All posts by n8rngtd.top

Sunderland don’t want to just make up the numbers next season in the Premier League.

Indeed, the Black Cats’ early summer business indicates that they are going to splash the cash to try and stave off an immediate Championship return, with a club-record £30m spent on acquiring Habib Diarra from Strasbourg.

That’s before you even consider the long-winding list of names being linked to the Stadium of Light, with ex-Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi one standout face on their reported shopping list, alongside names such as Hamed Traore also being tipped to relocate to Wearside for a high £18m.

Of course, Sunderland are no strangers to such a statement deal when trying to achieve something remarkable like survival in the Premier League, with Enzo Le Fee the talk of the town when he moved to England earlier this year.

Le Fee's early impact at Sunderland

When Le Fee initially linked up with the Black Cats in January on loan, his much-talked-about arrival was secured to try and push Le Bris’ side back up to the promised land.

It ended up being a mission success, thankfully, with Le Fee’s stylish presence helping Sunderland in some nervy promotion-deciding moments, as seen in him registering two vital assists in the playoff semi-final first and second legs versus Coventry City.

Also chipping in with a goal during Sunderland’s intense promotion run-in, Black Cats supporters far and wide must have been scratching their eyes watching such an immense talent strut his stuff in the Championship, considering he was lining up for Italian giants AS Roma just before his switch to Wearside.

On top of that, he also collected a hefty total of 28 goals and assists on the books of both Rennes and Lorient, with Le Bris clearly flexing his ex-Lorient connections to surprisingly pick up Le Fee, who is now a permanent member of his Premier League camp after joining for good for £20m.

Another bold move similar to the Frenchman’s shock switch could soon be signed off on if rumours are correct, with this potential deal perhaps going down as an even bigger signing than the 25-year-old’s entry if the enigmatic star in question can instantly settle.

The "phenomenon" who could be a bigger signing than Le Fee

Le Bris loves hopping into the Ligue 1 market when attempting to unearth potential Sunderland gems, with Diarra the next notable face from the French top division being given a chance to shine in Wearside.

Lyon superstar Georges Mikautadze could be the next to fall off the ambitious Ligue 1 conveyor belt, with French outlet Foot Mercato revealing that Sunderland are one of a number of clubs across Europe keeping a close eye on the entertaining Georgian amidst Lyon’s financial woes.

Mikautadze might end up joining the Sunderland ranks for only £1m more than Le Fee, which would be an almighty steal when you consider the many dazzling performances the 24-year-old forward served up under Paolo Fonseca last season.

In total, the attacking “phenomenon” – as he has been labelled in the past by former boss Emilio Ferrera – would hammer home 17 goals and pick up nine assists in all competitions, even as background noise threatened to unsettle the now Ligue 2 outfit.

When digging even deeper and analysing the table above, his numbers overall when playing in France – away from just being Lyon’s main attacking spark – blow Le Fee’s own tally even more out of the water, with a ridiculous 79 combined goals and assists coming his way for both Metz and his current employers.

With all of this on his side, there will be so much hope in the air that Mikautadze can be a rip-roaring success in England, much like Le Fee has managed to be.

If anything, having also been hailed as a “living legend” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Mikautadze might well be even more of an enticing watch, particularly if his enthralling displays ensure immediate Premier League safety.

Sunderland plotting bargain swoop to sign "great" Premier League midfielder

The Black Cats could land an excellent deal.

By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 30, 2025

Yet to start their summer business, Aston Villa are now reportedly preparing an official approach to sign a midfield target worth £25m as Monchi intensifies his pursuit.

Kieran Maguire: Aston Villa "most concerned" about PSR

Like Newcastle United in the last two windows, Aston Villa’s spending is seemingly catching up to them even as they continue to enjoy impressive success on the pitch. And that could see them forced into a quiet summer window unless they sell at least one key player.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire had his say on the Villans’ PSR concerns, recently saying on Sky Sports: “I think of the 20 Premier League clubs, Villa are the ones who we’re most concerned about.

