All posts by z3u9t.icu

Whilst game-week one gave us a taster, game-week two truly signalled the start of the drama in the Champions League. We saw VAR controversy, upset players and a timely reminder as to why Paris Saint-Germain are European champions even with a weakened line-up.

The French giants gradually picked Barcelona apart and eventually found their reward to make it two from two on Europe’s top stage. The same can’t be said for Liverpool and Manchester City, however, who failed to pick up where they left off. That said, out of Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot, it is the latter who will be most frustrated after suffering back-to-back defeats in all competitions.

So, in a week full of many twists and turns, who stands out as our biggest winners and losers in the Champions League?

Winners: Dier rattles Man City and Hojlund sparks Man Utd regret

Winner: Rasmus Hojlund (Napoli)

It’s a familiar story for Manchester United, isn’t it? Whilst the Red Devils watch on from outside of European qualification and a long way away from even considering Champions League football, their former players continue to thrive elsewhere. Last season, it was Scott McTominay. Now, it is Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.

The Napoli forward has already scored three goals in five games for the Italian giants – seven fewer than last season’s end total – and rounded off a fine evening in the Champions League with a brace against Ruben Amorim’s former side, Sporting Club.

What truly rubs salt in the Man United wounds is the fact that Hojlund, Anthony Elanga and Marcel Sabitzer – all former players – picked up the Man of the Match award for their current clubs in the Champions League this week while the Red Devils continue to struggle.

Winner: Goncalo Ramos (PSG)

Trying to get into that PSG frontline may well be the toughest task in European football. It now even includes a Ballon d’Or winner in Ousmane Dembele. But that’s not stopping Goncalo Ramos from knocking on the door of Luis Enrique’s frontline, desperately fighting for his place.

The Portugal international was at it again in the Champions League. After 19-year-old Senny Mayulu earned a starting place over him before scoring PSG’s equaliser against Barcelona, it was up to Ramos to emerge from the bench to find the winning goal and make a claim for his place once again.

Netting his third goal of the season and his second in as many Champions League games, Ramos continues to be one of the most underrated forwards in European football.

Winner: Eric Dier (AS Monaco)

A Bundesliga winner, versatile defender and now among Bernardo Silva’s football foes, Eric Dier is putting together quite the CV these days. The former Tottenham Hotspur star was accused of diving by the Man City midfielder to earn Monaco’s late penalty, which he converted to draw his side level, but insisted that there was contact in his post-match reaction.

After stealing a point from what seemed a certain defeat, both Monaco and Dier should be delighted with their latest Champions League outing. As for Man City, it’s yet another slip from what has become an increasingly-vulnerable side in the last 12 months.

Losers: Flick's high-line exposed and VAR steals headlines again

Loser: Hansi Flick (Barcelona)

A high-line is a game of risk and reward. Ask Jurgen Klopp and he’ll say that it played a crucial part in Liverpool’s best-ever Premier League side. Guardiola will also provide a similar answer from a Man City perspective. But Barcelona aren’t enjoying the same dominance.

Once again, Hansi Flick’s backline were left exposed in the Champions League. It arguably handed Inter Milan a route to the final last season in a thrilling semi-final and it has just provided PSG with an early scalp in their first defence. The Spanish giants are unlikely to change and former star Thierry Henry didn’t hold back with his verdict.

The former Barcelona star said: “You cannot play in the Champions League with that high-line, I’m sorry. When you play against good teams, you’re gonna get exposed and that’s exactly what happened. Any well-timed run, you go through on goal.”

Loser: Ibrahima Konate (Liverpool)

An exasperating, dramatic start to Liverpool’s season has quickly turned concerning. Suddenly, the late winners have stopped coming and their defensive vulnerability has remained, with Ibrahima Konate’s performances playing a large part in that. The Frenchman was suspect in a 2-1 defeat against Crystal Palace last weekend and struggled once again as Galatasaray shocked the Reds.

With the Frenchman’s contract coming to an end in less than 12 months and Real Madrid sniffing around, to say that his dip in form is poorly-timed would be an understatement.

Add on the fact that Arne Slot only has three senior centre-backs at his disposal and it’s clear that Konate must rediscover his best as soon as possible.

Loser: VAR

At risk of sounding like a broken record, it was another poor week for VAR in the Champions League. Galatasaray’s penalty, which was awarded after Baris Alper Yilmaz hit the deck following contentious contact from Dominik Szoboszlai, stood out as questionable on Tuesday night before Monaco’s late penalty against Man City caused more controversy.

