Amorim's next Gyokeres: Man Utd leading the race to sign "world-class" CF

The Manchester United fanbase will be hoping for a major transformation next season, with the levels produced by the first team in 2024/25 nothing short of disastrous.

Ruben Amorim’s side ended the campaign in 15th place in the Premier League, whilst also losing the Europa League final to fellow English strugglers Tottenham Hotspur.

The manager was only somewhat responsible for the embarrassing period on the pitch, largely having to work with the players who were already at Old Trafford before his appointment.

Manchester United manager RubenAmorimbefore the match

However, the current transfer window has allowed him to change the Red Devils’ fortunes, with Matheus Cunha already joining in a £62.5m deal earlier this summer.

Various other additions are expected to hand the manager the best possible chance of being a success in the role, with the additions he makes crucial to his tenure at the club.

The latest on United’s hunt for new additions this summer

Ollie Watkins is a striker who has constantly been on United’s radar over the last couple of days, with the hierarchy exploring a deal to land the England international this window.

Any deal for the 29-year-old appears to be an expensive one, as Unai Emery’s side are currently demanding a fee in the region of £60m to part ways with their leading talisman.

As a result, the Red Devils have seemingly moved on to other targets in recent days, resulting in Napoli star Victor Osimhen reemerging on their shortlist, according to one Spanish outlet.

They claim in their report that the Nigerian forward has expressed his desire to move to Old Trafford this summer, with a Premier League move the dream for the 26-year-old this summer.

It also states that Amorim’s side are leading the race for the talisman this window, but any deal could cost them £64m after he scored 37 times on loan at Galatasaray last campaign.

Why United’s £64m target could be Amorim’s next Gyokeres

Viktor Gyokeres doesn’t need any introduction with the vast majority of people knowing the goalscoring prowess he possesses based on his figures this season.

Viktor Gyokeres celebrating.

The Swedish international started the 2024/25 campaign under the guidance of now United boss Amorim, scoring a staggering 54 times in his 52 outings across all competitions.

After the 40-year-old accepted the manager’s job at Old Trafford, many links have emerged between the striker and the Red Devils, but no deal has come to fruition.

He looks set to leave the Portuguese outfit this window, but is in favour of a move to Arsenal, after he stated his desire to move to the Emirates rather than the Theatre of Dreams.

However, whilst it may be a disappointment to miss out on a clinical goalscorer like Gyokeres, the supporters shouldn’t worry, with Osimhen having all the tools to replicate his success.

Galatasaray's VictorOsimhenreacts

When comparing their respective stats from the recent campaign, the Nigerian has dominated in numerous key areas, highlighting why he’d be the better option for the Red Devils.

The Napoli forward, who’s been labelled “world-class” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, has posted a higher shot on target rate this season, showcasing his excellent talents in the final third.

How Osimhen & Gyokeres compare in 2024/25

Statistics (per 90)

Osimhen

Gyokeres

Games played

30

33

Goals & assists

31

46

Shots on target

2.2

2

Goals per shot on target

0.4

0.3

Aerials won

4.3

0.6

Aerial success rate

64%

30%

Take-on success

60%

27%

Stats via FBref

He’s also won more of the aerial battles he’s entered, along with a higher success rate for take-ons, offering a more all-round option within the final third than the Swede.

The price tag between the pair is expected to be very similar this summer, but as seen by the difference in stats, Osimhen would certainly be the man to choose in the current window.

He’s also managed to demonstrate his talents in Europe’s top five leagues, having the experience and quality to help fire the side back up the table next time around.

If a deal for the Nigerian does get completed this summer, it would be one of the signings of the window, handing Amorim that elite-level talisman he’s desperately been hunting for as of late.

He's better than Watkins: Man Utd in talks to sign "world-class" £26m star

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a new striker this summer.

1

By
Ethan Lamb

Jul 4, 2025

Arsenal in discussions for £85m Serie A star as "close" circle contacted

Arsenal sporting director Andrea Berta and his ‘scattergun’ approach to the transfer window continues, with a fresh report claiming that discussions are now being held over a marquee Serie A star.

Arsenal told key Benjamin Sesko transfer condition as agent makes statement

He’s expressed what it will take for the Slovenian to leave Leipzig this summer.

