All posts by n8rngtd.top

It is always nice to see an academy player make their breakthrough and impress at first-team level, at any club, and that is why Colby Donovan’s recent emergence at Celtic has been enjoyable.

Injuries to Alistair Johnston and Anthony Ralston left Brendan Rodgers in a difficult position, facing the possibility of playing a player out of position to cover in that position.

Instead of going with a makeshift right-back, the Hoops boss dipped into the academy to provide 19-year-old Donovan with a chance to impress in the first-team in recent weeks.

The Scottish youngster made his first three appearances for the first-team in games against Kilmarnock, Partick Thistle, and Red Star Belgrade, starting all three matches, before being an unused substitute against Hibernian last weekend.

Donovan did not look out of place in those senior outings for the Scottish giants, winning five of his six ground duels without being dribbled past a single time against Red Star Belgrade in the Europa League, per Sofascore.

The teenage full-back will now be hoping to kick on and establish himself in the senior side, as his fellow full-back Kieran Tierney once did when he first broke through.

Celtic's best Scottish talents since Kieran Tierney

The Scotland international first broke through into the first-team in the 2014/15 campaign, having come up through the academy ranks, and he went on to play 170 matches for the club in all competitions.

Tierney, as shown in the graphic above, enjoyed a terrific first spell with Celtic before his £25m move to Arsenal in the summer of 2019, winning five Scottish Premiership titles in the process.

Unfortunately, quality Scottish academy talents have been few and far between since the left-back’s initial emergence in the first-team for Celtic over a decade ago.

As you can see in the table above, Tierney is still the most valuable former academy star to have made at least one start for the club, whilst Callum McGregor, who came through before the defender, is the only other one who is worth more than £3m.

Ben Doak is valued at £14m, per Transfermarkt, but he only played 25 minutes as a substitute for the Hoops before his move to Liverpool, which meant that the Scottish giants did not get to experience much of his talent on the pitch.

To say that Mikey Johnston, a Glasgow-born player who has 17 caps for Ireland, is the most valuable academy graduate since Tierney at just £2.6m is slightly concerning.

Whilst Donovan will be hoping to kick on and be worth way more than Johnston, Celtic may have their biggest Scottish and academy talent since Tierney in a star who is out on loan.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Jude Bonnar is currently on loan in the Championship with Ayr United until the end of the season, gaining vital development and experience that he could bring to the first-team at Parkhead next term.

Why Bonnar may be the best Scottish talent at Celtic since Tierney

As aforementioned, Celtic have not had much success with Scottish talents coming through their academy system to emerge as regular starters in the first-team since Tierney, but Bonnar has the potential to change that.

The Hamilton-born starlet made his senior debut for Celtic in a 5-1 win over Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership in February of this year, completing 100% (4/4) of his passes in a ten-minute cameo, per Sofascore.

His impressive performances as an attack-minded central midfielder for the B team earned him a chance in the senior side, after a return of ten goals in 55 Lowland League matches in the 2023/24 and 2024/25 campaigns combined, per Transfermarkt.

The teenage whiz, who was described as a “dangerous” player by writer John McGinley, also came back from his loan spell with Ayr to score and grab an assist in a Challenge Cup game against Alloa Athletic for the B team last month.

That performance and his overall form at youth level for Celtic show that he has developed a reputation for being a technical and attack-minded midfielder throughout his development in Glasgow.

However, the 19-year-old star’s loan move to the Championship with Ayr United has provided him with an opportunity to show that there is more to his game in the middle of the park.

Rodgers wants well-rounded midfielders who can provide physicality off the ball as well as technical quality in possession, as shown by the types of midfielders who play regularly for him at the moment: Benjamin Nygren, Reo Hatate, and Callum McGregor.

Bonnar’s last two outings in the Scottish Championship for Ayr United show that the versatile star, who can play in midfield or out on the flank, has added bite to his performances in the middle of the park.

As you can see in the table above, the teenage prospect has won six of his 11 ground duels and three of his five aerial duels, without being dribbled past a single time, in the last two matches.

Bonnar is currently being managed by Celtic legend Scott Brown, who knows a thing or two about what it takes to be a number eight for the Hoops, and he appears to be already developing the physical side of his game under the former Scotland international.

It looks as though sending him out on loan to the Championship to be managed by the ex-Celtic captain was a brilliant decision by the club, because the Scotland U21 international is adding physicality to go with his technical quality.

This is why Bonnar, who has delivered one goal and one assist for Ayr United so far this season, could go on to be the club’s biggest and most valuable Scottish talent since Tierney.

Not Kenny: Celtic's "lightning quick" teen could replace Iheanacho

Celtic have a potential replacement for Kelechi Iheanacho in their academy, and it is not Johnny Kenny.

