All posts by z3u9t.icu

It’s fair to say that since the departure of Michael Carrick, Manchester United’s midfield has been sub-par.

Casemiro and Paul Pogba were big signings that never truly starred, and a Declan Rice-esque player is missing.

The Arsenal midfielder is simply unbelievable; he is the driving force of the team, someone that the Red Devils desperately need.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at a Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS target who could become their very own Rice.

Man Utd’s midfield summer plans

It seems as though a midfield overhaul is set to occur at Old Trafford this summer, with Christian Eriksen and Sofyan Amrabat’s futures unclear.

Casemiro is another household name that could be on the move, with Saudi Arabia looking set to be a likely destination for the Brazilian.

As a result, a replacement must be acquired. Well, according to a report from FootballTransfers earlier this week, Man United are interested in signing Leon Goretzka.

Fortunately for United, Goretzka is one of the Bayern Munich players that will be allowed to leave the club this summer.

It’s said that United are keen to sign a partner for Kobbie Mainoo, who has experience; hence, Goretzka is a potential target.

A bid has even been made for the player according to reports in Spain this weekend, with a £34m offer lodged at the request of Ten Hag.

How Leon Goretzka compares to Declan Rice

For over seven years now, Goretzka has been regarded as one of the most talented midfielders in the Bundesliga.

Even though the 29-year-old hasn’t always been the go-to, first-choice player at the heart of Bayern’s midfield, he’s always had a huge impact on the team.

This was certainly the case last season, with Goretzka making 25 starts in the Bundesliga while also featuring ten times in the Champions League.

Throughout quite a few of those games towards the end of the season, the number eight partnered 20-year-old Aleksandar Pavlovic, which proves he can help guide a young-talented midfielder to success.

Nonetheless, according to FBref's 'similar players’ model, Goretzka’s name features alongside Rice’s. Looking at the table below, it's clear to see why,

Goals

0.20

0.24

Assists

0.22

0.28

Touches

74

81

Passes completed

57

62.6

Progressive passes

7.77

7.07

Progressive carries

2.09

2.65

Tackles

2.32

1.65

Interceptions

1.23

1.24

Firstly, the pair are true all-rounders on the field, impacting the game at both boxes while also having the ability to play as a number eight or slightly deeper as a number six.

One of the biggest similarities that separates them from other positional peers is that they’ve both proved to be match-winners, scoring goals and also creating for the dangerous attackers.

Just like Rice, Goretzka is an extremely technical player who serves as a fantastic progressive outlet to the side, whether that be by playing passes through the lines or carrying the ball forward with intent.

Important, they are both extremely solid defensively, meaning that the duo lack any true faults in their game, hence why Goretzka in particular has been labelled a “world-class” player by journalist Stefan Bienkowski.

For just £34m, Man Utd could secure themselves an absolute bargain this summer, and considering he performs even remotely close to Rice, that is a huge green light.

What Man Utd's dream XI could look like after £230m spending spree

Marcus Rashford doesn’t make the best eleven.

1 ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

The entire squad at Chelsea is absolutely packed with talent, but the midfield department is particularly special.

Enzo Fernandez, Conor Gallagher, and Moises Caicedo are surely the future of the Blues midfield, given their age and quality.

Enzo Maresca must be incredibly excited to install his philosophy into the aforementioned trio, who all suit his play style perfectly.

Gallagher and Caicedo are particularly valuable to Chelsea, yet with that in mind, let’s take a look at a Chelsea star who’s now worth even more than the two midfielders.

What Chelsea paid for Cole Palmer

Having progressed through the ranks at Manchester City, Cole Palmer finally earned his breakthrough in the 2021/22 campaign, making four appearances.

In the following season, he’d go on to feature more frequently, playing 14 Premier League games but only starting twice, picking up just one assist.

Nevertheless, last summer, Chelsea saw the potential in the number 20 and took the risk of paying £40m to acquire the forward on Deadline Day.

Todd Boehly believed that he would play a huge role in the rebuilding of the club, and Palmer signed a seven-year contract, which has the option to extend for a further 12 months.

