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Thomas Zilliacus, a former interested party when it comes to takeovers at Manchester United, claims that he would be happy to return to the negotiating table if the Glazer family opened themselves up to a sale. He is prepared to work alongside another investor, be that Sir Jim Ratcliffe or somebody else, with the Finnish entrepreneur stating that he wants to look after the best interests of Premier League heavyweights.

• Man Utd takeover: Confirmation of interest after talks claim

  Zilliacus formed part of the process in 2023 that eventually led to Ratcliffe and his INEOS group acquiring a 25 per cent stake at Old Trafford and taking control of football operations. Little progress has been made since then, particularly on the field, with a disgruntled fan base continuing to ask uncomfortable questions of those pulling strings behind the scenes.

  There has been fresh talk of new owners being sounded out, with Turki Al-Sheikh – a man helping to take major sporting events to Saudi Arabia – claiming that discussions have been held. He posted on social media: "The best news I heard today is that Manchester United is now in an advanced stage of completing a deal to sell to a new investor… I hope he’s better than the previous owners."

  He went on to say: "Yesterday’s post about Manchester United's potential sale meant one thing: the club is in an advanced negotiation phase with a new investor. Just to clarify, I am not the investor, nor are they from my nation. I'm posting this as a fan who wishes the deal to happen, though it might not necessarily happen."

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  Man Utd valuation: How much it would take to buy Red Devils

  It is reported that United are currently valued at around £2 billion ($2.7bn), but a bid in the region of £5.2bn ($6.9bn) would be required in order to tempt the Glazers into a sale – taking into account future increases in value, with the Red Devils piecing together plans for a new 100,000-seater stadium.

  Zilliacus says he is prepared to enter into talks, telling the : "Last week, I was sitting and thinking through all the possibilities of investing in Manchester United and drafting a basic plan on how I could approach certain parties to see if something could be done. This is about joining forces with the right parties with the sole aim of bringing Manchester United back to where it should be as the number one club in the world.

  "I mean, my love for the club has gone nowhere and I think the opportunity is still there. So I would really welcome an opportunity to talk to the key players and see what can be done. The key players, of course, today, Ratcliffe, then if other parties would be keen to join as well, then that would be great. Some of the investors, I think it's almost everything or nothing, meaning either they own the club alone or they are not interested. So you would have to find the investors who are willing to look at what is best for the club and not what is best for the investor."

• Zilliacus willing to work with Ratcliffe & Sheikh Jassim

  Zilliacus added on putting supporters at the heart of his project, with the Glazers having vehemently opposed any fan-led initiatives: "I think the Glazers, unfortunately, are a good example of somebody who is not really looking out for the club, but rather using it as a cash cow. But in any case, they are not doing what should be done.

  "I have a program that involves the fans who are overseas, who cannot come to watch a game. And my program can evolve in a way that can bring significant new revenues to the club. So with that money the club could do all the things it needs to do to be truly the best football club in the world, where all the best players, the best managers, everybody wants to be there."

  He went on to say of potentially working alongside Ratcliffe or fellow former bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad al-Thani: “"I actually have nothing against working with people like Jim Ratcliffe or any investor, whoever that may be. Because I'm not in this to have a trophy that I can show off to other people. I'm in this to make a club that I've been a fan of since I was 12 years old the best club in the world. My heart cries when I see how things are going today. Manchester United are so far below where the club should be and could be if things were managed the right way.

  "When I had made my bid I realised that the Glazers were playing a game where Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim and myself were just trying to outbid each other. So the price was just going higher and higher and higher. I publicly said that this is madness, that this is money that should be used for the club and not to further enrich the Glazers. So I said, 'Why don't we join forces and take over the club together?' I'm still completely open to that, and I would be more than happy to speak to Sheikh Jassim or to Jim Ratcliffe or any other investor about how we could work together."

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  When did the Glazer family complete Man Utd takeover?

  The Glazer family completed their takeover of United in 2005. Their reign has faced plenty of opposition down the years, but nobody has been able to put a proposal in place that has convinced the American ownership group to sell up and walk away. That situation has contributed to regression on the pitch, despite big spending in the transfer market, with the Red Devils currently without European competition in 2025-26 as Ruben Amorim sees inevitable questions asked of his future as head coach.

