When will Rangers unveil their new manager at Ibrox?

On Saturday, the Gers concluded their generally miserable campaign at Easter Road, held to a 2-2 draw, with top-scorer Cyriel Dessers and Rangers Player of the Season Nicolas Raskin on target in Edinburgh.

As Scottish Premiership runners-up, the Light Blues will start next season early with a Champions League second qualifying round tie on 22 or 23 July, currently projected to face one of Brann from Norway, Swiss side Servette or Austria Vienna.

Thus, with that first leg a mere 62 days away already, 49ers Enterprises are under pressure to appoint a new Rangers manager very quickly, so who is on their shortlist?

Rangers' new manager search

According to a report by Sky Sports News, six men are ‘under consideration’ to become the new Rangers manager.

They are: Steven Gerrard, Davide Ancelotti, Russell Martin, Rob Edwards, Danny Röhl and Gary O’Neil.

Ever since it was confirmed that his father, Carlo, will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, becoming the new Brazil manager, it has been widely reported, including by Madrid-based outlet AS, that Davide is one of the front-runners to land the Rangers job.

Meantime, Gerrard remains one of the leading candidates too, with Mike McGrath of the Telegraph documenting how the 49ers have held a longstanding interest in bringing the Englishman back to Ibrox.

Of the six names mentioned, only Röhl is currently employed by a club, and he is ‘considering’ leaving Sheffield Wednesday, as reported by David Ornstein of the Athletic, but Rangers should not go for him, nor Gerrard nor Ancelotti, with another member of the short list making the most sense.

Who Rangers should appoint as their new manager

Rob Edwards may be a name unfamiliar to a large majority of the Rangers support, but he could be an excellent appointment.

Let’s have a look at the 42-year-old’s senior managerial career so far.

AFC Telford United

2017-18

49

20

Forest Green Rovers

2021-22

53

26

League Two title

Watford

2022

11

3

Luton Town

2022-25

104

33

Championship promotion

Edwards’ biggest career achievement to date is, without question, leading Luton Town into the Premier League which was a miraculous achievement.

The Hatters were relegated after one season in the top-flight, before Edwards departed by mutual consent back in January of this year, with the club actually going on to suffer a second successive relegation, now finding themselves in EFL League One.

Nevertheless, this should take away from Edwards’ impact at Kenilworth Road, with journalist James Cunliffe noting that he did an “outstanding” job at Luton, while Mark Ogden of ESPN praises his “ultra-positive” ​​​​​​​style of play, something that would no doubt go down well with those at Ibrox.

Meantime, Exeter City midfielder Edward Francis, who played for Edwards at youth level, praised his exceptional “man-management​​​​​​​” and “communication skills”, adding “he always treats people well and is honest with them”.

So, Edwards is clearly a young manager on the up, which is in contrast to Gerrard.

The 44-year-old’s time at Aston Villa was disastrous, as documented by Gregg Evans of the Athletic, while he was then also sacked by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq​​​​​​​ back in January following an underwhelming 18-month stint in the Middle East.

So, Gerrard’s last two managerial jobs do not suggest he is the right man for the Ibrox dugout, although he was successful during his first stint in Govan, delivering the club’s first Premiership title for a decade, historically ending Celtic’s quest for ten-in-a-row.

So, reappointing Gerrard would probably be the safe option, as he is a known quantity in Glasgow, but the 49ers should be braver and hire an up-and-coming coach with the potential to get even better, and Edwards certainly fits that bill.

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ByDan Emery May 19, 2025

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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By
Ethan Lamb

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Chelsea’s pursuit of Borussia Dortmund winger Jamie Gittens failed to materialise before Tuesday’s transfer deadline prior to the Club World Cup. Fabrizio Romano confirmed that ‘negotiations will continue’ later in the summer, but it is unclear if a deal will be agreed with the Englishman’s current side.

