Leeds United are now set to sign another defender and this time for a fee of under £500,000, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
Leeds announce Gudmundsson on four-year deal
With Junior Firpo exiting Elland Road, Leeds needed to bring in a new left-back, and they have wasted no time in their pursuit of Lille’s Gabriel Gudmundsson, with the defender signing a four-year contract on Tuesday.
The fee is thought to be in the region of €12m (£10m) although the club’s announcement does not disclose the true figure, after the 26-year-old completed his medical checks on Monday.
Gudmundsson is not the only left-back set to make a move to Elland Road, however, with Romano recently taking to X to reveal the Whites are on the verge of signing a defender from a rival Premier League club.
The transfer expert states that Manchester City’s Jayden Lienou “will join Leeds United” for a package amounting to under £500k, with the 17-year-old set to link up with the U21 team to begin with.
Leeds eyeing huge £17m talent wanted by Champions League clubs
Leeds United are in the mix of teams who want to sign a highly rated midfielder.
2 ByBrett Worthington Jul 7, 2025
Andrew Taylor and Adam Underwood are said to have been “key” to securing a deal for Lienou, and the deal now appears to be completely agreed, suggesting that an official announcement could be imminent.
Leeds’ opening Premier League fixtures
Date
Everton (h)
August 18th
Arsenal (a)
August 23rd
Newcastle United (h)
August 30th
Fulham (a)
September 13th
Wolverhampton Wanderers (a)
September 20th
Gudmundsson and Lienou are savvy signings for Leeds
Lienou has been showing some promising signs at youth level, most notably scoring a remarkable solo goal for Wales a little over a year ago, showcasing his quality on the front foot.
However, at 17-years-old, the Welshman is clearly one for the future, and Gudmundsson is more likely to make more of an instant impact at Elland Road, given that the Sweden international is vastly experienced.
The Malmo-born defender made nine appearances in the Champions League last season, and his performances across the campaign clearly impressed journalist Joe Donnohue, who described the full-back as a “fun” player and a “risk-taker”.
The former FC Groningen man also caught the eye in an attacking sense during his time with the Dutch club.
Given that Firpo was well-known for his attacking contributions, Gudmundsson could be an ideal replacement for the Dominican Republic international, while Lienou’s performances at youth level indicate he could also be a savvy signing with the potential to become a prototype modern day attacking full-back.
Glasgow Rangers officially kicked off the 2025/26 campaign by playing their first pre-season friendly in front of supporters at Ibrox against Club Brugge on Sunday.
The Light Blues found themselves 2-0 down at half-time, having conceded twice in the opening 12 minutes, but second-half goals from Mohamed Diomande and Findlay Curtis ensured that they avoided defeat.
Russell Martin was without some of his summer signings to choose from, though, as the likes of Thelo Aasgaard and Joe Rothwell, for example, watched on from the sidelines.
The former Scotland international did get to see Emmanuel Fernandez and Max Aarons out on the pitch for the first time, as the Scottish giants ramp up their preparations for their Champions League qualifying clash with Panathinaikos.
Martin will surely be hoping to get Aasgaard up to speed as quickly as possible in the next couple of weeks, because the former Luton attacking midfielder has the potential to be an exciting addition to the team.
Why Thelo Aasgaard is an exciting signing for Rangers
The Gers recently snapped up the 23-year-old attacker on a four-year contract after agreeing a reported fee of £3.5m to sign him from the English League One outfit.
Aasgaard left the Hatters just six months after he signed for the club from Wigan Athletic, as they were relegated from the Championship last season, which activated a relegation release clause in his contract at Kennilworth Road.
Luton Town's Thelo Aasgaard in action against Sunderland.
Rangers took advantage of that to bring him to Ibrox this summer, and they will now be hoping that he plays a key role on the pitch for Martin for many years to come.
Whilst some supporters may not want to hear this, Aasgaard is similar in style to Todd Cantwell. He is another attacking midfielder who can also play out wide and thrive as a roaming number ten who can carry the ball and dribble past players, rather than being outstanding as a goalscorer or a creator.
