All posts by z3u9t.icu

In need of an attacking boost, Aston Villa are now reportedly preparing a 2026 offer to sign a Champions League winner in a repeat of their previous deal to welcome Marco Asensio last January.

What Aston Villa need in January

The positive for Aston Villa in the summer was the fact they managed to keep hold of Emiliano Martinez amid interest from Manchester United and the goalkeeper’s own desire to depart. But that’s not enough to take away from what was otherwise another disappointing transfer window.

Forget McGinn: Aston Villa's "jewel" looks like the modern day Gareth Barry

Man in the middle of the park is Aston Villa’s modern Gareth Barry, key to their revival

ByWill Miller Oct 5, 2025

Evann Guessand, Marco Bizot, Victor Lindelof, Harvey Elliott and Jadon Sancho all arrived in what felt more like a panicked late flurry rather than a well-executed plan. On paper, arrivals such as Elliott, Guessand and Sancho should stand out, but all three are yet to prove their worth to Unai Emery, who may have preferred returns for former loanees Marcus Rashford and Asensio.

As a result of a frustrating summer, those in the Midlands have endured a slow start to the season – especially in attack. So much so that it took Ollie Watkins eight appearances in all competitions to find his first goal of the season, which came against Fulham.

Whilst Emery’s side have shown signs of life in previous weeks, the January plan must still centre around attacking reinforcements. It was the plan last January when Villa welcomed both Rashford and Asensio, who helped them push Paris Saint-Germain all the way in the Champions League, and they must now look for a repeat in 2026.

Just who this season’s versions of Asensio and Rashford will be is the big question. The likes of Ruben Loftus-Cheek and one other impressive talent have already been linked with winter moves.

Aston Villa preparing Kang-in Lee offer

According to reports in Spain, Aston Villa are now preparing an offer to sign Kang-in Lee from PSG in what would be a repeat of their deal to sign Asensio from the French giants last season. The Villans are seemingly turning towards the European champions to pick up another out-of-favour star who could thrive in the Midlands.

Emery reportedly wants the South Korean and the player himself would be wise to look for a move elsewhere after starting just three of PSG’s last six Ligue 1 games and none of their first two Champions League outings.

Even though he sits outside of Luis Enrique’s starting side more often than not, Lee has still earned plenty of praise from the PSG boss, who previously told reporters:

“Kang-In Lee, he’s small but he can play up front, behind, go inside, on the side, defend, score. He’s a complete player. He’s a big signing for the club. When we signed him, we knew his potential. He still needs to improve but he’s working well.”

That versatility to play across the entire frontline would prove particularly key for Villa, who currently lack the squad depth they need to push for a European place once again.

It all feels a little inevitable, doesn’t it? A bright pre-season swiftly squashed as Manchester United fall behind to an early Viktor Gyokeres goal at Old Trafford, the camera duly panning to his former boss Ruben Amorim looking forlorn on the touchline. It’s written in the stars.

Amorim has been forced to witness his one-time Sporting CP talisman join Arsenal for a fee of around £64m this summer, despite prior claims that the Portuguese coach was keen on a reunion with a player who scored 66 goals in just 68 games under his watch in Lisbon.

Hopefully, however, it is a different number nine stealing the headlines when the two sides go head to head later this month, with speculation ramping up regarding United’s own search for a striker.

At present, the leading name to fill that striking void appears to long-term target, Benjamin Sesko, although would the 22-year-old RB Leipzig starlet really be the right solution?

Latest on Man Utd's move Sesko

It’s been a summer all about strikers, with Sesko right at the centre of the transfer merry-go-round.

Indeed, the Slovenian marksman at one stage appeared to be the leading target to join the Gunners, before Mikel Arteta and co settled on Gyokeres, having also emerged as a leading target for Newcastle United.

Identified as the man to potentially replace the wantaway Alexander Isak at St James’ Park, Sesko might be yet another high-profile target to spurn the Magpies’ advances, however, if the Red Devils get their way.

As reported this week, the Old Trafford side are also now in the mix for the striker’s signature, with United said to be working on a deal for a player who could cost in the region of £60m-£70m.