Thus, the Blues might turn their attention to other options out wide, with Enzo Maresca clearly eying up a new winger this summer. One of the names on their list appears to be Alejandro Garnacho, with Chelsea ‘monitoring’ his situation at Old Trafford. He could cost upwards of £70m, as per The Telegraph.

However, there is an alternative name to Garnacho and Gittens, who might prove to be a better option than the Argentine international.

Latest on Chelsea's search for a winger

Chelsea’s summer transfer plan is clear and quite similar to previous windows under Todd Boehly. Buy young, talented players with a high ceiling who can impact now and in the future. That is certainly a policy that Gittens and Garnacho fit into.

Transfer Focus

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

Well, so does Athletic Club and Spain attacker Nico Williams, a player Chelsea have been constantly linked with. Those rumours are not going away, with one Spanish outlet suggesting the West Londoners are one of the sides ‘courting’ him this summer, and could line up a move.

They will face competition from other powerhouses of European football, too. One of those is London rival Arsenal, with Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich also showing strong interest.

The 22-year-old has a £49m release clause in his deal, meaning Chelsea, or indeed any other side interested, would have to pay that fee to bring him in.

Why Williams would be a good signing

It has proved to be yet another strong campaign for Williams. He maintained his starting spot in the Spain side over the most recent international break, showing just how good his form has been in 2024/25. He is an “electric” player, according to Statman Dave.

For Los Leones in all competitions last term, the 22-year-old attacker played 45 games, finding the back of the net 11 times and grabbing seven assists in that time. The winger mainly played on the left, although he did operate on the right-hand side twice.

Williams’ standout form surely came in the Europa League, a competition in which his side reached the semi-final before losing to Manchester United. The Spaniard scored five goals and assisted two in their run to the penultimate stage, including one strike against Rangers in the quarter-final.

The Spain international, who was born in Pamplona, had a far more fruitful season than Garnacho when it comes to goals and assists.

He notched up ten top-flight goal involvements and seven in Europe, compared to eight in the Premier League and five in the Europa League for the Man United number 17.

Indeed, Garnacho did finish the season with an impressive tally of 21 goals and assists, although he did struggle for consistency in the Premier League and Europa League.

At one stage, he went 16 Premier League games without scoring or assisting, a drought that was broken by a goal against Leicester City.

Looking at the underlying numbers on FBref, there is further data to suggest Williams is better than Garnacho. For example, the Spaniard averages 5.29 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, compared to the United winger’s 3.63 shot-creating actions each game, illustrating the greater threat he poses in the final third.

Goals and assists

0.52

0.37

Key passes

2.05

1.68

Shot-creating actions

5.29

3.63

Goal-creating actions

0.61

0.37

Take-ons completed

3.43

1.31

For a player of that quality, a deal of £49m seems a bargain for Chelsea this summer. He is, at this stage, outperforming Garnacho, as the stats suggest, and could prove to be the perfect signing if they miss out on Gittens.

Chelsea’s transfer plan this summer is clear, and Williams fits the bill perfectly. He could be a superb addition for the Blues as they look to rise up the Premier League table in 2025/26.

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Nottingham Forest have now tabled an offer to sign a “brilliant” £13 million winger from Championship side Norwich City, according to a new report.

Harry Toffolo reacts to City Ground exit as Nottingham Forest identify his replacement

As every club does at this time of the year, Forest announced their retained list this week, and they revealed that left-back Harry Toffolo will be leaving the club once his contract expires at the end of this month.

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Toffolo joined the club back in 2022 and made 57 appearances for the Reds, but he only played four times in the Premier League last season, so his departure may not come as too much of a surprise. After confirming his exit, Toffolo took to social media to thank the club and stated Forest and the supporters have “given me moments I’ll never forget” and the current crop of players are a “special group”.

Toffolo’s exit from the City Ground means Forest are likely to be in the market for a new left-back, and according to Ben Jacobs, they have made an approach to sign Reinildo on a free transfer. The defender is set to stay with Atlético Madrid for the Club World Cup, but once that is finished, he is expected to depart. As well as Forest, Sunderland, Leeds and teams from Saudi Arabia and Turkey have also made offers to sign him.

