It feels like everything that could have gone wrong for Tottenham Hotspur this season has gone wrong.

Granted, there have been more than a handful of games in which either Ange Postecoglou has got something terribly wrong or his players have massively underperformed, but one thing has ravaged their campaign this year: injuries.

For example, there have been plenty of occasions in which the club have had just a single centre-back fit or no striker to play up top, and it has undoubtedly wreaked havoc on a side who have it in them to beat anyone on their day.

This terrible misfortune with injuries struck again recently, as Dejan Kulusevski is now set to miss the rest of the campaign, meaning that with no James Maddison either, Posetcoglou is going to have to make a bold decision on the midfield ahead of this weekend’s game and next week’s Europa League final.

Spurs' injury crisis

While there have been points in which Spurs have had even more players out with injury, the current situation can fairly be described as a crisis due to the number of players who play in the same position who are out and the simple fact that the biggest game in the club’s recent history is right around the corner.

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

The two biggest misses are undoubtedly Maddison, who injured his knee in the first-leg win over Bodo/Glimt and will be out until pre-season at the earliest, and Kulusevski, who came off against Crystal Palace on the weekend with what first looked like just a knock to his knee, but then turned out to require surgery, meaning he too will be out for a few months.

Worse still, the North Londoners will be without the incredibly impressive Lucas Bergavll, with the manager confirming yesterday afternoon that he has only just “taken his first tentative steps on the grass.”

Other than those three key players for the Lilywhites, Radu Dragusin is also out of contention due to the ACL injury he picked up in February, and now Timo Werner is confirmed to have suffered a hamstring injury in the same month, which is why he hasn’t featured since then.

In all, Spurs are not in great shape for the next two games, with their lack of natural attacking midfield options a serious concern.

However, with tonight’s game not mattering all that much in the grand scheme of things, Postecoglou has the chance to try something a little unorthodox to solve this problem ahead of the final next week.

Spurs' Kulusevski & Maddison solution

So, the truth of the matter is that Spurs do not have an ideal solution for the lack of a natural attacking midfielder at the moment, but there are at least a few unusual solutions that Postecoglou could try ahead of next week.

Perhaps the most realistic is bringing Son Heung-min back into the starting lineup and playing him in the most attacking midfield role.

Now, it is true that the South Korean international hasn’t got the speed or agility he once did, but he still has excellent technique and an evidently high football IQ.

Exp. Assisted Goal

0.36

Top 4%

GCA (Live-ball Pass)

0.57

Top 4%

SCA (Live-ball Pass)

3.80

Top 6%

Goals + Assists

0.71

Top 7%

Shot-Creating Actions

5.13

Top 7%

Assists

0.40

Top 8%

Goal-Creating Actions

0.66

Top 9%

Passes into Penalty Area

2.25

Top 12%

We can see this in some of his underlying numbers, as according to FBref, the “incredible” ace, as dubbed by Postecoglou, sits in the top 4% of attacking midfielders and wingers for expected assisted goals, goal-creating actions from his live passes, the top 6% for shot-creating actions from his live passes, the top 7% for goals plus assists and goal-creating actions and more, all per 90.

So, with his ability to play dangerous passes still undeniable, playing him in the middle with rapid runners on either side of him, like Mathys Tel and Brennan Johnson, could be the key to unlocking Aston Villa’s defence tonight and Manchester United’s on Wednesday.

Finally, on top of his technical brilliance, the former Bayer Leverkusen star remains the club captain, and with how important and pressurised this next week will be, his presence in the team may be needed more than ever.

Ultimately, it’s not an ideal situation that Spurs find themselves in, but with what is practically a dress rehearsal for next week tonight, Postecoglou can try and solve the team’s injury crisis by playing Son in attacking midfield.

Spurs can axe Solanke by signing £25m star who's only 4 goals behind Kane

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ByJack Salveson Holmes May 12, 2025

With the disappointment of Wednesday night still lingering, the post-mortem can continue for those of a Manchester United persuasion, with the focus now on what lies ahead for the INEOS regime, and for Ruben Amorim.

For a manager who has lost 14 of his 26 Premier League games since arriving in November, the Portuguese coach has largely managed to retain the goodwill of supporters until now, although even he can not be free of responsibility for the dour display in Bilbao.

This may not be his squad, although the 40-year-old’s decision to remain wedded to his 3-4-3 system has thus far backfired, with the defeat to Tottenham Hotspur marking the 16th time this season that United have failed to score in all competitions.