Aston Villa now in the conversation for shock deal to sign £85m striker

He would take Villa’s frontline to a new level…

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By
Tom Cunningham

Jun 19, 2025

“Last season, when they did qualify for the Champions League, for every £100 of revenue that Aston Villa brought in, they spent £91 on wages. Those players will have had contract step-ups for qualifying for the Champions League.

“And remember, Villa have done very well in that competition. So that will be a plus. And they have sold some players as well, in both the last summer market and the January one. But I think there is still a perception that Villa will have to box clever.

“And of all of the clubs under pressure to sell players by June 30, I guess they’re the ones who are the club that gives the most attention because their spending in the last couple of years before getting into Europe was so extensive.”

One sale that could be on the cards as a result of their concerns this summer is Emiliano Martinez. The goalkeeper has already been linked with moves to Atletico Madrid and, more concerningly, Manchester United. But as frustrating as his departure to join the latter would be, it would at least open the door for Villa to secure incomings of their own this summer.

Aston Villa preparing Raskin approach

According to TeamTalk, Monchi is now preparing an approach to sign Nicolas Raskin from Rangers with Aston Villa and their sporting director now set to intensify their pursuit of the talented midfielder.

As Rangers struggled for much of last season, Raskin was often among the few standouts and has since made an impressive start to life in the Belgium squad. Now, for just £25m, he could be on his way to the Premier League this summer.

In regards to Aston Villa’s financial problems, Raskin would also be a wise move given that he’s reportedly available for such a low fee this summer. What’s more, at just 24 years old, the Belgian is destined for bigger and better things which means that the £25m fee could rapidly turn into the ultimate bargain for all involved in the Midlands.

All signs point towards an excellent signing, but Aston Villa must first convince Rangers to sell one of their best players as they enter a new era under Russell Martin in Scotland.

Aston Villa fans will be concerned about the amount of outgoings currently being talked about at Villa Park.

Indeed, every passing day seems to throw up another rumoured casualty from the West Midlands giants, with Ollie Watkins the next high-profile name to be linked with an exit as Arsenal show an interest in the lethal Premier League goal machine again.

Emiliano Martinez’s name is also in this constant conversation, with a move to Manchester United reportedly lined up.

But why is this all happening? Well, Unai Emery’s men are trying to balance the books by whatever means necessary to comply with stringent PSR rules.

Aston Villa chasing £30m signing

Martinez and Watkins aren’t the only key members of the Villa squad who could depart the Midlands this summer with Arsenal also allegedly eyeing Morgan Rogers.

If the England international does exit, presumably for a colossal fee, they would need a replacement.

Well, according to reports from Spain, via Sport Witness, Villa are continuing to hunt the signature of Real Betis starlet Jesus Rodriguez this summer.

It is stated that several clubs are looking at the teenage sensation, with Cesc Fabregas’ Como said to be accelerating their efforts to tempt the Spanish hotshot to Italy, alongside Monchi also powering ahead with Villa’s own advances.

Betis are reportedly willing to sanction a move for Rodriguez to leave when he returns from international action with Spain U21s at the ongoing Euros tournament, with a £30m price-tag also above his head if he does seek out a new home shortly.

Villa could well have that amount in the bank if a major sale is signed off on, with this going down as a worthwhile investment if Rodriguez can instantly acclimatise to his new environment.

Already, the Seville-born attacker has made waves in the senior picture at Betis, as seen in this coolly tucked away chance in European action.

How Rodriguez could become Emery's next Rogers

Much like Emery managed with a once wide-eyed Rogers, Rodriguez could soon be transformed into a far more impressive forward player under the ex-Arsenal manager’s expert guidance.

After all, Rogers was only two years older than Rodriguez is now when he was first handed a senior shot at Villa, having cost £15m to obtain from Middlesbrough.

