All posts by z3u9t.icu

Ipswich Town and Kieran McKenna are looking to sign a versatile 6ft 6 midfielder who could replace loanee Kalvin Phillips.

Ipswich Town in Premier League relegation zone as Phillips update emerges

The Tractor Boys are in real danger of immediate relegation from the Premier League back to the Championship, with Kieran McKenna’s side now 10 games without a top-flight victory.

A 4-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest at Portman Road last time out was made worse by Wolves’ win at Southampton, which resulted in a nine-point gap opening up at the bottom.

Ipswich Town want to sign 213-goal striker for free to replace Liam Delap

Delap is valued at £60m.

ByCharlie Smith Mar 14, 2025

Talking after the loss to Forest, McKenna said: “There is a pretty big gap there and we can only focus on ourselves. We have two big games after the international break and we need to be ready for those and ready to compete.

“It is possible. With six points to play for when we come back from the international break. We are running out of games. We need to take points soon, we know that but we are certainly not going to give up hope or stop fighting until the last game is done.”

Bournemouth vs Ipswich

April 2

Ipswich vs Wolves

April 5

Chelsea vs Ipswich

April 13

Ipswich vs Arsenal

April 20

Newcastle vs Ipswich

April 26

Should Ipswich go down, a number of players could be on the move this summer, including Man City loanee Phillips. There have been reports that Ipswich are unlikely to make the defensive midfielder’s move permanent, with Phillips reaching a verbal agreement to join Leeds United, if they win promotion.

Those at the Etihad could accept an offer in the region of £20m for Phillips, who has made 20 appearances on loan in East Anglia. As a result, Ipswich could be on the search for another holding midfielder, and they have seemingly identified one target in that position.

Ipswich Town interested in signing new 6ft 6 midfielder

According to Africa Foot, Ipswich Town are one of the clubs keen on signing Kalidou Sidibe from French side En Avant Guingamp.

Scottish giants Celtic have already made a £1.6m bid to sign the 26-year-old, however, Ipswich, PSV Eindhoven, Grasshopper Zurich and former side Toulouse are also interested.

Sidibe, who can play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder or centre-back, stands at 6ft 6 and is the tallest player in French Ligue 2, as per Africa Foot. Beginning at Paris FC and Toulouse, Sidibe signed permanently for Guingamp in 2023 and has been a regular this season, making more than 30 appearances in all competitions.

He’s scored two goals and provided five assists in 2024/25 playing as a deep-lying midfielder, and if Ipswich are relegated to the second tier, Sidibe’s height could come in handy in what is a physical league. It looks like a move to keep an eye on, however, Ipswich may need to act fast with Celtic already making their move.

Manchester City have already agreed personal terms to sign a £60m player this summer who is also being eyed by Liverpool.

Man City transfer rumours as Guardiola eyes 3rd FA Cup crown

The Citizens may not be lifting a fifth successive Premier League title this season, however, they can still end a disappointing campaign with silverware in the FA Cup. A win at Bournemouth on Sunday afternoon will ensure another trip to Wembley for the FA Cup semi-finals and leave Pep Guardiola on course to lift a third FA Cup crown.

Premier League

6

FA Cup

2

EFL Cup

4

Champions League

1

Super Cup

1

Community Shield

3

Club World Cup

1

However, away from the pitch, those behind the scenes at the Etihad Stadium appear to be working on summer signings after what was a busy winter window that saw five players arrive. Deals for Omar Marmoush, Nico Gonzalez, Abdukodir Khusanov, Vitor Reis and Juma Bah were sealed in January, and talks have already been held over a move for Real Madrid forward Rodrygo.

Big upgrade on Foden: Man City want to sign "world-class" £108m star

Manchester City are looking to upgrade on Phil Foden with this standout buy.

ByKelan Sarson Mar 25, 2025

Elsewhere, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg has claimed in recent days that Man City want to sign Bayer Leverkusen star Florian Wirtz, whereas they are also showing an interest in Southampton gem Tyler Dibling.

