Nottingham Forest are set to embark on a new era under Ange Postecoglou, though their newly-appointed boss has been dealt a serious injury blow at the City Ground.
Ange Postecoglou set to get to work at Nottingham Forest
Tottenham Hotspur and Celtic fans will attest to the notion that Nottingham Forest fans will experience an exciting rollercoaster under Postecoglou’s stewardship. Still, his trophy-winning exploits at both have created an intriguing dynamic on the River Trent.
Speaking after his arrival to replace Nuno Espirito Santo, the Australian has made it clear he feels the Tricky Trees have a squad capable of competing on all fronts while he is in charge.
Intriguingly, Nottingham Forest star Jota Silva is set for Besiktas in a deal that could be worth over £17 million by next summer, offering an early boost to the coffers ahead of 2026.
After a mixed start to the campaign, the Tricky Trees will have designs on creeping up the Premier League table, and there will be plenty of positivity among supporters that they can begin to strike up a run of results.
However, Postecoglou may now have suffered a blow upon entering the dugout as one of his players could be out until the New Year with an injury concern.
Nottingham Forest see Ola Aina sustain serious injury
According to National World, Nottingham Forest star Ola Aina has been ruled out for around three months due to a hamstring injury, signifying that he may not return to the pitch until 2026.
John Percy described it as a “big early setback” for Postecoglou, and addressing his status, Postecoglou stated before his side faced Arsenal:
Ange must now unleash Nottingham Forest star who "spelt the end for Nuno"
It isn’t just Omari Hutchinson who Nuno didn’t appear to fancy at Nottingham Forest.
ByJoe Nuttall Sep 12, 2025
The Nigeria international has featured in all of Nottingham Forest’s Premier League fixtures until this point. However, it may now be over to Nicolo Savona to take over the mantle while he works his way up to full fitness.
Postecoglou had to deal with widespread injury concerns at Tottenham last term, so if anything, the Australian boss will hope this is an isolated setback.
Newcastle United know two things: they are set to continue their wonderful journey with Alexander Isak fronting Eddie Howe’s project; Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike will not join them, and instead is set for Liverpool.
It’s a funny one to dissect. On one hand, United have likely missed out on another top target in the final third; Ekitike is a young striker with vast potential, talent scout Jacek Kulig even claiming he “could definitely reach world-class striker levels.”
However, if Liverpool reach their quarry, they are effectively eliminated from any future chase concerning Isak.
The Sweden striker is world-class, but Newcastle still need to sign a number nine with Callum Wilson having left Tyneside at the end of his contract.
Newcastle want new striker
With Ekitike seemingly off the cards, Newcastle have set their sights on Brentford’s Yoane Wissa, who scored 20 goals in 2024/25.
Wissa, 28, is valued at £50m and has been confirmed as Howe’s new top target by The Athletic’s David Ornstein. However, with Bryan Mbeumo set to sign for Manchester United, the Magpies might want to find an alternative.
And they have done so. According to Sport BILD, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez has been lined up by the PIF bosses in a shocking twist. The 25-year-old is expected to leave Jürgen Klopp’s squad this summer, with Saudi Arabian interest being heavy, and the striker is valued in the region of £65m.
Fabrizio Romano has since chimed in to note that Newcastle have not engaged in any talks concerning Nunez, although he didn’t shut the door on a potential move.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
It might not be the most popular track Newcastle could head down, but there’s meaning in the madness. Nunez’s prime years are ostensibly ahead of him, and he’s younger and more malleable than Wissa.
Howe, more to the point, is one of the sharpest tactical minds out there.
Why Newcastle are considering Darwin Nunez
Make no mistake, this would be quite the peculiar finish to a transfer saga with more twists than a high-octane thriller novel. Certainly, few would see this one coming.
However, Nunez is a maverick, one of the most talented strikers in the Premier League, if not one of the most consistent. Noted for his “chaotic” energy by The Athletic’s Christopher Hamill, the Uruguayan has spent three years on English shores, and he’s been something of a mixed bag.
