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The left-handed middle-order batter represented UAE in 38 ODIs and 47 T20Is

ESPNcricinfo staff28-Jun-2024

Muhammad Usman’s UAE career spanned from 2016 to 2022•Emirates Cricket Board

UAE batter Muhammad Usman has announced his retirement from international cricket. The Lahore-born middle-order batter represented UAE in 85 international games – 38 ODIs and 47 T20Is – across six years.Usman made his T20I debut in February 2016 against Netherlands followed by his ODI debut against Scotland a few months later. Overall, he scored 1008 runs at 31.50 in 38 ODIs including one century and four half-centuries while in 47 T20Is he finished with 891 runs, with three fifties. He was also part of the Asia Cup squad in 2016 where he top scored for UAE with 176 runs in seven games.Usman was born in Lahore and played five first-class and 58 List-A matches. His 1517 List-A runs came at an average of 34.47 and included nine fifties and a century. He last played an ODI and T20I in February 2022 against Oman and Nepal respectively.The 38-year-old expressed his gratitude and hoped to continue being part of cricket post-retirement.”It has been an incredible journey with the UAE cricket team and the cricket board,” Usman was quoted via a press release. “I would like to thank everyone who played a role in my journey including my team-mates, coaches and other support staff. I feel blessed and proud that I got the opportunity of representing UAE for 85 international matches.”I am looking forward to the next chapter in my life as I want to remain associated with the sport. I want to wish the UAE team and the players the very best in what is a very exciting time for the game in the country.”

Many thought Liverpool would fall by the wayside when Jurgen Klopp left at the end of the 2023/24 season, but this football club has an uncanny ability to remain with its head above the water.

Indeed, Arne Slot defied expectation when arriving and leading the Reds straight to the Premier League title, and has now been rewarded by FSG, who are spending freely in the transfer market.

Although Florian Wirtz will add a fresh and world-class dimension to Slot’s squad, there’s still the sense that more quality and prolificness could be added.

Liverpool’s Frontline in 24/25 (all comps)

Player

Apps

Goals

Assists

Mohamed Salah

52

34

23

Luis Diaz

50

17

8

Cody Gakpo

49

18

7

Diogo Jota

37

9

4

Darwin Nunez

47

7

7

Federico Chiesa

14

2

2

Data via Transfermarkt

Although with Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong signed to bolster the wide defensive positions, the intensity toward securing new stars is set to simmer down.

But Liverpool remain very much primed to pounce if the right opportunity emerges.

Liverpool's wider transfer plans

Sporting director Richard Hughes cut a contentious figure after his first summer transfer window at Liverpool, having only added Federico Chiesa to the newly arrived Slot’s squad.

But he’s since proven his meticulous, calculated nature, having dotted all the i’s and crossed the t’s ahead of the window and since pounced on top targets, reeling them in.

Any further activity will depend on outgoings, reports The Telegraph’s Chris Bascombe. This makes sense, for the Reds have forked out more than £200m already this summer.

Darwin Nunez’s expected transfer to Serie A champions Napoli should see a new number nine acquired, while rumours of a new winger hinge on Luis Diaz’s future, with Barcelona and Saudi Arabian suitors interested.

He’s not Sadio Mane, but the Colombian has been immense in a Liverpool shirt, posting 41 goals and 23 assists across 141 appearances in total.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse Liverpool line up new winger

According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are interested in signing Belgian winger Malick Fofana and have been boosted in their bid now that Lyon have been relegated from Ligue 1.

However, Newcastle United have also been named as suitors, and have actually established contacts with the 20-year-old’s entourage.

Earlier this year, the player’s former representatives told Africa Foot that playing in the Premier League, namely at Liverpool, would be his “dream”, and it’s something that Hughes and Co can now bring to fruition.

Chelsea are also keen, though appear to be prioritising a deal for Borussia Dortmund’s Jamie Gittens.