Now, Rogers is spoken about as a player worth around £100m, and for good reason too when you consider his whirlwind rise at Villa Park from promising youngster plucked out of the EFL, to one of the key first names on Emery’s teamsheet.

Rogers wasn’t an overnight success, however, with only four goal contributions coming his way from his first 16 Villa first-team outings. But, the rest is history now for the “unstoppable” attacker, as Jamie Carragher glowingly labelled him last season, with a spellbinding 29 goal contributions next to his name during his second campaign at Emery’s men.

Rodriguez will hope he can be turned into a similar superstar under the Spaniard’s tutelage, with the 19-year-old already being described as “explosive” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, even as he’s still navigating the fledgling stages of his career.

Everything is pointing in the direction of the Betis number 36 going on to live up to his hype, with Rodriguez ahead of Rogers’ development already by showing immense flashes of his quality at the very peak of Spanish football.

To add context, when Rogers was only 19 years of age himself, he was attempting to cut his teeth in the Championship with AFC Bournemouth, while Rodriguez is already confidently scoring in the Conference League.

Patience will need to be exercised on the ends of the Villans like they offered up to a growing Rogers, but with their depleted numbers down the left wing clear for all to see, Rodriguez might be immediately chucked into the deep-end, with a hope he doesn’t sink under all the pressure and instead excels.

Amazing Watkins replacement: Aston Villa ready move for "special" £32m CF

It’s set to be a busy summer transfer window at Aston Villa, so could Unai Emery be reunited with a “fantastic” PL star as Ollie Watkins’ replacement?

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By
Ben Gray

Jun 20, 2025

Liverpool have agreed a deal with Bayer Leverkusen for Florian Wirtz (£100m, which may eventually rise to a British-record £116m).

Trent Alexander-Arnold look his preternatural playmaking skills with him to Real Madrid, but Liverpool’s creative fluency will remain intact, or maybe even hit another level, with the German number ten in Arne Slot’s squad.

Excitingly, The Times report that more signings should be expected for the Merseysiders, who won the Premier League last season. However, one or two sales may have to take place, with Luis Diaz attracting interest from Barcelona and the Saudi Pro League.

If the Colombian, who was so important last season, does leave, Liverpool would need to sign a replacement, and FSG appear to have one in mind.

Liverpool chasing Luis Diaz replacement

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have been informed that a bid worth around £75m will be enough for Newcastle United to authorise the transfer of Anthony Gordon.

Gordon, 24, was wanted by Liverpool last summer before the Magpies found less damaging ways to avoid a PSR-related punishment,

Whether Liverpool are willing to spend a king’s ransom on the player will be dependent on Diaz’s future, but if their 28-year-old forward does leave, this appears to be the player at the top of Slot’s list.

Why Liverpool want Anthony Gordon

When Liverpool tried to sign Gordon one year ago, he had just been crowned Newcastle’s Player of the Season after posting 28 goal contributions.

Transfer Focus

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

A “nightmare for anyone” he plays against, as Gordon has said himself, the Three Lions star is “always trying to make things happen.” Typically playing off the left flank, signing him would make perfect sense if Diaz does indeed head off for pastures new.

He might not have produced the same effect last year, but Gordon has still shown us the scale of his qualities, and you wouldn’t bet against him levelling up once more under Slot’s wing.

Especially if Liverpool pull off an audacious move for Alexander Isak, who has forged such a seamless connection with the England winger over the past several years.

Isak needs no introduction, having been on Liverpool’s radar for a while now. However, with Newcastle securing a place back in Europe, the Toon will be looking for around £150m.

The elite goalscorer isn’t just the guy who finishes moves off. He created 11 big chances in the Premier League last season, thus perfect for the electric-paced Gordon to latch onto, as Newcastle fans would attest to.

