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Liverpool claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win over local rivals Everton last night, moving themselves one step closer to claiming the Premier League title in Arne Slot’s first campaign.

Diogo Jota’s second-half strike claimed all three points for the Reds, handing them a 12-point advantage over second-placed Arsenal with just eight games remaining.

Controversy struck in the first half with James Tarkowski only receiving a yellow card for an awful tackle on Alexis Mac Allister which was described as a “leg breaker” by Gary Neville.

It wasn’t a vintage display from Slot’s men, but ultimately, it was what was needed after the previous Merseyside Derby at Goodison Park back in February.

However, that being said, numerous players failed to deliver against the Toffees, potentially putting their starting role at risk ahead of the weekend’s clash.

Liverpool’s poor performers against Everton

Virgil van Dijk has been pivotal in Liverpool’s success over the last few months but struggled against the club’s local rivals last night in one of his worst displays of the campaign.

The Dutchman made a mistake in the first half which allowed opposition forward Beto to get one-on-one, with the post bailing the centre-back from an embarrassing mistake.

As for the reliable Mohamed Salah, the winger endured a very quiet night compared to his other outings this season, often with the Egyptian unable to provide the magic he has so often this season.

Player ratings courtesy of Sofascore.

He lost 11 duels during the encounter – the most of any player in the match – whilst also missing a big chance in front of goal and failing to complete a single dribble of the five he attempted.

However, despite the showings of the aforementioned duo, one other starter failed to deliver, with the manager needing to take action before Sunday’s trip to Fulham.

The Liverpool player who needs to be dropped by Slot

This Premier League season has undoubtedly been a successful one for Liverpool, with the transition phase under Slot being seamless – enabling them to achieve their success.

The Dutchman and his side have excelled beyond all imagination, but that doesn’t mean that numerous players have failed to deliver in recent matches.

Dominik Szoboszlai is one player who’s hit the heights in recent months, notching 12 combined goals and assists across all competitions in 2024/25 to date.

However, his showing last night was certainly one to forget, unable to reach the expectations he’s set for himself given his showings under Slot at Anfield.

The Hungarian international featured for the entirety of the contest, but only managed to win two of the seven duels he entered – often being dominated at the heart of the side.

He managed a total of 67 touches, losing the ball 12 times, and giving the ball away once every five times he had possession – highlighting his wasteful nature when having the opportunity to impress.

Minutes played

90

Touches

67

Possession lost

12x

Duels won

2/7

Shots taken

1

Crosses completed

0/2

Dribbles completed

0

Szoboszlai also only managed one effort on goal and failed to complete any of the crosses he attempted, showcasing the lack of impact he had in the final third.

As a result of his showing on Merseyside, the midfielder was handed a measly 5/10 match rating by The Express’ Alex Turk – further showcasing how poor he was against the Toffees.

Given his display, Slot must drop him from his starting eleven, handing another player the opportunity to showcase their talents in the first-team.

The Reds will look to move one step closer to title glory at the weekend, but if they are to claim another victory, the manager will have a brutal call to make with his selection.

He's better than Frimpong: Liverpool working on deal to sign "complete" RB

Liverpool are already working on a deal to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold this summer.

ByEthan Lamb Apr 2, 2025

One of the proudest things about Manchester United is their incredible academy. Over the years, they have produced some legends of football, going back to the Busby Babes and the Class of ’92.

More recently, some of the best Carrington graduates to come out of Old Trafford include Paul Pogba, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay. That particular quartet all enjoyed success in the famous red shirt.

Under Rubem Amoirm, there have been several academy stars who have had first-team involvement already. Players with less experience, including striker Chido Obi, have been given minutes, and more prominent members of the squad have featured heavily, including Kobbie Mainoo.

However, one Carrington graduate who has struggled for his best form consistently this term is Alejandro Garnacho.

Alejandro Garnacho's struggle in 2024/25

After a couple of breakout seasons in the past two campaigns, notably scoring that audacious overhead kick against Everton last term, Garnacho has been a little inconsistent in the 2024/25 campaign.

