da imperador bet： Liverpool are now willing to offload a player who Arne Slot has grown frustrated with this summer.
Liverpool transfer news
da doce： The summer window may be some time away, but that’s not stopping the Reds from being linked with a host of players as they look to further strengthen their squad ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
VfB Stuttgart midfielder Angelo Stiller has been mentioned as an option for Liverpool, with the 23-year-old a player who could come in and add more quality in front of the defence. He has averaged 1.5 tackles per game in the German Bundesliga across 21 appearances this season.
VfB Stuttgart's Josha Vagnoman celebrates scoring their fourth goal with Angelo Stiller and Ermedin Demirovic
A new centre-back will be needed in the summer in order to ease the workload on Virgil van Dijk, with Crystal Palace and England ace Marc Guehi emerging as a rumoured option. However, he wouldn’t be available on the cheap, so the Reds would have to break the bank to snap him up.
Similarly, a left-back may also be needed by the end of the campaign, with Andy Robertson showing signs of being past his best. Girona’s Miguel Gutierrez has been among those linked with Liverpool.
Liverpool willing to sell attacking star
On the outgoing front, Liverpool could look to sell Luis Diaz in the summer transfer window, bringing an end to his three-and-a-half-year stay at the club. There are also doubts over the futures of Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, with potential wholesale changes on the horizon.
According to Anfield Watch, “Slot has become frustrated with the Colombian as the season has progressed”, suggesting that he doesn’t see a long-term future for him at the club.
Liverpool's Luis Diaz in action with Nottingham Forest'sMurillo
Diaz has been an important player for Liverpool since his switch from FC Porto in January 2022, with the winger scoring eight goals in 17 Premier League starts this season. Meanwhile, Jurgen Klopp heaped praise on him during their time working together:
“He’s a top player. He’s a top, top, world-level player. It’s a joy for me to work with Luís every day, and I’m more than happy that we decided to sign him in January.”
The £55,000-a-week Diaz has also struggled at times against low blocks in his new central attacking role, arguably struggling to adjust to a new position when opponents sit deep.
The Colombian’s finishing has been criticised in the past during his left-sided days, with many feeling he wasn’t ever at the level of Sadio Mane at his peak, and at 28, he isn’t getting any younger.
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The idea of Liverpool retaining the services of Diaz is certainly no bad thing considering what a tricky, hard-working footballer he is, but it is easy to see why Slot could be eyeing a proper centre-forward in place of him in the summer, especially as his current contract expires in 2027.
da pinup bet： Leicester City have been scouting an “impressive” young striker over the past few weeks, but there may be competition for his signature from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, according to a report.
Foxes hoping to avoid the drop
da aposte e ganhe： With a third of the Premier League season left to play, Leicester find themselves in a very precarious position, currently sitting two points from safety, having been on a torrid run of form since the end of 2024.
The Foxes have lost nine of their last ten league matches, most recently succumbing to a 2-0 defeat at home to title-hopefuls Arsenal, and they are now at serious risk of an immediate return to the Championship.
It can be difficult for clubs to plan for the summer when the division they will be in next season is still up in the air, but Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side have been linked with a couple of forwards over the past week.
Related Leicester in race to sign "exciting" £8m star they were in for last summer
The Foxes are interested in signing a new forward.
Hertha BSC attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza is one of the names on the shortlist, and a report from Denmark has now revealed Leicester have also been scouting FC Midtjylland striker Franculino Dju.
FC Midtjylland'sDjuFranculinoin action with Real Sociedad's Javi Lopez Henning Bagger
The relegation-threatened Premier League side are said to have sent officials to watch Dju in action a number of times in recent weeks, most recently conducting a scouting mission when Midtjylland took on Lyngby last weekend.
Leicester City’s upcoming Premier League fixtures
Date
Brentford (h)
February 21st
West Ham United (a)
February 27th
Chelsea (a)
March 9th
Manchester United (h)
March 16th
Manchester City (a)
April 2nd
Should the east Midlands outfit formalise their interest this summer, there may be competition for his signature from Crystal Palace, who are also keen, while Bayer Leverkusen and Torino have previously been named as potential suitors.
Dju impressing in Denmark
The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakout season in the Danish Superliga last season, providing 11 goals and six assists, and he has since gone on to follow it up with another impressive campaign.