This could leave Liverpool with a free shot to sign one of Europe’s most exciting prospects, who is valued at £43m, with Lyon’s fate also suggesting his price tag could be whittled down.

Why Liverpool should sign Fofana

Hailed for his “electric” skills by content creator Dev Bajwa, Fofana is bound to move clubs this summer, but where to remains to be seen.

He’s young and raw, but he’s also naturally “explosive”, as has been said by analyst Ben Mattinson, with his sharp bursts of pace something that could pay dividends for Slot’s Liverpool team, especially when the time comes to replace Diaz.

Fofana is Belgian but he is of Guinean descent, and for this reason he has expressed Mane (and Mohamed Salah) as being one of his footballing idols. For this reason, the left winger could prove to be Slot’s own version of Mane, whose career on Merseyside served to guide Anfield back to the forefront of domestic and continental football.

Part of Klopp’s iconic front three at Liverpool, Mane won the whole gamut after signing from Southampton for £34m in 2016, with the German manager declaring him a “world-class” forward and an absolute “machine”, his work rate and tenacity leaving an indelible mark on the game.

Fofana hasn’t reached that point in his career yet, but has the potential to do exactly that, already performing with a hunger for goal and fleet-footed style that is somewhat reminiscent of the Senegalese star.

As per FBref, Fofana ranked among the top 10% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues last year for non-penalty goals scored and the top 2% for progressive carries per 90, emphasising that very point.

So then, you can see how Mane has inspired Fofana’s early-career development, especially as elements of his defensive work rate can be found in the one-cap Belgium international’s skill set too, for he averaged 1.1 tackles + interceptions in Ligue 1 last year, as per Sofascore, also finishing the term having won 54% of his ground battles.

Slot is not Klopp, but then Fofana is not Mane either, and the Dutch tactician could fashion his own version of the former Liverpool superstar, who certainly has stylistic similarities to the Al Nassr forward, now 33.

Even if Liverpool don’t part ways with Diaz, 28, this summer, it might be worth snapping Fofana up as Lyon plummet into the second tier of French football. After all, there are no guarantees that a new out-and-out frontman will be signed, and Diaz operated so admirably in a false nine role across the 2024/25 campaign.

Given that the Colombian could potentially reprise said role, it might be worth adding some competition for Cody Gakpo to jockey with on the left flank.

In any case, given the player’s desire to move to Merseyside and indeed his Mane-esque qualities rising to the fore, it would be a smart move indeed to ward away Premier League competition and snap him up quickly.

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Posts 1 ByDan Emery Jun 26, 2025

Rangers are believed to have reached a verbal agreement over the signing of an “outstanding” two-time league champion this summer.

Who is Russell Martin looking to sign for Rangers?

Russell Martin knows the importance of hitting the ground running as the Gers’ next manager, as he looks to do a far more convincing job than Philippe Clement before him. New signings will only help in that respect, and the 39-year-old is already eyeing plenty of fresh faces.

Peterborough United attacker Kwame Poku looks likely to join Rangers in the near future, with the winger available on a free transfer, and his club’s current director of football Barry Fry has called him the “best player in League One” currently.

An audacious move for England goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale has also been mooted in recent days, with the former Arsenal man relegated with Southampton last season. The Saints stopper is unlikely to want to be plying his trade in the Championship, so moving to a club of Rangers’ size could appeal greatly to him, allowing him to be playing European football.

Similarly, Conor Coady is now back in the second tier of English football after suffering relegation from the Premier League with Leicester City, and he is another who Rangers are said to be interested in.

Rangers reach verbal agreement to sign Max Aarons

According to a report relayed by Ibrox News, Rangers have reached a verbal agreement over the loan signing of Bournemouth right-back Max Aarons this summer.

The Englishman was loaned out to Valencia last season, with the Cherries finding it hard to offer him regular football, and it looks like the same will happen again in 2025/26.