Goals
0.12
Top 24%
Progressive carries
1.61
Top 26%
Take-ons attempted
2.74
Top 12%
Successful take-ons
1.31
Top 9%
Touches in opposition penalty box
2.62
Top 14%
Fouls won
1.96
Top 11%
As you can see in the table above, the Liverpool-born midfielder thrives with the ball at his feet in the middle of the park, picking it up in pockets of space that allow him to then drive forward into the box, taking players on or winning fouls.
He only produced two goals and one assist in his 17 Championship outings for Luton, though, and Martin may want him to improve his output in the final third at Ibrox.
It is his ball-carrying and willingness to take players on, though, that could make him an exciting signing for the club, who are now eyeing up a forward who would be even more exciting than Aasgaard.
Rangers eyeing Premier League winger
According to The Scottish Sun, Rangers are one of the clubs in the race to secure a deal for Crystal Palace youngster Jesurun Rak-Sakyi this summer.
The report claims that the Light Blues are ‘chasing’ a move to sign the left-footed star, who spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Sheffield United in the Championship.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It reveals that Palace are ready to demand a fee of around £10m to allow the right winger to move on from Selhurst Park before the end of the summer transfer window.
Rangers, however, would prefer to land the talented young forward on a season-long loan, rather than to splash the cash out to sign him permanently, but they would be willing to do a permanent deal if the asking price is reduced.
It now remains to be seen whether or not the Scottish giants can convince the Eagles to allow the dynamo to leave on loan, which may depend on whether or not any other teams are prepared to meet their £10m valuation for a permanent deal.
Why Rangers should sign Jesurun Rak-Sakyi
Vaclav Cerny returning to Wolfsburg at the end of last season, after his loan spell at Ibrox came to an end, left a hole in the team in the right wing position.
This means that Rak-Sakyi could slot straight into the starting XI as Martin’s right winger to replace the Czechia international, and his form for Sheffield United suggests that he has the potential to make an immediate impact.
Whilst Aasgaard is an exciting player in his own right, due to his technical ability, the Crystal Palace youngster would be even more exciting for supporters because he also has the ability to deliver goals and assists to get fans out of their seats.
The 22-year-old whiz, who produced 15 goals and eight assists in League One for Charlton in the 2022/23 campaign, ended last season with a return of seven goals and two assists in 22 league starts for the Blades.
This shows that he is more likely to make an impact in front of goal than Aasgaard in the Scottish Premiership next season, as the Norway international only managed two goals and one assist in the same division.
xG
0.32
Top 13%
Goals
0.36
Top 11%
xG on target
0.36
Top 9%
xA
0.18
Top 22%
Assists
0.10
Bottom 47%
Successful dribbles
2.44
Top 7%
As you can see in the table above, Rak-Sakyi ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of key attacking statistics, aside from assists, which shows that his teammates let him down with their wasteful finishing.
The left-footed star, once hailed as “remarkable” by Roy Hodgson, is a forward who can provide a threat as both a scorer and a creator of goals on a regular basis, whilst also consistently taking on opposition defenders, as shown by his 2.44 successful dribbles per 90.
This suggests that Rak-Sakyi could be an incredibly exciting player for Rangers supporters to watch, because he can combine exciting dribbling skills with quality end product in the final third.
Whereas Aasgaard has the technical and dribbling ability to get around the pitch, but needs to prove that he can deliver the goals and assists to go along with it, which is why the Palace winger could be an even better signing for Martin in the here and now.
As their goalkeeper search goes on, Manchester United have now reportedly received the green light to sign an impressive shot-stopper in a cut-price deal this summer.
Onana keen to fight for Man Utd place
Amid links to the likes of Emiliano Martinez, it is expected that Andre Onana could face an uphill battle to keep hold of his No.1 spot next season. The former Inter star has been a liability for some time at Old Trafford and whilst they’re in the mood to spend big it looks as though INEOS have set their sights on an upgrade. Onana, however, isn’t keen to give up that easily.
Reportedly under the impression that he will stay put at Old Trafford, Manchester United could yet decide to burst Onana’s bubble by welcoming his replacement in the coming months.
To that end, Martinez would certainly be an impressive arrival. Weakening Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the process, United would be signing a World Cup winner who the Villans may be forced to sell amid their PSR concerns.
