All posts by z3u9t.icu

Having joined Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the Spanish giants in pursuit of a 17-year-old midfielder who’s already featured on Europe’s biggest stage.

Aston Villa set to battle Real Madrid for teenage midfielder

It wasn’t too long ago that goal-line technology was playing a part in Aston Villa’s Premier League survival. Five years on from that controversial moment, however, they’re no longer simply maintaining their top flight status, they’re also keeping hold of their place in the Champions League after thrashing Club Brugge in the last 16.

Setting up a mouth-watering tie, the Villans will now square off against one of Unai Emery’s former clubs in Paris Saint-Germain, before facing Arsenal or Real Madrid if they defy the odds by defeating the French champions.

Away from the action, meanwhile, those in the Midlands are also set to do battle against some of Europe’s best. According to The Boot Room, Aston Villa are now racing Real Madrid to sign Ayyoub Bouaddi from LOSC Lille this summer.

Aston Villa's "world-class" star is already becoming Emery's new Duran

Aston Villa may have already found their next Duran with this “world-class” ace

1 ByConnor Holden Mar 14, 2025

The central midfielder is still just 17 years old, but was handed a start against Borussia Dortmund in Lille’s last 16 second-leg. Ultimately, the teenager found himself on the losing side, but the fact that he was given the nod at such a young age highlights just how talented he is.

That talent was always going to attract the likes of Madrid and Aston Villa though, potentially leaving Bouaddi with a decision to make this summer. Whether that ends in a trip to the Midlands remains to be seen, however.

"Immense" Bouaddi would be an upgrade on McGinn

At just 17 years old, Bouaddi is one of Europe’s most promising stars and could emerge to already offer Emery an upgrade on John McGinn. Off the ball, the young Frenchman is particularly impressive, using his 6’1 frame to his advantage whilst also showing off his technical ability in possession – something Villa would have seen for themselves after sending their scouts.

Minutes

1,018

1,777

Progressive Passes

2.92

4.21

Tackles Won

2.57

0.91

Ball Recoveries

4.96

4.21

Whilst it’s difficult to upgrade on the energy McGinn provides Villa, Bouaddi can do exactly that, winning more duels and tackles at a higher success rate, and should only get even stronger as edges closer and closer to the peak of his powers.

Described as a “superb” player and one with “immense physical potential” by football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Aston Villa should sign Bouaddi before his price skyrockets beyond their range.

Up against Real Madrid in the race to sign the French sensation, those in the Midlands can use the lure of the Premier League and Emery’s project in an attempt to land an impressive coup this summer.

The international break has come at the right time for Chelsea, with Enzo Maresca’s side needing a break to end their recent poor run in the Premier League as of late.

The Blues have lost three of the last five league outings, with their most recent coming at the weekend against Arsenal at the Emirates, with Mikel Merino’s goal the difference between the sides.

However, Maresca’s men still occupy a place in the top four with just nine league games remaining this season, looking to secure a Champions League place in his first campaign at the helm.

It would be a huge boost for the club after missing out on competing with Europe’s elite in the last couple of years, with their success potentially proving that the huge investment has been worthwhile.

Their spending has shown no signs of slowing down in recent months, with the Blues making yet another key addition in recent days – setting themselves up for future success.

Chelsea’s move to land Geovany Quenda

In recent days, Chelsea have made yet another addition after clinching a deal with Portuguese outfit Sporting CP for the signature of 17-year-old wide player Geovany Quenda.

The teenager, who can operate off either flank, has set the club back a fee in the region of £42.7m, taking the spending during the Todd Boehly era to over £1.3b.

However, Quenda is set to spend the 2025/26 season back on loan at the Liga Portugal outfit, before linking up with the Blues ahead of the 2026/27 campaign.

He looks set to operate in wide areas, mainly off the left-hand side if recent reports are to be believed, and potentially able to feature in a wing-back role should the manager decide to utilise a back-five at Stamford Bridge.

Many must wish he was moving to West London this summer, especially after one first-team member’s display for his country on Thursday evening.

The Chelsea player who dropped a 4/10 for his country

Given the money spent over the last couple of years, it’s no surprise to see numerous players featuring for their respective nations during the international break.

Eight of Maresca’s key players were selected to represent their country, with many of them featuring in various matches across the globe last night.

Marc Cucurella started and featured for the entirety of the contest against the Netherlands in Rotterdam, but was unable to produce a performance to remember as they only managed to draw 2-2.

He received his 14th cap for his country, but it was one to forget, being run ragged by one player, which contributed to their inability to claim another victory.