That has come amid an at-times pragmatic approach from the Sporting CP boss, a fact perhaps outlined best with the decision to select Mason Mount ahead of Alejandro Garnacho against Spurs. A man who boasts just four goals and one assist in 45 games for the club got the nod over a player who has 21 goal involvements this season alone.

Such a decision made the headlines both pre and post-match, not least with Amorim pointing out that it was Garnacho who missed a “big opportunity” in the semi-final second-leg against Athletic Club, while Mount subsequently “changed the game”.

With the ex-Chelsea man proceeding to play on the periphery last night, Amorim’s choice not to make a change until the closing stages requires scrutiny, with the manager’s substitutions – or lack of – perhaps showcasing some worrying signs for sections of his squad.

Amorim's substitutions under the microscope

Whether Erik ten Hag’s successor got his starting lineup right or wrong is up for debate, although a more pressing issue is quite why he took so long to alter proceedings, not least with his side continuing to toil in the second half.

It wasn’t until the 70-minute mark that Garnacho and Joshua Zirkzee were finally introduced, with the pair hardly afforded much time to make an impact up against a retreating and stubborn Spurs backline.

Even fewer minutes were granted to Kobbie Mainoo at the death – prior to the introduction of Diogo Dalot minutes earlier – with that lack of involvement marking the playmaker’s slide down the pecking order following last year’s FA Cup final heroics.

Like Garnacho, Mainoo’s future has already been in doubt heading into the summer window, with his inability to force his way into Amorim’s starting lineup only set to further heighten that uncertainty.

Of greater concern may be among those who failed to even make it off the bench at all, however, with it difficult to understand why the struggling Luke Shaw was not replaced, particularly with the exciting Ayden Heaven waiting in the wings.

Equally, the man who had started in all four games in the quarter-final and semi-final, Manuel Ugarte, was also an unused option on the night, with the Uruguayan in danger of drifting into Donny van de Beek territory under Amorim’s watch.

Man Utd's new Donny van de Beek

Failed signings have been the theme of the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era, none more so than that of Van de Beek, with the Dutchman signed on a £40m deal in the summer of 2020, despite suggestions that then-boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was keen on alternative targets.

The former Ajax man – who had reached the Champions League semi-final under Ten Hag in 2019 – went on to start just four league games in his debut campaign under Solskjaer, prior to not making a single start in the opening of the following season.

Following a loan switch to Everton, the hope was that the arrival of his compatriot in the dugout would alter proceedings, albeit with the playmaker unable to force his way into Ten Hag’s plans. Indeed, just eight league appearances came his way under the Dutch coach, prior to being sold to Girona for just £500k last summer.

Erik ten Hag

12

0

0

Michael Carrick

3

0

0

Ralf Rangnick

5

0

0

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer

42

2

2

Total

62

2

2

In many ways, Ugarte’s tale looks to be following a similar path, with reports indicating that Ten Hag wasn’t wholly in favour of the £42m move last year, particularly with Scott McTominay’s exit sanctioned to fund the move.

The ex-Paris Saint-Germain man made just seven appearances under the 55-year-old before he was sacked, with the appointment of Amorim looking like the perfect fit amid their prior Sporting relationship. Indeed, Ugarte had played 85 games under the Portuguese in Lisbon.

While the midfield “monster” – as described by Statman Dave – has since made 34 appearances following Amorim’s appointment, chipping in with two goals and six assists, it hasn’t all been plain sailing.

Indeed, against Athletic Club, the defensive-minded asset was particularly poor, despite racking up two assists in the first leg, having lost the ball on 27 occasions across the two legs combined.

That erratic nature on the ball perhaps resulted in Amorim’s decision to leave Ugarte out of Wednesday’s showpiece, instead favouring the experienced pairing of Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as part of the midfield two.

For the all-action Uruguay international to not be able to get the nod in such an important fixture, particularly considering he has thrived in Amorim’s 3-4-3 before, should have alarm bells ringing.

If he can’t earn the trust of a manager he is familiar with – much like Van de Beek and Ten Hag – then there should certainly be reason for concern.

Fewer touches than Onana: Man Utd dud showed why he'll be axed for Cunha

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ByRobbie Walls May 22, 2025

The EFL can be a rich hunting ground for exciting talents if you’re a Director of Football at the head of a Premier League outfit looking for shrewd ways to strengthen.