Reports are also circulating that the VAR team chose the wrong frame to look at Ramos’ winning goal against Barcelona. New images show just how tight the call actually was in a moment that could have ended very differently.

Many believed that VAR’s introduction would eradicate refereeing mistakes or at least guide the headlines away from the referees. Years on, however, it is doing anything but.

Celtic’s dominance in Scotland has continued under Brendan Rodgers, and the Northern Irishman has worked with a number of star players at Parkhead during his two stints as manager who have gone on to bring in huge transfer fees for the Hoops.

But who is the club’s record departure? Here’s a look at Celtic’s most expensive sales in their history, as per Transfermarkt, with a detailed look at the top 10.

=1

Matt O’Riley

£25m

Brighton

2024

=1

Jota

£25m

Al-Ittihad

2023

=1

Kieran Tierney

£25m

Arsenal

2019

4

Moussa Dembele

£19.7m

Lyon

2018

5

Nicolas Kuhn

£16.5m

Como

2025

6

Odsonne Edouard

£14m

Crystal Palace

2021

7

Kristoffer Ajer

£13.5m

Brentford

2021

8

Virgil van Dijk

£13m

Southampton

2015

9

Victor Wanyama

£12.5m

Southampton

2013

10

Jeremie Frimpong

£11.5m

Bayer Leverkusen

2021

=11

Liel Abada

£10m

Charlotte FC

2024

=11

Kyogo Furuhashi

£10m

Rennes

2025

=11

Josip Juranovic

£10m

Union Berlin

2023

=11

Fraser Forster

£10m

Southampton

2014

15

Aiden McGeady

£9.5m

Spartak Moscow

2010

=16

Stuart Armstrong

£7m

Southampton

2018

=16

Mark Viduka

£7m

Leeds

2000

18

Stiliyan Petrov

£6.5m

Aston Villa

2006

=19

Ki Sung-yueng

£6m

Swansea City

2012

=19

Adam Idah

£6m

Swansea City

2025

Here's a detailed look at Celtic's top 10 sales… 10 Jeremie Frimpong £11.5m to Bayer Leverkusen, 2021

Jeremie Frimpong has had one of the more impressive post-Celtic careers, as his £11.5m move to Bayer Leverkusen has certainly worked out for the Dutchman.

Frimpong was a key part of the Leverkusen side which went unbeaten in their double-winning season in 2023/24, as well as reach the Europa League final, which proved to be their only defeat of the campaign.

Not only did Celtic receive a handsome fee following Frimpong’s departure, but they also had a 30% sell-on fee is in his Leverkusen contract, where he was sold to Liverpool for £30m in 2025.

9 Victor Wanyama £12.5m to Southampton, 2013

Celtic really found a gem in powerful central midfielder Victor Wanyama, making a huge profit on the fee they paid Beerschot in 2011, with Southampton paying £12.5m to take the Kenyan to the Premier League.

Wanyama made more than 90 appearances for Celtic in his two-year stay, starring in the Champions League before moving to the south coast.

8 Virgil van Dijk £13m to Southampton, 2015

Yet another player to depart for Southampton in the top 10 list is Virgil van Dijk, who is now regarded as one of the best centre-backs of the modern era.

The Hoops signed Van Dijk in 2013 from FC Groningen, and after winning back-to-back titles in Glasgow, he caught the eye of the Saints, who were managed by fellow Dutchman Ronald Koeman.

The south coast side paid £13m to lure Van Dijk to St Mary’s, before they received a then-world-record fee for a defender when Liverpool came calling in late 2017.

7 Kristoffer Ajer £13.5m to Brentford, 2021

Signed as a teenager after a trial with Celtic in 2016, Kristoffer Ajer grew into one of the best defenders in the Scottish Premiership.

The Norway international won three trebles in a row with Celtic between 2018 and 2020 before leaving the club in 2021 for London and Brentford. The Bees spent an initial £13.5m to bring him to the Gtech Community Stadium.

6 Odsonne Edouard £14m to Crystal Palace, 2021

One of Celtic’s record signings, Odsonne Edouard scored goals for fun at Parkhead after joining permanently from PSG.

In total, Edouard scored 87 goals in 179 games for the Hoops and was too good for the division when he left for Crystal Palace on deadline day in the summer of 2021, with the Eagles sealing a £14m deal.

5 Nicolas Kuhn £16.5m to Como, 2025

Nicolas Kuhn was Celtic’s high-profile transfer saga in the summer of 2025, with the Hoops not exactly splashing the cash despite receiving £16.5m for their star winger.