Of course, the Red Devils have struggled as a team, and the Argentina international has been in and out of the side.

The 20-year-old’s numbers are, on the face of things, impressive. He has scored nine times and managed to provide eight goals across all competitions, having featured in 45 games so far this term.

However, his goal involvements have tended to come in clumps, and he grabbed six goals and assists in the first two rounds of the Carabao Cup against Barnsley and Leicester City. He has also grabbed three assists in United’s last three Europa League games.

In the Premier League, the Argentina winger scored last weekend, also against the Foxes, but had previously gone on a 16-game goal and assist drought. The goal was a well-taken finish, getting on the end of a pass from Bruno Fernandes and firing into the bottom right corner.

Garnacho is clearly a talented player, who has shown just how good he can be this term. However, his inconsistencies might lead Amorim to rotate him out of the side more, so he can stay fresh and have more of an impact off the bench.

If this is the case, perhaps there is another Carrington graduate who can help supplement Garnacho’s playing time.

In The Pipeline

Football FanCast’s In the Pipeline series aims to uncover the very best youth players in world football.

Carrington star breaking through could replace Garnacho

United are not short of quality options in their academy, but perhaps none are more exciting than Gibraltar international James Scanlon.

The 18-year-old winger has been in superb form for the Red Devils U18s this term and has made the bench once for the first team against Real Socidead in the Europa League last week.

The 10-cap Gibraltar star, who has one international goal already, has certainly not forgotten his shooting boots this season for United’s academy. He has 17 goals in 24 games across all competitions, as well as six assists.

Scanlon has been in particularly deadly form in the U18s Premier League for United this season. He has an impressive 13 goals in 13 appearances, including four goals against Blackburn Rovers in a 9-0 win.

Aside from his excellent performances this season, one of the reasons the 18-year-old could be propelled into the United first team is due to his international experience. He has already played senior football for Gibraltar, which will certainly have got him used to the physicality he can expect.

In fact, one of his best performances for the national side came against Wales in a friendly last summer. His side didn’t see much of the ball, but Scanlon impressed in possession and without the ball, too. As per Sofascore, he won three out of five ground duels and completed 80% of his passes.

Touches

18

Pass accuracy

80%

Passes completed

8/10

Ground duels won

3/5

Dribbles completed

1

Tackles and interceptions

2

Tackle win rate

100%

It is certainly hard to argue that giving Scanlon first-team opportunities this season would not be deserved. Not only is he a full international for his nation, but has been “absolutely flying” for United’s youth sides this season, as Statman Dave said.

With Garnacho’s form patchy, perhaps Scanlon is the man to come into the first team and help take the workload off him, to let him rediscover his best form.

Next captain after Bruno: INEOS have struck gold on Man Utd's "warrior"

Man Utd could have found a new future skipper to succeed Bruno Fernandes

ByRobbie Walls Mar 17, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur have laid some groundwork over potentially re-signing a former Spurs player who’s also a transfer target for West Ham, with chairman Daniel Levy and technical director Johan Lange seemingly weighing up the possibility of a reunion at N17.

Tottenham slump to 1-0 Europa League defeat at AZ Alkmaar

Ange Postecoglou watched on from the sidelines as Spurs slumped to another poor away defeat in Europe on Thursday evening.

£35m Premier League forward wants to join Tottenham after talks

Spurs are convinced.

ByEmilio Galantini Mar 6, 2025

The travelling side couldn’t force AZ Alkmaar’s keeper into any real saves over their lacklustre 90 minutes abroad, with striker Dominic Solanke also picking up a late knock on what was a night to forget for Tottenham, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie.

“Yeah, it wasn’t great from us tonight,” said Postecoglou on Tottenham’s 1-0 defeat to AZ.

“Pretty much all facets of the game. We didn’t really get to grips with any part of the game. We struggled to gain any momentum with the ball, we weren’t as aggressive as we needed to be without the ball.

