The morning after the night before. The dust has begun to settle on what was a grim night for Manchester United and Ruben Amorim, having come up short against a stubborn Tottenham Hotspur side in Bilbao.

A brilliant defence performance from the north Londoners, which included an acrobatic goalline clearance from Micky van de Ven to deny Rasmus Hojlund, was enough to keep United at bay, with the Old Trafford side again failing to fire in the final third.

Indeed, Wednesday’s 1-0 loss marked the 16th time this season that the Red Devils have failed to score in a game in all competitions, 15 of which have come amid the club’s dour Premier League campaign.

As was evident at San Mames, there really is a lack of cutting edge when it matters most, with Amorim – should he remain at the helm as expected – needing to find a way to revive and reinvigorate his floundering frontline next term.

How Man Utd's attacking came up short again

The obvious place to start is, of course, with that man Hojlund, with the 22-year-old on the periphery for large spells of the game, aside from that one rare opening following Guglielmo Vicario’s wayward parry.

While the Dane could have done little more to try and convert that chance, there was a sense that it simply wouldn’t be United’s night when Van de Ven heroically sprung into action, having offered little else in the way of creativity or productivity.

Indeed, the usually influential Bruno Fernandes also chose the wrong time to go off the boil, with the 30-year-old notably losing the ball twice in the build-up to Brennan Johnson’s decisive strike, while registering just three key passes in total, as per Sofascore.

There was none of the usual genius from the Portuguese star, while ahead of him, the initially lively Amad Diallo swiftly went off the boil, having at one stage looked like Amorim’s key threat down the right flank.

The Ivorian speedster did produce a fierce effort that fizzed across the box in the first half, although he was unable to conjure much else after the break, notably losing the ball on 19 occasions, while winning just six of his 16 total duels.

In truth, United’s tactic appeared to be to give the ball to Amad and pray, with little other inspiration provided elsewhere, namely from a certain Mason Mount…

The Man Utd star who will be replaced by Cunha

Despite fading late on, Amad showed enough to prove why he will likely be a key figure for Amorim next term, with the 22-year-old no doubt hoping to nail down that right-sided number ten berth for the long term.

Chalkboard

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

On the opposite side, it would appear that the club are closing in on the capture of Wolverhampton Wanderers talisman, Matheus Cunha, with the Brazilian expected to sign regardless of United’s failure to secure Champions League qualification.

With 15 goals to his name in the top-flight this season, the former Atletico Madrid man has been earmarked to bolster Amorim’s options in those playmaking berths, having already thrived in that role at Molineux.

On the evidence of Wednesday evening, the 25-year-old could well walk into the side next term at Old Trafford, not least with Mount proving unable to warrant the faith placed in him by his manager.

In Amorim’s defence, there was logic in selecting the Englishman for a game of such magnitude, with the 26-year-old having started in that role for both Chelsea and England in the Champions League and European Championship finals in 2021, respectively.

Equally, the £55m playmaker had also scored a stunning brace to “change the game” against Athletic Club in the semi-final, second-leg – as Amorim noted – while the man he had replaced, Alejandro Garnacho, was guilty of missing a “big opportunity” in that last-four clash.

Mount subsequently got the nod at San Mames, although much like his United career as a whole, it was a largely forgettable outing. There were a few nice twists and turns, particularly prior to his withdrawal, although nothing of substance.

2017 vs Ajax

2021 vs Villarreal

2025 vs Spurs

GK – Sergio Romero

GK – David De Gea

GK – Andre Onana

RB – Antonio Valencia

RB – Aaron Wan-Bissaka

RCB – Leny Yoro

CB – Chris Smalling

CB – Eric Bailly

CB – Harry Maguire

CB – Daley Blind

CB – Victor Lindelof

LCB – Luke Shaw

LB – Matteo Darmian

LB – Luke Shaw

RWB – Noussair Mazraoui

CM – Paul Pogba

CM – Paul Pogba

CM – Casemiro

CM – Ander Herrera

CM – Scott McTominay

CM – Bruno Fernandes (C)

CAM – Marouane Fellaini

CAM – Bruno Fernandes (C)

LWB – Patrick Dorgu

LM – Henrikh Mkhitaryan

LW – Marcus Rashford

RAM – Amad Diallo

RM – Juan Mata

RW – Mason Greenwood

LAM – Mason Mount

ST – Marcus Rashford

ST – Edinson Cavani

ST – Rasmus Hojlund

That is best illustrated by the fact that he recorded just 25 touches in total, three fewer than teammate Andre Onana achieved in the sticks, while also registering just eight passes in total as he remained on the fringes.