One player who City didn’t sign at the beginning of 2025 despite trying was Juventus full-back Andrea Cambiaso. Valued at £60m, Cambiaso remained in Turin, but it looks as if a move to Manchester could be on the cards this summer.

Man City agree personal terms with Andrea Cambiaso

According to reports in Italy, relayed by Sport Witness, Juventus are likely to sell Cambiaso at the end of the season, and Man City are once again keen. In fact, Man City have already reached a personal term agreement with Cambiaso, however, Liverpool could threaten a move with the Reds on the search for a new full-back to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold.

The 25-year-old is a two-footed full-back who can play on either flank and has a career-high €40m Transfermarkt valuation. Therefore, it’s no surprise that commentator Leonardo Bertozzi has labelled Cambiaso as “versatile”, whereas Milan legend Mauro Tassotti also hailed the defender at the end of 2023.

“I was immediately struck by Andrea’s ability to play both left and right. And above all his ability to kick with both feet.

“I haven’t yet understood whether he is right or left-footed. In this sense, he is similar to Paolo Maldini who however was much more powerful from a physical standpoint, had incredible charisma and was also very strong defensively, so much so that he ended his career as a centre-back.

“But Cambiaso has now made a rapid jump. In Bologna, he did very well. And at Juventus, when given the chance to play, he made the most of it.”

It looks as if City have already got an agreement in place with Cambiaso, however, a fee will still need to be agreed with Juventus, who are ideally hoping more clubs will join the race to start a bidding war.

A new transfer update suggests that West Brom are eyeing a loan move for a “phenomenal” Premier League youngster in the January transfer window.

Latest West Brom news

The Baggies return to Championship action on Saturday lunchtime, making the trip to struggling Plymouth Argyle, looking to kick on under Tony Mowbray after the excellent 5-1 win at home to Portsmouth last time around.

The new boss would love new signings to arrive in the remaining days of the window, in order to give side the best possible chance of promotion this season, and they have been linked with a move for Chelsea striker Marc Guiu. A loan switch for the 19-year-old has been mooted.

Meanwhile, the Baggies have reportedly been pushing to complete the signing of Stuart Armstrong from Vancouver Whitecaps, but the 32-year-old now looks set to join Sheffield Wednesday instead, acting as a blow.

St. Gallen striker Willem Geubbels has also emerged as a rumoured transfer target for West Brom, but rivals Sunderland are also believed to be in the race to snap up the Frenchman.

West Brom eyeing "phenomenal" ace on loan

West Brom are also interested in signing Tottenham youngster Will Lankshear on loan before the end of the current window. The 19-year-old is “set to head out on loan now” and the Baggies are right in the mix to sign a new target for them, along with Championship rivals Burnley, Middlesbrough, Cardiff City and Luton Town. Foreign clubs are keen, too, but a move to an English team is seen as more preferable by Spurs.

Signing a Premier League player always has an element of excitement about it for any Championship club, so Lankshear could be an intriguing temporary addition to Mowbray’s squad.

The Englishman has scored once in the Europa League this season, coming in a 3-2 defeat away to Galatasaray that also saw him receive a red card, and Spurs pundit John Wenham has lauded his ability.

“If in time we can see him improve his passing levels then maybe we can look at him as a Harry Kane-lite or something like that. At the moment though, he looks like a complete out-and-out finisher and he had made a phenomenal start to his life at Tottenham.”

That is high praise for Lankshear, outlining why West Brom signing him on loan could be a masterstroke for the second half of the season.

The next Lukaku: West Brom targeting move for "exquisite" PL talent

West Bromwich Albion could soon welcome this promising youngster through the door.

ByKelan Sarson Jan 29, 2025

The Spurs youngster has been capped for both England’s Under-19s and Under-20s, and the fact that his current club may like the idea of giving him more minutes elsewhere makes it an ideal situation for all parties.

Rangers are believed to be willing to offer a 47-year-old manager the opportunity to replace Philippe Clement until the end of the season, according to a new update.