The Guinea-Bissau international has made 26 appearances in all competitions, amassing 10 goals, with one of those coming in the Europa League against Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Although the forward is not currently plying his trade in one of Europe’s major leagues, it is still impressive he has emerged as a key player for Midtjylland at such a young age, having previously received praise from the media for his performances at youth level.
As such, Leicester should undoubtedly pursue a move for the starlet this summer, but their chances of winning the race for his signature are likely to hinge upon them retaining their Premier League status.
da blaze casino： Arsenal are set to field a strong line-up against Manchester United in the Premier League this afternoon.
da apostebet： Mikel Arteta’s depleted side thrashed PSV Eindhoven 7-1 in the Champions League on Tuesday, effectively rendering next week’s second leg tie at the Emirates a dead rubber.
Injuries have pulled the Gunners away from runaway leaders Liverpool in the title race, trailing by 13 points while holding two games in hand following the Reds’ win over Southampton on Saturday. Chances of mounting a comeback are slim, but victory over the Red Devils will keep the flame alive.
Old Trafford fell to Arteta’s side in the final weeks of the 2023/24 campaign, and while Ruben Amorim’s squad are horribly out of sorts, Arsenal will need to have their wits about them.
There’s not much immediate joy to be found on the fitness front, but let’s take a look at what’s going on anyway.
Arsenal injury news
Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli are making good progress in their respective recoveries, but neither are expected back for several weeks, perhaps after this month’s international break.
Arsenal manager MikelArtetacelebrates after the match
Ben White, 27, is back though, but hasn’t started a match since his return from knee surgery at the start of the season. Jurrien Timber may retain his starting berth at right-back.
Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus are both out for the remainder of the 2024/25 campaign.
Arsenal have a respectable record at the Theatre of Dreams and the superior squad to United’s withered crop. Arteta will be nothing if not confident his team can clinch another rousing victory.
Arsenal – Recent Record at Old Trafford
Season
Competition
Result
23/24
Premier League
1-0 win
22/23
Premier League
3-1 loss
21/22
Premier League
3-2 loss
20/21
Premier League
1-0 win
19/20
Premier League
1-1 draw
Stats via Transfermarkt
While the Premier League clash carries more significance than the forthcoming clash against PSV, Arteta might want to make a few changes, with Myles Lewis-Skelly perhaps in line to be benched.
Why Arsenal should drop Lewis-Skelly
One of Arsenal’s brightest emerging sparks this season, Lewis-Skelly has made the left-back berth his own this season, starting eight Premier League fixtures since December.
Chalkboard
Still only 18, he’s got the world at his feet and has dazzled through his athletic style and positivity on the ball, ranking among the top 1% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for pass completion, the top 18% for progressive passes and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
Described as “the future of Arsenal and English football” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Lewis-Skelly has become an increasingly prominent part of the Londoners’ season – but he should be taken out of the firing line for this mammoth Premier League contest.
Riccardo Calafiori has ebbed and flowed through his maiden campaign in English football, joining from Bologna in a deal worth £42m last summer.
He might not be quite so confident defensively at left-back as Lewis-Skelly, but the Italy international, 22, is more complete at this stage of his career.
Lewis-Skelly is a little overzealous, defensively. With two red cards to his name already, ‘MLS’ almost saw the flash of red for the third time this week, fortunate to have been spared after a reckless challenge on Richard Ledezma. Arteta spoke of the teenager walking a “thin line” after the emphatic win.
Capable in central defence, Calafiori has played the lion’s share of his football for Arsenal out wide. Though he hasn’t quite cemented his spot, Arteta did make the bold decision to substitute his younger man against PSV after just 35 minutes, after his near sending off.
Caalfiori impressed in his stead, posting a goal and an assist apiece, completing 85% of his passes and winning three duels, as per Sofascore. Football.london awarded the Italian an 8/10 match score, singling out his devastating attacking quality.
Though Man United will hope to bring a different calibre than the Dutch side, Arsenal will surely prevail if they play like they did on the continent, and Calafiori’s skill set will help to achieve that, putting Lewis-Skelly on the bench.
