It’s been a woeful start to life at Glasgow Rangers for Russell Martin and his Ibrox tenure could be coming to an end sooner than first thought following the latest update on his future.
Martin: I've got "more support ever" at Rangers
Out of the Champions League and yet to win a game in the Scottish Premiership, it can’t get much worse for Martin at Rangers. The former Southampton manager was backed all throughout the summer transfer window by the 49ers, but has not been able to turn that investment into much-needed results.
Rangers boss Russell Martin squating on the touchline
The international break no doubt comes at a good time for all involved, but Martin is not worried about losing his job. The manager revealed that he has “more support than ever” by those in charge at Ibrox after a 0-0 draw against Celtic in the Old Firm derby.
Although he chose to remain positive, however, reports have suggested that any support for Martin could be coming to an end sooner rather than later in Scotland with a number of replacements already mooted.
How many games Martin has left at Rangers
According to Football Insider reporter Wayne Veysey, Rangers are preparing to sack Martin this month, and, therefore, he has just four games to potentially save his job.
The report claims that only a dramatic turnaround would prevent any quick decision, with a ‘growing expectation within the club that Martin will be gone by the end of September’.
Rangers vs Hearts
September 13
Rangers vs Hibernian
September 20
Rangers vs Genk
September 25
Livingston vs Rangers
September 28
The report comes just one day after Thelwell – Rangers’ sporting director – publicly hailed Martin as “one of the best” in a clear backing of the manager that he handpicked to join the club in the summer.
A lot can, of course, change in football at any given moment, but there’s no denying that Martin has given himself an uphill climb. His current record in the Scottish Premiership has been a particular disappointment, whilst a 9-1 thrashing accross two legs at the hands of Club Brugge in the Champions League hardly did wonders when it came to getting fans onside.
Derby County are preparing for their third Championship game of the season as they face last year’s play-off contenders Bristol City on Friday.
Ahead of the game, John Eustace spoke to RamsTV about the Bristol game and about last weekend’s dramatic 5-3 defeat at home to Coventry: “Obviously, we’ve got to defend better. To score three goals at home is really pleasing, to concede five is not so pleasing.”
Callum Elder mirrored his manager’s concern with Derby’s start to the season defensively, saying: “That’s the first two games of the season now we’ve taken leads in the league and haven’t been able to see it through.”
As the team trains for Bristol City behind the scenes, the board are pushing to sign one of their most sought-after targets who should help with Eustace’s defensive concerns.
Derby place third bid for Scotland's Johnston
Derby County have placed a third bid for Sturm Graz right back Max Johnston. The Scottish right back has made 65 appearances for the Austrian side, and this year, he earned his first senior cap for Scotland.
Johnston has been a consistent target for Derby, and the Rams haven’t been put off by their two unsuccessful bids. Derby’s first bid was valued at £1.4 million, and their second bid around £1.6 million.
Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph has now reported that Derby have bid £2 million. Johnston is currently on £7,900-a-year, meaning to match his current wage, Derby would have to make him one of their six highest-paid players.
Sturm Graz spent just over £300,000 on Johnston in 2023 and will be making a massive return on their investment if they accept this bid.
Johnston may solve Eustace's right back situation
The Rams are currently short-handed at right back as Kane Wilson is recovering from knee surgery, leaving Ryan Nyambe as the squad’s only traditional right back.
Joe Ward has also been used on that right-hand side when playing a back three, but his strengths lie in attack, meaning Eustace is still limited in terms of defensive alternatives. While Wilson did return to training on Monday, the manager hasn’t provided an update as to when he’ll be back playing games, and they will likely have to use him carefully to avoid any aggravation to his knee.
This may explain the acceleration towards a deal for Johnston, after their defensive frailties were put on full display against Coventry. Signing a young talent, who is at a career high market value having scored in his last Austrian Bundesliga outing, may be the catalyst to kick-start Derby’s Championship season.
With Wilson back and hopefully with the addition of Johnston, Eustace will have a range of options to play on his right-hand side. Wilson and Nyambe can serve as the traditional defensive right backs, Ward and the other wingers can be the more offensive options, and Johnston can serve as a hybrid, pitching in both defensively and offensively.
Celtic recently made another addition to their squad with the signing of versatile central defender Hayato Inamura from Japanese side Albirex Niigata.
