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Each side topped their regional qualifiers with six wins from six. The top of Group B is now at stake

Andrew Miller05-Jun-20244:18

Finch: Scotland will be confident after impressing against England

Match detailsNamibia vs Scotland
Bridgetown, 8pm localBig picture: Opportunity knocks after washoutThe magic number would appear to be 109, to judge by the two very contrasting clashes that have so far taken place in Group B of the T20 World Cup 2024.In Barbados on Sunday evening, Namibia grunted and ground their way to two precious points thanks to David Wiese’s heroics in the Super Over, having only just managed to match Oman’s all-out total of 109 off the very last ball of their original 20 overs.And then two days later, on the same surface at Bridgetown (albeit a less slow and sticky version to judge by the fluency of Scotland’s openers) George Munsey and Michael Jones dispatched England’s bowlers for 90 runs in ten overs either side of a two-hour rain delay … which, by the time DLS had worked its magic, meant England would have needed a target of, yes, 109 had the weather not closed back in to ruin the afternoon’s entertainment.And so it’s back to Bridgetown we go for two teams that have been on a significant roll since the end of their respective campaigns at the last T20 World Cup in 2022. Last year, both Namibia and Scotland topped their regional qualifiers, in Africa and Europe respectively, with six wins out of six, against such less-vaunted opponents as Italy and Tanzania. Now, however, they go head-to-head with rather more than trans-continental bragging rights to play for.England’s habitual discomfort against European opponents has seen to that. Irrespective of whether Tuesday’s washout was an opportunity won or lost for Scotland, the fact that Group B’s top seeds fell short of their anticipated two points means the door is ajar for a notable upset, particularly if Australia can inflict further damage on England’s standing in Saturday’s heavyweight clash.David Wiese and Ruben Trumpelmann are key performers for Namibia•ICC/Getty Images

In the meantime, all that matters is victory here and now. If Scotland can grab the extra point that eluded them last time out, then maintain their 100% record in T20Is against Oman when they meet in Antigua in Sunday, then they will go into their final group game against Australia next week with qualification in their own hands. It’s a lot of “ifs” at this stage, of course. But one fewer than they needed at the start of their campaign.As for Namibia, a three-point gap at the top of Group B beckons if they can make it two wins from two – and if they need any extra incentive, they need only rewind to their last T20 World Cup campaign two years ago, when qualification for the main event beckoned after their impressive victory over Sri Lanka in their opening fixture, only for the Netherlands and UAE to rip their dream away. They’ll be doubly keen to ensure this latest strong start doesn’t go to waste.Form guideNamibia TWWLL
Scotland LWLWWIn the spotlight: Munsey and TrumpelmannIn an innings of two halves on Tuesday, Jones made the running for Scotland prior to the rain-break, including with what looked set to be the moment of the day – a violent pick-up off Chris Jordan that smashed a solar panel on the roof at midwicket. But then, in the 22-ball resumption, it was all about George Munsey, who clobbered 23 from his remaining 12 balls, including a stunning switch-hit six that a left-handed KP could scarcely have timed any better. Namibia, however, know from recent experience that that shot is a Munsey trademark – at Kirtipur in February 2023, he unfurled a similar stroke for four to bring up his maiden ODI hundred, and seal a stunning ten-wicket win with a massive 167 balls to spare. In 2017, he scored his only first-class hundred against the same opponents, in the Intercontinental Cup in Ayr.Left-hander George Munsey hit Adil Rashid for a right-handed six earlier in the tournament•Getty Images

Munsey, however, will remember all too well what happened the last time he encountered the left-arm swing of Ruben Trumpelmannat a T20 World Cup. Facing up to the first ball of the match, in Abu Dhabi in 2021, Munsey climbed into a cut but misjudged the width, and hacked the ball onto his own stumps. Three balls later, Scotland were 2 for 3, as Calum McLeod and Richie Berrington were blasted from the crease with an aplomb to rival Mitchell Starc. And auspiciously for Namibia, Trumpelmann has started this latest tournament with similar devastation. Two balls versus Oman, two wickets in the bag, as both Kashyap Prajapati and Aqib Ilyas fell to savage, stump-seeking lbws.Pitch and conditions: The good news is that the weather in Barbados seems significantly better than it has been for the first week of the tournament. Only a small chance of rain is anticipated for each day until Sunday.Team newsNamibia endured a scare in their opener against Oman but came through in the end. An unchanged team could be in the offing.Namibia (probable): 1 Michael van Lingen, 2 Nikolaas Davin, 3 Jan Frylinck, 4 Gerhard Erasmus (capt), 5 JJ Smit, 6 David Wiese, 7 Zane Green (wk), 8 Malan Kruger, 9 Ruben Trumpelmann, 10 Bernard Scholtz, 11 Tangeni LungameniPrecisely two Scotland players got to sample the atmosphere of a Caribbean World Cup on Tuesday, but the confidence that Munsey and Jones will have telegraphed through their unbroken stand should not be underestimated. There’s no reason to think there’ll be any tweaks to the line-up that was trusted for their opening outing.Scotland (probable): 1 George Munsey, 2 Michael Jones, 3 Brandon McMullen, 4 Richie Berrington (capt), 5 Matt Cross (wk), 6 Michael Leask, 7 Chris Greaves, 8 Mark Watt, 9 Brad Wheal, 10 Chris Sole, 11 Brad CurrieStats that matter Namibia are playing in their third consecutive T20 World Cup, after qualifying for the 2021 and 2022 events. They have won five of their 12 matches to date, including the recent Super Over victory against Oman. Namibia have beaten Scotland in each of their three previous T20Is, including their only previous clash at a World Cup – a four-wicket win at Abu Dhabi in 2021. Since then, however, Scotland have won five of the six ODIs that the two teams have ever contested – including the aforementioned Munsey masterclass in February 2023.Quotes”Every game at a World Cup is a big game regardless of who the opposition is, so nothing changes in terms of process and preparation. We might not have as big a crowd watching us, but we still know it’s just as big a game and we need to win to really compete here.”
Brad Wheal, Scotland’s seamer, is braced for an important showdown.“The associates are ready. They want to play. They’re raring to go.”