Premier League 24/25 – Calafiori vs Lewis-Skelly
Stats (* per game)
Calafiori
Lewis-Skelly
Matches (starts)
16 (10)
12 (8)
Goals
2
1
Assists
1
0
Touches*
39.2
38.4
Pass completion
88%
95%
Key passes*
0.4
0.3
Dribbles*
0.6 (82%)
0.7 (62%)
Tackles + interceptions*
2.2
2.0
Clearances*
1.9
0.8
Total duels won*
3.9 (58%)
4.1 (69%)
Cards (Y/R)
4/0
2/2
Data via Sofascore
As you can see, Lewis-Skelly holds the statistical advantage from a defensive standpoint, whereas Calafiori is more convincing in progression and has an eye for involvement in the final third too.
Lewis-Skelly’s aggressive defensive style is a neat weapon for Arteta to wield, but against a Man United side with glaring defensive deficiencies, Calafiori’s “chaotic” attacking style may well be the order of the day, supplementing Leandro Trossard on the left flank.
Arteta made the claim, also noting that the Italian is “very unpredictable to play against” – which could be key against a United side often looking disorganised and discordant under Amorim’s wing.
The club’s Spanish boss will expect his side to start on the front foot and issue a statement to Old Trafford. Calafiori’s inclusion could keep the fluent attacking spark from midweek intact, carry it over to the Premier League.
Liverpool wobbled against Southampton, and the Gunners simply have to keep the pressure, pushing all the way, ready to pounce if the chance presents itself.
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da betano casino： Newcastle United could be set to enjoy their finest campaign under the leadership of Eddie Howe.
da cassino： At the time of writing, the Magpies currently occupy sixth place in the Premier League table, although they are just three points off Manchester City in fourth.
With England likely receiving an extra Champions League spot this season, finishing in fifth position could see Newcastle qualify for the league phase of Europe’s premier club competition.
The club also has a chance to secure its first major trophy since 1969 when they face Liverpool in the EFL Cup final this month. Howe will be hoping that Alexander Isak returns from injury to feature, having missed the midweek loss to the Anfield side in the Premier League due to a groin injury.
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The manager doesn’t have the best strength in depth, especially having failed to sign anyone during the winter transfer window.
However, there are several young players who have either been starring for the club or have the potential to in the future.
Newcastle have plenty of talented youngsters in their squad
With Isak injured, Callum Wilson came into the starting XI against the Reds in midweek, but offered little to no threat in the final third. Indeed, he managed just 17 touches and 8 passes before being subbed off.
William Osula replaced him with 20 minutes to go and showed more during his cameo than Wilson did in 70 minutes. There is no doubting his talent – he grabbed two assists and made three key passes during the club’s FA Cup clash against Birmingham City in February.
Lewis Hall is another youngster who has gone from strength to strength under Howe since joining the Magpies in the summer of 2023 from Chelsea.
He made 22 appearances during his maiden campaign in the north-east, but he has already surpassed that total this term, featuring 34 times in all competitions for the Toon.
Hall ranks in the top 15% for carries into the opposition penalty area per 90 (0.53) when compared to his positional peers in the Premier League, while he also ranks in the top 20% for successful take-on percentage per 90 (52.4%), demonstrating his attacking talents down the left flank.
Lewis Hall in action vs Man City's Savinho
These two have extraordinarily bright futures ahead of them and could both play a key part in Newcastle’s success over the next few years.
However, there is one player who has emerged from the academy that could outshine the pair, especially considering his impact aged only 18.
Lewis Miley looks like one of the best talents Newcastle have produced in recent years, and if he remains and develops at the club over the next couple of seasons, the Englishman could turn into a star.
Lewis Miley's Newcastle statistics
Miley shone for the U18 side during the 2021/22 season, scoring twice and registering two assists across 24 matches. These types of performances certainly grabbed the attention of Howe, who gave him his debut the following campaign.
On his 17th birthday in May 2023, Miley signed his first professional contract with the club and was lauded by academy director Steve Harper, who said:
“Everyone at the Academy is delighted to see Lewis sign his first professional contract at the club. He’s been with us from a very early age and credit goes to everyone who has played a part to date.
“The admirable support from his family has been very important too but, ultimately, it is Lewis who deserves the most credit. His hard work, attitude to learning, and training as well as his technical ability has got him to this point.
“The contract is a fitting reward for his progress.”
His breakthrough came last term, where he made 26 appearances for the club, including three in the Champions League, slotting into the heart of the midfield with ease, even registering an assist against Milan during their final group stage match in the competition.
The 18-year-old had to wait until 21st December to make his Premier League bow this season due to suffering a metatarsal fracture and his subsequent recovery.
