Rangers midfielder Aaron Ramsey has declared himself fit for Wednesday’s Europa League final.
The lowdown
Rangers are due to meet Eintracht Frankfurt at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium as they go in search of their first European trophy since the 1972 Cup Winners’ Cup and only their second of all time.
Then, on Saturday, they take on Hearts in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden Park.
These could well be the final two games of Ramsey’s Rangers career, with his loan from Juventus due to expire at the end of the season.
The Welshman only started one of the Gers’ knockout matches – the second leg against Braga – and has only featured in the XI for five Scottish Premiership fixtures, missing out on eight matchday squads overall through injury.
But he got 60 minutes under his belt in the 3-1 victory over Hearts on Saturday.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Ramsey said he is ready to play in Seville after managing to build up his fitness.
“I’ve managed to get some minutes in recently so I’m good to go,” he claimed.
The verdict
It remains to be seen whether Ramsey starts, but his experience of the biggest occasions could be an asset for Giovanni van Bronckhorst.
He won the FA Cup three times while he was at Arsenal and has also claimed the Coppa Italia during his time at Juventus.
Ramsey, named in the Team of the Tournament at Euro 2016, is a player who boasts real trophy-winning pedigree.
Sporting director Ross Wilson regards the £4.5million-rated ace as a ‘leader, a quality player and a wonderful character’, highlighting his value on the field and in the dressing room.
It’s a big boost to have him fit and available after the troubles he’s had.
In other news, Four Lads Had A Dream lavish praise on this man.
Celtic are closing in on securing the Premiership title this season with just two matches left to play.
The Hoops are in action tonight as they take on Dundee United away from home, before Saturday’s final game of the season against Motherwell at Parkhead.
Heading into these two big matches, it seems as though a worrying update has emerged regarding the possibility of whether or not one important Bhoys figure will be able to play a part.
What’s the news?
Speaking in his latest press conference on Tuesday, Postecoglou updated Celtic fans about the current situation surrounding Josip Juranovic and his fitness.
The 56-year-old said: “Josip Juranovic is still not fit for tomorrow. He’s half a chance for the weekend – we’ll see. He’s in rehab.”
The defender has been out of action since last month after he picked up an injury during their Scottish Cup semi-final defeat against Rangers.
Celtic signed the full-back from Legia Warsaw last summer on a five-year deal worth a reported £2.5m.
Since then, the 26-year-old has been an important figure for the Bhoys, making 35 appearances across all competitions. In that time, the right-back has chipped in with five goals and provided two assists along the way.
He has also shown how solid a defensive player he can be by making 22 interceptions and winning 28 tackles, putting him in the top five in Postecoglou’s squad for both metrics.
While the Parkhead club are on the verge of landing the league title and taking it off their Old Firm rivals, it will still be worrying for the 56-year-old to potentially see the summer recruit fail to make a recovery by the weekend.
Also, with fellow right-back Anthony Ralston posting the joint-lowest SofaScore match rating during Saturday’s 4-1 win over Hearts according to, perhaps having him play instead of Juranovic could be a concern for the Hoops manager.
If Celtic are able to get over the line and clinch the league title without the Croatian, everyone will then be hoping that he will be able to recover over the summer and stay fit for next season.
In other news: “Postecoglou knows”: Insider drops Lennoxtown claim, Celtic supporters will be elated
Manchester United legend Roy Keane singled out Anthony Elanga for praise during the Red Devils’ 3-0 Premier League victory over Brentford.
The lowdown: Much-needed positivity
The Red Devils ended their 2021/22 home campaign on a high as Ralf Rangnick’s side ran out comfortable winners at Old Trafford.
Bruno Fernandes opened the scoring in the first half before a Cristiano Ronaldo penalty was followed by Raphael Varane’s first goal for the club to cap a much-improved display.
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Sitting in the studio watching an important night on and off the field, United legend Keane was impressed by one bright spark in particular…
The latest: Keane praise for Elanga
Speaking at half-time during Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football [via Manchester Evening News], the midfielder who made 471 appearances for the club was full of praise for Elanga after the 20-year-old provided the assist for the first goal.