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 19, 2025

Berta operates a different transfer strategy to his predecessor, Edu. Rather than identifying one key target to seriously pursue, the Italian is known to work on numerous deals simultaneously before landing on the best one for a key position.

“The best way of describing it is that Andrea Berta’s approach is different to Edu. If he was going to a party, he would lay out three or four outfits, try them all on and finally decide what to wear,” said reliable journalist Ben Jacobs on talkSPORT recently.

Arsenal transfer spending under Arteta (via Sky Sports)

Money on new signings

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

“With this race for a number nine, what’s happening is that both deals, for Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres, are being advanced or ‘tried on’ before a bid is made. Andrea Berta is out in the market, effectively lining up both deals, whereas Edu tended to pick one and be very meticulous, and then discreetly try and get it over the line, often with a series of bids.

“It was either a very smart tactic because Arsenal had confidence that they would get that man, or it dragged on, and we got more summer sagas. We won’t see that with Andrea Berta.”

This was echoed by Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg last month, who revealed that Berta held talks over “numerous” transfer targets for the wide area.

Recent reports from Turkey state that one of the many wingers on Berta’s Arsenal radar is Juventus sensation Kenan Yildiz.

Yildiz was said to have emerged as a “prime” Arsenal target recently, and a further update has now come to light on their interest.

Arsenal in discussions with Juventus over signing Kenan Yildiz

As per news outlet Juve FC, the Turkey international commands a valuation of around £85 million, following an excellent 2024/2025 campaign where he finished the Serie A campaign as the Old Lady’s best-performer by average match rating, according to WhoScored.

Juventus'KenanYildiz

It’s also reported that Arsenal have entered discussions with Juventus over signing Yildiz, despite their unwillingness to sell the 20-year-old, as they also try to tie him down with a new deal which could run until 2031.

Juve view Yildiz as a future star and cornerstone of Igor Tudor’s team, while the player himself isn’t exactly chomping at the bit to leave either, despite some contact made with his “close” circle.

The Turk is currently starring at the Club World Cup for Juve, scoring in their 5-0 win over Al Ain, and with £97 million worth of prize money on offer to the victors, Tudor won’t want to lose one of his star men before the tournament ends.

Norwich City now join Birmingham in race to sign "fantastic" ace for £0

Norwich City have now joined Birmingham City in the race to sign a “fantastic” Championship defender on a free transfer, according to a recent report.

Liam Manning delighted to start new era at Norwich

The Canaries have finally found a replacement for Johannes Hoff Thorup, who was sacked back in April. After assessing their options, the club announced on Monday that Liam Manning would be leaving Bristol City and taking over at Carrow Road.

Manning had been in charge of the Robins since November 2023, taking charge of 82 matches, 28 of which he won, and his final act was leading them to the Championship play-offs last season, although they were hammered by Sheffield United 6-0 on aggregate.

Manning has now put that behind him, as he reveals it is a “privilege and honour” to have the opportunity to work at Norwich.

“I’m privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to work for this fantastic football club. It’s a wonderful club with a big history and tradition.

Liam Manning’s managerial record

Games

222

Won

97

Drawn

49

Lost

76

Points per game

1.53

“It’s clear, there has already been a lot of valuable groundwork laid in recent seasons – it’s now important we build further on that and move the club forward.”

Norwich join Birmingham in race to sign Harry Darling

The Canaries are not wasting any time when it comes to helping Manning strengthen his new side, as according to The Pink Un, Norwich are now the latest team to show interest in signing defender Harry Darling.

The 25-year-old is coming to the end of his contract at Swansea City, and while the Welsh side have offered him new terms, he remains undecided about his future. The likes of Bristol City and Sheffield United are keeping an eye on his situation, while Birmingham City have been linked with a move for Darling since April.

These three teams have now been joined by the Canaries, as Manning eyes defensive reinforcements. Darling is not the only defender on Norwich’s radar, but given he will cost nothing in terms of a transfer fee, a quick deal would allow them to plan the rest of their summer spend knowing they have an experienced new addition in the bank.

Harry Darling’s Swansea City stats

Apps

112

Goals

12

Assists

6

At this stage nothing is advanced, but Manning working with Darling during their time at MK Dons may hand Norwich an advantage in a busy race for his signature.