Serie A side Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, struck a deal with Celtic for Kuhn, who spent just £3m on the forward in January 2024.

4 Moussa Dembele £19.7m to Lyon, 2018

Another free-scoring French striker who brought in plenty of money was Moussa Dembele, who left three years before Edouard in 2018.

Dembele netted 51 times in 94 Celtic appearances and went on to be successful in a Lyon shirt. The Ligue 1 side paid close to £20m for the striker, with Celtic making a handsome profit in the process having signed him for around £500,000.

3 Kieran Tierney £25m to Arsenal, 2019

Kieran Tierney holds the record as Celtic’s joint-most expensive sale, as well as the outright record for an academy player, with the boyhood Hoops fan bringing in an eye-catching £25m in his move to Arsenal back in 2019.

The left-back fell out of favour at the Emirates and made the surprise move back to Celtic Park in 2025 on a free transfer.

2 Jota £25m to Al-Ittihad, 2023

After a memorable loan spell from Benfica, Celtic activated their option-to-buy clause to sign Jota in 2022.

However, after another impressive campaign at Parkhead, the Portuguese winger attracted interest from Saudi Arabia, with Al-Ittihad making him their club-record signing for £25m. Things didn’t work out for Jota with Al-Ittihad, signing for Rennes a year later before re-joining the Hoops.

1 Matt O’Riley £25m to Brighton, 2024

Also top of the charts as Celtic’s most expensive sale is midfielder Matt O’Riley, who cost the Hoops a tiny fee in comparison to what they sold him for this past summer.

Signed from MK Dons, O’Riley starred at Celtic Park and won his first caps for Denmark as a result, with Brighton spending £25m on his signature in 2024.

On Thursday, Saudi Pro League giants Al Hilal agreed an initial £46m deal with Liverpool for the transfer of Darwin Nunez, who has yet to complete his move but has said his goodbyes on Merseyside and jetted off to the Gulf for a medical.

What a ride. Entertaining at times, excruciating at others, Nunez leaves Liverpool as a Premier League campaign, but also having failed to ever live up to the promise that led Jurgen Klopp to champion his initial £64m signing from SL Benfica.

Arne Slot has worked wonders at Liverpool, but cracking this code proved beyond even his managerial capacity.

Nunez has been replaced by Hugo Ekitike, who left Eintracht Frankfurt and joined the Reds for £79m last month. Aged 23, the Frenchman arrived with similarly untapped potential, though confidence from the data analysts that they have hit the jackpot.

With Florian Wirtz having signed for a £100m fee too, which could rise to a British record £116m with add-ons, you’d think Liverpool are well equipped for the season ahead, but FSG still want another star to complete the set.

Especially since Luis Diaz has been sold to Bayern Munich for £65.5m, leaving space for the right player to join.

Alexander Isak, anyone?

The latest on Liverpool's search for forwards

Isak has achieved great things across his three years at Newcastle United, but his head has been turned by Slot and Liverpool and he has informed Eddie Howe of his wish to purchase a one-way ticket to Merseyside this summer.

Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, has already lodged a formal £110m offer for the Sweden striker, which was rejected, but efforts are ongoing, and those in the Anfield offices must be tacitly confident that they will secure the coveted signature.

The intensity with which Newcastle are fighting to sign a new centre-forward does make an interesting comment on Isak’s future, with his position at St. James’ Park surely untenable at this stage.

However, nothing is certain in the summer transfer window, the least of all Newcastle’s capacity to secure a suitable replacement for a striker as prolific as Isak.

Given that Diaz has departed and is now warming to life with Bayern Munich, Liverpool may not make their final offensive signing a number nine, should Isak slip through Hughes’ fingers.

Instead, Liverpool might choose to target a move for Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola, with reports dated earlier this week revealing that the Merseysiders have started their bid for the France international.

Barcola, 22, played an instrumental role in PSG winning the quadruple with Luis Enrique last season, and he has been priced at €100m (about £87m) as the Parisians attempt to ward off suitors.

Why Liverpool should sign Bradley Barcola

Barcola might still be young, but he dazzled as PSG laid ruin to European football last year, posting 21 goals and supplying 21 assists across 64 matches in all competitions.

The France international is principally a left-sided forward, but his clinical nature also lends itself to a role at centre-forward, having played on the alternate flanks before too.

It’s interesting to consider how he likely has plenty of levels left to scale, and more curious still that Slot has the track record of bringing the best out of up-and-coming talents like Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.