But absolutely nobody would have expected the extent of what was to come from the England international.

Cole Palmer’s value in 2024

It took the left-footed ace three games to truly get into the swing of things at his new club, but after scoring and assisting in a 4-1 victory over Burnley, there was no looking back.

The 22-year-old simply kept scoring while also proving that he can serve as a creative outlet, even single-handedly dragging Chelsea over the line in some games.

Throughout the campaign, Palmer started 29 Premier League matches, scoring an incredible 22 goals and registering 11 assists, which truly does make him “world-class,” as dubbed by teammate Carney Chukwuemeka.

To top off a perfect individual season, the former Citizen won the Premier League’s Young Player of the Season award, but what is Palmer worth right now?

Cole Palmer

£85m

Florian Wirtz

£85m

Jamal Musiala

£85m

Arda Guler

£51m

Bruno Fernandes

£43m

Well, according to CIES’ Football Observatory, Palmer is estimated to be worth £85m, the joint-highest figure alongside Fernandez.

This also means that the versatile attacker is worth more than Gallagher and Caicedo, £51m and £68m, which is incredible considering the latter arrived for a record-breaking fee of £115.

For further context on just how valuable he is, Palmer is currently also the joint-highest-valued attacking midfielder in the world, alongside German duo Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz.

The fact that Palmer registered the most goal contributions in the entire Premier League last season is just one reason why his value has skyrocketed.

However, what will please Boehly is that if Palmer has an impact at the European Championships with England this summer, his estimated worth will only increase even further.

Overall, the signing of Palmer was without doubt the bargain of the 2023/24 season, and it’s fair to say that Chelsea truly hit the jackpot on their £40m superstar.

Chelsea must sell £50m star who earns more than Sesko & Olise combined

The Chelsea player started nine Premier League games last season.

ByTom Lever Jun 7, 2024

The Athletic's leading transfer correspondent David Ornstein has recently confirmed the news that Liverpool fans all know: FSG are eager to strengthen Arne Slot's squad with a new centre-back this summer.

Wataru Endo impressed during the 2023/24 season after surprisingly signing from Stuttgart for £16m, working like an industrious ant for Jurgen Klopp, but the 31-year-old is flawed and not the long-term solution for a high-aspiration Anfield side.

That leaves the other priority position: out wide. There has been plenty of noise around the flanks and how Liverpool are keen to strengthen, but it's uncertain which side will receive the most attention, with Mohamed Salah, on the right, out of contract in 12 months and Luis Diaz, left, continuing to catch Barcelona's eye.

Diaz is one of the most likely high-profile Redmen to potentially depart Liverpool this summer, with Barcelona clearly having a vested interest in the Colombian but unable to secure his services and meet Liverpool's €75m (£63m) valuation.

Liverpool lining up Diaz replacement

Last weekend, transfer insider Graeme Bailey revealed that the Reds were set to rival Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Crystal Palace sensation Eberechi Eze, who has a £60m release clause in his contract.

Called up to the Three Lions' EURO 2024 squad following his exemplary campaign, Eze would offer genuine quality to Slot's Liverpool frontline, with the perfect skill set to effectively succeed Diaz.

With Manchester United also considering joining the race for the 25-year-old, Liverpool must act swiftly if they are to prevail and land one of the Premier League's most exciting players.

Eberechi Eze's season in numbers

Eze was in emphatic form for Crystal Palace last season as he alternated between the left wing and in a more central attacking midfield role, praised for his "individual brilliance", "unique" style of play and ability to "go on and play for one of the top teams" by pundit Rio Ferdinand.

Across all competitions this season, Eze scored 11 goals and supplied six assists for his teammates, with all of said strikes arriving across his 24 starting displays in the English top flight, a testament to his clinical edge.

That return included a composed finish to round off a stunning, sweeping Palace move at Anfield back in April, with that crowning a 1-0 win for the visitors to help dampen the spirits surrounding Klopp's farewell, as Liverpool's title hopes effectively went up in smoke following that shock result.

