All posts by z3u9t.icu

After sealing a dramatic promotion to the Premier League last season in Regis Le Bris’ first season in charge, Sunderland are now planning for life back in the big time.

The Black Cats are splashing the cash as they look to buck the recent trend and avoid relegation at the first time of asking, with sporting director Kristjaan Speakman already making moves in the transfer market.

Sunderland’s Premier League return will begin on August 16 against West Ham, but who will be in Le Bris’ side? Grok, the AI tool on X, has forecasted Sunderland’s line-up for 25/26.

AI predicts the 2025/26 Premier League table

Who are the winners and losers from AI’s table?

1 ByCharlie Smith Jun 7, 2025 AI predicts Sunderland’s 2025/26 line-up 11 GK: Anthony Patterson

After an impressive playoff final display against Sheffield United, Anthony Patterson could get his chance to star in the Premier League with Sunderland.

Although Sunderland have been linked with new ‘keepers, Patterson has been predicted to get the nod under Le Bris.

10 RB: Kyle-Walker Peters

A free agent after leaving Southampton, Kyle-Walker Peters could continue in red and white with Sunderland.

A reported target, Grok says the right-back’s ’versatility and Premier League experience’ could make him ‘a shrewd addition to solidify the right flank.’

9 CB: Chris Mepham

After a successful loan spell at the Stadium of Light, Chris Mepham has been predicted to return to Sunderland on a permanent transfer from Bournemouth.

Games

40

Goals

1

Yellow cards

10

Red cards

1

Minutes played

3,363

The Wales international is still just 27 years of age, and it is claimed a permanent move would be sensible ‘due to his composure and Premier League experience’.

8 CB: Dan Ballard

Sunderland’s playoff semi-final hero Dan Ballard looks set to get his chance in the top flight under Le Bris, something which many Black Cats fans won’t mind at all.

Grok states that Ballard ‘remains a key figure and is contracted long-term, forming a solid partnership’ with Mepham if he signs permanently.

7 LB: Reinildo Mandava

Sunderland are on course to sign left-back Reinildo Mandava following his departure from Atletico Madrid this summer.

A free transfer is on the cards, and the 31-year-old’s ‘experience adds depth and competition to the left-back position’.

6 CM: Habib Diarra

Club record signing Habib Diarra was always going to make the XI after Sunderland spent around £30m on the Senegal international.

Diarra is a straight replacement for Jobe Bellingham who left for Borussia Dortmund, and he should slot into a box-to-box role.

5 CM: Noah Sadiki

Another new addition in midfield is Noah Sadiki, who has joined from Union Saint-Gilloise in a deal worth up to £17.5m.

Capable of also playing as a right-back if needed, Sadiki will offer that tactical versatility for Le Bris but has been predicted to start in his primary midfield role.

4 CM: Chris Rigg

Completing the midfield is Black Cats gem Chris Rigg, who looked like he would be leaving the Stadium of Light if Sunderland weren’t promoted last season.

However, he could now shine in the Premier League for Sunderland and is descried as ‘a mainstay in the squad, with his versatility and goal-scoring ability making him a key player in the No. 10 role’.

3 RW: Gaetan Perrin

Gaetan Perrin has been mentioned as a possible target for the right wing, although nothing concrete has materialised so far.

Games

155

Goals

28

Assists

25

Yellow cards

6

Minutes played

9,623

Grok says the Auxerre star’s ‘pace and directness could complement Le Bris’ attacking system, especially with Patrick Roberts needing competition’.

2 LW: Enzo Le Fee

Making his loan move permanent following promotion for around £20m, Enzo Le Fee was always going to be in Grok’s Sunderland XI.

The Frenchman adds ‘creativity and energy’ to Le Bris’ side and was used on the left on numerous occasions in 24/25.

Manchester City still have midfielder Kalvin Phillips still on the wage bill. The Englishman hasn’t featured for the club since December 2023.