Aarons looks like an astute signing by Rangers, and the loan aspect of it also takes away plenty of risk, should the right-back struggle to impress at Ibrox.

There is no reason why that should be the case, however, with the 25-year-old an impressive player who has now racked up a total of 224 appearances in the Premier League and Championship combined.

Aarons is also a two-time league champion in the latter, twice finishing top with Norwich City in 2018/19 and 2020/21, and former manager Daniel Farke has lauded his qualities.

“Max is outstanding in many topics. I can’t praise him enough for what he has done since his first appearance. When you have the clubs interested in him who were interested it is easy to lose the ground under the feet. Maybe you think you know everything about football. He is always looking to work harder. Never ill, never injured. If the best clubs in the world are interested then maybe there is not that much more space to improve.”

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Posts ByDan Emery Jun 16, 2025

At 25, Aarons is still a relatively young player, so if he impresses for Rangers in 2025/26, there is no reason why a permanent move couldn’t come to fruition further down the line.

With promotion sealed, Sunderland have now been handed another boost by reports that one of their summer targets is now open to completing a move to the Stadium of Light.

Sunderland secure promotion back to Premier League

In one tense, nervous affair, the beauty and the heartbreak of the playoffs was on show for all to see at Wembley. Sheffield United were left in shock, but Sunderland were left delirious when Tommy Watson coolly placed home from range to hand the Black Cats promotion at the death. Coming from behind, Regis Le Bris’ side took Sunderland back to the Premier League for the first time in eight years.

Le Bris had his say on an unforgettable moment, telling reporters after his side’s triumph: “It feels fantastic to have lived this moment with our fans. I am really proud of the work we have done this season.

“The players, the staff, and the people in the building have been really connected and believed that it was possible. In the end, the emotion and the feeling are really impressive.

“We are always focused on the present, and the path – the journey – is something we live together. It had its ups and downs, so we are always focused on the next step. In the next few days, we will realise what we have achieved together.”

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Posts ByKelan Sarson May 29, 2025

Now that they’re in the top flight, Sunderland undoubtedly have a tough task on their hands. None of the last six promoted sides have survived at the first time of asking in the Premier League, meaning that the Black Cats are up against a growing trend next season. What would certainly help their push for safety, however, is the arrival of someone who knows exactly how to win in England’s top tier.

Henderson now "open" to Sunderland return

According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Jordan Henderson is now open to completing a move to Sunderland this summer with those at the Stadium of Light also keen to make a deal happen as, according to talkSPORT, they ‘believe he would add valuable experience to their young team’.

The Ajax midfielder is seemingly on his way out of the Netherlands after 18 months this summer and could enjoy a full circle moment by heading back to where it all started.

The England international should, on paper, take hold of the opportunity to enjoy a fairytale ending to his career with both hands. Since leaving Liverpool for Saudi Arabia’s Al Ettifaq in a move that came with plenty of criticism, Henderson’s reputation has arguably been on a downward spiral, however, during his time at Ajax, he has managed to break back into the England setup under Thomas Tuchel.

Jordan Henderson’s stats at Sunderland

Games

79

Goals

5

Assists

10

Minutes played

6,067

There’s no denying his experience no matter what some think of his recent decisions, though. Henderson has won it all as a captain in English football and could be worth every penny of his £75,000-a-week base salary if Sunderland make their move this summer.

Dubbed “selfless” by Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard in 2019, Henderson could receive the chance to complete the most fitting move to end his career in the Premier League courtesy of Sunderland.

Looking to find their Kevin de Bruyne replacement, Manchester City have now reportedly made their first enquiry to sign an in-demand star who’s available for a bargain price this summer.

Man City's frustrating Saints stalemate

With Southampton rock bottom of the Premier League by some distance and already relegated, Manchester City and a returning Erling Haaland looked likelier than ever to put on the ultimate goals show on Saturday. But that proved to be anything but the case.