Angus Kinnear, who will leave Leeds United and take Kevin Thelwell’s seat at Everton this summer, knows the myriad prospects across the Championship and will no doubt target a few stars this summer.

In fact, TEAMtalk revealed last week that second-tier Player of the Season Gustavo Hamer and Sunderland’s Dan Neil are both on Everton’s radar, with relegated Leicester star Wilfried Ndidi an option too.

However, Kinnear knows his stuff, and might have already recommended a shrewd purchase who could make a real difference on Merseyside next year.

Everton chasing Championship star

As per Football Insider, Everton have joined West Ham United in the race to sign Burnley centre-midfielder Josh Brownhill, a leading architect behind Scott Parker’s side’s promotion to the Premier League this season.

He’s out of contract this summer, and it’s understood that presently the Clarets have not convinced the 29-year-old into reaching a decision on his future but are ready to open talks pertaining to an extension.

With Celtic also keen, Everton will need to work fast if they want to seal his signature in the coming weeks. However, given that he’s been placed on the shortlist, their interest seems concrete.

What Josh Brownhill would bring to Everton

Burnley’s captain would be a brilliant, under-the-radar kind of signing for Everton. The leadership and experience he would instil (he has 111 Premier League appearances) are elements that Moyes is desperate to stir into his squad.

It’s something the Merseysiders achieved only a few years ago by signing James Tarkowski, who had just been relegated with Burnley and joined at the end of his contract in July 2022.

Hailed as an ‘incredible leader’ by Dyche, Tarkowski has been a solid, no-nonsense defender but also a galvanising presence, barking and baying at his teammates as he upholds strong defensive virtues.

Now, Brownhill could be the next version, walking the same path at a similar point in his career as a free agent.

TFG would be addressing a glaring issue in an astute fashion, as the former owners did three years ago. Everton conceded 66 top-flight goals during the 2021/22 season, and they have bettered that tally across the three years since, shipping 43 goals this year with three games remaining.

Fans eagerly await news of a talented striker to restore the attacking incisiveness, but Brownhill’s industriousness and creativity would be a great way to fortify the ranks.

While Burnley have earned renown for their steely defending this season, they have also been effective and economical in attack, with Brownhill blending an art for well-timed goalscoring with a fundamental playmaking quality.

Indeed, the midfielder has scored 18 goals and laid on six assists across his 42 league outings this term, as per Sofascore, creating eight big chances and averaging 1.2 key passes per game.

Ranking among the top 1% of Championship midfielders this season for goal involvements, his influence is illustrated further, something that could have a marked impact on an Everton side who won’t want to be overreliant on a new striker, whose success in hitting the ground running will be an anxious thing.

Given that the relegated trio are the only Premier League sides to have been outscored by Everton, it’s clear that a deep-lying goalscorer of Brownhill’s ilk could be the dimension-adding star Moyes needs.

16th

West Ham

40

17th

Everton

36

18th

Ipswich

35

19th

Leicester

29

20th

Southampton

25

Reuniting with Tarkowski in an Everton team looking to reach heights that haven’t been seen for several interminable years, Brownhill could prove a real difference-maker.

He might not have become the “superstar” that pundit Lee Johnson predicted he would shape into back in 2019, but Brownhill is a fiercely underrated player and would slot right into Moyes’ Everton midfield.

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ByAngus Sinclair May 6, 2025

Newcastle United have been a force to be reckoned with since Eddie Howe arrived in the north-east, but could that be about to change following recent developments?

Newcastle United aim to establish themselves among Premier League elite

Undoubtedly, Newcastle’s focus has shifted significantly in the last few years as PIF aim to bring them in line with the Premier League elite on and off the pitch.

Recruitment has been an avenue where the Magpies have excelled in recent seasons, and Eddie Howe deserves major credit for creating far more success stories than underwhelming signings on Tyneside.

The 47-year-old has placed Newcastle in an encouraging position to secure Champions League qualification this term, while their lengthy trophy drought also came to an end after a heroic EFL Cup victory over Liverpool in March.

Now, the question is how his side plan to take their incredible rise over the last few years even further. Looking towards the summer window, Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo has become the Magpies’ number-one target, and he could be available for in excess of £60 million.

Girona’s Angel Herrera could also arrive at St James’ Park, though Newcastle will also need to deal with any PSR-related discrepancies to avoid coming into conflict with regulations.