West Bromwich Albion’s action-packed summer has been full of change so far.

Obviously, the first notable change occurred in the dug-out when Ryan Mason was finally unveiled as Tony Mowbray’s late successor, but more alterations have taken place since.

Centre-back titan Semi Ajayi has exited the Hawthorns for Hull City, on top of Grady Diangana reportedly looking as though he’s heading to Valencia in Spain.

Mason could instantly soften the blow of Ajayi departing the West Midlands by securing the signature of Nat Phillips, with reports now suggesting that the Liverpool colossus will move to West Brom permanently this summer.

Unfortunately, this is unlikely to be the only major loss Mason will have to stomach as the enthralling transfer window chugs along, with rumours already coming back to the surface that first-team star Tom Fellows might also be off.

Fellows' future at West Brom

It did feel as if it was going to be inevitable that any interest in Fellows would be reignited, with the England U21 international very firmly back on the radar of David Moyes’ Everton, as per a report by TEAMtalk last week.

The exciting attacker is just fresh off a breakout Championship season that saw him collect a jaw-dropping 14 assists in league action, on top of also powering home four strikes for his failed playoff-chasing outfit.

Therefore, it’s not a shock to see the Toffees chasing him, with Mason desperate to keep hold of him as he aims to guide the Baggies to promotion, especially as Josh Maja – who linked up with Fellows to devastating effect last season – edges closer to being back from injury.

But, Fellows might well feel he’s ready for the step-up to the Premier League now, as a reported price-tag of £10m begins to be circulated.

Whilst bolstering their centre-back numbers was a top priority in the wake of Ajayi upping and leaving, adding in more dynamic, creative attackers will be seen as more paramount if Fellows does exit.

West Brom's ideal Fellow replacement

According to a report by the Express and Star, West Brom could soon swoop in for AFC Bournemouth ace David Brooks on a loan basis, with Mason and Co just one of several Championship clubs keeping close tabs on the Welshman’s situation at the Cherries.

Transfer Focus

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He might well come in, therefore, and be a necessary short-term option for the Baggies to get over their homegrown product’s departure.

Indeed, the 27-year-old’s last electric loan spell away from Bournemouth down in the EFL resulted in Southampton clinching promotion at the close of the 2023/24 season.

Fellows might well even attempt to follow in Brooks’ footsteps if a Premier League switch soon opens up for him, with the 27-year-old – away from firing home two strikes for the Saints during that campaign – first getting to grips with the senior game in the Championship with Sheffield United.

Rising through the ranks with the Blades, he scored three goals and supplied eight assists in South Yorkshire.

As a result, a bumper £11.5m to the South Coast occurred, and whilst he does have a healthy 11 goals and six assists next to his name too in the luxuries of the Premier League, it’s his productive numbers in the second tier overall that will be solely catching Mason’s eye.

Brooks’ Championship numbers by season

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

23/24

17

2

5

21/22

7

1

0

20/21

32

5

6

17/18

30

3

5

Sourced by Transfermarkt

In total, Brooks has a sterling collection of 11 goals and 16 assists at the challenging level, with that assist haul particularly eye-catching as West Brom aim to effectively replace Fellows’ creative flair.

Hailed as “sublime” by Eddie Howe during his early Bournemouth days, this is a signing that will be seen as a statement to the rest of the Championship.

Throw Phillips into the mix and West Brom might well be deemed as serious promotion candidates, irrespective of high-profile exits souring the mood.

Related West Brom could sign a "fabulous" Diangana replacement who's an EFL veteran

While Grady Diangana nears to a move away from West Bromwich Albion, the Baggies could be about to land his ideal replacement.

Posts ByKelan Sarson Jun 20, 2025

The transfer window has swung back open, and Arsenal need to get to work.

Mikel Arteta’s side may have once again finished the season as the second-best team in the Premier League this year, but as things stand, they are getting left behind by their rivals in the market.

For example, Liverpool have secured the services of Florian Wirtz, Manchester City have signed Rayan Cherki and a host of other talents, and now Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur look ready to battle it out for Bryan Mbeumo.