The 26-year-old only managed to win four of the 12 duels he entered, whilst being dribbled past four times, including by Jeremie Frimpong, who spun the full-back, leading to the host’s second goal.

Cucurella also committed two fouls in the process, whilst only managing to complete 50% of his attempted crosses, failing to have a positive impact at either end of the pitch.

Minutes played

90

Touches

85

Duels won

4/12

Dribbled past

4x

Fouls committed

2

Crosses completed

1/2 (50%)

Dribbles completed

0

He also failed to complete any dribbles, with only two of his 62 attempted passes being key passes, unable to create any clear-cut opportunities within the final third.

As a result of his dismal showing for Spain, the left-back was handed a measly 4/10 match rating by GIVEMESPORT, showcasing how disappointing he was during the draw.

Given his disappointing outing last night, many supporters must wish that Quenda was moving to the Bridge this summer, offering another option in wide areas for Maresca.

However, Cucurella will remain the number one option for the next couple of years at least, with the Spaniard needing to return to his usual high standards ahead of the return to club action in a week’s time.

James upgrade: Chelsea working to sign "the best RB in the Premier League"

Chelsea are reportedly working to sign a player who would be an upgrade on Reece James.

1 ByDan Emery Mar 20, 2025

West Ham United and manager Graham Potter have made a decision on in-form defender Nayef Aguerd and his future at the London Stadium, amid interest from both Man United and Real Madrid in the Moroccan’s signature.

Nayef Aguerd impressing for Real Sociedad on loan from West Ham

Ex-West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui gave the green-light for Aguerd to make a temporary move to La Liga side Real Sociedad last summer, with the 28-year-old impressing in response.

West Ham battling Arsenal and Liverpool to sign "very rare" £67m striker

Graham Potter’s side are believed to be contenders.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Mar 7, 2025

Barring the odd spell out through injury, Aguerd has been a mainstay for Sociedad, with Imanol Alguacil starting the African on 19 different occasions in La Liga. According to WhoScored, Aguerd even stands out as their best-performing player by average match rating per 90, with the former Rennes star also making more clearances per game than any of his Sociedad teammates in that time.

Newcastle United (home)

March 10th

Everton (away)

March 15th

Wolves (away)

April 1st

Bournemouth (home)

April 5th

Liverpool (away)

April 13th

Alguacil was key in convincing Aguerd to swap east London for the Spanish top flight, and the player hasn’t looked back since as many West Ham supporters wonder if he could come back and do a job under Potter next season.

“I came to Real because of the conversation I had with Imanol (Alguacil, coach),” said Aguerd on joining Sociedad. “For me, as a footballer, the coach’s trust is very important and Imanol’s call changed everything. I saw that he was willing to help me, I thought that I could also help the team, and I was clear about that.”

His performances have been so convincing that both Real and United have been credited with a serious interest in recent weeks. Spanish media have reported that Real Madrid are targeting Aguerd ahead of this summer, while it is believed United think West Ham’s defender is perfect for Ruben Amorim.

West Ham make Nayef Aguerd decision ahead of next season

Now, Claret & Hugh writer Sean Whetstone has shared an update from a senior London Stadium source on the central defender’s future. It is claimed that Potter is planning to reintegrate Aguerd next season, and West Ham would reject any offers for the player this summer.

“Nayef Aguerd is in Graham Potter’s plans next season and West Ham would reject any offers for him this summer,” said Whetstone, via X.

“Aguerd is currently on a season-long loan at Real Sociedad, who face Manchester United tonight in the Europa League. The defender has been excellent in La Liga this season after being deemed surplus to requirements by former West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui.”

Whetstone also reiterates what a behind-the-scenes informant told him in regard to how Potter feels about Aguerd as a player, with the club source stating:

“We want Nayef Aguerd back playing for West Ham now that we are using three centre-backs. Our new manager rates him.”

The former Dijon ace with 53 international caps now looks set to be a pivotal asset for West Ham during Potter’s first full season in charge.

Ahead of a crucial game between two sides sitting in the depths of the bottom-half, Ipswich Town could be forced to square off against Manchester United without two key men.

Ipswich injury news

With every week and every defeat, Ipswich once realistic survival chances have faded into more and more of a fantasy. Now five points adrift of safety in the Premier League, The Tractor Boys desperately need to get back to winning ways for the first time in 10 league games, having last shocked Chelsea at the end of December.

There was once a time when a visit to Old Trafford was the last thing that a side in Ipswich’s position need. Nowadays though, it’s exactly what the doctor’s ordered.