Keane gushed: “Just the movement from Elanga, he’s very positive. Very good movement, but poor defending.
“That’s what you want from young players. You got to mix your game up, when to go short, when to spin. It’s a good ball from Dalot.
“Right into the area and Fernandes, very simple but very effective. Lovely ball (from Elanga). He’s definitely got a bright future. Everything he does, on the pitch, is always positive.”
The verdict: Green shoots
Elanga has certainly been a rare beacon of positivity from what has been an otherwise dismal season for the red half of Manchester.
Predominantly operating as a right winger, the twice-capped Sweden international has created three big chances, completed 0.6 dribbles and taken 1.1 shots per game on average in the Premier League (Sofascore).
Overall, Elanga has scored three times and provided two assists in 25 appearances across all competitions and seems almost certain to play a major part in Erik ten Hag’s impending rebuild.
In other news: Man Utd star could make sensational summer exit…find out more here
As if Everton weren’t already having a nightmare season in the Premier League without speculation mounting on the future of their players, and now a fresh update on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s future has been revealed.
What’s the latest?
Football Insider has reported that a recruitment source has revealed that the Toffees striker will leave this summer whether the club stays up in the Premier League or not.
The source also confirmed that Calvert-Lewin has told friends that Arsenal is his preferred choice of club after being linked with a move to the Emirates and St James’ Park this summer.
Fans will be fuming
There is no doubt that Everton fans will be fuming with the news on top of all the turmoil they are currently experiencing with their beloved club potentially set for their first-ever Premier League relegation this season.
The England international has had a less than a satisfactory season at Goodison Park, plagued with injuries throughout the campaign and has failed to tally up a single goal since last August when he scored against Brighton, making just 14 appearances scoring three goals and contributing which has played a part in Everton’s vulnerability in keeping their top-flight status.
Since returning from a quad and fractured toe injury Calvert-Lewin has struggled to stay fit and has now been sidelined again over the last two league games with another quad injury, but Frank Lampard has confirmed he’ll possibly return against Chelsea this weekend.
The amount of disruption Calvert-Lewin’s departure could have on the team is unfathomable at this point of the season, but when the side’s fate has been sealed this summer depending on whether they can succeed in their relegation battle, selling the striker could be the best option for the Toffees.
Despite being a clear fan favourite, Everton reportedly need to recoup money for financial losses if Lampard is to have any chance of rebuilding the squad with a healthy transfer budget in the upcoming window and if they can get a good price for Calvert-Lewin it could be a good opportunity for Everton to wipe the slate clean and start again by building an improved attacking force for next season.
Ultimately, Lampard and his team must focus on securing Premier League football next season in their last six games of the season, putting transfer dealings on the back burner until they have confirmed the position they will be in next season.
AND in other news: Talks planned: Moshiri must now finally brutally axe “dangerous” £49k-p/w Everton gem
Sacha Tavolieri has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Youri Tielemans.
What’s the talk?
In a recent post on Twitter (via The Sun), the Belgian journalist revealed that the 24-year-old – who looks set to leave Leicester City at the end of the season – has told people close to him that he would prefer a move to Spain this summer, with Real Madrid believed to be keen on a deal for the Belgium international.
This is sure to come as a huge blow to the likes of Tottenham, Arsenal and Manchester United, all of whom have been credited with an interest in the central midfielder – for whom the Foxes are believed to be demanding an extremely reasonable figure of £25m in order to part with this summer.
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In his tweet, Tavolieri said: “While he should leave Leicester City this summer, Youri Tielemans would have told those around him his preference for a departure to Spain. Real Madrid, interested, could position itself concretely in the coming weeks.”
Conte will be livid
Considering the wonderfully talented footballer Tielemans has developed into since his £40m move to the King Power back in 2019, in addition to the fact that the 24-year-old looks to be available for a very affordable price this summer, the news that the midfielder would prefer a move to Spain is sure to have left Antonio Conte livid.
