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West Ham United could sell Mohammed Kudus this summer and are already making strides in the hunt for his replacement.

West Ham and Mohammed Kudus could go their seperate ways

The Hammers expect plenty of movement in both directions over the next few months and could be set to part ways with one of their best players if reports are to be believed.

Recently, Chelsea have made contact over a potential move for Kudus, and he is also said to be on the radar of Premier League rivals Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Intriguingly, the Ghana international has a release clause of £85 million that is open to top-flight clubs in England across the first ten days of July. However, it remains to be seen whether a saga involving the former Ajax man will develop at the London Stadium.

In the case of Newcastle, former scout Mick Brown believes they would try and land Kudus at a fee below his exit clause due to the premium involved in a prospective transfer.

“At £85million or whatever his release clause is, there’s no way Newcastle would do that deal. They’ll consider it if they can cut down that price tag, but they’re not sure about him. They’ve got other targets as well, so I think they’re more likely to go for them before Kudus.”

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Posts ByDominic Lund Jun 3, 2025

If Kudus were to depart, the Hammers would need to act decisively on the market to secure an appropriate replacement, and they could well now be closing in on a smart acquisition if that turn of events were to occur.

West Ham 'well positioned' to sign Nicolas Gonzalez

According to journalist Sebastien Vidal, West Ham are ‘well positioned’ to sign Juventus winger Nicolas Gonzalez and the Argentina international is likely to be on the move for £22 million this summer.

Seen as an ideal replacement for Kudus, the 23-year-old registered five goals and four assists in 36 appearances across all competitions last season. While he was not part of his country’s World Cup winning squad he is highly decorated at international level, winning two Copa Americas.

Capable of playing on either flank, as an attacking midfielder or through the middle, he is a versatile presence that could help to allieviate the burden on the likes of Jarrod Bowen when it comes to chance creation.

Nevertheless, it remains to be seen whether Kudus will need to leave first in order for a move to go through or if the finance would be available already in terms of being able to meet both his transfer fee and wages.

Either way, West Ham appear to be stepping up their hunt for attacking reinforcements and there will be plenty of excitement in East London if this one materialises.

Amid concerns that Tottenham Hotspur, led by Thomas Frank, could hijack their move to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are reportedly prioritising a deal to sign a £65m alternative if they miss out on their top target.

Tottenham meet Mbeumo asking price

Tottenham’s appointment of Frank has truly thrown a spanner in the works for Manchester United. It looked as though the Red Devils were alone in the race to sign Mbeumo with Newcastle United conceding defeat. Frank’s North London arrival has seemingly changed things, however. The former Brentford boss reportedly wants an instant reunion with his star man and the Lilywhites have already matched his hefty £70m price tag.

The ball could be left in Mbeumo’s court to decide, but Man United must first match Spurs’ reported offer for the impressive forward. It would undoubtedly be a major blow if they lost out on the Brentford star at this stage and it would be adding salt to their wounds if he chose the side that defeated United in the Europa League final not so long ago.

Mbeumo isn’t the only name on United’s radar, however. Ruben Amorim will be desperate to revamp a blunt frontline and a move for Viktor Gyokeres could be more realistic than ever now that he’s publically fallen out with Sporting Club.

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Posts ByEthan Lamb Jun 14, 2025

Whether he, like Mbeumo could do, decides to reject a move to Old Trafford is the big question, however. Without European football to offer, United may need to accept the prospect of missing out on their top targets and instead focus on alternatives.

Man Utd will turn to Antoine Semenyo

According to GiveMeSport, Manchester United will now prioritise a move to sign Antoine Semenyo if Tottenham successfully hijack their deal to sign Mbeumo this summer. The Bournemouth forward won’t come much cheaper, however, with the Cherries set to demand as much as £65m to sell their star man. Whether it’s Mbeumo or Semenyo in the coming months, INEOS must be prepared to spend big.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Semenyo

Mbeumo

Minutes

3,203

3,414

Goals

11

20

Assists

5

7

Expected Goals

10

12.3

Whilst the numbers suggest that Semenyo would be a downgrade on Mbeumo, the Bournemouth forward would still be an improvement on Amorim’s current options at Old Trafford.

