined the club as an 18-year-old from fellow English side Fulham, linking up with the academy side upon his move to the Emirates.

He would score 11 goals during his debut season with the U23 side, but it wasn’t enough to force himself into the first-team picture, subsequently being loaned out to Dutch side RKC Waalwijk, scoring just twice in 13 games.

However, after a successful loan spell at Motherwell in the first half of 2023/24, he moved to Sturm Gratz in Austria – originally on loan, before moving permanently this summer, ending his stint with the Gunners.

He’s since excelled in front of goal, scoring 14 times in just 25 appearances, including twice in the Champions League – leading to Arsenal academy expert Will Balsam dubbing the young Dane as “incredible”.

Such form has seen the 22-year-old move to Monaco in a £10.8m deal during the most recent window, wasting no time in carrying over his impressive goalscoring record within the final third.

Biereth scored a hat-trick on his second appearance for the French outfit, taking his tally to four goals since his winter move, outscoring Havertz this campaign and showcasing what Arteta is missing by selling the striker in recent years.

How Biereth compares to Arsenal attackers in 2024/25

Player

Goals

Mika Biereth

18

Kai Havertz

15

Bukayo Saka

9

Gabriel Jesus

7

Gabriel Martinelli

7

Ethan Nwaneri

7

Leandro Trossard

5

Stats via FotMob

Given the club’s desperate attempts to land a new talisman, there’s no denying that Biereth would’ve been a phenomenal option given his goalscoring record, undoubtedly ruing his departure from the Emirates.

However, the Dane will now go down as another player who’s slipped through their net, having bags of potential to improve further in the years ahead given his tender age.

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Posts 3

da blaze casino： West Ham United chiefs have opened discussions with a striker’s agent, amid news that he could leave for millions less than his release clause.

West Ham already planning for life without Evan Ferguson

da bet nacional： The Hammers backed new manager Graham Potter by signing Brighton striker Evan Ferguson on a six-month loan deal in the January transfer window, but it is reported that they’re already planning for life without the Irishman.

Related Graham Potter dealt Evan Ferguson blow as West Ham explore £25m replacement

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A permanent deal for Ferguson is unlikely to materialise at West Ham, with this campaign looking like his sole Premier League season in Claret and Blue as co-chair David Sullivan begins identifying replacements for 2025/2026.

West Ham’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Arsenal (away)

February 22nd

Leicester City (home)

February 27th

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

Everton (away)

March 15th

Wolves (away)

April 1st

West Ham have earmarked Man United striker Rasmus Hojlund as a potential arrival for next term, according to TEAMtalk, while other media sources have reported that AC Milan loanee Tammy Abraham is on Potter’s radar as well.

Signing a new centre-forward permanently is an absolute must for West Ham this summer, considering Niclas Füllkrug has proved unreliable when it comes to injuries, with Michail Antonio also sidelined after his horrific car crash.

Danny Ings is also out of contract this summer, meaning Potter is in serious danger of being left very short for his full debut campaign in the dugout.

A potential target who West Ham fans will be very familiar with is Corinthians striker Yuri Alberto. The Brazilian has been repeatedly linked with a move to east London in the past, and Corinthians president Duilio Monteiro Alves even confirmed that he rejected an offer from West Ham last year in a sit-down interview with UOL.

However, members of the South American press have since reported that Alberto will be allowed to leave Corinthians in July.

West Ham contract Yuri Alberto's camp amid potential £62 million discount

According to Calciomercato, the Hammers are still very much interested in him, alongside Inter Milan, Atalanta, Bologna, Bournemouth, Fulham, Nottingham Forest, Betis, Porto and Wolves.

There is a growing clamour for the 23-year-old’s services, with West Ham approaching Alberto’s agent recently over a potential summer transfer.

It is stated that Corinthians could sell their star striker for an initial £21 million, which is a £62 million mark down from the player’s £83 million release clause. That being said, Corinthians chiefs are hoping that an auction can be sparked for his signature, as 50 per cent of his transfer fee is due to Zenit St. Petersburg.

Alberto’s record suggests why so many clubs are keen on him, with the one-cap Brazil international scoring 31 goals in 57 outings across 2024.

“A striker who, even with a lot of criticism, played very well, was Yuri Alberto,” said Brazil legend Ronaldo.