Since then, he has been sent out on loan to West Ham United, where he played just 320 minutes in half a season.

Last term, Phillips featured for Ipswich Town, going on to make 22 appearances for the Tractor Boys.

Pep Guardiola will be keen to move him on permanently this summer, helping to free up £165k-per-week in wages.

City, however, are reportedly set to cash in on another failed midfielder, just months after signing him…

Man City could be ready to sell £50m flop

In January, City secured the signature of Porto midfielder Nico Gonzalez for a fee of around £50m.

Transfer Focus

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

Given Rodri’s injury, the Spaniard was seen as a replacement for his compatriot, but things haven’t quite worked out. Indeed, he only played 61 minutes for City at the Club World Cup.

Now, according to Manchester City News, Guardiola could be ready to sell the midfielder just months after bringing him to the Premier League.

His representatives have made contact with several clubs across Europe and in Saudi Arabia to gauge potential interest as per the report.

With both Tijjani Reijnders and Rodri capable of playing in Gonzalez’s position, and with the Dutchman capable of offering more going forwards, it appears as though Gonzalez is surplus to requirements.

City will certainly be looking to recoup the majority, if not all, of the £50m they paid to sign the former Porto star just six months ago.

Why Nico Gonzalez could be sold by Manchester City

Since joining City from Leeds United in the summer of 2022, Phillips has featured just 31 times for the club, scoring a solitary goal. He was part of the squad which won the treble during his maiden season, but he failed to make it onto the pitch in both the Champions League final and the FA Cup final.

At the time of writing, Gonzalez has played just 17 times for the Etihad side during his stint thus far, but it looks as though he – unlike Phillips – won’t even reach the 20-game mark the way things are going. Like Phillips, Gonzalez wasn’t quite trusted in a final, spending the entire FA Cup final on the bench.

The Englishman failed to score a single goal during his first season at the club, and while Gonzalez netted just once in the Premier League, he could spend even less time in Guardiola’s ranks. It is clear that the pair were perhaps the right players at simply the wrong time, no doubt about that.

Upon arriving at the club in January, it looked as though Guardiola had signed a player who might well turn into an ideal heir for Rodri. Indeed, he was even hailed as the “mini-Rodri” by the City boss earlier this year.

Lauded as “superb” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig following the 2023/24 campaign, Gonzalez looked like a coup for City.

Passes attempted

77.9

Pass completion percentage

92.9%

Aerial duels won

2.09

Passes into the final third

6.68

Touches

88.33

Indeed, during the first half of the 2024/25 season, the midfielder scored seven goals and grabbed six assists for Porto across 29 matches.

At City, however, he failed to kick on from these impressive figures. The 23-year-old made just 17 appearances for the club, with 11 of these being in the starting XI.

In the Premier League last season, he failed to create a big chance, averaged just 0.1 key passes per game and succeeded with only 25% of his attempted dribbles.

This was a far cry from the attacking traits he demonstrated at Porto. Even defensively, Gonzalez won less than 50% of his total duels per game, while also being dribbled past 0.5 times each match for City.

Now it looks as though he won’t be given a chance by the club as the 2025/26 campaign zooms into focus, with his £50m capture looking to be an even bigger mistake than that of Phillips’ £42m acquisition.

Rodri and Reijnders are both ahead of him in the pecking order and with Guardiola eyeing another signing or two, don’t be surprised to see Gonzalez on the move before the end of the transfer window.

Bigger talent than Reijnders: Pep driving Man City move for £43m sensation

Following the arrival of Tijjani Reijnders, Man City still want to bolster their midfield options, reportedly interested in making a £43m signing.

Jul 4, 2025

Crystal Palace have now submitted a formal bid for a forward, who is also being targeted by two Champions League clubs, according to a report.

Crystal Palace step up Diomande pursuit amid Guehi uncertainty

Marc Guehi is looking increasingly likely to be leaving Palace this summer, with Fabrizio Romano revealing the centre-back could now be on his way to Merseyside.

