All posts by h716a5.icu

Leeds United fans would have entered Elland Road on Monday full of both nerves and excitement, knowing that one more win and Sheffield United failing to win in a showdown with Burnley in the Championship would clinch promotion.

Well, the Whites certainly kept to their end of the bargain in West Yorkshire with Daniel Farke’s hosts hammering a petrified Stoke City side 6-0 in front of their jubilant home masses and after the Blades later went on to lose against the Clarets, promotion to the Premier League was sealed in spectacular fashion at the second time of asking.

Joel Piroe – who has had his fair share of critics in recent weeks for his wasteful showings – staggeringly chipped in with four of the strikes, with the Dutchman a man possessed in front of goal as he became their promotion hero.

Piroe's remarkable performance vs Stoke City

Heading into this big clash against Mark Robins’ visitors earlier today, Piroe was deep in a barren patch of form, with nine Championship clashes passing him by without finding the net.

He more than made up for these lacklustre showings on Monday, however, as the deadly 25-year-old sucker-punched Stoke with two goals inside the first ten minutes.

Constantly in the right place at the right time to tap home, Piroe would go on to secure a memorable hat-trick inside a bonkers 20 minutes after his early brace, before further managing to fire home his fourth of the remarkable day four minutes before the half-time interval.

Now up to a league-high 19 strikes for the season in the second tier, the ex-Swansea City man will be hoping he can be equally as clinical for the Whites if Premier League football returns to Elland Road, with this whirlwind win pulling them ever closer back to the promised land.

But, whilst Piroe obviously delivered a display of the highest order, he wasn’t the only Whites performer against the Potters who was near faultless…

Performance in Numbers

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

10/10 Leeds star was as good as Piroe

Nobody in Leeds white exactly let the team down in all fairness, with every single player picked by Farke singing off the same hymn sheet to secure a huge three points.

While the attack were en song at Elland Road, the two full-backs were in fine fettle too, evoking memories of Ian Harte in his prime, charging forward to contribute in the final third with Junior Firpo finding the net and Jayden Bogle running the Stoke defence ragged.

Minutes played

90

Goals scored

0

Assists

1

Touches

63

Accurate passes

28/42 (67%)

Shots

2

Key passes

1

Successful dribbles

3/3

Interceptions

2

Tackles

4

Total duels won

10/12

He has had a fine season in West Yorkshire to date after dramatically leaving Sheffield United behind for Leeds last summer.

The gung-ho full-back would get in on the act when assisting Piroe’s second of the day, taking Bogle’s assist count for the season all the way up to a weighty four, on top of his stunning six strikes, while he also hit the post in the build-up to Piroe’s fourth.

Bogle would constantly maraud forward and leave Stoke shirts in the dust – seen in his 100% dribble completion rate – leading to Leeds reporter Graham Smyth to remark that the expansive 24-year-old “absolutely mullered” the Potters across a breathtaking first half.

But, the ex-Blades defender also looked strong defensively when infrequently called into action, with four tackles and ten duels won to preserve Leeds’ likely clean sheet.

Unsurprisingly, the aforementioned Smyth dished out a flawless 10/10 rating to Bogle post-match too, waxing lyrical further that he “tortured” Robins’ visitors who just had no answer to the home side’s persistent waves of attacks.

Come the full-time whistle, Leeds simply looked top-flight bound after brushing aside Stoke with ease, with both Bogle and Piroe ready for the challenge of Premier League football.

Farke can repeat Meslier trick by dropping "anonymous" Leeds flop

Daniel Farke can repeat the trick he played with Illan Meslier by dropping this Leeds United flop.

ByDan Emery Apr 18, 2025

Wolverhampton Wanderers’ fortunes have been transformed under the leadership of Vitor Pereria.

Indeed, since being appointed on December 19 last year, the former Porto boss has guided the Old Gold away from the relegation zone, securing another season in the Premier League.

Wolves have defeated Manchester United (twice), Aston Villa, and Tottenham Hotspur during that time frame.

