Leeds United are believed to be interested in signing a “special” player in the summer transfer window, with Daniel Farke a big admirer of the individual in question.
Leeds preparing for Premier League return
The Whites are edging closer to their first game back in the Premier League, with Farke and his players preparing hard after their return to pre-season training.
Leeds’ first match is a home clash with Everton on August 18th, with Elland Road likely to be in raucous spirits under the lights and in front of the Sky Sports cameras, following a couple of seasons away from the top flight.
It has been a productive summer transfer window for the Whites to date, with the likes of Jaka Bijol, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Sebastiaan Bornauw all brought in, but further fresh faces are required, in order to give Farke’s side the best possible chance of avoiding a swift return to the Championship in 2025/26.
Leeds have reportedly made an offer for Fenerbahce and Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic, as they look to find an upgrade on Illan Meslier between the sticks, but it looks as though another player who Farke knows well could be an alternative option in the coming weeks.
Leeds keen on signing "special" free goalkeeper
According to journalist Barry Anderson on X, Leeds are interested in signing goalkeeper Angus Gunn this summer, with the Scot available on a free transfer after leaving Norwich City at the end of last season.
Gunn could be such a shrewd signing by the Whites, not only because he would arrive for free, but also due to the vast experience he now possesses.
The 29-year-old is a 16-cap Scotland international, being hailed as “special” on the international stage by David Marshall, and Farke is a huge fan, saying of him all the way back in 2017:
“Angus is very highly-rated and a really talented goalkeeper. He’s brilliant with his feet as well as his hands and is tall too. We’re happy to have him here for the next season and are thankful to Manchester City for helping us with this deal. I’m looking forward to working with such a great talent.”
Gunn has come up against Leeds so many times in his career, losing on five occasions at Elland Road in total, four of which came as a starter, but he could bring great quality in goal for plenty more years.
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He already has 31 appearances to his name in the Premier League, as well as 166 in the Championship, and he could be a safe pair of hands for the Whites, even as a second or third choice option.
Arsenal are ready to splash the cash in a serious show of ambition this summer, with Mikel Arteta and co desperate to end the club’s long wait for a Premier League title, which has spanned over 20 years.
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The Gunners are growing in optimism.
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Sporting director Andrea Berta has already sealed deals for goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga, midfielder Martin Zubimendi and Christian Norgaard, with the latter two unofficial but confirmed by multiple reliable media sources.
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 will pay around £56 million for Zubimendi, with all documents regarding the Spaniard’s transfer signed and finalised, while Norgaard has apparently undergone the first part of his medical in N5.
Berta has shown a tendency to spin many plates at once when it comes to transfer targets, with Arsenal also believed to be after two new wide players. Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze, Real Madrid’s Rodrygo and Chelsea forward Noni Madueke have all been linked this week, but signing a right and left-winger could depend on whether Berta sells one of Leandro Trossard or Gabriel Martinelli.
In any case, Arsenal have been working on deals for Eze and another star for the left-hand side (Fabrizio Romano), all while actively seeking their desired new striker – which could be one of Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres or RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko.
Arsenal are advancing talks for Sesko and Gyokeres, before deciding which one would best suit the club’s needs both in a financial sense and on the field.
However, one player who’s likelier to arrive before any of the aforementioned attackers is Valencia defender Cristhian Mosquera.
Arsenal enter "decisive" phase of talks for Cristhian Mosquera
As per CaughtOffside, Arsenal have entered their “decisive” phase of talks for Mosquera, who’s already agreed personal terms over a move to the Emirates.
The versatile centre-back could come as a like-for-like replacement for Takehiro Tomiyasu, who mutually shook hands on a contract termination this week following his Arsenal injury hell.
Real Betis' Vitor Roque in action with Valencia'sCristhianMosquera
Arteta’s side have seen a £12 million offer rejected for Mosquera, but are planning to go back in with a new bid which could be as high as £26 million, including bonuses and add-ons.