“He grew at the time that Corinthians needed it most and helped the team with many goals, being one of the team’s top scorers in competitions.”

da stake casino： Everton are stepping into Bramley Moore next season, and David Moyes’ return to the dugout feels apt in a way.

da apostaganha： Many interminable years of strife and suffering have prevented Everton from reaching the heights the fanbase has yearned for, with early ambition under Farhad Moshiri devolving into profligate dysfunction.

Moyes’ team have displayed early signs of hitting a level unseen on the Blue half of Merseyside for many years, but to solidify that in the long run, The Friedkin Group will need to back the manager in the transfer market.

Everton must also balance experienced incomings with homemade potential, for Everton’s youth ranks could make all the difference in the long run.

While we’re on that topic, let’s take a look at Goodison Park’s youngest goalscorers through the Premier League era.

Everton's youngest Premier League goalscorers

He might not have kicked on, but James Vaughan’s goal in a 4-0 drubbing over Crystal Palace in 2005 remains not only the youngest goal scored by an Everton player, but indeed any player competing in the Premier League.

Everton – Youngest Premier League Goalscorers

#

Name

Age

1)

James Vaughan

16 years 08 months 27 days

2)

Wayne Rooney

16 years 11 months 25 days

3)

Michael Ball

17 years 06 months 07 days

4)

Danny Cadamarteri

17 years 11 months 08 days

5)

Victor Anichebe

18 years 14 days

Stats via Transfermarkt

When Wayne Rooney found the back of the net against Arsenal three years earlier, however, it was merely the start of an incredible career that saw him win five top-flight titles with Manchester United as well as the Champions League.

Danny Cadamarteri’s promising start also petered off on Merseyside, though left-back Michael Ball enjoyed a fast start to life and went on to play for clubs such as Rangers and Manchester City – but his career was blighted by injuries.

Everton have a range of exciting prospects in the ranks right now, and there’s one in particular who could emulate former marksmen like Vaughan in making an immediate impact under Moyes’ wing.

He’s not quite so young, but there’s one rising number nine who could nail down a place in the years to come, perhaps even serving as Beto’s understudy and as Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s homegrown successor.

Moyes must unleash 18-year-old Calvert-Lewin heir

Calvert-Lewin, 27, is out of contract at the end of the season and, currently sidelined and with only three goals from 22 Premier League matches this season, is likely to venture off for pastures new.

In The Pipeline

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Everton do have a resurgent talisman in Beto, who has scored five goals from six recent fixtures, but with signings needed across the park, it would do the club the world of good to hit the jackpot with a new young goalscorer.

Well, Martin Sherif may be the man for the job.

The 18-year-old centre-forward has recently earned regular appearances in senior matchday squads – as Vaughan did under Moyes as a teenager – although Sherif has yet to make his professional debut despite sitting on the bench in seven of eight recent Premier League outings.

He’s also posted 29 goals and eight assists across 72 appearances for the U18s and U21s, hailed for his “composed” finishing by The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland.

The Netherlands youth international has also hit four goals from nine games (six starts) for the U21s in 2024/25. Standing at 6 foot 3, he has the suitable profile to take Calvert-Lewin’s place in the squad, for the England international ranks among the top 8% of positional peers across Europe for aerial battles won per 90, as per FBref.

Cherif had begun to find himself included among senior reckoning before Moyes replaced Dyche in the dugout, but the Scotsman seems to share his predecessor’s vision that this powerful and pacy forward has the minerals for a career at the highest level, with reporter Lewis Bower hailing him finishing ability and knack for “always causing problems.”

Let’s hope that unlike Vaughan, Sherif can prove to be more than a one-hit wonder, and instead become a major player as Calvert-Lewin’s long-term successor at Bramley Moore.

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da aviator aposta： Turning their attention towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the race to sign an in-demand centre-back who recently kept Harry Kane quiet in the Champions League.

Aston Villa transfer news

da dobrowin： The Villans gave the rest of the Premier League a preview of what they’re capable of in the transfer market back in January – welcoming both Marcus Rashford and Marco Asensio on loan. Now, as the summer approaches, it looks as though those in the Midlands are keen to steal further headlines and splash the cash they gained from Jhon Duran’s big-money sale to Al-Nassr.

With that said, names such as Samu Aghehowa have already reportedly emerged as summer targets for Aston Villa as they look to hand Unai Emery the attacking depth that Duran provided.