The 23-year-old star, who can play as either a centre-back or as a left-back, has joined the Scottish giants on a four year deal ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
Celtic supporters should not be expecting him to play week-in-week-out in the Scottish Premiership next season, though, as it has been revealed that the defender is a signing for the future.
When asked if he would be part of the first-team squad, Brendan Rodgers said: “No, he won’t be. He’s a part of the investment of the club.”
Celtic manager BrendanRodgersbefore the match
The head coach added that the Hoops will “see where he’s at as a young player and then it’s whether he stays with the squad or whether he has to go out on loan” during pre-season.
This means that fellow left-footed central defender Auston Trusty may be safe for now, after he endured a difficult first season at Parkhead last term.
Why Auston Trusty is in a difficult position at Celtic
Despite the fact that left-footed defender Liam Scales earned a place in the PFA Team of the Year at the end of the 2024/25 campaign, Celtic decided to pay a reported fee of £5m to sign left-sided centre-back Trusty from Sheffield United last summer.
£5m was a healthy sum of money to spend on a player who plays in the same position as a star who was named the best in his position in the division the previous season, which suggests that the club felt he would come in as an upgrade on Scales.
Unfortunately, that did not turn out to be the case as Trusty endured a frustrating first season in Glasgow, and ended the campaign as second-choice behind the Ireland international.
The American dud was an unused substitute in six of the last eight games, including the SFA Cup final, and that was because Scales significantly outperformed him.
Start
22
21
Clean sheets
10
14
Dribbled past per game
0.5x
0.2x
Clearances per game
4.0
4.8
Ground duel success rate
63%
68%
Aerial duel success rate
65%
74%
Error led to shot
4
1
Error led to goal
1
0
As you can see in the table above, the Irishman was far more effective for Celtic in the Premiership than Trusty, with fewer errors and a higher success rate in duels, helping the team to keep more clean sheets in the process.
The £5m signing, who was criticised against Aberdeen in his most recent appearance, is in a difficult position at Parkhead, and it is one that could get even worse for him.
Celtic eyeing new left-sided defender
According to CelticWay, the Scottish Premiership champions are ‘considering’ a bid to sign Familicao central defender Justin De Haas this summer.
The report claims that the Hoops are weighing up an approach for the Dutch centre-back to bolster their ranks after Maik Nawrocki clinched a loan move to German outfit Hannover.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
It states that Celtic scouts have assessed De Haas during the summer transfer window, and the club are now plotting a potential swoop to bring him to Parkhead.
The 25-year-old defender, who is said to be attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, is valued at around £3m by the Portuguese club, and it remains to be seen whether or not the Hoops are prepared to pay that asking price.
Celtic should now press ahead with a deal to bring the left-footed defender to Parkhead in the coming weeks because he could send Trusty packing this summer.
Why this is bad news for Auston Trusty
This report of the club’s interest in De Haas is bad news for the USA international because it could mean that the former Sheffield United man is surplus to requirements in Glasgow, just 12 months on from his arrival.
As aforementioned, Trusty has already fallen behind Scales in the pecking order in the left-sided centre-back position because of his poor performances in the Premiership last term.
It then seems unlikely that Celtic would pay £3m to bring in another left-footed defender, who is 25 and in the prime years of his career, to be a third-choice option in that position, which is why this could spell danger for Trusty, as he may have to find a new club.
Whilst there is no reported suggestion yet that the American flop is likely to move on from Parkhead, the signing of De Haas could leave him with little game time behind two other players in his position, especially given that Rodgers has made it clear that he wants to play left-footers on the left and right-footers on the right at centre-back.
Appearances
29
22
Goals
2
1
Tackles + interceptions per game
3.0
2.3
Dribbled past per game
0.3x
0.5x
Clearances per game
5.4
4.0
Error led to shot
0
4
Error led to goal
1
1
Penalties committed
0
0
As you can see in the table above, the £3m-rated colossus outperformed Trusty at league level last season, whilst playing in the Portuguese top-flight, by making more defensive interventions and fewer big errors at the back.
The 6 foot 4 giant, who has previously been described as “aerially dominant” by RangersJournal writer Kai Watson, could come in as another upgrade on the American dud, on top of Scales already being one.