Lewis Miley’s stats for Newcastle last season
Metric
Champions League
Premier League
Assists
1
3
Key passes per game
1
0.7
Big chances created
0
3
Total duels won per game
1.7
3.4
Shots per game
0
0.8
Via Sofascore
Despite playing just eight times in the top flight this season, Miley has already notched a goal, while the midfielder has also succeeded with 89% of his passes, recovered 1.3 balls per game and won an impressive 60% of his total duels since returning to the team.
He certainly looks like a new signing for Howe, and the more he plays between now and May, the better chance Newcastle have of finishing in the top five and securing a return to the promised land of the Champions League.
Lewis Miley for Newcastle United against Paris Saint-Germain.
The future is bright for Miley. The only downside is that the better he plays, clubs may begin to show some interest in the teenager. But given his market value, Howe could make a significant profit on the youngster should he decide to cash in.
Lewis Miley's market valuation at Newcastle
When Miley made his debut for the Magpies in May 2023 during a 1-1 draw against Chelsea in the Premier League, he was valued at just €2.5m (£2m) by Transfermarkt, which wasn’t a bad valuation considering his age and status in the squad.
Fast-forward nearly two years later, and the Englishman is now valued at €22m (£18m). This is a rise of 780% in less than two years, which is a staggering growth.
Should he continue to shine over the next few months, this market valuation will grow exponentially, especially if the midfielder can return to the starting XI on a regular basis under Howe.
Whatever happens, the manager has struck gold on the teenager, who made his debut aged just 17 before playing in the Champions League a few months later.
He won’t be looking to sell Miley, but if a massive bid comes in this summer, it might be difficult to turn down
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da bet sport： Tottenham Hotspur will hope to end the campaign on a high note, which may breed optimism for what Ange Postecoglou hopes is a strong transfer window in N17.
Tottenham Hotspur's potential summer transfer activity
da 888casino： Despite mixed feelings from supporters towards Daniel Levy, there hasn’t been a total lack of spending under Ange Postecoglou. Yet, the durability of his fragmented squad has been repeatedly called into question amid a lengthy injury crisis.
After spending much of the campaign without key stars, the Premier League outfit’s season now essentially relies on winning the Europa League. Domestically, Spurs have been knocked out of both cup competitions and appear destined to record a bottom-half finish in the top flight for the first time since 2008.
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The Australian needs reinforcements before next season.
Understandably, the focus in North London has veered towards potential new arrivals. Koni de Winter is said to be on Tottenham’s radar after a stellar season at Genoa, potentially providing versatility in defence or holding midfield.
Further up, Leroy Sane’s availability on a free transfer has been floated to Postecoglou. Rather than biting at the first inkling that he could be on the move, his situation is being monitored ahead of the summer window.
Tottenham Hotspur’s next five fixtures
Fulham (A)
Premier League
Chelsea (A)
Premier League
Southampton (H)
Premier League
Eintracht Frankfurt (H)
Europa League
Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)
Premier League
Much of the frustration at Spurs hasn’t come at the level of expenditure distributed on incomings. More than anything, it is at how those resources have been utilised. Buying into potential is a long process, and you may have to be patient to reap the rewards. Nevertheless, supporters will be intrigued by Tottenham’s latest target, as Postecoglou looks set to play a key role in convincing the talent to join his project.
Ange wants to convince Angel Gomes to join Tottenham
Per Football Insider, Tottenham boss Postecoglou is ‘very interested’ in Lille midfielder Angel Gomes amid his availability on a free transfer this summer.
The England international is set to court attention from several clubs, leaving Spurs with work to do in convincing the Manchester United youth product to move to North London. West Ham United are mooted to be circling alongside their divisional rivals.
Labelled “sublime” by Matthew Upson, Gomes has scored twice and laid on a solitary assist in 20 appearances this campaign. Stepping up their hunt for midfield reinforcements, Tottenham also retain an interest in Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton with the window drawing closer.
In spite of his slight frame, the 24-year-old Gomes has won 31 duels on league duty for Lille and created 14 chances, illustrating his capacity to thrive no matter the capacity in the engine room.