Newcastle United are now firmly out the other side of a whirlwind summer transfer window.

The main obvious talking point towards the end of the hectic window that clouded over every Toon conversation was Alexander Isak’s future, with the superstar Swede eventually moving on to Premier League rivals Liverpool in a staggering £125m deal on deadline day, after a well-known refusal to line up for the Magpies again.

Eddie Howe’s men thankfully bounced back from this expected departure by adding two new strikers to their camp late on, with the hope that both Yoane Wissa and Nick Woltemade can immediately hit the ground running, having cost a pretty penny to bring them both in.

What Wissa & Woltemade can offer Newcastle

Replacing a striker of Isak’s unbelievable quality was always going to be a tricky task.

However, Howe and Co. will pray that throwing both Wissa and Woltemade into the mix will make their former star-man’s absence feel less obvious, with Wissa especially well-versed in what it takes to succeed in the demanding Premier League.

Indeed, the 29-year-old – who cost an excessive £55m to bring in – already has 45 Premier League strikes next to his name when lining up for Brentford, with the Congolese attacker no doubt chomping at the bit to score goals by the bucket load at his new employers, after missing Newcastle’s weekend clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers owing to injury.

New £69m recruit Woltemade might well have to lead from the front, therefore, if Wissa is stricken with injury, with more pressure on the former Stuttgart man’s shoulders, arguably, considering he has never stepped foot onto English soil in his career to date.

He certainly knows where the goal is, though, when assessing his red-hot Bundesliga numbers from last season, with 13 strikes coming his way from just 28 starts.

It will just be whether Woltemade can immediately leap into the Premier League in style, with his bumper price tag upping the pressure levels on his shoulders. He has, of course, lessened that strain immediately when heading home a debut effort against Wolverhampton Wanderers last time out.

The worry will still be that Howe’s side might well have overpaid for both these attackers in their desperation to fill their Isak-shaped hole, with this consistent first-team star at St James’ Park coming in with a heftier valuation, despite all the fanfare surrounding Newcastle’s two new major purchases.

The "monster" worth more than Wissa & Woltemade

Newcastle have spent big all summer long away from the additions of Wissa and Woltemade, with Anthony Elanga costing an inflated £55m to further bolster the Magpies’ new-look attack.

According to Football Transfers, however, Isak’s fellow compatriot is already worth a slightly lesser £51m, with both Wissa and Woltemade also falling victim to reduced values when using the same site.

Staggeringly, the ex-Bees forward’s value has already dropped all the way down to a meagre £22m when weighed up next to Elanga’s value, with that amount more in line with Newcastle’s original valuation of the 29-year-old, which stood at £30m, before Brentford drove a harder bargain.

Moreover, Newcastle could well have splashed more cash than they needed to with Woltemade as well, with the lethal ex-Stuttgart man worth just £32m, a far cry away from his high £69m valuation.

Amazingly, when judging all these new values, Newcastle fan favourite Joelinton even has a bigger transfer worth next to his name, which is arguably a testament to how vital the Brazilian has been to Howe’s cause over the past few seasons, even when many fresh faces have arrived through the door.

When first joining the Magpies ranks, many might have worried that the former Hoffenheim man was going to be known as an extortionate waste of cash, having struggled to initially settle after a whopping £40m was forked out to win his services.

Now, however, the South American “monster” – as he was once labelled by journalist Liam Kennedy – is a guaranteed starter when fit, with his value not wavering too far away from the millions originally spent on his services back in 2019.

Joelinton’s valuation now comes in at a slightly lesser £35m, which isn’t as dramatic a dip as Wissa and Woltemade have immediately experienced, with the 29-year-old keen to add even more goals and assists to his Toon back catalogue to help Howe and Co. surge up the early Premier League standings.

Games played

224

Goals scored

29

Assists

21

Trophies

1x

Original value

£40m

Value now

£35m

Having missed some games already this season through his own injury difficulties, the St. James’ Park faithful will be keen to see Joelinton back in the starting XI moving forward, knowing his added presence could see Newcastle kick on, as much as both Wissa and Woltemade can also be difference-makers.