Aghehowa would be a strong candidate to do exactly that too. The 20-year-old has enjoyed an excellent debut season at Porto after swapping Atletico Madrid for Portugal last summer. With 20 goals to his name in all competitions, the Spaniard would arguably even push Ollie Watkins all the way for a starting place in Emery’s strongest side.

It’s not just attacking targets that the Midlands club have set their sights on, however. According to The Boot Room, Aston Villa have now joined the race to sign Cameron Carter-Vickers alongside Everton, Crystal Palace and clubs in the MLS.

The central defender has enjoyed an excellent campaign at Celtic and particularly impressed against Bayern Munich, limiting Harry Kane to 0.17 expected goals and 0.01 expected assists whilst making 12 defensive actions.

Related Aston Villa submit enquiry over signing "incredible" in-demand 12-goal ace

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Whilst Alphonso Davies’ last-gasp dagger ensured that Bayern Munich escaped a night to forget, Celtic and Carter-Vickers’ performances were more than admirable on the night.

In that showing, the American proved that he has what it takes to step up to the top level outside of the Scottish Premiership, which could yet result in a Premier League return.

"Strong" Carter-Vickers could earn Premier League redemption

Since failing to make his mark as an academy graduate at Tottenham Hotspur, it’s been quite the journey for Carter-Vickers. After loan moves at Ipswich Town, Luton Town and Bournemouth, the American finally found his best form at Celtic and has not looked back since. Now, however, three years on from leaving North London on a permanent basis, he could earn Premier League redemption.

At 27 years old, the Celtic star is at the peak of his powers and earned plenty of praise for his performance against Bayern Munich recently, including from Euro Expert Alex Barker. The tactical analyst even went as far as claiming that Carter-Vickers “ticks everything you want in a centre-back” before dubbing him “strong” and “fast”.

So, as Aston Villa set their sights on a permanent top four place in the Premier League, signing a centre-back who’s proved exactly what he can do in the Champions League certainly wouldn’t be a bad idea.

da dobrowin： Football kits are a big deal these days. Whether it’s a money-maker for clubs and manufacturers or a source of excitement ahead of the upcoming season, iconic strips can create memories that last forever.

da winzada777： The Premier League has featured plenty of dazzling kits over the years (as well as its fair share of eyesores), but which are the best in the competition’s history?

Liverpool recently announced that they will rekindle their partnership with Adidas from the 2025/26 season, raising hopes of an all-timer donning the likely Premier League champions next summer.

Here, we’ve listed some of the best kits the English top flight has served up in the last 33 seasons.

Ranking factors Designs Legacy Achievements 9 Liverpool 2006-08 home Previous Adidas favourite worn by Gerrard and Torres

Following the Reds’ recent announcement of Adidas returning as the Anfield club’s kit manufacturer, it feels fitting to start with one of their best kits in recent times.

Complete with the Carlsberg sponsor which had become iconic in its own right, their strip for the 2006/07 and 2007/08 seasons was a masterpiece, which included the trademark stripes, Liverpool’s badge and a rarely seen centred manufacturer logo.

They may not have won any trophies wearing it (Liverpool made the Champions League final wearing this), but just picturing Fernando Torres or Steven Gerrard racing off in celebration in this kit makes it a worthy one to look back on.

8 Tottenham Hotspur 2018/19 third Navy and green combo made famous by European run

Admittedly, it is Tottenham Hotspur’s exploits in another competition – the Champions League – that elevates the status of this particular kit, but it’s still a great shirt.

Spurs went all the way to the Champions League final having created some magical memories in their third strip of the 2018/19 campaign, having seen off Manchester City and Ajax while wearing it.

Created by Nike, the unique colour combination is merged with an aerial view of the local area – a classy touch.

Related Tottenham Hotspur's 11 best matches in European football – ranked

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Posts 7 Arsenal 2022/23 away Gunners break records with all-black strip

Arsenal’s away kit from the 2022/23 season is the most modern kit on this list – and with good reason.

Kitted out in all black, the Gunners went on an unexpected title charge that year, enjoying impressive results against the likes of Aston Villa and Brentford away from home.

Had Mikel Arteta’s side won the Premier League, this kit may have been ranked higher, but with the sales numbers breaking records, this is a rare modern masterpiece.

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Posts 1 6 Chelsea 1997-99 home Umbro's finest Blues kit?

Umbro’s association with Chelsea spanned 20 years from 1986 to 2006, with a bit of a mixed bag in terms of results, if we’re honest (see 1994/95’s away shirt).