1

By
Dan Emery

Sep 30, 2025

The teenage talent already has the technical skills, as shown by his goal record for the B team, but his loan spell shows that he is becoming a complete central midfielder, which could make him an option for Rodgers to integrate into the senior team next season.

It will then be down to Bonnar to produce consistent performances in midfield to show that he is the biggest talent to come through the academy since Tierney.

Nuno Espírito Santo’s spell at Tottenham Hotspur was certainly one to forget for the manager and the supporters after the dismal form endured during his tenure.

In the 17 matches he was in charge of the Lilywhites, the 51-year-old only won 52% of the matches he was in charge of – subsequently only being in the role for a total of four months.

Such an appointment raised eyebrows at the time, with the former Wolves boss tasked with the responsibility of taking the side to the next level after José Mourinho’s tenure.

The aforementioned period may not have been enough to make the desired changes, with Daniel Levy arguably making a harsh decision in cutting ties so early into his spell in North London.

The decision allowed the former Portuguese goalkeeper to make an impact elsewhere in the Premier League – subsequently making himself a success at Nottingham Forest.

Morgan Gibbs-White’s time under Nuno at Forest

Nuno joined Forest back in December 2023, leading the club back to European football for the first time in 30 years – but was handed his marching orders earlier this week after a fall-out with owner Evangelos Marinakis.

He was overseeing the progress of attacking midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White at the City Ground, once again linking up with the Englishman after their previous spell together at Wolves.

The 25-year-old enjoyed an incredible campaign throughout 2024/25, subsequently registering his highest tally of combined goals and assists in the Premier League under Nuno’s guidance.

He ended the year with 15 goal contributions, a tally which saw the Lilywhites even make a £60m bid for his services during the recent summer transfer window.

Such a deal was agreed between all parties for Gibbs-White to join Thomas Frank’s side, but Marinakis voiced his displeasure at the transfer and publicly threatened legal action against the club.

As a result, a deal hit a stumbling block, leading to the Englishman penning a new three-year contract at the City Ground and putting a deal off until January at the earliest.

There’s no denying that the failure to secure his signature would’ve been a disappointment to the fanbase, but they needn’t worry, given the talent already on their books in North London.

The Spurs star who’s a bigger talent than Gibbs-White

Whilst Nuno was only in the role for a short period of time, he managed to have a positive impact that has been showcased in recent months – arguably laying some of the foundations for the recent Europa League triumph.

He oversaw the arrival of centre-back Cristian Romero, with the Argentine now a key member of the first-team squad four years on from his switch to England from Atalanta.

The 27-year-old has been named the club captain in recent months, highlighting the importance to the side, with Frank putting huge faith in the defender to lead the club forward.

However, he wasn’t the only first-team member brought in during Nuno’s tenure, with midfielder Pape Matar Sarr also making the move to North London in the summer of 2021.

Whilst he spent his first year back out on loan at Metz, the Senegalese international has established himself as a key member of the side over the last couple of months.

The 22-year-old has started all three of the Lilywhites’ Premier League outings this campaign, showcasing the backing he has from Frank to make an impact in their quest for added success.

Sarr’s importance is further highlighted by his tally of 55 appearances in all competitions last campaign, starting and playing the vast majority of the Europa League final in Bilbao.

Despite being a deeper-lying option than Gibbs-White, he’s also operated in a number ten role in recent months – even managing to outperform him in numerous areas, subsequently making him a bigger talent at present.

Sarr, who’s been labelled “incredible” by journalist Umir Irfan, managed to post a higher shot on target accuracy rate (38%) than Gibbs-White in the Premier League last season.

Such a tally showcases the threat the youngster possesses in attacking areas, arguably making him more of a goal threat when in possession of the ball in attacking areas.

The main responsibility of a number ten is creativity, but Sarr managed to complete more passes into the final third per 90 (4.2), along with a higher tally of carries into the final third per 90 (1.7).

The aforementioned tallies once again highlight the quality the youngster possesses in dangerous areas – something which will develop further given his tender age.

Many supporters will have been bitterly disappointed by the failure to land Gibbs-White, but it’s clear they already have a top-level talent on the books with the Senegalese international.

Nuno’s time at the club may have been one to forget, but the fanbase certainly must be thankful for his dealings in the market, which have given the Lilywhites the chance to compete with Europe’s elite once again.

Worth more than Kudus: Spurs have hit the jackpot on Postecoglou signing

Tottenham Hotspur’s excellent work in the market has previously been evident during Ange Postecoglou’s reign.

