All posts by rastrear-estafeta.com

Glasgow Rangers supporters will not want to watch back any of the goals that their side conceded in the 3-1 defeat at Ibrox on Tuesday night.

Put simply, Russell Martin’s team were nowhere good enough defensively throughout the match, not just including the goals conceded, as their Belgian opponents found it far too easy to carve them open.

Whilst it was not all on them, Nasser Djiga and John Souttar offered very little protection to Jack Butland with their work at the heart of the defence.

That was the case for the opening goal, after just three minutes, when the Wolverhampton Wanderers loanee inexplicably left the ball and allowed the forward to race through and lob Butland, who was not even close to coming out to sweep up in the first place.

The second and third goals that the Gers conceded were born out of very questionable defending, but the first goal was the worst of the lot, by a considerable margin.

Whether it was a lack of concentration or miscommunication with Butland, Djiga had a nightmare at the back for Rangers and is not building a very positive reputation for himself at Ibrox.

Why Nasser Djiga's form is a concern for Rangers

The Wolves made a terrific start to his loan spell in Glasgow with an imperious debut against Panathinaikos in a 2-0 win at Ibrox in a Champions League qualifier last month.

Djiga made three clearances, two tackles, and one interception, whilst winning four of his five duels, per Sofascore, to keep a clean sheet for his team alongside Souttar.

Since that impressive debut against the Greek outfit, though, the Burkina Faso international has endured a rough time of things in the Scottish Premiership and the Champions League.

Djiga, as shown in the clip above, did not step up in time to catch Finlay Robertson offside and then brought the attacker down before he could go through one-on-one against Butland.

Sofascore rating

6.0

5.9

5.9

Clearances

1

6

3

Error led to goal

0x

0x

1x

Ground duels won

1/2

1/4

1/2

Aerial duels won

1/2

1/5

3/3

Red cards

1

0

0

As you can see in the table above, the 22-year-old defender has also struggled in the last two starts for the Gers, losing seven of his nine duels against Viktoria Plzen before his inexplicable error against Club Brugge on Tuesday night.

The former Red Star Belgrade giant’s form is a concern because he has not provided the defensive solidity that Martin should want from him alongside Souttar at the back, either in the Premiership or the Champions League.

With the untested Emmanuel Fernandez being the only central defender in reserve to compete with Djiga and Souttar, the Light Blues may want to go back into the market to bring in another option in that area of the park.

It was reported last month that the Scottish giants were considering a swoop to sign Volendam central defender Xavier Mbuyamba, but it remains to be seen whether or not they still have an interest in the 6 foot 5 titan.

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 at the time claimed that the Eredivisie stopper was ‘hoping’ for a transfer to Ibrox, though, which suggests that he would be interested in the move if Rangers decide to make an approach before the end of the summer transfer window.

Mbuyamba also has one year left on his contract with Volendam, per Transfermarkt, and this means that the Dutch side may not be able to demand a significant fee for his services, as they run the risk of losing him for nothing in 2026.

Why Rangers should sign Xavier Mbuyamba

With this in mind, the Gers should push to bring the 23-year-old star to Ibrox before the deadline passes at the start of September to bolster their options in the centre-back position.

Mbuyamba’s form for Volendam in recent seasons, and how he has started the current campaign, suggests that the former Chelsea youngster has the potential to be an instant upgrade on Djiga on the right side of the centre-back pairing.

The Dutch titan helped Volendam to win promotion back to the Eredivisie in the 2024/25 campaign, after they were relegated from the top-flight, whilst the Rangers target missed most of the 2023/24 season through injury.

Prior to his injury issues two seasons ago, Mbuyamba had shown that he had the quality to deliver quality defensive performances in the top division, which meant that it was not a surprise when he dominated the second tier last term.

Appearances

28

34

Goals

5

5

Tackles + interceptions per game

3.5

2.8

Clearances per game

5.4

4.4

Ground duel success rate

56%

64%

Aerial duel success rate

50%

60%

As you can see in the table above, the Dutchman produced dominant displays full of defensive interventions in both of those seasons with Volendam, whilst also showcasing a goal threat from centre-back.