Kieran McKenna’s side arguably have their best chance to pick up three points since they allowed Southampton to pick up a rare victory in frustrating fashion. United are blunt going forward, vulnerable going the other way and there for the taking under Ruben Amorim, but Ipswich may not be at their best themselves following recent injury news.

As confirmed by McKenna, Ipswich could now be without both Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste against Manchester United after both players limped off against Tottenham Hotspur last time out.

0 duels won: McKenna must axe Ipswich dud who can’t cut it in the PL

Tottenham Hotspur picked up a 4-1 away win at the expense of Ipswich Town.

1 ByKelan Sarson Feb 23, 2025

McKenna told reporters: “It looks like, hopefully, neither is a very, very serious injury. But they’re still getting some scans and assessments. Honestly, I don’t think we can rule anything in or out. That’s not being flippant.

“They’re getting some scans this morning which we’ll get the results of this afternoon. We don’t think either injury is severe and we can’t put any timescale on them at the minute.”

Facing a race against time to be fit, both Phillips and Cajuste will be desperate to fight back to full fitness and leave their mark on Old Trafford and the rest of Ipswich’s bid for survival.

Injury comes at frustrating time for Phillips

Having seen his time at Manchester City dominated by injury and a lack of game time, Phillips looked to be building momentum at last for Ipswich – starting three of their last four league games – only to suffer another blow. Now awaiting the result of his scan, the £150,000-a-week midfielder will be desperate to avoid another lengthy absence.

With just 12 Premier League games remaining, it will soon be decision time for Ipswich regarding a permanent move to sign Phillips. And whilst at times he has looked destined to bow out at Portman Road, recent improvement could yet ignite some hope that he could yet earn a summer switch.

Either way – whether courtesy of Ipswich or another willing club – the former Leeds United midfielder would be wise to end his Manchester City career on a permanent basis.

Before any of those decisions, however, Phillips must hope to play a part in what would be a miraculous recovery from Ipswich if they were to maintain their top flight status.

Rangers’ underwhelming season continues.

On Sunday, the Light Blues battled to a 3-1 victory over Hearts at Tynecastle, with Václav Černý on target in Edinburgh, while Jamie McCart scored not one but two unfortunate own goals.

That makes it five Premiership wins in a row for Philippe Clement’s team, who are unbeaten in nine league matches since Boxing Day, but this matters very little, considering they remain 13 points adrift Celtic, set for a trophyless campaign, having been ignominiously dumped out of the Scottish Cup by Queen’s Park.

So, all the Light Blues really have to play for is the Europa League, set to face one of Bodø/Glimt, Anderlercht, Fenerbahçe or Twente in the round of 16.

In recent times, Rangers supporters have loved their Europa League Thursdays, getting all the way to the final three seasons ago, and one of the stars of the run to Seville is impressing at another Scottish club, so will they rue letting him go for free?

Rangers' struggles in front of goal

Rangers have now failed to score on five occasions this season, most notably against Queen’s Park in that historic cup defeat, while, despite bagging three at Tynecastle this weekend, they’ve only netted 19 times in 13 Premiership away matches.

So, let’s compare Rangers’ goal-scoring issues to previous campaigns.

Statistics

2021/22

2022/23

2023/24

2024/25

Premiership goals scored

80

93

87

54

Premiership away goals scored

40

43

36

19

Premiership matches scored nil

2

2

3

3

Premiership matches scoring 4+

6

8

6

3

Goals-per-game in Europe

1.4

0.8

1.3

1.7

Rangers are currently on course to score 78 goals in this season’s Premiership, their lowest tally for a completed campaign since 2017/18, while their current tally of 19 goals away from home means they’re projected to score just 28 times on the road, their fewest since returning to the top division.

Failure to score in any of their remaining 12 league fixtures would be record-breaking, while they’ve only scored four, or more, on three occasions in the league so far, down from six during the previous campaign.

On the flip side, the Gers have scored 16 goals in eight Europa League matches so far, netting at least once during all of their league phase fixtures, including putting four past both Steaua Bucharest and Nice.

Nevertheless, consistent goalscoring is a clear weakness for this team, so did they make a mistake letting a goalscoring midfielder depart for free?

Ex-Rangers midfielder flying back at former club

Scott Arfield will always go down in history as Steven Gerrard’s first-ever signing as Rangers manager, arriving on a free transfer from Burnley in 2018, and what an excellent edition this proved to be.