The Argentine star isn’t the only name on the Red Devils’ radar, however. The likes of Andriy Lunin have also threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks. The Real Madrid No.2 could yet decide to leave the Spanish giants in pursuit of a starting role and that would open the door for United to come swooping in.
He's better than Nkunku: Man Utd make huge offer to sign "sensational" star
Manchester United appear to be moving one step closer to landing a key target this summer.
ByEthan Lamb Jun 24, 2025
A Champions League winner who has experience at the very top level, it’s no surprise that Lunin has found himself in United’s sights this summer. But they may still opt for an alternative option and one who is now reportedly pushing to leave his current club.
Man Utd receive green light from Diogo Costa
According to A Bola, Manchester United have now received the green light from Diogo Costa over a summer move from FC Porto. The goalkeeper is reportedly pushing to leave the Portuguese club and they are now willing to accept a cheaper offer than his €75m (£64m) release clause.
Costa is expected to leave Porto this summer and his desire to experience life outside of Portugal should place Old Trafford high up on his list of options. Given that he’s available at a cut-price too, it’s a deal that INEOS would be wise to pursue in the coming months.
Starts
32
34
Clean Sheets
16
9
Saves P90
1.78
2.59
Save Percentage
74.1%
68.9%
Described as “complete” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Costa would be a clear upgrade on Onana. Whilst the latter maintained a 68.9% save percentage last season, the Porto man thrived with a record of 74.1% to keep 16 clean sheets in 32 league appearances.
For the right price, a move to sign the Portugal international would represent yet more impressive business by INEOS this summer.
Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy and his recruitment team are attempting to navigate a competitive summer transfer market, with a few key items on the agenda for new manager Thomas Frank ahead of a vital 2025/2026 campaign.
Their qualification for next season’s Champions League comes as an almighty boost for the Lilywhites when it comes to bringing in fresh squad upgrades.
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Spurs are set for a significant financial windfall after booking their place in Europe’s most prestigious competition, and they’ve already put some of it to good use by sealing a cut-price £30 million permanent deal for Mathys Tel.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Tel won’t be their only forward signing either, with Tottenham on the lookout for fresh wingers who could replace current club captain Son Heung-min, who may well have already played his last competitive game for them.
“Son could very well have played his last game for Tottenham, and well, if it was the Europa League final, it would be fitting,” said journalist Graeme Bailey to TBR Football recently.
“I am told he still believes he is more than capable of recapturing his best form – but Spurs are ready to make moves this summer and Son leaving could materialise.”
West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus, Man City star Jack Grealish, Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, Southampton’s Tyler Dibling and Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked with moves to north London in the past week, as Levy and technical director Johan Lange assess which deal is best suited to the club.
One area of the squad you’d think would be far down their priority list, in terms of strengthening, is at full-back.
Destiny Udogie, Pedro Porro, Djed Spence, Ben Davies and Archie Gray – who can play right-back – are all available for Frank to utilise on the flanks, but Spurs are aware of their need for more locally trained players.to comply with Champions League squad rules.
They currently have just one club-trained player in goalkeeper Brandon Austin when they need to register four players who suit that criteria, otherwise their 25-man Champions League squad is in danger of becoming a 22-man one (Alasdair Gold).
Tottenham could make "clever" signing in former defender Kyle Walker-Peters
Bearing this in mind, Levy and co are contemplating a “clever” move to re-sign former defender and soon-to-be free agent, Kyle Walker-Peters, to fill one of the club-trained player spots.
Southampton'sKyleWalker-Petersapplauds their fans after the match
The Englishman would count as a club-trained player as he came through the Hotspur Way academy, and according to reliable journalist Alasdair Gold, Walker-Peters himself is pretty keen on a move back to Tottenham.
“The one I do believe they have considered for this summer is Kyle Walker-Peters,” he said on the Gold and Guest talk Tottenham podcast.
“He’s had a terrific career, over 200 appearances for Southampton, a Premier League regular for a lot of that. I think he has a couple of England caps as well.
“On one side, the full-back spots are pretty busy right now, there are a lot of full-backs there, but as the window goes on, if he’s not been snapped up yet, I can see it as a clever solution, he’s club-trained, he can play on both sides, and from my understanding I think he would love to come back to Spurs as well, they’re his boyhood club.”