Having scored 11 Premier League goals, Semenyo earned plenty of praise from those at Bournemouth throughout the last campaign, including from teammate Lewis Cook.

The midfielder told reporters: “As a team, we knew the quality he has and we saw that last year. He’s got to just keep working hard – being aggressive and being clinical. He’s got a lot better at running back and helping out the team too. He’s a powerful lad and has all the ability in the world. Hopefully he can continue to show that.”

There has been a lot to be negative about for Arsenal fans this season.

From their never-ending slew of injuries to bizarre suspensions and the fact that they once again failed to win a trophy.

However, while we certainly wouldn’t disagree that this year has been a disappointment for Mikel Arteta’s side, there have also been a few genuine positives.

For example, a number of players have stepped up throughout the year and improved their standing in the team, including one who’s looked at entirely differently by the fans but shouldn’t be at the club at the start of next season.

The Arsenal stars who stepped up

So, before we get to the player in question, it’s worth going over a few of the other stars who did themselves proud in an otherwise underwhelming season, such as Bukayo Saka.

Yes, the Hale Ender was out of action for just over three months with a hamstring injury, but when he was on the pitch, he’s only further proven to people that he is well and truly world-class.

For example, in 37 appearances, totalling 2619 minutes, the 23-year-old scored 12 goals and provided 14 assists, which comes out to an unreal average of a goal involvement every 1.42 games or every 100.73 minutes.

Saka’s 24/25

Appearances

37

Minutes

2619

Goals

12

Assists

14

Goal Involvements per Match

0.70

Minutes per Goal Involvement

100.73′

All Stats via Transfermarkt

The Englishman also stepped up against Real Madrid, just like another of the team’s leaders from this season, Declan Rice.

The former West Ham United captain started the season somewhat slowly, but after Christmas, he looked back to his very best, and if he wasn’t breaking up opposition attacks in the middle of the park, he was starting them himself.

Moreover, the fact that he scored not one but two utterly superb free-kicks against Real in the Champions League cannot be overlooked – not that it is, mind.

Someone who doesn’t receive quite as much attention but should is Jurrien Timber, who, off the back of his ACL injury in the 23/24 season, managed to cover for the injured Ben White brilliantly this season, making 48 appearances across all competitions, 42 of which were starts.

Interestingly, the former Ajax star wasn’t the only defender to seriously improve his standing in the team this season.

The Arsenal star who should never play for the team again

So, it’s probably not too difficult to work out that the defender we are talking about is, of course, Jakub Kiwior.

The Polish international, who joined the club for £20m in January 2023, played something of a bit part for most of the campaign, right up until Gabriel Magalhaes saw his campaign end with a hamstring injury against Fulham on April 1st.

Following on from that game, the former Spezia star started every Premier League and Champions League game, including both legs against Real, in which, aside from a small mistake in the first leg, he was near enough perfect.

It was a totally unexpected run of genuinely impressive form from the 25-year-old, who only in December was branded as “shocking,” as having “no outstanding physical qualities”, and simply not “good enough” by Arsenal podcaster Phil Costa.

So, you may be asking yourself, why are we saying the “exceptional” international, as dubbed by Arteta, should never play for the club again?

Well, simply put, now is the best time to sell him and earn a tidy profit, with reports from last week claiming that he now has a price tag of £60m on his head, which works out to a 200% increase on the fee paid by the Gunners.

Moreover, it would also be in his own best interest, as when Gabriel is back, his game time will dramatically decrease and then decrease some more if Riccardo Calafiori can sort out his fitness over the summer.

Ultimately, Arsenal should say their thanks to Kiwior and move him on this summer, while his valuation is justifiably high as it is.

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The international star would be a great addition to Arsenal’s squad this summer.

Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 29, 2025

Aston Villa are still looking to fill the void left by Jhon Duran as the summer transfer window enters its embryonic stage.

The Colombian was sold for £71m in January after scoring 12 goals for the club during the first half of the season.

While Marco Asensio and Marcus Rashford contributed well between January and May, scoring 12 goals between them, both have since returned to their parent clubs.

This means Unai Emery enters the market looking for a forward who can make a difference. Might he turn to Ligue 1 again?