In truth, those watching on were merely waiting for the moment that Amorim would throw Garnacho into the fray, with Mount unable to repay the public faith shown to him by the former Sporting CP boss of late.

With just four goals to his name in 45 games for United to date, the ex-Blues star is running out of time to turn things around at the Theatre of Dreams.

The problem is, with an in-form figure like Cunha set to enter the building, he seemingly won’t be afforded the time he needs. Football is a ruthless game, if you don’t take your chances – as Mount did not on Wednesday night – there can be few complaints.

Not just Hojlund: 4/10 dud must now never play for Man Utd again

Man Utd’s grim season ended with a whimper in Bilbao on Wednesday evening

1 ByRobbie Walls May 22, 2025

If Arsenal needed any more motivation to get over the finishing line next season, Tottenham Hotspur have just provided them with it.

With second place in the Premier League now practically secured, the board and new Sporting Director Andrea Berta can turn their attention to the summer transfer window and the hunt for a new striker.

Two of the strikers most heavily linked with a move to the Emirates over the last few months have been Sporting CP’s Viktor Gyokeres and Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak, although, with the former lacking experience in a top-five league and the latter potentially costing upwards of £150m, other options have also been floated.

In fact, if recent reports are to be believed, Mikel Arteta and Co are now interested in an ideal Gyokeres alternative who has won comparisons to the Toon star.

Arsenal's striker search

Before getting to the player in question, it’s worth going over some of the other strikers who have been linked with Arsenal in recent weeks, like Benjamin Sesko and Liam Delap.

Transfer Focus

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

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The former has enjoyed another impressive season with RB Leipzig, scoring 21 goals and providing six assists in 45 games, although such a rate of return has reportedly seen his release clause increase to around £75m.

Delap, on the other hand, has a release clause worth just £30m in his current contract, although, with 12 goals and two assists to his name in 36 Premier League games this season, he’d represent more of a gamble.

Moreover, if Arteta and Co really want someone who’d be a genuine alternative to Gyokeres, they’d have to be a proven goalscorer, such as Julián Alvarez.

According to a recent report from journalist Matías Palacios via the Spanish football program El Chiringuito, Arsenal are one of several teams very interested in the Atletico Madrid star.

In fact, the journalist claims that the Gunners, Bayern Munich and Liverpool all “want” the Argentine this summer and that “meetings with the interested clubs will begin” next week.

A potential price tag for the striker is not mentioned, but as he cost the La Liga giants around £82m only last summer, we wouldn’t be surprised to see his valuation hit nine figures, especially as the CIES Football Observatory price him at €125m, which is about £105m.

With that said, Arsenal should do what they can to sign Alvarez, as not only could he be an ideal alternative to Gyokeres, but he’s also won comparisons to Isak.

How Alvarez compares Isak

So, before we look at some of the other reasons Arsenal should be looking to sign Alvarez this summer, we should examine this comparison to Isak and where it comes from.

Well, in this instance, it stems from FBref, which compared players in similar positions in Europe’s top five leagues, the Champions League and Europa League, and concluded that the Swede is the tenth most similar forward to the Argentine across the last 365 days.

We can better understand their similarities by looking at some of the underlying metrics in which they rank closely, including, but not limited to, expected assisted goals, progressive carries, shots on target and goals per shot, key passes, shot-creating actions and more, all per 90.

Alvarez & Isak

Statistics per 90

Alvarez

Isak

Expected Assisted Goals

0.17

0.15

Progressive Carries

2.79

2.77

Shots on Target

1.23

1.32

Goals per Shot

0.19

0.21

Passing Accuracy

74.6%

74.7%

Key Passes

1.45

1.39

Goal-Creating Actions

0.45

0.47

All Stats via FBref for 24/25

On top of the clear statistical similarities, the former Manchester City star has also scored a similar number of goals as the Newcastle ace this season.

For example, in 53 appearances, the “world-class” forward, as dubbed by City content creator It’s LB, has scored 29 goals and provided six assists.