Newcastle can get Woltemade hitting Isak levels by unleashing "unsung hero"

Newcastle United take on Wolves at St. James’ Park as they look to get their season up and running.

ByAngus Sinclair Sep 13, 2025

The Ballon d'Or. Love it or loathe it, it's the award every footballer in the world dreams of one day winning. And now, after a memorable 2024-25 campaign, the winner of the 2025 Golden Ball has been announced: Ousmane Dembele.

The France international was widely regarded as the best player on the best team in Europe last season, with Dembele scoring 35 times during Paris Saint-Germain's historic treble triumph.

Dembele finished just ahead of teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who continues to wow the world with his wondrous performances on the wing for both Barcelona and Spain, while another PSG player, Vitinha, capped a remarkable rise to prominence by taking the final spot on the podium.

That trio were up at the very top of the rankings for 2025, but how did the rest of the 30-man shortlist shake out when all the votes were counted? Check out the official rankings below:

• AFP
  

  30Michael Olise (Bayern Munich)

  Olise slotted straight in at Bayern after his summer switch from Crystal Palace. Those who had watched him at Selhurst Park were familiar with his twinkling feet and sparkling dribbling, but very few pundits predicted 43 goal involvements in his first season at the Allianz Arena. Only right, then, that such a fantastic campaign earned Ballon d'Or recognition.

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  29Florian Wirtz (Liverpool)

  Liverpool's big-money signing of the summer enjoyed a brilliant final year with Bayer Leverkusen, contributing 16 goals and 15 assists as the club finished second in the Bundesliga. He was injured when Bayern Munich knocked them out of the Champions League, and that feels like no coincidence.

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  28Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)

  The 34-year-old shows no signs of slowing down at Liverpool. He has signed a new contract, will be staying at Anfield for the foreseeable future, and played every game but one as the Reds lifted the Premier League trophy. Still a truly excellent defender. 

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  27Declan Rice (Arsenal)

  Rice appears to be back to his very best at Arsenal. The England international stunned supporters with an incredible brace of free-kicks in the Champions League thumping of Real Madrid, but the Gunners endured disappointment in both Europe and the Premier League, ultimately ending the season trophy-less. Rice, though, can hold his head up high after an excellent campaign. 

Nathan Lyon has warned Australia could still be years away from Test greatness, despite continuing their blistering summer with a record-breaking rout of Sri Lanka.Australia claimed their biggest ever win on the subcontinent, thrashing Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs in the Galle series opener, only weeks after sealing their first series defeat of India in a decade.Related

• Kuhnemann, Lyon consign Sri Lanka to their biggest defeat

• Length, more than pace, key to Australia spinners' success, says Smith

• McDonald credits Kuhnemann recovery, Dubai training camp for Galle rout

The Border-Gavaskar Trophy triumph confirmed Australia’s spot in a second consecutive World Test Championship (WTC) final, with the ICC’s top-ranked side winning more Test matches in the past cycle than any other team.Elder statesman Lyon saw signs of greatness in the win in Galle, where Australian appeared in control from a first over that featured three fours off Travis Head’s bat. But Lyon does not feel the current crop of Australian players can yet lay claim to being a truly great side.”We want to become a great Australian team. We’re on that journey, we’re not there yet. That’s our end goal,” he said. “Part of that journey is making sure that when we close the window, we nail it shut. It’s all about being ruthless and doing our best thing for long periods of time.”The win in Galle ensured Australia would continue to hold every bilateral trophy for which they are eligible, alongside the ODI World Cup and the WTC trophy.But Lyon was quick to point out that Australia had drawn and not won the past two Ashes series played in England, last winning outright on the road in 2001. Australia have also not won the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India since Ricky Ponting’s side took out the four-match series 2-1 in 2004.Nathan Lyon took seven wickets in the first Test•AFP/Getty Images