Nottingham Forest submit bid to sign "brilliant" Sainz

It is not just a new left-back that is on the Reds’ agenda, as according to Spanish outlet Marca, relayed by Nottingham Forest News, Forest have submitted a £13 million bid to sign Borja Sainz from Norwich.

Portuguese side FC Porto had already submitted a bid for Sainz, and now Forest’s bid has matched that of Porto. The report claims that the Canaries are weighing up the offers, but they may not get an answer back straight away, and that is because Athletic Bilbao have identified the Championship winger as someone who could replace Nico Williams, should he leave this summer.

The former Spain under-19 international scored 18 goals and registered four assists in 41 Championship games this season. He ended the campaign as the league’s second-highest goalscorer alongside Burnley’s Josh Brownhill, averaging 0.45 goals per game and a goal conversion rate of 15%.

Apps

82

Goals

27

Assists

6

Forest do already have the likes of Callum Hudson-Odi, Anthony Elanga, and Jota Silva as wide options, but Nuno may want to add more goals and creativity to his side as they have Europe to deal with next season. Sainz really impressed during 2024/25, with former Norwich boss Johannes Hoff Thorup labelling the Spaniard as “brilliant”.

“Also, he raises a good atmosphere with the crowd. He’s one of these players who can create that atmosphere in the stadium.

“He can do something on his own once in a while, and he can do brilliant shots and dribbles and stuff like this. I’ve been pleased with his pressing game because he’s covered a lot of ground. I think he’s definitely moving in the right direction.”

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.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 16, 2025

Liverpool’s search for a new striker has reportedly taken a fresh twist, with a new option now emerging who could provide Michael Edwards and FSG an alternative to Hugo Ekitike.

Liverpool linked with Hugo Ekitike move

It’s no secret that Liverpool are ready to spend big this summer, with Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez and Florian Wirtz already all likely on their way Anfield, but none of those will solve Arne Slot’s striker problem. Instead, to do exactly that, Edwards has reportedly set his sights on signing Eintracht Frankfurt’s Ekitike in a deal that Chelsea are also in pursuit of.

The Frenchman enjoyed an excellent season in Germany and will now reportedly cost any potential suitors as much as £84m. Whether Liverpool are ready to match that price tag is undoubtedly the big question. The Premier League champions are already preparing to spend a club-record fee to sign Wirtz whilst also splashing out on Kerkez and Frimpong. Add £84m onto that and Liverpool could find themselves spending more than ever this summer.

Minutes

2,563

1,133

Goals

15

8

Assists

8

2

Expected Goals

21.6

5.8

When looking at the numbers, it becomes clear as to why Frankfurt are demanding such a high price to sell Ekitike. That’s not to say there aren’t some concerns, though.

As impressive as the former Paris Saint-Germain was throughout the season, scoring 15 goals and creating another eight, he significantly underperformed when it comes to expected goals and Liverpool simply cannot afford to splash out on another wasteful finisher after Nunez.

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For £84m, the Reds must be investing in a clinical striker. With that said, instead of Ekitike, Liverpool could yet target a cheaper alternative this summer who has already got an Anfield goal to his name.

Liverpool considering Goncalo Ramos swoop

According to Sam McGuire for Anfield Watch, FSG and Liverpool are now considering a move to sign Goncalo Ramos from PSG this summer. The Portugal international has often been used from the bench by Luis Enrique in France and may now seek a starting place elsewhere.

Given that he’s likely to be valued at around €65m (£55m) as PSG aim to recoup what they initially paid, Ramos would also be a cheaper option than Ekitike.

Minutes

2,563

1,066

Goals

15

10

Assists

8

3

Expected Goals

21.6

13.6

Whilst Ramos has underperformed on expected goals, he has been better in that regard than Ekitike, who has underperformed by over six goals. It’s also worth noting that, despite playing the equivalent of almost 12 games in Ligue 1, the PSG forward scored 10 goals throughout the campaign.