Missed chances have been a common theme, with 55 such chances squandered in spite of his modest 25-goal return, as per Sofascore, in the Premier League, but he’s also posted a decent return of 66 goal contributions across 143 appearances in a Liverpool shirt, including just 76 starting roles.
Say what you want, but 40 goals and 26 assists marks not a decent haul across 76 starts. The ingredients for success are there.
Liverpool'sDarwinNunezreacts
It’s worth noting that Nunez’s finishing improved somewhat last season too. He missed eight big chances in the Premier League last term, converting five strikes.
This, at the very least, illustrates a slight upturn in his shooting, something Howe would be sure to work on with him.
And, of course, St. James’ Park has suffered the bitter taste of how effective Nunez can be when on his A-game.
Howe might provide the helping hand Nunez needs to escape from a sorry situation at Anfield, with Newcastle offering the perfect recourse to lift him back up and into the sphere which he has demonstrated is within his grasp.
Nunez’s pace, power and dynamism certainly suggest that he could be United’s own version of Ekitike, and one who might come back to sting the Reds at that. Howe’s flowing, transitional system could offer the conditions Nunez needs to thrive.
Last season was one of individual strife for the striker, but he showed much promise in 2023/24, under Jurgen Klopp’s wing. Across 54 matches, he scored 18 goals and supplied 15 assists for his teammates.
Goals scored
0.53
0.48
Assists
0.28
0.35
Shots taken
4.00
4.70
Shot-creating actions
3.55
3.47
Touches (att pen)
6.88
8.44
Progressive passes
1.86
2.37
Progressive carries
3.27
2.55
Successful take-ons
1.83
0.66
Ball recoveries
3.06
3.32
Tackles + interceptions
0.81
1.10
As you can see, Nunez could more than hold his own in terms of output and performance, if you were to collate the data from the respective campaigns.
But it’s difficult to delineate the specifics, for the circumstances differ. However, Ekitike has not yet plied his trade in the Premier League, and Nunez could offer Newcastle something dynamic and similar to complement Isak, who is surely set to stay now.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
And Ekitike, in any case, is hardly the finished product himself. The 23-year-old scored 12 goals and laid on 12 assists last season, but his finishing and accuracy leave something to be desired even so.
Drawing on FBref’s data again, the Frenchman totalled 0.66 per 90’s worth of xG (expected goals) across all competitions last season, though he scored at a rate of 0.51.
This highlights the improvements needed. His finishing requires sharpening, and the intensity and roughness of the English game may yet foil him in his endeavours.
Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez
It’s a left-field one, for sure, but the Magpies could do worse, and Nunez has shown the makings of a special striker in England before.
He would also arrive to serve as Isak’s understudy, to challenge him and complement him. The Liverpool star, in this sense, wouldn’t have to worry about the weight of succeeding the Swede from the off, but rather, to learn from him and help him.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Whether Howe opts for the more clinical and secure name in Wissa remains to be seen, but signing Liverpool’s wantaway striker could complete a sense of circularity about this gripping transfer saga, and one which may just see Howe come up trumps.
He’s Lewis Miley 2.0: Newcastle agree terms to sign "exciting" sensation
Newcastle are looking to strengthen for the present and the future
Tottenham have now made an intriguing promise to top target Mohammed Kudus in talks with the Premier League star, and West Ham are expecting an imminent new bid for him as the transfer saga rumbles on.
Tottenham now "pushing to sign" £70m "beast" who's "very open" to the move
Spurs are in “ongoing” negotiations to sign a forward.
2 ByDominic Lund Jul 7, 2025
Kudus is now a priority signing for Spurs, as reported elsewhere, but chairman Daniel Levy will need to dig deep into the club’s coffers to reach an agreement, having already seen a £50 million offer rejected (BBC).
The former Ajax star, who made quite a splash during his debut campaign in England, didn’t quite live up to those heights during his second season at the London Stadium, but Thomas Frank and co appear convinced that Kudus could get back to his very best by joining them.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Even though club-to-club talks are proving complicated, with West Ham holding out for the best deal possible as they look to reinvest the cash in their own summer recruitment drive, Spurs are boosted by Kudus’ desire to make the move to N17.