Indeed, the £49.5m-rated talent has proven over his 28 Premier League appearances this season just how much ability he possesses, scoring six goals, registering three assists and creating four big chances for his teammates, as well as taking an average of 1.8 shots, making 1.2 key passes and completing 0.9 dribbles per game.
The £120k-per-week dynamo has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, making an average of 0.7 interceptions, 2.1 tackles, 43.1 passes, 2.3 long balls and winning 4.8 duels – at a success rate of 51% – per fixture.
These returns have seen the former AS Monaco starlet average a quite remarkable SofaScore match rating of 7.10, ranking him as Brendan Rodgers’ second-best player in the English top flight.
As such, it is clear for all to see just how much Tielemans would add to Conte’s current options in the middle of the park at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
And, when taking into account the fact that the 24-year-old is now available for around half his reported £50m price tag in January, the news the Leicester playmaker is eyeing a move to Spain will undoubtedly be gutting for everyone involved with Spurs.
AND in other news: Paratici now eyeing “exceptional” £60m Spurs signing, he’d be a “machine” under Conte
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has a chance to recalibrate now that the Premier League has put the brakes on for the November international break.
It has not been good enough this season. Ahead of the latest pause, Newcastle needed to get something from their trip to the Gtech. It didn’t happen, and Keith Andrews’ side emerged 3-1 victors and with Dan Burn sent off to boot.
The truth is that the Magpies need a reset. It was always going to be tough to match the form of last season, with Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak charging an incredible winter winning run that led to triumph in the Carabao Cup. Isak has been sold, and the summer transfer window was a turbulent one.
Everton
13th
28.0
Aston Villa
6th
27.9
Newcastle
14th
27.6
Fulham
15th
27.6
Burnley
17th
27.1
But United are getting old. Too many starters this season ripened some time ago, and in this, Howe must work toward developing further the younger members of his squad.
Newcastle must promote their future
Newcastle might have a somewhat elderly Premier League squad, but that’s not to say they lack up-and-coming stars.
For example, injuries have kept Tino Livramento and Lewis Hall on the sidelines for much of the campaign. 22 and 21 respectively, the dynamic full-backs will be integral to the rekindling of Howe’s system. Last season, Alice Talks Footy hailed Hall as “the best left-back in the league”, and his fellow Cobham graduate as a “super impressive” up-and-comer.
Alexis Mac Allister challenges Tino Livramento
Likewise, Lewis Miley has shown signs of development this season, growing into his skin in central midfield. The Geordie talent has impressed alongside Tonali and the all-action skipper, Bruno Guimaraes, and he could end up replacing a teammate in Joelinton, who has flattered to deceive at times this term.
Has the 29-year-old Joelinton exhausted his physicality? Undoubtedly, the Brazilian is missing some of his usual sharpness and intelligence in the middle of the park.
25/26
1.4
4.2
24/25
2.0
5.7
23/24
2.0
4.9
22/23
2.2
7.0
21/22
2.1
6.9
20/21
1.1
6.0
19/20
0.9
7.5
Joelinton has played so much football at Newcastle, no holds barred, that it’s understandable he might be slowly winding down.
However, there’s another Toon star whose form this season has been more concerning, for they have yet to reach their prime, and there is a worry that so many injuries have knocked this talent too far out of kilter.
"The future of this club" is now struggling
Newcastle have always been resilient and organised under Howe’s wing, and even amid the frustration of wretched away form this term, Newcastle’s xGA (expected goals against) total stands at just 11.1 in the Premier League, a more impressive figure than all in the division save for Manchester City and Arsenal.
But, even so, improvements need to be made in central defence, and the form of Sven Botman is admittedly becoming a concern for Howe as he waits for his star man at the rear to click into gear.
Sports writer Joel Bland actually commented on Botman’s “embarrassing” effort to clear one of Brentford’s notorious long throws at the weekend. The ball was cannoned in after the interval, Newcastle one goal to the good after Harvey Barnes’ first-half finish, but Botman’s tame clearance allowed Kevin Schade to nod home from close range.