What the travelling fans got instead was a frustrating stalemate as Southampton secured a point against the odds to move beyond Derby County’s points record – much to the relief of those around St Mary’s. Man City defender Ruben Dias failed to hide that frustration in his post-match press conference too, choosing to criticise Southampton’s defensive approach.

The stalemate will do the confidence of Pep Guardiola’s side no favours as they enter the FA Cup final against an in-form Crystal Palace side, who will do more than just try to play against the Citizens.

Meanwhile, as Wembley awaits, so does De Bruyne’s fast-approaching farewell. Likely to be an emotional goodbye, the Belgian has just three games remaining of a Manchester City career which has seen him win everything there is to win at the club.

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Posts ByDan Emery May 12, 2025

Just how those at the Etihad replace their star man remains to be seen. Names such as Florian Wirtz have already threatened to steal the headlines, but he could yet choose Bayern Munich over the Premier League. He’s not the only target, however, with one Ligue 1 talent now emerging as a serious option.

Man City make contact to sign Cherki

According to Le Parisien, as relayed by Get French Football News, Manchester City have now made their first enquiry to sign Rayan Cherki from Lyon this summer. The attacking midfielder has impressed many throughout the current campaign and will reportedly be allowed to leave Lyon for just €22.5m (£19m) in the coming months.

The Frenchman may already have some fans of his talent at the Etihad after he embarrassed Andre Onana in Lyon’s 2-2 draw against Manchester United in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie. Even though Lyon eventually crashed out in dramatic fashion against the Red Devils, it was often the Cherki show across both legs.

Onana’s mistake allowed Cherki to follow up with a chipped effort to equalise late on for his side ahead of what turned out to be a frantic and heartbreaking second leg.

Nonetheless, even without a Europa League semi-final, the 21-year-old has found himself at the centre of praise from the likes of football talent scout Jacek Kulig, who described Cherki’s campaign as “amazing” back in April. Now, after impressing, he could be on his way to Manchester City this summer.

If there is one thing that has come to define this season for Arsenal, it’s injuries.

Now, it’s true that Mikel Arteta’s side have not been at their free-flowing best for large parts of the campaign, but that’s hardly surprising when Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus and Gabriel Martinelli have all missed a significant number of games.

Moreover, even though the club are on course to have the best defence for the second season running, they’ve had to deal with injuries to Ben White, Riccardo Calafiori and, most recently, Gabriel Magalhaes.

However, while there was a genuine concern that the absence of the Brazilian would derail the North Londoners’ Champions League campaign, Jakub Kiwior stepped up in a big way, bossing Real Madrid home and away.

Yet, if recent reports are to be believed, the club are now looking to sign another defender, someone who looks like they could be a big upgrade on the Polish international.

Arsenal's defensive targets

While the focus of the club heading into the summer market does seem to be on attacking players, Arteta and Co are said to be looking at a few defensive players as well, such as Dean Huijsen.

Transfer Focus

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

Expand Collapse

The Bournemouth ace has a release clause reportedly worth around £50m, and while that’s a sizable sum of money, it could prove worth it, as at just 20 years old, he’s already an established Premier League star and has now won two senior caps for Spain.

Another international said to have caught Arteta’s eye is that of Jules Kounde.

According to reports from late last month, the Gunners supposedly made an offer of around £55m for the versatile defender, but the Catalan giants swiftly rejected it, as he was deemed far too important to be sold.

However, another star has been added to the Gunners’ shortlist, someone who may be far more attainable: Evan Ndicka.

According to a recent report from the Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport, as relayed by Siamo La Roma, Arsenal and Newcastle United are both interested in the Ivorian international.

However, it would appear as if the North Londoners are ahead of their Premier League rivals at the moment, as the report has revealed that they’ve already initiated contact with I Giallorossi.

In more good news, it probably wouldn’t be an extortionate deal to complete either, as the report has claimed that Roma value their defensive stalwart at up to €40m, which is about £34m.