Dubbed “prolific” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Liverpool have seen Ramos’ goalscoring prowess for themselves in the past when he netted a penalty in the Anfield leg of PSG’s Champions League win against the Reds in March, whereas he also scored at Anfield for Benfica in 2022.

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.

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.

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.

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1

By
Dominic Lund

Jun 8, 2025

Leeds United have plenty of time ahead of them to dip into the summer transfer window to bolster their options ahead of a season in the Premier League.

The Whites know that they will have to recruit well to avoid the drop in their first year back in the top-flight, as the last six sides to go up have come straight back down again.

One player who does not appear to be on his way to Elland Road this summer, however, is winger Manor Solomon, who spent the 2024/25 season on loan in West Yorkshire.

Journalist Graeme Bailey told The Boot Room: “I am told that Solomon still thinks he can break into the first team at Tottenham. He has gained so much confidence from his spell at Leeds and now feels fully adapted to English football. He is a very interesting option, Spurs like him and are ready to let him prove himself during pre-season.”

Solomon produced 12 goals and ten assists in the Championship this season for Leeds to help them on their way to the league title, and this update suggests that he will not be joining on a permanent basis.

The other Premier League player who was on loan at Elland Road in the 2024/25 campaign was Joe Rothwell, and the club should not be looking to bring him back.

Why Leeds should not sign Joe Rothwell

The Whites should look elsewhere in the transfer market instead of attempting to bring the English whiz back from Bournemouth, because he is not suited to the physicality of the Premier League.

Rothwell arrived in West Yorkshire to provide valuable back-up in the central midfield positions for Daniel Farke in the 2024/25 campaign, and that is exactly what he did.

Appearances

36

Starts

24

Big chances created

4

Assists

4

Key passes per game

1.7

Pass accuracy

91%

As you can see in the table above, the 30-year-old maestro offered a reliable presence with the ball at his feet, completing 91% of his attempted passes, and provided creativity with his ability to assist his teammates.

However, Leeds will need different attributes when they are battling against relegation from the Premier League next season, and that is why the club should avoid a deal to bring him back.

In the 2023/24 Premier League season, Rothwell lost 53% of his overall duels and 100% of his aerial battles for Bournemouth across 11 appearances, whilst being dribbled past six times in three starts.

This suggests that he does not possess the physical attributes required to thrive in the top-flight, hence why the Cherries opted to loan him to the second tier, and Leeds are now being linked with a star who would be a huge upgrade in that position.

Leeds pushing to sign Premier League star

According to reports in France, Leeds United have identified West Ham United central midfielder Tomas Soucek as a target for the summer transfer window.

The report suggests that the West Yorkshire outfit are now ‘pushing’ to bring the Czech international over to Elland Road to bolster the manager’s options in the middle of the park.

Transfer Focus

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It is said that there is a chance that the former Slavia Prague star leaves the Hammers this summer, and the Whites are looking to potentially take advantage of that.

Leeds have added the 30-year-old titan to their list of targets and are seemingly set to pursue a deal for the midfielder, given that they are ‘pushing’ for him.

The report further claims that the Championship champions are looking for experienced options to bolster their efforts to stay in the Premier League, and Soucek – who is valued at £19m by Football Transfers – is a player who fits the bill perfectly.

Why Leeds should sign Soucek as a Rothwell upgrade

The midfield star has racked up 194 appearances in the Premier League in his career with the Hammers so far, and 245 appearances for the club in all competitions.

This shows that Soucek is an experienced player who has proven that he can perform on a consistent basis at the top level in England, as shown by how long his career at the London Stadium has been, which is not the case for Rothwell.

Soucek is also a proven goalscorer in the Premier League, with a return of 36 goals in his top-flight career, whilst Rothwell – who is also 30 – has never scored at that level.