The 28-year-old would be an experienced option at zero cost with his deal expiring in just nine days, but it would surely require one of the other full-backs to head out on loan or depart the club permanently.
With Spence able to play at left-back when required, perhaps the best solution would be to part company with Davies for a small fee. The Welshman has proved a reliable squad member and faithful servant over the course of his long stay at Tottenham, but with the 96-cap international’s contract expiring next summer, it could be a smart business decision.
Arsenal’s most significant weakness this season is not a big secret; it’s a lack of goals.
Now, did the Mikel Arteta’s side face some questionable refereeing decisions early on and a torrent of injuries later? Yes, yes, they did.
However, even then, it would be hard to describe the club’s attack – bar Bukayo Saka – as anything other than disappointing this year. After all, they scored 17 goals fewer than Liverpool.
So, news that the club are closing in on a new attacking star should excite fans, especially as this is a player who could become world-class with Saka to his right.
Arsenal's attacker search
Given their blunt attack, it’s hardly been a surprise to see Arsenal linked with a plethora of forward talent in recent weeks and months, such as Leroy Sané and Nico Williams.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
The former could be available for free this summer, as his contract with Bayern Munich expires at the end of the month, and given his tally of 13 goals and six assists in 45 games this season, he’d certainly be a wise acquisition.
Williams, on the other hand, would cost around £50m, but at 22 years old and with a tally of 11 goals and seven assists in 45 games this year, he too would likely be a wise addition to the team.
Athletic Bilbao'sNicoWilliams
However, what most fans would tell you, and rightly so, is that the Gunners are in need of a new striker more than anything else, someone like Benjamin Sesko.
Yes, according to a recent report from transfers expert Fabrizio Romano, Arsenal have maintained their intense interest in the RB Leipzig star.
In fact, the journalist claims that the deal is now on and that talks between the clubs and the player himself are progressing, with outside reports claiming that the final fee could be somewhere in the region of £70m.
It’s certainly a lot of money to spend on a young forward, but his talent and potential are undeniable, and he could be incredible alongside Saka.
Why Sesko would be unreal with Saka
So, while there are likely a plethora of reasons why Saka could help turn Sesko into a world-class striker, from his work off the field to leadership on the pitch, there is one reason that stands above all others: his output.
The Hale End superstar has turned into a lean, mean output machine in the last year and a bit, as even though he missed almost four months of action with injury this season, the 23-year-old phenom racked up a superb tally of 12 goals and 14 assists in 37 appearances, which comes out to one every 1.42 games.
Moreover, per Understat, he would have had at least one more assist had his teammates been better at finishing, as his ten league assists came from an expected assist figure of 11.58.
Now, let’s look at the Leipzig star’s numbers.
In just 45 appearances this season, the 22-year-old “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 21 goals and provided six assists, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66, which for someone of his age, is sensational.
Appearances
45
37
Minutes
3258′
2619′
Goals
21
12
Assists
6
14
Goal Involvements per Match
0.60
0.70
Minutes per Goal Involvement
120.66′
100.73′
Yet, it gets better, as the Slovenian “diamond,” as dubbed by Mattinson, is also able to turn middling chances into goals; according to Understat, his 13 Bundesliga goals came from 10.84 expected goals, and last season, he scored 14 from an expected goals figure of 8.60.
The fact he is consistently finishing at a higher standard than would be expected of him should delight fans and Arteta, as that ability, combined with the Gunners’ talismanic number seven, could be a match made in heaven.
And, just to make the former Salzburg gem even more exciting, he happens to be a mammoth 6 foot 5, and yet, per the respected Mattinson, is blessed with “rapid speed,” “good dribbling”, and “good mobility.”
Ultimately, while he isn’t going to be cheap, Sesko appears to have everything a striker needs to become a world-class goalscorer, and when you consider he’d be playing alongside Saka, it feels more like a matter of when and not if that happens.
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Ready to go again? Newcastle United supporters have to wait for several interminable months until their team will be competing competitively once again.
But when Eddie Howe does lead his team back out onto the field, he will be doing so having ended the club’s 70-year wait for major domestic silverware after deservedly beating Liverpool in the Carabao Cup final.
Moreover, the Magpies’ efforts across the Premier League campaign led to the euphoria of final-day success in the top flight, sealing a fifth-place spot and unlocking the doorway back into the Champions League.