Mbuyamba has also won 69% of his duels and made 15 clearances, five blocks, and five tackles in two appearances in the Eredivisie so far in the current campaign, per Sofascore, which shows that he has been incredibly dominant and active defensively with key interventions.

Djiga, meanwhile, has lost 60% of his ground duels in the Premiership this season and lost 67% of his duels in the Premier League for Wolves in the second half of last season, which shows that he has not been strong enough in one-on-one battles with opposition forwards in 2025.

These statistics suggest that Mbuyamba, who was once hailed as “complete” and “dominant” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, has the potential to be way more effective in defensive duels than the Burkina Faso international.

Not Djiga: Rangers must axe star who "looks like he's hasn't kicked a ball"

As Rangers’ Champions League hopes went up in flames, beaten 3-1 by Club Brugge, a summer signing “looks like he’s hasn’t kicked a ball before”.

ByBen Gray Aug 20, 2025

Therefore, Rangers could sign an instant upgrade on Djiga by signing the 6 foot 5 titan, who has proven himself at the top level in the Netherlands, to offer a more reliable presence at the heart of the defence as a dominant enforcer ahead of Butland.

Manchester United’s season begins this weekend, with Ruben Amorim’s side welcoming Arsenal to Old Trafford for a fiery curtain-raising clash in the Premier League.

So much hinges on this campaign for United, who have emerged from a disastrous year of struggle: slumping, losing Erik ten Hag, appointing Amorim, plummeting further, finishing 15th, losing the Europa League final.

But INEOS and Jason Wilcox have refashioned the frontline and remain intent on bolstering further. Gianluigi Donnarumma has been targeted, though is also in Manchester City’s sights, but it’s an all-action midfield player who Amorim feels would have the most significant impact on his side.

Man United's chase for new midfielder

Man United’s interest in Carlos Baleba has been well-documented across the past few weeks, with the Brighton & Hove Albion star viewed as the perfect long-term option to complete Amorim’s midfield.

However, Baleba remains in first-team training with the Seagulls, who are going to resist with full force the Man United advances.

With much uncertainty around the 21-year-old’s signature, a different Premier League star has been earmarked too.

Indeed, according to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, Amorim is a big admirer of Southampton talent Mateus Fernandes, who was one of the relegated side’s standout players last season.

Transfer Focus

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

West Ham United are felt to have the lead in the battle, having opened talks with the south coast club, but United could surely sway the odds in their favour, should they raise their interest.

Southampton will demand in excess of £30m.

What Mateus Fernandes would bring to Man United

The 21-year-old Fernandes shone despite Saints’ woes last year, and he’s been described as having the tools to become the “ultimate Premier League midfielder” by former pro Jo Tessem.

Having joined Southampton from Sporting Lisbon for a smart £15m fee last summer, he has featured 44 times in total, starring across his outfit’s opening two matches of the current campaign, this time in England’s second tier.

Given that he is available for a portion of the price required for Baleba’s signature, Fernandes might be the perfect fallback, perhaps even a more prudent and economical signing – one which might still bloom ripe results for Amorim’s resurgence-seeking side.

Goals

0.06

0.10

Assists

0.12

0.03

Touches

54.45

57.40

Pass completion

79.9%

87.4%

Progressive passes

4.49

3.99

Shot-creating actions

2.41

2.23

Progressive carries

2.35

1.45

Successful take-ons

1.52

1.12

Ball recoveries

5.54

6.66

Tackles + interceptions

3.62

4.23

Blocks

1.33

1.59

Duels won

5.8

5.9

We are not, of course, advocating Fernandes as being a midfielder of superiority; Baleba has been valued in excess of £100m after all. However, there’s an exciting player in this Portuguese prospect, one who shares some of the Cameroonian’s tactical strengths and has plenty of room for development.

There’s a case to be made that Fernandes has a bit more completeness about his game. Given the trammels that were imposed on his skill set by a lifeless Southampton side, constantly weighted down by their opponents, he did a rather good job, protecting his backline as best he could while pushing play forward too.

With impressive strength and precision in front of goal, the rising talent truly might have the skill set to become the “perfect midfielder”, as has been noted by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Though Baleba is the talk of the town and is perhaps further down the line in his development than Fernandes, the latter man weathered a harsh storm at St. Mary’s Stadium last year and still managed to make a good impression.