This is why Trusty could be sent packing this summer because the arrival of a second left-footed centre-back who is even better than him could limit his game time next season and force the defender to consider his long-term future at Parkhead.
Of course, Rodgers could go against his preference and use a left-footed player as a back-up option to Cameron Carter-Vickers in the right centre-back role, but that would not be ideal for the left-footed Trusty either.
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Therefore, this latest development will not come as good news for the former Arsenal centre-back, who could find himself on the chopping block this summer.
When Liverpool last won the league, their transfer window was hardly filled with much inspiration. The most notable of arrivals saw Diogo Jota join from Wolves.
This time around, things are vastly different. The Reds are attacking things hard and have already made a seismic statement.
Liverpool summer transfer window in 2020
In 2025, Liverpool have already spent more than that aforementioned window, firstly bringing in Jeremie Frimpong to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold and then signing £116m man Florian Wirtz.
There’s more to come in the form of Bournemouth defender Milos Kerkez, while Alexander Isak continues to be linked with a move to Anfield. Just imagine that.
Once the Kerkez move is completed, the Reds could turn their attention towards another Premier League defender.
Liverpool seeking to bolster their defence
Frimpong has arrived to strengthen the right-hand side and before too long, Kerkez will come in to bolster the left.
The latest on that move is that Liverpool have now agreed a £40m deal to bring the Hungarian full-back to Merseyside.
AFC Bournemouth's MilosKerkez
Reports suggest that the player has already undergone his medical with the club and has been spotted at the training ground.
So, with that move wrapped up, Liverpool could now look at getting a move over the line for Crystal Palace defender, Marc Guehi.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
A few days ago now it was reported that Richard Hughes and Co were preparing an offer to sign the England centre-back and a deal is now said to be moving in the right direction on the player side.
According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are now ‘very close’ to reaching an agreement with the player on personal terms.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
It’s widely thought that Guehi will be allowed to leave Selhurst Park this summer with only one year remaining on his current deal. The Eagles value him at £70m but due to his contract situation, they may be forced to sell for around £45m.
Liverpool face plenty of competition for the defender’s signature, notably from Newcastle United.
How Guehi could emulate Mac Allister at Anfield
Liverpool have had great success at signing players from fellow Premier League clubs. The aforementioned Jota, despite his injury history, has done a sterling job, scoring 65 goals in 182 matches.
In recent years, Alexis Mac Allister stands proud as one of their finest investments.
In the summer of 2023, the Reds needed to strengthen in the middle of the park following the exits of Jordan Henderson and Fabinho. They did so by bringing in Mac Allister, a World Cup winner, from Brighton in a deal worth £35m.
That fee has turned out to be a bargain. The Argentine is not just one of the most consistent players in the Liverpool team but he’s also one of the most consistent figures in the entire Premier League.
His peers think so as well, with the midfielder nominated for the PFA’s Player of the Season award alongside Mohammed Salah.
That is a fine reward for the South American who enjoyed a fabulous campaign in the engine room. A natural leader, he certainly led by example with his performances, scoring seven goals and registering six assists in 49 matches across all competitions.
Vitally, Mac Allister didn’t need much time to adapt to Liverpool, largely because he’d already had great success in England with Brighton.
Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister
Guehi is a similar situation. Of course, he’s English, which will certainly help the adaptation period, but the fact he’s already starred in the Premier League will no doubt make this a truly risk-free signing for Slot and Co.
It’s in the last year that the Eagles star has really started to make a statement with his performances.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehireacts after the match
Since coming through at Chelsea, many have tipped the defender for big things and he could realise that by making a move to Anfield this summer. He’s deserving of a move, notably heralded as “England’s best centre-back” by one content creator following his displays at last summer’s European Championships.
Since then, he’s only gone from strength to strength. Guehi, the current captain at Palace, was one of the main factors behind their recent FA Cup success, famously beating Manchester City in the final.
Key passes
Top 11%
Progressive passes
Top 31%
Through balls
Top 9%
Tackles
Top 22%
Blocks
Top 20%
Ball recoveries
Top 29%
In doing so, he kept a clean sheet, showing his ability to perform in the big games. Like Mac Allister, he’s incredibly consistent. He didn’t make a single error leading to a goal all season in the Premier League and only made two errors leading to a shot.