There have been differing reports over whether the former Red Bull Salzburg man would favour a move to Manchester or not, although journalist Graeme Bailey has outlined that Amorim’s side are “confident” of securing a deal.

With a potential exchange involving Rasmus Hojlund also mooted, there are avenues for United to seal this switch before the season rolls around. That said, is there not a better target out there to consider?

Why Man Utd need to avoid Benjamin Sesko

Sesko has reached double figures for league goals in each of his last two seasons in Germany, although whether that form would translate to English football remains to be seen, with United having been stung by their £73m investment in a certain Jadon Sancho from the Bundesliga.

Transfer Focus

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

The capture of the then-Borussia Dortmund man – who has scored just 12 times in 83 games in four years in Manchester – saw the Red Devils fork out for an exciting talent with sky high potential, with Sesko’s addition likely to be with the same aim in mind.

However, at a time when Amorim’s side are still reeling after a season in which they finished 15th in the Premier League, after netting only 44 league goals collectively, perhaps a more proven, risk-averse option is required.

Enter, Ollie Watkins.

While Sesko has nudged ahead on the centre-forward shortlist, reports have suggested that Amorim’s preference would be to go for Watkins, with the England international following in the footsteps of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo as a top-flight-ready acquisition.

Although Aston Villa appear to have rebuffed any interest so far this summer, a suitable bid of around £60m may well tempt them into a sale, not least with the former Brentford man approaching 30.

There is a sense that Watkins would be a mere short-term fix due to his age, although having scored at least ten league goals in each of his five seasons in England’s top tier, he would represent one of the few guarantees on the market.

United only have to look to the past for reason for optimism, having famously plucked Dwight Yorke from Villa Park on a £12.6m deal back in the summer of 1998, following the enigmatic striker’s stunning stint in the Midlands.

2024/25

36

16

8

2023/24

37

19

13

2022/23

37

15

6

2021/22

35

11

2

2020/21

37

14

5

Total

184

75

34

Like Watkins – who boasts 87 goals in 223 games for the Villans – Yorke had been a revelation for his former side, prior to joining Alex Ferguson’s ranks, having netted 98 times in 287 games.

While he would go on to last just four years at the Theatre of Dreams, the Trinidad and Tobago sensation more than made an impact, having notably scored 29 times in all competitions during the famed treble-winning season.

Much like Yorke – who was 26 at the time of the move – Watkins is still at the peak of his powers, having registered 31 goals and assists in all competitions last time out under Unai Emery. That tally includes 14 assists, showcasing that he is as much of a provider as he is a supreme goalscorer.

Lauded as “one of the best strikers in Europe” by Emery, the 29-year-old should need no period of adaptation to life at United, with the prospect there for him to also rekindle his prior partnership with Mbeumo, following their days together at Brentford.

Sesko might be the young, glamour name, but Watkins’ brilliance has already been seen first-hand across five consistent years at Villa. As Ferguson witnessed in the case of Yorke, adding a proven Premier League striker into the mix could well be devastating.

Most important deal since Bruno: Man Utd make enquiry for "world-class" gem

Manchester United are set to make another key move within this summer’s transfer window.

1 ByEthan Lamb Aug 2, 2025

As Everton get their pre-season underway, The Friedkin Group are reportedly preparing a £35m proposal to welcome another key reinforcement for David Moyes and his side.

Everton commence Hill Dickinson era

A new era is officially underway at Everton after they squared off against Port Vale in their first-ever game at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. In many ways it was, of course, an insignificant game. But it will have its place in history and so will Carlos Alcaraz for scoring the first-ever goal for Everton men’s at their impressive new ground.

After sealing a 2-1 victory against their latest pre-season opponents, Everton will now travel to the USA to take part in the Premier League Summer Series. It’s there that they will square off against Bournemouth, West Ham United and Manchester United in three tough tests to hand them a glimpse of what could be to come next season.

It’s not just pre-season that those in Merseyside should be concerning themselves with between now and next season, however. There’s also still plenty of work to be done on the transfer front.