Complementing his goalscoring return, as per Sofascore, the £100k-per-week star completed 84% of his passes, created seven big chances and averaged two key passes, 2.6 dribbles, six duels and five ball recoveries per game, truly emphasising just how dangerous he is.

Matches played

27

37

Matches started

24

32

Goals

11

8

Assists

4

5

Pass completion

84%

85%

Big chances created

7

5

Shots per game

3.1

2.5

Key passes per game

2.0

1.8

Dribbles per game

2.6

1.8

Recoveries per game

5.0

3.4

Duels won per game

6.1

4.6

Have a look at how that compares to Diaz – his prospective predecessor on Merseyside – when comparing the fleet-footed forwards' respective Premier League campaigns.

It doesn't take Pep Guardiola to deduce which play performed to the superior standard during the 2023/24 season, with Eze enjoying greater athleticism, commitment, drive and reward.

He might have a broad-ranging skill set but Eze is undoubtedly built upon his prolific ability, ranking among the top 6% of attacking midfielders and wingers across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for goals, the top 5% for shots taken and the top 10% for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.

That final metric illustrates his breezy, weaving movements, indeed thriving as one of English football's finest ball-carriers over the past few years. See the clip below to observe Eze taking Arsenal's elite-class midfield for a walk in the park.

Eze is a talented player, and if Liverpool were to replace Diaz with him, they might even sign their own version of Anthony Gordon. A better version, perhaps.

Why Eberechi Eze could be Liverpool's own Anthony Gordon

Eze has been praised for his remarkable ability with a football by many, but his skills and efficiency are perhaps best encapsulated by Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Gary O'Neil, who lauded both him and his Eagles strike partner Michael Olise.

Moreover, analyst Ben Mattinson has dubbed him a "superstar" and it's quite clear that, going off his current trajectory, the Greenwich-born gem is headed for greatness. Why wouldn't Liverpool want that to be at Anfield?

There were tentative reports several weeks ago concerning Liverpool interest in Newcastle United's Gordon, who joined the Magpies from Everton for £45m back in January 2023, but it's always been unlikely that Eddie Howe's side would sell the fast-rising winger despite concerns relating to PSR.

1.

Leandro Trossard

Arsenal

2.

Anthony Gordon

Newcastle United

3.

Phil Foden

Manchester City

4.

Luis Diaz

Liverpool

5.

Michael Olise

Crystal Palace

Well, considering that Gordon plays to the tune of Eze and Diaz's style, Liverpool might be in luck if Barcelona do decide to swoop and sign Slot's current left-wing option for around £63m.

In the Premier League last term, Gordon, who is 23, scored 11 goals and supplied ten assists across 35 matches, with his exploits earning him Newcastle's Player of the Season honour.

He created 16 big chances, completed 82% of his passes and notably made 1.6 key passes and tackles, 1.5 dribbles and 5.3 won duels on average per match. Bruno Guimaraes gushed over his "unbelievable" campaign and indeed the Premier League – and Gareth Southgate – has taken note.

This is an impressive collection of qualities and no doubt showcases his tenacious and unflappable mentality, closing opponents down with constancy and charging up and down the left flank like a raging bull, but Eze, simply, is performing to a higher standard.

Slot could repeat Coutinho move by selling £63m Liverpool sensation

This sale could kickstart a revolution at Anfield.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 11, 2024

The talent, class and mentality that Kobbie Mainoo possesses at just 19 years of age is simply incredible, and there’s no debate that he’s the future of Manchester United.

Erik ten Hag’s superstar made 24 Premier League starts during his debut campaign, and he’s set to play a role for England at the European Championship this summer.

The academy graduate is set to be handed a new contract before next season, which would see his pay rise.

Yet as of right now, there’s a far less impactful player who’s remarkably earning ten times more than Mainoo. To put it simply, he's rinsing Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Antony’s debut season at Man United

At the start of Ten Hag’s reign as Man United manager in 2022, Antony followed his boss from Ajax to Old Trafford.

The Brazilian winger was regarded as a promising winger who had “amazing potential,” as dubbed by football scout Jacek Kulig, and he joined the Red Devils for £82m.