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By
Dominic Lund

May 8, 2025

Stretching ambition levels to the limit has to be the aim for Howe and company. The Englishman has earned the right to take the club forward, but there will always be lingering questions over what the future could hold beyond his reign.

In surprise fashion, Newcastle have now reportedly made an approach for a manager who has a habit of winning silverware on a regular basis.

Newcastle approach former Barcelona boss Xavi

According to Football Transfers, Newcastle have made an approach for former Barcelona boss Xavi to gauge whether he would be interested in becoming the club’s next manager.

The 45-year-old is said to be enthused by the prospect of coaching in the north-east, while the initial contact has come from an internal source that believes Xavi has a global appeal and gravitational pull that Howe doesn’t possess.

That said, there is an acknowledgment that relieving Howe of his duties would cause an unwanted level of controversy at this moment in time.

Xavi is open to taking on a high-profile project, and his approach is believed to align with the long-term vision the Magpies are looking to roadmap.

Nevertheless, it feels as if any notion of Howe departing for pastures new is some way off, which is a testament to the job he has carried out since arriving in 2021.

Sunderland supporters have been seriously put through the wringer by their side in recent memory, with League One football even on the menu back in 2019.

But, all that agony and woe surrounding the Black Cats has been finally lifted courtesy of Regis Le Bris’ heroics from the dug-out, as the Frenchman proudly brings Premier League football action back to the Stadium of Light.

The hope will be that Sunderland’s emotional 2-1 win over Sheffield United will keep Jobe Bellingham around for a little while longer, amidst interest from elite sides such as Borussia Dortmund.

But if that is to be Bellingham’s swansong moment, he delivered yet another classy display for his top-flight-bound side from the middle of the park, alongside a whole host of other standout performers.

Sunderland's best performers vs the Blades

Before looking at the other heroes in Le Bris’ camp, Bellingham stood out once again as a key part of the young and promising Sunderland side.

The in-demand number seven would only misplace six of his 55 passes when offering the Black Cats calm through the middle on such a tense stage, whilst also winning six duels to display more grit and fight than an underperforming Sydie Peck for the Blades.

Bellingham wasn’t the only star who managed to show up for the big occasion, however, as Daniel Ballard put in another imperious display defensively when winning his own sizeable duels count of 11, whilst Eliezer Mayenda also shone when levelling the proceedings as a pacey option up top.

But, the main talking point afterwards was Tommy Watson’s last-minute winner, with the homegrown Wearside product capitalising on a lax pass by Kieffer Moore to fire home a stunning effort to seal Sunderland’s progression back up to the big time.

That was one hell of a parting gift from the 19-year-old hotshot, who is set to join Brighton and Hove Albion this summer for £10m.

Indeed, Watson is perhaps the club’s next Jordan Henderson as he goes on to potentially affirm himself as a Premier League regular with the Seagulls.

Why Watson could be Sunderland's next Henderson

Amazingly, Henderson was only one year older than Watson when his big move to Liverpool occurred.

He never looked back after waving goodbye to his boyhood club either, leading to the now Ajax man going on to make 492 appearances for the Reds, alongside winning 83 England caps.

Therefore, Watson will be aiming to follow in Henderson’s footsteps as an equally talented and promising starlet through the middle – albeit one who unfortunately does their best work away from the Stadium of Light.

After all, from only 24 first-team games to date, the 19-year-old is up to three strikes with the best left till last when breaking Blades hearts. To add context, Henderson would only power home two more efforts himself donning Sunderland red and white, even from 55 more outings.

U18s

40

18

7

U21s

31

13

11

First team

24

3

0

The attacker’s blistering numbers for the Black Cats at both an U18 and U21 level also show off a prodigy ready for the bright lights of the Premier League, albeit now without his hometown side.

Still, everyone associated with Sunderland will be overjoyed that it was one of their own that got them back up to the promised land regardless of his next onward route, with Roker Report writer Andy Tomlinson handing out an 8/10 post-match rating to Watson subsequently.

There will be a concern that Watson is only getting started and will be taken to new heights on the South Coast, much like Henderson managed at Anfield.

But, whatever does happen across Watson’s lengthy career to come, he will always have this moment of magic on his resume that took his boyhood employers back up to the Premier League.