The 24-year-old only has eyes for Tottenham right now, and isn’t interested in joining any other club as things stand.
If the transfer materialises, it would be the two sides’ first agreed deal since Scott Parker’s switch to Spurs in 2011 – ending an unofficial transfer embargo between West Ham and the Lilywhites.
Now, very reliable West Ham insider, ExWHUemployee, has shared his own update on the story.
Tottenham make Mohammed Kudus promise with new bid imminent
According to Ex, Chelsea’s issue with the plethora of non-homegrown players in their squad has opened the door for Spurs to strike a deal ahead of the west Londoners.
Tottenham have also “promised” Kudus that he’d be the “main man” if he were to join Frank’s side, and those within West Ham are expecting them to make an imminent improved offer for the African.
“Chelsea have been in contact with the club but have yet to offer the financial package that the club wanted,” said the insider, via West Ham Way.
“At the moment no other club has bid. It appears that Arsenal have turned their attention elsewhere to the homegrown Noni Madueke from Chelsea. Chelsea have their own issues with an abundance of non-homegrown players, and it has enabled Spurs to push ahead.
“Liverpool were thought to be Kudus’ preferred choice, but West Ham have yet to receive an offer from them or any real suggestion that they could. Of course, Liverpool have other things on their mind to deal with due to the tragic news surrounding their club this week and may be putting all business temporarily on hold whilst they come to terms with the loss.
“We spoke to our top source at the club within the last half hour and asked for an update and we were told: Spurs, sadly, only bid £50m. We hope other clubs will come in. There are very few clubs that buy players for £50m/£60m and need a RW.
“West Ham are expecting Spurs to come back with an improved offer in the next day or so and will hope at least one other club will compete.
“Kudus is said to be happy to move to Spurs. He will get Champions League football and has been promised he will be the main man, whereas at Chelsea he would be one of many for example.”
Tottenham still have some key transfer business to conduct ahead of Thomas Frank’s first full season in charge of the Lilywhites.
As important as Kudus: Tottenham also confident of winning race for £25m forward
Spurs believe they can beat their Premier League rivals to the signature of a “electric” striker.
1 ByDominic Lund Jul 7, 2025
Spurs are yet to really make a statement signing this summer. Mathys Tel made his stay permanent for a cut-price fee of around £30 million, and Kota Takai’s £5 million move from Kawasaki Frontale was finally confirmed by the club this morning.
Son Heung-min
7.00
James Maddison
6.98
Pedro Porro
6.95
Dominic Solanke
6.84
Dejan Kulusevski
6.83
via WhoScored
Tottenham have high hopes for Takai, and he will be in and around the first team next season, according to Alasdair Gold, but far more eyes are on whether the north Londoners can strike a deal with rivals West Ham United over the signing of Mohammed Kudus.
Spurs are in ongoing talks with West Ham to agree a move for Kudus after seeing an opening £50 million bid rejected, and he’s the calibre of potential signing which supporters are crying out for as Frank prepares for his first-ever season coaching in the Champions League.
Their pursuit of proven top-level additons is made even more important by uncertainty surrounding the futures of vital Tottenham men – most notably Son Heung-min and Cristian Romero.
The former has attracted rumoured interest from both Saudi Arabia and Los Angeles FC, but any potential exit for the South Korean will likely be delayed until after their pre-season tour of Asia – due to the obvious commercial appeal Son has in the far east (BBC).
Son’s entered the final 12 months of his contract, so chairman Daniel Levy could well be tempted to sell the 33-year-old in the event of a suitable offer.
Meanwhile, reports from Spain and South America have continued to heavily link Romero with a move to Atlético Madrid.
Tottenham in talks to sell Cristian Romero after Atlético Madrid offer
Spanish newspaper AS have an update on the £165,000-per-week defender’s future this week, with Atlético already tabling a £60 million bid, including add-ons, for his services.