The Spaniard is said to be very keen on joining Arsenal and even snubbed a new contract proposal from Valencia, with Berta said to be edging closer to a full agreement.
The move could be sealed pretty soon, and barring any unexpected twists, Mosquera appears poised to become Arsenal’s fourth signing of the window.
Footall Talent Scout Jacek Kulig describes him as an “elite” young player, with Mosquera playing more minutes than any other player under 21 in Europe’s top five leagues last season.
Arsenal and sporting director Andrea Berta have been working to back Mikel Arteta behind-the-scenes, with the north Londoners intent on strengthening their squad ahead of a vital Premier League campaign.
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Berta has many plates spinning as he looks to secure the best possible deals for his new club.
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
The Italian is still simultaneously working on deals for both RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko and Sporting CP star Viktor Gyokeres, as has been the case for weeks (BBC), with Arsenal’s final striker decision shaping up to be one of the most intriguing stories of this transfer window.
“Arsenal still deciding between Benjamin Sesko and Gyökeres,” said reliable transfer journalist Ben Jacobs, via X, recently.
“Andrea Berta simultaneously advancing both deals. Gyökeres would be open to Manchester United. There has been no formal rejection, but a deal to date has also never been at an advanced stage, despite suggestions.
“United have not made any formal approach to Sporting. Swedish striker one of several striker options discussed for #MUFC. Gyökeres believes he’ll still be allowed to leave Sporting for €70m. Arsenal have always been one to watch, but it will depend on Berta now because he is also in ongoing talks for Sesko at the same time.”
The Gyokeres situation in particular is getting pretty toxic to say the least.
Sporting president Frederico Varandas publicly denied claims that the 27-year-old would be allowed to leave for £60 million, even if Gyokeres remains privately convinced that’ll happen, with the club chief also stating that he won’t be blackmailed by the striker or his agent.
“I want to make one thing clear: Sporting has common sense and keeps its word,” said Varandas.
“Gyokeres scored 63 goals and 10 assists. Fantastic performance. Certainly one of the best players to have ever stepped onto Portuguese turf. And Sporting will not demand the clause.
“Now blackmail and insults, Sporting will not accept. One thing is certain: Sporting will not accept 60 million plus 10 [£60m].”
Viktor Gyokeres "dreams" of joining Arsenal
As tensions surrounding Gyokeres’ future reach boiling point, Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport has at least moved to provide some good news for Arsenal.
Serie A heavyweights Juventus have been expressing an interest in the Sweden international recently, but the Old Lady have been told something crystal clear – Gyokeres “dreams” of a move to Arsenal, and they’re his top priority.
Vikor Gyokeres at Sporting Club.
While Corriere reiterates that the north Londoners have seen a low-ball offer rejected already, the newspaper has provided clarity on Gyokeres’ current price tag, with Sporting demanding close to around £70 million to agree a deal.
Juve were actually willing to surpass Arsenal’s opening offer, but after receiving Gyokeres’ “refusal”, they’re now moving on to other targets like free agent Jonathan David.
Berta knows the price at which Sporting will begin to loosen their hold on the star striker, with the 53-year-old now set to carry on pondering his imperative decision before advancing further in talks – Sesko or Gyokeres.
“I know Gyokeres very well personally, I was a bit of a mentor for him when he played for Brommapojkarna,” former Arsenal midfielder Anders Limpar told FotbollDirekt.
“He’s a fantastically hardworking forward who scores a lot of goals. If we at Arsenal [were to] buy Gyokeres, then he will definitely call me. But then to see Gyokeres at Arsenal, that would be crazy.
“His work rate, he runs like a madman. When it doesn’t work out for Viktor, he works his way into the game with uncomfortable runs.”
Rangers, under new owners the 49ers Enterprises, look set for a busy summer transfer window after appointing Russell Martin as their new manager.