He made 233 appearances for the Light Blues, scoring 43 goals and providing 19 assists, winning the Premiership title and a Scottish Cup, also a key member of the side who reached the Europa League Final, featuring in 16 European fixtures that season.

Then manager Giovanni van Bronckhorst described the Canadian international as “really important”, before the midfielder departed to join Major League Soccer outfit Charlotte FC, following the expiration of his contract in 2023.

He spent 12 months in North Carolina, making 33 appearances and scoring three goals, before returning to British football with Bolton Wanderers in EFL League One, albeit he featured just 16 times for the Trotters.

Arfield was then on the move again, re-joining Scottish Championship side Falkirk in January, returning to the club he had departed 15 years earlier.

Where Are They Now

Well, fair to say he had an immediate impact, scoring less than 60 seconds into his second Bairns debut, bagging a hat-trick during a 5-2 victory over Partick Thistle, before scoring again during Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Ayr.

This means, in just two appearances back in Scotland, Arfield has now scored twice as many league goals as Rangers’ Nedim Bajrami has managed all season. The pair both have four goals between them across all competitions this season, yet Bajrami has made double the number of appearances.

Falkirk, who won the League One title unbeaten last season, are currently top of the Championship, seeking a second successive promotion that would take them into the top-flight for the first time since 2010.

Some supporters may have noticed that, whatever club he has been at, Arfield always wears the number 37 shirt, but the heartbreaking story behind this has only recently come to light.

This is a tribute to his former teammate Craig Gowans who, at the age of just 17, was killed back in 2005 when a metal pole he was holding collided with an overhead electricity pylon.

As outlined by Andrew Slaven of the Scottish Football Show, Falkirk had previously retired the number 37 shirt, with Arfield phoning up Gowans’ father asking for permission to wear it, who replied “wear it with pride”, a gesture Slaven describes as ‘really special’.

As well as being classy off the park, Arfield has shown he still has plenty to offer on it, even if at Championship level, emphasising he might just be the exact type of goal-scoring midfielder – and Bajrami upgrade – that Rangers are missing.

Cantwell signed instead: Rangers missed out on star who's now worth £110m

Rangers missed out on signing a player who is now one of the best in the Premier League

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 17, 2025

Manchester City face a huge assignment in the Champions League playoff round. Their place in the round of 16 relies on them beating Real Madrid over two legs, with the first game taking place on Tuesday evening at the Etihad Stadium.

This season has been below par from City, and they will have a huge task on their hands if they want to beat Los Blancos.

Pep Guardiola’s men will have the small matter of keeping the front three of Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior quiet, which is far easier said than done. Mbappe is especially in great form, having just won the La Liga Player of the Month for January.

However, perhaps the player City will have to be most wary of is someone they once tried to sign, Jude Bellingham.

Why Bellingham could be a danger to Man City

In many ways, it seems fairly obvious to say that keeping Bellingham quiet is going to be key for City if they want to beat Carlo Ancelotti’s side. However, we are talking about the player who finished third in the 2024 Ballon d’Or, bettered only by City midfielder Rodri, and Vinicius, with Mbappe coming sixth.

It took some time for things to gel between the Galactico quartet of Bellingham, Mbappe, Vinicus and Rodrygo. However, things have begun to click, and the Birmingham City academy graduate has started firing in recent weeks. He has played 31 times this season, scoring ten goals and grabbing ten assists in that time, a remarkable record already.

It is hard to pinpoint the England international’s best contribution in that famous White shirt this season. However, his goal and assist in a 2-1 win over Valencia were important. Bellingham missed a penalty and Vinicius was sent off, but the Madrid number five won it in stoppage time.

Interestingly, the Citizens tried to sign Bellingham before his £115m move, including add-ons, to the Santiago Bernabeu went through.

Indeed, according to reports, City are thought to have made ‘a succulent economic offer’ to Bellingham and former club Borussia Dortmund, but he rejected the approach, with Madrid his desired destination.

So, the Stourbridge-born sensation will be pulling on the White shirt of Madrid rather than the Sky Blue shirt of City on Tuesday night. However, perhaps Guardiola will decide to unleash City’s answer to Bellingham.

Chalkboard

Football FanCast's Chalkboard series presents a tactical discussion from around the global game.

Man City’s very own Jude Bellingham

When you think of the superstars in the Citizens squad, Kevin De Bruyne instantly springs to mind. He is a phenomenal player, once described as “the greatest” Premier League midfielder ever by Jamie Redknapp.

The Belgian’s injuries have been a real issue over the past two seasons. He missed 36 games with four injuries last term, and ten games with a hamstring issue this season. However, his quality is still unquestionable.