“It was a tricky surface but having said that we kind of knew that from yesterday and yeah we just didn’t tackle the challenges we had out there in a real positive way. That allowed AZ to get into a rhythm, which when you’re playing away from home, it is difficult to stem the tide.

Bournemouth (home)

March 9th

Fulham (away)

March 16th

Chelsea (away)

April 2nd

Southampton (home)

April 5th

Wolves (away)

April 12th

“I don’t think it is going out there and not trying, but like I said we didn’t really come to grips and have the right mindset to tackle an away fixture in Europe. It is always tough, and we obviously conceded the goal, which was a disappointing set of events but even after that we didn’t really settle down into the game at all. You are going to face some pressure when you play away from home in Europe and weather the storm and get to grips with it, but we never really did, so that was a disappointment.”

A good Europa League run is Spurs’ only real opportunity to make anything of this disappointing campaign, so the pressure is on Postecoglou to turn this first leg deficit around.

Off the field, Tottenham are planning for next season already in terms of transfers. Spurs are believed to be targeting new full-backs, with Flamengo defender Wesley Franca among their options as alternatives to the likes of Pedro Porro, Destiny Udogie and the in-form Djed Spence.

Tottenham lay groundwork over re-signing West Ham target Dennis Cirkin

According to journalist Graeme Bailey, the Lilywhites could even turn to an ex-player of theirs to reinforce the left-back area – Sunderland defender Dennis Cirkin.

The 22-year-old left Spurs in 2021 to join the Black Cats for an undisclosed fee (BBC), and he’s since gone on to become a crucial player for Regis Le Bris’ side as they chase promotion back to the Premier League.

Cirkin is currently among their top five best-performers in the Championship by average match rating, according to WhoScored, and his performances are attracting attention from elite English sides – including Tottenham.

According to Bailey, Tottenham have been doing work on re-signing Cirkin, but he’s also a target for a plethora of London rivals like West Ham.

“Keep a close eye on Cirkin,” said Bailey to Sunderland AFC News.

“I am told a lot of Premier League clubs have been doing work on him. Chelsea, Tottenham, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Everton and Leeds – he is an outstanding prospect.”

Only Enzo Le Fee has averaged more tackles per 90 for Sunderland than Cirkin, while the Englishman sits joint-top for their highest number of interceptions per game (WhoScored). Cirkin also has three goals and two assists to his name from 31 Championship appearances.

Liverpool have gone from strength to strength under Arne Slot, with the fight for the Premier League title beginning to look like a procession.

13 points ahead of second-placed Arsenal, the Reds are no doubt loving life with the Dutchman at the helm, but this is a team assembled by Jurgen Klopp, and FSG need to get it right in the transfer market this summer to maintain their current level of dominance.

That’s not to say Slot is riding on his predecessor’s coattails; he’s an elite-minded tactician who has defied expectations in establishing Liverpool as Europe’s team to beat in 2024/25.

Alas, signings will be needed during the off-season, for Liverpool are expected to part with several first-team stars.

Liverpool's most expensive sales of all time

Some great players have departed Anfield for huge money.

ByHenry Jackson Oct 9, 2025 The players who might be leaving Liverpool

It’s March. Liverpool are flying high. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk still haven’t extended their contracts on Merseyside, and are out of a job in just four months.

Transfer guru David Ornstein revealed recently that the industry consensus is that Salah and Van Dijk will stay. However, Trent’s future is far more worrying given Real Madrid have a vested interest in bringing him to La Liga.

Other Redmen could be on the move. Most prominently among them is Darwin Nunez. The Uruguay striker simply isn’t kicking on. It’s a shame, he’s affable and entertaining, but 6 goals from 36 games this season isn’t good enough for an £85m club-record striker.

However, he’s not the only one, with Joe Gomez potentially on the move after a prospective switch to Newcastle United broke down last year.

While Gomez hasn’t enjoyed the most productive of seasons under Slot’s wing, his sale would make signing a new centre-back imperative this summer, for Jarell Quansah would be the only recognised option at the club outside of regular starters Van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate.