Premier League

Manchester United

Won 1-0

Premier League

Tottenham Hotspur

Won 4-2

Premier League

Ipswich Town

Won 2-1

Premier League

West Ham United

Won 1-0

Premier League

Southampton

Won 2-1

Their recent victory over the Red Devils meant it was the first time since the 1970s that they had completed the league double over them.

Several players shone, but Marshall Munetsi was one player who failed to contribute much for the Old Gold.

Wolves must drop Marshall Munetsi

The midfielder only arrived at Molineux in the winter transfer window and has featured 11 times for the club, scoring and assisting once apiece.

Against United, he was once again deployed as an attacking midfielder alongside Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian was impressive in what looked like a potential audition, but the January signing struggled.

He completed only 13 passes while winning just two of his 12 contested ground duels, being bullied in one-on-one scenarios.

The midfielder failed to register a single shot during the game, while failing to either make a key pass or create a single big chance in what was a poor performance overall.

As such, he was even awarded a rating of just 6/10 for his display by 90min and, against Leicester this afternoon, he must be dropped from the starting XI.

Chalkboard

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

After his match-winning goal against the Old Trafford side, Pablo Sarabia is certainly deserving of a start against the Foxes.

Why Pablo Sarabia must start for Wolves

Sarabia may have only played 16 minutes of the clash against United, but he made the most of his time on the field. With just over ten minutes left in the game, the Spaniard scored with a delightful free-kick, which sealed all three points for the away side.

The former PSG star has only played 19 league games for the club this season, yet he has still managed to score three goals, record two assists, create two big chances, and succeed with 67% of his dribbles in that time.

The “technically gifted” gem, as so dubbed by writer Charlie Gregory after the Old Trafford victory, has proven time and time again that he has the ability to create plenty for the Old Gold.

Leicester have conceded 73 goals this season, the second-worst record in the entire top flight. With the club secure in their Premier League status, now is the time to unleash Sarabia, who could run amok against this poor defence.

The 32-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, but as shown against Man United, he is still able to deliver when it really matters.

Pereira must give him a spot in the starting XI against the Foxes this weekend. Another positive showing might just go a long way in securing the maestro an extension on his current deal.

Exciting Cunha replacement: Wolves want to sign £45m star on loan

Wolves could lose Matheus Cunha in the summer transfer window.

ByConnor Holden Apr 24, 2025

Looking towards the summer transfer window, Aston Villa have now reportedly joined the race to sign a 15-goal striker alongside a number of their Premier League rivals.

Aston Villa's UCL hopes still alive

With two Premier League games remaining, Aston Villa still have some hope of qualifying for the Champions League. They need Chelsea, Newcastle United or Manchester City to slip up, but must do their own job to stand a chance.

Imagine him & Nypan: Aston Villa open talks to sign Jhon Duran 2.0

Aston Villa could sign an ideal player for Nypan this summer

ByRoss Kilvington May 9, 2025

They did their bit on Saturday night after seeing off Bournemouth away from home, winning 1-0 thanks to Ollie Watkins’ strike and some heroic defending, despite a late red card for Jacob Ramsey.

Victory at Bournemouth means that Villa have put the pressure firmly on rivals Nottingham Forest, while they are now poised to pounce following Man City’s draw at Southampton and ahead of Chelsea’s trip to Newcastle.

By qualifying for the Champions League, Villa would instantly ease any financial concerns and be in a position to compete for some of Europe’s most interesting talents in the transfer market once again. And that could yet see a Champions League finalist make his way to the Midlands.

Aston Villa join Goncalo Ramos race

According to CaughtOffside, Aston Villa have now joined the hectic race to sign Goncalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain this summer. The forward is reportedly open to leaving the French champions in a bid to gain a starting role elsewhere.

Sparking interest from Villa, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle among others, the Portugal international, who shares an agent with Marco Asensio, isn’t exactly short on suitors.

Amid recent rumours that Chelsea and others are interested in signing Ollie Watkins this summer, Ramos could emerge as an ideal option for those at Villa Park.