Aston Villa lead the race for Belgian sensation

It appears as though Rashford won’t return to Villa next season. The club have shown interest in Tyler Dibling and Jadon Sancho in a bid to improve their wide options next season.

Transfer Focus

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

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Rather than focus on Premier League talent, the manager also has eyes on the continent. According to TEAMtalk, Villa are among the clubs leading the race for talented Lyon winger Malick Fofana.

Liverpool and Arsenal are also in contention for the player and the report states that Lyon’s financial troubles could see Fofana available for just £40m this summer.

A young, left-footed talent ready to make his mark in the Premier League. Can Emery sign his new Duran in a move for Fofana?

Why Villa must sign Malick Fofana

Duran certainly had the potential to become Emery’s main attacking option, but the offer from the Middle East was too good to turn down.

The youngster dazzled with his displays off the bench for the Midlands side, eventually scoring 20 goals in 78 appearances, yet only 17 of those were starts.

Malick Fofana’s stats for Lyon (2024/25)

Metric

Ligue 1

Europa League

Goals

5

6

Assists

4

1

Big chances created

6

1

Key passes per game

0.9

1

Successful dribbles per game

0.8

0.9

Via Sofascore

Emery has been craving a talent like Duran ever since he departed, and in Fofana, the Belgian starlet could become his next exciting young forward. Indeed, journalist Antonio Mango has lauded him for his “frightening speed” and “game-changing potential” – remind you of anyone?

The 20-year-old made his debut for Gent during the 2022/23 campaign, impressing sufficiently to secure a move to Lyon in January 2024.

His spell with the French giants has been a major success. Across 62 games, the youngster has registered 22 goal contributions – 15 goals and seven assists – particularly impressing last term.

Indeed, in April, talent scout Jacek Kulig hailed the winger for “showing flashes of his enormous potential” and he was especially dangerous in the Europa League.

When compared to his positional peers in the competition, Fofana ranked in the top 1% for non-penalty goals (1.05), progressive carries (7.88) and touches in the attacking penalty area (8.23) per 90 in the Europa League.

His explosiveness and desire to make things happen in the final third make him an excellent prospect, and he could continue his development under Emery at Villa.

Like his fellow left-footer, Duran, he would be an exciting young signing with potential, and there is no doubt Fofana could have a similar sort of impact as the Colombian forward.

With Villa playing in the Europa League – a competition Fofana excelled in – then bringing the Belgian sensation to the Midlands this summer could turn out to be one shrewd move by the manager.

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Posts 1 ByRoss Kilvington Jun 6, 2025

Birmingham City won’t be entering into the Championship happy to just make up the numbers as Chris Davies’ men move back up to the tricky division with a new lease of life.

Last time the Blues were in the second tier, they depressingly sunk down to League One as years of mistreatment off the pitch and dire results on it culminated in the St. Andrew’s giants finally falling off the cliff.

Now, they’re back and better than ever after a monumental 111-point haul saw them coast to the title, with plenty of new signings rumoured to be entering through the door to help them acclimatise back to the EFL’s top league.

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Posts ByCharlie Smith May 17, 2025

It’s not the most bizarre claim to suggest that Tom Wagner and Co could even go back in for former star Nathan Redmond, considering the 31-year-old has just been released by Burnley and was a breathtaking watch donning a Birmingham strip during the fledgling stages of his career.

Redmond's standout spell at Birmingham

Before the likes of Jude Bellingham put Birmingham on the footballing map as a sensational St. Andrew’s prodigy, Redmond was the original golden child developed by the West Midlands side.

The Birmingham-born ace would excite and enthral his loyal set of supporters in equal measure throughout his stint at the club, leading to Norwich City picking up the pacey winger for around the £3.2m mark in 2013.

Therefore, the temptation to bring him back for nothing must be palpable, with Redmond triumphantly rejoining to add to his sizeable tally of nine goals and 11 assists.

But, Birmingham could also set their sights elsewhere in attempting to land a gung-ho right winger in the same vein as Redmond, with one target constantly linked with a switch to the Blues causing havoc in League One, much like the 31-year-old was once capable of.