Elsewhere, Liverpool will need to figure out what to do with Luis Diaz, a valued and impactful member of the team but perhaps part of that crew of sellable stars.

Why Liverpool should sell Luis Diaz

Only Salah (30) and Cody Gakpo (16) have scored more goals for Liverpool this season than Diaz, who has equalled last season’s tally of 13 having played over 1,000 fewer minutes.

It’s a measure of Slot’s tactical brilliance, and how he has effectively insinuated himself and his teachings into this talented Liverpool squad.

Diaz, 28, has been at Liverpool since January 2022, leaving Porto for an initial £37m to join Klopp’s cause, and he’s had his ups and downs, but there’s no question he’s one of the most valuable members of the outfit, crucial as the title charge continues.

However, he’s about to step into the penultimate year of his £55k-per-week deal and it may be more practical to cash in while his stock is raised, especially since Barcelona retain a long-standing interest.

Were Liverpool to sell both of Diaz and Nunez, FSG would bank quite the pretty penny. For sure, both players would need replacing with first-class forwards, but Anfield has become one of the leading platforms for a player’s career growth over the past decade, and this is something transfer targets will consider with disc-like eyes upon receiving the call.

By the time Diaz’s current contract expires in 2027, he will be 30 years old. There’s no doubting his ability, having been hailed as “one of the best wingers in the world” by Liverpool U21 star Luca Stephenson.

But is he indispensable? For a forward of Diaz’s talent, his numbers leave something to be desired, especially from a creative standpoint. He’s a “livewire” – as dubbed by journalist Peter Hall – but there are yawning holes to his game.

2024/25

38 (28)

13

4

0.45

2023/24

51 (42)

13

5

0.35

2022/23

21 (15)

5

3

0.38

2021/22

19 (14)

4

4

0.42

As a reference point, Diaz’s ostensible predecessor, Sadio Mane, scored 120 goals and supplied 39 assists from 269 appearances for Liverpool, equating to a rate of 0.61 goal involvements per game.

His goals this season have been crucial to Liverpool’s success. Indeed, Diaz has selflessly played in an unconventional focal striker’s role for the good of Slot’s side, but now decisions must be made pertaining to his long-term future.

According to CIES Football Observatory, the world’s leading football statisticians, the Colombian is currently worth about £60m in the modern market – a figure that FSG would surely consider were it lodged during transfer season.

Should Barcelona be willing to act on their intrigue and bring him to Camp Nou, it would be Liverpool’s biggest sale since allowing Philippe Coutinho to head off for pastures new.

In fact, perhaps it could have a similar effect. After all, Liverpool would be selling a silky South American player to the Spanish giants for a hefty sum – with the banked funds then directed toward new impactful signings.

It’s unlikely Liverpool will claim the same sort of money as they did when La Blaugrana last came calling, with a £142m proposal presented to the Anfield side for their Brazilian playmaker, who left just as Klopp’s dynasty was taking off.

The money collected was redirected to Van Dijk and goalkeeper Alisson Becker, making a telling comment on Liverpool’s ability to recognise an opportunity and act on it.

Though Coutinho was the bright spark during that backwater period between the gripping 2013/14 campaign and Klopp’s arrival, it quickly became apparent that he wasn’t expendable, for Liverpool went on to lift all the biggest honours with a complete and rounded team.

With 28-year-old Diaz heading into the penultimate year of his contract, some important conversations must be held.

Maybe Liverpool won’t want to sever too large a chunk from their frontline with Nunez seemingly headed for the exit, too. However, if the right opportunity comes along, this would be the perfect time to cash in for a lucrative figure, with Diaz then able to leave as a proud Premier League champion.

Sold for £15m: Klopp’s Liverpool star is playing like a £100m Salah heir

This former Liverpool star could have been a valuable asset in Arne Slot’s system.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 28, 2025

Liverpool took a huge step towards claiming the Premier League title this afternoon, beating defending champions Manchester City 2-0 at the Etihad.