Rangers searching for Clement successor

There was an inevitability about Clement’s time in charge at Ibrox coming to an end, following a consistently disappointing run of results this season, especially in the Scottish Premiership. While they are still in the Europa League, it was hard to see things turning around positively enough in the coming weeks and months.

Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at home to St Mirren was too much for Rangers’ board to ignore, in a result that means they are still trailing Celtic by 13 points, with the Hoops also losing away to Hibernian over the weekend.

The search is now on to find Clement’s replacement at Ibrox, with Fabrizio Romano providing an update on a potential reunion with Steven Gerrard, saying: “At the moment nothing has been decided, so let’s keep all options open. The club is assessing options to replace Clement but nothing direct yet with Gerrard or his camp.”

It looks as though an interim boss will be brought in for the time being, however, potentially until the summer, and an intriguing update has dropped regarding who could come in.

47 y/o handed chance to manage Rangers

According to The Daily Record, Rangers are keen on making former player Barry Ferguson their next manager until the end of this season. The report says that the 47-year-old “will be given the chance to lead the club” leading up until the summer, prior to a permanent long-term boss coming in. In fact, a “whirlwind deal could be completed within 24 hours”, with “talks ongoing” with the popular ex-Gers captain.

Ferguson being named interim boss could be a decision that goes down well at Rangers, considering what a well-liked figure he was during his playing days, winning six Scottish Premiership titles and being named Player of the Year on three separate occasions.

Granted, the Scot hasn’t exactly had a memorable managerial career to date, most recently being in charge of Alloa Athletic until February 2022, meaning he hasn’t had a leading manager’s job of note for three years. That said, Rangers need a feel-good factor to return between now and the end of the season, and Ferguson could provide that, with the supporters feeling that they have one of their own in the dugout.

He knows the club inside out, and would no doubt show a huge amount of passion for the job, and if he can work wonders in charge, such as going far in the Europa League, he could even put himself in contention for the permanent job once the summer arrives.

49ers will love him: Rangers must hire "fantastic" manager who knows Wilson

As pressure mounts on Philippe Clement, the new 49ers ownership group at Rangers should look to hire “fantastic” out of work manager as replacement.

Feb 24, 2025

There may be some fans who want to see a more proven manager come in temporarily, but the positives of bringing in Ferguson are clear to see, taking the time to get the permanent successor right this summer.

Liverpool welcome lowly Southampton to Anfield on Saturday afternoon.

While the Reds will still be giddy from their incredible Champions League victory over Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday evening, Arne Slot will no doubt have forced full attention back on the Premier League – there’s a 13-point title lead to defend, after all.

Saints, marooned at the bottom of the division, were thrashed 4-0 at Stamford Bridge last time out and are all but condemned to an instantaneous return to the second tier.

Slot will expect a comprehensive victory and professional performance, but with a slender 1-0 advantage over PSG, who ran roughshod over Liverpool’s seasonal reputation at the Parc des Princes (albeit with nothing to show for it), rotation is surely a given.

Liverpool were made to work against Luis Enrique’s side, under the cosh for the vast majority, so expect alterations.

Liverpool team news

Cody Gakpo was a late exclusion on the continent, having only just returned from an ankle issue, and while there’s hope he’ll feature next week against PSG, it’s unlikely Slot – who serves the second and final match of his touchline ban – will field him from the outset this weekend.

Diogo Jota fronted Liverpool’s attack in France, flanked by Luis Diaz and Mohamed Salah, but all three flattered to deceive and Slot may turn to off-the-bench hero Darwin Nunez, with goalscorer Harvey Elliott also waiting in the wings for his maiden Premier League start of the campaign.

Conor Bradley, Joe Gomez and Tyler Morton all remain sidelined.

While Liverpool’s gaffer has been reluctant to field wholesale changes this season, this might be an opportunity to do just that. For example, Ryan Gravenberch looked leggy and disjointed in midweek, and should be benched for the first time in the English top flight this season.