Friedkin reportedly want to splash out as much as £150m this summer, having already welcomed Thierno Barry, Mark Travers and Alcaraz to kick things off.

Eyeing a replacement for Abdoulaye Doucoure, as well as another midfielder, plus a new right-back and right-winger, Everton have already reportedly set their sights on the likes of Douglas Luiz and James McAtee.

The latter would be a particularly impressive signing, given how he still starred for Manchester City last season even in the face of little game time. The last time that City sold such a prospect, it was Chelsea who benefited and Cole Palmer who thrived. Now, the Toffees could be next in line.

Before then, though, Friedkin are seemingly planning to turn their focus towards an impressive La Liga star.

Everton preparing Takefusa Kubo offer

According to reports in Spain, Everton are now preparing a formal €40m (£35m) offer to sign Takefusa Kubo from Real Sociedad this summer. The Japan international has enjoyed a standout spell at Sociedad at times in the last three years, having swapped Real Madrid for the chance to become the star that he is today in 2022.

He's a dream for Barry: Everton open talks to sign £50m "superstar"

Everton initiate talks to sign LaLiga star in bold bid to strengthen attack

ByWill Miller Jul 23, 2025

Now, the Premier League could be calling and Everton could yet make an impressive statement. Once a Liverpool target, Kubo may come back to haunt those at Anfield at the opposite end of Merseyside next season.

Previously dubbed “amazing” for his form by scout Jacek Kulig, Kubo is still just 24 years old and still has plenty more to come. There’s no doubt that he’d also be an instant upgrade on Jack Harrison.

Minutes

2,372

2,076

Goals

5

1

Assists

0

0

Key Passes

45

33

Alongside Barry, Kubo’s arrival would continue the much-needed attacking changes taking place at Everton this summer, as they step into a new era at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

We finally seem to be at the end of the summer’s biggest saga so far, with Newcastle United’s pursuit of Hugo Ekitike seemingly ended by Liverpool. It was confirmed by journalist Julien Laurens that Eddie Howe’s side are ‘out of the race’ to sign the Frenchman.

Whilst that is a blow to the Magpies, with the striker seemingly set to move to the Reds now, it does increase the chances of Alexander Isak remaining at St James’ Park this season. Fabrizio Romano reported that Newcastle ‘insist’ on the fact that their first-choice striker is not available for sale this summer.

To help supplement Isak up front, it still seems as though the North East outfit will pursue a new number nine.

Newcastle’s new striker target

Whilst their move to sign Ekitike this summer failed to materialise, it still seems apparent that the Magpies wanted to sign a centre-forward this summer. Well, if the new reports to break are true, then that is still very much the case.

Transfer Focus

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

A recent report from talkSPORT confirms the fact that Newcastle are after another number nine this summer, and claim they ‘are ready to join the race’ for Brentford forward Yoane Wissa.

Howe and the higher-ups at St James’ Park might see an opportunity to sign the DR Congo because he is ‘pushing to leave’ the Gtech Community Stadium this summer.

However, there is fierce competition for the 28-year-old. He is wanted by former manager Thomas Frank, now at Tottenham Hotspur, with Nottingham Forest also showing keen interest, and have even placed a bid of £25m. However, that fell way short of Brentford’s valuation, which is double that, at £50m.

Why Wissa would be a good signing

There are clear signs of major improvement in Wissa’s game, who continues to get better and better the more Premier League football he plays. Back in June, journalist Zach Lowy described the attacker as a “remarkable” forward.

In 137 English top-flight games for the Bees, he has amassed an impressive goal tally of 45 strikes, chipping in with 13 assists. He’s managed double-figure goal involvements in three of his four Premier League seasons, and has hit such a milestone simply for goals in the last two seasons.

The 2024/25 campaign saw Wissa explode and have the season of his career so far. In 35 Premier League games, the Brentford number 11 found the back of the net 19 times and registered five assists. It is easy to see why they want £50m for his signature this summer.