You might call it a schoolboy error. When dealing with aerial danger, it is well-known to sweep the ball away, not divert it cross-box and into the melee.
In this, Botman failed in his duties, and newspaper Chronicle Live saw it fit to brand the centre-half with a 3/10 match rating, having been ragdolled by Igor Thiago all afternoon besides.
Botman needs to recover his former level of security and completeness at the back. He was redoubtable in front of Nick Pope in 2022/23, his debut year in England, keeping 11 clean sheets and conceding only 33 goals all season, the joint-best record, shared with champions Manchester City.
It was only at the start of the current campaign that Bruno described the Netherlands star as being “the future of this club”, along with Malick Thiaw, who swapped AC Milan for St. James’ Park in a package worth around £35m this summer.
But Thiaw has outperformed his counterpart this season, and that having suffered regular injury issues of his own in Italy over the past several years. With Botman having spent plenty of time in the thick of the Premier League action this term, having started seven matches in a row, he should be sharper and more commanding at this point.
The fact that this is not the case is bound to be on Howe’s mind, though the manager may feel that the reintegration of Hall on the left side of the backline could smooth out some creases and allow Botman to connect with a more natural wide fit that Burn, whose industriousness can only stretch so far.
This all comes with the addendum that Botman has indeed been ravaged by injuries in recent years, stripped bare by setbacks after that tremendous debut campaign in England’s north east.
It is only natural he would take some time to rebuild himself to that one-time level, but Newcastle need quick results if they are to shape this campaign, and the £90k-per-week defender has entered the penultimate year of his contract, and he will need to convince PIF that they would be foolish not to extend his career on Tyneside.
But the Dutchman needs to improve – fast. His form has slumped in recent weeks, and he is paling in comparison to Thiaw beside him, the summer recruit very quickly establishing himself as the cream of Newcastle’s defensive crop.
As bad as Botman: Howe must drop Newcastle dud who lost the ball 20x v Bees
Newcastle United had another away day to forget in the Premier League when losing 3-1 versus Brentford.
If there was one problem to identify in Arsenal’s ultimately failed attempt to win silverware in 2024/25 it was their lack of goals.
With Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka missing a hefty period of time through injury during the latter stages of the campaign, it meant that for the first time in 101 years, no player scored double figures in a league campaign for the Gunners.
It’s astonishing stuff, it really is, and it beggars belief that Mikel Arteta was able to guide his troops to a Champions League semi-final.
It wasn’t always pretty but the north Londoners found a way and they did so courtesy of Mikel Merino, a midfielder more renowned for winning duels and playing a role in breaking up the play than finding the back of the net.
Alas, Arteta has helped transform the Spaniard into a force to be reckoned with.
Merino's stunning hat-trick for Spain
Before Leicester away last season, the idea of Merino playing as a makeshift and emergency centre forward had been floated. No one believed it would happen, but needs must.
Gabriel Jesus and Havertz were both out long-term through injury and Leandro Trossard looked too lightweight to play the role the German has performed so effectively since arriving from Chelsea.
Chalkboard
Football FanCast’s Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.
Trossard is slight, he’s good with the ball at his feet but he’s never going to outmuscle a hefty centre-back to the ball.
As a result, Merino was thrown into the fray. His impact was remarkable. In that clash with Leicester back in early February, the former Real Sociedad man appeared from the bench with the score 0-0. The score when he left the field? 2-0 to the Arsenal. Merino had scored both while playing as a striker.
It was an experiment that continued to work, so much so that the Spaniard actually looked more effective when leading the line. He ended the 2024/25 campaign having netted six times in a dozen games as centre-forward. Merino even bagged against Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals.
While the summer arrival of Viktor Gyokeres will dampen the chances of the 29-year-old appearing in that role again, he’s certainly staking a decent claim for it.