In comparison, the former Real Sociedad star has scored 27 goals and provided six assists in 41 games for the Magpies this term.

Finally, on top of the goals and similarities to one of the best strikers in the world, the Gunners should seriously consider signing Alveraz because he’s a proven winner, having won the treble with City in the 22/23 season.

Therefore, whatever it costs, Arsenal should look to bring the World Cup winner to N5 this summer, even if that means not signing Gyokeres.

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Despite already confirming Matheus Cunha’s arrival and seemingly submitting an opening bid to sign Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United are now interested in signing a third Premier League forward this summer.

Man Utd submit first Mbeumo bid

With captain Bruno Fernandes set to stay put amid interest from Saudi Arabia and Cunha sealed and signed, Manchester United have enjoyed the perfect start to their summer. But they’re not done there. The Red Devils will be well aware that they still have plenty of work to do and have already turned their focus towards welcoming Mbeumo.

As David Ornstein reported and Fabrizio Romano relayed, however, signing Mbeumo will be easier said than done in the coming months. Brentford, after watching on as Manchester United splashed out on Cunha, are reportedly keen to receive a similar fee for a player who outperformed the Brazilian talisman in the 2024/25 campaign.

The big question is whether Manchester United can afford to splash out another £60m+ without completing a significant sale first. As much of a relief it has been to see Fernandes stay put, those at Old Trafford could now find themselves limited without his big-money sale.

The midfield star confirmed the news that Al-Hilal were, indeed, in pursuit of his signature but he declined a move to Saudi Arabia in pursuit of keeping his place among the very best, telling reporters: “I want to play at the highest possible level.

“I want to play major competitions. I know I still can and I want to be happy doing the thing I love the most. For better or worse, this is how I see football and I’m passionate about football and this is the decision I’ve made.”

It’s also worth noting that the Red Devils already have potential alternatives to Mbeumo in their sights should they be priced out of a move for the Brentford star this summer.

Man Utd interested in Calvert-Lewin

According to The Boot Room, Manchester United are now interested in a move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin this summer. The forward is on course to become a free agent at the end of his current Everton contract this month and, therefore, represents a bargain option for those at Old Trafford.

Whilst Calvert-Lewin has endured his fair share of injury problems and disappointing form in recent years, his Premier League experience is undeniable and it’s the type of experience that both Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund lack.

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Manchester United could be about to land their marquee signing just a week into the transfer window.

ByEthan Lamb Jun 6, 2025

The 28-year-old has earned plenty of praise during his time in Merseyside, including from former manager Sean Dyche, who told reporters following an impressive victory against rivals Liverpool in the 2023/24 campaign: “I thought he was excellent.

“He’s had a bit of illness. We’re hopeful that has passed, he had it before the game, so I must commend him on that. His physical performance was outstanding, He’s not quite over it but we hope it settles down a bit.”

Brentford are keen to bank maximum value on their star forward, the £60m-rated Bryan Mbeumo, this summer, meaning Newcastle United have hope yet in pipping Manchester United to his signature.

However, Mbeumo has intimated his desire to sign for Old Trafford, and thus Eddie Howe and his transfer coterie will need to turn toward alternative targets.

Having already missed out on Man United-bound Matheus Cunha, a bounce-back is needed, for sure. And Newcastle might just be centring on the perfect new forward.

Newcastle lining up new forward

Though Tynesiders will be relieved to hear The Athletic’s David Ornstein declare there’s “no chance” Alexander Isak will be leaving the club this summer, the need for more firepower is evident.

That’s why, as per Sky Sports report Rob Dorsett, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Joao Pedro is on Newcastle’s shortlist, with Howe in particular desperate to bring in such an attacking profile.

The 24-year-old is expected to leave the AMEX this summer – amid admirers in the Premier League and in Europe – and Brighton will do business if their €70m (£59m) valuation is met.

Why Joao Pedro would be perfect for Newcastle

Though Pedro attacks from a central berth, and Mbeumo is a principally right-sided forward, he could regardless fill in a hole at St James’ Park, should Callum Wilson depart at the end of his contract later this month.

Joining Brighton from Watford in a deal just shy of £30m in June 2023, Pedro has scored 30 goals and provided ten assists across 70 appearances in all competitions.