Simply from a goalscoring point of view, the Brentford attacker actually had a better campaign than Ekitike managed last season. Whilst the Frenchman, who plays for Eintracht Frankfurt, did contribute eight assists in 33 Bundesliga games, he was not as clinical as Wissa.

The 23-year-old, who was born in Reims, only bagged 15 league goals for Eintracht in the 2024/25 campaign, four fewer than the DR Congo striker managed.

On top of that, Wissa had a better goalscoring streak, bagging goals in four consecutive league games, whilst Ekitike’s best was three. There are certainly stats which back up the fact that Wissa is a more clinical striker than Ekitike.

Looking at the numbers on Squawka, he has a better conversion rate, with 27.54% compared to the Frenchman’s 17.24%, showing just how well he takes his chances, and has more non-penalty goals per game, with 0.6 as opposed to 0.5.

Shot accuracy

62.32%

55.17%

Conversion rate

27.54%

17.24%

Non-penalty goals

0.6

0.5

Goals from inside the box

0.6

0.6

Winnings goals

0.2

0.1

Although it is a shame that the Magpies have missed out on signing Ekitike, Wissa could be the perfect player to rotate with Isak.

The Swedish attacker scored 23 Premier League goals last term, so they need a clinical number nine to match his goalscoring form.

Thus, Wissa could be the dream signing for Howe’s side this season, to help take Newcastle to the next level and continue their rise up the Premier League table.

Bigger talent than Ekitike: Newcastle targeting £70m "menace of a striker"

Newcastle are on the hunt for a new striker amid the interest in Alexander Isak

ByJoe Nuttall Jul 16, 2025

Manchester United have submitted a loan proposal to sign an “outstanding” £166,000-a-week star from Bayern Munich, according to a new report.

Man Utd submit Nicolas Jackson enquiry as they close in on Mbeumo

The Red Devils have only managed to make one signing so far this summer, and that came right at the start of the window with the arrival of Matheus Cunha from Wolves. The hope was that Bryan Mbeumo would soon become the club’s second signing, but it is a transfer that has taken a long time to get over the line.

Breakthrough expected: Man Utd may sign £60m+ star before pre-season tour

The Red Devils could now be closing in on their second marquee signing of the summer.

ByBrett Worthington Jul 13, 2025

Those at Old Trafford have already seen two bids turned down for the Cameroon international, but they have not given up on finding an agreement, and according to The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath, United are expected to wrap up the transfer of Mbeumo in the coming days ahead of their tour to the USA. The Premier League side are expecting a breakthrough in talks in the coming days after having opening offers turned down by the Bees.

Despite the arrival of Cunha and the potential arrival of Mbeumo, United and Ruben Amorim are keen to add a new striker to their ranks. The Red Devils have been linked with several forwards, with the latest name being Nicolas Jackson of Chelsea. Jackson could leave Stamford Bridge this summer, and United have made an enquiry over signing the striker, who could be available for just £60 million.

Man Utd make loan proposal to sign £166k-p/w Bayern ace

Mbeumo and Jackson are not the only players United are chasing, as according to Caught Offside, Man United have made a loan proposal for Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha, but the German giants have turned it down.

Palhinha, who earns a weekly wage of €192,308 (£166,481), is considered to be no longer in the plans of manager Vincent Kompany and therefore can leave the Bundesliga champions this summer. United have identified the Portuguese international as a target, but they were keen on striking a loan deal, which Bayern aren’t on board with.

Bayern Munich want to sell Palhinha on a permanent basis and are looking to get between €30-35 million, which is roughly £25-30 million. United are not the only team chasing the midfielder, as Tottenham Hotspur have also made an enquiry, while Fulham and West Ham are also interested in a potential deal.

Apps

68

Goals

7

Assists

1

The 30-year-old, who has been dubbed “outstanding” during his time at Craven Cottage by John Wenham, played just 17 games in the Bundesliga last season, and he only featured once in the Club World Cup, which was 45 minutes against Benfica.

Palhinha’s potential arrival at Old Trafford would see him likely replace Casemiro and partner his international teammate Bruno Fernandes in Amorim’s midfield selection. However, United would have to stump up money to sign the midfielder, and given their financial situation, they may look to alternative targets, whether they are cheaper or on a temporary basis.