Birmingham could now sign their next Redmond

After all, it would be a major risk on Davies and Co’s end to expect their former homegrown product to be as electric as he once was on his return, considering the one-time England international’s last two seasons have been horribly plagued by injury.

Therefore, Birmingham should go all full steam ahead to try and snap up the services of Peterborough United ace and reported target Kwame Poku, with the entertaining Ghanaian perhaps the second coming of Redmond.

Whilst Redmond has only been fit enough to feature 18 times for the Clarets across those two last campaigns, Poku – on the other hand – has been ripping League One to shreds as a captivating attacker down the right flank, much like the injury-prone veteran in his prime.

Last season, Poku would tally up a hefty 23 goal contributions from just 31 games, adding to his equally impressive 20 goal contributions the campaign prior.

Poku’s numbers for Peterborough by position

Position played

Games

Goals

Assists

RW

100

25

19

AM

50

4

8

RM

19

3

5

LW

14

2

3

CF

3

0

0

LM

2

1

0

Sourced by Transfermarkt

Moreover, the 5 foot 10 forward is also capable of playing down the left wing and through the middle as a number ten like his soon-to-be free agent counterpart.

Therefore, Birmingham coming out on top to snap up the “outstanding” star – as he has been lauded by football journalist Lukman Evergreen – would be a real signing of intent, with the 23-year-old superstar also potentially linking up with the likes of Jay Stansfield and Alfie May to devastating effect.

Of course, there will be a lot of sentimentality on the end of Blues supporters regarding that possible reunion with Redmond.

But, with all of his injury issues taken into account, alongside Poku now excelling in what Redmond used to do so well, this might well be a necessary signing for Davies’ men to make in the here and now to unsettle the Championship.

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Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson May 18, 2025

Southampton have now held talks with a 35-year-old coach as a possible alternative to the heavily linked Will Still, as their search for a new manager continues.

Latest on Southampton’s manager search

Saints are once again looking for a new manager after Ivan Juric left the club even before the Premier League season came to an end. It is a rather difficult job for any interested manager, as Southampton are heading back to the Championship after a disastrous campaign and will no doubt have some of their best players poached by Premier League clubs.

Related Approach made: Southampton now in advanced talks to hire new 4-3-3 manager

He’s just left his previous role…

Posts ByTom Cunningham May 19, 2025

The league comes to an end next week, and the club will hope they can have a new man in place as soon as possible to give them the best chance of aligning with their new boss in the transfer market.

Sheffield Wednesday manager Danny Rohl is one manager under consideration, and according to David Ornstein, Rohl is considering his options, but Southampton may not be a priority given he has interest from the Premier League and the Bundesliga. Steven Gerrard has also been linked with a move to St Mary’s, but those links have gone rather quiet in recent weeks.

Along with Rohl, Will Still is heavily linked with a move to Southampton, and it’s been reported that Still is in advanced talks over a move to St Mary’s after leaving RC Lens.

Still told reporters that his decision to leave Lens was so he could be closer to his family: “I will not be the coach of Lens next season. Today was my last match of the season at Bollaert. For multiple reasons, the main reason behind my decision is that I need to go back home. It is a logical choice for me to be closer to my wife for her well-being.”

It’s claimed that Southampton are confident of agreeing a deal with Still for him to become their new manager, but he is not the only person they have recently spoken to.

Southampton now hold talks with 35 y/o who's just been sacked

As well as holding talks with Still, according to The Guardian, Southampton have also held talks with recently sacked Tom Cleverley.

The Guardian reports that the Saints are looking to rebuild after their relegation and have identified a handful of young, up and coming managers who could be in charge next season, with Cleverley one of those.

The 35-year-old is currently out of work following his sacking from Watford after the Hornets fell short of the Championship play-offs, making him their 12th such casualty in the space of just six years.

This update goes on to state that Cleverley, who likes to operate in a 4-2-3-1 formation, has made a good impression on Southampton during those discussions, and he now has a strong chance of becoming the club’s new manager – Cleverley is seen as one of the most promising young English coaches in the game.