Fortunately, recent reports suggest that the Gunners may well be fighting to sign a dynamic winger of their own, someone who could be their answer to Mbeumo next season.

Arsenal's winger search

With Arsenal producing the best defence in the league for the second year running, it’s no surprise that almost all transfer rumours around the club have been focused on strikers and wingers.

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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Regarding the latter, the North Londoners have already been linked with Real Madrid’s sensational Rodrygo for £84m and Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga for closer to £60m.

However, as things stand anyway, neither of those players feel like they are likely to move anytime soon, which can’t be said for Nico Williams.

Yes, according to a recent report from Spanish newspaper Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Arsenal remain intensely interested in the Athletic Bilbao star.

In fact, in an exciting development, the report claims that the Gunners ‘are bidding hard’ for the young Spaniard and that they are offering him a net salary of €9m a year, which comes out to around £7.67m and is more than either Bilbao or Barcelona can afford to offer.

Moreover, the story reaffirms prior reports that the club are willing to activate the winger’s €62m release clause, which converts to around £53m.

It’s going to be an incredibly costly and likely quite a complicated transfer to get over the line, but given Williams’ ability and potential, it’s one worth fighting for, especially as he’d be the perfect answer to whoever signs Mbeumo.

Why Williams would be a perfect answer to Mbeumo

Now, while Mbeumo is an undeniably talented winger and was one of the best attackers in the Premier League this season, there are a number of reasons why Williams would be a great answer for Arsenal.

The first and arguably most significant reason relates to the Spaniard’s underlying numbers from the last two campaigns, as when we compare them to the Bees ace, it becomes very clear that his ceiling is far higher.

Moreover, while the former Troyes ace does do better in some metrics, like progressive passes and aerial duels won per 90, he comes out a distant second in almost every other area and by quite some distance.

Williams vs Mbeumo

Statistics per 90

Williams

Mbeumo

Non-Penalty Goals + Assists

0.65

0.55

Progressive Passes

2.97

3.84

Progressive Passes Received

11.5

9.15

Progressive Carries

5.70

3.42

Shots

2.58

2.15

Shots on Target

0.95

0.86

Passing Accuracy

71.2%

66.4

Key Passes

2.01

1.71

Passes into the Penalty Area

1.72

1.59

Crosses into the Penalty Area

0.62

0.39

Shot-Creating Actions

5.05

3.79

Goal-Creating Actions

0.73

0.50

Tackles

1.09

1.07

Successful Take-Ons

3.33

1.31

Ball Recoveries

4.71

4.17

Aerial Duels Won

0.38

0.95

All Stats via FBref for the 23/24 & 24/25 Seasons

For example, the dynamic “level-raiser,” as dubbed by respected analyst Ben Mattinson, does far better in crucial metrics such as non-penalty goals plus assists, progressive carries, successful take-ons, shots and shots on target, key passes, shot and goal-creating actions and many, many more, all per 90.

Now, if the two wingers were the same age, then we’d still suggest that the Pamplona-born international would be the better signing, but given the fact he is three years younger than the Avallon-born ace, then there is no telling how much the gap will grow in a few years time.

Finally, on top of all of that, the 28-capped international has also proven he can perform in the most high-pressure moments, as he was the one who opened the scoring for Spain in last summer’s European Championship final.

Ultimately, Mbeumo is a great player and will likely do well wherever he ends up, but Williams looks to be the superior winger and, therefore, a perfect answer for Arsenal.

Related Dream Gyokeres alternative: £40m striker now wants to sign for Arsenal

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 16, 2025

Everton are interested in signing another Liverpool player alongside Ben Doak in the summer transfer window, according to a fresh update.

Doak heads list of Everton winger targets

The Blues are reportedly interested in making a shock move for Reds winger Doak before next season gets underway, in a transfer that would cause plenty of controversy.

An update from Sky Sports suggested that Everton are one of the clubs who are interested in acquiring the services of the 19-year-old this summer, with the Scot seen as an attacking player with a big future in the game, spending the 2024/25 season on loan at Championship side Middlesbrough.

Liverpool have a big decision to make with Doak, with the young Scotland international someone who could potentially be an eventual successor to Mohamed Salah on the right wing, but also not quite mature enough to fully make the grade at Anfield just yet.

From an Everton perspective, the idea of the teenager heading to Bramley Moore Dock is certainly exciting, not only because they would be signing a great young talent, but also due to them snapping up a player from their nearest and biggest rivals. Now, another Reds player is also reportedly wanted by the Blues.

Everton keeping tabs on Gomez's situation

According to a new claim from Empire of the Kop, Everton are “keeping close tabs” on Liverpool defender Joe Gomez, as they eye a summer move for him alongside Doak. The Blues are one of eight Premier League teams who are believed to be in the mix to snap him up, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa and Leeds United.

The £85,000-a-week Gomez could be a really shrewd addition by Everton in the summer, although as is the case with Doak, it remains to be seen if Liverpool will be hesitant to sell to them.