His life in Manchester couldn’t have started any better, scoring in all of his first three Premier League starts, including goals against Arsenal and Manchester City.

Throughout the campaign, the number 21 made 47 appearances, scoring ten goals and providing five assists, but his campaign last term wasn’t quite as successful.

Antony’s salary at Man Utd

This season, Antony has failed to push on from his first season in the Premier League, with United legend Rio Ferdinand even labelling him “embarrassing.”

The 24-year-old started the campaign as the first-choice right winger, but as each week went by, he slowly began to be replaced by Alejandro Garnacho.

This meant that the Brazilian only started 15 Premier League games, with an output of one goal and one assist, with that one goal coming at the end of April.

The left-footed ace didn’t get a single minute of action during the last three games of the season, including United’s FA Cup victory over Manchester City.

Casemiro

£350k

Marcus Rashford

£300k

Mason Mount

£250k

Bruno Fernandes

£240k

Antony

£200k

Because of the severe drop in performance, it’s no surprise to see that the Red Devils will look to bolster the right-wing spot this summer, with Michael Olise being looked at as a potential replacement.

On top of that, Antony’s wage has become a problem. He earns a whopping £200k per week, which is ten times more than what Mainoo earns, £20k per week.

This means that Antony is one of the highest-paid players at the club, and when Anthony Martial and Raphael Varane officially leave, he’ll become the fifth-highest-earning United ace.

The Brazil international also has one of the highest salaries in the entire league when compared to right-wingers, even earning more than Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer, who registered 25 and 33 goal contributions, respectively.

It’s quite clear that Antony hasn’t justified his extreme wage, particularly considering what he’s on compared to players who are much more influential.

Therefore, it may be a wise decision to look at potential destinations for the winger this summer, as a repeat of last season cannot occur.

Man Utd struck gold on free signing who's now worth more than Fernandes

The Man Utd star has now become well and truly irreplaceable.

ByTom Lever Jun 5, 2024

Chelsea are actively trying to convince one Arsenal star to join them next year following discussions with his representatives, according to a report this week.

Chelsea enjoy triumphant 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League

While the January window is fast approaching, Enzo Maresca’s side are currently riding high off a statement 3-0 win over Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Chelsea dominated proceedings from the opening whistle, pressing Barcelona aggressively and preventing the Spanish champions from establishing any rhythm in possession.

The Blues’ high-octane approach paid dividends when Jules Kounde’s unfortunate own goal broke the deadlock after 27 minutes, deflecting Pedro Neto’s effort beyond his own goalkeeper.

Barcelona’s evening unraveled further when captain Ronald Araujo received his marching orders just before halftime, collecting a second yellow card for a clumsy challenge on Marc Cucurella. The dismissal effectively ended any realistic hopes of a Catalan comeback and allowed Chelsea to dictate throughout thcond period.

Chelsea open talks with star who's "very keen" to join amid Barcelona triumph

Enzo Maresca’s side are in dreamland right now.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 26, 2025

The standout moment arrived ten minutes after the restart when teenage sensation Estevao produced a moment of individual magic. The 18-year-old Brazilian embarked on a mazy dribble from out wide, leaving Pau Cubarsi trailing before cutting inside and firing a thunderous strike into the top corner.

The goal showcased his immense potential on the biggest stage and marked his third consecutive Champions League scoring performance, with Estevao making all the headlines for outshining Barca’s own sensation Lamine Yamal.

Substitute Liam Delap wrapped up the victory with 17 minutes remaining, capitalizing on Enzo Fernández’s clever pass to slot home calmly. The goal initially appeared offside, but VAR intervened to overturn the decision.

Cucurella earned widespread praise for his defensive masterclass against Yamal, with the left-back’s discipline and tactical awareness proving instrumental in keeping the visitors’ attack quiet.

Minutes

93′

Expected Assists

0.59

Tackles (Won)

5 (4)

Interceptions

1

Clearances

2

Blocked Shots

1

Recoveries

4

Aerial Duels (Won)

1 (1)

Key Passes

1

Passes

55/63

Touches

97

Chelsea’s stupendous display comes as the perfect warm-up for their pivotal Premier League clash this weekend against league leaders Arsenal, a match which will define their credentials as genuine title contenders.