In fact, since he signed for Palace, he’s only made two errors leading to a goal and four errors leading to a shot in the league. In the words of football writer Stuart James, he is an “incredible” defender.
For added context, Ibrahima Konate made one error leading to a goal last season and two leading to a shot. Since moving to Liverpool, he’s made five errors leading to a goal in the top-flight. On that evidence, Guehi is a little smarter, certainly more consistent.
Like Mac Allister, he could be the risk-free bargain signing that would make Liverpool even better. If a deal can be done for £45m, it’s a no-brainer.
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Liverpool are in the market for a centre-forward this summer.
Leeds United have had some brilliant academy products down the years, but one youngster they’ve had on their books has not reached his potential after being likened to Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney at youth level.
Leeds’ best ever academy products
The Whites have been responsible for producing a number of well-known Premier League players over the last 30 years from their famous academy. Some, as a result of the club’s well-documented financial problems in the early 2000’s, made their name known at first team level elsewhere.
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Meanwhile, others have impressed at Elland Road before being snapped up in the transfer market, the latest being Archie Gray, who joined Tottenham in 2024 in a deal thought to be worth £40m.
Leeds’ best academy products in pictures
Right now, Leeds have Archie’s younger brother, Harry Gray, coming through the ranks, and he actually made his first-team debut at the age of 16 years, 6 months, and 13 days.
1
Peter Lorimer
15 years, 9 months and 19 days
2
Tom Elliott
16 years, 2 months and 25 days
3
Aaron Lennon
16 years, 4 months and 7 days
4
Harry Gray
16 years, 6 months, and 13 days
5
James Milner
16 years, 10 months and 6 days
6
Neil Aspin
16 years, 10 months and 8 days
7
Aidy White
16 years, 10 months and 16 days
8
Simon Walton
16 years, 10 months and 25 days
9
Jimmy Greenhoff
16 years, 10 months and 26 days
10
Ryan Edmondson
16 years, 11 months and 16 days
Those in Yorkshire will be hoping they can keep hold of the forward, who is already being likened to Michael Owen and Harry Kane, but one attacker who hasn’t lived up to the hype has been Joe Gelhardt.
Leeds talent set to be sold after Gerrard and Rooney comparisons
Many expected big things when Leeds swooped to sign Gelhardt from Wigan Athletic in 2020 under Marcelo Bielsa following the club’s promotion to the Premier League. A deal for the exciting teenager cost the Whites just £1m, and he would progress into the first team, making his top flight debut in 2021.
Leeds forward Joe Gelhardt.
The attacker has gone on to score just three goals for the Whites, one of which being a stoppage-time winner against Norwich City, while he also produced a piece of brilliant skill which helped keep Leeds in the Premier League in 2022.
However, Gelhardt has struggled for consistency and has been sent out on loan to Sunderland and Hull City, and now looks set to be sold on a permanent basis in 2025 if a club comes in with an offer in the region of £3m-£4m.
Long-time Merseyside Boys’ manager Tim Wyatt even said that Gelhardt caught the eye just as much as Steven Gerrard and Wayne Rooney did when they were all 14 years of age.
Wigan’s former head of academy and now sporting director Gregor Rioch was also full of praise for Gelhardt while he was at the Latics, saying he “had the X-factor”.
It’s a case of what could have been for Gelhardt at Elland Road, and still just 23 years of age, he’ll be looking to get his career back on track elsewhere.
Celtic are looking to retain their Scottish Premiership title next term and could look to bring in a talented competitor for Kieran Tierney at left-back, according to a report.
Kieran Tierney's Celtic return kicks off busy summer of transfer activity
Brendan Rodgers could be a busy man at Celtic this summer in the transfer window. Tierney’s homecoming at Parkhead should officially be announced any minute as fans wait for confirmation of his return to Glasgow’s east end.
Joining on a free transfer from Arsenal, the Scotland international comes back to his boyhood club on a mission after winning eight trophies during his first spell and establishing himself as a modern-day icon.
Bowing out with a goal in his final appearance for the Gunners at Southampton, Tierney is expected to be joined by Aberdeen goalkeeper Ross Doohan at Celtic.