Behind the scenes, Postecoglou and company will need to devise a plan to make sure they don’t miss out on a bargain. Can they pull off that feat? It remains to be seen once the summer rolls around.
da heads bet： Edu is gone, so is Arsenal’s title bid. However, amid the Gunners’ 7-1 win over PSV Eindhoven last week and the arrival of new sporting director, Andrea Berta, the future looks brighter again.
da prosport bet： It’s safe to say that the Londoners haven’t got things right in recent transfer windows but they will hope that Berta, aged 53, can take their recruitment to the next level with Mikel Arteta in tow.
First on the agenda for the Italian will be fixing Arsenal’s problems in the final third with the addition of a fancy new centre-forward.
Alexander Isak, valued at a ridiculous £150m by Newcastle, seems out of reach, so they may have to settle for Benjamin Sesko instead.
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We say settle, but Sesko would be a mighty fine acquisition too having scored 17 goals in 35 outings for RB Leipzig this season.
Still, Berta shouldn’t just have his eye on a new centre forward…
Arsenal's dream first signings under Berta
It goes without saying that Isak would tick every box imaginable. Sesko would be a solid alternative while reports have emerged this week that Berta holds a similar admiration for Wolves’ Matheus Cunha as Arsenal do.
RB Leipzig's BenjaminSeskobefore taking a penalty
The Premier League’s second-placed side sniffed around the Brazilian in January but he went on to pen new terms at Molineux instead, just as Sesko did last summer.
A striker is the number one priority but the club should also be looking to strengthen out wide. According to new reports, they could do just that over the summer transfer window.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Indeed, as per Caught Offside, Arsenal are one of a number of English clubs lining up a move for Barcelona winger Raphinha and are said to be closely monitoring his progress in the final months of the campaign.
The Brazilian has long been a target for Arteta with Arsenal coming close to luring him away from Leeds back in June 2022 with a bid being submitted. Instead, his dream club in Barcelona came calling and he has been there ever since.
Newcastle, Liverpool and Manchester United are also looking at the wide man with the league leaders notably on the lookout for a Mohamed Salah heir.
Why Arsenal must do everything to sign Raphinha
In the words of Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, Raphinha has “been Europe’s best player in 24/25”. It’s incredibly hard to dispute that fact.
Capable of playing off Bukayo Saka’s favoured right-hand side, behind the striker and off the left, it’s in that role where the 28-year-old has thrived for Barca this term.
Throughout 40 matches in all competitions, the dazzling winger has scored 25 goals and supplied a staggering 18 assists. He’s averaged a goal involvement every 75 minutes of football.
In LaLiga, he has scored 13 times, making him the 21st highest-scoring player in Europe’s top five leagues, while his league assist count of nine is bettered by only five other forwards; Salah, Saka, Florian Wirtz, Lamine Yamal and Omar Marmoush. He’s certainly in fine company.
Meanwhile, throughout those top five divisions on the continent, only Villarreal’s Alex Baena (77) has registered more key passes than Raphinha (74).
So, having actually trounced Isak for goal contributions this term – the Swede has 22 goals and five assists – there is an argument to suggest he would be a better signing.
Alexander Isak in action for Newcastle
Why? Well, you can make a case to suggest that Arsenal’s lack of goals this term is a creativity problem. Only Saka – who has spent the last three months out injured – has posted more than eight assists and he has 13.
Assessing the numbers behind Arsenal’s creation and specifically, Martin Odegaard’s output this term, it’s evident someone like Raphinha could be the extra spice Arteta needs to win the title next season.
Odegaard: 2023/24 vs 2024/25 PL stats
Stat (per 90)
24/25
23/24
Assists
0.2
0.3
Key passes
2.4
3
Big chances created
0.4
0.5
Accurate crosses
0.7
0.9
Crossing accuracy %
18.2%
39%
Arsenal’s attack: 2023/24 vs 2024/25
Stat (* = per 90 mins)
24/25
23/24
Goals *
1.90
2.4
Expected goals (xG) *
1.56
2.00
Shots on target *
4.9
6.0
Big chances missed *
1.9
1.7
Goal-creating actions *
3.18
4.0
Key passes *
11.0
13.5
Stats via FBref and Sofascore.
Comparing last season to this, the difference is incredibly concerning. Arsenal do have a problem with finding the net but it’s largely because they’re not providing as many key passes to their forwards and subsequently, not producing as many goal-creating actions.
Isak wouldn’t help that part but Raphinha certainly would. He’d give Arteta’s side an abundance of creativity from either flank while boasting the ability to score goals too.