The transfer expert said: “For Marc Guehi the conversations continue, and this week there will be more, so get ready for more contacts between Liverpool, the camp of the player and Crystal Palace.”

Consequently, Oliver Glasner will need to bring in a replacement for his captain, and Ousmande Diomande has been identified as a major target, with the Eagles thought to be on the verge of sealing a £47m deal for the Sporting CP star.

Crystal Palace now line up £27m swoop for "terrific" defender and "monster"

The Eagles are looking at making a double signing, having scouted two players at the U21 European Championships.

ByDominic Lund Jul 2, 2025

The south Londoners are believed to have had a bid accepted for Diomande, and he could be a real coup for the FA Cup winners, given that the likes of Newcastle United and Real Madrid have also been named as potential suitors.

However, the centre-back is not the only highly sought-after player that Crystal Palace have made an offer for, with a report from Italy (via Sport Witness) revealing they have now submitted a formal bid for Bologna winger Dan Ndoye.

Two Champions League clubs are also in the running for Ndoye, namely Borussia Dortmund and Napoli, with the latter making an offer of their own, which was deemed not high enough by Bologna.

However, the Italian champions remain interested, having recently made contact with the winger’s agent, which could pose a real problem for the Eagles, as he would rather sign for Napoli than make the move to Selhurst Park.

"Complete" Ndoye could be fantastic signing for Crystal Palace

The £17k-a-week Bologna star’s agent, Lodovico Spinosi, certainly has no doubts about his client’s ability, saying last year: “He is a complete player who, if he manages to be more decisive up front, will be at a top-tier club.”

Since then, the Switzerland international has really managed to kick on, enjoying the best season of his career in 2024-25, picking up eight goals and four assists in the Serie A, while playing a role in Bologna’s Italian Cup triumph.

The 24-year-old scored the only goal of the game to secure a shock victory for his side against AC Milan, and he has also proven himself at international level in the past, scoring against Germany at Euro 2024.

With Eberechi Eze’s future in doubt, amid interest from Arsenal, Crystal Palace may need to sign a new winger this summer, and Ndoye, who is capable of playing on both sides, could be a fantastic addition to Glasner’s squad.

Russell Martin’s first game as Rangers manager is just a month away, with a Champions League qualifier scheduled against Panathinaikos.

The Gers will take on the Greek side in a two-legged tie towards the end of July, so new owners the 49ers Enterprises don’t have long to act in the transfer market.

Many will be intrigued to see how Martin sets his Rangers side up as they look to win just their second Scottish Premiership title in 12 years in 2025/26.

£6m star returns to Ibrox: AI predicts who Rangers will sign this summer

It could be a busy few months for the 49ers.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2025

Grok, X’s AI tool, has already predicted some Rangers signings this summer, and they have now forecasted the starting line-up at Ibrox for 25/26, with a few surprises in store.

AI predicts Rangers’ 2025/26 starting line-up GK: Liam Kelly

Described as a ‘dependable option’, Liam Kelly has been backed to start in goal for Rangers, with Jack Butland’s future seemingly up in the air.

They say ‘Kelly’s experience makes him a solid choice’, despite the 29-year-old only making 13 appearances in all competitions last season.

RB: James Tavernier

Club captain James Tavernier is regularly linked with a Rangers exit but Grok believes he is ‘likely to stay for another season unless a significant offer arrives’.

Games

513

Goals

130

Assists

142

Minutes played

45,296

Trophies won

5

AI adds that Tavernier ‘remains a key figure despite speculation about his exit’ and believes he could add to his 513 Gers appearances.

CB: Aaron Donnelly

Interestingly, Dundee centre-back Aaron Donnelly has been predicted to make the move to Ibrox, despite being a diehard Celtic supporter.

The 22-year-old made the move to Scotland from Nottingham Forest at the beginning of 2025 and actually scored against the Hoops in a 3-3 draw. There haven’t been concrete rumours over a transfer for Donnelly, so this would be a surprise.

