All posts by z3u9t.icu

Leeds United have conducted some phenomenal pieces of business in the transfer market over the last couple of years, aiding Daniel Farke’s attempts of taking the club back to the Premier League.

Dropping back into the Championship was a huge disappointment for the Whites, but the German has done an excellent job of building a side capable of challenging for promotion.

Manor Solomon arrived on loan from Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, with the club bagging themselves a top-flight level talent to bolster their attack in 2024/25.

The Israeli international has produced the goods consistently this campaign, notching a total of seven goals and seven assists, helping the club sit top of the table.

However, his limelight has often been stolen by another player who has thrived beyond all imagination after his summer move to Elland Road in 2024.

Ao Tanaka’s stats for Leeds United in 2024/25

Japanese international Ao Tanaka joined Leeds in a £3.5m deal from German outfit Fortuna Düsseldorf, with not many knowing what to expect, arriving as an unknown quantity.

However, when he got his chance as a regular starter, he took it with both hands, now being an integral part of Farke’s side’s success throughout this campaign.

The 26-year-old has started 30 times in the Championship this campaign, notching four goals and two assists, but it’s his underlying stats that have been even more impressive.

The central midfielder has registered a 90% pass completion rate, whilst winning 1.7 tackles per 90 and making 1.6 interceptions per game – being the perfect box-to-box option at the heart of the Whites side.

There’s no denying that he’s a strong contender for the division’s signing of the season award, but one other first-team member has greatly impressed, often being caught in Tanaka’s shadow given his form in Yorkshire.

The Leeds star who could battle Tanaka for the signing of the season

After failing to win promotion in the play-off final last season, it was pivotal Leeds came back with a vengeance to write the wrongs, but also bolstered the squad to increase their chances of promotion.

However, the defeat saw numerous big-money talents depart the club, including academy graduate Archie Gray, who operates out-of-position for large spells, featuring on the right-hand side of the Whites’ backline.

Such a transfer may have injected huge money into the club, but saw them lose one of their key components to why they were so successful during Farke’s maiden campaign.

Despite the sale, such worries have been pushed aside, with Jayden Bogle nailing down the right-back role this season after his £5m move from Sheffield United last summer.

The 24-year-old has featured in 36 of the 38 league outings in 2024/25, having a real positive impact at both ends of the pitch, providing the quality that was needed in such an area.

He’s managed to register five goals and two assists despite his defensive position, with his latest effort coming in the 2-2 draw with QPR before the international break.

However, defensively he’s been just as impressive, winning 62% of the tackles he’s entered to date, whilst also winning a staggering 5.9 duels per 90, helping the club boast the second-best defensive record in the division.

Games played

36

Goals & assists

7

Pass accuracy

76%

Tackles won

62%

Duels won

5.9

Duel success rate

53%

Times dribbled past

0.8

Bogle, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by one analyst, has come out on top in 53% of those duels, with his defensive solidity being demonstrated by being dribbled past less than once per 90 across 36 matches.

His fee, coupled with his ability to slot in and seamlessly nail down the position is what has made his time at Elland Road so impressive, certainly going under the radar.

If it wasn’t for Tanaka’s form in Yorkshire, the full-back would certainly be a huge favourite for the award, still having bags of time to improve further under Farke’s guidance.

Not just Bamford: 49ers must sell Leeds dud who's rinsed them of £20m

Leeds United need to brutally offload Patrick Bamford and one other star this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Mar 26, 2025

Manchester City now want to sign a winger who terrorised Matheus Nunes in the Champions League earlier this season, having identified him as an ideal target to strengthen their attack, according to a report.

New winger needed at the Etihad

Jack Grealish’s struggles this season are well-documented, and there have now been reports Man City are ready to accept a bid for the £300k-per-week winger, which means Pep Guardiola will be tasked with bringing in a suitable replacement.

Sporting CP’s Trincao has recently emerged as a potential target, with City looking to hijack Manchester United’s move for the former Wolverhampton Wanderers man, while SC Braga youngster Roger Fernandes is also a subject of interest.