This hasn’t met Spurs’ valuation of the centre-back, who won last season’s Europa League Player of the Year award, as Levy demands closer to £60 million all-in.
Nevertheless, Diego Simeone’s side are not giving up or shying away. Atletico are in ongoing talks with Tottenham over signing Romero, who James Maddison called Spurs’ most “underrated” player, and this story is unlikely to go away any time soon.
Simeone publicly confirmed his desire to sign the Argentine in a recent press conference, and there is an expectation that Romero could be more than open to this La Liga switch.
“You’ve got to want to be there, and I’m not sure he wants to be at Spurs,” said pundit Tony Cascarino on talkSPORT.
“I’ve always felt that he’s played his best football that he’s played his best football when he’s had to and when Atletico have made a clear indication they want him. That would be one of his issues [Frank], he’s got to look players in the eye and find out do you want to be at this football club.”
The ‘FSG out’ brigade appear to have run out of steam. Liverpool’s American owners have long been divisive within the Reds community, with some segments of the fanbase criticising their so-called frugal approach in the transfer market.
There are grains of truth to these claims: after Jurgen Klopp won the Premier League in 2019/20, he was rewarded with only Diogo Jota, Thiago and Kostas Tsimikas. Admittedly, FSG had jam-packed the squad with high-level quality over the past several seasons, rarely missing the mark.
Liverpool summer transfer window in 2020
But this time around, the Anfield side aren’t resting on their laurels and are instead strengthening across the park to ensure Arne Slot can defend his newly-won league title and forge a dynasty of his own on Merseyside.
It’s a formidable show of financial strength and merciless ambition. The £100m signing of 22-year-old Florian Wirtz (which could rise to a British-record £116m) hands Slot one of the prized playmakers of the modern game, and another new defender may yet be inbound.
Liverpool's new-look defence
Although Liverpool have extended captain Virgil van Dijk’s contract for the next two years, a £30m deal plus add-ons has been agreed for the transfer of Jarell Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen.
Meanwhile, Ibrahima Konate’s future remains unclear after a recent contract proposal was rejected by the Frenchman’s camp.
Ibrahima Konate warming up for Liverpool
Change may well be afoot. Well, more change, in any case. Trent Alexander-Arnold is already two competitive matches into his Real Madrid career, and Jeremie Frimpong has been signed on as his successor after the Leverkusen right-sider’s £29.5m release clause was met.
On the left side of the rearguard, Andy Robertson, 31, continues to mull over the chance to see out his autumn years in Spain, Atletico Madrid having registered their interest in the left-back.
Robertson is a stalwart and a two-time Premier League champion besides. But he’s waning, and anyway, Liverpool are on the brink of signing Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez as his successor.
And still, another defender could arrive before too long.
Liverpool nearing agreement with Premier League star
As per Football Insider, Liverpool are close to reaching an ‘agreement’ for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who is entering the final year of his contract at Selhurst Park.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
In January, Tottenham Hotspur saw a £70m offer rejected, but now Palace chairman Steve Parish knows free agency could become a real situation for the Three Lions star, and Liverpool are thought to be confident that a £50m fee can be agreed.
Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
Football Insider’s Mick Brown even believes Guehi will turn down interest from Arsenal to sign for the Anfield because he is concerned his match action would be limited in Mikel Arteta’s team.
How Guehi could follow in Salah's footsteps
Liverpool’s transfer ethos over the past decade or so has often seen players plucked from clubs lower down the ladder; rarely have Liverpool raided one of their ‘big six’ rivals for a top talent.
Guehi could be the latest in that regard, and having been regarded as a player of high potential right from his maiden days when he was at Chelsea’s Cobham academy, it’s clear he’s got the natural potential to reach even higher levels than have been witnessed over the past several years.
Quansah’s departure opens up space at Liverpool to be sure, but Guehi’s presence could weave into the heart of Slot’s backline for many years to come, with his two-footedness lending itself to the left side of the central defence, an area that Van Dijk will have to vacate at some stage.