If Liverpool manage to bank some funds through player sales over the coming weeks, it might just be that a deal for Isak becomes more plausible, and if Gordon’s signature is also secured, a fluent and fearsome frontline could dovetail into the Anfield brood, with Salah sure to jump at the chance to work with such partners.

Gordon even went as far as to say that the Sweden striker is “the best in Europe”. With such an innate connection forged across the past two terms, Liverpool may well hit the jackpot by pulling off this double signing, surely sealing their place as one of the continent’s finest outfits across the coming age of football by doing so.

After Wirtz: Liverpool enter race to sign "world-class" £64m Gordon upgrade

Liverpool are interested in signing a new winger this summer.

2

By
Angus Sinclair

Jun 11, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s summer recruitment drive hasn’t quite got off the ground yet, mainly due to uncertainty surrounding Ange Postecoglou and his long-term future, but that hasn’t stopped some transfer plans being made.

Tottenham transfer plans after vital Europa League triumph

While Postecoglou is set to learn his fate as soon as this week, according to ESPN and other reliable media sources, technical director Johan Lange, chairman Daniel Levy and the incoming Fabio Paratici will be debating ways to improve the Spurs squad regardless of who is in charge next season.

Tottenham hold "multiple meetings" with £8m manager after Guardiola praise

Daniel Levy’s got a key decision to make on Ange Postecoglou’s future.

1

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 3, 2025

Their triumph in the Europa League final has opened many doors for Spurs, with the Lilywhites set to compete in next season’s Champions League as one major positive of their victory against Man United in Bilbao.

The greater transfer market pull and financial windfall that comes with competing in Europe’s most prestigious competition will undoubtedly assist Levy when it comes to bolstering the team this summer, with Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge reporting that Spurs want to strengthen the entire squad in all areas bar goalkeeper.

“Spurs don’t have to sell to buy, with Champions League qualification huge for the club,” said Bridge.

“All areas, apart from the goalkeeping department, will be looked at. Midfield and forward would be the priority if Cristian Romero stays.”

Dejan Kulusevski’s lengthy injury lay-off, combined with uncertainty surrounding the long-term futures of Richarlison and even Mathys Tel, means a new attacking player or two could be highly likely at Spurs.

Tottenham are considering the sale of Richarlison after another season marred by injury for the Brazilian, while there are some reports that Tel could return to Bayern Munich if Spurs make significant progress on a deal for Leroy Sane.

Sane has been heavily linked with a move to N17 in the last week, with the Bayern winger out of contract at the end of this month. He recently employed super-agent Pini Zahavi to help negotiate a new deal with Vincent Kompany’s side, but no agreement has been reached, so the representative could assist in finding him a new club instead.

Leroy Sane "wants a move" to Tottenham from Bayern Munich

Spurs face competition from north London rivals Arsenal, who are also believed to be in talks with Zahavi, but Levy has been handed a fresh boost in their rumoured pursuit of the 29-year-old.

Once valued at £137 million by Man City, the winger could soon be available at zero transfer cost, with Tottenham News sharing an update on the Lilywhites’ chances of beating Arsenal to his signature.

The outlet reports that Sane “wants a move” to Tottenham after they qualified for the Champions League, and they’re current favourites to win the race in light of the forward’s fresh stance on joining.

This is also regardless of whether Postecoglou is at the club next term, so it appears Sane is pretty keen on a switch to Spurs.

That being said, the former Schalke star was thought to be after a £192,000-per-week base salary plus £2.5 million in bonuses to remain at Bayern, so Spurs may have to offer him a similar pay packet to join them instead, which would make him their highest earner above Son Heung-min.

A summer of huge change awaits for Manchester City.

On Saturday, the Sky Blues were beaten 1-0 by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup Final at Wembley, meaning they will end the campaign without silverware, well unless, like Pep Guardiola, you include August’s Community Shield.

Now, ahead of Tuesday night’s clash with Bournemouth at the Etihad, the Citizens find themselves outside the Champions League places, something that would have been simply unthinkable before the season began, requiring four points from their final two fixtures to secure a top-five finish; anything less could be catastrophic.