It would cost a pretty penny, of course, but it would be less than Isak and they’d be signing someone with better overall numbers in 2024/25. It’s a win-win for new director, Berta.
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da bet7k： A “very good” Burnley player is now believed to be on the verge of joining another club on loan before the end of the season, according to a fresh claim from reliable journalist Alan Nixon.
Burnley battling Leeds and Sheffield United for Premier League return
da doce： The 2024/25 Championship season has been halted by the final international break of the season, in what has been a gruelling but successful campaign to date.
For Burnley, they have eight games left to catch Leeds United and Sheffield United in the promotion battle, with Scott Parker’s side trailing both of their rivals by two points currently.
Burnley's MaximeEstevecelebrates after the match
Perhaps the most impressive aspect of the Clarets’ season is the fact that they have conceded just 11 goals in 38 Championship matches, with their defensive brilliance playing a huge role in their push for a return to the Premier League.
Sealing promotion back to the top flight would allow Parker to bring in top-quality signings, but there is also a chance that others could leave, if they aren’t deemed up to the level required. Now, an exit rumour has emerged regarding a talented young Burnley player at the club.
"Very good" Burnley player set to leave on loan
According to Nixon on Patreon [via The 72], Burnley youngster Lewis Forshaw is set to join Lancaster City on loan imminently, prior to the end of the season.
The goalkeeper has already spent a temporary spell at the club before, and he will now return there to further aid his development.
Forshaw isn’t an important part of Parker’s plans between now and the end of the campaign, given his age, so Burnley allowing him the chance to enjoy more minutes away from Turf Moor makes complete sense, and Nixon adds that there is the possibility of another loan exit next season.
The 18-year-old is yet to make a senior appearance for the Clarets, playing three times for the Under-18s, but Academy Manager David Longwell lauded him when he signed his first professional contract last summer:
“Lewis has produced some very good performances this season, especially in the FA Youth Cup. He has shown a lot of progression and we think he has the potential to keep improving and play at the next level, hence he was integrated into the U21s group towards the end of the season. We’re delighted that he has signed this new deal and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Connor King, our Head of Academy Goalkeeping, who has done a great job in coaching and supporting Lewis in his development.”
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Losing him would be a massive setback this summer.
The fact that Forshaw only recently extended his stay at Burnley means the club see a future for him, with the teenager signing until the end of next season and a loan move to Lancaster will allow him to further grow as a footballer.
da dobrowin： With rumours continuing to come thick and fast, Leeds United are now reportedly eyeing a sensational double swoop to sign a £12m midfielder and a striker who’s closing in on the Premier League’s 100 club.
Leeds set for busy summer as 49ers hunt proven top level stars
da stake casino： If there were any concerns that the 49ers are not aware of just how much backing a promoted side needs to avoid relegation at the first time of asking, then recent rumours should have put those worries to bed. The American owners have already reportedly set their sights on several improvements, with club chairman Paraag Marathe setting his ambitions higher than simply escaping the clutches of the dropzone.
He told reporters after the Whites secured promotion back to the Premier League recently: “Two years of getting to this point, but all that hard work and all that difficulty makes this much more rewarding and makes this so special.
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“This is a journey and this is not the end. We have to keep going. This is what Leeds does. We are going to have some difficulties, but we are going to get where we want to go and we are going to be one of the best clubs in all of Europe.”
Whilst talk can sometimes be cheap, recent reports suggest that the 49ers are set to put their money where their mouth is this summer amid links with the likes of Beto, Jamie Vardy and Caoimhin Kelleher, planning to spend over £100m to strengthen the spine of the site with Premier League level talent.
Kelleher would be a particularly impressive arrival. The Irishman has been an incredibly successful deputy to Alisson Becker at Liverpool and has rarely faltered when called upon in the Brazilian’s absence. Now, however, he’s ready to become an undisputed No.1.
Liverpool's CaoimhinKelleher
The same can be said for two more top flight talents, who have found themselves on Leeds’ radar after struggling to gain the consistent game time that they’ll be desperate for.
Leeds eyeing Wilson and Longstaff deals
According to The Sun, as relayed by TeamTalk, the 49ers are now plotting a double swoop to sign Callum Wilson and Sean Longstaff from Newcastle United this summer. The former is set to become a free agent following the expiration of his current deal in Tyneside next month, whilst Longstaff will reportedly be available for as little as £12m in the coming months.