Apps
132
Goals
6
Assists
4
Clean sheets
33
Wins
41
Draws
46
Losses
45
Tackle success
55%
Duel success
62%
Cards (Y/R)
21/1
Three years ago, Palace signed Guehi from Chelsea in a deal worth £18m. He has since completed 155 appearances in all competitions, historically winning the FA Cup last month.
A composed, intelligent and technically sound centre-back with steely defensive roots, Guehi could be an incredible fit for a Liverpool side looking to solidify their position at the top of English football.
Everton's Tim Iroegbunam in action with Crystal Palace's MarcGuehi
It wouldn’t be the first time the Reds have signed a former Chelsea reject either, with Mohamed Salah joining Liverpool from AS Roma back in 2017 after previously falling by the wayside as a younger prospect in west London, scoring just two times across 19 matches.
Salah has, of course, grown into one of the most legendary forwards in Premier League history, with his 186-goal tally in the division placing him fifth on the all-time rankings, only 27 strikes behind Harry Kane in second place.
After finding his feet and playing in European competition in Italy, the Egyptian King has since risen to the fore, winning so many team and individual accolades across his Anfield career.
Almost single-handedly driving Slot’s side to the Premier League title in 2024/25, FSG certainly know the benefit in pursuing a player who had once been held by a divisional rival, even if they failed to bring it all together on enemy territory.
Guehi might not be a player of a similar style of positional value, but he does have the potential to become one of the best in his position just as Salah has, with Palace reporter Bobby Manzi even declaring him to be a “monster in defence” after one stunning performance for the Three Lions.
Moreover, the 24-year-old has led his team to trophy-winning success and, while he hasn’t played on the European scene yet, knows that his efforts last term sealed Palace’s place in next year’s Europa League proper, a fine feat indeed.
Guehi has rebounded from the heartbreak of failing to make the final grade at Stamford Bridge, but given that Chelsea have since been interested in re-signing their one-time graduate, it’s Liverpool who may have the last laugh once again. Just as they did with Salah.
Slot's answer to Mane: Liverpool chasing "monster" £70m Premier League star
Liverpool have set their sights on another attacking star this summer.
After the Gers endured a miserable campaign last time round, new manager Russell Martin has a lot of work to do if he is going to dethrone Celtic at the top of the Scottish Premiership table.
Russell Martin watches on whilst in charge of Southampton.
Martin’s first competitive game in charge is little over four weeks away, welcoming Panathinaikos to Ibrox in the Champions League second qualifying round, while the Light Blues will commence their Premiership campaign against Motherwell at Fir Park on 2 August.
Before then, the club are expected to make countless new signings, so are they about to bolster their back-line?
Rangers targeting a new centre-back
According to a report by Hrvoje Tironi in Croatian outlet 24 Sata, Rangers are ‘seriously interested’ in signing Osijek defender Luka Jelenić, facing competition from Portuguese outfit Vitória de Guimarães.
They add that Jelenić only joined Osijek from Varaždin for €800,000 (around £685k) a year ago, but the ‘reliable centre-back’ is likely to be sold for ‘serious money’, following many ‘quality’ performances, despite the fact his team finished down in seventh in last year’s Prva HNL.
Rangers require central defensive reinforcements, especially after it was confirmed on Friday that Leon Balogun had left the club on a free agent for Aris Limassol, where he could partner a familiar face, namely Connor Goldson, in Cyprus next season.
So, could Jelenić prove to be a shrewd addition?
How Jelenić would improve Rangers
As was widely reported, Rangers were strongly interested in signing Harry Darling on a free transfer this summer, given that the Englishman had worked with Martin at both MK Dons and Swansea, but he opted to join Norwich City and Liam Manning instead in the Championship,
This has seemingly seen them step-up their interest in Jelenić, thereby returning to a familiar source of talent, after they failed to convince the now-Canaries star to move to Ibrox.
Back in July 2018, Steven Gerrard’s side dumped NK Osijek out of Europa League qualifying, with Alfredo Morelos the only scorer at Stadion Gradski Vrt, before a 1-1 draw in Glasgow a week later saw them progress.