But Barcola’s artistry and obscene numbers across direct and creative berths suggest that he might even become Liverpool’s new version of Wirtz, who has yet to play a competitive fixture for the club but has demonstrated across recent years in his homeland that he is one of the most talented players of his generation.

Barcola’s fleet footwork and trophy-laden start to his career could see him emulate Wirtz and indeed become Slot’s latest version of the German superstar, who has actually been described as “probably the best midfielder in the world” by one-time Leverkusen striker Patrick Helmes.

24/25

45 (36)

15

16

23/24

49 (39)

18

20

22/23

25 (19)

4

8

21/22

31 (27)

10

14

20/21

38 (31)

8

8

19/20

9 (4)

1

–

But then Barcola, too, has catapulted himself into the elite sphere since swapping Lyon for PSG in 2023, with analyst Ben Mattinson even naming him as “one of the best left wingers in Europe.”

And it’s clear through the data that he has the same X-factor that Wirtz uses to produce such awe-inspiring performances with regularity.

Indeed, as per FBref, the 6 foot 2 star ranked among the top 7% of positional peers last season for direct goal involvements, the top 16% for pass completion, the top 9% for progressive carries and the top 1% for touches in the attacking penalty area per 90.

There’s no question that he’s got what it takes to thrive for Liverpool in the Premier League, having run roughshod over Premier League opposition – including Slot’s Liverpool – en route to the Champions League title last season.

Though Liverpool have authorised the sale of Nunez, they have a player in Ekitike who has the potential to become one of the deadliest goalscorers in the world.

But having lost Diaz to the Bundesliga champions, the very dynamism of Slot’s frontline has taken a hit, with the Colombian ace playing as a makeshift striker on numerous occasions throughout the 2024/25 season.

Barcola is versatile and balanced in his output, and would be the perfect addition to complete a remarkable summer of spending, should Hughes and the rest of the powers that be fail to seal the signature of Newcastle’s star man.

Another Ekitike: Liverpool in talks for "sensational" £50m Isak alternative

Liverpool are planning to sign a forward before the end of the transfer market.

ByAngus Sinclair Aug 8, 2025

Aston Villa have now made an enquiry to sign a £60 million star who scored in a win at Villa Park during the 2023/24 season, according to a recent report.

Rumours of Aston Villa exit for Ollie Watkins

Aston Villa made the hard decision to let Jhon Duran leave Villa Park in January, as they prioritised keeping Ollie Watkins over the Colombian international. Six months later and the Villans could now have a battle on their hands to keep hold of the England international.

That is because Watkins is attracting strong interest from teams in the Premier League. Earlier this week, Caught Offside reported that Manchester United are considering a move to sign Watkins, as the forward is being described as a “key target” for Ruben Amorim. Meanwhile, it’s also been reported that Arsenal are also in the race to sign Watkins and have opened talks over a possible transfer.

Aston Villa ready talks to sign £18m forward and may use Malen in swap deal

Talks are planned ahead of a potential move to Villa Park.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 12, 2025

Newcastle United are another team who have identified Watkins as a possible transfer target this summer, as well as Eintracht Frankfurt’s Hugo Ekitike. The Villans would ideally like to keep hold of their striker this summer, but it’s also been reported that the Midlands side have placed a £60 million price tag on the 29-year-old’s head.

Villa have already been linked with a move for Semih Kilicsoy of Besiktas, but there is now a new forward on their list, and he is already well known to the Premier League.

Aston Villa make enquiry to sign £60m striker Jackson

According to journalist Nabil Djellit, Aston Villa and Monchi have submitted an enquiry to Chelsea over signing striker Nicolas Jackson.

Djellit reports that the door is open for Jackson to leave Stamford Bridge in this transfer window, with a decision being made on his future after the Club World Cup final on Sunday evening. He claims that Jackson could leave Chelsea for a fee of £60 million and has been the subject of an enquiry not only from Villa but also from Manchester United, who are searching for a new striker.

Napoli are also a team interested in the Premier League striker, as they look to provide competition and backup to Romelu Lukaku now they are back playing in the Champions League. Jackson is under contract at Chelsea until 2033, but given the arrivals of Liam Delap and Joao Pedro, his time at Stamford Bridge could now be coming to an end.

Apps

30

Starts

28

Goals

10

xG

12.34

Shots per game

2.5

Goal conversion

13%

Big chances missed

19

Assists

5

xAG

1.92

Big chances created

6

Key passes

0.9

The 24-year-old has taken to life in English football very well, as he’s scored 24 goals in 65 league games and 30 goals for Chelsea in 81 games in all competitions. In fact, he is a player Villa do know well, as the forward scored at Villa Park in an FA Cup fourth-round replay during the 2023/24 season.