By
Ethan Lamb

Sep 11, 2025

Ousmane Dembele has asked Paris Saint-Germain for a new contract and a pay rise worthy of his new status as a Ballon d’Or winner. The French winger, currently earning €18 million per year and tied to the club until 2028, wants a salary that reflects his global standing, but PSG are unwilling to return to the extravagant wage structure of the Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi era.

• Dembele demands new deal after Ballon d’Or triumph

  Fresh off winning the 2025 Ballon d’Or, Dembele believes his performances merit a significant contract upgrade. The PSG star’s representatives have already approached the club to renegotiate terms, arguing that his current €18m (£15m/$19m) annual salary no longer matches his world-beating form. Under contract until 2028, Dembele remains calm but expects recognition for his new status.

Advertisement

• AFP
  

  No Ballon d’Or clause, but big ambitions

  As with his Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona contracts, Dembele demanded a his PSG deal include a clause that would entitle him to a pay rise should he win the Ballon d’Or clause. While the French side deny such an agreement, reports that it is indeed in the contract and his entourage are now pushing the club to honour it. They believe the forward’s individual success and Champions League-winning exploits justify higher pay. PSG, however, have responded cautiously, open to negotiation but unwilling to mirror the financial excesses of the past.

• PSG stand firm after lessons from the past

  Inside the PSG hierarchy, there is firm resistance to repeating the mistakes of the Neymar-Mbappe-Messi era. Club president Nasser Al-Khelaifi and sporting director Luis Campos have established a stricter financial policy, with a focus on sustainability and team balance. Although the accounts are back in the black after a record year, the club's room for manoeuvre remains limited, particularly due to the drastic drop in television rights, reports. PSG are constrained by financial fair play and does not want to fall back into its old ways. PSG recognise that Dembele’s current salary does not reflect his new status, but they do not intend to break the bank. The club’s financial fair play obligations also make them cautious.

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• Getty
  

  Comparing the numbers, and the message

  At €18m per year, Dembele is already PSG’s highest earner, tet the figure pales compared to Neymar’s €30m or the staggering €70m Mbappe once earned. Dembele isn’t asking for those sums, but wants a deal reflecting his image, consistency, and leadership. PSG, though, fear that raising his wages could spark a ripple effect in the dressing room, reopening old wounds from the club’s spendthrift years.

When it comes to transfers, Arsenal are set to be one of the more active Premier League sides over the coming months, with Mikel Arteta even admitting that the club will undergo a “big” window of recruitment.

Arsenal laying groundwork for key summer signings

A lot of groundwork has already been laid on Arsenal’s summer deals by sporting director Andrea Berta, not to mention his boardroom predecessors Edu and Jason Ayto.

Arsenal back off with Liverpool now favourites to sign "dream" striker

Arne Slot’s side are in pole position right now.

2

By
Emilio Galantini

Jun 6, 2025

Predating Berta’s arrival at the Emirates, Arsenal entered advanced talks to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad as far back as January, and the Gunners are now hoping to finalise the Spain international’s capture despite very mixed messages.

Members of the media are convinced that Arsenal are set to sign Zubimendi, while Sociedad president Jokin Aperribay and the player himself have publicly tried to pour cold water over an imminent move to N5.

Arsenal will be mindful that the 26-year-old publicly rejected a move to Liverpool at the last minute in 2024, and supporters will also be erring on the side of caution when it comes to celebrating Zubimendi’s capture, at least until he’s pictured hoisting the red shirt aloft.

In any case, they’ve worked extensively on his transfer, not to mention a potential move for RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.

The Slovenia international is one of Arsenal’s top striker targets alongside Viktor Gyokeres of Sporting CP, but as things stand, it appears Berta is prioritising a deal for the former.

Fabrizio Romano shared news on Friday that Arsenal are advancing for Sesko, but cautions fans that it still isn’t on the verge of being done just yet.

With critics eager to see Berta sign a much-needed striker this summer, Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg has shared another update on their pursuit of Sesko.

Benjamin Sesko keen to join Arsenal with talks ongoing

According to the reliable reporter, Sesko is keen to join Arsenal, and the north Londoners are currently in very positive talks with his representatives.

Arteta’s side are moving forward with conviction when it comes to agreeing personal terms, but Berta will also have to dig deep into the Arsenal coffers to get this one over line.

Called an “underrated” striker by members of the press, Sesko bagged 21 goals in all competitions last season, which is a fairly modest return, but the club’s repeated attempts to sign him in the last 12 months show what a big fan Arteta must be of the player.

At this stage, Arsenal may as well just go all in and finally acquire the 22-year-old’s signature.