Even without consistent starts at PSG, the 23-year-old has showcased his quality by scoring an impressive 15 goals in all competitions following their Champions League semi-final victory over Arsenal in midweek.

After an “outrageous” start to his Portugal career, according to football talent scout Jacek Kulig, Ramos will be desperate to take his international form to club level on a more consistent basis this summer – something that Aston Villa could yet offer him.

Leeds United’s forward line has led them to huge success in the Championship throughout the 2024/25 campaign, helping Daniel Farke’s side claim the league title.

The Whites registered a staggering tally of 95 goals in their 46 league outings, an average of 2.1 per game – by far and away the highest tally in the division.

Striker Joel Piroe claimed the Golden Boot last time around, netting 19 times in his 46 appearances, finishing one goal ahead of Norwich City talisman Borja Sainz.

However, if Farke’s side are to have any chance of securing Premier League survival next campaign, they will need to invest in the playing squad to bridge the gap between the two divisions.

The centre-forward position in particular has already seen numerous players linked, including multiple players who are already plying their trade in England’s top flight.

The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of a new striker

Richarlison has been one name thrown into the mix to join Leeds this summer, after struggling to nail down a regular starting role at Tottenham Hotspur in recent years.

The Brazilian has started just four league games this campaign, notching four goals for Ange Postecoglou’s men, in what has been a disappointing campaign for Spurs.

Jamie Vardy is another player linked with a switch to Elland Road this summer, after announcing he would be departing Leicester City when his current contract at the King Power expires.

The 38-year-old has spent the last 13 years of his career with the Foxes, registering 199 goals – potentially offering Farke’s side an experienced and Premier League-proven option in attacking areas.

However, despite the links to the aforementioned talents in recent weeks, another player in England’s top-flight has also been touted with a move, but the club would be better off looking elsewhere, given their respective stats.

Why one Leeds target would be a better signing than Beto

Everton striker Beto is one of the latest names on the list of targets for Leeds over the last couple of weeks, as the manager looks to bolster the options at his disposal.

The 27-year-old, who joined the Toffees for £30m in the summer of 2023, has been inconsistent at Goodison Park, often being in and out of the side and sharing the role with Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

However, he’s still managed to register eight league goals throughout 2024/25, potentially being a reasonable option for the Whites, should they land him at a competitive price.

Despite the interest in the former Udinese star, Farke should be pursuing a move for fellow target Troy Parrott, with the Irishman undoubtedly a better option.

The 23-year-old, who currently plies his trade for AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands, has emerged as a target in recent weeks, but he may not come cheap consider some reports suggest the Dutch outfit won’t accept offers below at least £21m.

He’s registered a staggering 20 goals in his 45 appearances across all competitions this campaign, excelling in his first season at his current employers.

However, his impressive figures don’t stop there, massively outperforming Beto with his underlying stats, highlighting why he would be a better option this summer.

Games played

28

28

Goals & assists

16

8

Progressive carries

1.3

0.7

Goals per shot-on-target

0.4

0.3

Pass accuracy

70%

56%

Shot-creating actions

2.7

1.3

Passes into the final third

0.9

0.4

Parrott, who’s been labelled “phenomenal” by former boss Ryan Lowe, has also notched a higher goal per shot-on-target rate than the Everton ace – further highlighting his clinical nature in the final third.

He’s also completed more passes this season, whilst making more passes into the final third, handing the other attackers at Elland Road the opportunity to bolster their own tallies.

Their interest in his signature has been reiterated in recent weeks, but so far, it’s unclear how much a deal for the Spurs academy graduate would set them back this summer.

However, there’s no denying that the hierarchy should be pursuing a move for his signature over Beto’s, with the 21-year-old having bags of time to continue his development and be a potential star in Yorkshire.

He'd be Farke's next Buendia: Leeds make enquiry to sign special £35m star

Leeds United have already wasted no time in making a move to land one Premier League star this summer.