Jackson started all but two games in the Premier League last season when available, but recent ill-discipline issues in the Premier League and Club World Cup could spell the end of his time working with Enzo Maresca.

Manchester United have now made an enquiry to sign a “special” £60 million star from Chelsea alongside Bryan Mbeumo, according to a recent report.

Man Utd are interested in multiple forwards

The Red Devils have prioritised wrapping up deals for Matheus Cunha and Mbeumo before they look to strengthen any more positions this summer. Ideally, United would have had a deal completed for Mbeumo before now, but given their ongoing talks over payment structure with Brentford, it has delayed their plans to pursue other targets.

Man Utd accept £20m+ bid to sell "amazing" ace who Amorim has wanted out

An agreement has reportedly been reached.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 12, 2025

The Premier League giants are going to have to move players on before they look to continue buying, but once a deal is completed for Mbeumo, which is expected before their USA pre-season tour, signing a new striker could become a top priority. It’s been reported this week that United are considering a move to sign Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa. The Red Devils consider the England international a top target and a “key target” for Ruben Amorim.

But Watkins is not their only option, as United are also said to be weighing up whether to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer. United have held talks with the English forward, and he is one of several options they have.

Juventus’ Dusan Vlahovic is another option that is under consideration by United, as the Serbian international could soon become a free agent, as Juventus weigh up terminating his contract. But there is now a new name in the mix and one that may take United supporters by surprise.

Man Utd make enquiry to sign Chelsea striker Jackson

According to journalist Nabil Djellit, Man United have submitted an enquiry to sign Nicolas Jackson from Chelsea.

It is claimed that there is a possibility that the forward does leave the Blues this summer, once the Club World Cup is finished. As well as United, Aston Villa have also made an enquiry to get an understanding whether a transfer is possible. Teams from Italy, such as Napoli, are also interested in signing Jackson, who could leave Stamford Bridge for around £60 million.

Jackson, who has been dubbed “special” by journalist Rahman Osman, joined Chelsea back in July 2023. The 24-year-old scored 14 goals in 35 Premier League games in his first season, and he followed that up by scoring 10 goals and recording five assists in 30 league games last season.

Apps

65

Goals

24

Assists

10

However, ill-discipline has thrown his Chelsea career into doubt, as he still has to serve a suspension in the first game of the 2025/26 season after picking up a red card in the game against Newcastle United towards the end of the last campaign.

Jackson has seen red again, as he was sent off in the match against Esperance in the Club World Cup, limiting his involvement in the competition. Amorim will not want to have a player who has ill-discipline in his squad, but away from that, Jackson has proved that he is a player who knows how to find the back of the net in the Premier League, something United are really missing.

Manchester City have been making waves so far during the summer transfer window as Pep Guardiola attempts to win back the Premier League title.

Indeed, no fewer than four players have moved to City, and there is scope for plenty more in the coming weeks.

Kyle Walker has left, as has Kevin De Bruyne, with Guardiola streamlining his squad.

With the Englishman departing, City have targeted a swoop for a Serie A player who could add something extra to the right side of their defence.

Man City ready to close in on Serie A star

Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Ait-Nouri and Rayan Cherki have all arrived at the Etihad ahead of the 2025/26 season. Despite City exiting the Club World Cup earlier than anticipated, the three players could be vital for the club next season.

Now, according to reports in Spain, City could be set to close in on a deal to sign Inter Milan star Denzel Dumfries, with the Etihad side ready to accelerate their move for the rampaging talent.

He has a release clause worth £21.5m, as per the report, but this expires on July 15 and it looks as though Guardiola is keen to activate it before the deadline.

The right side of the defence is a position which needs to be strengthened massively and Dumfries could be an excellent signing.

He could turn out to be Guardiola’s very own Bryan Mbeumo, who has been heavily linked with a move to rivals Manchester United this summer.

Why Manchester City must sign Denzel Dumfries

United’s attack could look very different should they secure a deal for Mbeumo in the coming weeks.

Off the right flank last season, he registered 28 goal contributions in the Premier League – 20 goals and eight assists – proving he would be an excellent signing for Ruben Amorim.

Dumfries could turn out to be Guardiola’s own version of the Brentford forward. Despite not playing in quite such an advanced position, the Dutchman did record similar statistics to Mbeumo throughout last season, with FBref noting the pair to be similar players among wingers across Europe’s top five leagues.