Across his two years on the south coast, the former Hornets star has converted 19 goals in the Premier League, only missing 17 further big chances, as per Sofascore.

Moreover, Pedro drifts out to the left before arcing inward, suggesting Howe could utilise the Brazilian across central and wide berths, maximising his dynamic and skilled approach and indeed his suitability at Newcastle, with the manager apt to field such flexible players as Anthony Gordon across different parts of the frontline.

Centre-forward

119

34

18

Left winger

40

14

0

Attacking midfield

27

8

1

Right winger

5

0

0

As per FBref, he also ranked among the top 1% of Premier League forwards this season for assists, the top 17% for passes attempted and shot-creating actions, and the top 12% for progressive passes per 90. Such qualities have led the data-driven site to draw him against the two aforementioned forwards.

Yes, the £50k-per-week star’s creativity and ball-playing skills are not unlike those of the dynamic Mbeumo and indeed Cunha, whose exploits with Wolverhampton Wanderers have led journalist Nathan Juddah to describe him as a “maverick” and a “flawed genius”.

Pedro’s countryman, indeed, created 13 big chances in the English top flight, and given United only finished eighth for big chances created this term, you can see why Howe is demanding such a profile.

Moreover, his discussed clinical quality aligns with that of Mbeumo, who has been hailed as “one of the best wingers in the Premier League” by The Athletic’s Jay Harris after scoring 20 top-flight goals across the year.

This player, a veritable conglomeration of Newcastle’s desired profiles, would be perfect for Newcastle, aiding Isak and, through his “magical” talent on the ball, as has been noted by Bundesliga commentator Kevin Hatchard, he might just hit the ground running.

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Eddie Howe wants to sign some new forwards at Newcastle this summer.

ByAngus Sinclair Jun 3, 2025

Chelsea are showcasing real ambition in the transfer market after qualifying for the Champions League next season, with the Blues looking back to manager Enzo Maresca after a successful debut campaign in the dugout.

Chelsea seal Liam Delap deal with more signings identified

On Wednesday, Chelsea officially announced the arrival of striker Liam Delap, who joins in a £30 million deal from Ipswich Town.

Related Chelsea hold new talks to sign "fantastic" £40m defender who's keen to join

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Posts 1 ByEmilio Galantini Jun 5, 2025

Delap, who scored 12 league goals for the Tractor Boys last season, but couldn’t save them from relegation, will wear the number nine shirt and becomes eligible to take part in the Club World Cup later this month.

Liam Delap’s best Premier League games for Ipswich last season

Match Rating

Ipswich Town 2-0 Chelsea

8.08

Bournemouth 1-2 Ipswich Town

8.05

Ipswich Town 2-2 Aston Villa

8.04

Ipswich Town 1-2 Southampton

7.83

Fulham 2-2 Ipswich Town

7.55

via WhoScored

Chelsea can register players in time for FIFA’s competition due to a unique mini-transfer window, which is open until June 10, with Maresca having four more days to reinforce his squad ahead of the tournament.

BlueCo want one or two more new arrivals through the door before their CWC campaign kicks off, and Stamford Bridge chiefs have a number of plates spinning.

Journalist Simon Phillips claims Chelsea held fresh talks over a deal for Ajax starlet Jorrel Hato recently, with personal terms not seen as an issue considering the defender’s desire to join Maresca’s side.

Meanwhile, links continue to surround Eintracht Frankfurt star Hugo Ekitike, who could be their second striker signing after Delap.

As well as in attack and defence, Chelsea haven’t given up on signing AC Milan keeper Mike Maignan, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his contract at the San Siro.

The France international, who captained Milan last season, is valued at around £25 million by the Rossoneri, despite his contract situation. Right now, Chelsea appear unwilling to go that far, but there is a major willingness from the 29-year-old himself to make the move happen.

Mike Maignan tells AC Milan he wants to join Chelsea

According to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol, backing up other reports, Maignan has informed Milan that he wants to join Chelsea.

Convincing him is no issue, with the clubs now having to find common ground when it comes to his asking price. Maresca’s side only want to pay around £10 million for the keeper as things stand (The Mail), so there are plenty of negotiations still to be had if a deal is still possible.

This comes after another report from the reliable Fabrizio Romano, who told GiveMeSport that Maresca has personally approved Maignan’s potential switch to west London.