His steely presence and underrated technical game suggest he could prove a shrewd signing indeed.

A dream for Cunha & Mbeumo: INEOS submit bid to sign £69m star for Man Utd

Manchester United have once again splashed the cash during the current summer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 14, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer plans stretch beyond potential deals for Man City’s Savinho and Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, as pointed out by reliable Lilywhites insider Paul O’Keefe.

Just two weeks remain of this summer window, and chairman Daniel Levy is running out of time to back new manager Thomas Frank with some much-needed additions.

The Premier League season is already underway, and Frank will now have an even greater idea of how his side need to strengthen in the next fortnight after their opener against Burnley on Saturday.

Right now, Spurs are hot on the heels of both Eze and Savinho.

Tottenham are in talks to sign the attacking duo in separate deals (Fabrizio Romano), as Levy attempts to compensate for the loss of Son Heung-min to LAFC and James Maddison to long-term injury.

While there is some way to go when it comes to signing Savinho, with Pep Guardiola playing down reports of an imminent move away for the injured winger, Eze is believed to be very keen on a move to N17.

The 27-year-old has informed Palace of his desire to join Frank at Tottenham, giving his green-light to the project, so it appears all there is left to do is find a full agreement with the Eagles.

That’ll be no easy feat, though, considering chairman Steve Parish is a notoriously difficult negotiator and won’t fancy losing the star playmaker after what has already been a very difficult summer at Selhurst Park.

The south Londoners are demanding around £68 million – the value of his now-expired release clause – and reports suggest Tottenham want to go far lower (Ben Jacobs).

Amidst their negotiations for Eze and Savinho, it is believed that Tottenham also want another centre-back.

This is backed up by Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge, who explained their pursuit of a defender in a Q&A earlier this week.

As per O’Keefe, Frank and Spurs know exactly who they want to bolster their backline.

Tottenham identify Bayer Leverkusen star Piero Hincapie as top defender target

The insider reports that Bayer Leverkusen’s Piero Hincapie is that man.

The Ecuador international played 32 Bundesliga matches as a mainstay under Xabi Alonso last season, but he could join the Spaniard out of Leverkusen’s exit door amid interest from Spurs and Chelsea.

Frank has green-lit a potential Tottenham move for Hincapie, with the club identifying him as their “ideal” left centre-back target.

Other reports indicate that Leverkusen value him at around £60 million, and some South American media sources suggest that Chelsea are ready to bid for Hincapie, so Tottenham will need to get moving here.

Aston Villa are now racing to sign an “aggressive” midfielder, who is open to a move to the Premier League this summer, according to a report.

Villa looking to bolster midfield options

Villa brought Marco Asensio in on loan during the January transfer window, and the Spaniard went on to have an impressive second half of the season, picking up eight goals and one assist in 21 outings across all competitions.

With the summer transfer window now entering its final month, however, Unai Emery is yet to bring in a replacement for Asensio, having made very few additions to his squad, and there have been suggestions that the former loanee could be brought back.

Fenerbahce have also been named as potential suitors for the Paris Saint-Germain attacking midfielder, but the Turkish club are yet to make a breakthrough in negotiations, which could open the door for a move to Villa Park.

However, the 29-year-old is not the only option on the shortlist, with a report from A Bola (via Sport Witness) revealing Aston Villa are now interested in signing Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes, but there could be stiff competition for his signature.

Leeds United and Atletico Madrid are also in the race for Fernandes, who is open to making a return to the Premier League this summer, having suffered relegation from the top flight with the Saints last season.

The Villans may have to shell out a relatively large amount to get a deal over the line, with Southampton setting an asking price of more than €35m (£30m) two months ago, although it is unclear whether a transfer fee in that region is realistic.

Fernandes deserves another chance in Premier League

The Saints endured one of the worst campaigns in Premier League history last season, collecting just 12 points, but their young midfielder still managed to impress at times, collecting two goals and four assists in 36 outings.

Former manager Vasco Seabra has also lauded the 20-year-old for his physical attributes in the past, describing him as a “very strong and aggressive player with a great ability to cover a lot of ground”.