Both players would be excellent additions at Elland Road, given their experience at the very top level. And if Marathe wants to ensure that Leeds become more than just survival hopeful, then signing such experience will be crucial.
Wilson would be a particularly interesting option. Whilst his career has often been surrounded by injuries, the veteran striker is only 12 goals away from reaching the Premier League’s 100 club and almost guarantees goals when fit.
Callum Wilson in the Premier League
Record (via Transfermarkt)
Appearances
237
Goals
88
Assists
25
At 33 years old, Wilson could have one last Premier League move left in the tank and Leeds could certainly do a lot worse than signing the former Bournemouth star on a free this summer.
da bet vitoria： Scott Parker certainly lived up to his label as a serial promotion winner out of the Championship this season at the Burnley helm.
da stake casino： Securing second spot for the Clarets on a mighty 100 points means Parker has now won promotion three times up to the Premier League as a boss, with the uphill battle of attempting to keep the Lancashire underdogs afloat in the taxing division now the tough goal.
It’s been a less-than-ideal summer so far for the newly promoted side unfortunately, as CJ Egan-Riley nears ever closer to a sad Clarets exit, whilst Josh Brownhill’s future at the club is reportedly up in the air having attracted interest from West Ham.
But, it doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom as the Clarets anxiously count down the days until the Premier League returns to Turf Moor.
How might the Clarets look in the Premier League? We’ve laid out their dream XI in the top-flight right here…
1 GK – James Trafford
James Trafford for Burnley.
Much like Egan-Riley, Burnley’s number one goalkeeper James Trafford has reportedly been the subject of interest from Newcastle.
But, Parker and Co will just aim to keep swatting away interested parties, knowing full well that Trafford is Premier League capable, having kept a ridiculous 29 clean sheets last season.
2 RB – Connor Roberts
Connor Roberts is also likely to retain his place as Burnley’s starting right-back in top-flight action.
He was another steady presence in the Clarets’ formidable defence last campaign, whilst also being able to boast a season of Premier League experience already with the Lancashire outfit.
3 CB – Victor Nelsson
Galatasaray defender Victor Nelsson.
The first brand-new purchase could see Burnley take a punt on 26-year-old centre-back Victor Nelsson in a bid to immediately fill the Egan-Riley void.
Previously linked with a €10m (£8m) move for Nelsson in January, the 6 foot 1 Dane has shown across his career to date his ability to shine in some top divisions.
Before falling out of favour at Galatasaray and heading to AS Roma on loan, Nelsson would pick up a hefty 11 clean sheets in Super Lig action across the 2023/24 season, finishing too with an imposing average of 5.3 duels won per contest.
With his spell at Roma not going to plan either, the Scandinavian could well fancy leaving Turkey behind for good which is where Burnley might capitalise.
4 CB – Maxime Esteve
Burnley's MaximeEstevecelebrates after the match
Whilst the news of Egan-Riley’s expected exit will sting, Burnley being able to keep a firm grip on his usual centre-back partner in Maxime Esteve could at least come as some source of comfort.
The Frenchman has been linked with a switch away to Crystal Palace, but if the Clarets are serious about their survival hopes, they must keep Esteve around.
The 23-year-old already looks ready-made for the Premier League, with the ex-Montpellier enforcer both confident on the ball with a 91% pass accuracy averaged last season in league action, but also assured when launching into many a tackle.
5 LB – Josip Juranovic
1. FC Union Berlin's JosipJuranovic
Whilst normally a right-back by trade, Burnley’s lack of a main left-back option could see the Clarets swoop in for reported target Josip Juranovic for help.
The “immense” Croat, as he’s been previously lauded by European football expert Zach Lowy, has been a goal-and-assist machine wherever he’s gone across his nomadic career.
That’s seen in his career tally of 43 goal contributions – but it’s ability to slot in as a right-back, left-back or even as a centre-back with ease that will have piqued Burnley’s interest.
6 CM – Josh Brownhill
Josh Brownhill
Much like Esteve, it would be a complete disaster if Burnley were to lose Josh Brownhill after his sublime promotion heroics.
But, with his contract running down, it could well be a sticky situation to solve.