While there have been many fine efforts in blue, one of, if not the best, is the home kit worn between 1997 and 1999, which came with a redesigned badge, a white collar and gorgeous yellow/navy pinstripes.

With an Autoglass sponsorship to boot, it all adds up to a beast of a football shirt, which easily deserves its place among the best.

5 Man Utd 1992-94 away Green and yellow half-and-half throwback classic

Manchester United opted for a trip down memory lane in the early Premier League seasons, with the Red Devils reimagining the strip worn by the club in the late 19th century, when known as Newton Heath.

It’s a superb shirt for the throwback genre, almost solely for the drawstring collar, handing the likes of Eric Cantona and Ryan Giggs a more rugged look on the pitch. A kit just as daring these days would surely sell by the bucketload.

4 Man City 2009-11 third Minimalistic… with a sash!

Let’s be honest, there should be more sashes on football kits. All too rarely do we see the diagonal stripe deployed, but Umbro hit this one out of the park with Manchester City’s third kit in the 2009/10 campaign.

Running for two seasons, City’s third-choice strip was unlike any other of its day, chiefly due to the sponsor being pushed right up under the badge, allowing the simplicity of the red and black stripes to take centre stage.

No snazzy designs, no unnecessary gimmicks and not a sleeve sponsor in sight. Bravo.

3 Arsenal 1991-93 away Two words: Bruised banana

This easily could have been a kit that split opinion, but it feels as though the consensus today is that Arsenal’s original ‘bruised banana’ kit is one of the league’s most iconic designs.

While a bit busy at first glance, the zig-zag pattern is mesmerising and unique, with the Adidas trefoil logo adding a superb finishing touch.

Revived in 2019 when Adidas returned as the Gunners’ kit manufacturer, this is one of those designs that should stand the test of time for decades to come.

2 Arsenal 2005/06 home Burgundy beauty bids Highbury fitting farewell

When Arsenal planned to say goodbye after calling Highbury their home for 93 years, there will have been much anticipation as to what the final home strip would be. Step forward, Nike.

The apparel giant delivered an all-timer, with the kit harking back to the Gunners’ first strip during the early Highbury days, where the squad wore a burgundy home strip.

This handed a unique look to the Gunners for the 2005/06 season, during which they saw off the likes of Real Madrid and Juventus in Europe while sealing a comeback victory in the famous ground’s final top-flight match, nicking the final Champions League spot in the process.

Crucially, they looked great doing it.

1 Newcastle United 1995-97 home A faultless and iconic black and white strip

We don’t know if there’s such a thing as perfection, but Newcastle United’s home kit from the 1995/96 season comes pretty close.

The stripes, the logo, the Newcastle Brown Ale sponsor – it’s just perfect. It’s not trying too hard nor doing too little, it’s almost impossible to fault it.

An honourable mention has to go to the away strip for that season – in which Newcastle famously went so close to winning the league – with a blue/dark red combo that still looks gorgeous to this day.

The only thing you could argue was missing were Premier League winners’ medals hung upon them.

da mrbet： At one stage this Premier League season, Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea looked like genuine title challengers hot on the heels of Liverpool.

da cassino： Now, however, the Blues look shaky gripping onto fourth spot in the unforgiving league, with an unwelcome eighth defeat of the season greeting them come full-time away at Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

Cole Palmer’s complete absence from the squad did make Chelsea’s task of picking up a win on the road a lot harder, but there were still far too many underperformers that let the team down on the day, regardless of the England international sitting the contest out.

Chelsea's biggest underperformers vs Arsenal

Starting in goal, current number one Blues goalkeeper Robert Sanchez had a particularly shaky time of things on Sunday afternoon.

Before Mikel Merino gifted the hosts a 1-0 lead, Sanchez’s rash play out from the back nearly resulted in Gabriel Martinelli firing home, with the 27-year-old inexplicably kicking it straight to the Brazilian forward.

He arguably could have done better too when Arsenal’s man of the moment looped this header over Sanchez, but there were other underperformers who also struggled at the Emirates away from the ex-Brighton and Hove Albion ‘keeper in isolation.

Indeed, both Jadon Sancho and Christopher Nkunku offered very little down the flanks as the pair failed to muster up a single on-target effort, further reinforcing Palmer’s absence.