The Gers have already kickstarted their business on an incoming front, announcing midfielder Lyall Cameron as a new Rangers player after he signed a pre-contract agreement earlier in the year.
More new signings could be on the way, and X’s AI tool Grok has already predicted who Rangers could sign this summer, with a £6m star potentially in line to return to Glasgow.
£6m star returns to Ibrox: AI predicts who Rangers will sign this summer
It could be a busy few months for the 49ers.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 14, 2025
But who could be on the way out? Well, we’ve asked Grok to predict who Rangers and the 49ers could sell ahead of Martin’s first season at Ibrox.
AI predicts 5 players Rangers will sell this summer 1 Nicolas Raskin (£25m)
The biggest sale of the summer at Rangers according to AI could be midfielder Nicolas Raskin. It is stated that ‘his recent performances have boosted his profile, making him a valuable asset’ to those in Scotland.
The Belgium international has been linked with numerous clubs in Europe such as Marseille, Fiorentina, and FC Porto.
Grok says an exit is a ‘high likelihood’ and that this summer ‘is a prime window to cash in before his value risks depreciating’, citing a fee in the region of £25m.
2 Cyriel Dessers (£6m)
Next on the list is forward Cyriel Dessers, and an Ibrox departure wouldn’t shock many Rangers supporters given what has been said in the media in recent weeks.
There have been claims that Dessers, who won the Scottish Premiership Golden Boot award in 2024/25, has already agreed a £30,000-a-week contract with Greek side AEK Athens.
Grok says his exit is also a ‘high likelihood’ and that ‘his sale could fund a younger striker’. A £6m fee has been mooted for Dessers to leave.
3 Mohamed Diomande (£10m)
Next on the list who has a ‘potential’ chance of leaving according to Grok is midfielder Mohamed Diomande, who was only signed by Rangers last year.
They say Diomande ‘showed promise but had an inconsistent 2024/25’ and that ‘interest from other clubs exists, and a £10m bid could see him sold’.
The Ivory Coast international is still under contract at Ibrox until 2028 and was a regular in his first season in Scotland.
4 Robin Propper (£3m)
Defender Robin Propper has been linked with an Ibrox exit and a return to FC Twente just 12 months after leaving the Dutch side for Rangers.
There were reports that Propper had agreed a three-year deal to re-join FC Twente and claims that Martin didn’t want the 31-year-old.
However, a move is yet to go through and Grok say that the chances of Propper leaving Rangers are ‘moderate’ and that his exit for £3m ‘could free up wages and squad space’.
5 James Tavernier (£5m)
The last player on the list who could depart Rangers this summer is club captain James Tavernier, who has regularly been linked with an Ibrox exit over the last 12 months.
Games
513
Goals
130
Assists
142
Minutes played
45,296
Trophies won
5
The 33-year-old is into the last year of his Gers deal and Grok states the 49ers ‘may see his sale as part of a huge rebuild’.
Although AI says the chances of the right-back leaving are ‘low to moderate’, it is added that a £5m bid could tempt Rangers into a sale.
Far removed from the days of Sir Alex Ferguson’s hairdryer treatment or Brian Clough’s no-nonsense approach, players have all the power in modern football.
Teams who hover around the bottom half of the Premier League have felt the full force of player power since the rise of the ‘big six’, with the likes of Virgil van Dijk, Matheus Cunha and Kalvin Phillips moving within the top flight for huge fees in recent years.
Leeds United have dealt with their fair share of star players leaving for pastures new, including Ballon d’Or candidate Raphinha and academy starlet Archie Gray.