Gerrard was so impressed with the White and Blues that he swiftly signed two of their players.
The less said about Eros Grezda the better, but the reported £2.2m paid to secure the signature of Borna Barišić proved to be an absolute bargain, considering he would go onto make 236 appearances in a light blue jersey, winning all three domestic trophies, as well as being a key figure in the side that reached the Europa League Final of 2022.
Rangers defender Borna Barisic.
So, could Jelenić have a similar impact?
Well, let’s assess his statistics from this season’s Prva HNL.
Minutes
2,532
32nd
Interceptions
50
1st
Tackles
58
12th
Clearances
144
7th
Passing accuracy %
86.74%
9th
Passes completed
1,204
10th
As the table outlines, despite somewhat limited minutes, Jelenić ranked highly for every defensive metric, as well as passing accuracy too, underlining that he is a well-rounded defender, who is particularly great at reading the game to make interceptions.
For comparison, Darling ranked 233rd in the EFL Championship for tackles (31) and 130th for interceptions (25), while registering a passing accuracy of 87.8%, only marginally higher than Jelenić’s figure, which suggests that the Croatian star could offer considerably more to the team from a defensive perspective.
Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout labels him a “crazy talent”, while writer Kai Watson outlines how, at 6 ft 2 in tall, Jelenić is physically imposing and boasts ‘strong’ defensive abilities, while also being good in possession.
Meanwhile, Juan Carlos Molero highlights how he is ‘tough to beat’ in defensive duels, and rarely puts a foot wrong.
So, while top target Darling, who has gone elsewhere, is more of a known quantity, Jelenić is certainly a young defender on the up with enormous potential, so it would be an excellent piece of business if Rangers are able to add him to their squad.
He'd be better than Darling: Rangers open talks to sign "immaculate" star
Having missed out on signing Harry Darling, Rangers have made an approach to land a new defender.
Aston Villa now want to sign a “world-class” ace from Chelsea who could be a potential replacement for Emi Martinez, according to a recent report.
Latest on Emi Martinez’s future at Aston Villa
Martinez has now not only established himself as one of the best goalkeepers in the Premier League but also one of the best in world football after his heroics with Aston Villa and his national team. His move to Villa Park back in September 2020 proved to be a real turning point in his career, but despite how good he’s become and the fact he is under contract until 2029, his future at the club is in extreme doubt.
Aston Villa'sEmilianoMartinezreacts after Paris St Germain's Nuno Mendes scores
That is because at the beginning of last month it was reported that Unai Emery is ready to move on from the Argentine and sell him this summer. It was reported then that teams from Saudi Arabia were showing the most interest, but now the likes of Manchester United and Atlético Madrid have also expressed significant interest.
Before the season ended, Emery refused to say whether Martinez would still be an Aston Villa player next season.
“We will see. Of course, it is the last match here [this season], and I don’t know. We will see about the team and the players, but of course, they are responding on the field.”
He's scored at Villa Park: Aston Villa racing to sign "fantastic" £42m star
Only Jacob Murphy, Mohamed Salah and Anthony Elanga assisted more goals than him last season…
1 ByTom Cunningham Jun 12, 2025
Martinez has been away with Argentina, helping his country qualify for the World Cup in 2026, and speculation over his future hasn’t gone away, with his wife, Mandinha, speaking about her husband’s tears at Villa’s final home league game.
“He wasn’t in tears. No. Anybody who knows Emi knows he is an emotional character, and that’s who he is. It just shows you how much he loves the Villa fans. I love the Villa fans. We love Villa.”
Aston Villa want to sign Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea
But as Villa still weigh up what to do about Martinez’s future at the club, according to TEAMtalk, Aston Villa have registered their interest in signing Djordje Petrovic from Chelsea, after he spent last season on loan in France with Strasbourg.
The report states that Chelsea have now put their goalkeeper up for sale, given the Serbian asked to be left out of the club’s Club World Cup squad, as he wants assurances on regular game time. Chelsea’s decision to sell him has now alerted teams like Aston Villa, who could be in the market for a new number one.