The 28-year-old is now the Reds’ longest-serving current player, winning two Premier League titles and always proving to be an excellent squad player, with Jurgen Klopp a huge admirer.

“He is a lifesaver, to be honest, that he was here, that he could play. People forget how important Joey was in the best years we had. I don’t know how many games he played in the year when we became champions and how many games he played when we won the Champions League – a lot and rightly so because he’s a top-class player.”

Related Everton eyeing summer deal to sign "complete" 6-cap Ivory Coast international

Kevin Thelwell isn’t messing around this summer.

Posts ByHenry Jackson Jun 2, 2025

Gomez may like the idea of being a regular for Everton, having had to accept being behind Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in the centre-back pecking order, and he also wouldn’t have to up sticks and move away.

Joe Gomez’s trophy wins at Liverpool

Season

Premier League

2024/25

Premier League

2019/20

Champions League

2018/19

FA Cup

2021/22

EFL Cup

2023/24

EFL Cup

2021/22

Club World Cup

2019/20

UEFA Super Cup

2019/20

Community Shield

2022/23

That said, the England international may not want to risk tarnishing his Liverpool legacy by making a controversial switch, so a move elsewhere, or staying put at Anfield, feels more likely.

Celtic will enjoy a hard-earned summer break after a long season and are already in discussions over bringing a renowned star to Parkhead on a permanent basis.

Celtic end the season with defeat in the Scottish Cup final

Years of success at Hampden led many to believe that Celtic’s Scottish Cup final clash against Aberdeen was only going to go one way, but the Dons seized their opportunity to claim glory at the national stadium under Jimmy Thelin.

Two trophies, tangible success in the Champions League and coming a whisker away from winning a domestic treble is a good season by any stretch for the Hoops. Still, Brendan Rodgers will wonder what might’ve been if his side took their chances on Saturday afternoon.

One thing is for certain, Celtic will be active on the transfer front once the window opens. The Irishman confirmed his intent to bring in fresh blood after their Scottish Cup final defeat, insisting there is plenty of work to be done over the next few months.

He stated: “It’s no different to any summer. I think the result today doesn’t change anything, I spoke during the week and before the game. It doesn’t change anything.

“We know we need to strengthen areas on the field and see how the summer goes. I think for us, we want to strengthen. That’s what you aim to do every summer.”

Related Celtic have been backed to make stunning move for 20 y/o "superstar"

This would be a great piece of business.

Posts ByHenry Jackson May 24, 2025

Giorgos Giakoumakis has claimed he would love a move back to Celtic, though it remains to be seen whether the Scottish Premiership champions will take the Greece international up on his enthusiastic suggestion.

Either way, movement is set to occur and discussions have taken place between the club and a star who could sign a permanent deal at Parkhead.

Celtic hold talks over permanent Jeffrey Schlupp deal

According to Sky Sports, Celtic have held discussions with Jeffrey Schlupp over a permanent move now that his loan deal is at an end at Parkhead.

The £60,000-per-week earner is set to be available on a free transfer and when his Crystal Palace contract expires, though there is yet to be any indication of whether an extended stay in Glasgow could be on the cards.

Jeffrey Schlupp at Celtic – has his loan spell been a positive one?

Appearances

18

Goals

1

Assists

1

Trophies

Scottish Premiership winner

Labelled “fantastic” by Oliver Glasner, the 32-year-old has become a useful rotation option alongside Greg Taylor at left-back, but his current wages may prove to be a stumbling block given his likely status as deputy to Kieran Tierney next term.

Reports state that if neither Schlupp nor Taylor agree to stick around, the Bhoys will venture into the market to provide further competition in that area of the field.

There is clearly a desire from Celtic to tie up the experienced campaigner on a permanent basis. However, his age would make him a stop-gap signing rather than a long-term solution at left-back.

In recent days reports have emerged that clubs around Europe have already been left stunned by the swift and aggressive approach Arsenal are taking to the transfer window under Andrea Berta.

For those who support the club, this should be music to their ears. The January window was a slow and laboured affair, one that ultimately ended without a single incoming. Rewind to last summer and while faces like David Raya, Mikel Merino and Riccardo Calafiori all arrived, a centre forward continued to elude them.

So, what does this summer have in store? Berta needs a striker. Mikel Arteta needs a striker. Arsenal need a striker. Not signing one would be disastrous.

Arsenal's striker shortlist this summer

Pick one of the top strikers in European football and it’s likely the Gunners will have been linked with them.

The dream signing, obviously, is Alexander Isak but if Newcastle secure Champions League football, the Swede feels even more untouchable than he already is.

So, alternatives will be required and in long-term target Benjamin Sesko, they may find their man. Reports from David Ornstein last week indicated that they have ‘done a lot of work’ on potentially signing the Slovenian.

But, Berta’s pick would appear to be another Swede in the form of Viktor Gyokeres, a man possessed in front of goal over the last two seasons.

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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Reports over the last week or so have suggested that Arsenal are locked in talks to sign the forward from Portuguese outfit Sporting CP, but fresh news now indicates a deal is moving closer to completion.