It might not be the most exciting transfer Arsenal could make, but given Ndicka’s ability and experience, he’d be a great addition to their squad and a significant upgrade on Kiwior.

How Ndicka compares to Kiwior

So, the first thing to say is that with William Saliba and Gabriel being the utterly immense pairing that they are, it seems hard to imagine that there is any central defender that Arsenal could sign this summer who’d displace one of them.

With that in mind, it seems almost certain then that Arteta and Co are interested in signing Ndicka to make him one of the club’s first-choice backups, which in turn would put him in direct competition with Kiwior for game time.

So, who comes out on top?

Well, when it comes to recent experience, it’s the “superb” Roma ace, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who comes out on top, as he’s arguably one of the most important players at his club, making 47 appearances, all of which have been starts, across all competitions this term, scoring one goal and providing two assists along the way.

In contrast, the former Spezia ace has only recently seen his game time increase in North London and has made just 25 appearances, 16 of which have been starts, this season, in which he has also scored once and provided two assists.

Ndicka vs Kiwior

Statistics

Ndicka

Kiwior

Progressive Passes

2.96

3.56

Progressive Carries

0.67

0.38

Passing Accuracy

91.8%

91.1%

Shots

0.57

0.39

Shots on Target

0.19

0.09

Key Passes

0.27

0.25

Live Passes

63.4

55.8

Shot-Creating Actions

0.89

0.56

Goal-Creating Actions

0.11

0.00

Tackles Won

0.72

0.65

Blocks

1.09

0.75

Interceptions

0.89

0.57

Clearances

3.89

3.19

Errors Leading to a Shot

0.04

0.31

Ball Recoveries

3.58

2.00

Aerial Duels Won

1.58

1.00

All Stats via FBref for 24/25

How about when we take a look under the hood then? Which defender comes out on top when we compare their underlying numbers?

Unfortunately for the Polish ace, it’s once again the Paris-born monster who comes on top in the majority of relevant metrics, including, but not limited to, progressive carries, key and live passes, shot and goal-creating actions, tackles won, blocks, clearances, interceptions, ball recoveries, aerial duels won and more, all per 90.

Ultimately, while Kiwior has proven himself to be a reliable backup, Ndicka appears to be the better defender in practically every way, and therefore, Arsenal should do what they can to sign him this summer.

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Posts ByJack Salveson Holmes May 2, 2025

The final knockings of the 2024/25 campaign are drawing close, and Liverpool are on the brink of celebrating a Premier League title in front of their fans after 35 years.

Jurgen Klopp put the club back on their perch when he ended the interminable drought in 2020, one year after incredibly winning the Champions League, but they were denied the merriment from reaching its deserved level, intermingling reduced due to government restrictions.

But now, with Arne Slot at the helm, the Red sea will be out in force this weekend, with just one point needed against struggling Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield to seal the title.

It’s remarkable, and the city will lap it up. Liverpool have been brilliant this season, solid at the back, dogged in midfield, and slick in offence.

Mohamed Salah has been the architect of so much attacking play, posting 32 goals and 23 assists across all competitions in a year that will surely see him crowned the Premier League’s Player of the Season for the second time.

However, the output has been somewhat lopsided, and it’s no surprise FSG are looking to enrich the frontline in the transfer market this summer.

Why Liverpool need to improve their attack

Firstly, Liverpool’s ‘star’ striker, Darwin Nunez, is expected to be sold at the end of the season after failing to adapt to Slot’s tactics. He’s started just one Premier League game since Boxing Day, yielding a measly seven-goal haul under the Dutchman’s wing.

Liverpool need more impetus from their focal frontmen, with Diogo Jota also flattering to deceive at times this season, injured at others, while Luis Diaz performs dutifully in a dynamic central berth when called upon but lacks that innate goalscoring instinct.

Cody Gakpo has looked far sharper in a more structured left flanking role under Slot, arcing inward to strike on goal, but it’s clear that Liverpool could do with a bit more snap in attack to take them to the next level next year and compete for titles across multiple fronts.