The Lennoxtown academy graduate came through at the same time as Tierney and will report back to Parkhead once his contract at Aberdeen expires.
Speculation over Rodgers’ future as he enters the final year of his deal has become a talking point in the off-season. Regardless, former scout Mick Brown expects Celtic to spend big this summer following their Scottish Cup final defeat last weekend.
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He stated: “There’s been some talk about the manager’s future as well, and I’m sure he expects to be backed. The board have to show that they’re behind him and they share his ambitions.
“So I think they’ll be prepared to spend big this summer, it’s something they have to do because otherwise they risk that gap closing.”
Tapping into that theme, Celtic are now reportedly eyeing a swoop for a competitor to Tierney who could arrive to strengthen the ranks at left-back.
Celtic enter race to sign Peterborough United left-back Harley Mills
According to The Scottish Sun, Celtic have entered the race to sign Peterborough United full-back Harley Mills as they seek depth to supplement Tierney’s arrival.
Harley Mills in action for Peterborough United.
The 19-year-old started the campaign at Enfield Town on loan, but returned to his parent club and scored in their famous 2-0 victory over Birmingham City in the Vertu Trophy final at Wembley Stadium earlier this year.
Harley Mills in League One for Peterborough United (Fotmob)
Duels won
53
Tackles won
16
Dribble success
66.7%
Interceptions
11
Aerial duels
17
Recoveries
26
Combining his outings at both clubs, Mills made 25 appearances across all competitions this term and has previously been labelled “outstanding” by Jamal Campbell-Ryce.
Fulham have been interested in the youngster and Peterborough are said to be mulling over a £1 million offer made for his services, though Celtic may now hope to swat aside rival suitors to land their man.
Greg Taylor appears set to leave Parkhead under freedom of contract and no indication has come forth regarding Jeffrey Schlupp returning after his loan spell, which has opened up a space for Mills to potentially join Celtic and rival Tierney if they can push a deal over the line.
Liverpool fans have been treated to an incredible year under the wing of Arne Slot, and it’s only going to get better, with FSG making serious moves in the overtures of the summer transfer window.
A deal for Jeremie Frimpong is being finalised, and the Bayer Leverkusen right-sider will join as Trent Alexander-Arnold’s ostensible replacement.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
But it’s another of a Werkself persuasion who is slated to be the true heir to Trent’s playmaking position. Indeed, in a saga moving faster than Mohamed Salah in his heyday, Liverpool are now clear favourites to sign Florian Wirtz, who has rejected Bayern Munich in favour of a move to Anfield this summer.
With Manchester City previously withdrawing from consideration (perhaps because they knew he favoured Merseyside?), everything is in place for sporting director Richard Hughes to finalise a deal.
It would be a record signing for Liverpool, but it’s one which makes a whole lot of sense.
Why Liverpool need Florian Wirtz
A deal for Wirtz is almost done, as per transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. Liverpool won the Premier League this season, but they aren’t resting on their laurels.
Though Slot’s system still needs a reliable and out-and-out striker, this is a stunning coup that signals a statement of intent. Bayern and Man City both wanted Wirtz, but he chose Anfield.
And what a player. As per FBref, the 22-year-old ranks among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goal contributions, the top 7% for shot-creating actions and progressive passes and the top 4% for successful take-ons per 90.
His ability to manipulate space and wrongfoot opponents is second to none; moreover, Wirtz is remarkably switched on, always making the right call and demonstrating precision through his creativity and his ball-striking ability.
This season alone, Wirtz has scored 16 goals and provided 15 assists across all competitions for Leverkusen. Last term, he spearheaded an invincible Bundesliga triumph, earning the division’s Player of the Season award; he won the DFB-Pokal too.
He’s the real deal, all right, having been hailed as a “generational talent” by sports media professional Cristian Nyari. And Liverpool might even be gearing up to partner him with a thriving centre-forward.
Liverpool considering move for LaLiga star
As per Spanish sources, Liverpool are battling Bayern Munich for yet another high-profile signing, with the two powerhouses joining Arsenal in a bid to sign Julian Alvarez.
The Argentina star has been immense since joining Atletico Madrid last summer, and while the La Liga giants don’t want to sell, they would be tempted by offers reaching toward the €100m (£85m) mark.