Indeed, the midfielder has been in stunning form over the current international break. He bagged in Spain’s 3-0 win over Bulgaria last Thursday and went even better in their 6-0 rout of Turkey on Sunday evening, scoring a hat-trick.
While Merino wasn’t playing as a forward on this occasion, his ability to pop up in the right place at the right time and attack the box evoked memories of players like Frank Lampard and, from an Arsenal perspective, Aaron Ramsey, in their primes.
The fact of the matter is that the Spain international is a mighty fine finisher, perhaps one of the best Arteta has at his disposal. The way he took his goals, particularly the third, against Turkey, was first-class.
That three-goal performance isn’t just a purple patch. Merino has showcased throughout 2025 that he knows how to find the back of the net. A few in Arsenal colours, including Martin Odegaard, could take note.
Why Martin Odegaard needs to emulate Mikel Merino
When Odegaard signed for Arsenal, initially on loan in January 2021, the Gunners were getting a player who simply needed to find a home.
Signed by Real Madrid when he was merely a boy, he grew up in Spain as a wonderkid but struggled to ever really make an impact in the capital, playing just 11 senior matches for the European giants, failing to score or assist.
It’s very rare that a pure wonderkid such as Odegaard does go on to make the grade but he’s certainly done that with Arsenal. He’s the club captain, he’s the man Arteta relies on to set the tone and lead the team’s press on the field.
Since moving to north London, he’s been brilliant, there’s no doubt about that. Back in 2022/23, he scored more goals than any other midfielder in the Premier League (15). He’s been a creative marvel, with prominent Arsenal content creator, LT Arsenal, noting that his passing is “shades of Mesut Ozil.”
In fact, the £74m-rated Norwegian has regularly been compared to the great German during his time at the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool great John Arne Riise once proclaimed that his fellow countryman was “a more complete player than Bergkamp and Ozil.”
Odegaard certainly looked like he had it all during that 2022/23 campaign, but arguably like a lot of Arsenal’s forward line, has struggled to kick on since.
The 2024/25 season was the nadir of his time in the English capital to date. Odegaard struggled with an ankle problem and didn’t look as though he trusted his body fully. His shooting became weak and feeble, ultimately ending the term with just six goals, only three of which came in the top-flight.
Games
30
28
Goals
3
7
Assists
8
2
Shot accuracy
56%
48%
Conversion rate
10%
22%
It frustrated many a supporter. Time and time the Norway star would get the ball on the edge of the area and despite having plenty of time would refuse to shoot, instead taking the more challenging option of finding a defence-splitting pass.
Odegaard’s creativity is second to very few in Europe’s top divisions but to be considered elite, to be considered one of the best players in his position, a Kevin De Bruyne type, he needs to start scoring more goals.
He needs to get back to the type of form we saw in 2022/23 and to do that, he needs to take a leaf out of Merino’s book.
Merino had never been a prominent scorer until 2025 but he’s mastered the art of arriving late in the box and emerging in the nick of time to sweep the ball home from the edge of the area. Odegaard trademarked that sort of goal two seasons ago and he looked like one of the best in Europe as a result.
He needs to find the same level of instinctiveness when it comes to finding the net that Merino currently has. Once colleagues at Sociedad, there is no doubt a great level of respect between the two but the elder statesman is certainly the better finisher as it stands.
A duel monster Odegaard is not, but that’s not what we’re asking of him here. He’s never going to emulate Merino in that regard. However, we know he can emulate him in the goals department; we’ve already seen that during his early days in red and white.
If the 26-year-old can rediscover that level of performance again, then it won’t be long before he’s being recognised among some of the finest attacking midfielders to play in the Premier League.
Hale End prodigy left Arsenal for £0, now he's better than Gyokeres & Isak
Arsenal could have saved a lot of hassle in the transfer market with a decision at Hale End.
Tottenham Hotspur fans will undoubtedly be disappointed with their activity in the transfer window over recent days, after missing out on numerous key targets.
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Savinho was one player who was firmly in their sights, even making an offer to land the Manchester City star, but it was rejected, with Pep Guardiola’s side refusing to offload the winger.