Liverpool’s Frontline in 2024/25 (all comps)

Player

Apps

Goals

Assists

Mohamed Salah

47

32

23

Cody Gakpo

44

16

6

Luis Diaz

46

15

8

Diogo Jota

33

9

4

Darwin Nunez

42

7

7

Federico Chiesa

11

1

2

Stats via Transfermarkt

Liverpool’s sky-high pedigree, the balmy conditions Slot and Klopp before him have created, suggest that the world’s finest would be tempted with a move to Merseyside this summer.

And one of the best out there might just be on FSG’s radar.

Liverpool chasing marquee signing

According to Caught Offside, Barcelona have set their asking price for Raphinha at €90m (equating to about £77m) ahead of the summer market.

Though La Blaugrana won’t necessarily want to force their high-flying forward out the door, ongoing financial bother could prove to be enough to hold sway, with their decision to set a price at this early stage indicative of their stance.

Liverpool could do with a dynamic, balanced attacker such as the Brazilian, but they aren’t the only club in the race, with Arsenal and Chelsea both keen too.

It feels like sporting director Richard Hughes will need to start putting in the groundwork swiftly if the Merseysiders are to prevail.

Why Raphinha would thrive at Liverpool

With Diaz, 28, about to enter the penultimate year of his contract, Liverpool are currently working out whether to renew his terms and take the Colombian’s deal into his 30s or to cash in while his stock is high.

Barcelona, by the by, have a long-standing interest in the player. Some food for thought.

Raphinha would almost be a shoo-in for the Ballon d’Or this year were Salah not in such almighty fettle, the 28-year-old having scored 30 goals and added 23 assists across 49 matches since the campaign’s opening.

As per FBref, he ranks among the top 2% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe’s top five leagues over the past year for goal involvements and the top 8% for shot-creating actions per 90, so you can see how he’d improve Liverpool’s frontline, enhancing Gakpo, Salah and that new centre-forward who is as yet undetermined.

Given that 40 of Raphinha’s 53 contributions have come when positioned on the left, he could be the perfect Diaz replacement, maybe even emulating a former Liverpool superstar in Sadio Mane.

Deadly in front of goal and electric up and down the field, Mane really was a one-of-a-kind player, never reaching the same numerical heights as Salah in Klopp’s team but still establishing himself as one of the best players in the world.

The Senegal legend won the lot, and while Diaz has been a worthy successor, he’s never reached that same ridiculous level. Raphinha, however, is proving himself to be a cut above Liverpool’s man and could indeed take Slot’s project to new heights.

He’s actually been described as the “best player in the world” this season by Statman Dave, so threatening and incisive in a way that is done with a flourish.

Raphinha also has Premier League experience with Leeds United, similar to Mane, who plied his trade with Southampton before transferring to Liverpool for £34m in 2016, one year into the Klopp era.

Hailed as a “magician” of a footballer by his former Whites teammate Dan James, Raphinha would be the perfect player to join a title-winning cause.

His sweeping skill set is exactly what Liverpool need, adding a goalscoring dimension while raising the playmaking level too.

With 19 goal contributions across 12 matches, the fleet-footed winger has probably been the standout force in the Champions League this season and may yet play an even bigger part in the narrative, with Barcelona preparing for a two-legged showdown with Inter Milan for a place in the final.

His potency on the left flank denotes a Mane-esque quality that could ease Salah’s burden and create a healthier and more poised approach next season.

It really does feel like a no-brainer for a Liverpool side looking to leap even higher in Slot’s second season, finances, of course, permitting.

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Posts 1 ByAngus Sinclair Apr 24, 2025

Stepping up their summer plans, Manchester United are now reportedly expected to submit an opening offer to sign a Serie A midfielder who dominated former Old Trafford star Scott McTominay this season.