Off the field, BlueCo are apparently eyeing one of Mikel Arteta’s young stars.

Chelsea actively tempting Myles Lewis-Skelly into joining them

That is according to journalist Simon Phillips, who reports that Chelsea have held talks with the representatives of Hale End academy graduate Myles Lewis-Skelly.

The England rising star was recently told by Thomas Tuchel that he’d have to play more to stand any chance of getting into the Three Lions squad for next year’s World Cup, with Riccardo Calafiori’s form severely limiting his minutes this season.

That being said, neither the teenager nor Arsenal want to part ways any time soon.

However, this hasn’t stopped Maresca’s side from testing the water, and it is believed that Chelsea are making a ‘bold’ attempt to convince Lewis-Skelly that Stamford Bridge is the place for him.

This comes as Chelsea make future contingency plans for when Cucurella leaves, even if that doesn’t appear to be in the immediate future.

The Spain international eventually wants to return to play in La Liga before he reaches his twilight years, with Lewis-Skelly viewed as an ideal long-term successor.

Tottenham Hotspur are set for a pretty intriguing transfer window under the new leadership of co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange, with Spurs believed to be in the market for another attacker in January amid serious interest in Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo.

Thomas Frank has attracted some criticism over the Lilywhites’ general lack of creativity in the final third, despite their respectable start on paper.

While the north Londoners sit fifth in the Premier League table and are well in contention for a Champions League place, they’ve already been booed off on multiple occasions this term thanks to their uninspired forward play.

It’s been exacerbated by tactical stubbornness on Frank’s part too.

Throughout most of 25/26 thus far, the Dane has consistently deployed two defensive-minded midfielders in Joao Palhinha and Rodrigo Bentancur, which has brought stability but severely limited their attacking impetus and ability to break down organised defences.

They haven’t been helped by the slow form of summer signing Xavi Simons either, who put in a match-winning display against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League last week but has largely underwhelmed.

Spurs also have 11 first-team players sidelined right now, including key creators Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, with Randal Kolo Muani dislocating his jaw against Man United and star winger Mohammed Kudus missing his second-successive game with a knock.

Dejan Kulusevski

Knee

29/11/2025

James Maddison

ACL

01/06/2026

Radu Dragusin

Knee

22/11/2025

Ben Davies

Thigh

23/11/2025

Kota Takai

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Mohammed Kudus

Knock

23/11/2025

Randal Kolo Muani

Jaw

23/11/2025

Yves Bissouma

Ankle/Foot

23/11/2025

Lucas Bergvall

Concussion

23/11/2025

Dominic Solanke

Ankle

23/11/2025

Archie Gray

Calf/Shin/Heel

23/11/2025

via Premier Injuries

Spurs have been linked with both a new centre-forward and winger for the January window, and TEAMtalk have now revealed which is the more likely signing that Paratici will make.

Tottenham sources convinced Spurs will sign attacker amid serious Antoine Semenyo interest

According to their information, Paratici and Lange are leaning towards signing a winger rather than a number nine, but Tottenham sources are “convinced that a new attacker will be through the door in January”.

In terms of who they could target, Bournemouth’s Semenyo stands out as a very exciting target.

The Cherries star was a revelation under Andoni Iraola last season, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s most dangerous forwards. The Ghana international finished 24/25 with 11 goals and five assists in 37 top flight appearances, and he’s carried on this electric form into 25/26.

Bournemouth have scored 11 goals this season, with Semenyo involved in nine of them — a staggering 81 per cent of their total output and the highest proportion of any player for any Premier League team (The Analyst).

His form has been relentless, with 10 goals in his last 18 Premier League appearances dating back to April, meaning there’s a 77 per cent chance that if Bournemouth score, Semenyo will be directly involved (The Analyst).

Semenyo is, by some way, Bournemouth’s attacking linchpin — leading to serious interest from N17.