One reporter in France claims that ‘Gyokeres and Arsenal have reached full agreement’ over personal terms and that the ‘Sporting striker wants to join Arsenal’ this summer.

Exciting news indeed. So, what could he offer besides goals?

How Viktor Gyokeres compares to Alexander Isak

In the words of data analyst Spencer Mossman, Gyokeres is certainly “the best finisher in the world” at the moment.

It’s hard to dispute that claim, especially considering the remarkable form the 26-year-old has been in since trading Coventry City of England’s second-tier for the Portuguese top-flight.

In that final campaign with Coventry, the hulking centre-forward found the net on 22 occasions and once departing, he has truly exploded, scoring 43 goals in 50 outings last term and registering a jaw-dropping 53 goals in 51 outings throughout 2024/25.

It is hardly a surprise to see that he is leading the race for the European Golden Boot. He’s streets ahead of Isak for goal involvements, which rather says it all.

The Toon forward has been seriously impressive in his own right but boasts a meagre haul of 27 goals in all competitions in comparison. Impressive, of course, but this is a man who may also cost in the region of £150m. In Gyokeres, Arsenal would be getting more bang for their buck, so to speak.

Arsenal need a goalscorer, however, and there is an argument to suggest that they could be getting a more complete package here.

Gyokeres vs Isak in 2024/25

Metric (per 90 mins)

Gyokeres

Isak

Shots

4.07

3.11

Passes completed

16.2

16.7

Pass success %

71%

74%

Key passes

1.96

1.39

Progressive passes

2.18

2.84

Shot-creating actions

4.90

3.07

Successful take-ons

1.92

1.42

Progressive carries

4.20

2.77

Aerial duels won

1.15

0.88

Stats via FBRef.

One thing that’s necessary to state is that Isak is playing in a better league, but even so, some of the numbers Gyokeres is registering in Iberia are simply off the charts.

While he’s scoring more than one goal per game, he’s proving to be more creative than Isak – although only just – he carries the ball more regularly and he’s more likely to win you an aerial duel. That final statistic could be key considering what Arteta has asked of the likes of Kai Havertz and Merino as his central strikers.

That said, data analyst Ben Mattinson has shared what he describes as a few “red flags”.

A heavy first touch and his inability to turn on a dime could well be turn-offs, particularly considering the explosiveness of Isak, but first and foremost, Arsenal need goals.

Gyokeres has provided that in abundance over the last few years and if his fellow Swede turns out to be off the table, he could well be Arsenal’s very own Isak anyway; a proven goalscorer set to take the Premier League by storm.

Related Arteta has struck gold on Arsenal star worth millions more than Gyokeres

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Posts 2 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 18, 2025

As Manchester United get set to take on Chelsea in the penultimate game of their miserable Premier League season on Friday night, one man who won’t be involved in proceedings is Old Trafford exile, Jadon Sancho.

The 25-year-old loanee – who is ineligible to feature for the Blues against his parent club – is set to head into a summer of uncertainty at Stamford Bridge, with it yet to be seen whether the west London side will secure his services on a permanent basis.

With talk in recent months indicating that Enzo Maresca’s side could actually pay a £5m fee in order to send him back to Manchester, despite agreeing to a £20m-£25m obligation to buy last summer, the Red Devils face the very real prospect of being lumped with the £195k-per-week winger once again.

In truth, even with a change in the dugout following Ruben Amorim’s arrival, the England international should have no future back at the Theatre of Dreams, having proven a simply wasted venture following his £73m arrival in 2021.

Perhaps hampered by a long, drawn-out saga that began in 2020, the former Borussia Dortmund man has been unable to replicate his Bundesliga heroics, having chalked up just 18 goals and assists in 83 games for United to date.

Man Utd record for selected wingers (past and present)

Player

Games

Goals

Assists

Total G/A

Antony

96

12

5

17

Anthony Elanga

55

4

4

8

Amad

61

13

11

24

Jadon Sancho

83

12

6

18

Alejandro Garnacho

146

26

22

48

Dan James

74

9

9

18

Angel Di Maria

34

4

12

16

Henrikh Mkhitaryan

63

13

11

24

Memphis Depay

53

7

6

13

Stats via Transfermarkt

Alongside the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony, Sancho is a player who INEOS need to cash in on this summer. What they must not do, however, is sign a talent of a similar ilk…

Man Utd's search for a forward

Whether it pays off or not remains to be seen, although it is encouraging to see that United are looking to target current Premier League stars this summer, ensuring there should be less of a need for adaptation next season.

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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Indeed, both Matheus Cunha and Liam Delap appear to be at the top of the shopping list, while recent reports have also indicated that Amorim and co are interested in Bournemouth’s £60m-rated sensation, Antoine Semenyo.

With the Red Devils intent on strengthening the 40-year-old’s attacking options, Sky Sports have since revealed that United are also keeping tabs on Nottingham Forest’s Callum Hudson-Odoi.

As per reporter Dharmesh Sheth, the Englishman currently has just a year left on his contract at the City Ground, with talks currently “ongoing” with the Champions League hopefuls regarding an extension.