The 24/25 season was another impressive campaign for Darling, as he scored five goals in 39 Championship games, while his defensive work was up to scratch too, as Swansea boss Luke Williams labelled him “fantastic” for his performance against West Brom as they claimed a hard-fought point.

“He is fantastic at defending the goal, competing for everything with the opposition. But he also had plenty of brilliant actions in helping us to build up to try and score. He was brilliant; he’s an excellent player.”

Man Utd eyeing "monster" £63m striker who'd be Amorim's new Gyokeres

Manchester United have a reported interest in Sporting striker Viktor Gyokeres, who worked with Ruben Amorim in Portugal, but they look unlikely to win the race for his signature.

A recent report claimed that the Sweden international has decided that he would rather sign for the club’s Premier League rivals Arsenal instead of making a move to Old Trafford to reunite with his former boss.

The former Coventry star, who scored a staggering 52 goals in all competitions for Sporting in the 2024/25 season, is available for a fee of just over £61m, but it is the Gunners who seem to be in pole position to bring him over to England.

His incredible goal return in Portugal suggests that this news is a blow for Amorim and for Manchester United. However, the club are reportedly eyeing up a star who could be the manager’s next version of Gyokeres.

Man Utd battling to sign Spanish striker

The Premier League giants appear to be in the process of identifying alternative options in the number nine position, as the Swedish star looks to be headed elsewhere.

Transfer Focus

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

According to CaughtOffside, Manchester United are one of a number of teams eyeing up a move to sign FC Porto’s Spanish striker Samu Aghehowa in the summer transfer window.

The report claims that Aston Villa, Arsenal, and Chelsea are all also keen on doing a deal for the former Atletico Madrid centre-forward in the coming weeks.

FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal

It states that the Portuguese giants are looking for a fee of up to £63m for the 21-year-old marksman, with United and their Premier League rivals now set to battle it out for his signature.

Whilst they appear to be on the back foot with Gyokeres, the Red Devils should push to win this race to unearth Amorim’s next version of the Sporting superstar.

Why Samu could be Gyokeres 2.0 for Amorim

The Porto marksman is similar to the Swedish ace from a physical perspective, as he stands at 6 foot 4 and has the physicality to occupy and cause problems for defenders.

FC Porto's SamuOmorodioncelebrates scoring their first goal

In fact, talent scout Jacek Kulig once described him as a “monster” in the making due to his physicality and speed, which suggests that the forward could offer similar attributes to Gyokeres.

The Spain international’s performances in the Portuguese top-flight also suggest that he has the potential to be a prolific striker for United, albeit not as prolific as Gyokeres could be in the short-term.

24/25 Liga Portugal

Samu

Gyokeres

Starts

23

31

xG

14.07

30.95

Goals

19

39

xG differential

+4.93

+8.05

Minutes per goal

119

72

Conversion rate

23%

28%

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, Samu enjoyed a brilliant season with Porto, scoring 19 goals in 23 starts and outperforming his xG, yet still ended with 20 fewer goals than the Sporting number nine.

It is worth remembering, though, that the Spanish marksman is six years younger than Gyokeres and has plenty of time left ahead of him to hone his skills and improve his output as a scorer.

Samu, dubbed “outstanding” by journalist Josh Bunting, did also score six goals in nine matches in the Europa League, which shows that he can perform on the European stage.

Whilst he may not be the final, polished, product in comparison to the seasoned Gyokeres, the Porto star appears to have the physical and finishing attributes to develop into Amorim’s next version of the Swedish marksman, which is why he could be a shrewd signing for the club.

Twist: "Extraordinary" £60m+ star now plans to snub Man Utd to join Arsenal

The Gunners have received a boost in their pursuit of a forward, who Andrea Berta has already held talks to sign.

1

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 8, 2025

He can "replace" Salah: Liverpool in contact over signing £50m "superstar"

After closing the 2024/25 campaign with a draw against Crystal Palace, and then lifting the Premier League trophy, Liverpool boss Arne Slot pledged to invest this summer, albeit without “radical changes”.

Such a pragmatic response is to be expected from an esteemed head coach, one whose businesslike approach has allowed him to fit right in as Jurgen Klopp’s successor on Merseyside.