AC Milan’s Rafael Leao is among the most high-profile players on the Sky Blues’ shortlist, with the Portuguese forward being identified as a key target, and another winger who has impressed in the Champions League this season is now also under consideration.

Man City secure summer signing of "unbelievable" £66m star, claims report

Pep Guardiola’s side are said to have sealed a move for a midfielder.

ByDominic Lund Mar 11, 2025

According to a report from Spain, Man City now want to sign Paris Saint-Germain winger Bradley Barcola, who has become a key player for Luis Enrique’s side this season, stepping up in the absence of Kylian Mbappe.

Barcola is viewed as an ideal option to strengthen Guardiola’s frontline, and there are suggestions City are very keen on a deal, but it may be difficult to get it over the line.

PSG are not willing to sanction the £107k-per-week winger’s departure unless they receive a substantial fee, given his importance to the French side’s long-term project.

Barcola could be "one of the best" left-wingers in Europe

The Frenchman has received high praise from freelance scout Ben Mattinson this season, who described him as “one of the best” left-wingers in Europe back in October, while also lauding him for stepping up since Mbappe’s move to Real Madrid.

City fans may remember the PSG star from his impressive performance in the Champions League clash back in January, picking up an 8.6 SofaScore match rating after bagging a goal and an assist, on a night where Nunes had a very tough time at right-back.

The former Lyon man has 30 goal contributions to his name in all competitions this season, including 20 in 25 Ligue 1 games, having shown real signs of development since being forced to become PSG’s talisman.

Season

League appearances

Goals

Assists

2021-22

11

0

1

2022-23

26

5

8

2023-24

25

4

7

2024-25

25

13

7

Barcola may be the ideal replacement for Grealish this summer, and given that he is just 22-years-old, he could make the left-wing spot his own for years to come.

Given the volume of spending over the last couple of years, cuts have been made behind the scenes and to the playing squad of Manchester United over recent months.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has wasted no time in trimming costs to avoid any financial issues at Old Trafford, with numerous players leaving the North West throughout the campaign to generate funds and clear the wage bill.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka departed in a £15m deal to join West Ham United in the summer, ending his five-year stint with the Red Devils after joining from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2019.

However, his move has enabled the 27-year-old to recapture his best form away from the North West, notching two goals and two assists in the Premier League throughout 2024/25.

He’s not the only former United player to depart this season and impress away from the club, with huge regrets undoubtedly over a decision to allow him to depart given his rise to stardom elsewhere.

Scott McTominay’s stats for Napoli in 2024/25

Back in August last year, United decided to sell midfielder Scott McTominay to Italian side Napoli, leaving the side after seven years in the first-team and recruiting a £25m fee in the process.

The Scottish international made over 250 appearances for the Red Devils, scoring on 29 occasions, catching the eye with his box-crashing ability, often producing numerous key goals.

However, his move to Naples has allowed the 28-year-old to take his game to the next level, registering seven goals and two assists in his first 28 appearances for the Italian giants.

Antonio Conte’s side currently sit in second place, just three points off leaders Inter Milan, with McTominay playing a key role in their chances of claiming the Scudetto at the end of the season.

Given his goalscoring run in Serie A, Ruben Amorim must wish the previous management team had kept hold of the Scottish international, but he could unleash his own version of the star in the near future.

The player who could be Amorim’s own McTominay

Ayden Heaven and Chido Obi have been just two of the United youngsters who have been the beneficiaries of the ongoing injury issues at Old Trafford, making the jump into the first-team.

Their positive performances have certainly opened the doors for other youngsters to follow suit in the near future, looking to cement their place in Amorim’s squad.

One player who’s more than deserving of the opportunity is midfielder Zach Baumann, who could follow in the footsteps of McTominay with the 18-year-old possessing a very similar skillset to the Scottish international.

The Ukrainian youngster has developed rapidly over the last couple of years, earning himself a professional contract at Old Trafford, highlighting his impressive displays at various youth levels.