Why Slot should drop Ryan Gravenberch

When Liverpool failed in their bid for Martin Zubimendi in August, supporters felt more than a bit of anxiety after sources revealed Liverpool would not be jumping the gun and moving for an alternative.

To be fair, the alarm was just: Jurgen Klopp had gone, and with him the most illustrious of eras for the Anfield side. But Gravenberch stepped up, with one analyst describing him as “absolutely world-class” in Slot’s new Liverpool system.

However, the 22-year-old’s newfound powers have come alongside newfound responsibilities. The Netherlands international has started every single one of Liverpool’s top-flight matches this year, only missing the defeat against PSV in the Champions League too.

1)

Virgil van Dijk

38

3,417′

2)

Mohamed Salah

40

3,396′

3)

Ryan Gravenberch

38

3,241′

4)

Alexis Mac Allister

39

2,879′

5)

Trent Alexander-Arnold

37

2,707′

Is it any wonder he’s beginning to look sapped of his early-season vigour? At PSG, Gravenberch was culpable for a dismal performance, battling hard against the host tidal waves but distinctly lacking any control and fluidity with his passing.

He will, however, be required from the outset in next week’s corresponding fixture, and with that in mind, Slot might want to bite the bullet and take this essential cog out of his machine against Southampton.

No disrespect to the South Coast side, but a rotated Liverpool should have enough in the tank to beat off Ivan Juric’s men on Merseyside, and while Elliott may be eyeing a start in place of Liverpool’s quasi-ten Dominik Szoboszlai, there’s another midfielder who could take Gravenberch’s role in the deeper fathoms of the engine room.

The perfect Gravenberch replacement

Alexis Mac Allister has played a lot of football this season (see table above) but is one of the most industrious and stable players in Liverpool’s first team. He should start to provide a semblance of control in this likely-changed line-up.

Though he can operate as a six, Mac Allister would be better kept in his preferred box-to-box role, with another man stepping in to take Gravenberch’s place.

Curtis Jones has been a regular presence in Liverpool’s first team since emerging from the academy in 2019. He was one of the first to support Slot after the coach arrived in the summer, saying: ‘It’s probably the happiest I’ve been in terms of style of play.’

Slot’s genius can be found in the tactical nuances. Liverpool aren’t wholly different from the thrash-metal side of Klopp, but they are more composed, calmer and softer in phases, though devastating and electric when they do ramp up the gas.

Jones’ shift perfectly illustrates that, for such a technical midfielder, it is even crisper in possession and less energetic and erratic off the ball. His efforts this term have also yielded far more fruitful results in front of goal.

Goals

0.08

0.24

Assists

0.08

0.24

Touches

70.57

61.36

Pass completion

91.1%

93.4%

Passes attempted

59.85

51.18

Progressive passes

5.71

5.05

Shot-creating actions

2.78

2.33

Progressive carries

2.39

1.04

Successful take-ons

1.16

0.72

Ball recoveries

5.55

4.41

Tackles

2.08

2.09

Such first-class composure and accuracy on the ball bespeaks Jones’ value to this Liverpool team, and though he’s been fielded in advanced midfield areas this term, the vast majority of his career appearances have come from the very centre of midfield (146).

The 24-year-old’s movement and intelligence are facets often overlooked when assessing his worth on the European scale. Jones has also won 55% of his duels in the Premier League this term while completing a whopping 69% of his dribbles, as per Sofascore.

Gravenberch is keen on foraying forward himself, so silky on the ball, so there’s another element to Jones’ game that may prove translatable when stepping into his Dutch teammate’s boots. Jones has even been hailed for his “perfect” distribution by Liverpool content creator Matt Addison.

Should Elliott also find himself on the starting teamsheet, he could do with a robust and dynamic anchoring point behind him to promote his playmaking prowess. Gravenberch is that player, but he’s tired, and needs recharging. The Carabao Cup final, let’s not forget, is also just one week away.

Chalkboard

This security on the ball could be exactly what Liverpool need to defeat Southampton comprehensively and allow for the rotation Slot needs to enforce ahead of such a pivotal match on Tuesday evening against PSG.