Sky Sports commentator Andy Hinchcliffe described him as the most “dangerous” player in the box in the clip above, as he scored one of his nine Premier League goals this season against Wolves in December.

Appearances

35

xG

6.85

Goals

9

Duels won per game

5.0

Duel success rate

53%

Aerial duels won per game

2.9

Aerial duel success rate

57%

As you can see in the table above, Soucek also provides a level of physicality that Rothwell would not, as he wins duels at an efficient rate and is particularly impressive in the air.

As aforementioned, Rothwell did not win a single aerial battle in the 2023/24 season for Bournemouth in the Premier League, which shows that the West Ham star would be a major upgrade on him from an aerial perspective.

Soucek would add an imposing and physical presence to the Leeds midfield, with his ability to win duels and compete in the air, whilst the Bournemouth loanee would seemingly be a brittle option in the top-flight.

Therefore, hopefully, Leeds will win the race for the Czechia international this summer as a huge upgrade on Rothwell in the middle of the park, as he is a proven Premier League performer who can offer goals and physicality.

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Whereas, the Cherries outcast has not proven himself in the top-flight and does not offer enough physically to perform week-in-week-out at that level, which is why avoiding a deal for him in order to pursue Soucek would be a great move by the Whites.

England have booked their place in the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup 2024 with a commanding 10-wicket win over USA in their final Super Eight match. Using just 9.4 overs to chase down 116, thanks to Jos Buttler’s 83 not out from 38 deliveries, the defending champions have boosted their net run rate (NRR) to 1.992 for good measure.Such a dominant win was set-up by Chris Jordan, who became the first England player to take a men’s T20I hat-trick. Jordan, brought back into the XI for Mark Wood, took four wickets from his final five deliveries – joining Ireland’s Curtis Campher as the only other bowler to achieve that feat at a T20 World Cup – as the USA collapsed from 115 for 5 to 115 all out.The co-hosts had started well enough in Bridgetown, reaching 48 for 2 in their first six overs. But Adil Rashid continued a stellar campaign with a miserly 2 for 13 from his four overs. Aaron Jones, one of the USA’s stronger players of spin, and top-scorer Nitish Kumar were bowled by Rashid, who equalled Stuart Broad’s tally of 30 dismissals in T20 World Cups. Both Rashid and Livingstone ensured only 25 runs were scored in the six overs after the powerplay.The target of 116 needed to be chased down in 18.4 overs to ensure England’s NRR would go ahead of South Africa’s and ensure they had a firm grasp on second-place in the group. Buttler, however, was aiming higher.After a quiet start, Buttler raced to 44 from 26 deliveries at the end of the powerplay – in which England scored 60 – which included cracking a solar panel with the first of two consecutive sixes off Saurabh Netravalkar.

He saved his most brutal assault for Harmeet Singh’s second over – the ninth – getting the strike for the second ball and striking five sixes. The first took him to his first half-century of the tournament, from 32 deliveries. An over later, Buttler’s late cut took England over the line with 62 balls to spare.It means England will finish top of the group if West Indies beat South Africa in Group 2’s final fixture by a margin fewer than 52 runs. A South Africa win, taking them to six points, will see England finish second.

Jordan gets his moment

Chris Jordan did not expect to be at this World Cup. A back injury to Jamie Overton handed him what is probably one last shot on the biggest stage. Today in Barbados, he seized it with both hands with that hat-trick and overall figures of 4 for 10 that took him to 105 T20I wickets.The crescendo of the hat-trick was dripping with emotion. Jordan is not exactly the biggest celebrator, but who could begrudge him this moment? The Bajan-born cricketer grew up watching plenty of cricket at the Kensington Oval before making the move to the UK on a scholarship to Dulwich College. The locals in the stadium cheered him as one of their own.Chris Jordan is welcomed back into the dressing room after his four-wicket 19th over•ICC/Getty Images

Jordan was actually at home in Barbados when he heard of his call-up to the provisional squad at the end of April. Later that day, he was training in the nets with Jofra Archer, who initially put the session live on Instagram before taking it down.Having started in the XI for the washout against Scotland and loss to Australia – both in Bridgetown – Jordan returned for the final Group B match against Namibia before sitting back on the bench for the start of the Super Eights.Even after this display, he may find himself sidelined once more if Buttler opts for Mark Wood’s extra pace, depending on England’s opponents and semi-final venue. Either way, Jordan’s place in history has been secured.