“There’s a few things [Australia needs to achieve],” said 37-year-old Lyon. “This is only me and my thoughts as well. We’ve got some great players within that change-room, there’s no point hiding behind that. “Australia will have to wait until 2027 for chances at away series wins in India and England. The country’s greatest ever offspinner, Lyon said he “100 percent” hoped to play on that next trip to spin-friendly India as a 39-year-old.Sri Lanka may be the last time before then that Lyon has the chance to bowl in tandem with fellow offspinners Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann.The trio took 17 of Australia’s 20 wickets in Galle, but the team does not have a subcontinent Test tour planned between the ongoing two-match series and India in 2027.”We’re going okay, but I still feel like we’ve got a lot of improvement to do. That’s about being ruthless,” Lyon said of the offspinning trio. “We’re three totally different bowlers with three totally different mindsets as well. I feel like I’m learning off Todd and Matt, and I feel like they’re pushing me to try and get better as well. Hopefully I’m passing on a little bit of knowledge here and there.”Lyon is mostly free of a left hip injury he suffered in the summer, though he is still in pain if he falls on the area.”But I didn’t have to land on it today, so all good,” said Lyon, who took match figures of 7 for 135 in Galle. “Apparently I ripped the deep tissue off the fascia [hip muscle], whatever that means. Apparently there was a bit of excess blood or something in there. Not ideal, but all good now.”

Everton’s resurgence under David Moyes last season brought much-needed optimism back to Goodison Park.

A 13th-place finish may not look glamorous on paper, but the club’s climb away from the relegation battle during the second half of the campaign provided a foundation to build on.

This summer has therefore been about capitalising on that momentum, ensuring Moyes has the tools to push his side into the top half of the table. Some progress has already been made.

Carlos Alcaraz, who impressed on loan last term, has joined permanently from Flamengo, while Thierno Barry has been signed from Villarreal.

The blockbuster coup came in the form of Jack Grealish, brought in on loan from Manchester City after being told by Thomas Tuchel that regular football would be vital if he is to stake his claim for a World Cup place.

But while Grealish’s arrival has stolen the headlines, Everton still have one glaring vacancy: the right wing.

The Toffees’ search for an answer has been dominated by their pursuit of Southampton teenager Tyler Dibling, but their multiple bids have all been rejected.

That has led them towards a player closer to home – one who could provide the pace, power, and creativity Moyes craves on the right-hand side of his attack.

Everton step up interest in Championship star

According to EFL Analysis, Everton are lining up a move for Leicester City winger Abdul Fatawu, who has an estimated price tag of around £10 million.

The Ghanaian international has long been admired for his dynamism in the final third, and with Leicester struggling financially after a turbulent few years, his name is firmly on Moyes’ shortlist.

Leicester’s transfer business has been telling.

The Foxes missed out on Richard Kone, who opted for QPR, and there are fears that further sales may be required with Valencia circling around Harry Winks and Patson Daka.

Against this backdrop, Everton see Fatawu as a realistic target. The 21-year-old joined Leicester permanently from Sporting Lisbon in 2024 after an impressive loan spell 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.

His raw pace and ability to stretch defences made him one of the most exciting young wingers in the league. Talent scout Jacek Kulig went as far as to call him “unplayable.”

Everton are not alone in monitoring the situation, though. Aston Villa could enter the race should Leon Bailey depart for AS Roma, though for now it is Everton who have shown the most concrete interest.

Why Fatawu would be a big upgrade on Harrison

The potential signing of Fatawu would inevitably draw comparisons with Jack Harrison, who occupied Everton’s right flank for much of last season while on loan from Leeds United.

Harrison has since returned to Elland Road, leaving Moyes short of options in that role.

Statistically, the contrast between the two players is stark. Harrison, now 28, managed just one goal and one assist across 34 Premier League appearances last season, per Sofascore.

While his work ethic has never been in question, his lack of end product often left Everton blunt in attack.

Fatawu, by contrast, offers significantly higher upside.

At 21, his dribbling and progressive carrying ability are among the best in Europe, while his tackling and defensive numbers suggest he could thrive in Moyes’ high-intensity structure.

He is also far more direct, always looking to beat his man and create overloads in the final third.