However, the rumour mill is filled with reinforced claims that Liverpool are moving swiftly to conclude some (pre)summer business: Florian Wirtz is in the process of moving from Bayer Leverkusen to Anfield for a club-record fee, while Werkself teammate Jeremie Frimpong has already completed his medical.

Frimpong is being signed to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, whose free transfer to Real Madrid is imminent, and in a way, his German peer is too, hailed as “a genius” by Xabi Alonso for his immense creative capacity.

However, the Reds are keen to make further frontal signings to help Mohamed Salah, who has dominated the awards ceremonies after his incredible year, but surely needs a bit more help if he’s to go again, aged 33, next season.

Liverpool's frontline in 24/25

Salah finished the campaign rather timidly, with two goals and one assist from his final nine Premier League fixtures, but then so did the rest of the team, who claimed two points from 12 after the title had been sealed.

Late-season slumps make for a faulty barometer when it comes to assessing Salah’s form, predicting future success. However, the Egyptian King turns 33 in a few weeks, so concerns are understandable.

Mohamed Salah for Liverpool

Actually, are they? Salah has just scored 34 goals across 53 matches in all competitions for Liverpool, playing 23 assists too. He has cemented his status as one of the division’s all-timers, and after penning a new contract on Merseyside, needs 29 top-flight goals from two more terms to replace Harry Kane as the Premier League’s second-highest goalscorer in history.

However, he needs support. Liverpool’s forwards have welled up like the rising tide this season, making gains, but they’ve also ebbed away, with the need for a new number nine evident given Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz’s bouts of inconsistency.

Liverpool’s Frontline in 2024/25 (all comps)

Player

Apps (starts)

Goals

Assists

Mohamed Salah

52 (50)

34

23

Cody Gakpo

49 (32)

18

7

Luis Diaz

50 (38)

17

8

Diogo Jota

37 (22)

9

4

Darwin Nunez

47 (17)

7

7

Federico Chiesa

14 (4)

2

2

Stats via Transfermarkt

Salah doesn’t just need a striker, though; he needs more cover. The veteran superstar was backed up by the untrusted Federico Chiesa this year, who has started just once in the league.

While Wirtz will help Salah toward a new season of prolific returns, and while the addition of an out-and-out goalscorer would ease his heavy burden, some support on the right wing, to help Liverpool across numerous different tournaments, wouldn’t go amiss.

Liverpool in the race for Salah rival

According to Spanish paper AS (Wednesday edition, via Sport Witness), Liverpool are interested in signing Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo, who has changed his agent ahead of the summer window after his side missed out on European qualification.

Transfer Focus

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

With a €60m (£50m) release clause, the winger wouldn’t come cheap, but Liverpool and Arsenal are believed to be the biggest contenders in the race for his signature after efforts from the Saudi Pro League were rebuffed.

Indeed, the Premier League duo are said to have made contact regarding the move, amid the claim that they are ‘knocking on the door’ of the in-demand talent.

Takefusa Kubo scores for Japan

The 23-year-old would play second fiddle to Salah, but with Chiesa’s future uncertain, this could be a shrewd and prudent move. Salah isn’t getting any younger, after all.

Why Liverpool should sign Takefusa Kubo

Liverpool were frustrated when trying to sign Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi last summer, and will be wary of engaging in a protracted and ultimately unsuccessful bid for another top player from the Basque Country this summer.

Takefusa Kubo for Real Sociedad.

However, Kubo has changed his agents, and that suggests he’s open to moving this summer. Moreover, having rejected a lucrative offer from Saudi Arabia, he wants to play at the highest level.

Liverpool can offer just that, offering further enticement through the fact that Salah will be playing at AFCON next season, running from December to January.

It would certainly add some new electricity and athleticism to the right flank, especially when considering Jeremie Frimpong should be in the mix too.

Real Sociedad's Takefusa Kubo

As per FBref, Kubo ranks among the top 13% of attacking midfielders and wingers this term for progressive carries and the top 7% for successful take-ons per 90, very much bearing the pace of a man some ten years younger than Salah.

More to the point, former Mallorca CEO Maheta Molango has said he has “the ingredients to one day be a superstar”, with Liverpool hero Wataru Endo, Kubo’s Japanese teammate, suggesting the fleet-footed ace could succeed – or “replace” – Salah at Anfield one day.