With Chelsea’s manager and the keeper wanting this deal done, they’re simply waiting for club-to-club talks to reach a positive resolution.

Maignan, described as a “world-class” shot-stopper, has plenty of top-level experience – which is something lacking in Chelsea’s overall squad – and is widely regarded as one of Serie A’s top keepers.

While the Premier League’s elite have been spending money by the bucketload – Liverpool and Manchester City, we’re looking at you – Arsenal have been idle.

Should we be surprised? Not really. Over the last two transfer windows, the Gunners have failed to improve their forward line and efforts to finally sign a striker so far this summer have been fruitless.

Two names dominate the headlines with Benjamin Sesko and Viktor Gyokeres at the forefront of their minds. The trouble is, both deals look complicated.

Reports from Sky Germany suggest that Arsenal are unwilling to pay RB Leipzig’s asking price for Sesko, while it was claimed in Portugal a few days ago that they have paused their efforts to sign Gyokeres, instead looking at Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.

Signing a new centre forward isn’t the only thing on the agenda for Andrea Berta this summer.

Arsenal’s hunt for a new winger

Due to a number of factors, chiefly Bukayo Saka’s workload and the inconsistent form of Leandro Trossard and Gabriel Martinelli, Arsenal need a new winger this summer.

Unfortunately, it now looks as though it’s unlikely that’ll be Athletic Bilbao’s Spanish sensation, Nico Williams.

The north Londoners have been interested in the 22-year-old for over a year now but the wide attacker is prioritising a move to Barcelona, his dream club, instead.

As a consequence, interested parties in the form of Arsenal and Chelsea have ‘cooled’ their interest in the words of The Athletic’s David Ornstein.

With that blow fresh in the mind, it looks as though Arsenal have been ramping up their efforts to sign Real Madrid star, Rodrygo.

Transfer Focus

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

That’s according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who took to social media on Tuesday afternoon to reveal that Mikel Arteta and Co have a ‘genuine interest’ in the Brazilian.

Exploratory talks dating back to May have already been held with the player’s representatives but it will take a fee of around £77m to convince the Spanish giants to sell.

Madrid have a new manager in the shape of Xavi Alonso and it appears as though the former midfielder isn’t too keen on Rodrygo. Consequently, Arsenal should do all they can to convince the player to jump ship.

How Rodrygo compares to Nico Williams

Williams has swiftly been thrust into the limelight over the last year when aged just 21, he was one of the players of the tournament at Euro 2024 as his nation won the title.

The left winger was fabulous throughout, most notably scoring the opening goal in the final against England.

Since then, however, he’s failed to truly kick on, even if the frightening potential still lurks within.

Williams has never been a rampant goalscorer, finding the net on just five occasions in the league this season.

Rodrygo, on the other hand, would be capable of offering Arteta the added goals he needs his side to produce if they are to challenge for the title and Champions League.

Last season, Martinelli and Trossard managed to score just 16 goals between them in the 73 Premier League matches they featured in. Well, in his own last 73 LaLiga matches, Rodrygo has a better record than both players combined, scoring 20 times.

While 2024/25 wasn’t his best campaign, shoved out on the right-hand side to accommodate Vinicius Jr and Kylian Mbappe, this is a player who is far more comfortable in front of goal than someone like Martinelli, and crucially, Williams too.

You only have to cast your minds back to 2022/23 when the Brazil superstar found the net 19 times, bettering Martinelli’s best season haul of 15, which coincidentally came in the same campaign.

Another string to Rodrygo’s bow is not just his versatility – able to play up front or on either flank – but his creativity.

Games

159

141

141

125

Goals

50

33

35

28

Assists

30

18

26

29

Goals per game

0.31

0.23

0.24

0.22

G/A per game

0.42

0.36

0.43

0.45

Analysing the data, Williams is also a particularly creative individual, thriving in that area more than his goalscoring.

However, Arsenal are still proficient creators of chances. What they need is someone capable of sticking the ball in the back of the net and Rodrygo has done that on a far more regular basis in all competitions since 2022 than Martinelli, Trossard and Williams.

Last term, no player in red and white reached double figures for goals. Kai Havertz was their top scorer with 15 and they ended the campaign with Mikel Merino playing as a makeshift striker.