1 ByEthan Lamb May 15, 2025

When will Rangers unveil their new manager at Ibrox?

On Saturday, the Gers concluded their generally miserable campaign at Easter Road, held to a 2-2 draw, with top-scorer Cyriel Dessers and Rangers Player of the Season Nicolas Raskin on target in Edinburgh.

As Scottish Premiership runners-up, the Light Blues will start next season early with a Champions League second qualifying round tie on 22 or 23 July, currently projected to face one of Brann from Norway, Swiss side Servette or Austria Vienna.

Thus, with that first leg a mere 62 days away already, 49ers Enterprises are under pressure to appoint a new Rangers manager very quickly, so who is on their shortlist?

Rangers' new manager search

According to a report by Sky Sports News, six men are ‘under consideration’ to become the new Rangers manager.

They are: Steven Gerrard, Davide Ancelotti, Russell Martin, Rob Edwards, Danny Röhl and Gary O’Neil.

Ever since it was confirmed that his father, Carlo, will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season, becoming the new Brazil manager, it has been widely reported, including by Madrid-based outlet AS, that Davide is one of the front-runners to land the Rangers job.

Meantime, Gerrard remains one of the leading candidates too, with Mike McGrath of the Telegraph documenting how the 49ers have held a longstanding interest in bringing the Englishman back to Ibrox.

Of the six names mentioned, only Röhl is currently employed by a club, and he is ‘considering’ leaving Sheffield Wednesday, as reported by David Ornstein of the Athletic, but Rangers should not go for him, nor Gerrard nor Ancelotti, with another member of the short list making the most sense.

Who Rangers should appoint as their new manager

Rob Edwards may be a name unfamiliar to a large majority of the Rangers support, but he could be an excellent appointment.

Let’s have a look at the 42-year-old’s senior managerial career so far.

AFC Telford United

2017-18

49

20

Forest Green Rovers

2021-22

53

26

League Two title

Watford

2022

11

3

Luton Town

2022-25

104

33

Championship promotion

Edwards’ biggest career achievement to date is, without question, leading Luton Town into the Premier League which was a miraculous achievement.

The Hatters were relegated after one season in the top-flight, before Edwards departed by mutual consent back in January of this year, with the club actually going on to suffer a second successive relegation, now finding themselves in EFL League One.

Nevertheless, this should take away from Edwards’ impact at Kenilworth Road, with journalist James Cunliffe noting that he did an “outstanding” job at Luton, while Mark Ogden of ESPN praises his “ultra-positive” ​​​​​​​style of play, something that would no doubt go down well with those at Ibrox.

Meantime, Exeter City midfielder Edward Francis, who played for Edwards at youth level, praised his exceptional “man-management​​​​​​​” and “communication skills”, adding “he always treats people well and is honest with them”.

So, Edwards is clearly a young manager on the up, which is in contrast to Gerrard.

The 44-year-old’s time at Aston Villa was disastrous, as documented by Gregg Evans of the Athletic, while he was then also sacked by Saudi Pro League side Al-Ettifaq​​​​​​​ back in January following an underwhelming 18-month stint in the Middle East.

So, Gerrard’s last two managerial jobs do not suggest he is the right man for the Ibrox dugout, although he was successful during his first stint in Govan, delivering the club’s first Premiership title for a decade, historically ending Celtic’s quest for ten-in-a-row.

So, reappointing Gerrard would probably be the safe option, as he is a known quantity in Glasgow, but the 49ers should be braver and hire an up-and-coming coach with the potential to get even better, and Edwards certainly fits that bill.

Rangers can forget Ancelotti by hiring manager who's a "joy to watch"

Rangers must move on from Davide Ancelotti to appoint this British head coach.

ByDan Emery May 19, 2025

After confirming the news that Kieran Tierney will rejoin the club following the end of his Arsenal contract this summer, Celtic have reportedly reached an agreement to seal another cut-price deal.