Liverpool now open talks over move to sign £66m "monster" Nunez replacement

The Reds have made the first move to sign a striker ahead of the summer transfer window.

ByDominic Lund Mar 6, 2025

Liverpool have been riding the crest of a wave this season but supporters fear that it will all come crashing down at some point.

While, in football, it’s important not to look too far into the future, the Anfield supporters are aware that Virgil van Dijk, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Mohamed Salah could sign a pre-contract agreement with a club from overseas at any given moment.

While FSG remain sanguine in the face of a staggering quandary, losing any of these players would be a detrimental blow.

Salah, for example, is one of the greatest forwards that Merseyside has ever seen, posting 22 goals and 17 assists so far this season. Saudi suitors are growing in confidence, and Liverpool are beginning to look at a success plan.

Liverpool looking at Salah replacement in Spain

As per Spanish reports, Liverpool are growing increasingly confident of signing Takefusa Kubo at the end of the season as Slot begins to prepare for a potential future without Salah at the club.

Kubo has a €60m (£51m) release clause in his contract but according to the report, Liverpool are prepared to offer €50m (£42m) plus Federico Chiesa – a bid they believe will be accepted.

While sporting director Richard Hughes will still be pushing to tie the Egyptian king down to a bumper new deal at Liverpool, it feels like time is running out for a harmonic conclusion, and Kubo could be the answer to the problem.

Why Takefusa Kubo could replace Mo Salah

Kubo is only 23 but he’s emerged as a major player on the Spanish scene over the past few years, notching 38 goal contributions across 112 appearances for Real Sociedad.

As per FBref, the fleet-footed winger ranks among the top 2% of positional peers in La Liga this season for progressive carries, the top 1% for successful take-ons and the top 9% for shot-creating actions per 90.

The Japan international would bring far fleeter athleticism to Slot’s team than the 32-year-old Salah, who is one of the most potent attacking forces in world football but less mobile than he once was.

Matches (starts)

20 (14)

21 (21)

Goals

4

18

Assists

0

13

Shots taken*

1.4 (.)

4.0 (2.0)

Big chances missed

0

14

Pass completion

77%

73%

Big chances created

3

17

Key passes*

1.2

2.3

Ball recoveries*

3.2

2.5

Tackles + interceptions*

1.4

0.7

Dribbles*

1.9

1.6

Total duels (won)*

4.8 (49%)

3.4 (43%)

No winger in Europe (barring maybe Barcelona’s Raphinha) can hold a candle to Salah this season, and there’s no doubt that Kubo has much to work on before he is performing at a satisfactory level for a team like Liverpool, but the ingredients for success are there.

He’s combative and creative, sure, but perhaps most curiously, Kubo hasn’t missed a single big chance in La Liga this season, suggesting that his ball-striking ability is good, but he just isn’t getting into enough goalscoring positions.

Spanish-based journalist Kiyan Sobhani has echoed this argument, saying last year: “Kubo is dusting defenders this season and has been an unrelenting offensive menace. Constantly in attack mode.”

In Liverpool’s system, this can be improved, especially when taught to apply some of Salah’s tricks to his craft, which Liverpool coaches will no doubt be able to implement into his game.

The left-footer does need to hone his sharpness in front of goal but there’s no doubting the quality. With a complete skillset and a ferocious energy about him, Kubo could be the perfect Salah heir.

Look, Liverpool would be foolish to try and replace Salah with a winger of striking likeness – they just wouldn’t live up to the plate. Instead, Kubo can add his own flair to the role, and make it his own.

Their next Xabi Alonso: Liverpool fighting to sign "world-class" midfielder

Liverpool are gearing up to raid a CL giant for one of their best players this year.

ByAngus Sinclair Jan 23, 2025

Leeds United could be set to repeat a recent transfer success of theirs, should they choose to once again sign from the Bundesliga.

Is Alexander Nubel leaving Bayern Munich?

With Daniel Farke's summer revamp having been kicked off by the signing of Ethan Amapdu, it now finally feels like the 49ers will start to exert their influence on their new club and help forge a brighter future for this struggling giant.