Reading between the lines, INEOS appear ready to pounce should those negotiations hit a stumbling block, with Forest perhaps willing to cash in, considering that they signed the ex-Chelsea man for a fee of just £3m back in 2023.

Alongside former United academy graduate, Anthony Elanga, Hudson-Odoi has no doubt flourished for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side – but is he what Amorim really needs?

Why Man Utd could be targeting another Sancho

The journey of a young footballer is rarely a smooth one, as Sancho, in particular, has come to learn.

Plucked from Manchester City by Dortmund on a £10m deal in 2017, the wing wizard went on to sparkle in German football over the next four years, with his total record for the Bundesliga side – when factoring last season’s loan spell back at the club – standing at 120 goals and assists in 158 games.

For all that talent and potential, it just hasn’t worked out since then, with Sancho now a forgotten man in Manchester, having also provided only eight goal involvements in the league this season for the Blues. His last Three Lions outing came as far back as October 2021.

It has been a similar story for Hudson-Odoi too, with the one-time wonderkid touted for big things after making his senior international debut at the age of just 18, having also been the subject of a £70m offer from Bayern Munich in 2020.

Injuries and limited game followed back at Chelsea, however, while he was also shipped off to Bayer Leverkusen for an unsuccessful loan in 2022/23, which yielded just one goal and one assist.

After recording 16 goals and 22 assists in 126 games for the west Londoners, the decision was made to cash in on the fleet-footed winger two years ago, while on the international scene, he has been unable to build on his three caps – all of which came in 2019.

To his credit, the man once described as a “monster of a talent” by journalist Nizaar Kinsella has found his feet at Forest, with 13 goals and six assists in 68 games in all competitions, including the winner against Manchester City earlier this year.

Hudson-Odoi vs Sancho – 24/25 PL stats

Stat (per 90)

Hudson-Odoi

Sancho

Non-penalty goals

0.21

0.16

Assists

0.08

0.21

Shot-creating actions

3.93

3.59

Pass completion

82.2%

82.5%

Progressive passes

2.76

4.65

Progressive carries

5.31

5.28

Successful take-ons

1.51

2.38

Touches in penalty box

3.01

6.39

Progressive passes received

7.78

11.68

Stats via FBref

That said, like Sancho, he hasn’t exactly pulled up any trees – if you’ll pardon the pun – in Nottingham, having matched his compatriot’s record of only eight goal contributions in the top-flight this term.

Interestingly too, the two widemen – both of whom can play on either flank – are noted as statistically similar players among those in their position in the division, as per FBref, with United at risk of landing another mercurial and inconsistent talent.

Perhaps, for a bargain fee, Hudson-Odoi could prove worth the gamble, although having witnessed Sancho struggle so greatly in recent years, targeting a player of similar quality and ability may well need to be avoided.

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Aston Villa have four games left to save their season. It has been a frustrating few weeks after they were knocked out of the FA Cup and the Champions League, leaving themselves without a chance to win a trophy.

The Villans, however, can still clinch a successful campaign by finishing in the top five in the Premier League to secure a place in the Champions League for the 2025/26 campaign.

Unai Emery’s side, who were narrowly beaten by PSG in the quarter-finals of the competitions this term, are looking to climb at least two places in the Premier League table to land a spot in Europe’s premier cup competition.

The Villans are currently seventh in the top-flight, three points behind Chelsea in fifth spot, and this means that there is still plenty to play for heading into the final four games of the campaign.

David Ornstein reported earlier this week that Marcus Rashford, however, is unlikely to play any part in those four matches after sustaining a hamstring injury that looks set to end his season.

One of the club’s other loan stars, Marco Asensio, could step up to be a difference-maker in the remaining games to make up for the English star’s absence.

Why Marco Asensio's Aston Villa move has been a big success

The Villans swooped to sign the Spain international from PSG in the January transfer window on loan until the end of the season, without an option to make the deal permanent.

Asensio was, essentially, brought in to provide the team with an instant boost, and that is exactly what the 29-year-old dynamo has done over the past three months or so.

The Spanish star has scored eight goals and provided one assist in all competitions for Villa to date, including two goals in one game against Club Brugge in the Champions League.

These statistics show that Asensio has succeeded in making an instant impact at Villa Park with his contributions at the top end of the pitch, which has also been the case in the Premier League specifically.

24/25 Premier League

Marco Asensio

Appearances (starts)

9 (5)

xG

4.18

Goals

3

Key passes per game

1.3

Assists

1

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the PSG loanee has been directly involved in four goals in five starts in the top-flight, despite missing two penalties in one match against Southampton earlier this month.

The loan move has, therefore, been a big success so far because he has made the desired impact in the final third since joining on a temporary basis from the French giants.

It was reported by TEAMtalk in March that Villa have opened talks over a possible deal to sign the winger on a permanent basis for a fee of £18m in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Instead of splashing £18m on the 29-year-old attacker, however, Emery could find a perfect replacement for Asensio by bringing Emiliano Buendia back into the first-team fold, after his loan at Bayer Leverkusen expires.

The former Norwich City winger could return to take the Spanish gem’s place in the squad next season, saving the club £18m in the process.