Aston Villa in pole position to sign £35m Brazilian ahead of Man City and Leeds

The Villans desperately need to get moving this summer.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Aug 2, 2025

Fernandes was a shining light in a poor Southampton side last season, and the starlet is also impressive defensively, placing in the top 2% for tackles per 90 over the past year, and in the top 4% for interceptions, when compared to other attacking midfielders.

However, with a Europa League campaign on the horizon, it may be a savvy move for Villa to bring in an attacking midfielder with more top-level experience, meaning Asensio could be a better addition to the squad, having played for some of Europe’s top clubs.

The 2025/26 campaign is drawing closer, and Tottenham Hotspur still need to make some signings if Thomas Frank is to challenge among the big hitters on Premier League and Champions League fronts.

There are multiple avenues that Spurs could head down over the coming weeks, but one route we know will not be followed is toward the City Ground for Nottingham Forest playmaker Morgan Gibbs-White, who has signed a new contract in spite of Tottenham activating his £60m release clause earlier this month.

Tottenham have played out two pre-season draws this month, against third-tier side Wycombe Wanderers and Luton Town, who have suffered back-to-back relegations over the past two seasons and indeed now languish in League One.

Why Spurs wanted Morgan Gibbs-White

James Maddison’s two terms with Tottenham have been laced with damaging setbacks, injured badly on several occasions and struggling for fluency at times. However, he has been prolific when playing and has that X-factor about him.

He’s been sidelined since before the end of last season, and Dejan Kulusevski underwent surgery on a patella injury in May that will keep him absent into the 2025/26 campaign.

Gibbs-White, 25, would have been perfect. Industrious and versatile, the England international is a fierce tackler and an intelligent passer, having also chipped with seven goals and eight assists in the league, with his efforts leading The Athletic’s Paul Taylor to say he was “among the most in-form, best performing players in the Premier League” last year.

However, he will ply his trade for the Tricky Trees once again next season, a cruel blow when a deal seemed so close only weeks ago for the Lilywhites.

Tottenham need an alternative, but that doesn’t strictly mean that Frank will sign a player of strict positional similarities to Gibbs-White.

Instead, he might pursue a record-breaking deal for one of Europe’s prized forwards.

Spurs in talks for bigger deal than Gibbs-White

Earlier in July, Iberian newspapers published a report that revealed Spurs’ interest in Real Madrid forward Rodrygo, who looks likely to leave the Spanish capital this summer after falling down the pecking order, Xabi Alonso currently establishing his Los Blancos vision.

The 24-year-old, nonetheless, would cost a pretty penny, having been priced at £87m. Thus, he would break Spurs’ transfer record, were he to join the project this summer.

And now, Spanish reporter Ramon Alvarez has revealed that the London club have opened talks for the versatile forward, suggesting that things could start ramping up in the coming days and weeks.

Further Spanish sources have confirmed interest from Arsenal and Liverpool, with the latter understood to be preparing a formal bid as Luiz Diaz completes a transfer to Bayern Munich, so this is hardly going to be an easy one to pull off.

Why Spurs want to sign Rodrygo

Why do Tottenham want to sign Rodrygo? Well, Jude Bellingham thinks he’s “probably the most talented and the most gifted player” at Real Madrid, and that makes a comment on his potential to become a superstar in the Premier League.

Even though the Brazil international left something to be desired with his performances last season, he still chalked up 14 goals and 11 assists across all competitions, scarcely playing on his preferred left side, where his ball-striking ability is best served.

The right-footer actually recorded 12 goal involvements from as many matches as a left-sided forward across all competitions last season, though this amounted to just 22% of his total action across the year.

Gibbs-White is a fine player, to be sure, but he’s not Rodrygo, who joined Real Madrid from Santos as an 18-year-old. It was 2019, and he arrived for a £39.5m fee.

Since that point, he’s become a mainstay at the world’s (probably) biggest football club, gluttonous with trophy-winning success and an incredibly talented and hard-working winger, willing to play across a range of positions so to best serve the team.

He even won 56% of his ground duels in La Liga last season, as per Sofascore, denoting a crispness in combative situations which will prove crucial for Frank’s Tottenham.