Newcastle did it all having endured a miserable 2024 summer transfer window, also starting the campaign off on weak footing. Now, PIF are in a better position for compliance with PSR, and signings are to be expected.
While incomings are expected, one or two may need to go. Chiefly, Anthony Gordon could be at risk, with Liverpool interested and United listing him at £80m.
Newcastle United manager EddieHowebefore the match
Let’s have a look at how the Magpies boss might pull it all together.
1 GK – James Trafford
James Trafford for Burnley.
Nick Pope has been a fantastic servant for Newcastle, but a conclave has been held to determine whether a new face is needed between the sticks, and James Trafford has been deemed the right fit.
Reports claim Newcastle have prepared a £20m offer for the Burnley shot-stopper, whose manager Scott Parker has hailed him for his “world-class” ability.
2 RB – Tino Livramento
Alexis Mac Allister challenges Tino Livramento
Manchester City’s bid for Tino Livramento has hit a standstill, and let’s hope it stays that way, for the robust and dynamic full-back is shaping into one of the best in the business.
As journalist Zach Lowy put it: “Livramento isn’t just one of the best right backs in England, but one of the best left backs too.”
3 CB – Marc Guehi
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts
Last summer, Newcastle failed with not one, not two, not three, but four bids for Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi.
Now, the Toon are back in for the Three Lions star, who won the FA Cup in May and is just one year away from free agency.
The Eagles know they are fast running out of time to cash in on their £50m-rated superstar.
4 CB – Sven Botman
Newcastle defender Sven Botman.
Sven Botman has endured another injury-wrecked campaign, but he’ll be hoping to build up his fitness across the off-season and form a rock-solid partnership with Guehi over the coming years.
However, with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar still in the mix, Howe could certainly have a wealth of talented defensive options to choose from.
5 LB – Lewis Hall
Newcastle's Lewis Hall
Sidelined since March following ankle surgery, Lewis Hall proved one of Newcastle’s biggest success stories last season, producing performances of age-belying completeness to solidify himself as one of the best young players in the Premier League.
A shining endorsement of United’s recruitment set-up.
6 DM – Bruno Guimaraes
Newcastle could stake their case to having the finest midfield in the Premier League, and Bruno Guimaraes has been the linchpin.
The complete package and then some, signing the Brazilian general from Lyon for £40m was one of PIF’s first moves back in January 2022.
1.
Bruno Guimaraes
154
1=
Fabian Schar
154
3.
Dan Burn
149
4.
Jacob Murphy
137
5.
Sean Longstaff
134
No Newcastle player has featured more regularly than Guimaraes under Howe’s wing.
7 CM – Sandro Tonali
One of Newcastle’s best players across the 2024/25 campaign – if not the best – Sandro Tonali’s redemption arc has been a thing to behold, such an elegant and intelligent part of United’s build-up play, of their backline protection.
The decision to place the Italy international in the deep-lying midfield role in lieu of Guimaraes last autumn kicked off the free-winning run of results, creating a foundation for glory further down the line.
8 CM – Joelinton
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Newcastle need to make a series of signings this summer, but the centre of the park is one area where moves should be catered toward depth, rather than high-profile investment, with Joelinton’s brutish energy adding the perfect counterpoint to Tonali’s class and Guimaraes’ all-influencing ability.
9 RW – Anthony Elanga
Anthony Elanga scores vs Spurs
Nottingham Forest signed Anthony Elanga from Manchester United in 2023 and he hasn’t looked back, with his performances across 2023/24 leading Newcastle to launch a swiftly rejected £50m bid on transfer deadline day last summer.
While Bryan Mbeumo has opted to join the chaos at Old Trafford this summer, Newcastle can still bag themselves a high-level winger in the 23-year-old Elanga, hailed for his “special” qualities by Nuno Espirito Santo.
24/25 – Forest
38
6
11
23/24 – Forest
36
5
9
22/23 – Man Utd
16
0
1
21/22 – Man Utd
21
2
2
20/21 – Man Utd
2
1
0
Making the move to the City Ground proved a career-defining move for the Sweden star in the best sense, and now he must take the next bold step in his development, with the Magpies lurking.