Goals from Mohamed Salah and Dominik Szoboszlai secured all three points for Arne Slot’s side, claiming their first victory against the Citizens on their home turf in a decade.

The victory moves the Reds 11 points clear of second-placed Arsenal, with just 11 games remaining, looking in a superb place to secure a first title in five years.

It would be a phenomenal achievement by the Dutchman after taking the reins in the summer, providing the perfect transition after Jürgen Klopp stepped away from the role.

Numerous players impressed in Manchester during the victory, playing a pivotal role in moving the side one step closer to bringing the title back to Anfield.

Liverpool’s star performers against Man City

Egyptian winger Salah provided the goods for Liverpool once again this afternoon, getting himself on the scoresheet for the 25th time in just 27 matches.

The 32-year-old also registered an assist for their second goal, making it the 11th game in the league throughout 2024/25 in which he had achieved such a feat.

In a game where Slot’s men only had 34% of the ball, it was pivotal that the backline resisted the pressure from the hosts, something which played perfectly into the hands of Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman made nine clearances, eight of which were with his head, winning 75% of the ground duels he entered – maintaining a clean sheet for the 11th time this campaign.

However, despite the performances of the aforementioned duo, one other first-team star produced a magnificent display in the North West, massively boosting their title credentials.

Performance in Numbers

Want data and stats? Football FanCast's Performance in Numbers series provides you with the latest match analysis from across Europe.

The Liverpool player who may have just won them the title

For the clash against Pep Guardiola’s side, Slot produced a tactical masterclass that saw the Reds switch to a 4-2-4 system, operating without a recognised striker despite having Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo on the bench.

It allowed for two false nines to drop into a deeper role along with the two central midfielders, creating a four-man box system in the middle – subsequently outnumbering the hosts in the centre of the park.

Curtis Jones was one of the players who operated in the aforementioned role, along with Szoboszlai – with the latter producing a performance to remember at the Etihad.

Despite the slightly unfamiliar role, the Hungarian international starred throughout, registering a goal and an assist during the victory, linking up excellently with Salah in the final third.

However, his underlying stats were just as impressive, with his numbers undoubtedly edging the side ever closer to ending their five-season wait for a Premier League title.

The 24-year-old, whose display was dubbed “sensational” by journalist Lewis Steele, registered 37 touches during the victory, four of which came in the opposition box, including his strike to double the lead.

Minutes played

90

Touches

37

Goals & assists

2

Dribbles completed

1/1 (100%)

Shots taken

3

Tackles won

2/2 (100%)

Recoveries made

3

Szoboszlai completed 100% of the dribbles he attempted, registering two other efforts on goal, in what was an all-around quality performance within attacking areas.

However, despite his impressive attacking display, he also produced some phenomenal defensive numbers, winning 100% of the tackles he entered, making three recoveries and excelling in the false nine role.

As a result of his showing, Szoboszlai was handed an 8/10 match rating by The Express’ Archie Griggs, further highlighting his impressive showing against the defending champions.

It was a phenomenal showing from the Reds, one that could well prove to be the clincher in their title ambitions come the end of the season.

Salah and Szoboszlai were undoubtedly the two stars at the Etihad, inflicting yet more pain on Guardiola, whilst further showcasing what a superb side Slot has built in a short period of time.

Signed by Klopp: Liverpool hit gold on “world-class” star worth 4900% more

This rising talent could be a future superstar for Arne Slot’s side.

ByAngus Sinclair Feb 22, 2025

Manchester City’s last outing was a hugely disappointing 3-1 defeat in the Champions League against Real Madrid. It saw the Citizens crash out of the premium European club competition in a frustrating manner, losing 6-3 on aggregate.

A phenomenal Kylian Mbappe hattrick was enough to sink Pep Guardiola’s side, with the French forward scoring three superb goals, including a lob over goalkeeper Ederson and a lovely strike from range with his weaker left foot to seal the treble.

City lost John Stones just minutes into the game, with the England international succumbing to injury. It was a bit of a makeshift defence for City, which included new signing Abdukodir Khusanov at right-back.