Tom Cleverley’s managerial record

Games

61

Won

20

Drawn

14

Lost

27

Points

74

Points per game

1.21

Cleverley’s time at Vicarage Road was his first time as a senior manager, as the former Manchester United midfielder had been working in Watford’s academy before he was given the caretaker role at the end of last season. Cleverley is still very early into his coaching career, but the same could be said for Rohl, who has only managed Sheffield Wednesday, and while Still has managed a couple of sides in France, it is very clear the club are planning for a new dawn with a long-term vision.

Manchester United are believed to be in contact about the signing of another exciting player this summer, according to a fresh transfer claim.

Man Utd set to sign Kana-Biyik as INEOS plot youth overhaul

The Red Devils won 3-0 away to Athletic Bilbao on Thursday evening, allowing them to start dreaming of a place in the Europa League final, and some intriguing transfer business was reported at the same time.

At the same time as the game was going on, renowned journalist Fabrizio Romano took to X to report that United have agreed a deal to sign Le Havre attacking sensation Enzo Kana-Biyik on a five-year deal.

At 18, Kana-Biyik is still clearly a raw talent, but it is a further sign that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are targeting young players with huge potential this summer, as well as focusing on signing star men who can come in and be an immediate hit.

Winning the Europa League will only help United bring in the right players, ensuring qualification for the Champions League in the process, and now a new update has emerged alongside Kana-Biyik.

Man Utd make contact to sign La Liga 2 gem Christian Kofane

According to reports in Spain [via Sport Witness], Manchester United are among the clubs in contact to sign Christian Kofane from Albacete Balompie this summer. The striker has a £4.2m release clause in his contract that can be triggered this year.

The update claims that “half of Europe” have been in touch about signing the 18-year-old, with fellow Premier League clubs Newcastle United and Aston Villa mentioned, as well as Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid, Barcelona, Villarreal, Real Betis, Lille and Monaco.

Kofane may not yet be a household name, but he is a teenage star who could grow into a special player over time, having already scored six goals in 15 appearances for Albacete at senior level.

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Posts ByRobbie Walls May 2, 2025

Meanwhile, Under-23 scout Antonio Mango has hailed the “pace”, “technical skills” and “movement” that the Cameroonian has in his locker, showing that he is an attacker with many key attributes.

As is the case with Kana-Biyik, Kofane isn’t the immediate solution for United, and could be loaned out given he has only thrived in the second tier in Spain so far, but the level of interest in him shows what a mouthwatering prospect he is.

There is a big task ahead for Daniel Farke and the recruitment team at Leeds United after the 2024/25 season ended with promotion to the Premier League.

The Whites lifted the Championship trophy at Home Park after they beat Plymouth Argyle 2-1 on the final day of the campaign, thanks to a last-gasp winner from Manor Solomon.

They ended the season with a staggering 100 points on the board, beating Burnley to the title on goal difference, and can now prepare to play in the top-flight next term.

The three newly-promoted clubs have all been relegated from the Premier League in each of the last two seasons, which paints a picture of how difficult it is going to be for Leeds, and Burnley, next term.

They will need to nail their recruitment to build a squad that is capable of following in the footsteps of the six teams that have fallen before them, which makes the summer transfer window absolutely vital.

Leeds need to land top-quality players who can come in to make an instant impact in the first-team, as they did when they once splashed the cash on Rio Ferdinand.

Why Rio Ferdinand was a great signing for Leeds

Back in November 2000, the Whites swooped to sign the England international from West Ham United for a reported fee of £18m, which was a British record fee at the time.

Although Ferdinand was only 22 at the time of the move, Leeds knew that they were signing a quality operator at the heart of the defence because he had already played 155 times for the Hammers in their first-team.

The English colossus made 32 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Elland Road, including seven in the Champions League, before he hit his stride in his second year in West Yorkshire.

Ferdinand went on to play 41 times in all competitions in the 2001/02 campaign and was named in the PFA Team of the Year in the Premier League for his performances at centre-back, which speaks to how impressive his displays were.

His form for Leeds in those two seasons led to interest from elsewhere, and Manchester United swooped in to sign him for a British record £30m in the summer of 2002.

This shows that the defender was a great signing for Leeds because he was one of the best centre-backs in the Premier League in his second season, as shown by his inclusion in the Team of the Year, and they made a substantial profit on him within two years of his arrival.