But, there was another attacker away from the out-of-sorts duo that struggled to leave his mark on the contest, having tallied up fewer touches than Sanchez across the course of his forgettable 90 minutes.

Maresca must forget 35-touch Chelsea dud after Arsenal

Not many players from a Chelsea perspective trudged off the Emirates turf happy with their individual efforts, with Maresca branding the overall showing as “frustrating” at the close of the game.

That would be an apt word to describe Pedro Neto’s away day too, with the ex-Wolverhampton Wanderers attacker showing bursts of quality here and there, only to then fall flat for the visitors at the final moment. Handed a 5/10 player rating by the Sun, they suggested he was ‘always up against it as a false 9’ but was far too easily ‘outmuscled by Arsenal’s defenders’.

Neto’s performance in numbers vs Arsenal

Stat

Neto

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

0

Touches

35

Accurate passes

15/17 (88%)

Shots on goal

3

On-target shots

0

Possession lost

12x

Successful dribbles

0/2

Accurate crosses

1/6

Total duels won

1/7

Stats by Sofascore

The table above makes for some pretty grim reading from Neto’s point of view, with his accumulation of 35 touches coming in at six fewer than Sanchez’s at 41, with no successful dribbles and no shots on target not exactly causing the Gunners’ defence much bother when he ventured forward.

Moreover, just one accurate cross being tallied up all game shows how poor the former Wolves’ man end product was in North London, on top of just one duel being won showing off his lack of fight whenever he became a passenger to the play unfolding.

Whilst he does boast five goals and six assists in all competitions this season away from this no-show at Arsenal, Maresca could now axe Neto as his lone striker option for contests to follow even as Nicolas Jackson remains sidelined.

The ex-Leicester City boss might well fancy throwing Nkunku into this role instead having got seven goals out of the Frenchman up top this campaign, or Cole Palmer would surely be a worthy option as a false 9 once he’s fit again.

Despite some positives falling into Maresca’s lap this campaign, his side still find themselves short of being an elite team in the top flight, with more defeats piling up down the line potentially damaging their ongoing top-four chances.

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da roleta： Glasgow Rangers interim head coach Barry Ferguson has enjoyed a strong start to his short-term stay in the dugout after replacing Philippe Clement at Ibrox.

da betsul： The former Scotland international secured a Europa League last 16 win over Jose Mourinho’s Fenerbahce on penalties before overseeing a dramatic 3-2 win over Celtic last time out in the Scottish Premiership.

The Light Blues took the lead thanks to goals from Nicolas Raskin and Mohamed Diomande, but they needed a last-gasp winner from Hamza Igamane after the hosts battled it back to 2-2.

Vaclav Cerny had one of his quieter games, having scored four goals in six appearances before that match, and he has been speaking about his future with the Light Blues beyond the end of his current loan spell.

The Czechia international has said that he “definitely” wants to extend his stay at Ibrox, whilst speaking during the international break, but has also admitted that there has been “no contact” about a possible deal.

Cerny, therefore, is still in the dark in regards to whether or not he will be at Rangers or Wolfsburg, or somewhere else entirely, at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Why Rangers should sign Vaclav Cerny permanently

The Ibrox bosses should be doing everything that they can to secure a permanent deal for the left-footed star in the upcoming summer transfer window, or an extension on his loan if a permanent move is not possible.

Since joining the Gers on loan from the Bundesliga outfit last summer under Clement, Cerny has been in electric form for the Scottish giants on the right flank with his ability to score goals and create chances for the team.

The 27-year-old magician has racked up 17 goals and seven assists in 44 matches in all competitions for the club so far this season – making him the second-top scorer at Ibrox behind Cyriel Dessers (22).

As you can see in the clip above, Cerny has the pace to get away from defenders in counter-attacking situations, whilst also having the quality and composure in front of goal to tuck chances away.

The Czechia international has only provided two assists in 27 matches in the Premiership so far this term for Rangers, but that does not paint the whole picture of his creative performances.

24/25 Premiership

Vaclav Cerny

Appearances

27

Goals

11

Big chances created

6

Key passes

68

Assists

2

Dribbles completed

41

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Cerny has created an eye-catching 68 chances and six ‘big chances’ in his 27 games, which suggests that his teammates have let him down with their wasteful finishing in front of goal.

The Wolfsburg loanee is valued at £7.5m by Transfermarkt and Rangers must pounce on a permanent deal for him if that is close to the value the Bundesliga side hold him at, because of his terrific performances in the final third this season.