He has three goals and six assists in all competitions this season but has played just 1344 minutes in total. That is the equivalent of just 15 full 90-minute games, a strong return for the City legend.

The quality the Citizens number 17 possesses has shone through this season. De Bruyne has scored and assisted in the same game twice this term, including a goal and assist in a 3-0 home win against Nottingham Forest, who have been excellent.

One of the words you might associate with the great playmaker, and indeed with Bellingham, is impact. They are players who can massively affect a game for the better for their respective sides, and that is something the City star has done against Real Madrid in the past.

He has played nine games against Los Blancos across his career, all of which came in a City shirt. In that time, he has four goals and four assists, of which only one has come in a losing cause. That is impact.

Games

9

Goals

4

Assists

4

G/A per game

0.88

G/A in wins

6

G/A in draws

1

G/A in losses

1

Described as a “genius” by football statistician Statman Dave, De Bruyne could be the difference maker for City this week. They missed out on Bellingham in the summer of 2023, who could have been a huge component of their side as a number 10, but the Belgian is not exactly a bad alternative.

If Guardiola chooses to unleash the 33-year-old this week, potentially at the expense of someone like Jack Grealish or James McAtee, he might be able to give City that extra little edge and help get them over the line in one of the biggest games yet this season.

Huge Nunes upgrade: Pep must surely regret selling Man City star for £21m

Man City continue to have issues at right-back; with Walker departing, Matheus Nunes is filling-in there, but they already had one of the world’s best

Feb 5, 2025

Aston Villa are now weighing up a move to sign a free-scoring striker this summer as they look to add more firepower to their ranks in the wake of Jhon Duran’s exit, it has been reported, with the Villans one of two Premier League clubs showing an interest.

Aston Villa's striker problems

Forwards dominated Aston Villa’s transfer window discussions in January, with a series of changes across Unai Emery’s frontline taking place over the course of the window.

The Midlands side are currently eighth in the Premier League, five points outside the Champions League qualification spots, and have looked to add more goals to their side for the second half of the season.

They agreed a deal to sign Donyell Malen from Borussia Dortmund early in the window, in a permanent deal that was balanced out by Jaden Philogene’s departure to Ipswich Town.

Then, their focus turned to loans and after failing with a move for Joao Felix, they ultimately ended the window having brought in Marcus Rashford and Marcos Asensio for the remainder of the campaign, with the club having a £40m option to buy on Rashford should he impress after falling out of favour under Ruben Amorim at Old Trafford.

However, they did lose Duran, with the Colombian forward joining Al-Nassr in a blockbuster deal, while Ollie Watkins had interest from Arsenal though no deal materialised.

The upshot of their January window is that they now have no obvious alternative to Watkins; all of Rashford, Asensio and Malen can play centrally but the trio all prefer to play in the wide areas, with none a natural number nine.

Emery must axe Aston Villa's "top young player" to unleash Rashford

Emery must ditch one of Villa’s starlets to unleash their new loan star.

ByRoss Kilvington Feb 9, 2025

It means that one will likely be needed in the summer, especially if Watkins continues to attract attention.

Aston Villa monitoring Serie A sensation

Now, a report from Italy [via Sport Witness] has revealed that Emery and Villa are one of a pair of Premier League sides monitoring Moise Kean as he continues to excel with Fiorentina.

The forward, who was once on the books of Everton, moved to Florence from Juventus in the summer and has taken to life in purple like a duck to water. He has found the net 15 times already this campaign, including an audacious flick from a free kick against Genoa.

He was hailed as “remarkable” by CBS reporter Marco Messina, who added that “his hold up play is so good” as he continues to find the back of the net with staggering regularity.

That form has made clubs sit up and take notice, and it is reported that Villa have “concrete” interest in signing the 24-year-old, who is believed to have a £43m release clause in his contract in Florence that becomes active this summer.

Domestic League only

Ollie Watkins

Moise Kean

Appearances

24

22

Starts

20

21

Goals

10

15

Assists

5

2

Minutes per goal involvement

110

108

Tottenham are also said to be challenging for his signature, with the two Premier League sides both evaluating what could potentially be a bargain signing in a summer where strikers are expected to be at a premium.

Kean could well be an excellent pick up despite his early struggles in the Premier League with Everton, with the striker finally appearing to be delivering on his immense potential.

Celtic got their second Fabrizio Romano ‘here we go!’ of the summer transfer window when he provided the latest on their pursuit of Benjamin Nygren on Saturday night.