On the international stage, Fatawu already has 19 caps for Ghana, scoring twice, and is seen as a rising star in African football. His progress, however, was disrupted by a cruciate ligament injury that sidelined him for 29 matches last season.

What makes him particularly attractive to Everton is his statistical profile.

Few young wingers in Europe rank as highly across so many metrics.

Abdul Fatawu – Stats 2024/25

Progressive carries per 90

6.53

Successful take-ons per 90

4.51

Tackles per 90

3.26

Clearances per 90

1.87

Aerial duels won per 90

2.18

Such numbers point to a winger who is not only explosive going forward but also relentless in his defensive contribution.

For Moyes, whose system demands a high work rate from his wide players, that blend is invaluable.

Moreover, his profile mirrors that of players such as Dan Ndoye (Nottingham Forest) and Brentford-bound Dango Ouattara – both highly sought-after wide players whose blend of speed and physicality has become increasingly valuable in the Premier League.

For a relatively modest £10 million outlay, Everton would be securing a player whose trajectory points sharply upwards.

The risk, of course, lies in his injury record.

But his recovery has shown encouraging signs, and at his age, there is reason to believe he can overcome those setbacks.

Landing Fatawu would also send a message.

Everton have already made a statement by bringing in Grealish, but supplementing that with a hungry, high-ceiling talent on the opposite wing would transform the look of their attack.

With Dominic Calvert-Lewin departing as a free agent and Abdoulaye Doucouré also moving on, Moyes is in the process of reshaping his squad.

Fatawu fits the mould of what Everton need: energy, unpredictability and a dash of star potential.

Their opening fixture at Elland Road against Leeds will be an early test, but the season is long, and depth across the wide positions will be crucial.

He's another Grealish: Everton in the race to sign "world-class" £25m star

Everton are eyeing a Jack Grealish repeat in a swoop to sign this star.

ByWill Miller Aug 16, 2025

Fatawu may not be the finished product, but as an upgrade on Harrison and a player with genuine resale value, he could be one of the smartest additions of Everton’s summer.

A new year of Fantasy Premier League football is just around the corner, with the database now open for managers to select their 15-man squads for the 2025/26 season.

Prices have been revealed for the upcoming campaign and there have also been some changes in regards to the rules of FPL, such as how assists will be recorded.

However, before you can get started with building your squad, a team name is required, which is arguably one of the most important points of FPL. Whether it be a play on past or present footballers, having a name that stands out can always get an extra laugh out of mates and work colleagues.

Ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, we’ve taken a look at 100 of the best FPL names around today in a variety of different categories.

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ByBen Goodwin Jul 5, 2025 100 of the best FPL names for 2025/26

Ait Nouri Geller

Baby Reijnders

Back of the Neto

Beef Cherki

Bowen 747

Brennan Jerry’s

Cheesy Garnachos

Dunk and Disorderly

Eze Come, Eze Go

Haalandaise Sauce

Hakuna Mateta

Kai Me a River

Kinder Mbeumo

Livin’ Saliba Loca

Luke Kyle Walker

Major League Saka

Net Flekken Chill

Palmer Violets

Pro Evolution Saka

Shiver Me Timbers

AC/DC United

Ajax Trees Down

Bayer Neverlosin’

Bayern Bru

Bayern Maiden

Bilbao Baggins

Borussia Teeth

Cameroon Diaz

ChampagneSuperRovers

Cry Me A River Plate

Expected Toulouse

Fiorentina Turner

Imaginary Madrid

IsYourMotherwell

One Night In Palace

Pathetico Madrid

Spartak Costco

Sub-standard Liege

SucculentChineseLille

The Molde Peaches

Absolutely Fabregas

Benteke Fried Chicken

Blink 1-Eto’o

Cleverley named

Crouch Potato

Delph & Safety

Diego Costa Coffee

Hakuna Juan Mata

Ibe Gotta Feeling

Kings of Leon Osman

Krul and the Gang

Lady Yaya

Ninja Skrtels

Men Behaving Chadli

Moves Like Agger

Pepe Pig

Pjanic at the Isco

The Wizard of Ozil

Tinchy Sneijder

Two’s Kompany

50ShadesOfAndyGray

ABCDE FC

Alisson Blunderland

Backstreet Moyes

Ctrl + Alt + De Ligt

DropItLikeIt’sSlot

Flying Without Ings

Game Of Throw-Ins

Gangsters Allardyce

Giroud Awakening

Khedira Pin Drop

Klopps and Robbers

Löw Island

MurderOnZidanesFloor

Neville Wears Prada

Norfolk n’ Good

Obi 1 Kenobi 0

Sound of the Lloris

TAA Very Much

The Cesc Pistols

Who Ate All Depays?