Dropping into the Championship last season was a gut punch to their reputation, having only spent three years back in the Premier League. However, it already seems like the new owners are planning for an instant return, with a fresh report coming from Sky Sports Germany to reaffirm the Whites' interest in Bayern Munich goalkeeper Alexander Nubel.

Whilst VfB Stuttgart seem in the lead for his signature, the report does not discount the pull of the Yorkshire team, who remain in the race despite having yet to make an offer.

The German shot-stopper is valued at €13m (£11m) by FootballTransfers.

How good is Alexander Nubel?

Having spent the last two seasons on loan at AS Monaco, as playtime at his parent club was limited given the legendary status of Manuel Neuer, the 26-year-old has proven himself more than capable of starring as a first-choice option.

After all, his 6.93 average rating last term in Ligue 1 is indicative of this, with his 71% save success rate feeding into the mammoth 3.7 stops he averages per game, via Sofascore. A tally of 24 clean sheets across his 97 appearances for the French club is an admirable one.

However, his talents reach far beyond his ability to keep the ball out of his net, as Germany's U21 coach Klaus Thomforde claimed: "You can only speak highly of Alex – he's an incredibly talented goalkeeper, with the world at his feet. He's got an extraordinary footballing ability, but he's also very down to earth and is a great lad."

In once again returning to the Bundesliga for a signing, similar to how they did by prying Tyler Adams from RB Leipzig, the Elland Road outfit could be set to repeat old successes that would all but assure their promotion next season.

After all, the USMNT international proved to be an instant hit in the engine room despite relegation, having provided a much-needed injection of pace, dynamism and defensive steel.

This was outlined through his statistics, as he posted 1.5 interceptions, 3.7 tackles, one clearance and one key pass per game, whilst maintaining an 82% pass accuracy too, via Sofascore.

His ability to break up and dictate the play was impressive, as his 6.98 average rating in the Premier League made him the club's best performer of those who had started five or more games.

Sky Sports journalist Tim Thornton sought to support this, noting back in September:

"He's done really, really well. He knows his game. When he came in, he said ‘I'm not going to be the man to replace Kalvin Phillips, I’m my own man.’ There are similarities in the way he plays with Phillips in the way that he breaks play up and screens the defence. But he's also very different in a lot of ways. So he's done brilliantly."

Given the immediate success the 24-year-old garnered, translating his form from Germany to England in a flash, perhaps Nubel could seek to emulate this switch and help alleviate an area of huge weakness for Leeds.

For every Cameron Carter-Vickers, there is a Maik Nawrocki. For every Nicolas Kuhn, there is a Luis Palma. As evidenced here, getting recruitment right at an elite club like Celtic is never an easy task.

Thankfully, while there has been the odd miss along the way, the Parkhead giants have enjoyed far more hits on the transfer front in recent years, with Ange Postecoglou and Brendan Rodgers having overseen a golden period of domestic dominance for the Hoops.

Indeed, the Scottish champions have become renowned for sniffing out a bargain, with young Matt O’Riley perhaps the greatest example of the club’s scouting success. Signed for just £1.5m from third-tier English club, MK Dons, the Danish international was subsequently sold for a club record £25m fee last summer.

There may be a sense of frustration among some at being labelled something of a ‘selling club’, although that also goes hand in hand with being able to offer a clear pathway to help attract talented, high-potential talents in the first place.

Perhaps, having witnessed the fortunes of many of those who have opted to leave the Glasgow side in the hope of a brighter future elsewhere, the current crop may think again before securing too hasty an exit.

The fortunes of Celtic's record sales

Let’s begin with O’Riley. The current Brighton and Hove Albion man hasn’t exactly enjoyed the smoothest of starts in English football, picking up a cruel injury blow just nine minutes into his competitive debut for the Seagulls.

Now into March, the 24-year-old has only started five Premier League games for the high-flying side, albeit while notably stealing the headlines after scoring the winning goal in the 2-1 comeback win over Manchester City.