The start of Newcastle United’s pre-season fixture list is fast approaching.

Eddie Howe’s team will be back in action on 19 July, taking on Celtic at Parkhead, and 10,000 Georgies will be joining them in Glasgow for the game, which should make for quite the atmosphere.

In the meantime, the Magpies have been busy in the transfer market, looking to bolster their squad ahead of a return to the Champions League, so will it be a busy week of unveilings on Tyneside?

The latest on Newcastle's transfer activity

As has been widely reported, Anthony Elanga is on his way to the North East to complete a £55m move from Nottingham Forest.

The winger scored six goals and registered 11 assists in the Premier League last season, now set to become the Magpies’ second-most expensive signing of all time, behind only his Swedish international teammate Alexander Isak.

Newcastle are far from done there though, because, according to a report by GIVEMESPORT, they are ‘working to sign’ and ‘remain hopeful’ of landing Crystal Palace defender Marc Guéhi.

The report adds that Howe wants to ‘prioritise the addition of a centre-back’, while Chris Waugh of the Athletic documents that those inside the club believe the England international ‘would be an ideal addition’, noting their long-standing interest, having unsuccessfully bid for Guéhi both last summer and in January.

Well, speaking on the Athletic FC podcast, Crystal Palace correspondent Matt Woosnam believes the club captain could leave Selhurst Park this summer, mainly due to the fact he has just one year remaining on his contract, valued at around £60m.

Palace’s summer plans are somewhat on hold at the moment, as they wait to find out whether or not they’re allowed to compete in the Europa League; a decision is belatedly expected this week.

Meantime, Arsenal are attempting to sign Eberechi Eze for around £67.5m which, should he depart, would increase the Eagles’ determination to keep hold of their other star player Guéhi.

Transfer Focus

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

Nevertheless, with Liverpool also seeking to sign the centre-back, it appears very possible that he could be on the move, so will the 24 year old end up on Tyneside?

Why Guehi would be a better signing than Elanga for Newcastle

Guéhi’s performances have earned widespread praise, with then-England manager Gareth Southgate describing his displays at Euro 2024 as “exceptional”, starting six of the seven matches last summer, including the final at Olympiastadion in Berlin.

Meantime, Nathan Jackson of Total Football Analysis notes that the 24-year-old stands out for all defensive metrics, while Sam Tabuteau of Breaking the Lines praises his ‘resilience’ and ‘composure’, asserting that he is impressive both in and out of possession.

This would be such a transformational addition for Howe, given that he had very few options at centre-back last season, largely due to Sven Botman’s injury issues, with Dan Burn alongside Fabian Schär by far the most-used partnership.

So, let’s see how Guéhi compares to Newcastle’s current central defenders.

Appearances

34

34

37

8

Minutes

3,060

2,938

3,330

414

Pass accuracy

84%

85%

89%

89%

Tackles

1.8

1.2

1.1

2.7

Aerial duel success %

54%

44%

66%

61%

Ground duel success %

63%

48%

50%

71%

Interceptions

0.9

1.4

0.7

1.1

As the table outlines, when compared to Schär and Burn in particular, Guéhi’s statistics are very impressive.

The fact Botman made just eight appearances skews the data somewhat, boosting his per-90 statistics, while it will come as a surprise to no one that Burn comes out on top in terms of aerial duels.

Nevertheless, as well as being a top-class player, Guéhi would be transformational for Newcastle because centre-back is such an obvious area of need.

At the other end of the park, Elanga too will be a shrewd addition, but Howe’s team have scored plenty of goals without him.

Jacob Murphy continues to exceed all expectations, enjoying a career-best campaign in which he scored nine goals and supplied 14 assists in all competitions. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon has been deployed on the right wing on occasion too and is a fine player himself, now a regular part of the national team.

So, while Elanga’s arrival is certainly worth getting excited about if you’re a passionate member of the Toon Army, getting Guéhi over the line might be the key bit of business.