Indeed, according to FBref, the pair performed similarly when it came to shots per 90 (1.74 vs 2.08), shot-creating actions (2.53 vs 3.8) and goal-creating actions (0.18 vs 0.53) in their respective domestic leagues.

Goals

7

Assists

2

Big chances created

6

Total duels won per game

3.9

Tackles per game

0.9

Balls recovered per game

2.2

Both players are superb at bursting forward down the right flank in order to either get a shot away or to create chances in the final third, with Dumfries notably registering 17 goals and assists in all competitions last term as an advanced wing-back.

Journalist Alan Rzepa described Dumfries as a “monster” all the way back in 2021, but fast-forward four years, nothing has changed.

In Serie A last term, he scored seven goals and grabbed two assists. Given that City’s full-backs scored just eight goals between them all season, adding someone like Dumfries would be an excellent move.

For a fee of £21.5m, Guardiola could well be signing his very own Mbeumo-esque figure on the cheap. Someone capable of shining in the Premier League with his attacking talents on the right flank.

If it all works out, Dumfries might just quietly be the signing of the summer for City.

Romano: "Agreement sealed" as Man City win race and sign 18 y/o ex-PSG gem

The paperwork has now been “signed” over a move to the Etihad.

ByHenry Jackson Jul 11, 2025

Glasgow Rangers are now in talks with a European club over the sale of a “brilliant” key player, who has already agreed personal terms to go, according to a recent report.

Martin wants more defensive reinforcements at Rangers

The Gers are closing in on their return to pre-season action, as it is less than four weeks away until they return to competitive action in the Champions League second qualifying round. Before that, Russell Martin will hope to have as much transfer business wrapped up as possible, as he will want to make a strong start as the new Rangers boss.

The Scottish giants announced the signing of Max Aarons on a season-long loan deal from AFC Bournemouth on Wednesday. The defender is “delighted” to be joining Rangers, as he describes the Gers as a “huge club”.

Aarons told the club’s media team: “I am delighted to be here; as you can see, it’s a huge club, and you realise that when you walk through the doors. I can’t wait to get going.

“I’ve got a lot of experience now in different leagues, and I have played a lot of games. I think I can bring that experience; I can bring a new energy, and I think Rangers fans can be excited – I am really looking forward to it.”

Rangers bid made: 49ers table offer to bring "spectacular" 22 y/o to Ibrox

The Gers want a permanent transfer.

ByCharlie Smith Jun 26, 2025

Aarons may not be the only defender to arrive at Ibrox this summer, as the Gers are in talks to sign Conor Coady from Leicester City. Meanwhile, Rangers are also looking into the possibility of a deal to sign Owen Beck from Liverpool, with the new boss making it clear he wants to improve his defensive ranks.

Rangers now in talks to sell Hamza Igamane

Deals for Coady and Beck may soon become more financially viable too, as according to Sacha Tavolieri, Rangers are in talks to sell Hamza Igamane to French outfit Lille.

Tavolieri states that Lille have made Igamane a top target, as they see him as the person to replace Jonathan David, who is leaving the club on a free transfer.

He adds that the Rangers forward has spoken to the club and has now agreed personal terms, and all that remains is the two clubs, who are in talks, to agree a transfer fee.

Earlier this week it was reported that Rangers were “at risk” of losing Igamane, as teams such as Marseille and Lazio were circling with interest. In fact, it was claimed that Marseille had made an approach to sign the 22-year-old, which had rocked the Scottish club.

Rangers have set a £20 million asking price on Igamane, but it remains unclear if Lille would be willing to pay that much.

Apps

46

Goals

16

Assists

3

The Morocco international was sensational for the Gers last season, as he netted 12 goals in 33 league games, as well as a further four in the Europa League. A standout moment was him netting the winner in the 3-2 win away at Celtic, an impact that Derek Ferguson lauded as “brilliant”.

“Igamane is a real breath of fresh air, the young man. The manager said he was trying to get him up to speed, but in the last few games he has been nothing short of brilliant. He is off the cuff, and he had three or four nutmegs this afternoon – and took his goal brilliantly. I don’t know if you remember Ted McMinn, but Igamane’s got that unpredictability.”

Following an excellent campaign last time out, Nottingham Forest are looking to use the summer transfer window to ensure that their European qualification was no blip. And that could reportedly start with the addition of a Bayern Munich midfielder.