Celtic re-sign Kieran Tierney

Six years on from making the decision to leave Scotland in favour of a move to Arsenal, Tierney has put pen to paper and will rejoin Celtic when the summer transfer window swings open. The left-back has brought an end to a mixed Arsenal spell and, ultimately, one dominated by injuries instead of a flying full-back leaving his mark in North London.

2019/20

19

2020/21

19

2021/22

17

2022/23

N/A

2023/24

21

2024/25

18

Despite missing a total of 94 games through injury during his time at Arsenal and on loan at Real Sociedad, Gunners boss Mikel Arteta made sure to mention the impact that Tierney has had on the dressing room in North London.

The Spaniard told reporters after the left-back scored in his final game for the club: “He said it yesterday, I’m going to score on my last Arsenal match and he’s done it. So credit to him. A special thank you to him. He’s been part of this journey and he’s won with me. It’s true that he went to Sociedad for a few months, but it’s been a joy to work with him.

“A really special character and we wish him and his family all the very best. The doors of this club are open for him. He’s someone very, very liked at the club, in the dressing room and we want to wish him the best.”

Celtic player told to leave with Hoops set to cut contract short

The Hoops have made an intriguing decision.

BySean Markus Clifford May 26, 2025

Whilst Celtic may have their concerns about Tierney’s injury history, they know about his quality more than most and will be desperate to see him get back to his best back in Scotland. It may well be the summer of bargains for the Bhoys too, with another agreement now reportedly reached.

Celtic reach agreement to sign Doohan – Sky Sports

According to Sky Sports’ Anthony Joseph, Celtic have now reached an agreement to sign Ross Doohan from Aberdeen on a free transfer upon the expiry of his current contract this summer. The goalkeeper will reportedly arrive to replace third-choice option Scott Bain, who will be allowed to leave the Scottish Premiership champions in the forthcoming transfer window.

Although Doohan is unlikely to steal the same headlines as Tierney, he could be an important arrival in his own right. The 27-year-old earned high praise from Aberdeen captain Graeme Shinnie back in December when he stepped up from his backup role.

Shinnie told reporters after a narrow defeat against Celtic: “I thought he was brilliant. He has waited a long time to get this chance. Unfortunate to lose Dimi obviously but those moments give other people opportunities and I thought Ross did brilliantly when called upon.”

Birmingham City is no longer a sleeping giant aiming to take a lower league by storm.

Now, the Blues are back in the ultra-competitive Championship, desperate to prove that they belong at the level, with an ambition in their veins to push on even more after lifting the League One title with ease.

Mega-rich Birmingham chairman Tom Wagner has even been hyping up the prospect of Chris Davies’ men being back in the Premier League by 2026 coming around, meaning the Blues will have to instantly take the EFL’s elite league by storm on their reentry.

It will be intriguing to see if all this pressure on Birmingham’s back hurts their progress, but the step up a league will also be an opportunity for the likes of Paik Seung-Ho to show they can strut their stuff in a more difficult environment, away from breaking the bank to fund their top-flight dreams.

Paik's performances in League One

Whilst Davies and Co. did bring in some proven EFL faces such as Alfie May and Jay Stansfield last summer, the Blues had sanctioned some left-field moves before their relegation took place, particularly when Paik arrived at St. Andrew’s from South Korean side Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors in January of 2024.

Thankfully for Birmingham, it didn’t take long for Paik to get up to speed with his new surroundings, with the midfield maestro even netting a solitary goal in the Championship before they fell to the third tier.

The energetic 28-year-old ended up being a key part of the Birmingham side down a division too, with the Blues number 13 collecting another strike in league action as his confident team were resoundingly crowned champions, on top of also registering three assists.

Yet, now as they venture back up to the Championship, the ambitious Blues could soon land an upgrade on the stylish South Korean by signing this former Manchester United youth product.

Birmingham's search for a midfielder

Birmingham have had lots of success in the past when purchasing former Red Devils prodigies, with the likes of Tahith Chong and Jesse Lingard shining at St. Andrew’s briefly, before spreading their wings elsewhere.