Areola Grande

ABCDE FC

Charli xGx

Farke The Bus

Gavi Barlow

Gross Misconduct

Hotel? Thiago

How Dalot Can You Go

I Baleba Can Fly

Isak Newton

Just 1 Cornet 0

Lallanas in Pyjamas

MacAwoniyi Cheese

Rubber Digne Rapids

Rutter Woke Nonsense

Snoop Udogie Dogg

Stone Cole Steve Palmer

Tea & Busquets

Thomas The Frank Engine

Turkish De Ligt

You’re a Wissa Harry

Liverpool won the Premier League last season, and they are acting like it. Arne Slot’s side have spent a lot this summer, and there is more still to come, with FSG recognising the importance of consolidating this position of power.

With Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike on the cusp of sealing his £79m move to Merseyside, Liverpool have the Darwin Nunez upgrade they crave.

Though much work has been plied in the summer market, there is more to be done. Luis Diaz is slated to move to Bayern Munich, after all.

Should he leave, there’s no question that the Reds will need to find themselves a replacement.

Liverpool's shortlist of Diaz replacements

With Diaz looking more and more likely to leave Liverpool this summer, the likes of Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Newcastle United star Anthony Gordon have been touted as potential replacements.

The problem with such targets is that they would cost a steep amount of money. Perhaps too steep. While Liverpool could pull such deals off and remain within profit and sustainability good books, would it not be more worthwhile to target an up-and-comer for a shrewder figure, with so much quality already within Slot’s squad?

That’s why the Reds are seemingly ready to lodge a bid for Lyon’s Malick Fofana, who has been making waves in Ligue 1 over the past 18 months.

According to reports, the sale of Chiesa will advance FSG’s transfer plans, with the Belgium winger having been on Liverpool’s radar for many months. The Merseysiders are “expected to move for the Belgian” once the Italian departs.

Lyon value the 20-year-old as high as £51m, but Liverpool sporting director Richard Hughes will be set on securing his signature for a cheaper fee, chopped into instalments.

Why Liverpool should sign Malick Fofana

Fofana is a top talent, but he’s not yet even sighted the horizon on which his full potential is surmounted. Still, across 62 appearances with Lyon (whom he joined from Belgium club Genk in January 2024), he’s scored 15 goals and supplied seven assists.

Last term, the versatile winger hit 17 goal contributions despite only starting 23 matches across all competitions.

There’s a long way to go, but Fofana might even emerge as an even bigger talent than Ekitike in the long run, who is at a further stage in their development right now, true, but with Fofana already doing as well as he has over the past few years, there’s little question that he could be among the finest wideman in football in just a few years.

And looking at how Slot succeeds at coaching young talents to incredible levels, this is underscored further. Journalist Antonio Mango has drawn attention to Fofana’s “game-changing potential”, while journalist Dev Bajwa has praised his “electric” pace.

Should Liverpool sell Diaz, this is the man to go for. And that’s without even shining a light on Cody Gakpo, who played with regularity off the left flank for Slot’s team last term and thus would ease the burden that a youngster like Fofana would shoulder when making their way onto the senior Premier League stage.

You need only look at Ekitike’s growth in recent years. The 23-year-old left Reims for Paris Saint-Germain in a £30m deal in 2022 (rejecting Newcastle United) where he got lost in the crowd and jumped over to the Bundesliga, with Frankfurt.

Ekitike’s final term in Ligue 1 was with PSG in 2022/23, and from that peripheral campaign you perhaps don’t get the most accurate gauge on his skill set during that youthful stage in his homeland.