We can’t dispute that Kubo needs to produce more in front of goal, having only scored seven goals and assisted four more across 52 matches in all competitions this season, but the underlying data suggests he’s indeed a ‘superstar’ in the making.

As per Sofascore, the diminutive winger might have scored only five times in La Liga this year, but he also squandered just two big chances, winning 5.3 duels per game, indicating a combative approach that would serve him well in the Premier League.

He averaged 1.2 shots per game. He needs to do more. But – and it’s a big but – Slot knows his stuff on the tactical front, can develop his confidence in the final third while utilising Kubo’s noteworthy physical metrics to allow him to challenge Salah for a starting berth on the right flank.

Liverpool's MohamedSalahreacts after conceding their second goal

Of course, while some of Kubo’s ability would harbour reservations about joining a team like Liverpool only to play as the understudy of another, Kubo will likely recognise the benefits of learning from a master craftsman such as Salah.

He’s got work to do, but the Japan international is young and talented and would be the perfect counterpoint on the right flank, one whose potential suggests he could even replace Salah and make the position his own down the line.

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Liverpool could be about to replicate a deal for Alexis Mac Allister durng the upcoming summer window.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 28, 2025

Newcastle now racing to sign £51m forward who Shearer thinks is "superb"

Potentially in a position to spend again at long last this summer, Newcastle United have now reportedly joined the race to sign a £51m striker who’s already received high praise from Alan Shearer.

Newcastle preparing for crucial Arsenal clash

There were stages in the first half of the season in which it seemed like Newcastle could miss out on Champions League football, as though their transfer failure was going to catch up to them. Now, however, with the Carabao Cup under their belt, the Magpies could finish as high as second in the Premier League. In fact, if they beat Arsenal this weekend, then Eddie Howe’s side will go above the Gunners and into the top two.

Newcastle battle Arsenal to sign star for less than £50m after scouts sent

What a signing he could be for the Magpies.

By
Henry Jackson

May 17, 2025

Howe is well aware of the importance of his side’s trip to The Emirates this Sunday, too, as they look to take a major step towards Champions League qualification. He told reporters in his pre-match press conference: “It’s not done yet. The picture can change game to game and I think we’ve got to be really focused on our next game and trying to win it.

“We have been, our preparation has been good and the focus is there from the players. Nothing is achieved until it’s achieved. We have to be single minded in that and not get distracted.”

Premier League’s UCL race

Points

Games Played

Liverpool (C)

83

36

Arsenal

68

36

Newcastle United

66

36

Chelsea

66

37

Aston Villa

66

37

Manchester City

65

36

Nottingham Forest

62

36

Those at St James’ Park need no reminder about the impact that Champions League football could have on their summer transfer window, either. A place among Europe’s elite could help convince Alexander Isak to stay put amid interest from the likes of Arsenal, whilst also helping to attract key upgrades for Howe in the coming months.

Newcastle join race to sign "superb" Pedro

The Magpies could even attract a Premier League rival with Champions League football to offer. According to Caught Offside, Newcastle have now joined the race to sign Joao Pedro, who Brighton & Hove Albion have valued at a hefty €60m (£51m) amid interest from Tyneside as well as Liverpool, Aston Villa and others.

Whilst a deal to sign the forward won’t come cheap, Pedro would provide Newcastle with an instant fail-safe in the event that Isak departs. The Brazilian, who has scored 10 goals and set up another six this season, has the potential and quality to replace the Swede in the long-term. What’s more, he’s also already got a fan in the form of Newcastle legend Shearer.

The iconic goalscorer sung Pedro’s praises on Match of the Day after he scored in Brighton’s 2-1 victory over Bournemouth in November, saying: “He was superb today and they just edged it in those forward positions. They are really strong with him, Rutter, Mitoma and Welbeck. Their understanding and they linked really well today in Rutter and Joao Pedro.”

The approval of Shearer certainly goes a long way in Newcastle, but whether it’s enough for PIF to make their move for Pedro remains to be seen this summer.

Ange has struck gold on "electric" Spurs star worth far more than Delap

Plans for Tottenham Hotspur’s summer rebuild are already underway.

Having won just one of their last nine, Spurs are languishing 16th in the Premier League, thereby on course for their lowest finish since being relegated in 1977.