Leeds could, now, find their next version of Rio Ferdinand by moving to sign a new central defender this summer, amid reported interest in a Ligue 1 star.

Leeds eyeing move for Ligue 1 star

According to The Sun on Sunday’s print edition (4 May, page 55), as relayed by MOTLeedsNews, Leeds have sent scouts to watch Marseille defender Leonardo Balerdi in action this season.

The report claims that the West Yorkshire outfit have made the centre-back one of their top targets heading into the summer transfer window, following their promotion to the Premier League.

It states that Marseille are looking for a fee in the region of £20m for the 26-year-old defender, but it remains to be seen whether or not the Whites are willing to pay that much money for him.

The outlet also reveals that the Argentina international, who currently plays under Roberto De Zerbi in France, would be interested in a move to England, which should come as a boost to Leeds in their pursuit of the £20m-rated star.

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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It is now down to Leeds to enter talks with Marseille, if they decide to press ahead with their interest in the Argentine ace, to wrap up a deal for Balerdi before any other teams enter the race for his signature.

If the Whites can get a move over the line for the Ligue 1 colossus in the summer transfer window, the right-footed titan could be Rio Ferdinand 2.0 for the club.

Why Balerdi could be the next Ferdinand for Leeds

As aforementioned, part of what made Ferdinand such a great signing for Leeds was that he was already an experienced player at the top level who could slot straight into the side.

Balerdi has played 161 times for Marseille, 124 times in Ligue 1, and has been capped six times by Argentina at international level, which shows that he has plenty of experience at the top level.

This means that Leeds would not be signing a young player with little experience in Europe’s major leagues and taking a big gamble on a promising gem, they would be signing a star who is ready to make an instant impact in the Premier League.

Balerdi’s performances in Ligue 1 for Marseille this season suggest that he could come in as an instant upgrade on Joe Rodon, despite the Welsh star’s solid showings in the Championship.

24/25

Balerdi (Ligue 1)

Rodon (Championship)

Appearances

24

46

Tackles per game

2.0

0.9

Interceptions per game

1.3

0.6

Duels won per game

5.0

4.4

Aerial duel success rate

65%

60%

Ball recoveries per game

6.1

4.0

Stats via Sofascore

As you can see in the table above, the Argentina international has made more defensive actions – recoveries, tackles, duels won, interceptions – per game than Rodon has on average, whilst also being more dominant in the air.

These statistics suggest that he could make an instant impact at Elland Road because he has already outperformed the Wales international at a higher level, which suggests that he could be an upgrade on him.

In March, De Zerbi described him as an “extraordinary” player and hoped that “big European teams” forgot about him in the summer transfer window.

This suggests that Leeds would also be signing a player who could be on the radar of ‘big’ European sides in the future, which could see him sold on for a profit further down the line if he is a success in the Premier League.

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Posts ByDan Emery May 2, 2025

Balerdi could, therefore, arrive as Ferdinand 2.0 as a proven top-level centre-back who could hit the ground running before being sold to a huge club in the future for a profit on the £20m that could be spent on his services this summer.

Liverpool skipper Virgil van Dijk peeled away after scoring the late winner against West Ham United at the weekend and kissed the badge, effectively confirming that his story on Merseyside will continue beyond the current campaign.

The captain’s contribution put the Reds within touching distance of lifting the Premier League title: should Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur be turned over in the fixtures to come, gold will be secured.

Van Dijk, 33, has been engaged in protracted contract discussions with FSG over the past several months, with a breakthrough seemingly found in the past week.

An announcement has yet to be confirmed, but a two-year extension for the awe-inspiring centre-back is, by all accounts, sealed.

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Posts ByStephan Georgiou Mar 31, 2025

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah’s new deal has already been confirmed. The 32-year-old forward has been Liverpool’s driving force this season, surely a shoo-in for the division’s Player of the Year award.

Sadly, Liverpool have been luckless in trying to tie Trent Alexander-Arnold down to his boyhood club for the prime years of his career. The right-back has been sold on the dream of plying his trade for Real Madrid.

This is a terrible shame, one which will sit sour with the fanbase for a long time. However, Liverpool are already proving that they can overcome the painful setback.