CB: Robin Propper

Robin Propper has been heavily linked with a return to the Netherlands with FC Twente, however, a transfer has seemingly stalled, and he has been predicted to start under Martin.

The central defender made 43 appearances in all competitions during his first season at Ibrox and was even named as captain on one occasion.

LB: Ridvan Yilmaz

There has been a lot of talk about the future of Ridvan Yilmaz and a potential Rangers exit, however, the Turkey international is still on the books at Ibrox and has two years remaining on his contract.

Grok says that should he depart, Jefte would come in, but have backed Yilmaz to start for now.

CM: Connor Barron

After making 46 appearances in his first season as a Rangers player, Connor Barron has been backed to keep his place in the side under Martin, despite the arrival of Lyall Cameron.

A defensive midfielder, Barron is described as a ‘long-term asset and a guaranteed starter in the double pivot, aligning with the club’s youth focus’.

CM: Nicolas Raskin

Next to Barron is Nicolas Raskin, who has been linked with a big £25m exit from Rangers this summer.

Clubs linked with signing Nicolas Raskin

Aston Villa

Leeds United

Marseille

It would be a big boost if the Belgium international remained in Glasgow, and his ‘tenacity and work rate make him a mainstay in midfield’ according to Grok.

RM: Nedim Bajrami

Nedim Bajrami was used mainly as an attacking midfielder or on the left during his first season at Rangers, however, he has been predicted to move over to the right in 25/26.

The Albania international is ‘expected to develop further’ and Grok adds Bajrami’s ‘versatility and creativity on the right wing add flair’.

AM: Mohamed Diomande

Another versatile midfielder, Mohamed Diomande played as a defensive, central and attacking midfielder last season.

He has been described as a ‘cornerstone of the midfield’ and is predicted to turn out in a more advanced role under Martin.

LM: Kwame Poku

The second new signing predicted to make the starting XI under Martin is Kwame Poku. Set to leave Peterborough United on a free transfer this summer, Rangers have been backed to win the race for the Ghana international.

A left-footed winger, Grok is predicting Poku to bring ‘pace and directness to the left flank’ at Ibrox.

ST: Hamza Igamane

Finishing off the side is Hamza Igamane, who like Raskin, is also becoming a man in demand. Should he stay, though, could be a guaranteed starter in the final third.

Last season’s Scottish Premiership top scorer, Cyriel Dessers, could leave Rangers this summer, meaning ‘Igamane is poised to lead the line at 22’.

From Xavi and Andres Iniesta to modern greats like Kevin De Bruyne and rising stars such as Jude Bellingham, the debate over just who takes the midfield crown has been rumbling on for quite some time.

In many ways, the question is what do you want to see from a midfielder? If you require technical excellence, then look no further than those Spanish superstars and the likes of Zinedine Zidane. They have often been the jewels in football’s crown no matter the occasion.

Rank

Player

Age

Club

Nation

1

Pedri

22

Barcelona

Spain

2

Jude Bellingham

21

Real Madrid

England

3

Rodri

28

Man City

Spain

4

Declan Rice

26

Arsenal

England

5

Florian Wirtz

21

Bayer Leverkusen

Germany

6

Ryan Gravenberch

22

Liverpool

Netherlands

7

Jamal Musiala

22

Bayern Munich

Germany

8

Martin Odegaard

26

Arsenal

Norway

9

Oihan Sancet

24

Athletic Club

Spain

10

Federico Valverde

26

Real Madrid

Uruguay

11

Dominik Szoboszlai

24

Liverpool

Hungary

12

Xavi Simons

22

RB Leipzig

Netherlands

13

Nicolo Barella

28

Inter

Italy

14

Kevin De Bruyne

31

Man City

Belgium

15

Luka Modric

39

Real Madrid

Croatia

But sometimes beauty is in the long-range strikes, the ruthless tackles and the workhorse engines. And if that is the case, then the attention should drift towards stars such as Manchester United’s Roy Keane and Paul Scholes.