Still, if they can get their exciting captain to say, it would make the world of difference to the Clarets’ survival odds, considering the wanted star fired home 18 strikes last season as Burnley’s top scorer.
7 CM – Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
Burnley-linked Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall might soon form a healthy working relationship with Josh Brownhill if the ex-Leicester City man is finally freed from his Stamford Bridge ordeal.
Whilst his time in West London has been rocky after a £30m switch last summer, he showed more than enough for the Foxes for Parker to consider a move, boasting 17 goals and 20 assists in total across his memorable King Power Stadium stay.
8 RM – Marcus Edwards
Now officially a permanent member of the Burnley camp, Marcus Edwards will be raring to go in the Premier League next campaign.
After all, he was once a heavily fancied kid off the block at Tottenham Hotspur, but he would never go on to make a top-flight appearance on the periphery in North London.
Now, after collecting a goal and an assist from 14 Turf Moor clashes, his opportunity finally awaits.
9 CAM – Hannibal Mejbri
Hannibal Mejbri is very much in the same camp as Edwards in attempting to show he belongs at the intimidating level.
He certainly showed he was worthy of competing at the top end of the Championship with Parker’s men, as seen in his respectable tally of one goal and five assists from the number ten spot. Therefore, he could come back to haunt his ex-employers, Manchester United.
10 LM – Jaidon Anthony
Jaidon Anthony will also be bursting with excitement about reentering the Premier League with the Clarets after penning a permanent deal at Turf Moor.
Whilst his team’s stern defence just stole most of the deserved plaudits, Anthony’s high haul of eight goals and seven assists from 43 league clashes went somewhat under the radar.
With Premier League experience also already under his belt with AFC Bournemouth, the 25-year-old could soon cause even more havoc down the left flank for Parker’s men.
da wazamba： Burnley are now showing interest in signing a “superb” £10m defender, who is keen on a move to the Premier League in the summer, according to a report.
Clarets set to strengthen after promotion
da premier bet： The Clarets have made Championship history this season, becoming the first-ever side to reach the 100-point mark twice, sealing a return to the Premier League at the first attempt in the process.
Related The highest points tallies in Championship history
Leeds and Burnley recently made second-tier history.
Scott Parker will, of course, be delighted to have sealed promotion to the top flight, but the 44-year-old will be well-aware that his most difficult task awaits, having been sacked by AFC Bournemouth in August 2022 following a 9-0 battering against Liverpool.
Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton being relegated this season also proved that it has not gotten any easier to avoid the drop after going up from the Championship, so Parker will need to improve his squad this summer.
Despite maintaining a stellar defensive record last term, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has now told the Boot Room that Burnley are looking to upgrade their defence in the upcoming window, having joined the race for Union Berlin right-back Josip Juranovic.
1. FC Union Berlin's JosipJuranovic
Juranovic, who joined Union Berlin from Celtic for £10m in 2023, is attracting the attention of several English clubs, with Fulham, West Ham United and Leeds United also in the frame, and he would be keen on a move to the Premier League.
As such, the Clarets should stand a good chance of signing the versatile defender, who is of great appeal to the interested clubs due to his versatility, having proven himself at left-back for Union Berlin during the 2024-25 campaign.
"Superb" Juranovic has proven himself at the top level
The former Celtic man may be yet to prove himself in the Premier League, but he has 11 Champions League appearances to his name, while also catching the eye with some impressive performances for his country at the 2022 World Cup.
Indeed, the Croatian received high praise from Jurgen Klinsmann during the quarter-final against Brazil, with the former Tottenham Hotspur man saying: “He is basically telling Vinicius Jnr, ‘I’m in charge, I’m the boss here.”
Brazil's Vinicius Junior in action withCroatia's JosipJuranovic
Alex Scott also hailed the defender for a “quality” first-half display, and Croatia went on to win the game on penalties, following a number of important defensive contributions from the now Union Berlin man.
Juranovic vs Vinicius
Defensive actions
Duels (won)
5 (5)
Clearances
4
Tackles
4
Interceptions
1
The Croatia international, who has been lauded as “superb” by former teammate Joe Hart, has since gone on to establish himself as an important player for Union Berlin when fit, making 62 appearances for the German side.
The only concern over the signing of Juranovic is likely to be his injury record, having been limited to just 17 Bundesliga appearances last season due to a number of setbacks, but his experience at the top level means he could still be a solid signing for Burnley.