Leeds' record departures
10. Chris Wood
Burnley – £14m
9. Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
Atletico Madrid – £14.5m
8. Luis Sinisterra
Bournemouth – £20m
7. Tyler Adams
Bournemouth – £23m
6. Crysencio Summerville
West Ham United – £25m
5. Rio Ferdinand
Manchester United – £30m
4. Archie Gray
Tottenham Hotspur – £40m
3. Georginio Rutter
Brighton – £40m
2. Kalvin Phillips
Manchester City – £42m
1. Raphinha
Barcelona – £50m
Despite Leeds’ status as a huge club with a rich history, some players are just destined for greater things, as Pascal Struijk revealed just how good Raphinha was right from the off at Elland Road: “I knew for sure that he would be able to play with a top team.
“You look at his goals and assists, which he did for us as well. When you go to a big team, it’s about how you react when you make a move like that and I always believed in his ability, I had no doubts.
“My first impression of him was, ‘this guy’s got quality’. Sometimes you have players and you see them on the pitch and you think, he’s got that bit extra. When you see him doing it in the Prem, the talent speaks for itself.”
The Brazilian left Yorkshire on good terms after scoring in the game that secured the Whites’ Premier League status for another year, but not everyone on the list above can say the same.
I was as good as Gerrard and Rooney at youth level, but only scored 3 goals for Leeds
Things didn’t really work out at Elland Road.
ByCharlie Smith Jun 5, 2025 Ferdinand: 'I was a nightmare to make Leeds sell me'
Rio Ferdinand was perhaps the most controversial transfer of his time, leaving Leeds to join arch-rivals Manchester United in 2002, going on to win six Premier League titles under Fergie as one of the greatest centre-backs of all time.
And while it may be of little surprise to the Elland Road faithful who have never forgiven the legendary England defender, he told talkSPORT this week that he refused to leave then-chairman Peter Ridsdale’s office, imploring Leeds not to haggle on their price.
That’s not to say Leeds were hard done by from a financial point of view however. Accounting for inflation, Ferdinand would be the second most expensive Premier League transfer of all time, coming in at around £200m in today’s terms.
Considering Southampton only received £75m for Van Dijk, widely regarded as the world’s best current centre-back, when he joined Liverpool in 2018, Ferdinand certainly cost the Red Devils a pretty penny.
However, his attitude towards his former employers only soured relations further after what was already a controversial move, taking advantage of the club’s financial difficulties as they plummeted to the third tier of English football.
After missing out on Matt O’Riley last summer, Atalanta have now reportedly made contact over a deal to sign another Celtic midfielder in this summer’s transfer window.
Celtic lift Scottish Premiership
The favourites before the season even got underway and dominant winners by the time the final whistle was blown to end the campaign, Celtic finally got their hands on the Scottish Premiership title last weekend. Having sealed their victory at the end of April, the Bhoys were forced to wait until their 1-1 draw against St. Mirren last time out to lift their fourth-consecutive title in front of Celtic Park.
Brendan Rodgers, who will go down as one of the most successful managers in Celtic history, went as far as to claim that this season’s title win is the most satisfying of his career.
He told reporters: “This is certainly the most satisfying. When I came in here in the first season, obviously I’m getting to know everyone in the club and the feeling.
“But now, especially coming back the second time, I can really embrace it more and enjoy it and just see it obviously as well how the team have been performing.”
That same satisfaction may not carry into the summer transfer window, however, as clubs begin to eye their moves for some of Rodgers’ best players. And just like last summer in the case of O’Riley, Celtic may struggle to keep hold of their star men.
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One that will be interesting to watch is Nicolas Kuhn. The winger enjoyed an excellent campaign – scoring a stunning 21 goals and setting up another 15 in all competitions. Now, he’s reportedly on the radar of sides such as Leeds United ahead of the summer transfer window and could yet leave alongside one other key player.
Atalanta make first Engels move
According to Sport Italia, Atalanta have now made a concrete move to sign Arne Engels from Celtic this summer. Manager Gian Piero Gasperini is reportedly a fan of the midfielder and could now finally get a Celtic star one year on from missing out on O’Riley.