The Italian journalist has confirmed that the Scottish Premiership champions are on the verge of completing a deal to sign the Sweden international to bolster their options at the top end of the pitch.

Nygren is set to sign for the club on a five-year contract and will link up with his new teammates in pre-season in the coming weeks, ahead of competing for a place on the right wing next season.

The 23-year-old talent scored 15 goals in 30 appearances in the Superliga during the 2024/25 campaign, which suggests that the Hoops have landed a bargain with the fee that Romano has reported.

That is because Nygren’s contract with FC Nordsjælland was due to expire at the end of this year, forcing the Danish side to cash in before they lost him for nothing in January.

Whilst this looks set to be a shrewd piece of business, Celtic have shown that they are willing to push the boat out for signings, as shown by their move for Arne Engels last year.

Celtic hit the jackpot with Arne Engels

The Hoops smashed their transfer record to sign the Belgium international from Bundesliga outfit Augsburg in the summer of 2024 for a reported fee of £11m.

It overtook the previous record of £9m that was paid to sign Odsonne Edouard on a permanent deal from Paris Saint-Germain. It showed that the board were ready to seriously back Brendan Rodgers in the transfer market.

Given the money involved in the move, signing Engels for a fee of £11m was a gamble by the Scottish giants, but it is one that paid off big time for them.

xAG

0.25

Top 7%

Assists

0.37

Top 6%

Shot-creating actions

3.11

Top 29%

Key passes

2.24

Top 6%

Percentage of dribblers tackled

71.4%

Top 9%

Tackles made

2.49

Top 28%

Passes blocked

1.12

Top 27%

As you can see in the table above, the Belgian maestro provided plenty of quality in the Champions League, as he ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of key creative and defensive metrics.

Engels also ended the season with a haul of ten goals and 13 assists in 52 appearances in all competitions from a central midfield position, which shows that he has been a big threat for the Hoops as both scorer and a creator of goals.

Celtic hit the jackpot with the midfielder because he hit the ground running at Parkhead to become an instant star, and they could repeat that trick with another record purchase this summer.

Celtic learn asking price for Sondre Orjasaeter

According to Norwegian outlet TV Sport 2, as relayed by the Glasgow Times, Celtic will have to splash out a fee of £11m to sign Sondre Orjasaeter from Sarpsborg before the end of the summer transfer window.

This means that they would have to make him their joint-record signing alongside Engels by splashing out a fee that they have never paid more than for any other player.

Transfer Focus

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

The report, however, adds that Dutch giants PSV are currently leading the race to sign the Norway U21 international, and that French side Lille are also eyeing him up, which means that there is plenty of competition for his signature.

It was reported earlier this month that the Hoops had opened talks with Sarpsborg to sign Orjasaeter to bolster their options on the left flank, but there has been no further update on those discussions to date.

They now know that a record fee of £11m will be required to get a deal over the line in the coming weeks, and they could repeat their Engels masterclass by going through with a move.

Why Sondre Orjasaeter could be Arne Engels 2.0

As aforementioned, Celtic have hit the jackpot with the Belgian star because he immediately became a key performer in the middle of the park for Rodgers.

At the age of 21, Engels is also still a young player with plenty of time left ahead of him to develop and improve, and could yet be sold for a profit in the future.

Orjasaeter is a 21-year-old talent with similar potential, based on his performances for Sarpsborg. He has shown that the quality is there for him to make a big impact at the top end of the pitch, particularly as a creator.

It was confirmed in May that Jota is set to be out for up to nine months with a knee injury, which means that the left-wing spot where the Norwegian star operates is set to be vacant at the start of the 2025/26 campaign.

Appearances

28

7

Goals

5

1

Big chances missed

5

2

Big chances created

12

7

Key passes per game

1.9

2.0

Assists

5

2

Dribbles completed per game

2.4

2.7

As you can see in the table above, Orjasaeter is a player with the quality to fill the hole that has been left by Jota’s injury, as he has been in impressive form for Sarpsborg since the start of the 2024 campaign.

The 21-year-old star, who was described as a “playmaker” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has created 19 ‘big chances’ in his last 35 Eliteserien matches, which shows that the wing wizard is an incredibly creative forward.

For reference, Alistair Johnston’s haul of 15 ‘big chances’ created was the most of any Celtic player in the club’s 38-game Premiership season, suggesting that Orjasaeter could be a standout creative threat for Rodgers next term and beyond.

Celtic have hit gold with star who's now worth £8m more than Balikwisha

Celtic have hit the jackpot with this star who is now worth £8m more than reported target Michel-Ange Balikwisha.