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1 ByHenry Jackson May 23, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur chairman Daniel Levy has his eyes on a title-winning manager who Chelsea are also targeting to potentially replace Enzo Maresca, according to reports, with Ange Postecoglou’s future continuing to be the centre of debate around N17.

Ange Postecoglou comments on Tottenham future

The Australian, ahead of their all-important Europa League final, commented on widespread reports that Spurs’ clash against Man United could be his penultimate game in charge of the club.

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Posts ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2025

The likes of David Ornstein suggested in the build up to Wednesday night that Postecoglou is likely to leave Tottenham regardless of their success in Europe, with his exit from N17 seeming far more likely than not after a regrettable domestic campaign.

Spurs are on 21 Premier League defeats this season and still counting, meaning Levy could look to part company with the 59-year-old amid intriguing links to a host of alternative top-level coaches.

Postecoglou, speaking ahead of their first European final since their Champions League loss to Liverpool in 2019, said that he is relaxed about his future irrespective of what happens.

“It doesn’t matter because the reality of it is the opportunity is the same, for me and more importantly for the club,” Postecoglou told reporters about his tenuous position as Spurs boss.

“I’ve said before that whatever happens beyond tomorrow is kind of irrelevant when you think about the opportunity that exists right now. That opportunity is to provide something special for the football club and for the supporters and for everyone who has worked so hard, not just this year but for the 15, 16 years, however long it has been without a trophy and also the 41 years without a European trophy.

“If I was worried about my tenure at this football club, it’s fair to say we wouldn’t have been in this position because I would have been distracted long ago. I’m pretty good at just making sure all my focus is on giving this football club the best opportunity that it’s had for a while to do something special. Whatever happens after that, mate, I’m very, very comfortable that I’ll continue on trying to win trophies wherever I am.”

Tottenham shortlist Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi

Spurs could look to Italy in search of Postecoglou’s replacement, with former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli being heavily linked with a move to Tottenham in the last few days after a rumoured recommendation from Fabio Paratici.

As per newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, via Sport Witness, Inter Milan boss Simone Inzaghi is on Levy’s radar as well.

The outlet states that Tottenham have shortlisted Inzaghi as a manager target, and he’s also wanted by London rivals Chelsea as a potential heir to Maresca.

The £8.8 million-per-year tactician guided Inter to a Scudetto last season and could still pip Antonio Conte’s Napoli to this year’s Serie A crown, with both sides set for a fierce final day battle for the title.

As Inzaghi also prepares Inter for their Champions League final against PSG, noise will continue to surround his future after an impressive few years at the San Siro. If he becomes available, the “phenomenal” manager is arguably the standout name among Levy’s rumoured candidates.

While this season has come to an incredibly underwhelming end, Mikel Arteta has still helped to utterly transform Arsenal.

The Spaniard took charge of the side when they were languishing in tenth place, and now he’s led them to a Champions League semi-final and potentially a third second-place finish in the Premier League in as many years.

Moreover, the former captain has overseen a clear improvement of the team in almost all areas, from defence to midfield, between the sticks and out wide.

However, one position in the team which has probably got worse since December 2019 is centre-forward, as Arteta hasn’t been able to find a poacher as prolific as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, although based on recent reports, that might be about to change.

Arsenal's striker search

You don’t have to be a brilliant analyst to see that a lack of cutting-edge up top has cost Arsenal this season, so, in turn, it’s hardly surprising to see the club linked with several sensational strikers in recent weeks, like Alexander Isak and Viktor Gyokeres.

Transfer Focus

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

The former has arguably been the best centre-forward in the Premier League this season, racking up a haul of 27 goals and six assists in 41 games this season, but with recent reports claiming he could cost the club in excess of £127m, this feels like more of a dream than a realistic transfer.

Coming in at the slightly more reasonable £63m is his compatriot Gyokeres, and while that’s still a lot of money, his tally of 52 goals and 13 assists in 50 games suggest he’s worth it.

Even then, Andrea Berta and Co might want an even better deal, which might explain the interest in Jonathan David.

According to a recent report from Italy, Arsenal are now one of several sides incredibly interested in signing the LOSC Lille star, whose current contract will come to an end this summer.

Interestingly, while the likes of Inter Milan, West Ham United, Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United are credited with an interest in the Canadian international, the report has revealed that the Gunners are currently the favourites to secure his services.

It could be a complicated transfer to get over the line as Napoli, another interested party, have already made a salary offer to the forward. That said, Arsenal would surely have the financial firepower to outmuscle the Italian side to his signature.