10 LW – Joao Pedro
Brighton forward Joao Pedro
If Newcastle sell Gordon, they will bank up to £80m. Redirecting that toward a dynamic forward, such as Joao Pedro, would be a sure-fire way to keep the club firing on all cylinders.
According to The Telegraph, the Tynesiders have identified Pedro – who could fetch £59m – as the perfect man to join the club after missing out on Mbeumo.
He’s scored 30 goals and added ten assists across 70 appearances for the Seagulls, and at 23, is only going to get better and better.
Crystal Palace have enjoyed a fantastic campaign under Oliver Glasner and now look set to put some of their new-found appeal to use in the transfer market.
Crystal Palace set to build on wonderful campaign
After defying the odds to record a remarkable FA Cup triumph, Crystal Palace now have the feather in their cap of being Europa League participants next term, which is bound to attract prospective recruits.
Glasner has made quite an impact since walking through the doors of Selhurst Park and has re-affirmed his commitment to the Eagles despite his prowess in the dugout not going unnoticed.
He stated: “I have one more year left, and now we are speaking about next season. Everything that happens after July 1 2026 we don’t talk about this at the moment. It is too far away.
“We are talking about this year, and that is why I am 100 per cent committed. I have a contract and I have no other things on my mind.”
With his future at the club secure, Crystal Palace are expected to be active on the market and have identified Strasbourg forward Emanuel Emegha as an ambitious target to strengthen their forward line ahead of next season.
Crystal Palace jostling to sign "complete" midfielder in deal worth £30m
The Eagles could swoop in ahead of rival clubs.
ByTom Cunningham May 24, 2025
Unlikely to be the only arrival in South London, Mainz star Nadiem Amiri is also on the Eagles’ list as they look to the continent for fresh blood to help their European push.
Everyone connected with the club is experiencing an elevated level of excitement about the future. Arguably, Crystal Palace’s appeal has never been greater, and that can help to attract talent from global markets.
That said, Glasner is now reportedly intensifying advances to bring a talented gem to Selhurst Park that could be a star of years to come.
Crystal Palace intensify move for Faveurdi Bongeli
According to Africa Foot, Crystal Palace are stepping up talks to sign Tout-Puissant Mazembe winger Faveurdi Bongeli amid rival interest from Burnley in the 18-year-old.
Capable of playing on either flank, illustrating a degree of versatility, the youngster is also said to be on the radar of Borussia Monchengladbach, Dunkirk, Sint-Truiden and other clubs in England and Germany.
Faveurdi Bongeli’s statistics in 2024/25 – all competitions
Appearances
4
Goals
0
Assists
0
It is unclear whether he would go straight into the senior set-up or spend a period in Crystal Palace’s development squad before making the step-up, should a move occur.
Nevertheless, there is room for another wide player in Glasner’s squad to help complement the likes of Ismaila Sarr moving forward. Depth could be key to staking a claim in the Europa League, and Bongeli appears to be a star in the making with a number of clubs keen.
Now, it remains to be seen if Bongeli can achieve a dream move to England. Crystal Palace are likely to be in the hunt for several additions this summer, so there is plenty to get excited about for supporters.
Tottenham Hotspur are looking to finish the season on a high and could land a summer coup involving one of Europe’s highly-rated young defenders, according to a report.
Tottenham Hotspur prepare for Europa League date with destiny
There are no two ways about it; Spurs face arguably the biggest week in their modern existence as Ange Postecoglou prepares his side to take on Manchester United in Wednesday’s UEFA Europa League final.
Financially, the winners of the competition stand to earn £10.95 million for a victory in the final, which has created a unique sense of jeopardy between two of England’s most reputable clubs.
Factor in money accumulated across the course of their run to Bilbao and subsequent qualification for the Champions League, there could be a bounty exceeding £80 million in store for either Tottenham or Manchester United.
However, Spurs may have to navigate the showdown without Pape Matar Sarr after he was taken off during their 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa last Friday.
Speaking about his latest injury scare, Postecoglou stated: “Pape felt something in his back, so we took him off as a bit of a precaution. I don’t think it’s anything too significant, speaking to him afterwards but he just felt something in his back.”