As much as the Bhoys are reluctant to sell Engels, too, it will be interesting to see just how far that stretches if the right offer comes in. Of course, if they ask Rodgers for his opinion on the matter, then he is likely to be keen to keep hold of one of his most important players.
Arne Engels
When asked about the Belgian earlier this season, the Celtic boss told reporters: “I just think it’s about time with him. He’s really enjoying his time here. I’ve taken him out for some games just to let him see from the outside looking in and take that pressure away from him because it’s a big move and everything that comes with it.
“But he’s been excellent in training and he’s only going to get better and better. When he’s asked to step up in pressure moments, he delivers and that was an important first penalty for us. His ball in for the corner was absolutely great as well. So I’m really pleased with Arne.”
Everton are leaving Goodison Park this weekend; David Moyes will lead the Toffees out to play against Southampton on Sunday afternoon, and it will be the final time the Men’s team play competitively at their historic stadium.
It’s fitting that Moyes should have returned in January to steer Everton through the final months of his long chapter, but it’s also apt that he should lead the club into a new era on the Bramley-Moore Dock.
Having steered the struggling side away from the Premier League’s relegation zone, Moyes has been handed the keys to the transfer chest by new owners, The Friedkin Group, ahead of the summer window.
Everton manager DavidMoyesbefore the match
But before we look at who’s been earmarked as the 2024/25 campaign draws a close, let’s first look at the overload of first-team stars set to depart when their contracts expire at the end of the season.
The players Everton might retain
Everton are expecting an exodus. Many contracted players will not survive the drive to a new home. Some, however, have played excellent seasons and should be offered new deals.
Idrissa Gueye might be 35, but he’s definitely one of them after his brilliant season in the centre, anchoring Everton’s midfield. A few weeks ago, Football Insider published a report that he is in talks over an extension.
1.
Idrissa Gueye
Everton
125
2.
Daniel Munoz
Palace
115
3.
Noussair Mazraoui
Man Utd
109
4.
Moises Caicedo
Chelsea
107
5.
Joao Gomes
Wolves
105
Elderly right-backs Ashley Young and Seamus Coleman might not earn reprieves, and that’s probably for the best. However, Michael Keane’s performance at Fulham last weekend, as he scored in the 3-1 win, suggested there’s more in the tank from him.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure, who earn a combined wage of £230k per week, may also leave.
Right-sided loanees Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom have failed to cover themselves in glory this season, but Charly Alcaraz has shown much promise, with the Flamengo player’s permanent clause, worth £15m, sure to be activated.
Everton midfielder Charly Alcaraz
Alcaraz, 22, has ebbed and flowed since arriving in January, but his talent is unquestionable, with one goal and three assists from just six Premier League starts, and the Toffees could benefit from having his attacking talent in their squad once again when next season kicks off.
He’s been a dynamic addition to the midfield, and now Moyes is looking to bring in another to fuse excitingly with the Argentine prospect.
Moyes lining up former favourite
It’s important that Everton retain a few valuable signatures and that several more are relinquished to make way for new talent. Doucoure, 32, is Everton’s highest earner and is no longer justifying the wage.
That’s why Moyes is determined to replace the Malian with a former favourite in Tomas Soucek, an instrumental part of the Scotsman’s success at West Ham United but at odds in the new system, led by Graham Potter.
Tomas Soucek scores for West Ham
As per transfer insider Graeme Bailey, for The Boot Room, Soucek has been told he can leave the London Stadium. Despite the Irons’ struggles, the 30-year-old has enjoyed a strong season, and it’s felt a £20m bid would convince West Ham to sell, with Leeds United also keen.
The reporter claims that five Premier League teams have opened talks with the Czechia international, including the Toffees and Leeds, ahead of the summer transfer window.
Why Tomas Soucek would be a shrewd signing
With Alcaraz providing a degree of attacking relief from attacking midfield areas, typically central or tilted to the left, Soucek could be an excellent partner when making those bursts into the danger area from the centre.