INEOS preparing for big summer

Ahead of Ruben Amorim’s first full season in charge, in which he will be forced to operate underneath an even greater spotlight, it’s fair to say that INEOS must get things right on the transfer front.

The Red Devils desperately need to show the door to several stars and are even more desperate for fresh faces to arrive and make their mark at Old Trafford.

Amorim is keen to ensure that his side waste no time before finally turning things around at the club, despite questions around a long-term task.

The former Sporting CP boss told reporters earlier this month: “I understand, but I’m not naïve. I don’t want to think we need a lot of years to be competitive. I can’t think like that, I cannot manage that, it’s not in me. That’s why I’m putting pressure on myself.

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“I know we won’t be the biggest challengers in the next year or two years. We are changing a lot of things inside the club and we know it will take a lot of time, but I will not say I need a lot of years. Next year is our goal. I’m not saying we’re going to win the title in the next year, I’m not crazy.”

What would certainly help accelerate Manchester United’s turnaround is an impressive transfer window – something that INEOS are seemingly planning for.

Already, names such as Liam Delap and James Trafford have been mentioned among those who could yet be on their way to Amorim’s side, but it’s a Serie A midfielder who may well be most likely.

Man Utd expected to submit offer for Ederson

According to TuttomercatoWeb, Manchester United are now expected to submit an official offer to sign Ederson from Atalanta in the coming weeks. The Serie A side reportedly value their midfielder at around €60m (£52m), but it remains to be seen whether United’s pending offer will reach that mark and satisfy the Italians’ requirements.

It should come as no surprise that Atalanta are demanding such a high price, however. If Manchester United kept an eye on academy graduate, turned Napoli star, Scott McTominay, they would have seen Ederson’s quality for themselves earlier this season. The Brazilian dominated the Napoli midfielder in a resounding 3-0 victory.

By the end of the 3-0 thrashing, the Atalanta star had made eight passes into the final third, won 100% of his tackles and completed as many as 10 recoveries. McTominay, meanwhile, was limited to the least amount of touches of any outfield player on the day and won just 50% of his tackles, according to FotMob.

Described as “strong” by South American football expert Tim Vickery, Ederson is exactly the type of combative midfielder that Amorim needs alongside Manuel Ugarte if he is to turn Manchester United around once and for all.

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Posts ByCharlie Smith Apr 7, 2025

Chelsea are believed to be prepared to fork out a significant sum for an alternative to right-back Malo Gusto this summer, with Enzo Maresca pondering his full-back options ahead of his second full season in charge.

Malo Gusto criticised as Chelsea handed right-back dilemma

Club captain Reece James recently returned from his injury hell to provide Maresca with much-needed reinforcement in the right-back area, but given his history of hamstring problems, there is no telling just how long he’ll be in contention for.

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Posts 1 ByConnor Holden Apr 15, 2025

The Englishman, who was recently recalled to the Three Lions squad by new England boss Thomas Tuchel, has featured in nine of Chelsea’s last 12 Premier League games since returning from injury, missing one due to illness, so the signs have been positive.

Chelsea’s next five Premier League fixtures

Date

Fulham (away)

April 20th

Everton (home)

April 26th

Liverpool (home)

May 4th

Newcastle (away)

May 10th

Man United (home)

May 18th

Chelsea will be hopeful that the £250,000-per-week star can maintain this positive run of availability, but there is still a reliance on the out-of-form Gusto.

Gusto has attracted criticism throughout 2024/2025 for some sub-par displays, but Maresca will be cautious about dropping the former Lyon sensation in favour of being too overly reliant on James, as BlueCo tread carefully when it comes to the latter’s fitness.

The 21-year-old is still young and with plenty of room for improvement, though his return of just two assists in 33 appearances across all competitions will also be a concern for Maresca.

Chelsea need more threat from their full-backs on the overlap, and they ideally need a figurehead who can provide that injection of quality when they’re struggling to break sides down in the low-block.