Even with Premier League games still to play, Man City’s summer transfer activity is well underway, so could a new “world-class” midfielder be arriving very soon?

Manchester City targeting a new midfielder

As has been widely reported, including by Sami Mokbel of BBC Sport, Manchester City have withdrawn their interest in Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Florian Wirtz due to ‘the soaring costs of any deal’.

Paul Hirst and Paul Joyce of the Times claim that die Schwarzroten value their star asset at £126m, hence why Man City have turned their attention to other targets; Bayern Munich and Liverpool are still in the race to secure Wirtz’s signature.

So, who’s the alternative? Well, according to a report from TEAMtalk, Manchester City ‘have accelerated their efforts’ to sign AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders and are now preparing a bid worth £59m.

Sky Sports Switzerland has previously reported that personal terms have been agreed, with the Citizens ‘fully committed’ to finalising this deal, although there is currently a gap in valuation, with reports claiming he is valued at €90m (around £76m), significantly higher than Man City’s initial offer of €60m (£50m).

So, why are Man City so determined to complete this deal?

How Reijnders compares to Wirtz

Well, Graham Ruthven of Total Soccer Show asserts that Reijnders has been AC Milan’s ‘best player this season’, taking his game to another level since the arrival of Sérgio Conceição in January, while analyst Ben Mattinson believes the Dutchman is capable of playing at a “world-class level”.

So, how would Reijnders fit in at the Etihad, and would his arrival soften the blow of missing out on another highly coveted midfielder in Wirtz?

Let’s asses how these two players compare.

As the table outlines, many of Wirtz’s statistics are outstanding, which is not too surprising considering he is, indisputably, one of the best creative midfielders in the world, ranked second in the Bundesliga this season for big chances created.

Nevertheless, Reijnders’ statistics are pretty comparable across the board, mustering more shots, registering more progressive passes and completing a higher percentage of his passes, while his out-of-possession statistics, namely interceptions and ball recoveries, are also higher.

So, the Dutchman is a more well-rounded midfielder, which could be exactly what City need given that, as outlined by Sam Lee of the Athletic, the Citizens’ midfield has been far too easy to play against this season, ever since Rodri suffered his long-term ACL injury in September.

Thus, as much as Wirtz would have been a game-changing arrival, while Reijnders may not have quite as much name recognition, all the indications are that he’ll be an excellent addition, even if quite an expensive one.

Man City's "exceptional" star is finished at the Etihad if Reijnders signs

Man City could be set to move on a few players this summer

By
Ross Kilvington

May 20, 2025

Leeds United are reportedly keen on completing the signing of a 24-year-old goalkeeper this summer, being seen as an alternative to heavily linked targets like Sam Johnstone and Caoimhin Kelleher.

Leeds eyeing new goalkeeper this summer

The Whites may have only recently sealed promotion from the Championship, but focus will already be on life back in the Premier League next season and what surgeries in the squad are required.

Indeed, Leeds need to conduct plenty of business in the transfer market, in order to have a squad that is capable of coping in the top flight, with a new goalkeeper near the top of Daniel Farke’s wishlist, due to Illan Meslier continuing to be an error-prone player and 34-year-old Karl Darlow not being the long-term solution between the sticks.

Wolves ace Johnstone is one rumoured target for the Whites, having had to generally play second fiddle to Jose Sa this season, with the Englishman no doubt keen on being first choice elsewhere and regularly being on the pitch during the peak years of his career.

Meanwhile, Liverpool stopper Kelleher has also been linked with joining Leeds, with the Republic of Ireland international behind Alisson in the pecking order and highly unlikely to oust arguably the best goalkeeper in the world. He could be an excellent signing, having played his part in the Reds winning the Premier League title this season, starting 10 league games.