Why David would be Arsenal's best striker since Aubameyang

While things might’ve ended on a sour note, there can be no denying that for much of his time at Arsenal, Aubameyang was a goalscoring tour de force.

For example, he became the fastest player in the club’s history to hit 50 Premier League goals, and when he left, he did so with 92 goals and 21 assists in 163 games, which, again, is made all the more impressive when you take into account his lacklustre final 18-months.

Since he left for free in early 2022, three players have led the line for the Gunners: Alexandre Lacazette, Gabriel Jesus and Kai Havertz.

The former became the club’s starting nine in the latter half of the 22/23 campaign, and while he didn’t do too badly, he wasn’t prolific and eventually ended that season with a haul of 17 goals and three assists in 41 games.

For their efforts, Jesus and Havertz have managed to rack up tallies of 46 goal involvements in 96 games and 42 goal involvements in 85 games, respectively.

However, while the latter two have done well in North London, their level of output doesn’t come close to David’s.

For example, this season alone has seen the “mind-blowing” forward, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, score 25 goals and provide 12 assists in 48 appearances, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.29 games.

Appearances

48

40

47

48

Goals

19

26

26

25

Assists

0

4

9

12

Goal Involvements*

0.39

0.75

0.74

0.77

Moreover, he’s been this effective for some time, as, over the last four campaigns, the New York-born marksman, whom journalist Tony Marinaro dubbed “one of the best strikers in the world,” has scored 96 goals and provided 25 assists in just 183 club appearances, which is a goal involvement every 1.51 games.

Ultimately, while Arsenal have had some good forwards play for them since Aubameyang left, there is no doubt that, thanks to his incredible track record, David would be their best striker since the Gabonese icon.

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ByDominic Lund May 12, 2025

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.

Liverpool fans have been left annoyed over the last week, after boyhood supporter Trent Alexander-Arnold announced he would be departing the club after a 20-year spell.

The right-back’s contract is set to expire at the end of June, but he will not sign a new deal, making him a free agent with the side unable to receive a fee for the academy graduate.

He’s racked up over 350 appearances for the Reds, but now looks set to make a move to join Real Madrid ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, subsequently strengthening one of their European rivals.

After Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk extended their own deals at Anfield, hope was held that the England international would follow suit, but ultimately it wasn’t meant to be.

Such a decision has given boss Arne Slot a huge job to fill the void of the 26-year-old, potentially dipping into the transfer market over the coming months.

Liverpool’s hunt for a right-back

Over the last couple of days, Liverpool have made an enquiry to sign Monaco star Vanderson to try and soften the blow of Trent’s pending departure this summer.

The Brazilian is said to be available for a fee in the region of £25m this summer, with the Ligue 1 outfit wanting to keep hold of one of their key performers.

However, the biggest target to date has been Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong, with interest in the Dutchman ramping up over the last couple of days.

It was reported that the 24-year-old has a £35m release clause within his deal at the Bundesliga giants, with his tally of four goals and five assists evidently catching the eye of boss Slot.

Despite the interest, there’s also another option that the manager could consider next season to soften the blow of the outgoing first-team regular.

The Liverpool star who could replace Trent next season

Conor Bradley will likely be the main player within the current first-team ranks to fill the gap next campaign, with the Northern Ireland international a player with huge potential at Anfield.

The 21-year-old has already made 26 appearances this season, even pocketing Kylian Mbappé in the Champions League, proving he has the quality to step up to the plate.

Curtis Jones is one player who’s also operated in such a position in the absence of the aforementioned duo, which could lead to another Red following suit upon the return from his loan.

Stefan Bajcetic, who’s primarily a midfielder, looked to be the club’s next big star a couple of years ago, but his progression had stagnated before his current stint at Las Palmas.

The 20-year-old was sent to the LaLiga outfit last summer to gain valuable first-team minutes and continue his progression – something which he’s achieved in recent months.

The Spaniard, who’s been labelled “exceptional” by former boss Jurgen Klopp, has made 13 appearances in the league to date, producing numerous impressive figures to date.

He’s managed to complete 75% of the passes he’s attempted, whilst completing 63% of the dribbles he’s made – handing Slot the marauding presence they will miss with Trent’s departure.

Bajcetic has also starred without the ball, winning 1.4 tackles per 90 and coming out on top in 6.4 duels – offering an added defensive presence to the backline.