Nuno Espirito Santo extends Nottingham Forest contract

Starting as they mean to go on this summer, Nottingham Forest confirmed the news that Nuno Espirito Santo has agreed a new deal with the club and will now remain in charge until at least 2028.

The Portuguese manager has taken the Midlands club to fresh heights in the Premier League and Evangelos Marinakis was clearly keen to ensure that he remains the man for the job at the City Ground.

The Greek owner told Nottingham Forest’s official media channels: “Nuno has made a great impact and performed very well during his time with us so far.

With that contract signed and delivered, Nottingham Forest can now turn their attention back towards the transfer window. Already, it looks as though Jair Cunha, Igor Jesus and Cuiabano are all on their way from Brazilian club Botafogo, who just defeated Paris Saint-Germain at the Club World Cup. But those in the Midlands could yet return to the market.

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ByCharlie Smith Jun 13, 2025

Reports are now suggesting that the Midlands club have joined the race to sign a Champions League midfielder who looks destined to return to the Premier League this summer.

Nottingham Forest join £30m Palhinha race

According to Caught Offside, Nottingham Forest are now eyeing a move to sign Joao Palhinha this summer. The midfielder is reportedly free to leave Bayern Munich for up to €35m (£30m) in what is a cut-price deal considering that the German giants initially paid Fulham as much as £42m to secure his signature just one year ago.

The transfer fee is unlikely to be the main sticking point in any deal. Instead, there may be concerns about Palhinha’s wage demands. If he requests the same £8.5m-a-year contract that he earns at Bayern Munich then the likes of Nottingham Forest could instantly look elsewhere for options.

With Manchester United, former club Fulham, Benfica and West Ham United also in the race for his signature, Palhinha may have a decision to make regarding his salary if he wants to secure an exit away from Munich this summer.

At his best, there’s no denying that Palhinha is capable of making a significant impact with Fulham boss Marco Silva dubbing him “impressive” during his time in West London. Now, however, the Portugal international desperately needs a return to English football to rediscover his top form.

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers may have to deal with interest from other clubs in his top players yet again during the summer transfer window.

The Northern Irish head coach’s plans were disrupted around this time last year when Denmark international Matt O’Riley left to sign for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League.

There are now clubs reportedly interested in snapping up the club’s key players this year, as Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with an interest in Japan international Daizen Maeda.

Turkish giants Fenerbahce, managed by Jose Mourinho, are also reportedly interested in a deal to sign the winger from the Scottish giants this summer.

The Japanese forward produced 16 goals and ten assists in the Scottish Premiership in the 2024/25 campaign, and it would be a big blow for the Hoops to lose him to Spurs or Fenerbahce ahead of next season.

Celtic would have to go back into the market to bolster their options on the flanks, and Rodgers could be on the lookout for his next version of Scott Sinclair.

Why Scott Sinclair was a star for Brendan Rodgers

The English attacker played for the Northern Irish head coach at both Swansea and Celtic earlier in his career and caught the eye with his performances at the top end of the pitch.

Sinclair racked up 95 goals and 49 assists in 238 appearances for the manager at those two clubs combined, and no player, Luis Suarez and Jamie Vardy included, has scored more goals for Rodgers to date.

The former Great Britain Olympic star was particularly impressive for Celtic as a right-footed left winger who thrived as both a scorer and a creator of goals, cutting in from the left to provide a huge threat in front of goal.

19/20

2

0

0

18/19

28

9

3

17/18

30

9

10

16/17

35

21

7

As you can see in the table above, Sinclair enjoyed a hugely successful first season at Parkhead with a return of 28 goals and assists in 35 Premiership matches.

The winger signed for the club in the same summer that Rodgers made the move to Glasgow in 2016, as he joined from Premier League side Aston Villa for a reported fee of £3m.

That £3m transfer fee looks like a bargain in hindsight because he went on to deliver plenty of goals and assists for the Scottish giants as an impressive and exciting left-sided attacker for Rodgers.

He was a star for the Northern Irish head coach because he could provide consistent quality in the final third, and the Celtic boss could unearth his next version of Sinclair by signing one of the club’s current transfer targets.

Celtic identify winger as top target

According to Celts Are Here writer Mark Hendry, Celtic have identified Royal Antwerp winger Michel-Ange Balikwisha as a top target for the summer transfer window.

The reporter claims that the Belgian forward is a target for the club because Rodgers would like to bolster his options in the wide areas, which suggests that he could be signed irrespective of any exit for Maeda.

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Hendry’s article adds that the club have monitored the 24-year-old for some time and that he remains ‘active’ on their shortlist, as they eye a deal for the wing wizard.