This season alone, the “superb” Baumann, as dubbed by one analyst, the teenager has registered 11 appearances in all competitions, including one in the UEFA Youth League.

U18 Premier League

7

1

1

Premier League 2

2

0

0

UEFA Youth League

1

0

0

FA Youth Cup

1

0

0

Total:

11

1

1

He’s capable of operating in either an attacking or defensive midfield role, similar to that of McTominay, but he’s also showcased his ability to be in key positions in the final third, allowing him to find the back of the net.

Baumann has been a regular in the U18 side, notching two goal contributions in his seven appearances, helping the Red Devils youngsters sit second, just a couple of points off rivals Manchester City.

Given the sale of McTominay in the summer, the first team have been desperate for a player of a similar profile to replace him, offering that added threat in the final third despite mainly being a box-to-box option.

Baumann may only be 18, but should he continue on his current trajectory, he could easily force himself into Amorim’s plans, potentially saving the club millions in the years ahead.

Man Utd gem was ahead of Amad, then Ten Hag sold him for just £5m

One Manchester United star unfortunately never managed to maintain his early impressive form at the club.

3 ByEthan Lamb Mar 20, 2025

Liverpool are on their way to claiming their second title of the Premier League era and appear to be gearing up for an exciting transfer window at Anfield.

Liverpool set sights on important summer transfer window

Barring a collapse of epic proportions, Liverpool are well down the line in securing the Premier League crown and also remain in contention for the Champions League under Arne Slot.

Next weekend, the Reds travel to face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley offering the first domestic prize of the campaign, so there is plenty for the Dutch boss to ponder between now and the business end of the season.

Aside from on-field duties, Liverpool have a major cloud hanging over Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil Van Dijk and Mohamed Salah’s contracts. Despite being critical to their success, the trio are out of contract this summer and could all leave on free transfers.

Finding a solution has to be of paramount importance to FSG, who will also have designs on equipping Slot with funds to ensure his side compete on multiple fronts again next season.

Liverpool’s out of contract trio – weekly earnings

Mohamed Salah

£350,000

Virgil Van Dijk

£220,000

Trent Alexander-Arnold

£180,000

Reports suggest Joao Pedro and Joshua Kimmich are targets for Liverpool as their recruitment drive begins to escalate. Xavi Simons and Lamine Camara are also in the frame to strengthen the engine room, illustrating the level of ambition that supporters could see from the Reds’ owners.

Exciting times are on the horizon in the red half of Merseyside. However, the wider fanbase will be keen to see a strategic approach to recruitment as opposed to a scattergun mode of operation.

Slot seems to have understood this mission if reports are to be believed, with his side now said to be readying an offer for one of the Premier League’s most attractive assets.

Liverpool line up bid for Fulham defender Antonee Robinson

According to CaughtOffside, Liverpool are readying a £30 million offer for Fulham’s Antonee Robinson and could be rivalled by Chelsea in pursuit of the United States international.

Labelled “brilliant” by Jermaine Jenas, the 27-year-old has registered ten assists this season in 28 appearances across all competitions, which could see him enter the frame as a genuine competitor for Andy Robertson at left-back.

He left in 2013: Liverpool flop sold for £15m is now outscoring Nunez

He was one of the worst signings in Liverpool’s modern history.

ByAngus Sinclair Mar 4, 2025

Fulham wouldn’t be willing to entertain offers under the £41.7 million mark, so it remains to be seen whether FSG would stretch to the ballpark specified once the window opens for business.

Motoring up and down the left flank, Robinson has created 35 chances and completed 36 crosses on Premier League duty as he approaches the prime years of his career. Intriguingly, his agency Wasserman also represent Curtis Jones and Joe Gomez.

Defensively, the Milton Keynes-born man has also won 146 duels and 44 tackles in the English top-flight. Competent in both aspects of the full-back role, he would likely be a sound fit with Slot’s high-intensity tactical framework should a deal come to fruition.