Meanwhile, six years on from leaving the Hoops to join Arsenal, Kieran Tierney is set to re-join the Old Firm side this summer on a free transfer, with the 27-year-old having endured an injury-hit spell south of the border.

The Scotland star will follow in the footsteps of another of the club’s notable sales, Jota, by making an emotional return to Celtic Park, with the Portuguese sensation lasting just 18 months abroad before making his way back to Glasgow.

Elsewhere, at the age of 28, Moussa Dembele – sold to Lyon for £20m in 2018 – now finds himself out in Saudi Arabia, while fellow striker, Odsonne Edouard, is now in something of an exile on loan at Leicester City, having signed for Crystal Palace for £14m in 2021.

As evidenced with the club’s five record sales above, the grass isn’t necessarily always greener elsewhere. Perhaps that might be something Celtic’s potential next big sale might want to consider…

Celtic's next big sale

Discussing those who could leave Rodgers’ side should well be viewed in a flattering sense, with talk surrounding the club’s key figures a sign that they are performing at a high level for the Premiership leaders.

Market Movers

Performing at a high level is exactly what this current Celtic team is doing right now, having come agonisingly close to seeing off Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16. Such a showing would have been unheard of earlier in the campaign, let alone last season.

A player who has been central to the improvements on the European stage, in particular, is Arne Engels, with the 21-year-old having enjoyed a stunning debut campaign in green and white.

Stat (*per game)

Augsburg (23/24)

Celtic (24/25)

Games

32

26

Goals

3

9

Assists

2

5

Big chances created

1

10

Pass accuracy*

75%

85%

Key passes*

0.6

1.7

Tackles*

1.0

0.8

Interceptions*

0.5

0.1

Total duels won*

48%

47%

Successful dribbles*

0.2

0.3

It hasn’t all been plain-sailing, with Rodgers coming out in defence of a player who he said “is nowhere near the finished article” following a quiet spell back in the Autumn, yet the £11m man has really taken it up a gear of late.

Brought in from Augsburg as Celtic’s record signing, it might not be too long before Engels breaks that £25m barrier as the club’s record sale too.

At present, the midfield maestro already has 22 goals and assists to his name in all competitions, a tally that includes four goal involvements in just ten outings in the Champions League.

Also described by Celtic legend Chris Sutton as a player he is “liking… more and more”, the promising Belgian has certainly gone someway to filling O’Riley’s void, even while carrying the burden of his hefty price tag.

That said, that £11m fee could now even be considered a bargain due to his soaring value, with CIES Football Observatory suggesting that he is already worth as much as €30m (£25m), thus marking a 127% increase on his initial cost.

Previously also tipped to be Celtic’s first £40m sale, Engels is certainly doing a lot right at this moment in time. Let’s hope, for both his sake and the club’s, that such form continues.

Compared to £105m star: Celtic struck gold with "exceptional" £1.4m signing

At a time when defensive midfielders are priced at £100m+, Celtic struck gold by signing an “exceptional” midfield maestro for only £1.4m.

Mar 7, 2025

Sheffield Wednesday will be willing to let an attacking “game-changer” leave this summer, according to an update from former Owls midfielder Carlton Palmer.

Sheffield Wednesday struggling for playoff finish

Danny Rohl’s side have endured a difficult period in their season, having looked like challenging for a place in the Championship playoffs a few weeks ago.

Instead, Wednesday have lost their last three matches in the league, not to mention four of their last five, dropping down to 13th place in the table in the process.

Last Friday’s 2-1 loss at home to Sunderland was another damaging defeat, and it means that the Owls are now seven points adrift of sixth-place West Brom, highlighting how much work needs to be done in the remaining 11 matches.

Regardless of where Rohl’s men finish once the season is done and dusted, fresh faces need to arrive in the summer transfer window, while others will be moved on to pastures new.