On that evidence, Arsenal need a centre-forward, but they also need more contributions from elsewhere on the pitch. Madrid’s “world-class superstar”, as he’d been described by teammate Luka Modric, would certainly help in that regard.

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After agreeing a deal worth over £17m to sign Fer Lopez from Celta Vigo, with a medical now scheduled, Wolverhampton Wanderers have reportedly submitted a bid to sign another impressive star.

Wolves on course to sign Fer Lopez

Having lost both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri to both Manchester clubs, Wolves were always likely to spring into action in the transfer window sooner rather than later. It’s a crucial summer for Vitor Pereira, who has the task of pushing the Midlands club into mid-table and away from the relegation zone once again in his first full season in charge.

Lopez’s arrival is a good start on that front. The 21-year-old winger is someone who is only likely to get better, but also a player who is perfectly capable of making an immediate impact. After scoring eight goals and creating another three in all competitions at Celta Vigo last season, the Spaniard will have his sights set on improving those numbers in the Premier League.

At over €20m (£17m), Wolves’ deal to sign Lopez may seem steep but they’ve still got money to spend after selling Cunha and Ait-Nouri for large fees earlier this summer. Just what they do with that money now that they’ve added Lopez is the big question.

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To that end, a number of rumours have already arrived. The likes of Robert Renan, who Pereira has worked with in the past, has been among the headlines in recent weeks but those in the Midlands have seemingly set their sights on a Ligue 1 star before anything else.

Wolves submit offer to sign striker Guessand

According to Africa Foot, Wolves have now submitted an offer to sign Evann Guessand from OGC Nice this summer. The French club reportedly value their forward at around €30m (£26m) and, whilst it is currently unknown just how much Wolves offered, that is a price tag that they should be able to afford in the coming months.

Like Lopez, Guessand would help to replace Cunha’s hefty output at Molineux, having scored 13 goals in all competitions for Nice last season and create another 10. Suddenly, in two transfers, Wolves could be adding 21 goals and 13 assists to their side to more than replace Cunha’s 23 goal involvements last season.

Dubbed “electric” by U23 scout Antonio Mango, Guessand would represent another impressive piece of business if Wolves manage to reach an agreement with Nice this summer.

Will Kieran Tierney’s return be just the start of another busy summer at Celtic?

On Tuesday, the Parkhead side officially confirmed the left-back’s return to Glasgow, six years after he departed for £25m, which remains a joint-club record sale.

Despite this, the Scottish Premiership champions are looking to bolster their full-back options further, possibly anticipating a departure, so could Brendan Rodgers’ side be close to another arrival?

Celtic chasing another defender after Tierney

Announced to supporters earlier this week, Tierney arrived back at Celtic with a point to prove. He was sporting a beaming smile and we’re sure Rodgers was too. Speaking about the deal, the Northern Irishman said:

“We are delighted to welcome Kieran back to Celtic. He is such a talented, high-quality player and he will be a massive addition to our squad. Kieran has always had Celtic in his blood and he is excited to be coming back to the place he loves.”

That said, he’s not the only left-back who could arrive this summer.

According to a report by journalist Ben Jacobs, Celtic are ‘interested’ in a move to sign defender Josh Doig.

Transfer Focus

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

Still only 23 years old, the full-back made his senior debut at Hibernian in 2020, accumulating 78 appearances for Hibs, before moving to Italy in 2022.

He spent two seasons at Hellas Verona, featuring 16 times in Serie A and then 29 times in Serie B following I Gialloblù’s relegation, before joining Sassuolo for a reported £5m in January 2024, a key figure as I Neroverdi won the second-tier title in Italy this season; only four of his teammate racked up more league minutes.

So now, could the youngster, who also made his senior Scotland debut against Liechtenstein at Rheinpark Stadion on Monday, be heading and joining the Premiership champions?

How Josh Doig compares to Greg Taylor

According to reports in Greece, PAOK have submitted an official offer to Greg Taylor, while Dinamo Zagreb have previously been noted as interested in securing the left-back’s signature.

Taylor joined Celtic from Kilmarnock in 2019, signed as Tierney’s direct replacement, and has made 216 appearances for the club, but is out of contract at the end of this month, and it seems extremely unlikely that he’ll sign an extension.