Eberechi Eze has arguably been the biggest target, previously agreeing personal terms with the player and Crystal Palace, but a move hasn’t been all plain sailing.
North London rivals Arsenal pounced at the 11th hour to hijack the move, which has seen Thomas Frank miss out on a star who would’ve played a key role in the Premier League for the Lilywhites.
The Dane must be wishing he was able to rely on one talent during his maiden year at the helm, with the former player highlighting the excellent work previously done by the hierarchy in the transfer market.
Gareth Bale’s time at Tottenham Hotspur
Back in the summer of 2007, Spurs completed a deal for baby-faced 17-year-old Gareth Bale from Southampton – originally joining the side as an option at left-back.
He struggled to establish himself in his early years in North London, leading to rumours around his future at the club, subsequently being within touching distance of a £2m switch to Nottingham Forest.
However, he would remain at the Lilywhites, with the 2010/11 season a turning point in his time in the capital – shifting further up the field into a forward position, even scoring a hat-trick against Inter Milan in the Champions League.
The Welshman would operate in such a role for the remaining three years at the club, racking up 71 goals in his 237 appearances, including 26 in his final campaign.
He would complete a then world-record £85m transfer to Real Madrid, ending his six-year stint in the Premier League, with the side lacking that quality off the flank since his departure.
Current boss Frank would hugely benefit from a player of his calibre in the present day, potentially landing his own version of the winger in the closing stages of the transfer window.
Spurs targeting their next Bale this summer
The failure to land Savinho and Eze in recent weeks has certainly highlighted the need for work to be conducted rapidly, leading to West Ham star Lucas Paqueta emerging on their radar.
It’s been reported that the Lilywhites are considering a move for the Brazilian before the deadline, after the Hammers dropped his asking price to just £40m.
West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta
However, he’s not the only attacker currently on their radar, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling another talent they’re preparing a move for, according to Fabrizio Romano.
He claims that the Spurs hierarchy have reached out to Will Still’s side to ask about the conditions over a potential move for the 19-year-old star.
The journalist also states that he’s one of a number of talents in their sights, but key work has already been conducted over a move for the Englishman, who could cost as much as £50m this summer.
Why Spurs’ £70m target would be Frank’s answer to Bale
After taking the reins during the off-season, new boss Frank would’ve been hoping that owner Daniel Levy backed him in the transfer market to build on the club’s Europa League success.
To date, Joao Palhinha has joined the Lilywhites on loan from Bayern Munich, whilst Mohammed Kudus and Mathys Tel are the only permanent additions – seeing around £85m forked out for the pair’s signatures.
Whilst moves have been made, they’ve so far been to no avail, leading to questions being asked about the owner’s lack of spending during the summer transfer window.
With just 11 days remaining until the market closes, key work will have to be rapidly made on potential deals in the final third, with forward-minded signings desperately needed to satisfy Frank’s demands upon his arrival.
Whilst it would be an expensive addition to land Dibling, it would be one that could end their pursuit for his summer, also landing a player who can develop into a world-beater, given his tender age.
It would see the youngster follow in the footsteps of Bale, joining the Lilywhites as a teenager, having the chance to emulate the Welshman should he make the big-money move to North London.
Dibling, who has been labelled “world-class” by Southampton academy manager Andy Goldie, ranked in the 87th percentile for successful take-ons last season (2.2) – highlighting the threat he carries with the ball at his feet.
Games played
33
Goals & assists
2
Pass accuracy
81%
Progressive carries
3.3
Progressive passes
3.1
Successful take-ons
2.2
Take-ons completed
41%
Carries into the final third
2.4
Fouls drawn
2.4
Such an asset is what made Bale such a hit with the fans in North London, with Dibling needing to add an end product to his mazy runs, but that’s something which will come with experience in his career.
The teenager’s talents were further reflected in his tally of 2.4 carries into the final third per 90, with the winger evidently wanting to get the ball into dangerous territory as often as possible.