It seems like Chelsea will try and sign a new winger in the summer transfer window. With Jadon Sancho potentially returning to Manchester United, if they decide not to buy him permanently, they could well need reinforcements in wide areas.

Enzo Maresca’s current crop of wide men are certainly not uninspiring. Aside from Sancho, those permanently at the club include the likes of Pedro Neto and Noni Madueke.

Those two wingers have six and 11 goals to their names across all competitions, respectively, this season. In recent weeks, Tyrique George has broken through, and Cole Palmer now plays a more central role.

However, they could well look to sign an additional player in wide areas, and are seemingly plotting an ambitious move this summer.

The latest on Chelsea’s pursuit of a winger

Chelsea have been linked with a number of options should they try and sign a new winger this summer. One of those players is another Red Devils star, Alejandro Garnacho. News broke on Thursday, courtesy of talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, that Chelsea are ‘interested’ in the 20-year-old.

Transfer Focus

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

Alternatives are also seemingly being considered, as the Blues could well be set to target Real Madrid star Rodrygo, according to Caught Offside. The report suggests the West London outfit are ‘stepping up their pursuit’ of the Brazilian forward this summer.

According to the article, Chelsea are the side who ‘are currently leading the race’ to sign the Los Blancos superstar, but they are not the only team in the hunt.

Their Premier League rivals, Manchester City ‘are keeping a close eye on the situation’ and could also make a move. Whichever side win the race, Madrid could command a huge fee of £101m.

Why Rodrygo would be a good signing

Make no mistake about it, Chelsea would be signing a global superstar if they manage to bring Rodrygo to Stamford Bridge. Described as “terrifyingly good” by Sam Tighe, a football journalist and broadcaster, he has been fantastic for Madrid once again this term.

It has been a productive season again for the Brazilian this season. Across all competitions for the La Liga giants, he has found the back of the net 14 times and provided a further ten goals for his teammates in 51 games.

In fact, the 24-year-old’s underlying numbers from this season from Sofascore reinforce the fact that he has played well. For example, he has averaged 2.1 key passes and 2.1 successful dribbles in those 51 appearances this season.

If there is one competition that the winger thrives in, it is the Champions League. Rodrygo has a strong record in the competition, with 39 goals and assists in 64 games. Football talent scout Jacek Kulig rightly pointed out that he “loves the UCL”.

It is a competition that Chelsea are hoping to be in next term, and they will hope Rodrygo can turn up on the biggest stage again.

Should the West London side bring Rodrygo to the club, he could be the second coming of Diego Costa. Not in the sense of how he was as a player, of course, given the former Atletico Madrid star was a striker and Rodrygo is a winger.

Instead, the similarities between the two are the fact that they are both Brazil-born, high-profile La Liga stars, who were expensive, too. Sky Sports reported that the then-25-year-old striker cost Chelsea £32m, which in today’s money, according to The Transfer Index, would be £61.5m, a steep fee indeed.

Costa was sensational for the Blues. The Spain international, who has not yet retired but is currently without a club, scored 59 goals and registered 21 assists in 120 games.

Across three Premier League seasons, they won two titles, and Costa scored 20 league goals in both of those.

If Rodrygo can have anywhere near the impact at Chelsea that Costa managed, then it would be an excellent piece of business. Of course, the fee is expensive, but to acquire a player of his talent, you have to pay that kind of money.

Costa joined the Blues from La Liga and became a club legend, taking the West Londoners to astronomical heights. They will surely want Rodrygo to do the exact same thing if he moves to Stamford Bridge.

Could be another Sterling: Chelsea lead Arsenal in race for "superstar"

Chelsea are looking to add depth to their side this summer

By
Joe Nuttall

May 22, 2025

Virgil van Dijk has been one of the most dominant centre-backs in the world after joining Liverpool from Southampton back in 2018, with the Dutch star almost always in control of things at the back.

But who is the best top-flight central defender the Premier League has seen since its creation in 1992? We’ve witnessed elegant ball-players, goalscoring brutes and pure sweepers, but someone has to be number one…

Ranking factors

• Appearances
• Titles
• Clean sheets
• Personal honours
• What others have said about them

20 best centre-backs in Premier League history: in pictures

20

Gary Cahill

Aston Villa, Bolton, Chelsea, Crystal Palace

After beginning his Premier League career with Aston Villa and Bolton, Gary Cahill made his name at Stamford Bridge with Chelsea, winning two league titles with the Blues alongside John Terry.

In fact, at one point, Terry described Cahill as “different class” and “England’s best centre back”, with the latter being named in the PFA Team of the Year on three separate occasions.

19

Kolo Toure

Arsenal, Man City, Liverpool

Not many players can say they have played for Arsenal, Man City and Liverpool, but that is the Premier League path Kolo Toure took between 2002-2016.