Soucek isn’t the most creative midfielder on the block, but he’s effective at what he does: providing a physical presence and a consistent attacking threat. He’s been called a “machine” by former West Ham correspondent Tom Clark
West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek
This season, the Czech Republic international has scored nine goals across 33 Premier League appearances this season, also providing two assists.
As you can see from the table below, Soucek certainly knows how to score a goal, with his consistent prolificness across the five years spent in East London seeing him nestle into fifth place on the Hammers’ all-time midfield scoring charts.
1.
Martin Peters
355
98
2.
Sir Trevor Booking
514
81
3.
Mark Noble
550
62
4.
Billy Bonds
645
49
5.
Tomas Soucek
240
41
Though he’d add an attacking dimension to Everton’s set-up, Soucek has plenty more in his locker. As per Sofascore, the £90k-per-week midfielder has also averaged 5.2 duels won per game, denoting a combative and industrious approach.
But the goalscoring is and always will be his flashiest metric. FBref have recorded that he ranks among the top 3% of positional peers across Europe’s top five leagues this season for goals scored, the top 4% for touches in the box and the top 1% for aerial battles won per 90.
Tomas Soucek for West Ham
The 6 foot 3 star might not be the slickest on the ball, which is why Potter wants rid of him, but that hardly matters when Moyes is at the Everton helm. Especially so when his contrasting ability could weave against Alcaraz’s to create something balanced and layered behind the frontline.
Alcaraz’s impressive assist record this season has been created through a consistent focus on his playmaking, not just relying on his passing but also his ability to win back possession and start transitional sequences. He’s made six big chances in the Premier League, one per start, averaging 1.1 key passes per game.
It’s perhaps exciting that Alcaraz has yet to really get going, either, and with a pre-season behind him and Soucek added to the mix, this could be a real treat for Everton fans next season.
Soucek, after all, featured more prominently than any other player for West Ham across the span of Moyes’ reign, with the manager’s trust in the rangy veteran something that could help advance his tactical implementation at Bramley-Moore next season.
Evertonmanager David Moyes withEverton's CarlosAlcaraz
This truly is a signing that Everton need to see over the line. Soucek would help spark a new level of goalscoring quality for Everton while concurrently upholding Moyes’ strong defensive values.
He’s tried and tested in the tactician’s system, and could help Alcaraz come into his own by using his physicality to allow the former Southampton man to thrive in possession.
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After more than two decades away from the Premier League, what’s another season in the Championship for Ipswich Town?
Kieran McKenna’s side haven’t been able to stave off relegation this year, but considering just how poorly their fellow promoted sides have fared, it would be fair to say that they’ve given it a real go.
Moreover, while goalscoring talisman Liam Delap is probably going to leave in the summer – for a tasty profit, hopefully – there is more than enough talent in this squad to come right back up again.
Ipswich Town managerKieranMcKenna
In fact, there’s even one signing made by the Northern Irishman who looks like a £43m star in the making, thanks to the comparisons he’s won this season.
The Ipswich players who could clinch promotion next year
So, before we get to the player in question, it’s worth looking at those in the squad who could be key to bouncing right back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, such as Leif Davis.
The former Leeds United star might not have had quite the impact in the top flight that some were hoping he’d have, but one thing is certain: he’ll thrive in the second tier.
For example, it was only last season that the Englishman racked up a simply superb tally of two goals and 21 assists in just 43 Championship appearances, which works out to a goal involvement every 1.91 games.
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Likewise, while this year has been one blighted by injury, you’d be a fool to bet against Sammie Szmodics when he’s back to full fitness next year.
After all, when playing for Blackburn Rovers in the 2023/24 campaign, the Irishman was an unstoppable force of nature, racking up an outrageous tally of 33 goals and four assists in 48 appearances, which comes out to a goal involvement every 1.29 games.
However, another Ipswich ace will almost certainly be playing alongside him, an ace signed by McKenna now being compared to some very valuable stars indeed.