Taking this into account, Barcelona right-back Jules Koundé could be a truly excellent option.

The France international, who can also play at centre-half, has the ability to kill two birds with one stone as Chelsea reportedly look to sign a centre-back this summer.

Arsenal are also very interested in Kounde, according to other reports, following the 26-year-old’s exceptional campaign under Hansi Flick at the Bernabeu. Kounde has started 28 La Liga matches this term, making 50 appearances in all competitions and bagging eight assists in the process – standing out as one of Flick’s key men.

Chelsea prepared to bid £68 million for Jules Koundé this summer

Now, according to reports out of Spain, it is believed Chelsea are ready to match Arsenal in the potential race for his signature.

Indeed, Chelsea are also prepared to make an offer of £68 million for Kounde, and Barca’s current financial troubles could tempt the Catalans into doing business. This bid would represent a significant profit for Barca, at a time when they really need it, and a figure of this magnitude could represent an “unexpected solution” to balance their books.

The west Londoners are apparently ready to outbid Arsenal for Kounde, and “already have a plan in place” to sway Kounde with a move to Stamford Bridge.

One sticking point could be the defender’s £224,000-per-week wages, though, which would place him among Maresca’s highest-earning players.

Setting their sights on summer spending, Nottingham Forest have reportedly joined a hectic Premier League race to trigger one player’s £25m release clause.

Nottingham Forest already eyeing summer targets

Whilst they’ve earned plenty of deserved praise throughout what has been the story of the season, Nottingham Forest got a timely reminder that there’s still work to be done against Aston Villa – suffering a 2-1 defeat.

Forced into a number of changes thanks to the injury concerns of Ola Aina, Chris Wood and Taiwo Awoniyi, Nuno Espirito Santo was left frustrated by his side’s defeat at full-time, telling reporters: “We tried to find solutions. The boys showed a better game. It was one of the matches that we created the most in but didn’t take anything from the game.

“When you lose, you don’t recover so well. The miles come to your mind. It’s always easy when you are in a good moment. Now it is not so good and it requires a bit of patience.”

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Arguably for the first time this season, Forest had their depth exposed in what may just be a preview of what’s to come if they qualify for the Champions League in the coming weeks.

A place amongst Europe’s elite has seen both Aston Villa and Newcastle United struggle to repeat their magic in the last two seasons and Forest must ensure that they avoid the same fate.

Perhaps in pursuit of that, those at the City Ground have already been linked with a number of impressive moves for the likes of Darwin Nunez and Ademola Lookman. Of course, the former would be particularly interesting, given how he has struggled to make his mark at Liverpool.

If Forest were to land a cut-price deal and then get the best out of the forward, it would be seen as a major coup. Nunez isn’t the only Premier League player that Forest have set their sights on, however.

"Superb" Ramsdale could replace Sels

Like Chris Wood, Matz Sels has enjoyed an excellent season between the sticks at Nottingham Forest but that doesn’t take away from the need for those at the City Ground to find a replacement. They’ve already turned towards a number of options to potentially replace Wood and could now turn towards the heir to Sels’ role now that he’s 33 years old.

According to The Boot Room, Nottingham Forest have now joined a hectic Premier League race to sign Aaron Ramsdale, who has a release clause worth £25m at St Mary’s. Despite only arriving last year, the goalkeeper looks destined to depart this summer with the Saints heading back down to the Championship.

Premier League stats 24/25 (via FBref)

Aaron Ramsdale

Matz Selz

Starts

22

31

Saves P90

4.14

3.19

Save Percentage

66.9%

74.3%

Pass Completion

64.7%

50.9%

With Newcastle United, Forest, Bournemouth and Leeds United all queuing up for the England international’s signature, he will be spoilt for choice when the summer transfer window arrives.

Praised for a “superb” save against Bournemouth by Manchester City icon Joe Hart earlier this season, Southampton’s season – for all of how disappointing it has been – may have somehow been worse without Ramsdale.