Why Emi Buendia could be Marco Asensio's replacement

It is fair to say that Buendia has not lived up to the hype that came alongside his, at the time, club-record £33m move from the Canaries in the summer of 2021.

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The Argentina international produced nine goals and nine assists in 78 appearances in all competitions in his first two seasons at Villa Park, which is a decent, but unspectacular, return, for an attacking midfielder.

The diminutive talent arrived at the club off the back of a haul of 15 goals and 16 assists in the Championship for Norwich in the 2020/21 campaign, but failed to immediately translate that kind of form over to the top-flight with Villa.

Unfortunately, Buendia then suffered an ACL injury ahead of the 2023/24 campaign and missed a whopping 56 competitive matches, and 328 days of action, before his return in the summer of 2024.

This disrupted his development at Villa and caused him to fall down the pecking order by the time he returned to the team at the start of this season.

Buendia played just 124 minutes of football across 12 substitute appearances in the Premier League during the first half of the current campaign, along with one goal – against Wycombe Wanderers – in two starts in the League Cup.

His lack of minutes on the pitch during the first half of the season led to him being sent out on loan to Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen until the end of the campaign.

The 28-year-old star, who was once described as a “little warrior” by Steven Gerrard, has scored two goals and created two ‘big chances’ in nine appearances and two starts in the Bundesliga to date, most recently impressing against Augsburg last weekend.

Vs Augsburg (H)

Emi Buendia

Minutes

64

xG

0.09

Goals

1

Key passes

1

Dribbles completed

1/1

Ground duels won

4/6

Aerial duels won

2/2

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Buendia put in a fantastic all-round display for Leverkusen on the wing, winning his duels, creating a chance, and scoring a goal from a low xG chance.

It further illustrates how good the Argentine star, who once provided an unbelievable assist for Norwich in the clip above, can be on his day at the top level.

Buendia is yet to justify his £33m price tag at Aston Villa but his form since joining Leverkusen and his incredible performances for the Canaries in the past suggest that is worth giving him one more chance to impress in pre-season to save his Villa career.

The right-footed wizard has the potential to come back as the perfect replacement for Asensio as an attacking midfielder who can provide goals and assists, if he can finally hit his stride in the Midlands, and that means that he could save the club £18m by preventing them from needing to sign the Spaniard permanently.

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It is now down to Emery to provide the former Norwich maestro with a chance, in pre-season, to show that his loan spell with Leverkusen has helped him to rediscover his best form.

Using Evangelos Marinakis’ extensive portfolio of clubs to their advantage, Nottingham Forest are now reportedly willing to meet one target’s price-tag this summer in pursuit of boosting their attacking options.

Nottingham Forest plotting statement summer

With just six games to go in the Premier League, Nottingham Forest sit third and four points clear of Manchester City in sixth, who are on course to miss out on Champions League football. And whilst there will still be some nerves around the City Ground, the fact that fifth will still be enough to secure a place among Europe’s elite should give them more than enough of a safety net.

Nuno Espirito Santo recently delivered his verdict on the positive Champions League news, albeit whilst reiterating that it will not change the approach that Nottingham Forest take.

The manager told reporters in the build-up to his side’s game against Everton: “It’s in our hands. It opens one more space so there is more contenders but for us it doesn’t change anything. Our approach will be the same. I think we have a great opportunity to achieve something great.”

Bringing European football back to the City Ground would leave Espirito Santo’s name cemented in the history books, but this season’s success may yet just be the start of a special era.

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Qualification for next season’s Champions League would mean that a place in Nottingham Forest’s squad would suddenly be among the most attractive in the Premier League and that has already seen a number of targets lined up ahead of the summer transfer window.

Names as big as Victor Osimhen have even been mentioned on Forest’s radar, whilst they could also look towards South America for incomings.

Nottingham Forest willing to meet Clayton's valuation

According to Record, as relayed by Sports Witness, Nottingham Forest are now willing to spend in the race to sign Clayton this summer. The impressive centre-forward is currently on loan from Vasco da Gama at Rio Ave – a club also owned by Marinakis – in a deal that is expected to become permanent when the summer transfer window arrives.

Of course, if that does prove to be the case then Forest’s pursuit should become far easier thanks to Marinakis. The Greek owner could use his place at both sides to help connect any potential deal this summer, which would reportedly be worth around €10m (£9m) – a price Nottingham Forest are willing to pay.

26 years old and at the peak of his powers having scored 17 goals and assisted a further two in all competitions so far this season, Clayton could quickly turn into the bargain of the summer if he carried over his form from Portugal to the Midlands.

Given that Chris Wood is now 33 years old and Taiwo Awoniyi remains unconvincing too, Nottingham Forest could make their move to sign the forward at the perfect time.

Fresh from having been narrowly defeated by Nottingham Forest earlier this week, Manchester United are now gearing up for Sunday’s Manchester Derby – just under five months on from clinching victory in dramatic circumstances at the Etihad.

Having been trailing 1-0 heading into the final knockings of the game, an Amad Diallo-inspired comeback flipped the match on its head, with the Ivorian first winning a penalty following a clumsy foul from Matheus Nunes, before sealing the win in stoppage time with an expertly taken finish from the angle.