Newcastle set to "prioritise" new striker signing after Elanga and Trafford

More business incoming from the Magpies…

ByHenry Jackson Jul 8, 2025

Newcastle United have begun negotiations for a “perfect” player ahead of a move to the club this summer, with things expected to “accelerate” next week.

Howe realistic about Newcastle's summer business

Magpies supporters will hope to see various new faces arrive at St James’ Park in the summer transfer window, but the club now have to be sensible when it comes to adhering to financial rules.

Speaking after the final game of last season, Eddie Howe made it clear that it won’t necessarily be easy for Newcastle to snap up numerous established stars on big money.

That’s not to say that Newcastle won’t do any significant business, and Howe is thought to be calm about the situation at the club, with the likes James Trafford, Ousmane Diomande, Anthony Elanga and Dusan Vlahovic being linked with moves.

Newcastle talks underway to sign James Trafford

Writing on X on Monday morning, Romano claimed that Newcastle are in talks with Burnley over the signing of goalkeeper Trafford, with “next week” looking likely to see huge strides made regarding a move.

It would be a huge surprise if Trafford wasn’t a Newcastle player come the start of next season, with the Englishman likely to come straight in as an upgrade on Nick Pope – reports earlier this month revealed he is happy to accept the Magpies’ terms.

Trafford enjoyed a fantastic season with Burnley, being hailed by pundit Don Goodman: “On individual performance, it would be difficult to have a more perfect month than James Trafford. He didn’t concede a goal in any of Burnley’s six games in January and he was the hero at Turf Moor against Sunderland, saving two late penalties to keep his team’s unbeaten run intact.

“Burnley’s defensive stability is going to be the key in their bid for promotion and Trafford is central to that.”

He's like Mitrovic: Newcastle now in the race to sign "monster" £26m CF

Newcastle United could soon land this explosive striker who possesses shades of Aleksandar Mitrovic’s game.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 22, 2025

Still only 22 years of age, Trafford has the ability to be a great player for Newcastle for around a decade, and possibly even be seen as England’s future No.1, so there are no negatives to the Magpies signing him at his widely reported £30m price tag.

One of Europe’s biggest clubs are reportedly open to the idea of selling a “world-class” player to Manchester United in the summer transfer window.

Amorim coy over Man Utd's summer business

The Red Devils endured a pitiful 2024/25 campaign by their standards, with the Europa League final defeat to Tottenham the last nail in the coffin.

Ruben Amorim will know the importance of nailing his first summer in charge of United, both in terms of signings and training ground work, but the Portuguese has spoken cautiously about the amount of transfer business that can be done.

“You know better than me that we have rules with FFP. We can’t change that in this year. We need to do something in the summer. We have a plan and we are doing that in a while. We also have a preseason to improve the players we have.”

It looks as though United are trying to be bold in the market, with Matheus Cunha already arriving from Wolves, and the likes of Brentford star Bryan Mbeumo and Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike also among the leading targets ahead of next season. Now, another player with a big reputation has been mentioned as an option.

Man Utd boosted in efforts to sign "world-class" ace

According to Give Me Sport, Juventus are “open” to selling Douglas Luiz to Manchester United this summer, with a “cut-price” deal mooted. A loan move away from the Serie A giants is also mentioned in the report, with the Brazilian midfielder not believed to be part of their future plans, in a possible boost for Amorim.

Added quality is needed in United’s midfield this summer, with Casemiro no longer the force of old and Christian Eriksen’s time at the club now officially over. Kobbie Mainoo is a great prospect, but he is still learning his trade, while the likes of Manuel Ugarte and Mason Mount are good players, but haven’t wholly convinced at Old Trafford to date.

In Luiz, United could have a great choice to strengthen their options in the middle of the park, having been hailed as “world-class” by former Aston Villa teammate John McGinn in the past.

The Brazilian has proven that he can shine in the Premier League, making 175 appearances in the competition and chipping in with 38 goal contributions (20 goals and 18 assists).

Luiz possesses box-to-box quality, offering defensive quality but also class going forward, and at 27, he is at a good age to come in and hit the ground running from minute one.