Indeed, Chong registered 13 goals and assists in 61 games for the Midlands side, with Lingard previously racking up nine goal involvements in just 13 outings on loan at the club.

Charlie Savage’s name could soon be thrown into this mix, with a previous report from Football Insider revealing that Birmingham are prepared to battle it out for the £2m-rated star’s services, amidst interest also coming from Wrexham, Blackburn Rovers, and Portsmouth.

Much like Paik, Savage is fresh off a standout season in League One, albeit in a Reading side with many off-field struggles that nearly derailed matters on the pitch.

When looking at the table below, too, it could be argued that the Royals’ number eight is even an upgrade on his South Korean counterpart, with Savage tallying up more goals and assists last season for Noel Hunt’s men when weighed up next to Paik’s lesser output.

Games played

45

41

Goals scored

5

1

Assists

9

3

Touches*

47.8

66.2

Accurate passes*

27.0 (80%)

45.2 (88%)

Key passes*

1.3

1.0

Big chances created

5

8

Big chances missed

3

3

Ball recoveries*

3.7

4.0

Total duels won*

2.3

4.4

Amazingly, despite averaging fewer touches per match last season in League One, Savage would better Paik’s goal-and-assist tally by a whopping ten, with the 22-year-old’s effectiveness in forward areas perhaps a useful weapon for the Blues to call upon as they strive to ruffle feathers back in the Championship.

He does fall flat when weighing up their respective ball recovery and duels won numbers, but that’s where Tomoki Iwata could come to the rescue in any potential duo, with Iwata just about trumping Paik with 4.5 ball recoveries averaged per third-tier clash.

Hailed as “first class” by former Wales manager Rob Page when first thrown into the Red Dragons senior side, Savage should, in theory, be able to immediately slot into Davies’ team and take to the pressures of the Championship well, resulting in Paik having to make do with a spot in the background.

Shades of Jordan James: Birmingham join race to sign £2m EFL star

Birmingham City could soon sign a rising gem reminiscent of Jordan James.

ByKelan Sarson Jun 5, 2025

Arsenal are looking to strengthen their squad in almost all areas ahead of another Premier League title challenge next season, but up until now we’ve heard precious little in regard to new defenders on their radar.

Arsenal missed out on Dean Huijsen to Real Madrid

While a new addition to their backline isn’t exactly reported as a key item on Andrea Berta’s agenda, the Gunners did attempt to sign Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth, before his high-profile move to Real Madrid.

Star's agents fume over rejected Arsenal bid amid "constant contact"

The Gunners are in touch all of the time.

ByEmilio Galantini Jun 14, 2025

Arsenal were among the elite Premier League clubs attempting to lure the Spaniard, with Liverpool and Chelsea also showing a keen interest before Xabi Alonso’s side ultimately won the race for his signature.

19/20 – winter

£0

20/21 – summer

£81.5m

20/21 – winter

£900k

21/22 – summer

£156.8m

21/22 – winter

£1.8m

22/23 – summer

£121.5m

22/23 – winter

£59m

23/24 – summer

£208m

23/24 – winter

£0

24/25 – summer

£101.5m

24/25 – winter

£0

All three sides were ready to trigger his previous £50 million release clause at one stage, according to Fabrizio Romano, with Arsenal also presenting a formal contract offer to Huijsen’s representatives (Cadena SER).

After missing out on Huijsen, Arsenal’s pursuit of a centre-back appears to have been reduced to Berta’s backburner, with Mikel Arteta already boasting Jakub Kiwior, William Saliba, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel all able to play at the heart of his defence.

A recent new deal for the latter also mitigates the immediate need for another centre-back, and even if AC Milan formalise their interest in Kiwior and sign the Poland international, any new defender would potentially need to accept their role as a back-up option behind Gabriel and Saliba.

There are reports of Arsenal holding discussions over 19-year-old Ajax sensation Jorrel Hato, who can play at both left-back and centre-back, and he’d be an ideal alternative to Arteta’s star centre-back duo.