Callum McFadden of Breaking the Lines praises Taylor’s ‘consistency’, labelling him a ‘mainstay’ in the Celtic back-line during his six seasons at the club and, while Samuel Hutchinson of Total Football Analysis is impressed by his ‘reliability’, both in terms of performance and availability, they understand why the arrival of Tierney is viewed as an upgrade.

Nevertheless, Tierney has struggled for fitness throughout the entirety of his career, so a competent back-up in the form of Doig is required.

Jack Ross, who handed Doig his senior debut at Hibs, praised his “excellent” performances back in 2020. Since then, his game has reached a whole new level since making the move to Italy, scoring three goals and posting seven assists. That isn’t bad going for a defender, particularly as he only ever scored once for Hibs.

Mark Atkinson of the Scotsman believes that his ‘pace, physique and athleticism’ are his primary attributes, making him very much like Tierney in that regard, but also like Cristiano Ronaldo.

Yes, that was the view of former Hibs teammate Lewis Stevenson, who said in 2022: “He hasthe potential to go to the top level. He is 6 foot 3, fast, strong. Even just looking at him with his top off – without meaning to sound creepy – he looks like Ronaldo, with that kind of physique. He just is an athlete.”

So, let’s analyse how he compares to Taylor this season.

Appearances

31

43

Minutes

2,338

3,141

Pass completion %

77.4%

83.5%

Interceptions per 90

0.6

0.6

Tackles per 90

0.6

1.3

Clearances per 90

2

1.9

Ball recoveries

87

21

% of dribblers tackled

41.4%

77.8%

% of ground duels won

52%

58.3%

% of aerial duels won

55.6%

43.3%

As the table shows, Taylor does come out on top for a few metrics, but Doig’s statistics are comparable across the board, notably racking up more clearances and ball recoveries, as well as winning a higher percentage of aerial duels, suggesting he’d shore up the defence.

Also, according to Global Football Rankings, the youngster was doing his work at a higher level, with Serie B rated the 19th strongest league in the world, while the Scottish Premiership is down at 43rd.

Still only 23 years old, there is plenty of time for Doig to get better and, given Tierney’s injury record, should he arrive at Parkhead, there would be plenty of minutes available to him, if he chooses to swap green and black stripes for green and white hoops.

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Celtic can officially start to complete all of their business, inwards and outward, after the summer transfer window opened for business on Sunday.

The Hoops secured the Scottish Premiership title and the League Cup during the 2024/25 campaign, as they missed out on the treble by losing to Aberdeen in the final of the SFA Cup in the final game of the season.

Brendan Rodgers could look to bolster his squad during the summer transfer window in a bid to secure the treble next season, whilst also improving in the Champions League, after his side lost in the play-off round this term.

In order to improve his options, the Northern Irish head coach could repeat the blinder he played with Moussa Dembele all the way back in the summer of 2016.

Celtic could repeat their Moussa Dembele masterclass

During his first transfer window at Parkhead, Rodgers swooped to sign the French striker from English side Fulham after his contract down south expired.

Transfer Focus

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

The Hoops were able to snap him up on a ‘free transfer’, although they did have to pay £500k in compensation due to his age, and it turned out to be a blinder of a deal.

Dembele went on to plunder a staggering 51 goals in 94 matches for Celtic in all competitions before signing for Lyon in a deal worth almost £20m, which meant that the Scottish giants made a significant profit on the striker.

Celtic could, now, repeat that blinder by signing another EFL star whose contract is running down, as The Scottish Sun recently reported that Blackburn Rovers attacker Tyrhys Dolan is of interest to the club.

Norwich and Rangers are also said to be keen on the winger, who is out of contract at Ewood Park this summer, and there could be a battle for his signature.

Why Tyrhys Dolan could be Moussa Dembele 2.0

Rodgers could repeat his Dembele masterclass because Dolan would arrive for a compensation package that would be lower than the £10m Blackburn reportedly value him at, due to his contract situation.

At the age of 23, he would arrive at Parkhead as a young talent with time ahead of him to develop and improve during his time at Parkhead, just as the French attacker did.

Dolan, once hailed as “outstanding” by manager John Eustace, could be a low-risk and low-cost signing from the lower leagues in England, but with the potential to be a star for the Hoops if he adapts well.