The Ivorian was part of the Gunners’ famous ‘Invincible’ squad and his man-marking ability, speed and strength in the air have seen him named as one of the most underrated players of the Premier League era in the media.

18

Marcel Desailly

Chelsea

Not only was Marcel Desailly a top centre-back, but the French icon could also turn out as a holding midfielder if required as well.

He won multiple trophies throughout his career, including three honours as a Chelsea player, and made defending look easy in England. Desailly didn’t win a Premier League title, but he was named in the PL team of the decade between 1992-2002.

17

Paul McGrath

Aston Villa, Derby County

Aston Villa legend Paul McGrath was 32 years of age when the Premier League was formed, but he still went on to make more than 160 appearances in the top flight, the majority of which came at Villa Park.

Former manager Ron Atkinson even hailed McGrath as the best centre-half ever to play in the Premier League and is still referred to as ‘God’ by the Villans.

16

Ledley King

Tottenham

Spurs icon Ledley King made more than 250 Premier League appearances at White Hart Lane and has gone down as a Tottenham legend.

In truth, if it wasn’t for Rio Ferdinand and John Terry, King would have earned more than 21 England caps as, during his prime, King even ‘reminded some observers of the great Bobby Moore’ – not a bad comparison to have.

15

Sami Hyypia

Liverpool

A key member of the Liverpool side that won the League Cup, FA Cup and UEFA Cup in 2000/01, Sami Hyypia was a bargain buy for the Reds after signing for just over £2.5m from Willem II.

The Finnish giant has gone down as “one of the smartest pieces of business the club has ever conducted” and would go on to captain Liverpool. He never won the Premier League but left his mark as an imposing centre-back.

14

Jamie Carragher

Liverpool

Jamie Carragher began his career as a right-back before being moved central by Rafael Benitez and would go on to establish himself as a Liverpool legend.

Making more than 700 appearances as an Anfield defender, Carragher was being spoken about as England’s best defender at one point in his career ahead of the likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Sol Campbell, however, he never lifted the league title during his 17 years as a Liverpool professional.

13

John Stones

Everton, Man City

A great modern day centre-back of the Premier League era, there hasn’t been many better on the ball in defence than John Stones.

He’s been a favourite of Pep Guardiola’s at the Etihad Stadium, who has even used him as a holding midfielder at points during his time. Guardiola said he “loves” Stones and called him “incredible”, with the former Everton man winning six titles and being named in the PFA Team of the Year twice while at City.

12

Martin Keown

Everton, Arsenal

One defender who did lift the title, on three occasions in fact, was Arsenal’s Martin Keown. In the peak years of his career at the age of 26 when the Premier League was formed, Keown moved to the Gunners from Everton in 1993 and got better with age.

After starring at Highbury for more than 10 years, Keown got the fairytale send-off in May 2004 as part of the ‘Invincible” squad and is regarded as ‘one of the club’s greatest defenders’.

11

Gary Pallister

Man Utd, Middlesbrough

At the age of 27, when the Premier League began, Gary Pallister was at the top of his game and would go on to help Man Utd win four titles in five years.

The towering defender had pace, ‘terrific ball control’ and ‘excellent aerial ability’. Pallister has gone down as a Red Devils legend and was even named in Roy Keane’s dream Man Utd XI.

When discussing Manchester United’s long-running malaise, many will point to the end of the Sir Alex Ferguson dynasty as a defining, watershed moment in the club’s fortunes, with the Scotsman’s retirement marking the end of the Red Devils’ domestic dominance.

It could be argued, however, that the slide had begun even prior to Fergie’s exit, with even his own recruitment – while impacted by the Glazer takeover in 2005 – needing to be put under the microscope.

Indeed, cast your mind back to the summer of 2009. United had just romped to a third successive Premier League title, having also been defeated by Barcelona in what was a second Champions League final in a row.

Two league titles and another outing in a European showpiece did follow over the next four years, yet that moment marked the beginning of the end for the last of Ferguson’s great United sides, with Carlos Tevez moving on to upstart rivals Manchester City, while Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a long-awaited, world record switch to Real Madrid.

To make matters worse, the incomings could hardly have been more underwhelming. Ronaldo’s number seven shirt was taken over by an ageing Michael Owen, while options on the flanks were ‘bolstered’ by the signings of Antonio Valencia and, who can forget, Gabriel Obertan.

In many ways, that Ronaldo-shaped void on the flanks has hardly been filled in the years since, despite a plethora of attacking signings. Could that soon be set to change?