A centre-half doesn’t appear completely off the table, with Lille defender Alexsandro now attracting interest from Berta too.

Arsenal hold initial talks over signing Alexsandro from Lille

The 25-year-old made his first senior appearances for Brazil recently after a fine season in Ligue 1, starting both of their World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay, and Arsenal have taken note of his exploits in 2025.

According to UOL, Arsenal scouts were present to watch him in action against Paraguay, and Alexsandro is considering an exit from Lille this summer, so he could be available for Berta.

What’s more, Arsenal have made initial contact over signing Alexsandro, and are said to be fans of the defender, but face competition from Serie A champions Napoli.

He has a market value of around £26 million as well, but after his excellent 2024/2025 at Lille, the French side could well demand more after losing both Angel Gomes and Jonathan David for free.

Scoring goals hasn’t been an issue for Tottenham Hotspur throughout 2024/25, with the club posting one of the best tallies in the division over the course of 38 games.

The Lilywhites registered 64 goals in the Premier League under Ange Postecoglou, a record that was only bettered by six other sides in the division – three of which occupied a place in the top five.

However, despite such a record, it appears as though the club are plotting moves for numerous reinforcements in such a department, with new boss Thomas Frank wanting added options at his disposal.

The Dane took the reins after the Aussie was dismissed by owner Daniel Levy, having a huge job in his hands to lead the side back up the Premier League in 2025/26.

It’s evident that he will have money at his disposal to spend on players he sees fit, but it’s crucial that the right additions are made to avoid a repeat of the recent campaign.

The latest on Frank’s hunt for new additions at Spurs

In their attempts to land a new attacker this window, OGC Nice talisman Evann Guessand has emerged as an option for Spurs, after making contact with the Ligue 1 outfit over a potential deal.

He’s not alone in that aspect, with talks also being held over a deal which would see Brentford striker Yoane Wissa follow his former boss across the capital this summer.

However, despite the aforementioned stars, RB Leipzig forward Xavi Simons has again emerged as a target, according to Ben Jacobs’ update with TBR Football.

He claims that the Lilywhites hierarchy have made an enquiry to land the Dutch international, who registered 10 goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this season.

The report also states that Levy and Co have asked about how much a deal for the 22-year-old would cost this window after his impressive form in recent years.

Why Simons would be a better signing than Eze for Spurs

At this point, it feels as though there hasn’t been a window in recent history in which Crystal Palace star Eberechi Eze hasn’t been linked with a move to join Spurs.

This summer appears no different with rumours already emerging linking the England international with a move across the capital to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

However, this time around, the competition for the 26-year-old’s signature is likely to be higher given his success with the Eagles, which saw him net the winner in the FA Cup final.

It’s been reported that he does currently have a £68m release clause in his current contract at Selhurst Park, but it remains to be seen if Oliver Glasner’s side would be willing to negotiate a cheaper deal.

Regardless of any interest in Eze during the off-season, the board should look past a move for his signature, subsequently pursuing a move for Simons instead.

When comparing the pair’s respective stats from the recent season, the Leipzig talent has registered more goals, highlighting the threat he can add to Spurs should he move to North London.

Simons, who’s been labelled “one of the best youngsters in Europe” by Alex Barker at The Athletic, has also completed more of the passes he’s attempted, and posted more progressive passes per 90 – handing other attackers at the club the chance to bolster their own tallies.

Games played

25

34

Goals scored

10

8

Progressive carries

3.6

2.4

Progressive passes

5.9

3.3

Shot-on-target accuracy

46%

27%

Pass accuracy

79%

74%

Passes into final third

3.3

1.7

Carries into final third

3

1.6

The youngster’s also starred with his ball-carrying, registering nearly two times more carries into the final third per 90, showcasing his desire to get forward at any given moment.

Given the difference between the aforementioned duo this campaign, it’s evident that Simons would be a better signing for Frank in the coming months in his attempts for sure success.

Should he carry over his skillset to England, it would be a sensational addition that would allow the club to have a leading European star in their side for many years to come.