Frank will demand fluent, careful football that marries the exciting with the grounded. Rodrygo will aid this and then some, ranked among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers in La Liga last season for pass completion, the top 13% for shot-creating actions and the top 11% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

He’s the complete package, all right, having shown himself to have a variety of tools across different phases of play. It’s no wonder Luka Modric once labelled his Real teammate a “world-class superstar”.

Moreover, he’s a big-game player, whereas Gibbs-White’s potential on the very biggest stage has yet to be seen with regularity.

Gibbs-White would provide Frank’s system with creativity from the nucleus of the pitch, but Rodrygo, positionally flexible, would bring his own brand of offensive expertise, surely good enough to make the club forget about their Forest target.

In 2022/23, indeed, a young Rodrygo was among the most prolific right wingers across Europe’s top-five leagues, behind only Lionel Messi and Mohamed Salah. Not bad, that.

Mohamed Salah

51

30

16

46

Lionel Messi

41

21

20

41

Rodrygo

55

19

11

30

Riyad Mahrez

47

15

13

28

Bukayo Saka

48

15

12

27

Given that Rodrygo pines for a starting role on the alternate flank, with recent evidence suggesting that is his most fruitful position, it’s clear that Tottenham could hit the jackpot by making this signing.

And once the likes of Maddison and Kulusevski are fit and firing on all cylinders again, we could have an incredible team of depth and dynamism, just waiting to pounce on the season’s opportunities and add to that Europa League title, which might be the harbinger of an era of sustained success down N17.

Big Solanke upgrade: Spurs exploring deal to sign £26m "monster"

Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly exploring a deal to sign a new striker who would be an upgrade on Dominic Solanke.

ByDan Emery Jul 27, 2025

Glasgow Rangers central midfielder Nicolas Raskin is facing an uncertain future at Ibrox in the summer transfer window, amid interest from a host of clubs.

Plenty of teams south of the border have all been linked with an interest in the midfielder in recent weeks.

It would be a big blow for Russell Martin to lose the Belgian this summer, after the 24-year-old Rangers star racked up five goals and 11 assists in the Scottish Premiership and the Europa League combined last term.

However, Raskin is not the only player who the new Gers boss should be concerned about losing, as an offer has reportedly been made for another one of his key stars.

Offer submitted for Rangers star

Whilst the likes of Mohamed Diomande and Hamza Igamane have also been linked with moves away from Ibrox this summer, there is no interest in one of the club’s defenders.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, Trabzonspor are interested in a deal to snap up Glasgow Rangers central defender John Souttar ahead of next season.

The reporter claims that the Super Lig side, who have John Lundstram and Borna Barisic in their squad, have submitted an offer to tempt the Light Blues into cashing in on the Scotland international.

However, there is no mention of how much money has been put on the table by the European club, or whether or not Rangers would be willing to sell the former Hearts man this summer.

Why Rangers should keep John Souttar

The Gers should reject this offer from Trabzonspor in order to keep Souttar at Ibrox ahead of next season, as he is as important as Raskin to the team.

He is a leader and a strong presence at the back for the Light Blues, as a proven Premiership performer at the heart of the defence, and should be the player Martin builds the defence around.

Souttar, who was hailed for his “vintage” performances for Scotland by Andy Robertson, was the best centre-back at the club in the 2024/25 campaign, ahead of Robin Propper, as a dominant defensive force.

Appearances

24

27

Clearances per game

6.1

4.0

Dribbled past per game

0.1x

0.4x

Long pass accuracy

69%

46%

Ground duel success rate

74%

62%

Aerial duel success rate

66%

64%

As you can see in the table above, the Scottish titan was significantly better than the Dutch flop, as he was dribbled past fewer times per game and dominated opposition attackers with more efficiency.

Souttar also won 68% of his duels across ten appearances in the Europa League, making 6.6 clearances per game, which shows that he was also dominant on the European stage against high-quality opposition.

The 28-year-old colossus, who is in the prime years of his career, may not be as flashy and exciting as Raskin, who scores and assists goals at an impressive rate, but he is just as important to the team because of his reliable defensive work week-in-week-out.

Souttar is experienced, but not old, and can be counted on to deliver consistent performances when he is available to play, which is not something that should be overlooked as Rangers look to build a team to compete for the Premiership title.

Better than Gassama at Ibrox: Rangers racing to sign "wonderful" £10m star

Rangers are reportedly keen on a deal to sign a star who is even better than Djeidi Gassama.