Khusanov’s performance vs. Real Madrid

So far, the Uzbekistan international has played a bit-part role in a Man City shirt. The January signing from French outfit Lens has featured four times, with his start against Madrid the first time he has played in the Champions League for City.

However, it was a tough night at the office for Khusanov against Los Blancos. Defending against Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, a quartet often quite fluid in their rotations, you could not have really asked for a tougher assignment.

In fact, the youngster received a 3/10 for his performance against the Spanish giants, courtesy of Goal. Richard Martin said Khusanov ‘was tortured from start to finish’ by the likes of Mbappe and Vinicius.

Chalkboard

When the Frenchman received the ball for his second goal, it came to him after City’s number 45 had the ball poked through his legs by Rodrygo.

It was certainly a baptism of fire in the Champions League for the first time donning that famous Blue shirt. It will be interesting to see if Guardiola keeps him in the side for the heavyweight clash with Liverpool on Sunday.

The same thing could be said for another City defender, who also struggled against Madrid.

The City player who could be dropped against Liverpool

When you’re defending against the likes of Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius and Rodrygo, it is never going to be easy. Khusanov found that out first-hand, but perhaps no one can relate more than Josko Gvardiol.

If Khusanov had a tough night, then Gvardiol certainly did. He was, in many ways, embarrassed by Madrid’s hattrick hero, who sat him down for his second goal, moments after the Uzbek defender was nutmegged by Rodrygo.

With Gvardiol sliding in for a challenge on Mbappe, the Madrid number nine simply shifted the ball from his left foot to his right, and watched as the Croatian defender slid past him and ended up on his back. Gvardiol could only watch as Mbappe slotted home,

It was a poor performance from City’s left-back at the Santiago Bernabeu. He received a 4/10 from Martin, which was justified when looking at his stats on Sofascore.

He won just five out of 14 ground duels and was dribbled past twice, including for Mbappe’s second goal.

Stat

Number

Touches

69

Pass accuracy

90%

Ground duels won

4/12

Aerial duels won

1/2

Tackles won

2/4

Number of times balls lost

8

Fouls committed

3

Sadly for Gvardiol, there will be no respite this weekend against the Premier League leaders, Liverpool. Should he get the nod at left-back again, he will have to face one of the most in-form players in the Premier League, Mohamed Salah.

The Reds’ number 11 has 29 goals and 20 assists in just 37 games in all competitions this season, playing as a right-winger. That means Gvardiol will come up directly against the Egyptian international.

Perhaps Guardiola will decide not to risk his number 24. After being embarrassed by Mbappe, there is no reason to say why the same will not happen against another world-class attacker.

This is a crucial game for City in their fight for a top-four spot, and perhaps the City boss will want a more watertight defence.

It would not be hard to argue against dropping Gvardiol for the clash at the Etihad Stadium. The left-back has not been playing to the high levels he can hit, and City might need someone else in better form to help keep someone like Salah quiet.

Man City already sold their answer to Mbappé who Pep dubbed "incredible"

Following Kylian Mbappé’s hat-trick to dump Manchester City out of the Champions League, did the sky blues sell their own superstar attacker?

ByBen Gray Feb 21, 2025

Sunderland confirmed their latest addition of the summer transfer window on Thursday when they unveiled Simon Adingra as a new player for Regis Le Bris.

The Ivorian forward, who has scored eight Premier League goals in the last two seasons, is a right-footed winger who can operate on either flank and will provide competition at the top end of the pitch.

Adingra joins Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Habib Diallo, Reinildo, and Enzo Le Fee in making the move to the Stadium of Light ahead of the upcoming Premier League season.

There is more still to come from the Black Cats before the deadline at the start of September, though, as they are reportedly eyeing another new forward option.

Sunderland pushing to sign new winger

Despite having just signed Adingra and Talbi in the last few days, Le Bris and his recruitment team are hoping to bring in another wide option to improve the team.