Atletico Madrid striker Julian Alvarez
It’s too early to say which direction this story will take in the coming weeks, but Liverpool bosses may feel they have a trump card in Darwin Nunez, a striker they hope to offload this summer and a player who has been reported to be on Los Colchoneros’ radar.
The report claims that the Reds are one of the clubs considering a move to sign the World Cup-winning marksman, and that they would be interested in including Nunez as part of a deal for the striker.
What Julian Alvarez would bring to Liverpool
Liverpool supporters know Alvarez well, for he won a shedload of silverware across two seasons with Manchester City before leaving for Atletico Madrid in a whopping £82m deal last summer.
Julian Alvarez for Manchester City.
That figure raised a few eyebrows, but Diego Simeone will certainly feel he has received bang for his buck after the Argentine’s prolific season, surpassing any of his individual success at the Etihad Stadium.
Alvarez’s fine-tuned clinical edge could actually see him leap over Wirtz as Liverpool’s most important signing of the summer, especially when considering the issues the club have been beset with at number nine this term, Nunez and Diogo Jota’s troubles leading Luis Diaz into a makeshift centre-forward role.
River Plate
122
54
31
Manchester City
103
36
19
Atletico Madrid
53
29
6
Argentina
44
12
33
Refocused into more of a goalscoring force than his times in England, Alvarez has been described as “the best forward in the world” this season by journalist Roy Nemer, having indeed reached the verge of the 30-goal mark in his first year in Spain.
Alvarez might be a prolific player, but that’s not why Liverpool have a vested interest, of course. As per FBref, the 5 foot 8 striker ranks among the top 6% of positional peers across Europe this season for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, the top 7% for progressive passes, and the top 8% for progressive carries per 90.
This completeness and dynamism suggest Alvarez would be the perfect addition to Slot’s ranks, the perfect upgrade at number nine. He’s considered by FBref’s data-driven analytics to be a comparable player to Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, and would be far cheaper at that.
Securing the 25-year-old’s signature alongside Wirtz’s would represent a staggering coup for Liverpool, but given the need for a new striker, he would indeed prove the standout, not just a new goalscorer but a multi-faceted force to be reckoned with.
Alvarez has scored 17 goals in La Liga this season, and he has only missed seven big chances, as per Sofascore, bespeaking his newfound skill as an elite marksman.
Wirtz is going to be a stunning acquisition, for sure, but Liverpool are already relatively well stocked in their attacking midfield area, whereas up front there is a gaping hole for a reliable marksman.
If FSG manage to pull this one off after swiping Germany’s prized playmaker from the Bundesliga, beating Bayern to the finish line on both occasions, it speaks highly of Michael Edwards’ vision and Liverpool’s potential over the coming years.
Fans have rejoiced over the triumph in the Premier League this season, but you might say that success has merely scratched the surface of what this team is capable of.
Open to leaving: Liverpool “machine” would be finished if FSG sign Wirtz
Liverpool are going punch-for-punch with Bayern Munich in the fight to sign Florian Wirtz.
It’s not long until silly season begins, with that weird hinterland between the end of the 2024/25 campaign and the opening of the summer transfer window already affecting Liverpool.
Only, the recent rumours that Florian Wirtz is on Anfield’s radar as Arne Slot works with sporting director Richard Hughes to determine the best strategy to strengthen his title-winning side this summer.
Richard Hughes and Arne Slot
Once upon a time, such a signing would have indeed felt absurd for the Reds, but this is a new era on Merseyside and it’s one to keep an eye on, to be sure.
How much Wirtz may cost Liverpool
Liverpool fans have been getting themselves acquainted with Wirtz this week. The Bayer Leverkusen star is being anticipated to leave this summer, and, yes, he’s on FSG’s watchlist.
The problem, naturally, is that Manchester City are also keen on signing the German playmaker up, with The Athletic even revealing on Wednesday that the Premier League behemoths have held talks with Wirtz’s representatives
Bayern Munich are still in the driving seat, but this is proving to be an open race, one which could end with the 22-year-old at any of the destinations.
Wirtz, who has plundered 31 goal contributions this year after winning last year’s Bundesliga Player of the Season as an invincible champion, would likely cost Liverpool €150m (about £126m) to prise away from Leverkusen.