The journalist states that Royal Antwerp look set to cash in on the Pro League attacker this year to avoid losing him on a free transfer at the end of next season, as his current contract with the Belgian side is due to expire in the summer of 2026. His valuation, as per Transfermarkt, currently stands at £4.6m

Celtic could, therefore, take advantage of that situation to swoop in and agree a deal for the left-sided forward, who could be Sinclair 2.0 for Rodgers at Parkhead.

Why Balikwisha could be the next Sinclair

Like the English forward, who played for Bristol Rovers this season, Balikwisha is a right-footed forward who predominantly plays off the left flank, cutting in onto his favoured foot to make things happen in the final third.

This immediately suggests that they are stylistically similar and could, therefore, fulfill a similar tactical role within Rodgers’ system, whilst starting on the left wing in his favoured 4-3-3 set-up.

Balikwisha also has the quality to make a real impact in the final third. He returned from injury during the second half of the 2024/25 campaign to deliver four goals and seven ‘big chances’ created in just 12 Pro League starts.

The Hoops target has shown that he has the potential to be a Sinclair-esque figure on the left wing if put in the right environment, as he caught the eye in limited game time.

Starts

27

12

xG

6.46

2.65

Goals

7

4

Big chances created

6

7

Key passes per game

1.5

1.6

Assists

5

3

As you can see in the table above, Balikwisha has consistently outperformed his xG in the Pro League since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, whilst regularly creating three chances every two games on average.

One scout, Emir, on X, claimed that the winger has the quality at the top end of the pitch to “wins games on his own”, which is backed up by the statistics above as he can score and assist goals at a good level in Belgium.

A move to Scotland to play in an incredibly dominant Celtic team could allow him to flourish, as Maeda did this season with his 26 goal involvements in the Premiership, and truly reach Sinclair’s level of goals and assists under Rodgers.

Balikwisha has also shown potential in Europe, with two goals in seven games in the Champions League in the 2023/24 campaign, which suggests that he could hit the ground running in the league phase of the competition next term for the Hoops.

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Overall, the Royal Antwerp star could be an excellent signing for Celtic due to his age, his contract situation in Belgium, and the potential he has to be Sinclair 2.0 for Rodgers as an electric winger who can score and assist goals from the left flank.

Manchester United have held talks with the entourage of a “world-class” striker, who is now keen to seal a move to the Premier League, according to a report.

Man Utd set sights on new striker

Man United have already signed Matheus Cunha, while Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo remains of interest, but there is clearly a determination to bring in a new out-and-out centre-forward this summer, with an approach being made for Viktor Gyokeres.

That is according to Sky Sports, with United now said to be exploring the conditions of a potential deal, given that manager Ruben Amorim is a “big fan” of his former player.

Reports from elsewhere have suggested the Red Devils are preparing a bid for Gyokeres, but it remains to be seen whether the 27-year-old would be keen on a move to Old Trafford, considering European football will not be on offer next season.

The Sweden international is not the only option on the shortlist either, with Man United also holding talks with the entourage of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, according to a report from The Boot Room.

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Osimhen is said to be determined to seal a move to the Premier League this summer, having rejected a move to the Saudi Pro League, and Amorim’s side engaged in discussions to bring the Nigerian to Old Trafford last month.

The centre-forward has no future with his current club, meaning he is expected to move on this summer, with Liverpool also in the race for his signature. The 26-year-old is protected by a relatively hefty £63m release clause, however, Napoli could accept an offer in excess of £50m.

"World-class" Osimhen could be real coup for Man Utd

The former Galatasaray loanee’s track record speaks for itself, having scored goals wherever he’s been over the past few seasons, most recently leading his side to the Turkish Super Lig title with a phenomenal return.

Season

League appearances

Goals

2020-21

24

10

2021-22

27

14

2022-23

32

26

2023-24

25

15

2024-25

30

26

The Lagos-born striker has been lauded as “world-class” by football writer Matt Barlow, and he picked up six goals and two assists in the Europa League last season, indicating that he has a lot left to give in Europe, so it is little wonder he turned down a move to Saudi Arabia.

Rasmus Hojlund has recently suggested he is going nowhere this summer, saying: “I have a contract until 2030, so I expect to play for Manchester United. I’m looking forward to going on a summer vacation, and then I’m fully dedicated to the project that’s underway.”

However, with the Dane scoring just four Premier League goals last season, it would make sense to bring in an upgrade this summer, and Osimhen has proven he could be exactly that.