Ipswich's £43m star in the making
While there are some other talented players at Ipswich who could help make a real difference next year, like Alex Palmer, Ben Johnson, and Conor Chaplin, the star we are talking about is none other than Omari Hutchinson.
The former Chelsea ace joined the Tractor Boys on a permanent £20m deal last summer, and while this season, like for most of his teammates, has had its ups and downs, we know he can perform in the Championship.
For example, he spent the 2023/24 season on loan at Portman Road, where he managed to rack up an impressive enough tally of 11 goals and six assists in 50 games, so with a year of Premier League football under his belt, there is every chance he does even better next season.
Moreover, while he’s not been as prolific as some would’ve hoped, his all-round performances have seen him win comparisons to some seriously talented players, such as Jacob Ramsey.
The comparison primarily stems from FBref, which looks at players in similar positions in the Premier League, then creates a list of the ten most comparable players for each one and, in this instance, has concluded that the Aston Villa star is the fifth most similar attacking midfielder or winger to the Blues gem.
Non-Penalty Expected G+As
0.19
0.21
Non-Penalty G+As
0.20
0.24
Goals per Shot
0.08
0.06
Key Passes
0.93
1.09
Through Balls
0.16
0.18
Shot-Creating Actions
2.59
2.97
Carries
26.1
28.2
The best way to see where this comparison has come from is to look at the underlying metrics in which the pair rank closely, including, but not limited to, non-penalty expected and actual goals plus assists, key passes, through balls, carries, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.
While a comparison to a Champions League player is encouraging enough for the “fantastic” talent’s future prospects, as dubbed by McKenna, it’s also a positive indication of his future valuation.
For example, Football Transfers value the Villa ace at up to €50.3m, which converts to about £43m, and if the Tractor Boys star is so statistically similar to him, why shouldn’t his price tag eventually match as well?
Ultimately, while this season has not gone entirely to plan for Ipswich, they clearly have the talent to bounce right back up next year, and we do not doubt that Hutchinson will have an important role to play.
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Tottenham Hotspur are in contact with a former Bayern Munich boss to potentially replace under-pressure head coach Ange Postecoglou, according to reports, with the clock seemingly ticking on his stay in N17.
Tottenham likely to part ways with Ange Postecoglou
The prospect of Postecoglou’s departure from north London is gaining more and more traction.
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He’s got credentials.
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This week, The Telegraph reported that Tottenham could relieve Postecoglou of his duties, regardless of whether the Lilywhites end their 17-year wait for a major trophy by winning the Europa League.
Liverpool (away)
April 27th
West Ham (away)
May 3rd
Crystal Palace (home)
May 10th
Aston Villa (away)
May 18th
Brighton (home)
May 25th
Even an historic night in Bilbao may not be enough to save the Australian, with Spurs on course for their worst ever Premier League season to date. They’re just one loss away from equalling their record for most defeats in a single domestic season, and it is highly likely Postecoglou is bestowed with that dismal record as champions elect, Liverpool, await them next at Anfield.
The 59-year-old has faced an uphill battle all season long, having lost a plethora of key players to injury for extended periods on a consistent basis, but 16th in the table is arguably still nowhere near good enough – even when factoring in their serious bad luck.
Attention is already turning to who could succeed Postecoglou, and there is no shortage of candidates linked to the potentially vacant role.
Mauricio Pochettino would privately love a return to Tottenham, according to reports, while the likes of Andoni Iraola (Bournemouth), Marco Silva (Fulham), Oliver Glasner (Crystal Palace), Thomas Frank (Brentford) and Scott Parker (Burnley) have all been linked recently.
Now, a new name in the form of ex-Croatia captain and former Bayern Munich head coach Niko Kovač has emerged as a managerial target.