If it’s simply a matter of honours on the table, then it would be Barcelona and Real Madrid who shine brightest, as La Liga’s two mega clubs have dominated the European scene while several of their biggest names thrive on the international stage.

Best midfielders of all time in pictures

Then there is the measure of iconic moments to remember. Steven Gerrard in Istanbul, Modric taking the Ballon d’Or crown and Iniesta’s World Cup winning goal – the list could quite easily go on.

Perhaps the best measure of all-round talent however is the verdicts from those who played with the greats, and Spain legend and superstar goalscorer Fernando Torres believes there is only one answer.

Torres says Gerrard is the best player he ever played with

Torres is perhaps one of the best placed figures in football to judge greatness, having starred for Spain’s dominant international side that won the European Championships in 2008 and 2012, either side of the World Cup in 2010.

And the former Liverpool and Chelsea striker, who spent four seasons on Merseyside with Gerrard, revealed the Liverpool captain was even better than his Spain teammates.

From his very first Liverpool game, Torres and Gerrard’s partnership blossomed into one of the most clinical that Anfield has ever seen. The Spaniard was quick and deadly in front of goal and Gerrard was as precise as it gets behind him to form the perfect duo.

2007/08

8

2008/09

2

2009/10

1

2010/11

2

Assisting 13 of Torres’ 81 Liverpool goals, Gerrard’s partnership with the Spaniard was particularly strong during his debut season. It’s then that the forward may have realised just how talented his captain was, perhaps reaching the conclusion then and there that he would never play with better.

Torres played with Frank Lampard – in what is a debate for another day – as well as Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and others. Yet, even without a Premier League medal to his name, El Nino still believes that Gerrard is the best midfielder that he’s ever seen.

Sir Alex Ferguson named Liverpool star as the best player in England and as good as Keane

This could settle the debate once and for all…

3 ByBen Goodwin May 17, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur were beaten on home soil (again) to conclude their 2024/25 campaign, with Brighton & Hove Albion winning 4-1 to consign Ange Postecoglou to a 17th-place Premier League finish in his second season.

His second season will be remembered for something different, of course, for the Australian tactician made good on his brazen claim earlier in the year, ending Spurs’ 17-year trophy drought after beating Manchester United in the Europa League final on Wednesday night in Bilbao.

But the league form simply hasn’t been good enough, and the manager’s future is up in the air. He’s failed to get a tune out of these players, domestically, at least, and while defensively the squad have been shoddy, there’s been a lot to desire up top too.

That’s why Spurs are gearing up to sign a new forward this summer, with Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap at the top of the shopping list.

Spurs chasing new forward

Dominic Solanke scored from the spot on Sunday afternoon to seal his 16th goal of the season across all competitions, having also laid on eight assists for his teammates.

However, injuries have prevented him from quite living up to the initial £55m fee, which could rise to a club-record £65m with add-ons, and he needs more frontal support, especially with Heung-min Son entering the twilight of his Premier League career.

That’s why there may be substance to rumours the Lilywhites are preparing to bid for Delap, with GIVEMESPORT reporting earlier in May that Postecoglou’s side are in the race for the English goalscorer, who was relegated with Ipswich this term but impressed throughout, scoring 12 goals across 37 outings.

If Spurs are to make their move, they may need to part ways with one or two, not least because this squad needs a shake-up.

Richarlison may well be at the top of that list.

Levy must sell Richarlison this summer

If Richarlison leaves this summer, he will do so as a Europa League winner, part of the squad whose names are immortal having triumphed on a stage so many before them failed to reach.

However, the versatile star has fallen by the wayside, all in all, especially when considering he cost Daniel Levy a whopping £60m figure when joining from Everton in 2022.

Having overcome a woeful debut campaign, the 28-year-old has enjoyed more clinical results over the past two terms, but it’s not enough to turn the tide.