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Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison will miss the final for Tottenham, who know the implications of Wednesday’s final and what it could mean when it comes to attracting potential recruits this summer.
Ultimately, having the Champions League carrot ready to dangle could be a key advantage in the race for talent, though they are now reportedly looking at signing a Paris Saint-Germain star who has earned intriguing recognition.
Tottenham Hotspur looking to sign PSG defender Axel Tape
According to Sports Zone, Tottenham are circling for Paris Saint-Germain defender Axel Tape this summer amid his reported decision to leave the French giants on a free transfer.
Bayer Leverkusen are said to be in ‘pole position’ to sign the 17-year-old, while Bournemouth and Chelsea are also in the hunt to offer a Premier League avenue to the youngster.
Likened to Dean Huijsen by Rising Gems, Tape has made three first-team appearances for Paris Saint-Germain this campaign and primarily features as a central defender.
Daniel Levy is well-known for his penchant to facilitate the arrival of young talent to develop into first-team stars, which is a brief Spurs could look to fill once again should the Bondy-born man arrive in London.
Prodigious figures such as Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall and Mikey Moore have all been given senior minutes this term, even if the root cause of their frequent involvement has been an injury crisis.
Looking to the future, Tape could be the latest to join a conveyor belt of youthful assets who are only going to multiply in value under Postecoglou’s watch.
Leeds United are currently preparing for a huge summer transfer window as they look ahead to trying to avoid instant relegation from the Premier League.
The Whites won the Championship title, with a staggering 100 points, with their win over Plymouth Argyle on the final day, and now have a top-flight season to look forward to.
Daniel Farke and his staff must recruit players who they feel can bolster the squad to improve their chances of survival, and the West Yorkshire outfit are reportedly looking to bring a former star back to Elland Road.
Leeds considering move for Premier League midfielder
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds United are “considering” a deal to sign Manchester City defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips in the upcoming 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.
The reporter claims that the England international would be “ready” to return to West Yorkshire ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, having left the club to join the Cityzens in the summer of 2022.
Bailey’s report on The Boot Room adds that a permanent deal would be difficult for the Whites to do, because the midfielder has three years left on his contract at The Etihad, and that they are currently eyeing up a loan move for their former academy graduate.
Ipswich Town'sKalvinPhillipslooks dejected after the match
Phillips has spent the current season on loan with Ipswich Town, who have already been relegated from the Premier League, but his previous form for Leeds in the top-flight suggests that he could star alongside Ao Tanaka at Elland Road.
Why Kalvin Phillips could thrive with Ao Tanaka
The Japanese midfielder enjoyed a fantastic season in the Championship with the Whites and showed potential to make the step up to the Premier League, with his passing and defensive qualities.
Tanaka ended the 2024/25 campaign with a pass completion rate of 90% and a duel success rate of 55% across 43 appearances, which shows that he was efficient in and out of possession in the middle of the park.
Leeds will need their midfielders to be reliable on the ball and strong off it in the top-flight, as they will be battling against relegation, and that is also why Tanaka could thrive alongside a physical operator like Phillips, who was once dubbed “exceptional” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.
Appearances
29
43
Pass accuracy
85%
90%
Tackles per game
2.6
2.2
Interceptions per game
1.6
1.3
Duels won per game
5.3
4.5
Duel success rate
52%
55%
As you can see in the table above, the English maestro’s defensive form for Marcelo Bielsa in the Premier League during the 2020/21 campaign was even more impressive than the current Leeds star’s in the second tier this term.
This suggests that the potential is there for them to be a robust midfield pairing who can provide protection in front of the back four, whilst also being reliable with their passing into the front players, which could be needed as they battle it out for vital points.
Of course, there are question marks over whether or not Phillips can get back to that level, having struggled of late in loans with Ipswich and West Ham, losing 57% of his duels in the top-flight for the former and 52% of his battles for the latter.
Perhaps a return to familiar surroundings at Elland Road, where he has been successful at the top level in the past, could help him to return to form.
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Signing him on loan, therefore, could be a worthwhile gamble and one that could pay off for Leeds and Farke as it could result in him and Tanaka forming an impressive midfield partnership.
On Saturday, after Celtic were officially crowned champions at Tannadice earlier in the day, the Gers were held to a 2-2 draw by St Mirren, with Cyriel Dessers and then Nicolas Raskin on target in Paisley.