ByDan Emery Jun 21, 2025

That suggests that the potential is there for the Norwegian star to be an Engels repeat for the Hoops as a record £11m signing who could instantly become a key player for the club, whilst still having plenty of years left ahead to develop and improve.

Leeds United have been given a sobering reminder of the step up in quality from the Championship to the Premier League by watching some recent transfer sagas unfold.

Liverpool officially confirmed the permanent signing of Florian Wirtz from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported fee that could rise to a British-record £116m on Friday.

Whereas, the Whites have never spent more than £35.5m to sign a player. Their current record stands at the £35.5m they paid to sign Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim at the start of 2023.

Rutter scored eight goals and provided 18 assists in 66 matches for the West Yorkshire outfit before he completed a move to Brighton & Hove Albion last summer.

Leeds are in the market to sign a central midfielder to bolster their squad this summer, amid interest in Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra and Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika.

They have been shown how much the top midfielders in the Premier League go for, though, as Arsenal are set to sign Martin Zubimendi from Spanish side Real Sociedad for a reported fee of £56m.

Leeds United's current midfield options

At this moment in time, Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Ao Tanaka are Daniel Farke’s only senior central midfield options ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, after Joe Rothwell returned to Bournemouth and Josuha Guilavogui was released at the end of his contract.

Ampadu has often been utilised as a centre-back option by the German head coach, which could leave Gruev and Tanaka as the two midfielders in his 4-2-3-1 system if the Wales international slots into the back four.

There are question marks over whether those two midfielders have the physicality to compete week-in-week-out in a relegation scrap in the Premier League, however, due to their form in the past.

Prior to their respective moves to Elland Road, both Gruev and Tanaka played in Germany, in the Bundesliga and the 2. Bundesliga, and showed signs that they may not be able to handle the step up in physicality to the Premier League.

Appearances

31

30

Pass accuracy

87%

89%

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.1

2.0

Ground duel success rate

53%

49%

Aerial duel success rate

43%

49%

As you can see in the table above, they both left a bit to be desired physically in the top two divisions in Germany, particularly when it came to competing in aerial battles.

This may be why the Whites are keen to add more physicality to their midfield by bringing in a new option in that area of the park, and they are now reportedly interested in a new target in that position.

Leeds eyeing deal for Ligue 1 enforcer

According to GIVEMESPORT, Leeds United are lining up a deal to sign Stade de Reims defensive midfielder Valentin Atangana during the summer transfer window.

The report claims that the Whites have set their sights on the talented 19-year-old enforcer, whose team were relegated to the second division in France this season.

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GIVEMESPORT adds that the Championship champions are keen to do their business as early as possible, and that the French starlet has emerged as one of the options on their radar in their pursuit of a new central midfielder.

The outlet states that the Whites are keen to win the race to secure his services this summer after they were made aware that he is set to be available in the market because of Reims’ relegation to Ligue 2.

It also forwards a suggestion that the player could be available for a bargain price of around £9m, as Reims look to rake in money after dropping out of Ligue 1.

The report also claims that Leeds are now weighing up whether or not to enter negotiations over a deal to bring the teenage talent to West Yorkshire before the end of the window.

Why Leeds should sign Valentin Atangana

The Whites should approach Reims to do a deal for the 19-year-old star because he could arrive as Farke’s own version of Zubimendi, who is set to join Arsenal for £56m, to bolster the physicality in his midfield.

As per FBref, the Spain international is one of the most similar players to Atangana based on their respective statistics in Ligue 1 and LaLiga over the past 365 days.

As you can see in the chart above, they both excel in fairly similar areas of the game, particularly defensively, with a similar success rate in tackles and aerial battles.

Zubimendi ended the LaLiga season with a ground duel success rate of 56% and an aerial battle success rate of 62%, whilst Atangana won 53% of his ground duels and 58% of his aerial battles in Ligue 1 for Reims.

The France U19 international, who was hailed as “exceptional” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, caught the eye in the French top-flight from a defensive perspective, despite his team being relegated.

He was playing in a poor team, hence their relegation, but still showcased his physicality and quality. A great example is his performance against PSG in the Coupe de France final, as he won seven of his nine duels and completed all three of his dribbles against the likes of Joao Neves and Vitinha, but his side lost 3-0.

Clearances

2.02

Top 19%

Aerial duels won

1.48

Top 8%

Percentage of dribblers tackled

73.7%

Top 2%

Challenges lost

0.32

Top 2%

Shots blocked

0.47

Top 14%

Interceptions

1.17

Top 33%

Dispossessed

0.73

Top 23%

As you can see in the table above, Atangana ranked highly among his positional peers in a host of key defensive metrics in Ligue 1, particularly when it came to winning aerial duels and holding off opposition players.