That euphoric finale ensured it was a fitting way for Ruben Amorim to seal his first win in the fixture, albeit – as is often the way at United – it was matters off the field that dominated the headlines both pre and post-match.

Indeed, the Portuguese coach had taken the bold decision to leave both Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford out of the matchday squad for the meeting with Pep Guardiola’s side, with the 40-year-old stressing that the pair had been omitted due to a “selection” choice, rather than due to illness or injury.

In the case of Garnacho, the 20-year-old has since forced his way back into Amorim’s good books, having notably scored in the recent win over Leicester City, although as for Rashford, the England international hasn’t been seen in a United shirt since, having subsequently moved on loan to Aston Villa in February.

From scoring the winning goal in the derby back in March 2016, the same fixture at the Etihad perhaps marked the beginning of the end for the 27-year-old’s time with the Red Devils, with a permanent exit looking almost inevitable this summer.

Marcus Rashford's rise at Man Utd in 2016

Three goals in a week have ensured that Rashford is again the talk of the town at Villa Park, with the United academy graduate having shaken off his Amorim-led exile to kickstart his stuttering career under Unai Emery.

Having spoken of his desire for a “new challenge” back in December, the high-profile star – who could join the Villans on a £40m deal this summer – appears keen to leave life at Old Trafford behind, ending his lengthy association with the Red Devils.

In truth, it looks set to be a sad end to a story that started so spectacularly back in February 2016, with Rashford soaring from unknown teenager to household name overnight, following his brace against FC Midtjylland in the Europa League.

That stunning display on debut – which had come amid a remarkable injury crisis in Louis van Gaal’s centre-forward ranks – was followed by another double just a few days later on his first Premier League appearance against Arsenal, with the 18-year-old cementing his status as the new poster boy at the Theatre of Dreams.

In all, the promising striker would end that 2015/16 campaign with eight goals to his name from just 18 senior outings, albeit with few having been quite as memorable as his winner against City on the road.

On what was just his fourth league appearance for United, Rashford proved the hero after surging past the ageing Martin Demichelis, before expertly slotting the ball past compatriot, Joe Hart, and sending the travelling fans into a frenzy.

Just under a decade on, the Red Devils head into a derby without their 138-goal graduate – who has scored six times against City – to call upon. Could Amorim, however, have the next Rashford ready to be unleashed instead?

Man Utd could be brewing the next Rashford

It is easy to forget just what an incredible story it was at the time of Rashford’s emergence onto the scene at first-team level, with the local hero even going on to end 2015/16 as part of England’s squad for the European Championships in France.

That journey was somewhat mirrored last season as Kobbie Mainoo – who was handed his first league start in November 2023 – subsequently played a vital role in the Three Lions’ surge to the Euro 2024 final, having also netted what proved to be the clincher in the FA Cup showpiece in May.

The midfield maestro is unlikely to feature this weekend, however, as the 19-year-old steps up his return from his latest injury setback, albeit with there the potential for another teenage talent to make his mark in the fixture, in the form of Chido Obi.

FA Youth Cup top scorers – 24/25

Player

Club

Goals

Chido Obi

Man Utd

7

Tom Wingate

Fulham

5

Amin Nabizada

Watford

5

Mason Cotcher

Aston Villa

5

Shim Mhueka

Chelsa

4

Finlay Gorman

Man City

4

Emmerson Sutton

QPR

4

Cruz Allen

Derby

4

Matty Warhurst

Man City

4

Stats via Transfermarkt

On Tuesday evening at the City Ground, Amorim’s men failed to score for the 11th time in the league this season, with the ex-Sporting CP boss resorting to throwing on Harry Maguire as a makeshift striker at the death.

With Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund having scored just six top-flight goals between them in 2024/25, a change needs to be made one way or another, with it perhaps an opportunity for Obi to have his own Rashford-like derby moment.

Described as a “goal machine” at academy level by data analyst Ben Mattinson, the Danish starlet was absent from the midweek defeat after starting in the U18s FA Youth Cup loss to Villa on Monday night, with Adam Lawrence’s side crashing out on penalties.

Obi had scored seven times in just three appearances in the competition prior to that, with his total tally at that age group for United standing at 12 goals from just ten outings thus far.

Signed from Arsenal last summer, the 17-year-old hasn’t quite emulated Rashford yet after failing to score in any of his four substitute appearances at senior level, albeit while certainly coming close in the FA Cup clash with Fulham, after being denied by Bernd Leno from the angle.

With United’s priority for the remainder of the season now the Europa League, Amorim may deem it wise to rest the likes of Hojlund and Zirkzee regardless, ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final, first-leg tie with Lyon.

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That could then allow Obi – who is ineligible to feature in Europe – the chance to secure a first start for Amorim’s side this weekend, with there perhaps no better time for the youngster to get off the mark.

Rashford, unfortunately, now looks to be at the end of a fruitful journey at Old Trafford. For his potential successor, however, hopefully, the adventure is just beginning.

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