The aforementioned numbers have caused havoc for opposition defenders, often having to result to fouling Dibling to prevent him from creating carnage within attacking areas – as seen by his tally of 2.4 fouls won per 90.
Whilst driving forward with the ball is undoubtedly one of the Saints star’s biggest assets, he’s also able to pick out a teammate – allowing the likes of Kudus to further impress should he be on the receiving end of his 3.1 progressive passes per 90.
Southampton's TylerDiblingcelebrates scoring their third goal with Mateus Fernandes
Undoubtedly, the price tag will concern a lot of supporters, but ultimately, it’s the price that has to be forked out for young English talents in the modern market.
There’s no taking away the quality he possesses, having the tools to develop further under Frank’s guidance – potentially emulating the success of Bale in any move to join the Lilywhites.
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Forget about Eze: Spurs in the mix for "one of the best 10s in the world"
Tottenham Hotspur have already identified a new target after missing out on Eberechi Eze.
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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Leeds and Burnley recently made second-tier history.
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.
RW
100
25
19
AM
50
4
8
RM
19
3
5
LW
14
2
3
CF
3
0
0
LM
2
1
0
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.
Birmingham closing in on signing their next Iwata for Davies
Birmingham City could soon snap up their next Tomoki Iwata with this summer purchase.
Celtic have enjoyed another fantastic campaign, but could now have to make a decision on the future of one of their key stars this summer following recent developments.
Celtic look to continue claiming regular silverware
Brendan Rodgers continues to dominate the landscape north of the border and stands on the verge of claiming a third treble over two spells at the club if he can see off Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup final at Hampden later this month.
With minimal fuss, Celtic have already claimed the Scottish Premiership title alongside the Premier Sports Cup, setting the scene for an exciting summer that could see several arrivals at Parkhead.
Brendan Rodgers
Per reports, Ross Doohan could join the Hoops on a free transfer from Aberdeen to bolster their pool of homegrown options in line with squad registration rules for European competitions.
Red Star Belgrade defender Veljko Milosavljevic is also a Celtic target, even if the Scottish champions have been warned that he isn’t for sale at this moment in time.
Closer to home, speculation over whether Lennon Miller will complete a move to the Bhoys remains unanswered despite persistent interest in the Scotland Under-21 international.
Fewer minutes than Nawrocki: Celtic must axe flop who's "not good enough"
Celtic must finally part ways with this player who has played fewer minutes than Maik Nawrocki.
ByDan Emery May 9, 2025
Either way, Celtic are aware they will need to act fast on the market to strengthen their squad efficiently for their involvement in the final Champions League qualifying round. Entry to the league phase isn’t guaranteed, so Rodgers and company may need to act earlier than normal to secure priority targets ahead of rival suitors.
Conversely, they could now have to decide on a star player who has recently been scouted by an outfit from Europe’s top-five leagues.
Celtic star Reo Hatate wanted by Udinese
According to Sunsport, Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate was recently scouted by Udinese during their 5-1 victory over Kilmarnock as the Serie A outfit ponder a move for the Japan international. Italian and French clubs are also interested in the 27-year-old. Nevertheless, the Bhoys are set to demand a significant transfer fee in the event of any emotional exit.
Reo Hatate’s impressive Celtic spell
Appearances
140
Goals
26
Assists
28
Trophies
8
Labelled “incredible” by Celtic boss Rodgers, Hatate has once again emerged as a key player this term, creating 40 chances on Scottish Premiership duty.
Ten goals and nine assists in 53 appearances across all competitions from the former Kawasaki Frontale man in 2024/25 have inched his side closer to a domestic treble.
Despite this, there is always a shelf life for players north of the border. Hatate has been involved in delivering a steady stream of trophies at Celtic since 2022, but squad cycles come to an end and new faces are needed to maintain the hunger needed for further silverware.
Heading into the summer, it remains to be seen whether the Bhoys will be able to retain his services as they prepare for another tilt at success on both domestic and European fronts.