Frank's answer to Dembele: Spurs now eyeing £85m "ball-carrying machine"

Tottenham Hotspur have made a move to land a star who could emulate Moussa Dembele’s success.

1 ByEthan Lamb Jun 18, 2025

Du Plooy makes fifty against former team before Roland-Jones unbeaten stand

ECB Reporters Network23-Jun-2024 Middlesex 342 for 7 (Higgins 107, du Plooy 57, Roland-Jones 51*) vs DerbyshireRyan Higgins again proved the saviour of Middlesex as the hosts fought back from early trouble to post 342 for 7 against visitors Derbyshire on day one at Lord’s.The Zimbabwean-born all-rounder battled to a fourth century of the season from 152 balls, reaching his ton in the grand manner with a six into the Mound Stand as the hosts recovered from 189 for 6.Higgins and Seaxes skipper Toby Roland-Jones, whose 51 not out was his first championship half-century for 21 months, rewrote the record books with their unbroken eighth-wicket stand of 112 eclipsing that of 95 by Wilf Slack and Colin Metson set at the County Ground Derby in 1981.The late plunder was harsh on a Derbyshire attack who were excellent for much of the day, spinner Alex Thomson the pick of the bunch with 2 for 43.Middlesex’s decision to bat first on winning the toss was greeted by applause from the home faithful accustomed to seeing them insert opponents this season Ironically, it soon became clear their decision had been made on the sportiest wicket seen at Lord’s this campaign.Zak Chappell struck in the first over having Sam Robson taken at backward point, the former England opener back in the hutch without a run on the board. It set the tone for a fascinating morning’s cricket where Derbyshire’s bowlers extracted plenty of life and bounce from a green-tinged surface.Both Mark Stoneman and Max Holden had uncomfortable moments, the former nicking one from Chappell just short of slip, while the latter slashed another swinging ball from the probing Sam Connors wide of the close-catching cordon.The hosts appeared to have survived the worst when Stoneman flicked at a delivery wide down the leg-side from Anuj Dal, wicketkeeper Brooke Guest flying to his right to catch.New batter Leus du Plooy, playing against his former county, and Thomson began a gripping duel in the run-up to lunch, the batter looking fidgety and trying to give the bowler the charge, the spinner countering, mixing some tempting tossed up deliveries with others fired in short to stop his former teammate in his tracks.Holden was becalmed either side of lunch as the ball began to swing under increasing cloud cover and his patience ran out as he slashed a wide one to Aneurin Donald at slip.Again, Du Plooy and Higgins weathered a storm, the former unfurling some glorious extra-cover drives and playing a delicious late cut through third in advancing to his half-century.Thomson though proved his nemesis, when Du Plooy got too far away from one that bounced and gave Guest another catch to end a stand of 63.He’d also account for Nathan Fernandes before tea, a ball too close to cut, flying to Wayne Madsen at slip and when Jack Davies edged through to Guest five balls after the interval, Middlesex were 189 for 6.An unusually subdued Higgins, who’d been given a life on 33 when Donald grassed a chance at slip from a reverse sweep off Thomson, found sufficient rhythm to move through to 50 with five fours. Luke Hollman kept him company for a while before edging one from Daryn Pavillon to the diving Madsen at slip.With that, Higgins began to chance his arm and ride his luck, twice edging through the gap in the slip cordon to the fence at third, and with Toby Roland-Jones reviving memories of bygone days bat in hand with a couple of dreamy cover-drives the pair rattled up a 50-partnership in good time.The skipper broke his bat digging out a Connors Yorker and the change proved fruitful as he sent the next delivery over the short boundary into the Mound Stand. He later repeated the feat to raise the second batting bonus point and to compound Derbyshire’s growing frustration Higgins was reprieved a second time on 88 when a chance above head high at second slip fell to earth, Pavillon the unlucky bowler.He made the most of the let-off to reach his hundred in the death throes of the day, Roland-Jones’ landmark following shortly afterwards.