Leeds planning offer for Orlando Gill

Writing on X, journalist Uriel Lugt claimed that “offers will arrive” for San Lorenzo goalkeeper Orlando Gill this summer, and Leeds are one of those sides “interested” in snapping him up. While his club are in no rush to sell him, their head could be turned if the right bid arrives. The 24-year-old’s current contract runs until December 2027, but the Whites look like they are going to try and entice him away from the club long before then.

Gill is certainly a lesser-known option for Leeds compared to those mentioned above, currently plying his trade in Argentina with San Lorenzo. That’s not to say that the Paraguayan wouldn’t still be a good choice for the Whites, though, having kept nine clean sheets in 18 appearances for his current club at senior level.

Johnstone or Kelleher would arguably still be more of a surefire bet for Leeds, however, having both not only proven themselves in the Premier League, but also represented England and Ireland at international level.

Farke needs to bring in a ‘keeper who can hit the ground running from the opening day of the season, and there is more chance of one of them making more of a seamless transition from their current club to Elland Road, compared to a player who hasn’t yet tasted English football.

Leeds now make approach to sign "fantastic" £25m Premier League attacker

He could be a great signing for the Whites this summer.

By
Henry Jackson

May 11, 2025

That said, Leeds’ recruitment team need to be trusted if they ultimately see the 6 foot 5 Gill as the best choice to sign in the summer window, during a potentially exciting period in which Paraag Marathe is reportedly ready to give Farke as much as £150m to spend on new signings. Bringing him in as second choice feels more likely, though, given his lack of experience at the top level.

Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has now been told by club chiefs to sign a “special” £25 million star this summer, according to a new report.

Crystal Palace eye multiple free transfers

The Eagles have still got an FA Cup final to prepare for this season, but already club chiefs are working hard behind the scenes to bring in new players this summer. Winning the FA Cup would see Palace play European football next season, and that might have something to do with the fact that the club are not wasting any time when it comes to contacting potential transfer targets.

Crystal Palace make enquiry to sign 28 y/o on free transfer ahead of Fulham

Crystal Palace are now in a race with Fulham to sign an experienced midfielder from La Liga.

By
Brett Worthington

May 7, 2025

It’s been recently reported that Palace have made an enquiry to sign midfielder Yvan Neyou, who will leave Leganes at the end of the season. The 28-year-old will be a free agent this summer, and Palace as well as Fulham have already made contact over a move to England.

As well as Neyou, the South Londoners have also been in contact with the agents of Junior Firpo over a possible move to Selhurst Park. The attacking left-back looks set to leave Leeds United when his contract expires, and Palace have now joined the long list of teams who are keen on snapping him up.

The free transfer targets don’t stop there, as a report has now revealed that the Eagles are close to signing Bright Osayi-Samuel from Fenerbahçe. Palace have offered a four-year deal to the right-back worth £3.8 million a season, and it seems to be enough to bring him to Selhurst Park.

Parish now told to sign £25m Newcastle star

According to The Everything is Black and White Podcast, relayed by The Chronicle, Crystal Palace officials have recommended signing Newcastle United’s Joe Willock.

Toon podcast host Andrew Musgrove revealed that Palace chiefs have put the idea forward to Parish: “I’ve been told that transfer chiefs at Crystal Palace have recommended Willock to Steve Parish and that they think they can get him. I think that move would work out for them.”

Willock, who was once dubbed a “special talent” by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, has been at Newcastle since August 2021, during which he has been a regular in the side. However, this season the 25-year-old has found it hard to nail down a regular starting spot, as he’s started just 11 of the 30 Premier League games he’s played.

Willock has fallen down the pecking order behind the likes of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali, and therefore he could be a player the Magpies look to move on this summer.

His arrival at Palace could take some of the burden off finding a direct replacement for Eberechi Eze, who may be on his way out of Selhurst Park. Willock may not have produced the numbers Eze has, but the Newcastle man has shown that he can produce moments of quality in the Premier League, and his goals from midfield would take some pressure off any attacking signings.