Latest on Man Utd's search for a forward

Ruben Amorim’s pursuit of Matheus Cunha has highlighted that the Portuguese is potentially seeking a different profile of player to operate in one of the two number ten berths, with the towering Wolverhampton Wanderers man more comfortable in a central role than on the flanks.

The need for a genuine winger in the 3-4-3 setup can be questioned – a fact highlighted by doubts over Alejandro Garnacho’s future at Old Trafford – although it is not unrealistic to assume that a potential attacking target could be moulded into what Amorim wants from his forwards.

Sometimes, there are options out there that are simply too good to ignore, with Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue seemingly one of them. As reported in Spain, the Red Devils are believed to be ‘vying’ for the Frenchman’s signature.

Transfer Focus

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

The highly-rated teenager only made the move to Paris from Stade Rennais on a £43m deal last summer, although a dazzling debut campaign at the Parc des Princes has earned unsurprising glances from afar, with INEOS said to have placed the 19-year-old at the ‘centre of their transfer radar’.

The suggestion is that such interest ‘goes beyond’ simply monitoring his progress, although a deal certainly ‘won’t be easy’ – not least if Luis Enrique and co stick to their reported €300m (£275m) asking price.

Something would have to give in that regard if a deal was to be agreed, although a move for Doue could represent United’s best since the days of ‘CR7’.

Man Utd could land their best winger since Ronaldo

Once the home of Ryan Giggs and David Beckham, the Theatre of Dreams has become a real graveyard for wingers, in particular, in recent times, with a raft of high profile stars having come and gone across the last decade or so.

As evidenced in the table above, marquee moves for the likes of Jadon Sancho and Antony – signed for £73m and £86m, respectively – have simply backfired, with United rarely getting bang for their buck.

Perhaps only Marcus Rashford – now out on loan at Aston Villa – has truly impressed for an extended period in the wake of Ronaldo, after chalking up 138 goals in 426 games, albeit with the Englishman’s best work having perhaps actually come in a central role, rather than out wide.

Has there really been anyone close to Ronaldo’s ilk post-2009?

Has anyone come close to the Portuguese’s Ballon d’Or-winning pomp in 2008, when he ravaged all before him?

It is still early days in his senior career, although the teenage Doue is showing signs of potentially emerging as a world-class sensation in his own right, having been hailed as a “superstar in the making” by journalist Julien Laurens.

Likened to his idol, Neymar, amid his switch to the French captial, the former Rennes starlet has already registered 25 goals and assists in 48 games in all competitions this season, including six goal involvements in just 14 Champions League outings.

It is that form on the continent which has notably caught the eye, with Doue memorably rifling home in exquisite fashion in PSG’s first-leg win over Villa, having left Emi Martinez looking utterly helpless in the visiting goal.

Described as the ‘talk of Europe’ by BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty, the in-demand winger also showed flashes of his quality against Arsenal on Tuesday night, having produced a delightful Neymar-esque touch at one stage to control the ball.

Fleet of foot and with a desire to beat his man, Doue perhaps emulates Ronaldo in that regard, with such dribbling prowess evidenced by the fact that he ranks in the top 4% among his European peers for successful take-ons, and in the top 7% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Also comfortable operating on either flank – much like Ronaldo was during his time under Fergie – the rising star looks destined to dazzle for years to come, with French football now boasting another ‘superstar’ to celebrate.

Yes, Amorim’s approach may not necessarily offer a home to a winger in the traditional sense, but Doue – who can also operate as a number ten – would a sensational upgrade in any of United’s attacking roles.

He could even end the long wait at Old Trafford for a Ronaldo-level superstar out wide…

Better than Osimhen: Man Utd close to agreement for "hottest CF in Europe"

Man Utd are ramping up their search for a new centre-forward this summer

By
Robbie Walls

Apr 29, 2025

Perhaps the only miraculous thing about Tottenham Hotspur this season is the fact that Ange Postecoglou is still in the job.

While the Australian coach started his Lilywhites tenure in sensational form, things have been getting progressively worse since December 2023.

This season has seen the former Celtic boss lead his side to a staggering 19 defeats in the Premier League alone, and with four more matches to play, ending the year with 20 league defeats feels inevitable.

With all that said, it’s hardly surprising that, in recent weeks, there have been countless reports linking the club with potential replacements, from Fulham’s Marco Silva to former boss Mauricio Pochettino. Yet, another, more exciting candidate would be a far better choice.

Why Spurs shouldn't sign Poch or Silva

So, while there is an undeniable romanticism around the idea of re-hiring Pochettino this summer, there is one significant reason why Spurs shouldn’t: his recent jobs.

Manager Focus

Who are the greatest coaches in the land? Football FanCast’s Manager Focus series aims to reveal all.