The Villans are not alone in their pursuit though, as Brentford, Wolves, Bayer Leverkusen, Juventus and Fiorentina have also registered their interest. The report states that the Blues would be looking to get £25 million for Petrovic, which is double the £12.5 million they paid back in August 2023 when they signed him from New England Revolution.
Apps
31
Clean sheets
10
Goals conceded
38
Goals conceded per game
1.2
Saves made per game
3.6 (74%)
Penalties saved
1/8
Passing accuracy per game
36.0 (79%)
Errors leading to shot
1
Errors leading to goal
0
Petrovic finished his campaign on loan with 10 clean sheets in 31 Ligue 1 games, as manager Liam Rosenior labelled his goalkeeper “world-class”.
Burnley have “entered the fray” in the race to sign a young midfielder in the summer transfer window, according to a new update regarding the Clarets’ upcoming business.
Burnley preparing for Premier League return
After the joy of sealing promotion from the Championship back to the Premier League this season, Scott Parker will know the importance of the club bringing in top-quality players ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
In fact, the Burnley manager has gone into some depth as to how he hopes the summer window will pan out, with the club needing to be shrewd in the market:
“We’d like to be, of course. We’ll be searching, we’ll be in the market. At the same time, we’ve got an incredible squad here that has absolutely given me and this football club absolutely everything. We’ll try and be clever, we’ll try and improve where we can improve, but again, we probably won’t really have a clear idea until we actually know what the market is and where the market is for everything.”
The fact that all three promoted sides have gone straight back down to the Championship in the past two Premier League seasons highlights the gulf that now exists between the top flight and the second tier, again highlighting the need for reinforcements at Burnley.
Burnley enter race to sign 18 y/o winger
According to Africa Foot [via Sport Witness], Burnley have “entered the fray” to sign TP Mazembe winger Faveurdi Bongeli this summer.
The 18-year-old is a wanted man currently, with Crystal Palace among those named as possible suitors, and the report states that talks have intensified, albeit not stating which exact clubs are in discussions with him.
Bongeli isn’t yet a household name, considering he is such a young player and isn’t plying his trade in one of Europe’s top leagues, but that’s not to say he won’t be a strong addition for Burnley.
At just 18 years of age, the winger has already won three caps for DR Congo’s Under-20s, ahead of what could be a good international career at senior level, and he has made four appearances for the first team at his current club.
Burnley need to be focusing on both long-term signings and immediate additions in the summer, with Parker knowing that he needs some individuals who can go straight into his squad as proven Premier League footballers.
That said, it is also vital that the Clarets don’t simply focus on the present and ignore young talent, which is where Bongeli coould come into play.
Parker could sign Burnley's next Barnes in swoop for "unique" PL star
Scott Parker could unearth Burnley’s next Ashley Barnes in a move for this Premier League striker.
ByDan Emery May 24, 2025
The teenage attacker clearly wouldn’t be signed as someone who would be in the starting lineup on the opening day of next season, but he could develop into a top player over time, either enjoying time in Burnley’s youth team to begin with, or potentially even heading straight out on loan for a year.
Leeds United have now entered talks over a summer deal for a “fantastic” player, who has “proven” himself in the Champions League, according to a report.
Illan Meslier’s catalogue of errors ultimately didn’t cost Leeds in their quest for promotion, who sealed a return to the Premier League after reaching the 100-point mark with a 2-1 victory over Plymouth Argyle on the final day, but it looks as though they may still consider replacing the Frenchman.
Karl Darlow was brought in for the final seven matches of the Championship campaign, with the 34-year-old keeping four clean sheets, but given his age, Daniel Farke may be keen to bring in a younger goalkeeper as a replacement for Meslier.
Leeds United's IllanMeslier
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Sam Johnstone is one of the targets, and the Preston-born shot-stopper could be an attractive option, given his experience in the Premier League, but there has now been a suggestion the Championship title-winners could take a risk on more of an unknown quantity.