24/25

24 (11)

5

2

23/24

31 (21)

12

4

22/23

35 (17)

3

4

And against Brighton this weekend, Richarlison failed to leave a positive mark when called into play, albeit he was likely nursing a hangover with the rest of the squad after the midweek merriment.

The Brazilian forward was introduced with less than an hour still on the clock but was still criticised by football.london’s Alasdair Gold for failing to influence the game, branded with a 4/10 match rating.

As per Sofascore, the £90k-per-week star only completed two passes after replacing Solanke, Tottenham trailing by just one goal. He also failed with his one attempted dribble and lost five of six duels.

As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, Richarlison is now considering his Tottenham future, with Everton and Flamengo back in his homeland both interested. The robust player wishes to enhance his prospects of playing for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup over the pond.

Tottenham need reform this summer, and Richarlison is a big part of the struggling crew who need to be shipped out, creating space for a new era which could take the success of this season and build something special. Something fit to last.

Spurs hit gold on "sensational" monster who's becoming their new Dembele

The impressive international could be a star for Spurs.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes May 24, 2025

Manchester United have endured a frustrating season at Old Trafford and Ruben Amorim already appears to have adopted a ruthless approach heading into the summer window.

Man Utd begin sizeable summer rebuild

Financially, the Red Devils know they missed a major opportunity by succumbing to Tottenham Hotspur in the Europa League final, which is estimated to have cost them a minimum of £100 million in potential revenue.

Coming in as a conservative projection, there could now be major changes at Manchester United over the next few months in a fire sale of sorts. Nobody is off-limits, as Amorim aims to scrape together a competitive budget to bring in reinforcements.

Alejandro Garnacho is in line to leave the Red Devils due to soured relations between his camp and the club following his involvement from the bench in Bilbao.

There is no confirmation of the fee Manchester United may look to recoup for his services, but the Argentinian winger is likely to be the first in a long line of assets sold to raise funds at Old Trafford.

Andre Onana, Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund and Casemiro could also be axed in a major clearout. Ultimately, none have performed to expectation in the Premier League, so it is hard to envisage supporters being disappointed if they were to make way.

Man Utd set to sell star Amorim texted Ratcliffe about in major overhaul

The Manchester United manager isn’t messing around.

ByTom Cunningham May 23, 2025

Surgery is needed to ensure the Red Devils arrive into next season capable of putting themselves back on the canvas. Less workload will help without European football to contend with, creating an opportunity to streamline the squad and space for young talent to enter the first-team environment.

Nevertheless, that will rely on departures, and another high-profile star is now set to head elsewhere once his contract in Manchester expires.

Fabrizio Romano: Victor Lindelof will also leave Man Utd

Taking to social media platform X, Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Victor Lindelof will leave Manchester United once his contract expires at Old Trafford.

After a meeting earlier this week, a definitive decision has now been made amid the Sweden international fielding proposals from Spain and Italy in his efforts to seek out a new challenge.

Earning £120,000 per week at Manchester United, Lindelof cutting ties will free up some valuable wage expenditure for Amorim to invest in other areas of his squad.

Labelled “brilliant” by Harry Maguire, the 30-year-old has registered four goals and seven assists in 283 appearances for the Red Devils, contributing to one FA Cup triumph and an EFL Cup success in 2023. Nevertheless, his time at Manchester United has come to a natural end and his experience will need to be replaced ahead of the new campaign.

Liverpool’s need for a striker this summer is there for all to see, with the Reds already plotting moves in such a department ahead of the summer transfer window.

Arne Slot’s side may have claimed the Premier League title in 2024/25, but improvements are still there to be made, especially if players were to depart Anfield during the off-season.

Current centre-forward options Darwin Núñez and Diogo Jota have both been linked with moves away from Merseyside this summer, with the manager needing to invest money in upgrades on the pair.

It’s unclear how much the hierarchy would demand to part ways with the current talismen, but given their combined tally of just 11 league goals, it’s unlikely they would stand in their way should an acceptable offer be presented.