Rangers will also have to deal with potential outgoings from Ibrox, with clubs interested in their star performers, amid a report linking Nicolas Raskin with a move away.

The latest on Nicolas Raskin's future

According to TEAMtalk, there are several teams eyeing up the Belgium international ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, thanks to his displays for the Light Blues this season.

The report claims that Aston Villa, Brentford, and Leeds United – who signed Glen Kamara from Ibrox in 2023 – are all interested in signing Raskin from Rangers later this year.

It also reveals that teams in Germany and Italy are also keeping tabs on his situation, along with the English teams, and that Rangers ‘will do well’ to avoid cashing in on the central midfield star.

Transfer Focus

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

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TEAMtalk states that the Scottish giants have placed a significant price tag of at least £20m on the Belgian starlet’s head, and it remains to be seen whether or not any of the interested parties are prepared to pay that for him.

Nicolas Raskin's soaring market value

Rangers have hit the jackpot with the former Standard Liege man since he made the move to Ibrox from his home country to sign for Michael Beale’s side in January 2023, joining in the same window as Todd Cantwell.

The Gers reportedly paid Norwich City a fee of £1.5m to sign Cantwell and the English midfielder racked up 14 goals and 12 assists in 64 matches before being sold to Blackburn Rovers for just £500k last summer.

That was a gamble that, ultimately, did not pay off for Beale or Rangers as the attacking midfield star was sold for a third of the price that they paid for him.

Raskin, who scored against Celtic last time out, was reportedly signed for a fee of £1.32m from Standard Liege, and that gamble is one that could be set to pay off.

Rangers reportedly value the Belgium international at a staggering fee of £20m, which means that his value has soared by a whopping 1,900%, from £1.32m to £20m, and it means that he is currently worth £12.5m more than Cerny, despite the Czech winger’s impressive form this term.

Nicolas Raskin (24/25)

Premiership

Europa League

Appearances

26

10

Goals + assists

6

2

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.8

5.2

Ball recoveries per game

5.4

8.0

Ground duel success rate

59%

46%

Aerial duel success rate

59%

57%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the 24-year-old star has provided impressive defensive performances in midfield in the Premiership and the Europa League to earn that interest from abroad and his huge valuation.

Rangers have, therefore, hit the jackpot with Raskin because they have turned a £1.32m investment into a £20m-rated asset who is now worth even more than their star loanee, as well as being worth 1,900% more than the fee they paid for him.

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Whilst the Light Blues should want to keep hold of their best players in every transfer window, selling Raskin for a big profit would be a huge success story for the recruitment team and, potentially, convince other young prospects to join Rangers to follow in his footsteps.

da doce： Celtic have had mixed success in the Scottish Premiership since the club returned to action after the final international break of the 2024/25 campaign.

da brwin： The Hoops made a fast start to the last stretch of the season when they hammered Hearts 3-0 at Parkhead in their first game after the break, thanks to two goals from Daizen Maeda and one from Jota.

However, they followed that up by being beaten by bottom-of-the-league St. Johnstone away in the Premiership in their most recent match on Sunday.

It was a disappointing performance and result for the Hoops, who could have little complaints about the scoreline after they failed to produce the kind of quality supporters have become used to seeing from them in the final third.

The difference in Callum McGregor’s performance between the two matches illustrated the difference in Celtic’s play, and why the former Scotland international is so integral to Brendan Rodgers’ style of play.

Why Callum McGregor is integral for Celtic

In the 3-0 win over Hearts, the left-footed star completed a staggering 99% of his attempted passes – making 66 of 67 – and assisted Maeda for the opening goal with a through ball that split open the Jam Tarts defence.

The Scottish ace also won two of his three physical duels during the match, whilst also making two interceptions, and was not dribbled past a single time by an opposition player, which shows that he excelled in and out of possession.

This meant that McGregor was able to impact the game at both ends of the pitch, by effectively screening in front of the back four and using his quality on the ball to create the opening goal.

Against St. Johnstone, however, the captain played the full 90 minutes and did not create a single chance for his teammates despite having 79 touches of the ball and completing 94% of his passes.

Callum McGregor

Hearts (H)

St. Johnstone (A)

Minutes

64

90

Key passes

2

0

Assists

1

0

Pass accuracy

99%

94%

Duels won

2/3

1/6

Interceptions

2

0

Dribbled past

0x

1x

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, McGregor’s use of the ball and his actions defensively were nowhere up to the standards he set during the win over Hearts, as the Saints midfielders got the better of him far too easily in physical duels.