Tottenham Hotspur'sSonHeung-minreacts

However, Ange Postecoglou’s team could, of course, salvage the campaign in a big way, preparing for the Europa League Final against Manchester United later this month, with both silverware and a place in next season’s Champions League on the line.

Of course, Champions League qualification would massively help their summer transfer plans, both financially and in terms of prestige, although, regardless of the outcome in Bilbao, this squad requires serious surgery, but do Tottenham already boast a more valuable attacker than their potential new signing?

Tottenham's search for attacking reinforcements

As previously reported by Danny Rust and Dean Jones of Give Me Sport, Tottenham are ‘planning to make an offer’ to sign Liam Delap from Ipswich Town this summer.

Having scored 12 Premier League goals for the Tractor Boys this season, the 22-year-old is certainly a man in demand, with Wayne Veysey of Football Insider noting that Chelsea, Manchester United and Nottingham Forest are amongst his potential suitors.

This is surely partly due to the fact that, as reported by Jacob Steinberg and Nick Ames of the Guardian, Delap has a £30m release clause, following Ipswich’s relegation, which looks a major bargain for a player Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels an “absolute beast”.

Thus, Delap appears as though he would be an excellent addition for Spurs, but do they already boast a better attacker?

Tottenham's most valuable attacker

When Brennan Johnson joined Tottenham from Nottingham Forest for a reported fee of £47m in September 2023, a few eyebrows were raised, but he has certainly proved his worth, as the table below outlines.

Tottenham’s highest scorers 2024/25

Players

Goals

Assists

G + A

Brennan Johnson

17

7

24

Dominic Solanke

15

8

23

Son Heung-min

11

12

23

James Maddison

12

11

23

Dejan Kuluševski

10

11

21

Pedro Porro

4

9

13

Pape Matar Sarr

6

3

9

Richarlison

5

2

7

All statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt

As the table shows, no Spurs player has been directly involved in more goals than Johnson, 11 of which have come in the Premier League, also contributing four en route to Bilbao in the Europa League.

Paul Taylor of The Athletic labels Johnson “electric”, while Ali Tweedale of Opta’s the Analyst, outlines how the Wales international quickly went from Tottenham’s ‘lightning rod’ to their most important, most prolific attacker.

Meantime, Liam Tharme of The Athletic documents how ghosting in at the back post to score with a first-time finish has become Johnson’s trademark goal, making him a pivotal figure in Postecoglou’s team.

These performances mean Johnson is now Tottenham’s most valuable attacker, as the table below outlines.

Tottenham’s most valuable attackers + Liam Delap

Players

Estimated valuation

Brennan Johnson

£60m

Dominic Solanke

£44m

Son Heung-min

£26m

Mathys Tel

£48m

Richarlison

£22.5m

Wilson Odobert

£21m

Liam Delap

£31m

All valuations courtesy of FootballTransfers.com

Based on these market values, Delap’s aforementioned £30m release clause actually offers pretty fair market value, but the £47m fee paid to secure Johnson’s services was, in retrospect, actually a bargain, considering his current value of £60m.

Tottenham winger Brennan Johnson

So, while Delap may be a great signing for Spurs, whatever they’re planning for the summer, they need to ensure this gets the best out of their already excelling attacker.

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By
Emilio Galantini

May 9, 2025

Better than Maddison: Spurs' "titanic" 9/10 ace showed why he's undroppable

Well, that was just about the perfect performance from Tottenham Hotspur last night.

Yes, it would have been even better had they kept a clean sheet and taken a three-goal lead to Norway next week, but as things stand, Ange Postecoglou’s side look well-placed to make it to the Europa League Final.

Moreover, apart from a few minutes towards the end, it was a pretty comfortable affair, and if anyone looked like scoring more goals, it was the Lilywhites and not FK Bodø/Glimt.

Practically every starter put in a shift to be proud of, but two stood out in particular: James Maddison and someone who now must start the next game.

Maddison's game vs Bodø/Glimt

While it was a big night for the whole team, it was a massive one for Maddison.

With Spurs being at home and undoubtedly firm favourites ahead of kickoff, it was down to the former Leicester City star to assert himself on proceedings and act as his side’s chief creator, which he did with aplomb.

In fact, for much of the first half, he was near enough unplayable, popping up here, there and everywhere before grabbing his goal in the 34th minute to secure a two-goal cushion for the North Londoners.