Should such an event occur, it’s down to the staff behind the scenes to identify potential options for Slot, with numerous players already on their radar ahead of the window.

The latest on Liverpool’s hunt for new attackers this summer

Countless players have been linked with a switch to Liverpool ahead of 2025/26, despite the window not yet being open – highlighting how much of an exciting proposition they really are.

The likes of Viktor Gyokeres, Benjamin Sesko and Hugo Ekitiké are the main three who have been mentioned, but no progress has yet been made on any potential deals.

However, the same can’t be said for another target in the form of Julian Alvarez, that’s if the recent news broken by Argentine journalist Mathias Palacios is to be believed.

He claims that the Reds are keen on a move for the Atlético Madrid talisman in the coming months, with face-to-face meetings for his signature set to commence next week.

Palacios also confirms that Bayern Munich and Arsenal are interested in signing the former Manchester City talent, who’s registered a staggering 35 combined goals and assists in his 53 outings in 2024/25.

Unfortunately, it may take a considerable amount to prise him away from the Spanish capital with CIES Football Observatory suggesting the Argentine is worth £105m.

Why Liverpool’s latest target could be Salah 2.0

Mohamed Salah has been an unbelievable servant to Liverpool Football Club over the last eight years, even extending his stint on Merseyside to a decade after his latest contract extension.

The Egyptian has registered 244 goals and 113 assists in his 400 appearances at Anfield, a staggering record for a player who’s certainly cemented himself in club history.

He’s claimed three Golden Boot awards in the Premier League, and is set to add a fourth to his list after notching an incredible 28 goals in his 37 outings this season.

His £34m move from Roma back in the summer of 2017 will forever be remembered, certainly going down as a bargain and arguably one of their best ever transfers.

However, the board have the opportunity to replicate such a deal in the coming months with Alvarez, potentially following in his footsteps on Merseyside.

The pair both have a similar pattern in their careers, both featuring for other sides in England’s top flight before leaving to go elsewhere in Europe to further their respective profiles.

Salah, who failed to cut it at Chelsea, made a name for himself in Italy before joining the Reds, similarly to how Alvarez has developed after swapping Manchester City for Atlético Madrid.

The pair are now elite attacking talents, with the Argentinian forward having a season to remember, producing countless stats that would bolster Slot’s attack.

Alvarez, who’s been labelled “sensational” by Terry Flewers, has registered 1.4 shots on target per 90, along with a minute per goal ratio of 142 minutes in LaLiga – highlighting his clinical edge in the final third.

Games played

36

Goals & assists

20

Minutes per goal

142

Shots on target

1.4

Dribbles completed

57%

Chances created

1.5

Touches in opposition box

4.5

However, he has also been able to create opportunities for his teammates, completing 57% of the dribbles he’s attempted and creating 1.5 chances per 90 – subsequently able to aid Salah in boosting his own numbers on Merseyside.

Should the former City talent get anywhere near close to the levels produced by the Egyptian over the years, it would be a phenomenal piece of business, adding a new dimension to Slot’s attack.

The prospect of the pair featuring together within the front line is certainly a scary one, with such a partnership strengthening their chances of retaining their crown in 2025/26.

Slot's next Mac Allister: Liverpool pursuing move for "ridiculous" £60m ace

Liverpool may land their next version of Alexis Mac Allister during the summer window.

ByEthan Lamb May 22, 2025

Manchester United are said to be considering making an offer for a young player with a huge amount of potential as INEOS look to rebuild for the long haul.

Amorim begins to eye summer signings at Old Trafford

The Red Devils were beaten 4-3 away to Brentford on Sunday afternoon, as a hugely disappointing Premier League campaign carries on, with Ruben Amorim’s side limping over the line in the competition this season.

United continue to be linked with much-needed new signings this summer, with a new striker at the top of the list of priorities. Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres has regularly been mentioned as the man to come in and lead the line, following a stunning season that has seen him score 38 times in the Primeira Liga.