He's better than Cunha: Man Utd in talks to sign £40m Ekitike alternative

Manchester United appear to be making moves to land a star who could sign ahead of Viktor Gyokeres.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 13, 2025

A permanent deal would be better than a loan move, although the benefit of the latter is that he could be moved on easily next summer if the move simply didn’t work out.

Glasgow Rangers manager Russell Martin has a massive task ahead of him, there is no doubt.

His first few interviews since being unveiled as the new Ibrox boss have been positive, and it is clear the former Southampton manager has a distinct style of play.

This is something that the club have lacked under previous managers, including Giovanni van Bronckhorst and Philippe Clement. Those two set up teams well in Europe, but domestically was a different story.

It may well be the opposite in Martin’s case. But given how poor the Gers have been in the Premiership since winning the title in 2021, this could well be a sacrifice many of the supporters are willing to make.

Martin will need every department to click at the start of next season, as a good start is imperative.

He needs his defence to be solid and reliable. A midfield full of players simultaneously able to win the ball back and move it forwards into the final third, and a front three able to get the better of a low block and take their chances.

In that regard, having someone of Alfredo Morelos’ ability would work wonders next season, especially as he would shine in Martin’s system.

Alfredo Morelos’ Rangers statistics

The Colombian talisman was a scourge for defenders, both domestically and in Europe, across his five years at Ibrox.

Between 2018 and 2023, he played 269 matches for the Light Blues, scoring an impressive tally of 124 goals for the club. Add in another 57 assists, and it is clear that Morelos was not only a clinical finisher, but he was also able to link play with those alongside and behind him.

Not since he departed have Rangers been able to call on a player with these abilities. Sure, Cyriel Dessers may have scored 51 times in just over 100 games, but the Nigerian striker often takes two or three chances to get on the scoresheet.

Morelos refined his game after a productive opening few seasons at Ibrox. Indeed, when the club won the domestic title during 2020/21, Morelos ‘only’ scored 11 league goals.

He played slightly deeper than in previous seasons, linking up with the likes of Ianis Hagi, Joe Aribo and Ryan Kent in order to create chances for them too.

Danilo has shown glimpses of his deep-lying abilities when given a chance, but the Brazilian hasn’t enjoyed a consistent run in the team to make a proper difference.

In Morelos, Rangers had a striker who established himself as a cult icon during his spell at Ibrox.

If Martin wishes to get the fans onside quickly, signing a player who is similar in style and stature to Morelos might be a good start.

Season

Games

Goals

Assists

2022/23

45

12

7

2021/22

42

18

8

2020/21

44

17

13

2019/20

47

29

9

2018/19

48

30

12

2017/18

43

18

8

He could well have some money to spend this summer thanks to the 49ers investment. This should allow the new manager to bring in several transfer targets, which will bolster the squad.

Could his first signing be a young striker who is ready to take the next step in his career?

Rangers search for a new striker

While Dessers, Danilo and Hamza Igamane are all options for Martin, it is likely one is sold this summer.

Now, according to the Daily Record, Rangers have made Maccabi Tel Aviv centre-forward Dor Turgeman their number one target this summer.

Transfer Focus

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

The youngster could be available for a fee in the region of £4m, and reports from Israel claim that the Glasgow side have already opened talks with the player regarding a move to Scotland.

Getting deals done over the line quickly will be key for Martin, especially as the Gers face a Champions League qualifier in six weeks.

Could Turgeman be a dream first signing? He certainly has all the tools required to succeed in Europe.

Why Rangers must sign Dor Turgeman

Last season, the highest scorer for the club was Dessers with 29 goals across all competitions. The next best tally from a striker was 16 by Igamane. While Danilo could only muster six goals through another injury-ravaged campaign.

Adding in another player who has the ability to score 20 or more goals next season is vital, especially if Martin wishes to challenge for the league title.

On that note, Turgeman would be an ideal signing this summer. The 2024/25 campaign was arguably his breakout for the Israeli side. Across 44 matches, the 21-year-old netted 20 goals and grabbed six assists for his club side.