Despite a fighting effort from Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux, they suffered a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Fulham. It was a game in which the Old Gold dominated, but could not get over the line against a Cottagers side fighting for Europe.

Vitor Pereira’s side went 1-0 down just one minute into the game. It was a brilliant piece of play from Fulham, who, within a few passes, were in the Wolves penalty box, with Ryan Sessegnon slotting home past Jose Sa. It was far from ideal defending from Wolves, who gifted the Englishman acres of space on the left.

However, the West Midlands outfit hit back with almost 18 minutes on the clock. It was a sublime finish from midfielder Joao Gomes from which they equalised, thrashing home a volley into the roof of the net.

Wolves started the second half much like they did the first, by conceding a goal. This time it was two minutes after kick-off, with Rodrigo Muniz making a run in behind the defence and dinking a finish over the onrushing Sa.

Pereira’s side never managed to get themselves back in the game and ended up as the losing side. However, there were some standout performers, particularly Matheus Cunha and Gomes.

Wolves' best players against Fulham

Wolves’ Brazilian duo are simply vital players at Molineux. Although they were defeated against Fulham, the two still stood out. He did not get a goal or assist on Tuesday night, but Cunha was certainly excellent against the Cottagers.

One of the most impressive things was his influence off the ball. As per Sofascore, the 25-year-old won an exceptional nine out of 14 ground duels, whilst still creating one chance and completing two out of three dribbles.

As for Gomes, he put in a great showing in a more advanced midfield role aside from his goal. The midfielder’s sensational strike, which left Bernd Leno with no chance of saving it, was the highlight of his night, but he was also a creative influence.

This was noted by Charlie Haffenden, journalist for Birmingham World. He gave the Brazilian an 8/10 for his performance, explaining that he ‘created one good opportunity’ for his fellow attacking midfielder Cunha.

Despite the loss, there were certainly positives to take from the clash against Marco Silva’s side. However, a few players did struggle, including one man who was utilised out of position.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast’s Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

The Wolves star who struggled against Fulham

It was a tough night at the office for January arrival Marshall Munetsi, who played as a centre-forward on Tuesday evening, despite Jorgen Stand Larsen being available and on the bench.

However, it’s safe to say that the experiment for Munetsi to lead the line did not quite work.

The Zimbabwean, who is a midfielder by trade, was rather isolated against the Cottagers. Although he was a presence in the opposition penalty box, the 28-year-old did not make much of an impact, and perhaps could have made a better contribution in the midfield role he is more used to playing.

The stats certainly demonstrate just how well the former Reims star struggled. Despite playing the entire game, he had just 24 touches, fewer than Old Gold goalkeeper Sa. He also won three from six duels and did not manage a shot on target, out of two efforts.

Touches

24

Pass accuracy

75%

Passes completed

12/16

Groud duels won

1/3

Aerial duels won

2/3

Chances created

1

Shots on target

0/2

Haffenden pointed out one of the issues Munetsi had against the West Londoners. The journalist explained he ‘was unable to make much stick in the final third’ despite being ‘heavily involved’ at both ends of the pitch.

It was a tough night for the Old Gold, with the experiment starting Munetsi as a centre-forward instead of Larsen ultimately not paying off. It has certainly given Pereira something to think about ahead of their next fixture, an FA Cup clash against Bournemouth.

£90k-p/w Wolves ace to miss indefinite number of games after injury blow

The news comes at a frustrating time…

ByTom Cunningham Feb 25, 2025

West Bromwich Albion supporters will be hoping for a return to winning ways this coming weekend in the Championship when second-tier underdogs Oxford United travel to the Hawthorns.

Whilst a new appointment for the U’s has worked visible wonders – with Gary Rowett catapulting Oxford up to 16th since taking over on Boxing Day – Tony Mowbray’s appointment towards the start of 2025 hasn’t quite been as smooth with just one league victory picked up in February.