ByDan Emery Jul 13, 2025

The Light Blues need experienced and dependable stars to help the younger players in the squad to settle in and adapt to playing regularly in the Premiership, which is why Souttar is so important for Martin and why the club should reject Trabzonspor’s offer.

Arsenal are poised to complete the signing of a Premier League star imminently, with the player now undergoing his medicals ahead of his proposed move to N5.

Arsenal trying to convince £55m ace to join, Arteta is speaking to him

The Gunners boss is getting involved.

ByEmilio Galantini Jul 4, 2025

Andrea Berta’s appointment is starting to pay dividends, as Mikel Arteta prepares to welcome a host of new signings to the Emirates Stadium.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

25/26 – summer

£5m

Arsenal have already acquired Kepa Arrizabalaga, who officially became Berta’s first signing in a £5 million move from Chelsea earlier this week, with the Gunners also finally sealing a deal for Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad.

The Premier League title hopefuls are actively trying to sign an attacker too. Arsenal are reported to be in “advanced” talks with Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze over terms (L’Equipe), but this won’t have an impact on their efforts for Chelsea winger Noni Madueke, as it is believed both players could join them in separate deals (Fabrizio Romano).

All of this comes amid Berta’s pursuit of a new striker as well – likely to be one of Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko – with the director having worked extensively on deals for both men simultaneously before deciding which move would be best for the club (BBC).

However, one man who looks certain to land before the likes of Eze, Madueke, Sesko or Gyokeres is Brentford captain Christian Norgaard.

Arsenal recently agreed a deal which could reach £15 million for Norgaard, with reliable journalist Fabrizio Romano confirming that the necessary paperwork has been exchanged ahead of his switch.

The 31-year-old Bees figurehead is an adept and Premier League-proven player, with reliable journalist Ben Jacobs sharing when supporters can expect him to be announced as a new Arsenal player.

Arsenal expected to complete Christian Norgaard signing next week

Speaking on talkSPORT, Jacobs reports that Norgaard is undergoing medical tests at Arsenal, and has completed the first half of his physical assessments. The Denmark international is expected to fully complete his move next week, so it won’t be long until supporters can officially welcome him.

“It’s Eze plus a left winger, and then you have a number nine as well,” said Jacobs on the club’s transfer plans.

“Add in Norgaard, who has done the first part of his medical, and is expected to complete his move next week.

“On top of that factor in the €60m or so outlay for Martin Zubimendi and Arsenal are getting going. Mosquera is another one they’re very optimistic on.”

Arsenal’s signing of Norgaard has been praised by critics, like former Tottenham director Frank Arnesen, who recently told Danish news outlet Tipsbladest that he’s the full package.

“Christian is a fantastic guy,” said Arnsen.

“I have nothing but good things to say about him. You meet players many times in your life, but I always hoped this one would have a fantastic career. He has got that. He has become captain of Brentford and has done incredible.

“Mikel Arteta was fantastic as a player, I think, and as a coach he has done absolutely superbly, both as an assistant at Manchester City and afterwards at Arsenal with the way he plays football.

“He doesn’t just take a player in without knowing exactly what he’s going to use him for. Maybe he won’t play 50 games, you don’t know, maybe it’ll only be 30, but it’s about the whole package. He gets the whole package with Christian.”

West Ham United have now submitted a £22m offer for an “exciting” player who turned down a move to Manchester United, according to a report.

Hammers set for busy summer transfer window

There are set to be plenty of changes at the London Stadium this summer, with replacements needed for the likes of Aaron Cresswell, Lukasz Fabianski, Danny Ings and Kurt Zouma, who have all been released following the expiration of their contracts.

It looks like some of the Hammers’ summer transfer business could be funded by another departure, with Mohammed Kudus emerging as a major target for two of their Premier League rivals.

The Hammers have already knocked back a £50m bid from Tottenham for Kudus, but with the north Londoners set to make another approach, it is looking increasingly likely that Graham Potter will need to bring in a new winger this summer.

Following Fabianski’s exit, a new goalkeeper will also be required, and West Ham have now made a €25m (£22m) offer for Parma shot-stopper Zion Suzuki, according to a report from Parma Live.