Rashid’s wrong ‘un so right

Like Lionel Messi shifting onto his left foot and Steph Curry pulling up from long range, everyone knows Adil Rashid has a googly. The problem with all three is doing something about it.Aaron Jones and Nitish Kumar were both felled by the legspinner’s delivery that goes the other way. The former tried to combat it with his trusty slog sweep. The latter opted to blaze up and over extra cover. Both had their stumps rearranged.

That’s now five of Rashid’s nine wickets that have come from googlies at this World Cup. Their menace is disguised by full lengths and outside-off-stump lines, similar to where he looks to land his leggies.Rashid has been England’s standout white-ball bowler for some time, and, aged 36, has been at his best throughout this tournament despite coming into the summer with little competitive cricket.Here in Bridgetown, he was unplayable, with just 10 runs conceded from his four boundary-less overs. It was hard not to feel sorry for USA’s batting line-up as he tied them in knots. If it’s any comfort, more seasoned batters, with plenty more exposure to Rashid, have been made to look just as clueless.

Underwhelming Corey Anderson

A lot was expected from Corey Anderson. Having made his debut for the USA in April, the former New Zealand international was meant to bring nous and X-factor to the team after 93 caps and three World Cups as a Blackcap. Things have not panned out as such.It is as much a credit to the rest of the squad that their highest-profile cricketer coming into this tournament has been a footnote on a valiant campaign.Anderson was averaging 13 coming into this final fixture. With six overs to go, he looked relatively set on 24, especially after breaking a boundary-less run of 34 deliveries in the previous by heaving Liam Livingstone for six over gully with a reverse-sweep. Now was his time to show why he was once one of the most sort-after allrounders on the circuit.While there was a hurry-up, it came at the end other end as Harmeet Singh struck 21 in a 27-run stand between them, with a couple of fours and a six of his own.Corey Anderson could not find his rhythm on the day•Getty Images

Singh would fall at the end of the 18th over, leaving Anderson on strike for the penultimate over. Jordan bowled a full toss, and Anderson swung for the hills. Alas, he could only find Harry Brook, who did not have to move an inch from his position a good 10 yards in front of the sponge at long-on.Off he walked for 29, his highest score of the competition, taking his overall tally to 66 from 72 deliveries. A tournament to remember for the USA is perhaps one to forget for Anderson.

Buttler peaking at the right time for England?

It has been an odd tournament for the England captain. Barring one or two tactical errors – the costliest being his gut decision to bowl Will Jacks in the second over against Australia – his captaincy has been sound. Behind the stumps, he has been immaculate. In front of them, however, he hadn’t quite launched.A 28-ball 42 in the defeat to Australia and 24 off eight deliveries in the shellacking of Oman was tempered by a duck against Namibia. Across the first Super Eight matches against West Indies and South Africa, he managed just 42 from as many balls.1:18

Buttler’s innings will give England faith in this team combination – Dasgupta

As such, you could attribute this unbeaten 83 – Buttler’s second-highest score in T20 World Cups – to a release of frustration. That’s certainly how it seemed by the end, even if Buttler attributed the boundary bloodlust as merely the pursuit of a surer path to the knockout stages. His takedown of Harmeet Singh saw him become the second player in a T20I World Cup to strike five sixes in an over after Yuvraj Singh lit up the Durban skies against Stuart Broad in 2007.Having started the month in a foul mood, fed up of addressing the 50-over shambles in India last winter, Buttler looks far more at ease. And why not – after a few bumps, this title defence remains on track.

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

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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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.

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