Newcastle spent £25 million to get him from Arsenal, and the likelihood is that they are going to want to get their money back for the midfielder, who still has two years left to run on his contract.

Manchester United’s recent fortunes would suggest that a place in the Europa League final isn’t quite guaranteed, not just yet, although Ruben Amorim’s men certainly have one foot in the showpiece following a stunning first-leg triumph on Thursday night.

Up against an Athletic Bilbao side who had conceded just 12 goals at home all season in LaLiga and in European competition combined, the Red Devils romped to a brutal 3-0 win in San Mames, maintaining their unbeaten run in this year’s edition.

After a nervy opening – which saw Inaki Williams notably guide his effort over the crossbar – the visitors took control through Casemiro’s backpost header, before ever-reliable skipper, Bruno Fernandes, converted from the penalty spot following a last-ditch foul on Rasmus Hojlund.

With Dani Vivian dismissed for the action that led to the spot-kick to compound matters for the home side, United swiftly extended their advantage just minutes later, with that man Fernandes rounding off an intricate team move just before the break.

A fourth and potentially tie-clinching goal did not emerge after the interval, although Amorim can have few complaints on a night in which his experienced heads, in particular, kept their cool.

Casemiro and Fernandes rise above the rest

If the former Sporting CP boss is to have any reason for negativity following Thursday’s convincing win, the Portuguese tactician may be concerned at the shaky start which his side endured, with Victor Lindelof notably among those to have needlessly squandered possession in the early exchanges.

The Swede did, thankfully, redeem himself soon after with a vital goal-line block, with Manuel Ugarte also enjoying his own in-game redemption, having shaken off a careless beginning to ultimately register two assists on the night, including a clever backheeled flick for Fernandes’ second.

Some initial nerves may have been understandable, although in the case of the captain and Casemiro, the experienced pairing proved to be “the difference again”, in the words of journalist Samuel Luckhurst, having been head and shoulders above the majority of their teammates.

For Fernandes, such a performance has simply become the norm, with the influential skipper now boasting 37 goals and assists this season in all competitions, including seven goals and four assists in the Europa League alone.

To see the 30-year-old pulling the strings is no surprise, although for his veteran teammate, this recent resurgence has been a welcome one, not least considering it appeared as if he was approaching the end of a storied career not too long ago.

Once looking like “he is playing in Soccer Aid” under Erik ten Hag last term, as per pundit Jamie Redknapp, Casemiro has been reborn in the Amorim regime, with the return to Spain seeing the former Real Madrid warrior win ten of his 12 attempted duels, alongside getting on the scoresheet.

A starter in every knockout stage game in the competition, this redemption arc continues for the 33-year-old – much like it does for Harry Maguire.

The Man Utd hero who's now undroppable again

The importance of Fernandes and Casemiro was evident as even at 3-0, Amorim opted not to rest the star duo despite making a raft of changes, with the two men simply pillars in this developing 3-4-3 system.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

In a similar manner, the fact that Maguire was withdrawn just after the hour mark was also a sign of his growing stature under the new regime, with Amorim unable to afford an injury setback to the 6 foot 4 Englishman.

The 32-year-old hasn’t been a stranger to periods on the sidelines this season, having actually only featured on 34 occasions, although at present he looks the real bedrock in a back three that repeatedly chops and changes with each passing game.

A player his manager previously described as “perfect” for this setup, following the extension of his contract by a further 12 months, Maguire looks at home in the centre of the defensive trio, having been largely untroubled against the Basque outfit.

There was one hairy moment just prior to his withdrawal, amid appeals from the home crowd for a red card following a ‘foul’ on Maroan Sannadi, although it was otherwise plain-sailing, with the former Leicester City man spraying passes with ease after racking up a 97% pass accuracy rate in total.