Transfer Focus

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

According to Calcio Mercato, Sunderland are pushing to sign French winger Armand Lauriente from Italian side Sassuolo in the summer window.

The report claims that the Black Cats are continuing to put pressure on the Serie A outfit to strike a deal for the 26-year-old forward, whilst Sassuolo are eyeing up Canada international Tajon Buchanan as a possible replacement for him.

It has previously been reported that it will take a fee of around £17m to secure a transfer for the French whiz, who has also attracted interest from Roma and Marseille.

Why Sunderland should sign Lauriente

The Black Cats are right to be pushing to sign the Sassuolo star this summer because he is an exciting attacker who could be an even better signing than Adingra for the club.

In the 2024/25 campaign, Lauriente fired his side to promotion from the Serie B with an outstanding haul of 18 goals and five assists in 33 appearances from the left flank, which shows that he made a big impact in the final third on a regular basis.

Before last season, the 26-year-old star showcased his quality as both a scorer and a creator in the Serie A in the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons for Sassuolo.

Appearances

66

60

xG

9.6

6.87

Goals

12

8

Big chances created

12

9

Assists

10

3

As you can see in the table above, the French whiz produced more quality in front of goal in those two seasons than Adingra provided in his two Premier League campaigns with Brighton before his move to the Stadium of Light.

Lauriente, who was previously hailed for his “amazing” free-kick for Lorient in 2021 by talent Jacek Kulig, could provide more to the team next season than the Ivorian youngster, as a winger who has proven that he can make a huge impact in the final third in a major European league.

Sunderland should sign the winger in the hope that his electric form in the Serie B propels him on to offer even more quality at the top level than he did in the Serie A in the past.

The statistics suggest that he has more potential to make an immediate impact on the pitch in the Premier League, due to his form in the top two tiers in Italy, than Adingra next term, which is why the club should push to bring him to the club this summer.

Adingra & Lauriente's dream CF: Sunderland have big interest in £21m "icon"

Sunderland are still in the race to sign this exciting attacker who could well be Armand Lauriente and Simon Adingra’s dream partner up top.

ByKelan Sarson Jul 9, 2025

Tottenham Hotspur are a side that have fallen below the expectations set for them in the Premier League in recent years, as seen by their standings last campaign.

The Lilywhites ended the year in a measly 17th position, only one place above the relegation zone and becoming the first side to survive in the division after losing 22 matches.

As a result, Ange Postecoglou lost his job, with Thomas Frank the man tasked with building on their European triumph and transforming their league form.

The Dane has already wasted no time in the role in North London, targeting countless players who could help improve the current situation at the club.

Whilst no first team additions have yet been agreed, work has been conducted behind the scenes, in an attempt to catapult the side to added success in 2025/26.

The latest on Spurs’ hunt for new additions this summer

Mohammed Kudus has been a player firmly on their radar in recent days, even making a £50m offer for the West Ham United star, but the offer was swiftly rejected.

The Ghanaian was said to be wanting a move to join Frank’s men this window and The Athletic’s David Ornstein has since revealed that a £55m total agreement has now been struck for the 24-year-old.

However, despite the interest in the former Ajax star, moves have been made elsewhere, with Southampton star Tyler Dibling once again in their sights, according to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg.

He claims that the Lilywhites have made an approach for the 19-year-old star, despite suffering relegation back to the Championship with the Saints last season.

He also claims that Nottingham Forest and West Ham are other teams keeping tabs on the teenage star, who could be available for around £55m this summer.

Why Spurs’ £55m target could be a bigger talent than Kudus

Over the last couple of months, Spurs have showcased the attacking threat they possess, registering 64 goals in their 38 league outings last season.

Brennan Johnson ended the year as the club’s top scorer, notching 18 goals across all competitions, including in the Europa League final, subsequently ending the club’s 17-year drought.

Other players such as Dominic Solanke and James Maddison also managed to achieve double figures, highlighting the strength in depth currently at Frank’s disposal.

However, such depth clearly isn’t enough, especially considering the rumours around moves for Kudus and Dibling over the last couple of weeks.