The Irons will have to submit a higher bid in order to get a deal over the line, however, considering the 22-year-old is happy to remain at Parma and the Italian club want to keep hold of him.

Offer made: West Ham now leading race to sign "powerful" £20m+ defender

The Hammers could be closing in on their first signing of the summer.

1 ByTom Cunningham Jul 6, 2025

Several Premier League clubs have also been named as potential suitors for Suzuki, including Chelsea and Man United, with the goalkeeper once turning down a move to Old Trafford because he didn’t want to be second choice behind Andre Onana.

"Exciting" Suzuki could be ideal signing for West Ham

Football scout Ben Mattinson was left impressed by the Japenese shot-stopper’s performances in the Serie A last season, saying: “Zion Suzuki pulled off a phenomenal save against Roma and he’s rightly making the headlines.

“Despite Parma’s struggles at times this season, Zion Suzuki has stood out for his performances in goal. Remains one of the most exciting young keepers right now.”

The New Jersey-born goalkeeper was a regular starter for the Serie A side throughout the campaign, indicating that he could immediately challenge for Alphonse Areola’s starting spot, and there are signs the Parma man could be an ideal signing for West Ham.

Having averaged 43.59 touches per 90 over the past year, which places him in the 89th percentile, Suzuki is clearly comfortable with his feet, which indicates he could be a good fit in a Potter system.

As such, the Hammers should return with a higher offer, especially given that a long-term replacement for Areola is needed, with the French goalkeeper now 32-years-old.

Tottenham Hotspur appear to have lost out in the race for a highly-rated forward, as La Liga champions Barcelona agree terms to seal his signature before Thomas Frank’s side had the chance.

Tottenham preparing bid for £30m colossus wanted by Napoli, Milan and Inter

Spurs could scupper Antonio Conte in the race for his signature.

1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 21, 2025

Spurs are expected to back their new manager to the hilt this summer, especially after they qualified for the Champions League with their historic Europa League final win in Bilbao.

Son Heung-min

7.00

James Maddison

6.98

Pedro Porro

6.95

Dominic Solanke

6.84

Dejan Kulusevski

6.83

via WhoScored

The Lilywhites are set for a significant financial windfall, which Sky Sports reporter Michael Bridge described as “huge” in terms of their recruitment drive. Chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange no longer have to operate under a sell-to-buy policy, with Spurs already agreeing a permanent deal for Mathys Tel as they continue to scour the market for new wingers.

With Son Heung-min’s future uncertain, amid links to Saudi Arabia, the likes of West Ham United star Mohammed Kudus, Man City outcast Jack Grealish, Bournemouth forward Antoine Semenyo, Southampton sensation Tyler Dibling and Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo have all been linked within the past fortnight.

Tottenham face competition from Man United for Mbeumo, who’ve now submitted a fresh £60 million bid for the Cameroonian, while Bournemouth are expected to demand around £70 million for Semenyo (The Athletic).

Levy and Lange will need to either dig deep into the Tottenham coffers or get very creative in their pursuit of a high-profile winger, as all of their reported targets are likely to cost a premium.

The north Londoners did have their eyes on a bargain option, though, in the form of FC Copenhagen starlet Roony Bardghji.

Bardghji, dubbed the ‘Swedish Messi’ by some, burst on to the scene with a heroic performance against Man United in the Champions League nearly two years ago.

He bagged a stunning late winner against them at the end of an unlikely 4-3 group stage victory over the Red Devils in November 2023, with Bardghji set to leave Copenhagen on the cheap this summer as his contract expires in late December.

The 19-year-old, after coming back from a serious injury, is now on the verge of joining Barcelona – but Spurs did try their hand.

Barcelona hijack Tottenham talks for Roony Bardghji

Tottenham held talks with Bardghji and his representatives in a bid to tempt the winger to London, according to journalist Graeme Bailey and TBR Football, but Barça are now seemingly set to “win the race” for his signature.

That is according to TBR again in another update this week, with Bailey reporting that while Tottenham hoped to inspire a ‘Lucas Bergvall-type’ transfer by opening talks with Bardghji, Hansi Flick’s side have hijacked their move by closing in on a deal for the top talent.