The difference in his performance correlating with the difference in results speaks to how integral he is to Celtic, because he is the heartbeat of the side and much of the team’s success depends on him playing to his level in the middle of the park.

McGregor, who has started 28 of his 29 appearances in the Premiership this season, provides a metronomic presence at the base of the midfield, controlling games for the Hoops, but allowed his level to drop against St. Johnstone and it contributed to the loss.

There is a former Celtic player, however, who has gone on to develop into being an even better player than the Hoops skipper in a deep-lying midfield role, as Ryan Christie has thrived since moving on from Parkhead.

How much Celtic sold Ryan Christie for

The Hoops reportedly sold the Scotland international to Bournemouth for a reported fee of £1.5m in the summer of 2021, having spent six years at Parkhead.

Christie made 151 appearances for the Premiership giants during his time in Glasgow, scoring 42 goals and providing 44 assists, before his move down south to the Championship – at the time.

During his time with the Hoops, the left-footed whiz predominantly played as either an attacking midfielder or as a winger as part of the midfield set-up, as he looked to impact games with goals and assists.

Christie was capable of the spectacular, as shown in the clip below, and even racked up an eye-catching tally of 21 goals and 16 assists in 45 appearances in all competitions during the 2019/20 campaign.

At that point, it seems unlikely that anyone would have predicted that Christie would go on to become an upgrade on McGregor in the number six position, as he was thriving as an attacker before his move to Bournemouth for £1.5m.

However, that is what has happened as the former St. Johnstone star has gone on to become an exceptional deep-lying midfield player in the Premier League at the Vitality.

Why Christie is now an upgrade on McGregor

Since signing for the Cherries, the bulk of the 30-year-old star’s appearances for the club have come as a defensive midfielder or a central midfielder, which is a big change from purely playing as an attack-minded midfielder or winger for Celtic.

If you compare Christie’s performances against McGregor’s over the past 365 days, whilst both now play in similar positions in midfield – unlike their time together at Parkhead, then it appears as though the left-footed ace would be an upgrade on the Celtic captain.

As you can see in the chart above, the Bournemouth star offers significantly more out of possession whilst also providing his team with more from an offensive perspective, when it comes to creating chances and building play that leads to shots.

Similar conclusions can be drawn by comparing Christie’s form in the Premier League to that of McGregor’s in the Champions League in the 2024/25 campaign, as shown below.

These statistics, this season and over the past 365 days, suggest that the former Bhoys ace would currently be an upgrade on McGregor in midfield, by doing more to help out his defence whilst also providing more creativity with his passing from a deep-lying role.

The Scottish ace was hailed by former Cherries defender Joe Partington earlier this year, as the former Celtic man was lauded for his consistency in the middle of the park.

Partington said: “Ryan Christie’s consistency this season is incredible. His level is so so high – his ability to look exceptionally in control of what he’s doing. I hope its not underwhelming to say he’s outstandingly basic.”

He added: “His touch is always perfect, his pass is always the right weight at the right time at the right angle – he plays the pass to the right player in the right moment into the right space.”

Christie, who has started 27 of his 29 appearances in the Premier League, has consistency to go along with his quality on the pitch, and consistency has been an issue – albeit over just two games – for McGregor since the international break.

However, there is no guarantee that he would have developed in the way that he has if Celtic had kept him at Parkhead, as the midfielder may have stuck to his role as an attacker, rather than being moved further back into a number six position.

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Therefore, the Hoops may not see Christie as one that got away from them from that perspective, but he was still a quality player who was sold for a relatively small amount of money, which should be frustrating for the Scottish giants.

da betcris： Attempting to solve their left-back problem at long last, Manchester City are now reportedly in constant contact with one £30m target who Kyle Walker has recently got to know fairly well.

Man City planning major overhaul

da lvbet： Whilst Kevin de Bruyne’s pending departure is likely to be an emotional one at the Etihad, Manchester City may have to get used to bidding farewell to club veterans in the coming months as the Blues commence a much-needed overhaul.

City boss Pep Guardiola has already paid tribute to De Bruyne’s time at the club as the Belgian prepares to leave, whilst revealing that it was the club’s decision. The Spaniard told reporters: “The decision has been made for the club, and the club is the club. Me, Txiki [Begiristain, sporting director], and the club, so this is what it is. It was not easy for me to tell him it won’t continue.