Sheffield Wednesday "game-changer" backed to leave

Speaking to Football League World, ex-England international Palmer backed Michael Smith to leave Sheffield Wednesday at the end of this season:

“Now the question is about the likes of Josh Windass, who will be out of contract in the summer (although there is a one-year option in his deal) and Michael Smith. I think he’ll be disappointed that he wasn’t allowed to go to Wrexham and I understand why Danny Rohl wouldn’t have wanted him to go, but he had a chance to go to Wrexham on what would’ve been a two or three-year contract. It’ll be interesting to see.

“I’d be very surprised to see Smith at the football club next season. Given his age and everything else, I think Danny will be looking to bring in a younger player, somebody who can score consistently at Championship level, although Smith has had an impact when he has played or come off the bench this season. Still though, I’d be very surprised to see Michael Smith signing a new contract at Sheffield Wednesday.”

This summer definitely feels like the right time for Wednesday and Smith to part ways, even though Darren Moore hailed him during their time working together at Hillsborough, saying:

“Michael Smith is a game-changer today. The quality showed at the end of it, and that’s what Michael is. He was in the right place at the right time and that’s what quality strikers do.”

Now 33 years of age, Smith is out of contract with the Owls at the end of the current campaign, and given his age, it makes little sense in him being handed an extension, considering his best days are arguably behind him.

Championship Table: Latest standings for the 2024/25 season

Latest English Football League Championship standings 2024/25.

ByStephan Georgiou Apr 22, 2025

Wednesday simply have to focus on attacking reinforcements in the summer window, with Josh Windass the only player to reach double figures for goals in the Championship this season – he is also now 31, so isn’t the long-term solution – highlighting the importance of new additions in the attacking third.

Arsenal now hold a strong interest in a “lethal” £50m striker, who is seen as an ideal solution to their attacking issues, according to a report.

Doubt over Havertz's Arsenal future

Although the Gunners are still in the Premier League title race, currently sitting six points behind Liverpool, there is a feeling they could have done with bringing in some extra attacking firepower during the January transfer window.

In a recent interview with Football Insider, former scout Mick Brown revealed Mikel Arteta is set to pursue a new striker in the summer, casting doubt over Havertz’s long-term future at the Emirates Stadium.

“I don’t think their position has changed since they first started looking at options. Arteta wasn’t happy that they didn’t strengthen in January, because they needed to.

“So if Arsenal can get a top-quality replacement, I expect them to do that in the summer.”

Arsenal keen on "special" £25m ace who's now available to sign this summer

The Gunners have set their sights on a hot prospect, who is being targeted by some of Europe’s top clubs.

ByDominic Lund Feb 9, 2025

Alexander Isak and Benjamin Sesko are among the main strikers to be linked with a move to north London in the summer, but reports from Spain have now revealed there is another name on the list of targets.

Arsenal are said to hold a strong interest in Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui, having been impressed by his performances this season, which has attracted the attention of a number of big clubs.

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain are also ‘bidding strongly’ for Retegui, so there may be stiff competition for his signature, with Atalanta set to try and hold out for up to €60m (£50m).

With the Gunners still lacking a reliable striker, the Atalanta star is viewed as an ideal solution, but they are yet to make any concrete moves towards getting a deal done.

Retegui on fire in the Serie A

It is no surprise the Italian has attracted Arsenal’s attention, as he has been prolific in the Serie A this season, scoring 20 goals in 22 games, most recently bagging four in his side’s 5-0 victory against Hellas Verona.

Italy manager Luciano Spalletti was full of praise for the 25-year-old earlier this season, saying: “Inside the box, he is lethal. And now he has learned how to connect with the team better. He’s going to become a top player.”

If the Gunners are keen on an out-and-out striker, Retegui could be their man, given that he ranks in the 96th percentile for non-penalty goals per 90 over the past year, when compared to his positional peers.

As you’d expect, Havertz outperforms the Atalanta forward on a number of key defensive metrics, while he has also provided far more assists during the same timeframe.

However, the most important thing for any striker is to find the back of the net, and the Argentina-born marksman certainly knows how to do that, so it is promising news the Gunners are considering a summer move.