As per TEAMtalk, Tottenham recruitment chiefs are massive fans of Semenyo as they actively look at new wingers, but the south coast side won’t be letting him go on the cheap after just tying down the winger with a new deal.

Bournemouth are apparently set to demand £75 million for the African and are in a great position to do so, meaning Spurs will have to smash their transfer record to make any move happen.

That being said, if the Lewis family want to make a statement of intent after Daniel Levy’s departure, signing Semenyo would definitely be it.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are targeting Gary O’Neil as a replacement for Vitor Pereira, and the former manager’s stance on a return has been revealed.

The 3-0 defeat at Fulham on Saturday spelled the end for Pereira, with his side putting in yet another disappointing performance, barely laying a glove on the Cottagers and recording a total xG of just 0.24.

Moreover, the Old Gold were also very poor at the opposite end of the pitch, conceding three goals, which means they now have the worst defensive record in the league.

As such, it is no surprise that Fosun finally had enough and sacked the 57-year-old, who penned a new three-year contract less than two months ago, with Wolves’ Premier League status now under serious threat.

After the latest defeat, which was their eighth in ten Premier League games, the Wanderers are now eight points from safety, leaving the new manager with a lot of work to do to dig them out of the relegation zone.

Gary O'Neil pulls out of Wolves manager race

According to an update from reliable reporter John Percy on X, Wolves entered “advanced talks” to appoint O’Neil, who emerged as a “very strong contender” for the job.

However, the former Old Gold boss has on Monday evening withdrawn himself from the running.

Appointing a manager who was sacked less than 12 months ago could be viewed as a backwards step, and the ex-AFC Bournemouth boss doesn’t have the greatest of records in the Premier League, averaging a little over one point per game.

Games

88

Wins

25

Draws

16

Losses

47

Points per match

1.03

However, the Beckenham-born manager does have experience in relegation battles, successfully guiding the Cherries to safety in the 2022-23 campaign after taking over from Scott Parker, before going on to secure a 14th-place finish with Wolves the following season.

Percy also hailed O’Neil for the job he did at Molineux, after taking over from Julen Lopetegui at a difficult time.

In truth, with Wolves eight points from safety, top managers are unlikely to be queuing up for the job, so to miss out on their former boss is a blow.

Wolves also targeting Brendan Rodgers as Vitor Pereira replacement Wolves targeting Brendan Rodgers amid doubts about Vitor Pereira

The Old Gold have made a very poor start to the season.

2 ByDominic Lund Oct 29, 2025

If Leeds United are to collect a much-needed win on their travels next up in the Premier League away at Nottingham Forest, they will need to make sure they have packed their shooting boots.

Indeed, away from scoring three at Molineux back in September, Daniel Farke’s goal-shy Whites have regularly fired blanks on the road this season, with the 3-0 defeat handed to him last time out away at Brighton and Hove Albion only seeing the West Yorkshire outfit register a weak two shots on target.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has definitely frustrated a large volume of his new supporters, already, by regularly spurning opportunities, with five big chances missed in the Premier League this season coming courtesy of the wasteful ex-Everton marksman.

With both Lukas Nmecha and Joel Piroe not exactly banging the door down to take Calvert-Lewin’s starting spot off him, either, Farke could soon be tempted to throw Harry Gray into the senior mix more regularly, as the teenage sensation continues to frighten Premier League 2 defences in West Yorkshire.

Why Harry Gray should be in the first team

Despite only being 17 years of age, Gray has already received some first-team chances here and there, to begin to live up to his well-known family name, which has also seen Archie Gray go on to be a £40m sale to Tottenham Hotspur.

Leeds will hope they can hold on to the blistering number 45 for far longer than they managed with his Premier League-bound brother, though, with Gray perhaps the long-term fix to all their goalscoring woes.

From only 25 games lining up for both the U18s and U21s, Gray has a ridiculous 15 goals next to his name, leading to the England U17 international already being dubbed as “one of England’s best young prospects” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Of course, he does still have a very long way to go before he’s smashing goals home in the senior picture, with only one senior match under his belt to date.