As with Alexander Isak, it would be foolish not to have an alternative lined up; luckily, FSG do at that.
Liverpool Dream XI
Liverpool's dream Wirtz alternative
Liverpool clearly fancy a new playmaking midfielder, and though Wirtz is the cream of the crop, Xavi Simons isn’t far behind him.
Simons has gone from strength to strength in the Bundesliga, no longer one of the pack at Paris Saint-Germain and instead a “superstar” who is “destined for greatness,” as has been claimed by analyst Ben Mattinson.
The 22-year-old has been a key presence for RB Leipzig over the past two seasons, scoring 20 goals and laying on 23 more assists over 70 appearances.
Back in March, it was revealed that Liverpool were preparing a £67 bid for Simons, and while that didn’t materialise, the interest is genuine and he’s got his sights on the Premier League. Last Slot would love to work with his countryman, who would fit right into his midfield.
This is something of a Dutch revolution, after all. Simons is destined for the Premier League, insofar as he wants to join and has the skill set to flourish on English soil.
Like Wirtz, Simons is comfortable across a wealth of attacking positions, perhaps even more so. This season, he’s flitted back and forth from left wing and a more central attacking position, effective from both vantages.
So then, a young and right-footed playmaker with a dynamic approach. He ticks many of the same boxes as Wirtz, and he holds his own from a technical standpoint too.
Matches (starts)
30 (24)
24 (24)
Goals
10
9
Assists
12
7
Shots (on target)*
2.5 (1.2)
1.9 (0.8)
Pass completion
82%
83%
Big chances created
17
12
Key passes*
1.9
2.1
Dribbles*
2.7
1.3
Ball recoveries*
3.6
5.2
Tackles*
1.1
1.1
Duels won*
5.3
5.4
Honestly, there isn’t all that much to differentiate the two playmakers. Maybe Wirtz pips Simons, but the Netherlands international has got more than enough to make a real impact on Slot’s side.
Indeed, given that Leipzig would be seeking out a smaller fortune for his sale too, it’s something of a no-brainer given the size of the rebuild that is needed this summer.
Xavi Simons celebrates
If you needed a further illustration of the little magician’s ability, FBref have laid out even more of Simons’ impressive data from the 2024/25 campaign.
It’s shown that he ranks among the top 11% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for touches, the top 6% for ball recoveries, the top 12% for shot-creating actions, the top 1% for through balls, the top 12% for passes attempted and the top 13% for progressive passes per 90.
Truly, he’s one of the best passers out there. Given that Simons has scored more goals than he’s assisted this season, moreover, there’s even more excitement sure to be emanating from the Reds camp, whose pursuit of Wirtz could lead them to Simons, and it’s hard to suggest they’d be significantly worse off for it.
He’s withheld from mentioning him until this point, but Trent Alexander-Arnold’s expected move to Real Madrid demands a new elite-level playmaker to bolster Slot’s squad.
With a deal for Jeremie Frimpong reportedly in the closing stages, Liverpool have moved swiftly to secure competition for Conor Bradley. But neither full-back represents the one-of-a-kind creative quality of Trent.
Slot is actually clever to be shifting the playmaking focus into a more conventional number ten berth. Whether this gambit proves to be a success remains to be seen, but if Wirtz and Simons are the targets, it’s hard to envisage all that much going wrong for the Premier League champions.
It’s an exciting time to be a Liverpool fan.
A dream for Salah: Liverpool moving to sign "the world's best midfielder"
Liverpool boss Arne Slot’s season will be rewarded in the transfer market this summer.
Rangers and the 49ers Enterprises are believed to be interested in signing an “incredibly athletic” player in the summer transfer window, according to an update from journalist Sebastien Denis.
Rangers and 49ers eyeing new manager and signings
The Gers are coming towards the end of what has ultimately been a disappointing season, starting with the doomed reign of Philippe Clement, who allowed his side to drift too far behind Celtic in the Scottish Premiership title race.
Barry Ferguson came in and steadied the ship in interim charge, guiding Rangers to the quarter-finals of the Europa League, but it looks like a permanent replacement will arrive in the summer. Sheffield Wednesday boss Danny Rohl has been mentioned as an option in recent days, with the German looking increasingly likely to leave the Owls at the end of the season.