It might sound somewhat hyperbolic, but it’s an opinion shared by Spurs writer Alasdair Gold, who awarded the Englishman a 9/10 match rating at full-time, describing it as ‘a really creative performance.’

The only negative from the game for Maddison, which could be a massive one, was that he went off injured in the 65th minute, and until his fitness is cleared up, it’ll be a nervous wait for fans.

However, as superb as the mercurial number ten was, another starter was just as good, if not a little better.

Spurs' other stand-out star

While the likes of Richarlison, Dominic Solanke and Brennan Johnson all put in serious shifts for Spurs last night, the starter in question is none other than Pedro Porro.

The Spanish full-back has received his fair share of scathing criticism this season – sometimes justifiably – for his occasionally haphazard defending, but against the Norwegian champions, he hardly put a foot wrong in that regard.

Moreover, and far more importantly, it was a match in which he showcased his game-breaking offensive qualities.

For example, on several occasions in the first half, the “titanic” right-back, as dubbed by The Athletic’s former Spurs correspondent Charlie Eccleshare, managed to ping a sensational ball over their opposition’s backline for his teammates to latch onto, and it was that saw Maddison score his goal.

We weren’t the only ones impressed with the 25-year-old either, as Gold also awarded him a 9/10 match rating, describing him as ‘Tottenham’s best player on the night’ and crediting him for preventing ‘what likely would have been a goal’ in the 70th minute.

Porro’s game in numbers

Minutes

95′

Expected Assists

0.47

Assists

1

Big Chances Created

1

Key Passes

4

Clearances

4

Interceptions

2

Dribbled Past

0

Fouls

0

All Stats via Sofascore

His statistics also make for decent reading, as in 95 minutes of action, he provided one assist from an expected assists figure of 0.47, made four clearances, wasn’t dribbled past a single time, made two interceptions, didn’t commit a foul, created one big chance and played four key passes.

Ultimately, Spurs put in what was almost the perfect performance last night, and while the entire team deserve serious praise, Maddison and Porro stood out that little bit more.

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Worth less than Mount: INEOS must axe Man Utd flop who's "one of the worst"

Manchester United find themselves 14th in the Premier League table after their 1-1 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.

The Red Devils needed a stoppage-time equaliser from Rasmus Hojlund to avoid a 16th defeat in the top-flight this season, in what has been a significantly below-par campaign for the club.

INEOS and Ruben Amorim must work together to ensure that the recruitment work this summer is spot on, as there have been too many missteps in recent years, including the signing of Mason Mount in the summer of 2023.

Why Mason Mount has been a flop for Manchester United

The England international signed for the Red Devils from Chelsea for a reported fee of £55m ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and has had a rough time in Manchester so far.

Rasmus Hojlund and Mason Mount

Since the start of last season, Mount has missed a whopping 50 matches through calf and hamstring injuries, which have heavily disrupted his time at Old Trafford.

When available, however, the English attacking midfielder has not done enough to justify the money spent on his services, with a return of one goal and one assist in 39 appearances in all competitions.

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This has led to his market value, as per Transfermarkt, plummeting to just £24m, which shows that he has been a flop for Manchester United so far because the midfielder has not delivered goals or assists, or consistent availability, and is now worth significantly less than the fee they paid for him.

Mount is not the only player from that batch of recruitment in 2023 who has not been good enough, though, as Andre Onana should be ruthlessly ditched by INEOS this summer.

Why Man Utd should sell Andre Onana

Manchester United reportedly paid £47.2m to sign the Cameroon international from Ajax in the summer of 2023, and his value has plummeted in the two years since then.

It was recently reported that the club would consider offers of at least £20m for Onana, which means that he could be sold for even less than Mount is currently worth (£24m).

As you can see in the highlights above, Onana most recently had a night to forget against Lyon with two mistakes in the Europa League, which led to him being dropped against Newcastle United in the Premier League.

That came directly after former United midfielder Nemanja Matic dubbed him “one of the worst goalkeepers in Man United’s history” after being asked about Onana’s claim that his team were better than Lyon.

Whilst the Red Devils eventually won the tie over two legs, the Cameroon international’s personal performances did not do much to dismiss Matic’s harsh claim.