Much like last month and his stoppage time heroics to clinch victory over Lyon, it was actually his impact in the final third that was most memorable from Maguire’s outing, with the towering defender proving an unlikely menace down the right flank, before whipping in a cross that eventually found its way to Casemiro, via the head of Ugarte.

The sight of the big man twisting and turning truly was a joy to behold, with that marking another “glorious” moment – as per The Athletic’s Laurie Whitwell – in the revival of a player who was memorably stripped of the captaincy by Ten Hag back in 2023.

There were even suggestions that a move to West Ham United was on the cards that summer, yet now the £190k-per-week powerhouse looks a key cog in the Amorim machine – with the aforementioned Luckhurst noting his ‘solid’ 8/10 performance on the night.

In an era of pursuing younger and younger signings, with the aim of looking to the long-term, the likes of Maguire, Casemiro and Fernandes are proving that experience and class are simply priceless.

Man Utd may have found the new Scott McTominay in an unlikely source

Man Utd have found a new figure who may soon emulate McTominay…

By
Robbie Walls

May 1, 2025

Will Celtic be crowned champions of Scotland again as soon as this weekend?

Following their 5-1 demolition of Kilmarnock, the Hoops are 15 points clear of fierce rivals Rangers with only five matches to go, and boasting a goal difference that is just the 42 superior.

So, even a draw against Dundee United on Saturday will secure a 13th Scottish Premiership title in just 14 seasons, rubber-stamping the title at Tannadice, just as they did in 2008 under Gordon Strachan as well as three years ago when Ange Postecoglou was in charge.

So now, as attention turns towards the summer plans, with a crucial Champions League play-off in August looming large, could Celtic save themselves a few quid in the transfer market by giving a young star, impressing out on loan, an opportunity?

Celtic's interest in Million Manhoef

As previously reported this month, Celtic are ‘eyeing’ a move for Stoke City winger Million Manhoef.

The 23-year-old Dutch U21 international joined the Potters from Vitesse Arnhem in January 2024 for a reported fee of £3m, scoring 11 goals and registering five assists in 51 appearances for the EFL Championship club to date.

His performances have earned rave reviews, including from Dean Jones, who told Give Me Sport that Manhoef is “the sort of player that will get fans off their seats”, while Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labelled him both “quality and versatile”.

As a result, journalist Graeme Bailey believes Manhoef is valued at £10m by Stoke, which would make him one of Celtic’s most-expensive signings of all-time, so could the Scottish champions save their money by reintegrating a youngster currently impressing out on loan on the other side of the world?

Celtic's forgotten sensation out on loan

Back in June 2023, Celtic signed a 21-year-old by the name of Marco Tilio from Melbourne City for a reported fee of £1.5m.

This was, at the time, a record outgoing transfer fee for an A-League player, with Beth Limb of Total Football Analysis believing Celtic had secured a great deal for such a talented player.

Well, so far, this has not transpired, with Tilio making just two appearances in hoops to date, making his debut during a one-minute cameo against Motherwell in November 2023, before seeing 27 minutes off the bench against Hibernian 11 days later.

Instead, he has been loaned back to Melbourne City, for whom he’s now made 102 appearances, really starting to rediscover his best form this season after a long spell on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

So far this year, the Australian international has scored four A-League goals, actually making him the Sky Blues’ joint-top scorer, with this season-by-season breakdown outlining his career so far.

As the table shows, Tilio has started to somewhat show the form that convinced Celtic to sign him in the first place.

He was a “prolific goalscorer” during his first spell at Melbourne City, as per one source, form he has begun to rediscover, with Liam Bryce of the Herald believing that he certainly has the talent to ‘flourish’ in Glasgow, while Emma Kemp of the Guardian outlines that Tilio is always capable of producing a ‘moment of magic’.

So, given Tilio’s undeniable talent, he should certainly be given an opportunity at Celtic, suggesting they don’t need to go into the market and spend big on a new winger.

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By
Ben Gray

Apr 23, 2025