Since being let go by the North Londoners in late 2019, the Argentine coach has taken three jobs and failed to impress in any of them.

For example, he failed to win the league in his first half-season with Paris Saint-Germain, then at Chelsea, he was unable to get into the Champions League places with astronomical financial backing, and now he’s struggling to turn things around in charge of the USMNT, with some already questioning his place.

Now, in terms of Silva, there is also a significant reason Tottenham should steer clear: his lack of experience with big clubs.

While the Portuguese manager has done an exceptional job in charge of Fulham, he’s never had the responsibility of managing a ‘big six’ side.

In fact, when he was in charge of the closest thing in Everton, he was eventually fired.

Fortunately, while there are clear reasons why Spurs shouldn’t hire either Pochettino or Silva, they have been linked to someone else who’d be a brilliant hire.

The manager Spurs should hire

There have been a few other managers touted for the Spurs job in recent months, from Thomas Frank to Xavi, but if Daniel Levy and Co want to make a real statement, they should hire Xabi Alonso.

The North Londoners were linked with the Spanish legend late last week, and while it might sound overly ambitious, there are a couple of reasons why he’s just the coach they should be going all out to sign.

First is the fact that he’s not only a proven league winner, but the fact that he won the Bundesliga with an unfancied Bayer Leverkusen.

The German side had famously never won the top flight before, so the fact that they went on to win it undefeated last year after Bayern signed Harry Kane is a simply sensational achievement.

Moreover, while they aren’t going to win it again this year, the club remain comfortably second in the table and the former Liverpool star continues to have an excellent record of 89 wins, 30 draws, 18 defeats and an average of 2.17 points per game at the helm.

Finally, from a tactical perspective, the “incredible” boss, as dubbed by Transfermarkt’s Manuel Veth, could be the perfect match for the Lilywhites squad.

For example, he likes his teams to play a quick, direct brand of football, with a focus on overloading the middle of the park and getting the wingbacks up high to stretch opposition defences, which sounds like something that would get the best out of Pedro Porro, Destiney Udogie and even Djed Spence.

Ultimately, it might be pie-in-the-sky thinking, but if Spurs have even the slightest chance to hire Alonso this summer, they have to take it.

£30m Johnson upgrade: Spurs lead race to sign "future Ballon d'Or winner"

The incredible youngster would be a superstar at Spurs.

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By
Jack Salveson Holmes

Apr 29, 2025

Liverpool will be crowned Premier League champions if they avoid defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon.

The momentum built up across Jurgen Klopp’s swansong season was expected to be derailed when Arne Slot, an unknown presence from Holland, took his place.

But FSG’s data-driven approach came up trumps, with more popular names such as Roberto De Zerbi, Luciano Spalletti, and Ernesto Valverde reported to have been ‘serious contenders’ for the hot seat by The Athletic.

Now, the data scientists and analysts will need to peer through Liverpool’s distinctive prism once again as a title-winning squad (not yet confirmed, but surely) look to defend their crown while challenging for the major honours which proved a stretch too far this year.

While fans are expecting strikers, left-backs, and centre-halves galore, there’s also the matter of the right side of Liverpool’s backline, with Trent Alexander-Arnold expected to sign for Real Madrid when his contract expires this summer.

The latest on Trent Alexander-Arnold

Fans have held onto hope, hopeless hope, that Alexander-Arnold will renew his Liverpool contract. But everything suggests he is on the cusp of joining Los Blancos at the start of a new era, with Carlo Ancelotti to depart in the coming weeks.

Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the formalities are all that stand between the 26-year-old and a new chapter over in Spain, with reporters on Liverpool’s side echoing the claims, offering little in the way of optimism.

With Liverpool on the brink of winning the Premier League, perhaps the England international is waiting until all is said and done before accelerating his personal plans to the final stage.

But that stage is, sadly, set.

He’s won the lot, and he could win plenty more on Merseyside yet. But Trent’s head has been turned, and while Conor Bradley is an exciting young talent, Liverpool need to ensure they are well-stocked at right-back next year and beyond.

That’s why FSG are preparing to sign a talented young defender.

Liverpool advancing talks for Trent heir

As per Brazilian publication RTI Esporte – as translated by Sport Witness – Liverpool are one of the strongest teams pushing to sign right-back Wesley Franca, 21, this summer and have now made their first move.

Indeed, Wesley’s representatives have actually flown across the Atlantic and landed in England as they look to canvass their client’s qualities to FSG’s transfer team, with Flamengo hoping to earn around €35m (about £30m) from his sale.

Signing the rising star isn’t going to be a walk in the park, though, with both major clubs of a Manchester persuasion in the mix too.