But the season before, with Reims, makes a firmer comment. From that, we can examine the teenage Frenchman’s quality and see how he compares to Fofana, who turned 20 in March.

Matches (starts)

29 (16)

24 (15)

Goals

5

10

Assists

4

3

Shots (on target)*

1.1 (0.5)

1.3 (0.8)

Big chances missed

4

6

Pass completion

84%

71%

Big chances created

6

3

Key passes*

0.9

0.7

Dribbles*

0.8

1.0

Tackles*

1.1

0.8

Duels won*

2.9

4.1

Ekitike is a centre-forward, but he’s mobile and athletically dynamic. At that point in his journey, the soon-to-be Liverpool star was fielded out on the left, arcing inwards in a showing of that natural predilection for goalscoring.

Both, furthermore, are firm defensive presences, tackling at a rate that bespeaks their quality as their side’s first line of defence.

But goals are Fofana’s forte, and his innate clinical edge could see him become an even more dangerous force than Ekitike, who is three years his senior.

Fofana ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last season for non-penalty goals scored and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref, perfectly illustrating that whipped blend of pace and potency.

It goes without saying that there would be a period of transition in which Fofana would not perform with the smooth completeness of Diaz, not look on the same level as Ekitike (who might himself require a bit of time to adapt to the pace of the English game).

But, nonetheless, Liverpool could strike gold by opting against spending something in the £100m ballpark on one of Gordon or Rodrygo and instead spending a more astute figure on Fofana, who is young and talented and hungry to prove himself.

It would be a better deal in the long run, and one which would see Liverpool enjoy the fruits of their labour which will have grown the wide forward into one of Europe’s most feared players all the same.

A better signing than Rodrygo: Liverpool leading race to land £45m star

Liverpool are hoping to make a few more signings in the summer transfer window.

ByAngus Sinclair Jul 23, 2025

A Sky Sports reporter has labelled a Leeds United sale a “done deal” after a “full agreement” was reached with the Whites.

Players who could leave Leeds this summer

Daniel Farke and the 49ers Enterprises have added to their squad already this summer with moves for Lukas Nmecha, Jaka Bijol and Sebastiaan Bornauw all moving to Elland Road.

However, there have also been some departures, with both Junior Firpo and Josuha Guilavogui leaving following the expiry of their contracts.

Huge Rothwell upgrade: Leeds make enquiry to sign "phenomenal" £30m star

Leeds United are interested in signing a star who would come in as an upgrade on Joe Rothwell.

ByDan Emery Jul 2, 2025

Joe Rothwell and Manor Solomon’s loan moves have both ended, with the former of the two since moving to Rangers, and more Leeds players could depart before the 2025/26 Premier League season.

Forward Mateo Joseph has been linked with a move to Real Betis, whereas Max Wober has also admitted he has been told to find a new club this summer.

Now, it looks as if the Austrian defender has found his new club following a recent transfer update.

Wober Leeds exit a “done deal” after "full agreement” with Werder Bremen

Linked with a move to Werder Bremen, Wober’s move to the Bundesliga side is now “considered a done deal”.

That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, who says that Bremen have a “full agreement with Leeds” and that Wober has agreed on a four-year deal with his new side.

Wober, a 6 foot 2 defender who can play as a centre-back or as a left-back, joined Leeds in 2023 but couldn’t help them remain in the Premier League.

Games

28

Goals

1

Yellow cards

5

Minutes played

1,837

He was loaned out to Borussia Mönchengladbach shortly after and returned to Yorkshire for the 24/25 campaign, playing nine times in all competitions. Farke did praise Wober, though, labelling him as a player with a “great mentality”.

“We knew he could play this position. He has played there for other clubs and for his country, but often more of a solid defender that closes the wings. But we have worked a lot on our offensive game with him.

“He’s perhaps not natural going forward, but he has a great mentality and always puts a shift in. If you do this, he has good technique and put a cross in, then you can effect the offence. Really good performance.”

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.

Let’s have a look at how the Magpies boss might pull it all together.

1 GK – James Trafford

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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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.

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.