According to a report from Germany (via Leeds United News), Leeds are one of a number of clubs now in talks to sign Bayern Munich goalkeeper Daniel Peretz, who could now be in line to leave the German club, after arriving for around £4m less than two years ago.
The 6 foot 3 colossus has only played a sporadic role since arriving at the Allianz Arena, meaning he could move on this summer, although given that he still retains hope of becoming Bayern’s first-choice goalkeeper, a loan deal may be on the cards.
The Whites are set to face competition for the Israeli’s signature, however, with Burnley and Genoa also keen, alongside PSV Eindhoven, and the Eredivisie side are said to be in pole position.
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It is no wonder Leeds are looking at bringing in a new goalkeeper this summer, as even though they may have gotten away with Meslier’s mistakes at Championship level, their Premier League status could be in doubt if the goalkeeper makes similar errors next season.
TEAMtalk’s James Marshment criticised the 25-year-old for another “high-profile clanger” against Hull City back in January, following on from a major late error which cost Farke’s side two points against Sunderland in October.
Peretz, on the other hand, has been praised by Bayern Munich sporting director Max Eberl, who said: “Daniel Peretz is a fantastic backup. He’s proven himself in the cup, Bundesliga, and now the Champions League. He also delivered great performances for the Israeli national team against Belgium and France.
That said, the 24-year-old has found game time hard to come by at Bayern, making just five senior appearances across the 2024-25 season, so he may need to leave for the good of his career this summer, at which point it is clear Leeds will need to replace Meslier.
Looking ahead towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly launched a mega move to sign a Ligue 1 midfielder who could become the perfect partner for Youri Tielemans.
Tielemans receives Team of the Year recognition
Having struggled to nail down a starting place at Villa Park in the early days under Unai Emery, Youri Tielemans was in danger of becoming a nearly man, having been touted for incredible things when he departed Belgium to join Leicester back in 2019. The season of 2024/25 has been the year of the Belgian at the heart of Villa’s midfield, however, and he is now undeniably crucial to Emery’s side.
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The 28-year-old has finally reached the potential that many tipped him to reach many moons ago, and even earned his way into Jamie Carragher’s Team of the Season to recognise that on Monday Night Football.
Emery is well aware of Tielemans’ importance these days too, having told reporters in April: “He’s a guy who can pick up balls and make the team play, but also break up play just as easily. It’s a joy to play with him—and very easy.”
Finding the perfect partner for the former Leicester man hasn’t been quite as easy, though. Amadou Onana initially got off to an impressive start, but injury setbacks remain a concern even though he is undeniably a potential world class player at his best.
Youri Tielemans
Boubacar Kamara has also faced spells on the sidelines throughout his time in the Midlands. The fact is that Tielemans has been the consistent face at the heart of Villa’s side, as they have continued to fight for a place in the Champions League. And they must hand the Belgian a partner with similar consistency.
Aston Villa launch mega Diarra move
One target who could be perfect for that role comes in Ligue 1. According to reporter Mohamed Toubache-Ter, as relayed by Get French Football News, Aston Villa have now launched a mega move to sign Habib Diarra from Strasbourg, who will allow their captain to leave if the right offer arrives this summer.
The 21-year-old, like the majority of his teammates, has enjoyed an impressive season under Liam Rosenior and could now be on the move as a result. Already a leader despite his tender age, Diarra ticks a number of crucial boxes needed to partner Tielemans at the centre of Emery’s strongest side.
Starts
30
35
Progressive Passes
4.44
7.03
Progressive Carries
2.34
1.17
Ball Recoveries
3.45
4.35
Whilst the numbers show just how impressive Tielemans has been in possession this season, they also highlight that Diarra could complete the ball-carrying in Villa’s midfield. Both players, looking at their strengths, would complement each other almost perfectly to hide any clear weaknesses in their respective games.
Analyst Ben Mattinson shared similar praise for the Strasbourg captain, dubbing the Aston Villa target a “strong ball carrier” and a “very complete midfielder” earlier this season.