The 61-year-old is already testing the Baggies masses, with their grip on a final playoff spot suddenly looking weaker, but he does have the firepower of Adam Armstrong to now fall back on to try and put together a positive patch of form.

Armstrong's EFL heroics

The deadline day pick up of Armstrong on loan from Southampton was arguably the most jaw-dropping deal that took place in the second tier at the death, considering the 28-year-old’s previous explosive form in the EFL’s elite league.

After all, without the former Blackburn Rovers striker’s heroics last campaign, the Saints might well have come up short in the promotion race, with Armstrong firing home a potent 24 strikes to play a huge part in his parent side leaping back up to the Premier League.

Alongside these glittering numbers on the South Coast, Armstrong and Mowbray have also worked together to devastating effect in the past at Ewood Park, with all of the slick attacker’s 64 strikes for the Riversiders coming when he was positioned at the helm.

Therefore, it would have been a no-brainer decision to get him in through the door, as Armstrong already has one goal next to his name from three Baggies appearances, although a couple of blanks fired across West Brom’s recent dip in form will worry some.

Still, there will be an expectation that the 28-year-old can conjure up his Blackburn best in time, with the once £15m forward licking his lips at the prospect of working alongside this assist king in the West Midlands, who is now worth more than his past price-tag.

The West Brom star who's worth more than Armstrong

Mowbray would have been glad he had this star at his immediate disposal when arriving back onto the scene, considering 12-goal ace Josh Maja remains sidelined through injury.

Luckily, even as transfer rumours kicked into gear on deadline day, homegrown winger Tom Fellows remained at the Hawthorns, with the 21-year-old potentially the perfect player to complement Armstrong’s deadliness.

Stat – per 90 mins*

Fellows

Games played

32

Games started

27

Goals scored

2

Assists

11

Touches*

27.7

Big chances missed

6

Big chances created

10

Looking at the table above, it’s clear to see why a number of Premier League outfits were keeping a close eye on the Solihull-born winger during the winter window, with a hefty total of 11 assists coming his way from 32 Championship contests, despite only averaging a low 27.7 touches per match.

When he was still fit, Maja was in dreamland working alongside the Solihull-born sensation, knowing that Fellows only needed a moment’s notice to fashion him a chance that was then regularly put away.

Therefore, he could be an ideal partner for Armstrong to recapture his goalscoring mojo, with the Baggies breathing a big sigh of relief that their £20m-rated man didn’t up and leave for Everton. Equally, that £20m valuation places him ahead of Armstrong, who is deemed to be worth £13m, according to Transfermarkt.

They will likely have to fend off more interest coming their way, especially if Fellows’ ongoing goals and assists see promotion become a reality, but in the short-term, the Toffees target and Armstrong could really spark up an exciting connection.

Having cost the club nothing after coming through the Baggies academy, Fellows’ rise will be even more of a joy to behold for supporters at the Hawthorns, with a hope the “unbelievable” ace – as he has been labelled by fellow teammate Karlan Grant – can guide Mowbray’s men up a division despite their sometimes inconsistent displays.

Forget Armstrong: West Brom could ease Maja blow by unleashing 18y/o star

West Bromwich Albion could soon be boosted in attack by this exciting starlet.

1 ByKelan Sarson Feb 19, 2025

Manchester United are only at the beginning of Ruben Amorim’s era in charge at Old Trafford, but they look set to enter the market this summer for some exciting additions.

Ruben Amorim's Manchester United transfer rescue mission

Following a quiet transfer window for Manchester United, Ruben Amorim managed to bring in Patrick Dorgu and Ayden Heaven to bolster the ranks. Limited funds were available to strengthen a squad in need of regeneration, though the Portuguese boss was able to mitigate his main problem position at left-back amid Luke Shaw’s injury problems.

Expectedly, the former Sporting manager will return to the market this summer in search of youthful exuberence to freshen up a group littered with depreciating assets. The likes of Casemiro and Christian Eriksen are taking up valuable Manchester United wage space, while others are simply not pulling their weight and may need shipped out.

While Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee’s inefficiency in front of goal has made the headlines, there is no doubt the engine room has to be replenished further once the window opens again. Nevertheless, Toby Collyer deserves a special mention following his emergence as an option that could succeed one or two of his counterparts.

Homegrown English talent is the way to go for Manchester United. Not only do they represent pure profit in line with PSR regulations; they also ease registration worries for European competitions. With that in mind, could they turn to the Premier League for a sprinkle of stardust?

Manchester United still retain strong Adam Wharton admiration

As per TEAMtalk, Manchester United still hold strong internal admiration towards Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton after decision-makers at the club wanted him as a replacement for Eriksen last year.

Around the time the Red Devils planned on offloading the Denmark veteran, Wharton suffered an injury which halted his progress following an explosive breakthrough in South London. Now, he will be monitored by Amorim’s men for the foreseeable future despite alternative interest from Manchester City and Newcastle United.

Manchester United midfielders’ contract expiry dates

Christian Eriksen

June 2025

Casemiro

June 2026

Kobbie Mainoo

June 2027

Bruno Fernandes

June 2027

Mason Mount

June 2028

Manuel Ugarte

June 2029

Toby Collyer

June 2027

Despite Crystal Palace preparing to charge a huge price for the Three Lions midfielder, who has been labelled ‘top-level’ by Declan Rice, United chiefs remain head over heels for the star and his situation will be one to watch as the summer draws closer.

Limited in his involvement this term, Fotmob show Wharton has won ten tackles, made 11 interceptions and 53 recoveries on Premier League duty, with six of those coming in the opposition’s final third.

Tentative excitement is in the air at Old Trafford once Amorim has the chance to fully assess his squad in the summer. Arrivals are bound to supplement departures, and reducing the age of the squad has to be a priority. Fitting the bill, Wharton is someone who could fit the bill as a long-term solution as the Red Devils roadmap a route to success to put themselves back among the elite in English football.

Ange Postecoglou cemented his legacy at Tottenham Hotspur when he led his side to glory in the Europa League last season, ending 17 years of searching for silverware down N17.

However, Spurs’ 17th-place finish in the Premier League pass judgment on Postecoglou’s tenure, ending his time in the dugout after two campaigns that were fraught with setbacks but charged by excitement.

Now, with Thomas Frank at the helm, Tottenham will hope to build on last year’s success and establish themselves as one of the most dangerous clubs in England once again, having sealed their place in the Champions League too.

Matches

76

152

Wins

31

54

Draws

11

38

Losses

34

60

Goals scored

138

228

Goals conceded

126

224

Points

104

200

PPG

1.37

1.32

Daniel Levy will no doubt be doing some soul-searching after making the contentious call, but in Frank, the Londoners have bagged a manager capable of shaping talented players into shining stars.

The Danish tactician will relish the chance to work with Tottenham’s crew, but he will need to be backed this summer, strengthening the squad with one or two attacking additions.

Spurs lining up attacking signings

Sure, Tottenham need reinforcements across the park, but with Heung-min Son entering the autumn of his career and attracting interest from suitors in the Middle East, fresh recruits are needed.

The 20-year-old Mathys Tel’s loan move has been wrapped up for £30m, which could prove a shrewd deal indeed, but there’s little question that more is needed, both out wide and as support for striker Dominic Solanke.

Looking at the flanks, West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus is available after a difficult campaign in east London, while L’Equipe have recently reported Lilywhites interest in AS Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche, who is valued at around €60m (£51m).

Bryan Mbeumo has also been at the centre of talks, and Frank would love nothing more than a reunion with his Brentford talisman. However, the prolific Cameroon international’s preference is to sign for Man United this summer.

No matter, Tottenham appear to have found their dream alternative.

Spurs make contact for Premier League star

The Athletic’s David Ornstein has confirmed that Tottenham have made an official enquiry for Bournemouth winger Antoine Semenyo. However, Daniel Levy has no intention of meeting the £70m asking price.