But, do not be surprised if he’s handed more first-team chances very soon, having also recently penned a new long-term deal to stay put at his boyhood club, particularly if Calvert-Lewin continues to fluff his lines.

Amazingly, Gray isn’t the only goal machine being worked on at Thorp Arch at the moment, as another raw version of the 17-year-old is being brewed behind the scenes to excite Farke.

18-year-old Leeds star can rival Harry Gray

Leeds always seem to have a future talent ready on their conveyor belt, with the likes of Kalvin Phillips also homegrown, before he moved on to Manchester City.

The next starlet set for a big break at Elland Road could well be Lewis Pirie, with the 18-year-old situated in West Yorkshire ever since leaving former boyhood employers Aberdeen behind in 2023 for £200k, which is a wild fee to fork out for a rising star, especially one that was just 16 years of age at the time.

But, much like Gray, Pirie has been turning heads since a very tender age with his unbelievable goalscoring prowess to demand such an investment, with an insane 51 goals managed for club and country during the 2022/23 season, even seeing journalist James Marshment label the Scotsman as “one of the most in-demand young strikers around” when a move was clinched.

He has since slotted into the Leeds academy scene well, too, with his goalscoring promise for the U18s backing up his previous manager Jim Goodwin’s comments that he is a very “exciting” prospect.

Games played

33

Goals scored

7

Assists

1

Already, the five-time Scotland U17 international has fired home seven goals on the youth pitches in West Yorkshire, with three of those seven efforts coming during his first five breakneck outings for the U18s.

He is yet to get off the mark for the U21s, from just four appearances, but his continued rise up the ranks does bear similarities to Gray’s goal-laden ascent.

All this fresh blood excelling in attack away from the senior set-up will surely worry Calvert-Lewin when it comes to his long-term security, as the 28-year-old prays a purple patch comes his way soon, starting with a decisive strike against Forest on Saturday.

"Highly-rated" Leeds gem could now leave "on a free transfer in January"

Leeds United’s rising young goalkeeper could depart the club within the coming months.

ByJames O'Reilly Nov 5, 2025

Manchester United have had some sensational midfielders over the years. Two of the players who spring to mind are Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick. The England pair formed a crucial midfield pivot in the later years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s dynasty.

Of course, Scholes was a graduate of the United academy and had plenty of success before Carrick signed for the club in 2006. Once they were playing together week in, week out at the Theatre of Dreams, they formed one of the best midfield pairings in the Premier League.

United have long been searching for a midfielder who possesses as much class as Scholes Carrick did. Kobbie Mainoo is someone who would surely fit that bill.

What Scholes has said about Mainoo

Life under Ruben Amorim this season hasn’t been easy for Mainoo. The 20-year-old has been continuously overlooked, which is strange given the pedigree he comes with, built up in such a short amount of time.

His astronomic rise under Erik ten Hag began with a spellbinding performance on debut away to Everton.

Mainoo’s technical brilliance was on show then, picking up the ball off the back four with ease and carrying forward to progress play.

Touches

61

Passes completed

38/46

Ground duels won

3/5

Aerial duels won

2/3

Ball recoveries

3

Long balls completed

2

Tackles won

1/1

He continued to shine in that United midfield, with Scholes someone who heaped praise on him.

The United great said, “I remember that calmness” Mainoo had on the ball, before going on to admit, “I just couldn’t believe such a young player could do that.”

Mainoo’s excellent performances were capped off last summer. He started and shone in the Euro 2024 final, which England lost 2-1 to Spain.

Given his quick rise and obvious talent, it is baffling that he continues to get ignored for a starting spot by Amorim.

Incredibly, United have a midfielder in the academy who might be even more like Carrick and Scholes than Mainoo, however.

United’s Carrick and Scholes hybrid at Carrington

The Red Devils are no strangers to incredible midfield talent. Of course, Scholes and Carrick are two of them, and Mainoo is the current example, but the likes of Paul Pogba certainly fit into the category.

Well, the next off the incredible production line at Carrington could well be Jim Thwaites. The 17-year-old has shone in the centre of the park for United’s under-18 side this season, under another midfield great, Darren Fletcher.