His tally of 1.5 interceptions and 5.8 recoveries made also reaffirms the talents he possesses, saving the club millions if he can adapt to featuring out of position.

It would be an interesting decision for Slot to utilise the youngster next season, but he needs to give every player the opportunity to stake their claim for a place within his side next campaign.

Frimpong and Bradley will certainly be the supporters’ main options in such a role, but Bajcetic has the tools to offer key depth and options to the manager in such a department throughout 2025/26.

Dream Frimpong alternative: Liverpool make enquiry for "world-class" star

Liverpool could forget about Jeremie Frimpong with a move for another defensive star.

By
Ethan Lamb

May 10, 2025

And just like that, Arsenal’s season has come to an underwhelming end.

Mikel Arteta’s side might have made it to their first Champions League semi-final since the 08/09 campaign, but on the domestic front, it’s been a disappointing year.

An astounding 14 draws in the Premier League ensured they finished a distant second to Liverpool, and were it not for a brilliant strike from Martin Odegaard late on yesterday afternoon, it would’ve been 15 draws.

With that said, it’s not been a good season for the Gunners’ captain either, although based on the star recently liked with the club, 25/26 could be a whole lot better.

Arsenal transfer news

With the rumour mill now in full swing, Arsenal have been linked with a host of incredibly talented footballers in recent weeks, such as Rafael Leao and Ademola Lookman.

Transfer Focus

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

The former could cost an eye-watering £145m this summer, but as he’s racked up a brilliant haul of 12 goals and 13 assists in 50 appearances for a lacklustre AC Milan side this season, he may just be worth it.

Lookman, on the other hand, could cost a far more reasonable fee of around £55m, and as he’s managed to find the back of the net 20 times in 40 games and provided seven assists for good measure, he may be too good of a deal to pass up on.

However, to really help Odegaard get back to his incredible best, Arteta and Co need to improve the club’s striker options, which is where Benjamin Sesko comes in.

According to a recent report from Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg, Arsenal remain incredibly interested in the RB Leipzig striker ahead of the summer window.

In fact, Plettenberg has revealed that the Gunners’ new Sporting Director, Andrea Berta, has been in “direct contact” with his opposite number at the German club and that the club “have to sell Sesko in order to generate income.”

The report does not mention a potential price, but according to stories from earlier this month, the Slovenian’s release clause may now stand at about £75m due to his impressive performances this season.

It would be a costly transfer to get over the line, but given Sesko’s ability today and future potential, it is one well worth fighting for, especially as he’d be a dream for Odegaard.

Why Sesko would be perfect for Odegaard

Despite finishing second in the league, not a single Arsenal player hit double figures for goals in the competition, so it’s abundantly clear that a more prolific centre-forward could be the difference between a fourth runners-up medal and finally getting over the line next season.

This is where Sesko could come in, make a massive difference to the team’s fortunes, and, specifically, help Odegaard get back to his very best.

For example, in 45 appearances, totalling 3258 minutes, this season, the Slovenian “monster,” as dubbed by analyst Ben Mattinson, scored 21 goals and provided six assists.

That converts to an average of a goal involvement every 1.66 games or every 120.66 minutes.

In contrast, Kai Havertz scored 15 goals and provided five assists in 36 appearances, totalling 2809 minutes, which comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.8 games, or every 140.45 minutes.

Appearances

45

36

Minutes

3258′

2809′

Goals

21

15

Assists

6

5

Goal Involvements per Match

0.60

0.55

Minutes per Goal Involvement

120.66′

140.45′

Moreover, according to Understat, the Leipzig star’s 13 Bundesliga goals have come from an expected goals figure of just 10.84 this season, whereas the German’s nine league goals have come from an expected goals figure of 11.83.

So, just imagine how many more assists the Gunners’ Norwegian maestro would be able to rack up with a far more clinical striker in front of him.

Furthermore, as he’s still just 21 years old, there is no telling how much more effective the Radeče-born poacher could be in three or four years.

Ultimately, Arsenal need to sign a new striker this summer, and while he won’t come cheap, Sesko looks like someone who could lead the line for years to come and help get Odegaard back to his mercurial best.

Talks held: Chelsea now "really pushing" to sign £67m striker before Arsenal get to him

The Blues are giving Mikel Arteta serious competition.

ByEmilio Galantini May 26, 2025