Meanwhile, the likes of Steven Gerrard and Marco Rose are seen as the front-runners to come in at Ibrox as the 49ers plan for a busy first summer. In terms of new signings on the pitch, Bobby Clark has been linked with a summer move to Rangers, with the former Liverpool youngster currently at RB Salzburg. Playing time has been hard to come by, though, with just two substitute appearances coming his way in the Austrian Bundesliga this season.
Rangers want to sign "incredibly athletic" £6m+ defender
Now according to a new claim from Denis on X, Estoril defender Kevin Boma is a “very popular” option for Rangers, as well as Basel and Union Berlin, with the Scottish giants eyeing a move for him in the summer window.
He goes on to describe the 22-year-old as “already one of the best defenders in Portugal” and his current club could demand as much as £6.8m for his signature.
Boma may not be the most renowned Rangers target in recent months, but the fact that Denis speaks so highly of him immediately suggests he could be an exciting young addition for next season and beyond.
The Estoril ace has won two caps for Togo at senior international level, having previously represented France’s Under-18s, and journalist Kai Watson has described him as “incredibly athletic”.
The fee that Estoril are demanding for Boma doesn’t seem too steep, considering his long-term potential, so Rangers could be looking at him as a strong option to be a mainstay at the heart of their defence for years to come.
Rangers may join race for exciting coach who learned trade at Bayern Munich
He’s set to leave his current club.
ByTom Cunningham May 9, 2025
Becoming more defensively resolute will aid them in their efforts to close the gap on Celtic in 2025/26, with the Gers conceding 15 more goals than their rivals in the league, which has played a part in their title challenge petering out the longer the campaign has gone on.
In what would be a statement move in his first few months in the job, Arsenal’s new sporting director Andrea Berta has now reportedly made an approach to sign a top Manchester United target.
All eyes on PSG for Arsenal
With the Premier League title race over and Liverpool confirmed as champions, Arsenal have all of their focus on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final against Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday. Heading to France with a 1-0 deficit to overturn courtesy of Ousmane Dembele’s early strike last time out, the Gunners have it all to do.
Bournemouth’s trip to The Emirates this weekend should simply be seen as the chance for Mikel Arteta to rest key men. In a season full of injuries, the Spaniard must take control of the narrative and avoid what would be the most frustrating absences heading into Wednesday.
The Arsenal boss rallied his troops after their disappointing 1-0 defeat against PSG on Tuesday, telling reporters: “It’s half-time. I said exactly the same message after we beat Real Madrid 3-0 [in the quarter-final first leg at the Emirates]. Go to Paris, win the game, and we are through.
“That’s what we have to do. We saw two teams that are very aggressive, intense, not a lot of margins. Their keeper made two saves that normally are goals and those are the margins you have in these games.”
Mega Kiwior upgrade: Arsenal initiate talks for "superb" £34m monster
The experienced international could be just what Arsenal need.
ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025
After frustration in the title race, Arsenal will be desperate to avoid even more heartbreak on the European stage. There’s no doubt that winning the Champions League would have a major impact on Arteta’s project on and off the pitch too, especially when chasing summer transfer targets.
Berta makes Arsenal approach to sign Trincao
Instantly ruffling a few feathers, Berta has reportedly set his sights on a top Manchester United target. According to Record in Portugal, Berta has now made an approach to sign Francisco Trincao from Sporting CP this summer and has already had scouts in place to take note of his impressive campaign.
The winger, who is represented by the same agency as United stars Manuel Ugarte and Leny Yoro, has been reborn in Portugal following a failed spell at Wolverhampton Wanderers. Now, four years on from leaving the Premier League and failing to make his loan move permanent, Trincao could be back with a vengeance courtesy of Arsenal.
By signing the winger, Arsenal would also solve a major problem of theirs by welcoming an added creative spark and someone who would provide instant backup for Bukayo Saka.
Starts
31
17
Goals
8
6
Assists
14
10
Key Passes per 90
2.42
3.02
Described as “terrific” by U23 scout Antonio Mango in 2022, Trinaco has only reached new levels ever since and his eye for an assist is particularly impressive. As Martin Odegaard’s numbers continue to fall too, it’s the type of passing ability that Arteta arguably needs at his disposal more than ever at Arsenal.