Tottenham make contact with Borussia Dortmund boss Niko Kovač
The 53-year-old was appointed by Borussia Dortmund on an 18-month deal to replace the sacked Nuri Şahin, and he’s since done a solid job, as Kovac attempts to spearhead European qualification after a previously disappointing campaign for the Bundesliga heavyweights.
The tactician, who’s previously won a German title with Bayern and two German cups – one with the Bavarians and one at Eintracht Frankfurt – has now turned heads at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
According to newspaper Bild, via Sport Witness, Tottenham have made contact with Kovac, via an intermediary but not directly with the club, as chairman Daniel Levy casts his net to Europe in search of a new head coach.
Spurs are said to view him as a good fit due to his intense and aggressive style of play, but as things stand, he doesn’t have an interest in leaving Dortmund. If this stance changes, Kovac’s reputation as a true leader appears to be exactly what Tottenham are crying out for.
“He [Kovac] has experience, he was a very good player and was the captain of the Croatia national team,” said Bayern legend Lothar Matthäus.
“He has charisma, he has passion, he knows about football. He was a leader as a player and is showing this as a coach too.”
Sheffield United have clawed their way to the top of the Championship and could now be ready to pinch one of their rivals’ star assets should promotion be achieved at Bramall Lane, per reports.
Sheffield United look to build on slender Championship lead
Nerves are starting to kick in across the board in England’s second-tier as Sheffield United, Leeds United and Burnley battle it out for an automatic place in next season’s Premier League.
The Blades hold a two-point advantage at the Championship summit over their direct rivals for promotion, while Sunderland, Coventry City and West Bromwich Albion occupy the remaining coveted playoff slots.
SheffieldUnitedmanagerChris Wilder reacts after the match
Since their agonising defeat at home to Leeds, Sheffield United have gone on a five-match unbeaten run at the perfect time and will take encouragement from monumental recent triumphs over Sheffield Wednesday and Coventry.
Coinciding with Daniel Farke’s Whites losing momentum, this period of the campaign may be looked back on as a sliding doors moment when all is said and done.
Nevertheless, Sheffield United are active in the transfer market and Jimmy Dunne is a target regardless of what division they end up in come May. Queens Park Rangers are holding out for £3 million after the Republic of Ireland international came close to joining the Blades during the January window.
Sheffield United’s run-in as Chris Wilder looks to secure promotion
Oxford United (A)
Kassam Stadium
Millwall (H)
Bramall Lane
Plymouth Argyle (A)
Home Park
Cardiff City (H)
Bramall Lane
Burnley (A)
Turf Moor
Stoke City (A)
bet365 Stadium
Blackburn Rovers (H)
Bramall Lane
Chancing their luck with divisional rivals’ star assets could be a running theme if promotion is achieved in Yorkshire, with Wilder now lining up a swoop for another proven Championship performer.
Sheffield United line up move for Sunderland star Ballard
According to Football League World, Sheffield United are chasing Sunderland defender Daniel Ballard’s signature and are ready to pounce for the Northern Ireland international if they manage to claim promotion to the Premier League.
Reported to earn around £25,000 at Sunderland, the Stevenage-born star has become a target due to Harry Souttar’s season-ending injury in Yorkshire, which has prompted Wilder to evaluate dipping into the market for defensive reinforcements.
Brewster included: Sheffield United must axe £88k-p/w quartet if they go up
Chris Wilder could have to be brutal with his Sheffield United team selections if promotion is reached.
1 ByKelan Sarson Apr 1, 2025
Despite being a leading light for the Black Cats, Ballard has been restricted to 19 appearances this term due to injury problems, yielding two goals and an assist across all competitions.
Labelled “a natural leader” by Northern Ireland boss Michael O’Neill, the central defender has been a dominant presence for Sunderland, winning 85 duels and making 42 recoveries in the Championship.
Ultimately, Sheffield United will have to be creative when tasked with where to utilise their resources if they end up in the Premier League next term, so it makes sense to target players whom they have already had the opportunity to profile at close quarters.