He rarely allowed dribblers to get past him, as shown by his success rate in tackles and how few challenges he lost, and was rarely dispossessed by opposition midfielders, which speaks to his strength in possession.

The teenage talent could, therefore, be Farke’s own version of Zubimendi as a defensive midfielder who has shown that he can be reliable in physical contests and secure in possession under pressure in one of Europe’s top leagues.

To sign a 19-year-old talent who has already proven his quality in the French top-flight, and is comparable to £56m-rated Zubimendi, for just £9m could be a shrewd move by Leeds, and one they must pursue in the coming weeks.

He's better than Diarra: Leeds now looking at deal to sign £26m "threat"

Leeds United are eyeing up a midfield star who could be even better than Habib Diarra.

1 ByDan Emery Jun 19, 2025

Chelsea have been tipped to ‘easily’ sign a ‘top player’ who could become a ‘superstar’ away from his current club.

Chelsea suffer Atalanta blow as Maresca crashes down to Earth

Chelsea’s aspirations of securing automatic Champions League knockout round qualification took a significant hit as they surrendered a half-time advantage to lose 2-1 against Atalanta in Bergamo on Tuesday evening.

Enzo Maresca’s side appeared on course for a crucial victory when Joao Pedro slid home his maiden Champions League goal in the 25th minute, capitalizing on Reece James’s delivery after a VAR review confirmed the captain had timed his run perfectly.

The Blues controlled proceedings during the opening period, with their man-to-man pressing disrupting Atalanta’s rhythm and limiting the Serie A outfit’s opportunities.

However, Josh Acheampong did have to produce a stunning goal-line block to deny Ademola Lookman what appeared a certain opener.

.

Maresca’s decision to withdraw the booked Trevoh Chalobah at half-time appeared to kickstart a dramatic shift in momentum.

Chelsea weigh up January move amid Delap injury with £22m deal already agreed

The Blues are short up front.

ByEmilio Galantini 2 days ago

James spurned an excellent opportunity to extend Chelsea’s lead early in the second period, firing wide from a promising position on the edge of the penalty area.

Atalanta immediately made Chelsea pay, with Charles De Ketelaere delivering an exceptional cross from the right flank, allowing former West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca to rise completely unmarked inside the six-yard box and nod past Robert Sanchez.

The Belgian forward then completed the turnaround with seven minutes remaining, his deflected strike looping over Sanchez after taking a wicked deflection off Marc Cucurella’s retreating leg.

Despite late opportunities for Alejandro Garnacho, James and Pedro, Marco Carnesecchi’s goalkeeping ensured Atalanta claimed all three points.

It was a humbling night for Chelsea, merely a fortnight after they were being talked about as genuine Premier League title contenders.

There is clearly still work to do before the west Londoners can be discussed in that manner, with Maresca lamenting Chelsea’s defending in a post-match press conference.

With holes still ever present and Maresca constantly rotating his first-team due to injuries, there may still be more work to do in the transfer market next year.

Chelsea spent nearly £300 million in the summer, but they remain pretty light in midfield with the constantly-injured Roméo Lavia sidelined for yet another extended period.

As a result, the west Londoners have been tipped to move for a new midfielder in 2026, and Man United’s Kobbie Mainoo could be available.

Chelsea tipped to 'easily' sign Kobbie Mainoo from Man United

Chelsea have been repeatedly linked with the Red Devils sensation these last 12 months, with Mainoo on the fringes of Ruben Amorim’s first team and potentially poised for the exit door.

Speaking on The Good, The Bad and The Football podcast, ex-United midfielder Nicky Butt has tipped Chelsea to sign Mainoo amid his current club’s ‘mind-boggling’ stance when it comes to young stars.

The 20-year-old, who burst on to the scene at Old Trafford in 2023/2024, was once a revelation under Erik ten Hag and one of England’s rising stars.

Mainoo’s excellent form that year, including an FA Cup final goal against Man City, earned him a spot in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for Euro 2024.

He played in all but one of the Three Lions’ games that tournament, including a start in the final against Spain, so finding Mainoo in this situation at United is truly bizarre.

The talented and versatile midfielder seemingly doesn’t fit into Amorim’s tactical blueprint, with Chelsea believed to still be keen on Mainoo amid their search for world football’s most elite young talents.

This could be a match made in heaven.