Liam Delap is seen as another option to and strengthen the Red Devils’ attack, following an impressive year for a struggling Ipswich Town side. The former Manchester City youngster won’t want to be playing Championship football next season, so a summer exit feels like a certainty.

At the other end of the pitch, Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah has reportedly been in talks over a move to Old Trafford, with the defender leaving his current club on a free transfer at the end of the season.

Man Utd considering offer for 16 y/o Jake Evans

According to a report from Spain, Manchester United are willing to make a £13m offer for Leicester City attacker Jake Evans this summer. The 16-year-old has caught the eye in the Foxes academy, standing out as one of the most exciting young players at the club, and Tottenham are also believed to be in the mix.

Evans isn’t necessarily the world-renowned attacker that so many United fans crave in the summer window, but there is room to sign both proven players and future stars in the coming months. Leicester boss Ruud van Nistelrooy has lauded the teenager’s ability, along with fellow youngster Jeremy Monga, already seeing him as a “vital” player in their first-team.

“Jake Evans and Jeremy Monga are very closely monitored by us in their performances in the Under-21s. Fifteen and 16-year-olds who are performing in PL2 on a regular basis and doing well there. They are vital parts already, even though they’re 15 and 16. It’s hard to imagine at their age they are part of team training on a regular basis and in the plans of this football club.”

Evans has scored 11 goals for Leicester’s Under-18s and Under-21s apiece, coming in just 20 and 18 appearances for them respectively, and he is also a two-cap England Under-16s international, further highlighting his pedigree.

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For that reason, he could be a fantastic long-term signing for United, maturing as a player in the youth teams at Old Trafford before hopefully becoming a key part of Amorim’s plans over time.

Arsenal have now been informed an “unbelievable” forward could be available for a fee of £80m in the summer transfer window, according to a report.

Gunners planning to bolster attacking options

At this stage, it seems almost certain that a new striker will arrive at the Emirates Stadium this summer, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano revealing the Gunners are now “working hard” to secure a deal.

RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres are among the more attainable targets, while Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak is also well-liked, although the Magpies have shown little interest in sanctioning a departure this summer.

Not only has Mikel Arteta set his sights on a new striker, but there is also interest in a versatile forward, and Brentford winger Bryan Mbeumo is on the shortlist, with the Bees looking to receive a fee of £50m for the Cameroonian.

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Mbeumo’s performances in the Premier League this season indicate he could be a great fit at the Emirates Stadium, but there have now been suggestions the north Londoners could also look to bring in one of Europe’s most renowned forwards.

According to a report from The Boot Room, Arsenal have now been informed that Barcelona star Raphinha could be available for £80m this summer, with intermediaries hinting that a deal may be possible in talks.

The Gunners are huge admirers of the left-winger, and they will remain informed about his situation at the Camp Nou, where the Brazilian remains very happy, with Barcelona currently attempting to tie him down to a new contract.

There could be fierce competition for the 28-year-old’s signature, with Chelsea and Liverpool said to be big fans, while there is also interest from the Saudi Pro League, with clubs willing to fork out £100m for his services.

"Unbelievable" Raphina draws praise from Thierry Henry

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry is clearly a big admirer of the Brazil international, stating he “has it all” after Barcelona’s triumph against Napoli in the Champions League back in March, while also tipping him as a favourite for the Ballon d’Or.

The former Leeds United man has been extremely influential en-route to the Champions League semi-finals, picking up 12 goals and seven assists, while also ranking extremely highly on several key attacking metrics over the past year.

Statistic

Average per 90

Non-penalty goals

0.60 (98th percentile)

Assists

0.43 (97th percentile)

Shot-creating actions

5.36 (91st percentile)

Lauded as “unbelievable” by Romano, Raphinha could be capable of taking Arsenal’s frontline to the next level, but given that he remains happy at Barcelona, it remains to be seen whether a deal is possible.