How Liverpool are forgetting about Trent

Liverpool are planning to defend their incoming Premier League title by means of attack, attack, attack. This summer, the Reds are planning to throw down with the best of them and strengthen across a range of positions.

Getting Van Dijk and Salah’s deals done means such things can be prioritised, with several exciting signings – alongside the title – sure to ease the anguish over Alexander-Arnold’s departure.

Of course, Liverpool will need to sign a new right-back, but Conor Bradley has proved that he has what it takes to star as Liverpool’s first-choice.

Talented, athletic and more conventionally tailored to the positional berth than his English counterpart, Bradley, 21, is making headway, with The Liverpool Echo awarding him an 8/10 match rating for his performance against West Ham, completing 91% of his passes and winning six of eight contested duels, as per Sofascore.

Liverpool can cope with Alexander-Arnold’s exit; indeed, those in the Anfield offices may have been tacitly resigned to the outcome for many months at this stage.

Real Madrid are a greedy lot, though, and might not be content with just Liverpool’s Scouse-born sensation. Florentino Perez might actually have his sights set on another of Arne Slot’s prized members.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse Liverpool facing another Trent disaster

According to reports over in Spain, Real Madrid have their eye on Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, billing him as an option ahead of the summer transfer window.

The report notes that he is ‘considered attractive to Real Madrid due to his quality’ and few would suggest he isn’t worthy of playing in the finest midfields around.

The shops might be shuttered right now, but Los Blancos are doing groundwork and might be buoyed in their intrigue after the player’s father publicly discussed the La Liga giants’ interest.

Given the magnitude of Liverpool’s transfer task this summer, it would be a detrimental blow to lose their midfield linchpin when some more punch needs to be added to the engine room anyway.

Why Liverpool can't lose Alexis Mac Allister

When Liverpool signed Brighton’s Mac Allister, they signed him for £35m. A recently-crowned World Cup winner and the midfield fulcrum behind the Seagulls’ fast rise to prominence, this was considered a bargain from those in the know.

An all-action, intelligent and technically gifted player, the 26-year-old was instrumental in steadying Jurgen Klopp’s ship last season, in returning to the Champions League, in lifting the Carabao Cup.

Now, in Slot’s system, he’s been the centrepiece of a looming Premier League triumph.

The Argentine has kept his level just so across his two campaigns in Liverpool colours, adapting to a different role under Slot’s wing while maintaining his quality.

Alexis Mac Allister in the Premier League for Liverpool

Stats (* per game)

23/24

24/25

Matches (starts)

33 (31)

31 (28)

Goals

5

4

Assists

5

4

Touches*

74.2

57.6

Pass completion

88%

87%

Key passes*

1.4

1.2

Dribbles*

0.5

0.5

Ball recoveries*

5.9

4.3

Tackles + interceptions*

4.1

3.3

Duels won*

5.9

5.0

Stats via Sofascore

Hailed as a “superstar” who “can play anywhere” by pundit Joe Cole, losing Mac Allister this summer would be tantamount to losing the glue that keeps Slot’s system ticking over.

Reporter Bence Bocsak has very neatly drawn attention to his far-reaching influence, having won the most tackles for the Merseysiders this term while also sparking more shot-creating actions than all but, you guessed it, Salah.

Liverpool have had ample time to prepare for Alexander-Arnold’s departure and indeed have a factory-built replacement waiting in the wings. However, no one plays the £150k-per-week Mac Allister’s role to the same degree.

He plays his football with an almighty fusion of combativeness and creativity, further evidenced through FBref’s data: Mac Allister ranks among the top 15% of Premier League midfielders for shot-creating actions, the top 14% for tackles and the top 4% for interceptions per 90.

Liverpool have much to get on with this summer, and though Mac Allister is highly valued – Transfermarkt record the player’s market price at about £78m right now – Slot and co will surely consider the drawbacks to cashing in on the central linchpin.

Make no mistake, losing Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid is going to be a bitter blow that will sting for a long time, but if the Spaniards swoop in for Mac Allister, it could unravel all the good work being put in at Anfield.

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Posts 1 ByKelan Sarson Apr 12, 2025