What Wesley would bring to Anfield

Wesley has featured 124 times for Flamengo’s senior squad after graduating from the academy, scoring three goals and providing five assists for his teammates.

As with Klopp, Liverpool would be foolhardy to try and replace Alexander-Arnold with a B-grade version, but in Wesley, they would be signing a right-back with similar strengths, excelling in passing and crossing, while bringing his own distinctive style to the Anfield side.

Crisp, powerful and steely in defence, Wesley ranks among the top 9% of full-backs in divisions similar to the Brasileiro Serie A over the past year for pass completion, the top 18% for shot-creating actions, the top 21% for progressive carries, the top 12% for successful take-ons, the top 16% for ball recoveries and the top 12% for tackles and interceptions per 90.

This is quite the oversaturation of data, so let’s simplify it: talent scout Antonio Mango has lauded him for his “consistent and well-rounded” game, blending athleticism with natural intelligence and a stage presence that bespeaks a future on the Premier League pitch.

Such an energetic game with a skill at beating his man with the ball at his feet highlights a tenacious attitude that Slot would love to work with.

It would be remiss for the powers that be at Anfield to expect Wesley to replicate Alexander-Arnold’s sweeping creative skill set, but there’s nothing to suggest that he wouldn’t bring his own brand to the team, all the while providing consistent crosses into the box and support for Salah and co.

Looking at his opening performances in the Brazilian top flight this year, it’s not hard to see why he’s all the talk.

His strong start to the 2025 campaign highlights the quality that Liverpool would be weaving into their ranks, with Mango also gushing over the player’s “immense” performances right from the get-go.

FSG chiefs might feel that £30m is quite a steep figure to pay for a young defender plying their trade in South America, especially when there’s so much to do across various other positions.

But if sporting director Richard Hughes can succeed in whittling the price down, there’s every reason for Liverpool to be investing in this talented Brazilian, who recently earned his first two caps for the national team.

Given that Bradley has been in such fine fettle since breaking onto the scene, signing an up-and-comer such as Wesley could be the way to go for a Liverpool team looking to increase their depth.

With both players jockeying for the number one spot, it might even prove to elevate both stars to an even higher level.

Liverpool want world's "best player" in £77m deal who'd be Slot’s own Mane

Liverpool are planning to strengthen Arne Slot’s frontline in the transfer market this summer.

By
Angus Sinclair

Apr 25, 2025

Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers isn’t hanging around with the summer window around the corner and could now turn his attention to a surprise target, per reports.

Celtic's summer window is beginning to take shape

The Bhoys are well on course for the Scottish Premiership title and may seal their fate this weekend if they emerge victorious against Kilmarnock followed by Aberdeen defeating Rangers 24 hours later.

Unfortunately, Celtic missed their chance to guarantee league glory after a surprise defeat to St Johnstone last Sunday. However, Brendan Rodgers will know that misfortune will just be a minor setback en route to domestic glory.

With all that said, what does it mean for the reigning champions’ prospects come the window? On the face of it, the Hoops appear to be proactive at an early stage.

Augsburg midfielder Elvis Rexhbecaj is said to be on Celtic’s radar and could be available for £3 million. On the same token, long-term target David Strelec is attainable for £4.2 million as potential competition to Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah across the frontline.

The fee could stretch to £5.9 million with add-ons, though Celtic would have no problem in paying a premium amid their rude financial health. On the flip side, that could prove to be a downside when negotiating for particular targets.

Celtic may lose "very good" £16k-p/w star amid surprise escape route offer

Celtic could offload a number of stars this summer ahead of next campaign.

By
Sean Markus Clifford

Apr 8, 2025

Nevertheless, there is little time to waste with Champions League qualifiers kicking off in the early part of next season. Rodgers will know his side need to be ready if they have designs on securing a spot in the league phase.

Stocking up on talent, the Irishman has now turned his attention to a surprise target who could bolster the ranks ahead of 2025/26.

Celtic look to strengthen goalkeeping ranks with Martin Dubravka

According to Chronicle Live, Celtic have taken an interest in Newcastle United’s Martin Dubravka amid his uncertain future at St James’ Park due to rumours linking James Trafford with a move to the North East.

Coming as a surprise, the Bhoys could now pursue the Slovakia international despite already having Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo between the sticks. The latter has filled in recently due to his counterpart being ruled out with a shoulder injury.

Labelled “excellent” by Tom Heaton, the 36-year-old has racked up nearly 180 appearances for Newcastle United and earns £40,000 per week on the books at his current employers.

Observing the financial realities that come with PSR regulations in England, Dubravka may be a fairly straightforward sacrifice if Celtic want to deal for the veteran stopper.