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“The last year and a half, he was out injured because he gave everything for the club. Everything he had in his body and his mind, he’s done it, so there’s no doubt about it.”

The focus has since shifted towards replacing De Bruyne and whilst some may see that as mission impossible at the Etihad, a number of candidates have already emerged. Recent reports have mentioned the likes of Florian Wirtz and even Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White regarding players on City’s radar and there’s no doubt that both have their own standout qualities.

When comparing the two, however, it must be said that it’s Wirtz who would steal the most headlines having become one of the most dangerous attacking midfielders during his time at Bayer Leverkusen.

Meanwhile, away from their need to replace De Bruyne, Manchester City must also finally sign another left-back this summer – allowing Josko Gvardiol to move back into central defence and ending Rico Lewis’ unsuccessful role down that side.

Man City in constant contact with Theo Hernandez

On that front, one name that has recently emerged as a potential solution is Theo Hernandez. According to The Boot Room, Manchester City are now in constant contact with Hernandez’s representatives over a summer move from AC Milan and are racing to secure his signature alongside Tottenham Hotspur.

A Champions League winner who could reportedly be available for as little as £30m this summer, Manchester City may well get themselves a bargain solution by signing Hernandez this summer. There’s no doubt that he would be an instant upgrade on Lewis and a player who could match Gvardiol’s quality or allow the Croatia star to move into the middle.

League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Theo Hernandez

Josko Gvardiol

Rico Lewis

Minutes

2,254

2,647

1,720

Assists

3

0

2

Tackles Won

22

33

19

Ball Recoveries

111

119

89

Dubbed “electric fast” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Hernandez will have the chance to find out all about Manchester City whilst at AC Milan if he speaks to former captain Kyle Walker, who had plenty of pace of his own, often relied upon to halt counter-attacks as City dominated possession.

The England international is currently on loan at the San Siro and whilst he may yet leave on a permanent basis, he could first bring back the gift of Hernandez this summer.

da betobet： With Mohamed Salah’s new deal confirmed last week and Virgil van Dijk’s now announced as well, Liverpool have also agreed a fresh contract with another player on improved terms.

Liverpool confirm Van Dijk deal ahead of Premier League title triumph

da marjack bet： No matter how much Arne Slot’s side pushed on towards the Premier League title this season, a contract cloud threatened to rain down on an otherwise excellent season. That cloud, with just two wins standing between the Reds and their English crown, is set to clear at long last, however – Salah’s new two-year deal has already been announced.

The Egyptian King was pictured atop his Anfield throne where he is set to stay. Now, Van Dijk is set to follow and signal a major sigh of relief around the red half of Merseyside.

After putting pen to paper on a new deal, Salah expressed his delight – telling reporters: “Of course I’m very excited – we have a great team now. Before we also had a great team.

“But I signed because I think we have a chance to win other trophies and enjoy my football. I have played eight years here, hopefully it’s going to be 10. I’m enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I have had the best years of my career here.”

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Van Dijk only reciprocated that delight, saying on Thursday: “It was always Liverpool. That was the case. It was always in my head, it was always the plan and it was always Liverpool.”

That said, even after Van Dijk and Salah, the Liverpool contract news is seemingly not done there amid reports that another player has put pen to paper on new and improved Anfield terms.

Vitezslav Jaros agrees new Liverpool contract

According to InFotbal.cz, as relayed by Sports Witness, Vitezslav Jaros has now agreed a new Liverpool contract on improved terms, committing his future to the club alongside Van Dijk and Salah.

Whilst the goalkeeper remains behind Alisson Becker and Caoimhin Kelleher in the pecking order in what will likely remain the case when Giorgi Mamardashvili arrives, Jaros is set to stay put at Anfield before potentially heading out on loan this summer.

Still just 23 years old, the Czech Republic shot-stopper has enjoyed spells at Stockport and Sturm Graz in recent years and even made a shock Premier League debut earlier this season when he replaced the injured Alisson 11 minutes from time in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory against Crystal Palace in October. In the same week, Jaros then went on to start in a 3-2 victory against Brighton & Hove Albion in the Carabao Cup.

So, whilst his role may not be a prominent one, Jaros has still had his moments for Liverpool this season and he will be hoping to see similar opportunities fall his way in years to come.