This season, sitting at the base of the midfield for Fletcher’s team, Thwaites has played six times in the under-18s Premier League. He’s started all of those games, skippering the side once and chipping in with a couple of goals.

Speaking of those strikes, and ones in the past, Thwaites is a bit of a specialist when it comes to free kicks. Look at this effort against Manchester City in what turned out to be a 4-2 defeat for his side.

The United youngster rifled home the set piece into the top left corner, with an inch-perfect effort.

That goal itself showcases Thwaites’ excellent ability. You can’t take a free kick like that without possessing technical brilliance. It is easy to see why he can be such a good controller in midfield, pulling the strings for his side.

In fact, coach Seb Ostergren was full of praise for the youngster. He said Thwaites is like a “hybrid between Scholes and Carrick,” noting he has the “line breaking forward passes” of United’s former number 16 and the “switches” of their academy graduate.

Thwaites is certainly a talent United fans can get excited for. At just 17 years of age, he knows how to make things tick in the centre of the park.

Once he gets used to the pace of senior football, he could become a huge asset for the club.

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Rangers have now been offered the chance to sign a new midfielder in January as they look to recover from their dismal start to the season, it has been claimed.

Rangers reinforcements required in January

Philippe Clement’s side are currently 11 points behind reigning champions and Glasgow rivals Celtic, having endured a tough start to the season in the Scottish Premiership. Worse still, they are seven points behind Jimmy Thelin’s Aberdeen side, who have enjoyed a rich run of form in the opening months of the campaign and sit second in the league.

Losses to Kilmarnock and Aberdeen as well as Celtic have been damaging to Clement’s side, while they have also been unable to go on one of their usual winning runs that often characterise their campaigns.

There are still chances of silverware this season though, with Rangers impressing in the Europa League and still with a chance of lifting either of the Scottish Cups, with Clement’s side facing Celtic in the semi-final of the League cup before Christmas. One of the problem areas for his side have been the central areas.

Young duo Connor Barron (22) and Mohamed Diomande (23) have been at the base of Rangers’ midfield, and it has been a shoot-out between Ianis Hagi, Tom Lawrence and Nicolas Raskin for the third midfield spot.

Player

Appearances

Goals and assists

Mohamed Diomande

11

3

Connor Barron

13

0

Nicolas Raskin

10

0

Ianis Hagi

4

1

Kieran Dowell

8

0

Tom Lawrence

8

5

Nedim Bajrami

9

1

Clearly, there is room for improvement in that area, with no one able to provide a consistent attacking threat from the middle of the pitch to support unlikely new marksman Cyriel Dessers, who frustrated and dazzled last season but now appears to be more consistent in front of goal. Now, they could land a new option to help them push on in the second half of the campaign.

Rangers offered chance to sign "very good" midfielder

That comes as a fresh report has revealed that Rangers and Clement have now been offered the chance to sign out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka in January.

The former Aston Villa youngster has seen his gametime severely limited since Enzo Maresca’s arrival, who admitted in the summer that though he was a “very good” midfielder, he was not going to get much action in west London.

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“Carney, I think he is a very good player. With us, is he going to play 35 games? I’m not sure”, the Italian explained. “The problem is, because of some injuries in the past, I think the best for him is to play 30 or 35 games in a row, to show himself that he is fit and how good he is because he is very good.”

Having failed to secure a loan move in the summer, he is now set to leave in January and is open to moving to Ibrox, according to The Boot Room, recognising that he needs regular first team football.

Chelsea, meanwhile, are happy for him to leave either as part of a “loan move or a permanent departure”, though the latter would be a club record move for Rangers and is therefore highly unlikely. Even a loan move could see them need to pay a substantial chunk of the 21-year-old’s £100,000 a week wages, so it remains to be seen how flexible Chelsea are on that front.

Known as a box to box midfielder with an eye for goal from his time among the youth setup, Chukwuemeka could add another dimension to Rangers’ midfield for the second half of the season, and could help them push for success come the end of the campaign.