Both would represent impressive options for the Dane, but given the nature of the fees touted for each player’s signature, it is crucial they land the right one during the off-season.

When comparing their respective stats from the Premier League last time out, the Saints’ youngster managed to outperform him in numerous key areas, despite the relegation – highlighting why he’d be a better addition.

Dibling, who’s been labelled “incredible” by former boss Ivan Juric, managed to register a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate, whilst matching the Hammers star for goals per shot on target – showcasing the clinical edge he possesses.

Games played

33

32

Goals & assists

2

8

Shot on target accuracy

32%

28%

Goal per shot on target

0.2

0.2

Progressive passes

3.1

2.7

Passes into final third

1.9

1.6

Carries into final third

2.4

2

Fouls won

2.4

2.2

He also managed to register more progressive passes per 90, and more passes into the final third, subsequently having the tools to provide some of the aforementioned talents with added opportunities in front of goal.

The teenager’s dominance doesn’t end there, producing a higher tally of carries into the final third, whilst also drawing more fouls – showcasing the threat he poses to the opposition at any given time.

Whilst £55m may appear to be a huge risk for such a young talent, he’s already showcased he can thrive despite featuring for a side who fell well below the expectations set in 2024/25.

There’s no denying that Kudus would also represent an excellent pickup, but ultimately, Dibling has already outperformed him and has the tools to rapidly develop further, given his tender age.

Spurs eyeing "immense" £40m Kudus alternative who'd be their own Rodrygo

Spurs are looking at a £40m alternative to Kudus.

1 ByJack Salveson Holmes Jul 9, 2025

Everton are in the infancy of their summer transfer window plans but could be about to step things up a notch after making an approach for a Club World Cup star, according to reports.

Everton close in on Thierno Barry and announce new contract

David Moyes and his side have been slow off the mark this summer as they take time to assess where to strengthen before advancing, though supporters will be relieved to hear the Toffees are closing in on a deal to sign Villarreal striker Thierno Barry.

Set to arrive for around £30 million, he could kickstart a period of significant change for Everton as they finally begin to experience life at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Michael Keane has also put pen to paper on a one-year extension on Merseyside and will help shore up Moyes’ backline after rejecting interest from elsewhere to stay at the club.

Upon renewing his terms, the 32-year-old stated: “I love Everton and have been massively proud to play for this club since the day I joined so I’m delighted to extend my stay here. The manager wants a competitive squad and I still feel I have a lot to give to Everton.

“We’ve been through a difficult few years but it’s an exciting time ahead for us as players and our brilliant fans. We’ve got a world-class new stadium to play in, and our form under the manager last season shows there’s a lot of reasons to be positive. I’m looking forward to being part of it.”

Everton’s first five Premier League matches

Leeds United (A)

Elland Road

Brighton & Hove Albion (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Wolverhampton Wanderers (A)

Molineux

Aston Villa (H)

Hill Dickinson Stadium

Liverpool (A)

Anfield

While some things stay the same, Everton’s latest target could open up the possibility of a change in the guard involving a key position if reports are to be believed.

Everton rival Man Utd for Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor

According to Globo, Everton have made an approach to sign Botafogo goalkeeper John Victor to compete with Jordan Pickford for a starting slot after losing Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia this summer.

Manchester United are also keen on his services, and both clubs have moved to sound out his camp over a potential swoop amid recent reports he may be available for only £6 million.

Everton hold advanced talks to sign "superb" free agent in bargain deal

The Toffees have stepped things up…

ByTom Cunningham Jul 5, 2025

Labelled a “warrior” by Botafogo counterpart Philipe Sampaio, John has kept ten clean sheets in 29 appearances this campaign and was instrumental in Botafogo’s run to the last 16 stage of the Club World Cup.

Naturally, his displays have created a wealth of interest in his services, though it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to battle it out with club icon Pickford for the number one jersey under Moyes.

Either way, Everton are beginning to motor in their hunt for signings, and it feels like the Friedkin Group’s reign in charge could be about to take off.