As you can see in the table above, Dolan provided quality as both a scorer and a creator of goals in the Championship during the 2024/25 campaign, despite playing for a side that finished in midtable, with 14 direct goal contributions for his side.

As part of a Celtic team that have won the last four Premiership titles in succession, a team that is able to dominate matches on a regular basis, the 23-year-old star could have more opportunities to showcase his ability to score and create goals from a right-wing position.

With this in mind, Dolan could take his game, and his output in front of goal, to the next level by playing for a side that is more suited to his attacking qualities.

This means that the English dynamo could score more goals and provide more assists than the 14 he managed in the Championship by virtue of playing in a Celtic team that is constantly on the front foot and looking for the next goal.

Therefore, Rodgers could repeat his Dembele blinder by signing Dolan to come in and potentially increase his value by delivering goals and assists on a regular basis in Scotland to make him worth the £10m Blackburn currently value him at, or perhaps worth even more further down the line.

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2

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And, if it does not work out then Celtic will not have lost too much money on it, as they would not have with Dembele either, due to the low compensation that it would cost to get done.

With Ipswich Town suffering relegation back down to the Championship, there must be a fear in the air that they could suffer the same fate as Luton Town.

Like the Hatters, the Tractor Boys sealed an unexpected place in the top-flight but since then, Luton have found themselves on the end of back-to-back relegations.

Of course, Kieran McKenna will look to the examples of both Burnley and Leeds United instead as clubs who have been able to lick their wounds quickly after sinking back down to the EFL, but it’s not set in stone that the Tractor Boys will rise back up to the Premier League in a flash.

Any effort made towards achieving instant promotion will be made a lot harder by Liam Delap’s impending exit from Portman Road, with the young Englishman now closing in on a move to Chelsea.

Latest update on Delap's Ipswich future

If it wasn’t for Delap leading the line, Ipswich’s 2024/25 campaign would have been a lot more grim towards the foot of the top-flight table.

Indeed, a large 12 of the Tractor Boys’ overall 33 league strikes came courtesy of the ex-Manchester City man’s magic firepower in front of goal, but not even Delap’s best efforts have been able to keep his lowly side from succumbing to the drop.

But, off the back of being such a livewire in an otherwise despondent group, Delap attracted interest from a plethora of top-flight sides including Manchester United, Everton, Newcastle United and, of course, the Blues.

The Daily Mail revealed earlier this week that he had held talks with four potential sides over leaving Suffolk behind, with his low £30m release clause tickling the fancy of many a Premier League outfit.

As it is, Enzo Maresca’s side have emerged victorious from that hotly-contested battle, with Fabrizio Romano outlining that the striker is set to undergo a medical on Monday, ahead of moving to Stamford Bridge.

Whilst losing Delap would be devastating, not every departure this summer needs to be equally as soul-destroying.

The Ipswich star who must now be axed

McKenna will believe that he can steer Ipswich straight back up to the big time, having already achieved two memorable promotions from the Portman Road dug-out.

But, he could well have to be cut-throat in who he allows to leave the building if he wants instant success, with long-standing Ipswich servant Sam Morsy one face he might have to contemplate letting leave.

After all, whilst the Egyptian veteran did captain both of those promotion-winning sides, he showed worrying signs of rust when thrown into the side last season.

It resulted in Morsy only picking up a weak one goal and one assist from 31 starts, which is way off his three goals and six assists tally during the 2023/24 campaign.

Additionally, despite falling down the pecking order in Suffolk somewhat, Morsy still pockets a higher wage per week than Tractor Boys stalwart Leif Davis, with the left-back also eyeing up a major move away from Ipswich now, with Nottingham Forest rumoured to be keen.

George Hirst

£27.5k-per-week

26

3

1

Jack Clarke

£25k-per-week

32

0

4

Jaden Philogene

£25k-per-week

21

2

0

Liam Delap

£20k-per-week

37

12

2

Leif Davis

£25k-per-week

33

1

2

Amazingly, Morsy’s £30k-per-week salary means he earns more than all of the Ipswich first team figures above, with the Tractor Boys number five even raking in £10k-per-week more than 12-goal hero Delap.

McKenna might well want to keep Morsy around for one final season before his Ipswich contract runs down, knowing full well that he knows what it takes to play his part in a successful EFL campaign.

But, before he declines even more, it could well be the most appropriate course of action to move on Morsy now.

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