This means, since the split was first introduced in 2000, the Light Blues have still never won all five post-split fixtures, but it matters not this time round, given that they are 17 points adrift the champions, out of all other competitions too, ahead of Sunday’s Old Firm derby at Ibrox.
So, the primary concern for Rangers supporters is who is going to be their new manager, especially considering next season will start early, given that they’ll enter the Champions League second qualifying round on 22/23 July, so could the new 49ers ownership group hire a “brilliant” boss?
Steven Gerrard's potential return to Rangers
As widely reported by Mark Pirie of the Daily Record, and many others, Steven Gerrard remains amongst the front-runners to return as Rangers manager this summer.
Steven Gerrard
The Englishman has been out of work since being sacked by Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq in January, enduring a pretty underwhelming 18 months in the Middle East, winning only 19 of 55 matches.
Nevertheless, Gerrard’s record during his first spell in Glasgow is very impressive, as the table below outlines.
Pedro Caixinha
26
54%
Zero
Zero
Graeme Murty
35
60%
Zero
Zero
Steven Gerrard
192
65%
1
Zero
Giovanni van Bronckhorst
68
62%
Zero
1
Michael Beale
43
72%
Zero
Zero
Philippe Clement
86
64%
Zero
1
Barry Ferguson
11
36%
Zero
Zero
As the table outlines, Steven Gerrard is both Rangers’ longest-serving manager and also their only boss to deliver a top division league title since the legendary Walter Smith, departing with an impressive 65% win ratio after almost 200 matches.
Andrew Slaven of the Scottish Football Show believes it would be the populist appointment to re-hire Gerrard, but also posits whether or not Michael Beale could return as his assistant, having himself been, as described by former Celtic striker Chris Sutton, Rangers’ “worst ever” manager.
So, the new 49ers ownership group may choose to look elsewhere, so could they hire a soon-to-be out-of-work manager?
Rangers' potential new manager
On Easter Monday, following a 6-0 demolition of Stoke City, Leeds United were promoted back to the Premier League.
A 4-0 drubbing of Bristol City on Monday night took the Yorkshire giants’ points tally to 97, the most they’ve ever accumulated in a single season, and victory at almost already-relegated Plymouth Argyle on Saturday will see them clinch the EFL Championship title.
So why is this relevant to Rangers?
Well, despite achieving promotion, a report by Matt Hughes of the Guardian has suggested that Leeds are considering sacking manager Daniel Farke, due to concerns over his previous record in the Premier League. There are now whispers – perhaps unsurprisingly considering the 49ers’ link – that Farke could end up in the Ibrox hotseat instead.
So, let’s assess the German’s managerial record.
Norwich City
2017/18
60
14th
Norwich City
2018/19
94
1st
Promoted
Norwich City
2019/20
21
20th
Relegated
Norwich City
2020/21
97
1st
Promoted
Norwich City
2021/22
22
20th
Sacked after 11 games
Borussia Mönchengladbach
2022/23
43
10th
Sacked
Leeds United
2023/24
90
3rd
Beaten in play-off final
Leeds United
2024/25
97
1st
Promoted
As the table shows, Daniel Farke is a bit of a Championship promotion specialist, possibly set to win the title for a third time, but his Premier League record is miserable, winning only six of 49 matches, holding the unwanted record of most successive Premier League defeats suffered by any manager, which is 15.
Nevertheless, Neil Warnock believes it would be ridiculous to sack Farke given that he has done a “brilliant job” this season, while Beren Cross of The Athletic notes that Leeds’ ‘senior players praised’ the manager’s style, giving them the ‘freedom’ to play.
Even Pep Guardiola described him as an “exceptional manager” during his time at Carrow Road.
Leeds United manager DanielFarkecelebrates after the match
Nevertheless, should he be dismissed, this is where Rangers come in.
Leeds United chairman Paraag Marathe is poised to become the new majority stakeholder at Rangers, so already has a working relationship with Farke, making any appointment potentially straightforward.
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What Farke has proved is that, when he’s in charge of one of the top teams in a division, he has thrived, possibly making him a more exciting appointment for Rangers than any potential Gerrard return.
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