He was praised by analyst Kai Watson as far back as February 2024, who said: “He’s played mostly as a striker but can definitely do a job on the wing. He’s quick, agile and has brilliant balance when driving with the ball.

“A very exciting player to watch and one that would have fans off of their seats.”

Last season certainly proved exactly what he can do and now is the chance for him to make a move and perform at a club like Rangers.

The club needs players who are willing to fight for every ball and win every duel. His manager, Zarko Lazetić, claimed that Turgeman was a “beast on the pitch”, and this sort of profile fits in with Martin’s style.

Like Morelos, the Israeli striker is capable of dropping deeper and generating chances for his team. Indeed, in the top flight last term, Turgeman created ten big chances for Maccabi, while he also recorded three assists and averaged 0.7 key passes per game.

For a fee of £4m, it is evident that Rangers would be getting a striker who closely resembles Morelos, perhaps without the disciplinary issues.

By selling Dessers in the coming weeks, Martin will be able to clear room for the youngster, who will be hoping to make his mark on Scottish football.

If the new owners and manager are serious about taking Rangers back to the summit of Scottish football, signing Turgeman should be a priority. That’s a certainty.

Rangers' top 15 goalscorers of all time

Rangers have had plenty of natural goalscorers at Ibrox over the last 150 years.

ByRoss Kilvington Dec 26, 2024

Aston Villa may have an element of uncertainty hanging over them this window, but that hasn’t stopped Unai Emery pushing hard to sign a talented midfielder from the continent.

Aston Villa could be forced to sell before they can buy

By now, most Premier League fans will be aware that Aston Villa run the risk of being penalised in line with Profit and Sustainability Rules if they don’t manage to sell some players before the June 30th deadline.

In turn, a host of stars have been linked with moves away from the club. Morgan Rogers is said to be a £100 million target for Arsenal and isn’t the only player being lined up by circling sides.

Nevertheless, Emiliano Martinez is one of the most likely candidates to be sacrificed and could ease pressure on offloading the likes of Rodgers this summer. The Argentina international is being courted by Manchester United and several Saudi Pro League teams.

Planning for the future without their long-serving number one, Aston Villa could look to sign LOSC Lille’s Lucas Chevalier, giving an indication of the one-in-one-out policy that could be adopted in the West Midlands to carefully navigate their delicate situation.

Losing out on a Champions League slot has created an unwanted PSR shortfall, but that isn’t something that can’t be fixed with savvy decision-making.

Aston Villa now ready to offer major deal to sign £50m Mozambique winger

He could replace Marcus Rashford.

ByTom Cunningham Jun 4, 2025

Leon Bailey could net £25 million if he is sold to Neom SC and Jhon Duran’s big-money sale earlier this year could create some wiggle room later down the line, so who could Aston Villa buy in that case?

If recent developments are anything to go by, Emery is willing to take a major step towards improving his midfield, with the added caveat that his latest target can play in several different positions.

Aston Villa make first move to sign Fares Chaibi from Eintracht Frankfurt

According to reports in Italy via Frankfurter Rundschau, Aston Villa have taken concrete steps to sign Fares Chaibi from Eintracht Frankfurt and the Bundesliga outfit may consider a sale under the right circumstances.

The 20-year-old is predominantly an attacking midfielder, but he can also feature on either flank or through the middle as a centre-forward when needed.

Fares Chaibi in 2024/25 for Eintracht Frankfurt per 90 mins (FBRef)

Shot-creating actions

4.03

Shots

2.05

Progressive passes

4.78

Progressive passes received

6.58

Touches in attacking penalty area

2.67

Earning a modest £12,968 per week in Germany, roughly speaking, Chaibi has registered two goals and three assists in 38 appearances across all competitions this season.

Making their first move, Aston Villa believe the Algeria international has the talent to become a special player at Villa Park, and they are now trying to push a deal over the line.

Moving back to matters previously mentioned, this swoop may be contingent on whether they can come out the other side of the PSR deadline unscathed, so it remains to be seen whether they can force this one through.