This is echoed by reliable media sources like Fabrizio Romano, who believe that Bardghji’s move to the Camp Nou is merely a matter of time with terms agreed.

Levy has now missed out on a potential bargain forward who could’ve joined for the meagre price of just £1.7 million, not to mention a player who’s been likened to Liverpool legend Mohamed Salah.

“He has very similar characteristics to Mohamed Salah,” said Scandinavian journalist Nicklas Degn.

“When Copenhagen have to come up with something brilliant or unlock a team, it is Roony they look to. He has this unique talent.”

It’s safe to say that Liverpool fans will have very little care for the ongoing Club World Cup in the United States of America. In fact, not many football fans in general have tuned in for proceedings just yet.

Chelsea’s opening game with LAFC was played in front of a minuscule crowd considering how big the stadium actually was.

Despite that, there are some talking points on the pitch, none more so than Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Real Madrid got their campaign underway against Saudi side Al Hilal on Wednesday and could only manage a 1-1 draw. Perhaps the gap to Saudi’s top sides isn’t as big as we may think.

How the media world reacted to Trent’s debut

It doesn’t feel like long ago now that Alexander-Arnold announced to the fanbase that he’d be leaving his boyhood club behind in favour of the Spanish capital, Madrid.

After he let it be know that he’d be departing; the right-back was understandably greeted with a chorus of boos. For one of the club’s most infamous academy graduates, this was surprising.

Chalkboard

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

Yet, once all was said and done, the right-back didn’t actually end up leaving on a free transfer.

Before the aforementioned Club World Cup got underway, there was a frenzy in the transfer market as a plethora of teams tried to get early deals over the line.

How to Watch the FIFA Club World Cup for Free

Everything you need to know about the Club World Cup.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

At Chelsea, it was striker Liam Delap arriving while Manchester City confirmed the additions of Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki. Not bad at all.

As far as Madrid were concerned, they ended up parting ways with around £8m in order to bring Alexander-Arnold to the club in time for the beginning of this summer’s tournament in the USA.

Well, after his debut on Wednesday evening, Florentino Perez and Co may well be wishing he hadn’t officially signed yet.

This clearly wasn’t Madrid at full strength but it was a horrible afternoon for the Merseyside defender.

He was slapped with a 5/10 match rating from one Real-based outlet, who noted the full-back had ‘some problems’ in the first half and was rather ‘discreet’ throughout.

Another Spanish publication, Football Espana, weren’t too kind either, also giving Trent a rating of 5/10. They were also damning of his abilities, writing that it was an ‘underwhelming’ debut where he was ‘not at his best defensively’. Now, isn’t that a surprise?

Closer to home, 90min gave the new signing a 4/10 rating, making note of how he ‘sometimes forgot’ his marking duties.

How Trent compares to Huijsen on debut

Also making his debut for Madrid in the game with Al Hilal was Dean Huijsen.

The Spaniard was the subject of interest from a plethora of Premier League clubs before the window got underway with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in particular chasing their signature.

The Reds were reportedly one of the favourites to prise him away from Bournemouth but like Alexander-Arnold, Madrid was an offer he could not refuse.

As it happens, the centre-back enjoyed a far better maiden game in Real colours, handed a 7/10 rating by Football Espana.

They wrote that, ‘in contrast to Alexander-Arnold, Huijsen looked assured in his debut. He helped a lot in build-up, which would have pleased Alonso.’

65

Mins played

90

2

Clearances

3

1

Interceptions

1

0

Tackles

3

57

Touches

80

89%

Accurate passes

87%

1

Key passes

1

1/4

Ground duels won

6/6

0/1

Aerial duels won

2/4

Despite the setbacks of not signing Huijsen and losing Trent, Liverpool appear to be in a good place, having confirmed the arrival of Jeremie Frimpong and reportedly on the verge of signing Florian Wirtz in a British record deal and Milos Kerkez.

Therefore, it’s unlikely they’ll be losing too much sleep over the Alexander-Arnold situation now.

Dream Huijsen alternative: Liverpool enter race to sign £50m Van Dijk heir

With a deal for Florian Wirtz all but signed, Liverpool are considering a swoop for a centre-back.

3 ByAngus Sinclair Jun 11, 2025