Andre Onana (Premier League + Europe)

23/24

24/25

Appearances

44

43

Goals conceded

73

59

Errors leading to shots

3

1

Errors leading to goals

3

5

Penalties committed

1

0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, making errors is not a new issue for Onana because the shot-stopper has been error-prone throughout his two seasons in Manchester to date.

Manchester United'sAndreOnanaduring the warm up before the match

He has not been a reliable, safe, pair of hands between the sticks, due to these errors in the Premier League, the Champions League, and the Europa League, and that is why INEOS must ruthlessly cash in on him this summer.

United should look to move Onana on, whether that is for a fee of £20m or another figure, and then attempt to recruit a replacement who can be relied upon week-in-week-out at the top level, without Amorim having to be concerned about his goalkeeper making calamitous errors consistently.

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Saliba 2.0: Arsenal in talks for "one of the most talented CBs in Europe"

Mikel Arteta has the opportunity to create history as Arsenal manager in the coming months, potentially being the first boss to ever win the club a European trophy.

After beating defending champions Real Madrid in the last round, the Gunners must have huge confidence to go all the way and engrave themselves in history forever.

Regardless of their success on the European stage, the Spaniard has been unable to take the side all the way to Premier League glory in 2024/25 – looking likely to finish second for a third consecutive year.

If they are to finally go one better and claim a first league triumph in over two decades, more signings are needed to provide increased squad depth – with this summer pivotal in Arteta’s tenure at the Emirates.

With just a couple of weeks until the window opens, the hierarchy have wasted no time in identifying potential targets who could add to the project currently being built in North London.

The latest on Arsenal’s hunt for new players this summer

Despite having the best defensive record in England’s top flight this season, Arsenal have already targeted reinforcements in the backline ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.

Nottingham Forest star Murillo has once again emerged on their radar, after the Gunners were previously interested in landing the Brazilian back in the January window.

However, they aren’t alone in their pursuit of the 22-year-old, with Liverpool also hunting for the signature of the youngster, who could cost around £70m in the summer.

Another defensive target has emerged in the form of Valencia’s 20-year-old star Yarek Gasiorowski, who could be seen as a cheaper alternative to Forest gem Murillo in the coming months.

According to FootballTransfers, the Gunners have already entered talks with the LaLiga outfit over a potential deal to land the youngster ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The 20-year-old gem who could become Arsenal’s next Saliba

French international William Saliba has cemented himself as a regular starter at the heart of the Arsenal backline over recent years, playing a pivotal role in their various successes under Arteta.

Arsenal's WilliamSalibaapplauds fans after the match

He originally joined in a £27m deal from Ligue 1 side Saint Étienne back in the summer of 2019, before multiple loan spells at Nice and Marseille which catapulted him into the first-team picture ahead of 2022/23.

The 24-year-old has since gone from strength to strength in North London, notching 129 appearances across all competitions, 46 of which have come in the current season.

However, six years on from his original agreement to join the Gunners, Arteta could look to replicate such a deal with Gasiorowski – with the Spaniard joining from a side in a top five league whilst potentially going out on loan before making a mark in North London.

Should he join, it remains to be seen whether he would be an immediate option for Arteta, but he has managed to produce various impressive figures throughout 2024/25 despite his tender age.

The “dominant” centre-back, as labelled by analyst Ben Mattinson, has averaged more progressive carries than Saliba in their respective divisions this year – highlighting his ability on the ball.

How Gasiorowski compares to Saliba in 2024/25 so far

Statistics (per 90)

Gasiorowski

Saliba

Games played

14

32

Goals & assists

0

2

Progressive carries

0.9

0.5

Tackles won

1.5

1.1

Blocks made

1.6

0.7

Interceptions made

2.4

0.7

Aerials won

67%

62%

Stats via FBref

He’s also won more tackles per 90, whilst also winning more aerial battles – offering yet another star defensive talent for Arteta should the hierarchy look to complete a deal for his services. With that in mind, it’s hardly a surprise that talent scout Jacek Kulig once suggested he’s “one of the most talented CBs in Europe.”

It’s unclear how much a deal for Gasiorowski would set the board back this window, but given the stats he’s produced to date, it’s certainly a deal worth exploring.

He has bags of time to develop further, possibly turning into a bigger talent than Saliba, especially if his numbers at such a tender age are anything to go by.

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