Man United are also keen but are in the same camp as Spurs, albeit they are leaning toward Mbeumo. With Semenyo thought to be keen on the move to north London, though, this one’s hardly dead in the water.

Saying that, the Cherries are under no pressure to sell after offloading Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez.

Why Spurs should sign Antoine Semenyo

Bournemouth signed Semenyo from Bristol City for a smart £10.5m fee in January 2023, and has since gone from strong to stronger under the wing of Andoni Iraola.

Indeed, across the past two Premier League campaigns, the versatile winger has scored 19 goals and provided nine assists, underlaying his output with sharp, dynamic movements and a tenacious defensive attitude.

His completeness suggests Semenyo could even prove an upgrade on Brennan Johnson, 24, who is one of Tottenham’s most prolific players but is guilty of drifting in and out of games, waning at points.

Two seasons into his career down N17, the Welshman posted 18 goals and seven assists last term, the most notable of which was the bundled-in winner to seal the Europa League title.

But he needs to do more across the wider game. As per Sofascore, Johnson averaged just 0.6 dribbles, 2.8 successful duels, and 0.6 key passes over last year’s top-flight season, also creating just four big chances across his 33 appearances (24 of which were starts).

Transfer Focus

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

Semenyo, however, is far more complete. Not only did he score 11 goals and add five assists in the league (Johnson’s haul was as follows: 11 goals, three assists), but the forward also averaged 1.9 dribbles, 6.1 duels, and 4.3 ball recoveries per game.

This suggests that the Cherries sensation could offer more to the team with his all-round game on the flank in comparison to Johnson’s limited performances.

Described as a “duel monster” and a “workhorse off the ball” by analyst Ben Mattinson, the Bournemouth man is perfectly aligned with Frank’s vision, especially when considering he plays in a similar fashion to Mbeumo.

Indeed, FBref record the Englishman to be of a statistical likeness to the Bees star, ranked as he was among the top 5% of the Premier League’s attacking midfielders and wingers last year for shots taken, the top 20% for successful take-ons and the top 8% for aerials won per 90.

Right winger

46

13

3

Left winger

29

7

5

Centre-forward

6

1

0

Semenyo’s versatility has seen him provide a potent output both on the left and the right wing for Bournemouth, with his teammate Lewis Cook hailing his “aggressive” and “clinical” qualities.

Such praise underlines the Ghana international’s suitability for a place in a Tottenham team hoping to cement themselves among Europe’s elite for years to come while challenging for major honours with a newfound taste for triumph.

Of course, Johnson is hardly allergic to playing a definitive role in sealing silverware – just hark back to the Europa League final – but across the wider span of the campaign, Tottenham supporters cannot contest the fact that there was a consistent lack of consistency and fluency that led to the lowly Premier League finish.

Semenyo would change that, dovetailing into Frank’s new Spurs system and rising to become the astute manager’s new version of Mbeumo.

This wouldn’t necessarily relegate Johnson to the backbenches, for the transfer target is competent across both wings, but there’s no doubt that he would add a dimension which his counterpart has yet to unlock in its entirety.

Much depends on whether Levy can whittle down Bournemouth’s hefty £70m fee. If the shrewd businessman can do so, he would strengthen the new Tottenham project and then some.

Dream Son heir: Spurs set to enter bidding war for "generational" £50m star

The talented youngster could be a superstar at Spurs.

ByJack Salveson Holmes Jun 20, 2025

As their goalkeeper search goes on, Manchester United have now reportedly received the green light to sign an impressive shot-stopper in a cut-price deal this summer.

Onana keen to fight for Man Utd place

Amid links to the likes of Emiliano Martinez, it is expected that Andre Onana could face an uphill battle to keep hold of his No.1 spot next season. The former Inter star has been a liability for some time at Old Trafford and whilst they’re in the mood to spend big it looks as though INEOS have set their sights on an upgrade. Onana, however, isn’t keen to give up that easily.

Reportedly under the impression that he will stay put at Old Trafford, Manchester United could yet decide to burst Onana’s bubble by welcoming his replacement in the coming months.

To that end, Martinez would certainly be an impressive arrival. Weakening Premier League rivals Aston Villa in the process, United would be signing a World Cup winner who the Villans may be forced to sell amid their PSR concerns.

The Argentine star isn’t the only name on the Red Devils’ radar, however. The likes of Andriy Lunin have also threatened to steal the headlines in recent weeks. The Real Madrid No.2 could yet decide to leave the Spanish giants in pursuit of a starting role and that would open the door for United to come swooping in.

He's better than Nkunku: Man Utd make huge offer to sign "sensational" star

Manchester United appear to be moving one step closer to landing a key target this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 24, 2025

A Champions League winner who has experience at the very top level, it’s no surprise that Lunin has found himself in United’s sights this summer. But they may still opt for an alternative option and one who is now reportedly pushing to leave his current club.

Man Utd receive green light from Diogo Costa

According to A Bola, Manchester United have now received the green light from Diogo Costa over a summer move from FC Porto. The goalkeeper is reportedly pushing to leave the Portuguese club and they are now willing to accept a cheaper offer than his €75m (£64m) release clause.

Costa is expected to leave Porto this summer and his desire to experience life outside of Portugal should place Old Trafford high up on his list of options. Given that he’s available at a cut-price too, it’s a deal that INEOS would be wise to pursue in the coming months.

Starts

32

34

Clean Sheets

16

9

Saves P90

1.78

2.59

Save Percentage

74.1%

68.9%

Described as “complete” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Costa would be a clear upgrade on Onana. Whilst the latter maintained a 68.9% save percentage last season, the Porto man thrived with a record of 74.1% to keep 16 clean sheets in 32 league appearances.

For the right price, a move to sign the Portugal international would represent yet more impressive business by INEOS this summer.

Leeds United now face Burnley in a transfer battle to sign a Premier League level defender on a free transfer this summer, according to a new report.

Leeds eyeing more transfers after Nmecha deal

The Whites confirmed their first signing of the summer transfer window on Sunday afternoon, as Lukas Nmecha agreed to join Leeds once his contract at Wolfsburg expires at the end of the month.

The attacking midfielder is a player who is likely to be an important figure in Farke’s team this season, but the club are not resting with just his arrival, as they are already working on more additions.

As reported by Africa Foot, Leeds have made contact with Manchester City over signing Juma Bah on a loan deal. The 19-year-old joined the Blues back in January but spent the rest of the campaign on loan at RC Lens. He now looks set for another temporary move away, with Leeds and Southampton fighting for his signature.

He'd be better than Bijol: £5m defender now wants to sign for Leeds

Leeds United could seal a better transfer than snapping up Jaka Bijol by landing this deal.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 15, 2025

Meanwhile, defender Jaka Bijol has agreed terms over a move to Elland Road this summer and a deal appears to be nearing completion. He is not the only defender on the club’s radar, as a report from Football Insider states that Alex Moreno is also interested in a move to Leeds this summer. The 32-year-old could be available for £5 million, as the Whites are in the market for a new left-back.

Leeds face Burnley in Keane battle

The list of potential new defenders to sign doesn’t stop there, as according to the Liverpool Echo, Leeds are among the teams interested in signing Michael Keane from Everton.

Keane, who has been at Goodison Park since July 2017, is out of contract at the end of this month, and while he remains in talks over a new contract, he is looking more likely to leave. That has alerted Leeds, who, along with Burnley and Sheffield United, are keen on swooping in and securing the defender on a free transfer.

The 32-year-old, who has been dubbed “immense” in the past by Harry Redknapp, has fallen down the pecking order at Everton in recent seasons. Keane went from playing 32 games in the Premier League during the 2021/22 season to playing just 12, 9 and 14 times in the last 3 campaigns.

Apps

230

Goals

16

Assists

10

Keane could be a viable option for the Whites to provide more depth behind Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, and there aren’t many free signings on the market who provide such a wealth of top flight experience.